Thomas Henry Kavanagh VC
(1821-1982)
T.H. Kavanagh being disguied as a native. NAM 1958-12-48
‘In undertaking this enterprise, I was actuated by a sense of duty, believing that I could be of use to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief...’
Kavanagh's shield. NAM 1963-10-241
The siege of Lucknow in India began in June 1857. Three months into the siege, a relieving force had itself been stranded inside the improvised fortifications. Shortage of food, disease and constant artillery fire meant that the occupants of Lucknow were all but finished. Then word arrived that another relieving force was on its way. The defenders decided that someone should go out through enemy lines to warn the approaching British army and guide it in.
An Irish civil servant, Thomas Henry Kavanagh, volunteered. Disguised as a native irregular soldier, ‘and with my talwar [Indian sword] resting on my shoulder’, Kavanagh even engaged the enemy in conversation before eventually reaching safety. If he had been caught, as a spy he would have been killed.
This shield formed part of the disguise worn by Kavanagh when he passed through the Mutineers’ lines at Lucknow to the camp of the relieving forces. Kavanagh received the Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery. He is one of the very few civilian recipients of Britain’s highest gallantry award.
