Thomas Wilkinson (VC 1855)
Thomas Wilkinson VC (1831 – 22 September 1887) was a British soldier and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Thomas Wilkinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1831 York, England |
| Died | 22 September 1887 (aged 55–56) York, England |
| Buried | York Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1847–1871 |
| Rank | Sergeant Instructor |
| Unit | Royal Marine Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Légion d'honneur (France) |
Wilkinson was about 24 years old, and a bombardier in the Royal Marine Artillery (RMA), Royal Marines during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.[1]
On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Bombardier Wilkinson was especially recommended for gallant conduct with the advanced batteries. He worked at the task of placing sandbags to repair damage done to the defences under a most galling fire.[2]
He later achieved the rank of Sergeant Instructor.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, England.
References
- Bombardier Thomas Wilkinson VC
- "No. 21971". The London Gazette. 24 February 1857. p. 654.
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (North Yorkshire)