Robert Hawthorne VC (1822-2 February 1879) born in Maghera, County Londonderry 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.
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Details
He was approximately 35 years old, and a Bugler in the 52nd Regiment (later The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 14 September 1857 at Delhi, India, Bugler Hawthorne accompanied the explosion party ( Duncan Charles Home, Philip Salkeld and John Smith) in the desperate task of blowing in the Kashmir Gate. He not only performed the dangerous duty on which he was employed, but, under heavy musketry fire, bound up the wounds on of one of the officers of the party, who had been badly hurt.
Further information
He died Manchester, Lancashire, 2 February 1879.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum (Winchester, Hampshire, England).
References
Listed in order of publication year
- 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
- Location of grave and VC medal (Manchester)
