Joseph Trewavas VC CGM (14th December 1835 -20th July 1905)was an able seaman crewing on the Beagle as it anchored in the Straits of Genitchi,where a floating bridge was interefing with the operations and movements the vessel.Trewavas was 19 years old during this engagement of the Crimean War.
On the 3rd of July Trewavas with bold endeavour determined to destroy the bridge in order to cut the main supply route of the enemy line.This was the third attempt of such sabotage. Trewavas instigated two vessels to be lowred from the Beagle which were manned by volunteers.The boats were subjected to tremendous musket fire and the shore line was lined with troops and riflemen.The 4-oared gig ground against the bridge and Trewavas leapt out with an axe and cut the main hawser of the bridge until the two severed ends of the pontoon began to go adrift.He was seriuosly wounded as he returned to his ship but he was mentioned in dispatches and lived to receive the Victoria Cross.
Joseph Trewavas VC CGM