Edmund O'Toole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edmund O'Toole, VC
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Ulundi burning
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| Nickname(s) | Pat or Paddy |
| Born | Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance | Cape Colony |
| Service/ |
South African Forces |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Cape Frontier Light Horse |
| Battles/wars | Anglo-Zulu War
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| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Edmond Joseph O'Toole was a brave soldier from Ireland. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery in battle. It is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
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Where Edmond O'Toole Came From
Edmond O'Toole was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1848. He was the fourth son of Charles O'Toole. People often called him Pat or Paddy.
Some sources say he died in 1891 in Salisbury, Rhodesia. However, other records suggest he was still alive in 1900. His exact death date is not fully known.
A Heroic Act in the Zulu War
Edmond O'Toole was a Sergeant in the Frontier Light Horse. This was a British Colonial force. He served during the Anglo-Zulu War. He earned his Victoria Cross for an act of great courage.
Saving a Fellow Soldier
On July 3, 1879, a battle took place at Ulundi, South Africa. A group of soldiers was retreating. A captain named Lord William Beresford saw a soldier in trouble. Sergeant Fitzmaurice's horse had fallen on him.
The Zulus were quickly approaching. Captain Beresford went to help Sergeant Fitzmaurice. Sergeant O'Toole joined him. Together, they managed to get the injured man onto Captain Beresford's horse.
Fitzmaurice was very dizzy from his fall. Sergeant O'Toole had been fighting off the enemy. He then gave his own rifle to someone else. He rode right next to Captain Beresford. He held onto Fitzmaurice to keep him from falling off the horse. Thanks to their teamwork, all three men reached safety.
Receiving the Victoria Cross
Captain Beresford was first awarded the Victoria Cross. When he received his medal, he spoke to Queen Victoria. He told her he could not accept the award alone. He insisted that Sergeant O'Toole deserved it too. He said O'Toole's actions were even braver than his own.
The Queen was impressed by Captain Beresford's honesty. She then also awarded the Victoria Cross to Sergeant Edmond O'Toole. This happened on October 10, 1879.
Edmond O'Toole later became a Captain.
