CAPTURE MUSIC AND MEDALS

A mixed bag for the 23rd May.
The Siege of Compiègne was Joan of Arc’s final military action. Her career as a leader ended with her capture by the Burgundians during a skirmish outside the town on the 23^rd May 1430. Although this was otherwise a minor siege, both politically and militarily, the loss of France’s most charismatic and successful commander was an important event of the Hundred Years War.

"Then the Maid, surpassing the nature of a woman, took on a great force, and took much pain to save her company from defeat, remaining behind as the leader and as the bravest of the troop. But there fortune permitted for the end of her glory and for the last time that she would ever carry arms. An archer, a rough and very sour man, full of much spite because a woman, who so much had been spoken about, should have defeated so many brave men, as she had done, grabbed the edge of her cloth-of-gold doublet, and threw her from her horse flat to the ground."

Cyrill Demian (1772–1847) made his living as an organ and piano maker, with his two sons Karl and Guido, in Mariahilfer Straße No. 43 in Vienna, Austria. On May 6, 1829, Cyrill and his two sons presented a new instrument to the authorities for patent - the accordion. The patent was officially granted on 23^rd May 1829.

William Harvey Carney (February 29, 1840 – December 8, 1908) was an African American soldier during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honour for his actions during the Battle of Fort Wanger.

Sergeant, Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Wagner, S.C., July 18, 1863. Entered service at: New Bedford, Mass. Birth: Norfolk, Va. Date of issue: 23^rd May 1900.

Citation:

When the colour sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colours thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.