Thomas Fasti Dinesen (VC, Croix de Guerre (France)) (9 August 1892 – 10 March 1970) was a Danish 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. He was the younger brother of the noted author Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen). Born in Rungsted , Denmark, on the outbreak of the First World War, Dinesen attempted to enlist in the British, French, and United States armies, before being finally accepted by the Canadian army.

Details

He was 26 years old, and a Private in the 42nd Bn., The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders of Canada) , Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 August 1918 at Parvillers , France, Private Dinesen displayed conspicuous bravery during 10 hours of hand-to-hand fighting which resulted in the capture of over a mile of strongly defended enemy trenches. Five times in succession he rushed forward alone and put hostile guns out of action, accounting for 12 of the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His sustained valour inspired his comrades at a very critical stage of the action.

Further information

Also considered Canadian. He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He is buried in Horsholm Churchyard, Denmark.

The medal

please update if you know where his medal is publicly displayed

Reference

See also

List of Danish Victoria Cross recipients

External links

The Danish Victoria Cross holders

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.