Although the headstone over William McWheeny's grave was in relatively good condition the black lettering had deteriorated badly. This has now been rectified by local county residents, Steve Davies and Al Winstanley,meaning the headstone has now been returned to its original state.

[ London Gazette, 24 February 1857 ], Sebastopol, Crimean War, 20 October 1854, Sergeant William McWheeney, 44th ( East Essex ) Regiment.

Volunteered as sharpshooter at the commencement of the siege, and was in charge of the party of the 44th Regiment; was always vigilant and active, and signalised himself on the 20th October 1854, when one of his party, Private John Keane, 44th Regiment, was dangerously wounded in the Woronzoff Road, at the time the sharpshooters were repulsed from the Quarries by overwhelming numbers. Serjeant McWheeney, on his return, took the wounded man on his back and brought him to a place of safety. This was under a very heavy fire.

He was also the means of saving the life of Corporal Courtney. This man was one of the sharpshooters and was severely wounded in the head, 5th December 1854. Serjeant McWheeney brought him from under fire, and dug up a slight cover with his bayonet, where the two remained until dark, when they retired.

Serjeant McWheeney volunteered for the advanced guard of General Eyre's Brigade, in the Cemetery, on the 18th June 1855, and was never absent from duty during the war.

William McWheeney was invested with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria in Hyde Park on 26 June 1857.

[ London Gazette, 24 February 1857 ], Sebastopol, Crimean War, 20 October 1854, Sergeant William McWheeney, 44th ( East Essex ) Regiment.

No citation.