Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson
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| Born | 18 February 1896 Portman Square, London, England |
| Died | 31 July 1917 (aged 21) Pilckem Ridge, Bellewaarde, Belgium |
| Buried |
Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1917 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Northamptonshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Captain Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson was a brave officer in the British Army. He was born in England in 1896 and sadly died in 1917 during World War I. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for incredible bravery in battle for British and Commonwealth soldiers.
His Early Life
Thomas Colyer-Fergusson was born in London in February 1896. His parents were Thomas Colyer Colyer Fergusson (who later became Sir Thomas Colyer Fergusson) and Beatrice Stanley. He went to two schools, Summer Fields and Harrow School, before studying at Oriel College, Oxford university.
Bravery in World War I
When he was 21 years old, Thomas Colyer-Fergusson was an acting Captain in the 2nd Battalion of The Northamptonshire Regiment. On 31 July 1917, during the Battle of Pilckem Ridge in Bellewaarde, Belgium, he showed amazing courage. His actions that day earned him the Victoria Cross.
During the battle, things did not go as planned. Captain Colyer-Fergusson found himself with only a Sergeant and five other soldiers because of the difficult ground and enemy wire. Even with such a small group, he bravely led an attack. They managed to capture an enemy trench and take control of it.
Soon after, a strong enemy counter-attack came from their left. Captain Colyer-Fergusson successfully fought them off. With only his orderly helping him, he attacked and captured an enemy machine gun. He then used this machine gun against the attackers, killing many and forcing others to surrender to a nearby British unit.
Later, with just his Sergeant, he attacked and captured a second enemy machine gun. By this time, more of his company had joined him, and they were able to make their position safe and strong. His actions throughout this battle showed incredible bravery, leadership, and skill. Sadly, Captain Colyer-Fergusson was killed by an enemy sniper shortly after these heroic deeds.
The Victoria Cross
Thomas Colyer-Fergusson's Victoria Cross medal is kept at the Museum of The Northamptonshire Regiment in Northampton, England. You can also see it on loan at Ightham Mote, which was his family home.
He is buried at the Menin Road South Military Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Belgium. There are also memorials in his memory at St Peter's Church in Ightham, Kent, and at Ifield Church in Gravesend, Kent.
