John Hannah (VC)

John Hannah (1827 – 28 December 1888) was a Scottish 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.

Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Hannah served in the Royal Navy during the Crimean War. He earned the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Siege of Sebastopol. On 20 November 1854, during the bombardment of Sebastopol, aboard HMS Britannia, Seaman Hannah extinguished a fire in the after-magazine, preventing a catastrophic explosion. For this act of valor, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Following his distinguished service, Hannah continued his career in the Royal Navy. He later retired and died in Leith, Scotland, on December 28, 1888. His Victoria Cross is held by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. He is remembered for his bravery and quick thinking that saved the lives of his shipmates and the vessel itself.