Thomas Hughes (VC)
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Thomas Hughes (30 May 1885 – 8 January 1942) was born in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan and 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.
He was 31 years old, and a private in the 6th Battalion, The Connaught Rangers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 3 September 1916 at Guillemont, France, Private Hughes was wounded in an attack but returned at once to the firing line after having his wounds dressed. Later, seeing a hostile machine-gun, he dashed out in front of his company, shot the gunner and, single-handed, captured the gun. Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners.
He later achieved the rank of corporal. He died Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, 8 January 1942.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).
[edit] 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)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Co. Monaghan, Ireland)
