Thomas Cadell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Cadell
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| Born | 5 September 1835 Cockenzie, East Lothian |
| Died | 6 April 1919 (aged 83) |
| Buried |
Tranent Churchyard
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1854 - 1892 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers Indian Staff Corps |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossOrder of the Bath |
| Other work | Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
Colonel Thomas Cadell (born September 5, 1835 – died April 6, 1919) was a brave army officer from Scotland. He served in India for many years. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. This special medal is given for incredible courage when facing an enemy. Later in his life, Thomas Cadell also worked as a governor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was the younger brother of another important military figure, General Sir Robert Cadell. Thomas Cadell went to school at the Edinburgh Academy.
Thomas Cadell's Victoria Cross
Thomas Cadell was only 21 years old when he showed amazing courage. He was a lieutenant in the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers. This happened on June 12, 1857, during a conflict in Delhi, India. His actions that day earned him the Victoria Cross.
Here's what he did:
- A group of soldiers from his unit and another regiment were forced back by a large enemy force.
- During this retreat, Lieutenant Cadell saw a wounded bugler (a soldier who plays a bugle) from his own regiment.
- Even though there was heavy gunfire, Cadell went back into the dangerous area to rescue the wounded bugler. If he hadn't, the bugler would have been captured or worse.
- Later on the same day, as his unit was pulling back, someone reported that another wounded soldier had been left behind.
- Without being told, Lieutenant Cadell went back towards the enemy. He took three other men with him.
- Under very heavy fire from the advancing enemy, they managed to bring back the severely wounded soldier.
His bravery in saving these two men, risking his own life, was why he received the Victoria Cross.
Life After the Rebellion
After his heroic actions, Thomas Cadell continued his career in the army. He rose through the ranks and eventually became a colonel in the Indian Staff Corps. He also held several important government jobs in India.
From 1879 to 1892, Colonel Cadell served as the Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. A well-known road in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, was even named Cadell Road after him. However, after India became independent in 1947, the road's name was changed to honor an Indian freedom fighter.
Family Life
Thomas Cadell was married to Anna Catherine Dalmahoy. She passed away in 1876. Her father was Patrick Dalmahoy.
