David Hawkes

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For the scholar and translator David Hawkes, see David Hawkes (scholar)

David Hawkes VC (1822 — 14 August 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.

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He was 35 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 11 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Private Hawkes' company was engaged with a large number of the enemy near the Iron Bridge. At one stage a captain (Henry Wilmot) found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men, opposed to a considerable body of the enemy. One of the men was shot through both legs and Private Hawkes, although severely wounded, lifted him up with the help of a corporal (William Nash) and they then carried their comrade for a considerable distance, the captain firing with the men's rifles and covering the retreat of the party.

He was killed in action, Faizabad, India, on 14 August 1858.