Thomas Lane was an Irish 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.

Details

He was approx. 24 years old, and a Private in the 67th Regiment (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment) , British Army during the Third China War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Private Lane and a lieutenant (Nathaniel Burslem) of his regiment displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempting, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered. In doing so, they were both severely wounded.

Further information

One of eight men whose VCs were forfeited .

He was born in Cork, Ireland in May 1836. He died in Kimberley, South Africa on 13 April 1869.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum & Memorial Garden (Winchester,Hampshire, England).

Reference

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• SCOTLAND'S FORgotten VALOUR (Graham Ross, 1995)

See also

External links

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