Thomas Hughes (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hughes
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| Born | 10 November 1885 Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Died | 4 January 1942 (aged 56) Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Buried |
Broomfield, County Monaghan
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Connaught Rangers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Hughes (born November 10, 1885 – died January 4, 1942) was a brave soldier from Ireland who served in the British Army. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
A Brave Soldier: Thomas Hughes
Early Life and Joining the Army
Thomas Hughes was born on May 30, 1885, in a place called Corravoo, near Castleblayney in County Monaghan, Ireland. In 1910, when he was about 25 years old, he moved to England.
He lived in a town called Hednesford in Staffordshire. There, he worked with horses as a stable hand. He also worked at a coal wharf in Cannock. In November 1914, he decided to join the army.
Heroic Actions in World War I
During the First World War, Thomas Hughes was a private soldier. He was part of the 6th Battalion of The Connaught Rangers. He was 31 years old when he showed incredible bravery.
His brave actions happened during a very big battle called the Battle of the Somme. On September 3, 1916, in a place called Guillemont in France, Private Hughes was hurt during an attack. Even though he was wounded, he quickly had his injuries treated. Then, he went right back to the front lines where the fighting was happening.
Later, he saw an enemy machine-gun that was causing trouble. Private Hughes was incredibly brave. He ran out in front of his own company, which is a group of soldiers. He shot the enemy gunner. All by himself, he managed to capture the machine-gun. He was wounded again during this brave act. But he still managed to bring back three or four enemy prisoners.
Life After the War
After his heroic actions, Thomas Hughes was promoted to the rank of corporal. However, the wounds he received during the war were very serious. They made it difficult for him to walk properly. Because of his injuries, he had to leave the army in February 1918.
After the war, he went back to Ireland. He helped his family run their farm. Later, people in his local area collected money for him. With this money, he was able to buy another farm.
Thomas Hughes passed away on January 4, 1942, in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. He was 56 years old. He is buried in the cemetery of St Patrick's Roman Catholic church in Broomfield. This church is near Castleblayney, in County Monaghan.
His Victoria Cross medal is kept safe and displayed at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.
