Shimonoseki Expedition Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Cheltenham, England, he served as a Midshipman in the Royal Navy. On September 6, 1864, Midshipman Boyes was a member of a raiding party from the HMS Euryalus on the enemy's stockade at Shimonoseki, Japan. During the assault Midshipman Boyes was in advance with the leading company which was under heavy fire. When two Royal Marine Colour-Sergeants had fallen, one mortally and the other dangerously wounded, Midshipman Boyes carried the wounded Colour-Sergeant to safety. For the conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on April 21, 1865. In February 1867, he and another Midshipman were court-martialed for disobedience of a standing order and breaking into the Naval Yard at Bermuda. Both admitted their guilt and were sentenced to be dismissed from the service. The disgrace of this was too much for Boyes to bear and he suffered a complete nervous breakdown. He committed suicide at age 22 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Shimonoseki Expedition Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Cheltenham, England, he served as a Midshipman in the Royal Navy. On September 6, 1864, Midshipman Boyes was a member of a raiding party from the HMS Euryalus on the enemy's stockade at Shimonoseki, Japan. During the assault Midshipman Boyes was in advance with the leading company which was under heavy fire. When two Royal Marine Colour-Sergeants had fallen, one mortally and the other dangerously wounded, Midshipman Boyes carried the wounded Colour-Sergeant to safety. For the conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on April 21, 1865. In February 1867, he and another Midshipman were court-martialed for disobedience of a standing order and breaking into the Naval Yard at Bermuda. Both admitted their guilt and were sentenced to be dismissed from the service. The disgrace of this was too much for Boyes to bear and he suffered a complete nervous breakdown. He committed suicide at age 22 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
Memorial plaque only. His actual burial site is at Southern Cemetery Dunedin.
Family Members
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