Thomas Henry Kavanagh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Henry Kavanagh
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Photograph by Felice Beato, 1858–1859
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| Born | 15 July 1821 Mullingar, County Westmeath |
| Died | 13 November 1882 (aged 61) Gibraltar |
| Buried |
North Front Cemetery, Gibraltar
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Henry Kavanagh (born July 15, 1821 – died November 13, 1882) was a very brave man from Ireland. He worked as a civilian for the British government in India. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
What makes his story even more special is that he was one of only five civilians ever to receive this amazing award. Most Victoria Crosses are given to people in the military.
His Brave Act During the Indian Mutiny
In 1857, when Thomas Kavanagh was 36 years old, a big uprising happened in India, known as the Indian Mutiny. He was working as an assistant commissioner in a place called Oudh. A British group was trapped in a building called the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow. They were surrounded by opposing forces.
On November 9, 1857, Kavanagh did something incredibly brave. He volunteered for a very dangerous mission. He decided to sneak out of the trapped Residency and travel through the city to reach the main British army. His goal was to guide the army back to rescue the people stuck inside the Residency.
He disguised himself as a local person to avoid being caught. This was a very risky journey, but he managed to get through. His courage and dedication helped the trapped group get rescued. Because of this amazing act, he was given the Victoria Cross. People sometimes called him "Lucknow Kavanagh" after this event.
What Happened Next
After his brave act, Thomas Kavanagh was promoted to a higher position as an assistant commissioner. He continued to help bring peace back to the area after the uprising.
Thomas Kavanagh passed away in Gibraltar on November 13, 1882, when he was 61 years old. He is buried there in the North Front Cemetery. His Victoria Cross medal, a symbol of his incredible bravery, was later sold for a very high price at an auction.
Kavanagh in Stories
Thomas Kavanagh's story of bravery has even appeared in books! He is a character in a historical adventure novel called Flashman in the Great Game by George MacDonald Fraser. In the book, he is shown as someone who really wants to be a hero, and he needs help from another character, Flashman, to get through the enemy lines.
