Nathaniel Burslem facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathaniel Godolphin Burslem
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| Born | 2 February 1837 Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 14 July 1865 (aged 28) Waihou River, New Zealand |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 67th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | Second Opium War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Nathaniel Godolphin Burslem (born February 2, 1837) was a brave soldier from Ireland. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. This medal is given for incredible bravery when facing the enemy.
A Life of Courage
Nathaniel Burslem was born in County Limerick, Ireland. His father, George James Burslem, was also a soldier. Nathaniel's grandfather, Colonel Nathaniel Godolphin Burslem, was also very brave and received a special medal for courage even before the Victoria Cross was created.
Heroic Actions in China
Nathaniel Burslem showed amazing bravery on August 21, 1860, during the Second Opium War in China. He was 24 years old and a Lieutenant in the 67th Regiment of Foot of the British Army.
At a place called the Taku Forts, Nathaniel and another soldier, Private Thomas Lane, did something incredibly daring. They swam across deep ditches around the fort. Then, they tried to make a bigger opening in the fort's wall so their fellow soldiers could get inside. They were both badly hurt while doing this, but their actions were very important. For their incredible bravery, both Nathaniel and Thomas were given the Victoria Cross.
Later Life and Adventure
After his brave actions, Nathaniel Burslem became a Captain. Later, he decided to leave the army. He traveled to New Zealand with his brother, John Godolphin Burslem, in 1865.
Nathaniel bought land in the North Island of New Zealand. He planned to grow a plant called flax there. However, on July 14, 1865, a sad accident happened. Nathaniel and a friend were in a canoe on the Waihou River (also known as the Thames River). Their canoe tipped over, and both men drowned. Nathaniel's body was never found.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum & Memorial Garden in Winchester, England.
