| Alexander Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1824 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 29 March 1880 (aged 55-56) Perth, Scotland |
| Buried at | Wellshill Cemetery, Perth |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 42nd Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
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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Thompson was about 34 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 42nd Regiment of Foot (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, British India, Lance-Corporal Thompson volunteered, with others, including Edward Spence, to assist Captain William Martin Cafe in carrying in the body of a lieutenant from the top of the glacis, in an exposed position under heavy fire. His citation read:
For daring gallantry, on the 10th April, 1858, when at the attack of the Fort of Ruhya, in having volunteered to assist Captain Groves, Commanding the 4th Punjab Rifles, in bringing in the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, of that Corps, from the top of the Glacis, in a most exposed situation, under a heavy fire.[1]
He later achieved the rank of sergeant and served in the 42nd Regiment at the battles of Alma, Balaklava and the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Black Watch Museum, Perth, Scotland.