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 George Monger, rescued a corporal of his Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to 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. His citation reads:
23rd Regiment, Lieutenant (now Captain) Thomas Bernard Hackett
Date of Act of Bravery,18th November, 1857
For daring gallantry at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on the 18th November, 1857, in having with others, rescued a Corporal of the 23rd Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to very heavy fire. Also, for conspicuous bravery, in having, under a heavy fire, ascended the roof, and cut down the thatch of a Bungalow, to prevent its being set on fire. This was a most important service at the time.
Granted 6 August 1856 by Sir John Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms.[2]
Crest
A demi-panther Argent spotted Azure collared Gules charged on the shoulder with a trefoil slipped Vert and holding in the dexter paw a branch of the last.
Escutcheon
Sable three piles pointing to the base Argent the centre one charged with a trefoil slipped Vert on a chief Gules a lion passant guardant Or.
