Alexander Thompson
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Alexander Thompson VC (1824-29 March 1880) was a Scottish 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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[edit] Details
He was about 34 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 42nd Regiment (later The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 15 April 1858 during the attack on Fort Ruhya, India, Lance-Corporal Thompson volunteered, with others (Edward Spence) to assist a captain (William Martin Cafe) in carrying in the body of a lieutenant from the top of the glacis, in a most exposed position under a very heavy fire.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He served in the Black Watch Regiment at the battles of Alma, Balaklava and at the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War of 1853-1856
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Black Watch Museum (Perth, Scotland).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Tayside)
