William George Hawtry Bankes

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William George Hawtry Bankes (Wimborne Minster, Dorset September 11, 1836 - India 1858) 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 21 years old, and a Cornet in the 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 19 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Cornet Bankes led three charges against a body of fanatical rebels who had rushed the guns in the vicinity of Moosa-Bagh. In the course of these charges the young officer was almost cut to pieces. He died of his wounds 18 days later.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Queen's Own Hussars Museum (Warwick, Warwickshire, England).