Thomas Esmonde (VC)

Thomas Esmonde, VC (1829 – 1868) 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.

Esmonde was born in Ballynastragh, County Wexford, Ireland. He was a Surgeon with the 18th Regiment of Foot (Royal Irish Regiment) during the New Zealand Wars when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 8 January 1864 at Gate Pah, Tauranga, New Zealand, Surgeon Esmonde attended to the wounded in the open, under heavy fire, and although himself wounded, he remained with the wounded until they were all conveyed to a place of safety. For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Esmonde reached the rank of Surgeon-Major. He died in Pau, France, on 6 January 1868. His Victoria Cross is held by the Army Medical Services Museum, Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot, England.