William Coffey VC DCM (5 August 1829 – 13 July 1875), born in Knocklong, County Limerick, was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Quick Facts Born, Died ...

William Coffey
Born	5 August 1829 Knocklong, County Limerick
Died	13 July 1875 (aged 45) Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Buried	Spital cemetery, Chesterfield
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	34th Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars	Crimean War Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Médaille militaire

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He was 25 years old, and a private in the 34th Regiment (later The Border Regiment), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 29 March 1855 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, Private Coffey threw a live shell, which had fallen into a trench, over the parapet and thus saved many lives.^[1]

Coffey was posted to Indian fighting in the Indian Mutiny. He achieved the rank of sergeant. It was reported that he died by suicide (shot himself) in the Army drill shed Sheffield, 13 July 1875. However his death certificate shows he died of dysentery at Stonegravels, Chesterfield. He was buried in Spital cemetery, Chesterfield. Originally he was buried in an unmarked, common plot but in 1970 a stone, provided by the Border Regiment, was put on his grave following a service.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, England.