Thomas Pakenham, 5th Earl of Longford (19 October 1864 – 21 August 1915), known as Lord Longford, was a British Army officer and an Irish peer. He served with distinction in the Second Boer War and was killed in action during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.
Early Life and Peerage: Born Thomas Pakenham, he was the eldest son of William Pakenham, 4th Earl of Longford, and Selina Rice-Trevor. He was educated at Winchester College and Christ Church, Oxford. In 1887, he succeeded his father as the 5th Earl of Longford and 6th Baron Silchester, inheriting his family's Irish peerage and an English barony. He became an Irish Representative Peer in the House of Lords.
Military Career: Longford pursued a military career, joining the 2nd Life Guards in 1887.
- Second Boer War: He served in the Second Boer War (1899–1902) in South Africa. He commanded the Imperial Yeomanry and was wounded in action. For his service, he was mentioned in dispatches and promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
- World War I: At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Longford was given command of the 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade, part of the 2nd Mounted Division. His brigade was deployed to the Mediterranean Theatre as part of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Death: On 21 August 1915, during the Battle of Scimitar Hill at Gallipoli, Lord Longford led his brigade in an attack on Turkish positions, specifically the Chocolate Hills. He was killed while leading his men from the front, becoming one of the most senior British officers to die in the campaign. His body was never recovered, and he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial.