Thomas Adair Butler

Thomas Adair Butler VC (2 February 1836 - 7 May 1901) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 22 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers (later Royal Munster Fusiliers) during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, in order to ascertain the enemy's position and to inform his superiors, Lieutenant Butler swam the River Goomtee, on the banks of which the city stands, mounted the parapet of a field work and remained there for a considerable time, exposed to the enemy's fire. He stayed there until the relieving force arrived.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of major.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst "(Berkshire, England)".

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/surrey.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Surrey)"