Thomas Arthur (VC)

Thomas Arthur
275px Depiction of the Siege of Sebastopol
Born	1835 Abbotsham, Devon
Died	2 March 1902 (aged 66-67) Savernake, Wiltshire
Buried	Cadley churchyard, Wiltshire
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Gunner & Driver
Unit	Royal Artillery
Battles/wars	Crimean War
Awards	Victoria Cross

Thomas Arthur VC (1835 – 2 March 1902) was an English 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 approximately 20 years old, and a gunner and driver in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Gunner Arthur was in charge of the magazine in one of the left advanced batteries of the right attack, when the Quarries were taken. On his own initiative he carried barrels of infantry ammunition for the 7th Fusiliers several times during the evening, across the open. He volunteered for and formed one of the spiking party of artillery at the assault on the Redan on 18 June 1855 and on numerous occasions left the trenches to bring in wounded officers and men.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum (Woolwich, England).

References

• Burial location of Thomas Arthur "Wiltshire"
• Location of Thomas Arthur's Victoria Cross "Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich"
• Family History of Thomas Arthur His life and his descendents on Nathanville.