David Hawkes VC (c. 1822 – 14 August 1858) was an English 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

Imperial Imperial is that which relates to an empire, emperor, or imperialism. Imperial or The Imperial may also refer to: Places United States * Imperial, California * Imperial, Missouri * Imperial, Nebraska * Imperial, Pennsylvania * Imperial, Texa ...

forces.

Details

Hawkes was 35 years old, from Witham, Essex and a

private Private or privates may refer to: Music * " In Private", by Dusty Springfield from the 1990 album ''Reputation'' * Private (band), a Denmark-based band * "Private" (Ryōko Hirosue song), from the 1999 album ''Private'', written and also recorde ...

in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the

Indian Mutiny The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising in India in 1857–58 against the rule of the British East India Company, which functioned as a sovereign power on behalf of the British Crown. The rebellion began on 10 May 1857 in the fo ...

when the following deed took place at the

Siege of Lucknow The siege of Lucknow was the prolonged defence of the British Residency within the city of Lucknow from rebel sepoys (Indian soldiers in the British East India Company's Army) during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. After two successive relief att ...

for which he, Henry Wilmot and William Nash were awarded the VC: He was killed in action at Faizabad, British India, on 14 August 1858. As he was killed before he could hear news of the award of a VC (24 December 1858) it was decided to send his father William the award. His VC is located at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hawkes, David 1820s births 1858 deaths Rifle Brigade soldiers British recipients of the Victoria Cross Indian Rebellion of 1857 recipients of the Victoria Cross People from Witham British military personnel killed in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross Military personnel from Essex