Tom Fletcher Mayson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Fletcher Mayson
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| Born | 3 November 1893 Silecroft, Millom, Cumberland |
| Died | 21 February 1958 (aged 64) Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lance sergeant |
| Unit | The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Tom Fletcher Mayson (born November 3, 1893 – died February 21, 1958) was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Tom Mayson earned his Victoria Cross for his amazing actions during a battle called the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, which was part of the larger Battle of Passchendaele in World War I.
A Brave Soldier's Story
Tom Mayson was 23 years old during the First World War. He was a Lance-Sergeant in the British Army. His unit was the 1/4th Battalion of The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment.
On July 31, 1917, a big battle happened at Pilckem Ridge in Belgium. Tom Mayson's group was stopped by heavy machine-gun fire. Without waiting for orders, he bravely moved towards the machine gun.
He used bombs to destroy the gun, hurting four enemy soldiers. The other three soldiers ran away. Tom Mayson chased them to a dugout and bravely fought them.
Later, while clearing another strong enemy position, he faced another machine gun. Again, he went alone and took on the gun. He managed to defeat six enemy soldiers who were operating it.
Finally, during an enemy counterattack, he took charge of a small, isolated group of soldiers. He successfully held their position. He only pulled back when he was ordered to and had run out of ammunition. His incredible courage saved many lives.
Where to See His Medal
The Victoria Cross is a very rare and special medal. Tom Mayson's Victoria Cross was once kept at Whicham Church.
Now, his medal is on display at the King's Own Royal Regimental Museum in Lancaster, Lancashire. This museum helps people learn about the brave soldiers of the regiment.
