Thomas Bernard Hackett VC

Name: Thomas Bernard Hackett

Conflict: Indian Mutiny

Gazetted: April 12, 1859

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Riverstown, Co Tipperary, Ireland/June 15, 1836

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Lieutenant (later Lieutenant Colonel)

Date of bravery: November 18, 1857

London Gazette citation:

23^rd Regiment. Lieutenant (now Captain) Thomas Bernard Hackett. Date of Act of Bravery, 18^th November, 1857.

For daring gallantry at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on the 18th November, 1857, in having with others, rescued a Corporal of the 23rd Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to very heavy fire. Also, for conspicuous bravery, in having, under a heavy fire, ascended the roof, and cut down the thatch of a Bungalow, to prevent its being set on fire. This was a most important service at the time.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Arrabeg, King’s County (now Co Offaly), Ireland/October 5, 1880

Grave/memorials: Lockeen Churchyard, Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, Ireland

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Sotheby’s, Billingshurst, West Sussex, 1997

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum