Thomas Caldwell (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Caldwell
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| Born | 10 February 1894 Carluke, South Lanarkshire |
| Died | 6 June 1969 (aged 75) Adelaide, Australia |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Company Sergeant-Major |
| Unit | Royal Scots Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Caldwell was a brave Scottish soldier who lived from 1894 to 1969. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most important award for courage given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. This special medal is given for showing amazing bravery when facing the enemy.
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Who Was Thomas Caldwell?
Thomas Caldwell was born in Carluke, Scotland, on February 10, 1894. He grew up and later joined the British Army. He became a sergeant in the 12th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Serving in World War I
Thomas Caldwell fought in the First World War. This was a very big war that happened between 1914 and 1918. Soldiers like Thomas Caldwell showed incredible courage during this time.
The Victoria Cross Award
Thomas Caldwell was 24 years old when he did something incredibly brave. This act of heroism earned him the Victoria Cross. The details of his brave deed were officially announced on January 6, 1919.
A Moment of Great Bravery
On October 31, 1918, near a town called Oudenaarde in Belgium, Sergeant Caldwell was leading his team. Their job was to clear out a farmhouse where enemy soldiers were hiding.
Facing Danger Head-On
Suddenly, his team came under heavy fire from another nearby farm. The enemy was shooting at them from very close range. Instead of taking cover, Sergeant Caldwell made a quick and brave decision.
He rushed towards the enemy farm all by himself. Even with lots of bullets flying around him, he kept going. He reached the enemy's position and managed to capture it alone. He also took 18 enemy soldiers as prisoners.
A Huge Victory
This incredibly brave act by Sergeant Caldwell was very important. It removed a big problem that was blocking his unit's path forward. His actions also saved many lives of his fellow soldiers. Because of his bravery, his team was able to capture about 70 more prisoners, eight machine guns, and one trench mortar.
After the War
After the war, Thomas Caldwell continued his military career. He was promoted to the rank of company sergeant-major. He later moved to Australia and passed away in Adelaide on June 6, 1969.
His Victoria Cross medal is a very important piece of history. You can see it on display at the Museum of The Royal Highland Fusiliers in Glasgow, Scotland.
