John Thomas (VC)

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For other persons of the same name, see John Thomas.

John Thomas (1886 – 1954) was an English 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 31 years old, and a Lance-Corporal in the 2/5th Battalion, The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 30 November 1917 at Fontaine, France, Lance-Corporal Thomas saw the enemy making preparations for a counter-attack so with a comrade and on his own initiative decided to make a close reconnaissance. They went off in full view of the enemy and under heavy fire. His comrade was hit almost immediately, but Lance-Corporal Thomas went on alone and finally reached a building used by the enemy as a night post. He was able to see where their troops were congregating and after staying for an hour, sniping the enemy, returned with information of the utmost value, which enabled plans to be made to meet the counter-attack.