Bradshaw was 27 years old, and an assistant surgeon in the 90th Regiment (later known as The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 26 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, for which he was awarded the VC: Assistant-Surgeon William Bradshaw Date of Act of Bravery, 26th September, 1857

For intrepidity and good conduct when, ordered with Surgeon Home, 90th Regiment, to remove the wounded men left behind the column that forced its way into the Residency of Lucknow, on the 26th September, 1857.

got some of the bearers together,.and Assistant-Surgeon Bradshaw with about twenty doolies, becoming separated from the rest of the party, succeeded in reaching the Residency in safety by the river bank.

[1] William Bradshaw died on 9 March 1861 and is buried at St Mary's Church graveyard, Thurles.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum (Aldershot, Hampshire England).