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.
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 was the bravest act he had ever seen performed.[2]
His Medals (including a replacement VC) were sold at Auction for £40,000 at David Lay Auctioneers in Penzance, Cornwall on 25 August 2015.[4]
Later life
Byrne's grave (Section MJ Grave 22) at Canterbury City Cemetery, England, in 2017
He later served in the Second Boer War and retired from the army in 1909 after serving with the Regimental Police. In retirement he lived in Canterbury, Kent.[5] He rejoined the army in 1914 and served at the Cavalry Remount Depot, Canterbury, and in the Garrison Police. After the War, he was a messenger at the Cavalry Pay and Records Office.[2] He died in Canterbury on 15 March 1944, and is buried at Canterbury City Cemetery. His funeral was attended by Winston Churchill, who also took part in the charge at Omdurman.[6]
.png){kind=small}
