Thomas Henry Kavanagh
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Thomas Henry Kavanagh VC (born Mullingar, County Westmeath, 15 July 1821—11 November 1882) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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He was 36 years old, and a civilian in the Bengal Civil Service, Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Mr. Kavanagh volunteered to go through the city (in disguise) to the camp of the relieving force outside, so that he could guide them to the beleaguered garrison in the Residency. This mission, performed against overwhelming odds, was successful and the garrison was relieved.
[edit] Further information
Kavanagh was one of only five civilians to be awarded the VC. He died in Gibraltar on 11 November 1882, and is buried at North Front Cemetery, Gibraltar.
[edit] References
Listed in order of publication year
- T.H. Kavanagh How I won the Victoria Cross (London) 1860
- 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)
