Thomas Byrne (VC)
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United KingdomThomas Byrne | |
|---|---|
 Byrne circa 1899 | |
| Born | December 1866 York Street, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 15 March 1944 (aged 77) Canterbury, England |
| Buried | Canterbury City Cemetery 51°17′09″N 1°03′51″E / 51.285715°N 1.064139°E |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Service years | 1887 - 1909 |
| Rank | Private |
| Conflicts | |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Byrne, VC (December 1866 Dublin – 15 March 1944) was an Irish British Army soldier. He was the recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 31 years old, and a private in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's), British Army, during the reconquest of Sudan when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 2 September 1898 at the Battle of Omdurman, Sudan, Private Byrne turned back in the middle of the charge of the 21st Lancers and went to the assistance of a lieutenant of the Royal Horse Guards who was wounded, dismounted, disarmed and being attacked by several Dervishes. Private Byrne, already wounded, attacked these Dervishes, received a second severe wound and by his gallant conduct enabled the officer to escape.[1]
Winston Churchill, an eye-witness, described it as the bravest act he had ever seen performed.[2]
Honours
Byrne's medal entitlement was:[3]
| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
 | Victoria Cross (VC) |
|
 | Queen's Sudan Medal | |
 | Queen's South Africa Medal |
|
 | King George VI Coronation Medal |
|
.png){kind=small} | Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal | |
 | Khedive's Sudan Medal |
|
