Thomas Grady Explained

Thomas Grady
Birth Date:18 September 1835
Death Date:18 May 1891 (aged 55)
Birth Place:Claddagh, County Galway
Death Place:South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Placeofburial:Melbourne General Cemetery
Serviceyears:1853–1856
Rank:Sergeant
Branch: British Army
Unit:4th Regiment of Foot
Awards:Victoria Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal

Thomas Grady VC DCM (Irish: Tomás Ó Grádaigh; 18 September 1835  - 18 May 1891) was born in Claddagh, County Galway and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 19 years old, and a private in the 4th Regiment of Foot (later The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 18 October 1854 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, Private Grady volunteered to repair the embrasures of the Sailors' Battery on the Left Attack and carried out this task under very heavy fire from a line of batteries. On 22 November during the repulse of a Russian attack, although severely wounded, Private Grady refused to leave the front and his example encouraged the weak force which was engaging the enemy to maintain their position.

Further information

He emigrated to Australia and died in South Melbourne, Victoria on 18 May 1891. Grady is buried in Melbourne General Cemetery.

Some references incorrectly state he was promoted sergeant. He was discharged as a private, his award was gazetted as a private and his pension was paid as a private.[1]

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).

References

  1. W J Quin, Letter to the Editor, The Argus (Melbourne), Friday 20 Jun 1890, page 9, col g

Listed in order of publication year