Thomas Bernard Hackett

Thomas Bernard Hackett VC (June 15, 1836 - October 5, 1880) was born in Riverstown, County Tipperary and was an Irish 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 21 years old, and a lieutenant in the 23rd Regiment of Foot (later The Royal Welch Fusiliers), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 18 November 1857 at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Hackett, with others (George Monger), rescued a corporal of the 23rd Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to very heavy fire. He also showed conspicuous bravery when, under heavy fire, he ascended the roof and cut the thatch of a bungalow to prevent its being set on fire.

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He died at Arrabeg, Kings County (now County Offaly), 5 October 1880.

References

*The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
*The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
*Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/ireland.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Co. Tipperary, Ireland)"
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11340342 Find-A-Grave profile for Thomas Bernard Hackett]