Thomas Byrne (VC)

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.

Thomas Byrne

VC
BornDecember 1866
Dublin, Ireland
Died15 March 1944(1944-03-15) (aged 77)
Canterbury, England
Buried
Canterbury City Cemetery
(51.285715°N 1.064139°E / 51.285715; 1.064139)
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service1887 - 1909
RankPrivate
Battles/wars
AwardsVictoria Cross

Deed

He was about 30 years old, and a private in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's), British Army during the Sudan Campaign 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]

Awards and medals
Victoria Cross Queen's Sudan Medal Queen's South Africa Medal
with "Transvaal", "Orange Free State"
and "Cape Colony" clasps		 Meritorious Service Medal Khedive's Sudan Medal
with "Khartoum" clasp

Later life
Byrne's grave (Section MJ Grave 22) at Canterbury City Cemetery, England, in 2017

He later served in the Second Boer War.[2] He died at Canterbury, Kent, on 15 March 1944, and is buried at the local Canterbury City Cemetery.

References
  1. "No. 27490". The London Gazette. 31 October 1902. p. 6897.
  2. Canterbury Council


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