Thomas Duffy (VC)

Thomas Duffy VC (1806 – 24 December 1868), born in Mount Temple (Caulry), Athlone, County Westmeath, 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.

Thomas Duffy
Born1806
Athlone, County Westmeath
Died(1868-12-24)24 December 1868 (aged 63)
Dublin
Buried
Glasnevin Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branchMadras Army
RankPrivate
Unit1st Madras European Fusiliers
Battles/warsIndian Mutiny
AwardsVictoria Cross

Details

He was approximately 51 years old, and a private in the 1st Madras European Fusiliers (later The Royal Dublin Fusiliers), Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 26 September 1857 at Lucknow, India for which he was awarded the VC: A 24-pounder gun which had been used against the enemy on the previous day was left in an exposed position and all efforts to reach it were unsuccessful, so heavy was the fire maintained on it by the mutineers. Private Duffy, however, who went out with two others, managed to fasten a rope to the gun in such a manner that it could be pulled away and was saved from falling into the hands of the enemy. His citation reads:

For his cool intrepidity and daring skill, whereby a 24-pounder gun was saved from falling into the hands of the enemy. (Extract from Divisional Orders of Major-General Sir James Outram, G.C.B., dated 16 October 1857.)[1]

He died in Dublin on 24 December 1868 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

His Victoria Cross was offered at auction on 27 October 1902.[2] Today it is displayed at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, England.

References
  1. "No. 22154". The London Gazette. 18 June 1858. p. 2958.
  2. Glendining & Co. (1902). Catalogue of a valuable collection of English and foreign coins and war medals, in gold, silver, and copper, from private sources, including a Victoria Cross, ... Army of India, ... etc. ... [10/27/1902]. American Numismatic Society.
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