Thomas Dinesen

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Thomas Fasti Dinesen VC , Croix de Guerre (9 August 1892 – 10 March 1970) was a Danish 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. He was the younger brother of the noted author Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen). Born in Rungsted, Denmark, on the outbreak of the First World War, Dinesen attempted to enlist in the British, French, and United States armies, before being finally accepted by the Canadian army.

Contents 1 Details 2 Further information 3 The medal 4 Reference 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] Details

He was 26 years old, and a private in the 42nd (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 August 1918 at Parvillers, France, Private Dinesen displayed conspicuous bravery during 10 hours of hand-to-hand fighting which resulted in the capture of over a mile of strongly defended enemy trenches. Five times in succession he rushed forward alone and put hostile guns out of action, accounting for 12 of the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His sustained valour inspired his comrades at a very critical stage of the action.

In 1929 in Denmark he published the book No man's land: En dansker med canadierne ved vestfronten. In was translated into English in 1930 and given the title Merry Hell!: A Dane with the Canadians. The book describes his troublesome way to the Western front as well as the event that won him the VC.

[edit] Further information

Also considered Canadian, but after WWI he lived and worked in Denmark. In his later years he took up writing, and wrote a number of books in Danish. Best known is: "Tanne", about his famous sister. He later achieved the rank of lieutenant. He is buried in Hørsholm Churchyard, Denmark.

[edit] The medal

Please update if you know where his medal is publicly displayed.

[edit] Reference

[edit] See also

List of Danish Victoria Cross recipients

[edit] External links

• The Danish Victoria Cross holders
• Legion Magazine

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.