David Hawkes

He carried a wounded soldier to safety despite his own wound

David Hawkes was born in 1822 and baptised at Witham, Essex, on 23 June that year. His parents were William Hawkes, a labourer, and Sarah Joice. He served as a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, during the Indian Rebellion.

On 11 March 1858, during the fighting at Lucknow, Captain Henry Wilmot found himself with only a few men confronting a much larger force near the Iron Bridge. A soldier had been wounded and could not withdraw without help. Although wounded himself, Hawkes joined Corporal William Nash in carrying the man to safety while Wilmot covered their movement.

All three men received the Victoria Cross for their part in this rescue. Hawkes survived the action but died at Fyzabad on 14 August 1858. He had no later civilian career. His Victoria Cross and Indian Mutiny Medal were sent to his father at Chipping Hill, Witham. The campaign medal carried the Lucknow clasp.

His name is commemorated on the Rifle Brigade memorial in Winchester Cathedral. His Victoria Cross is held by the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow on the 11th March, 1858. Captain Wilmot’s Company was engaged with a large body of the enemy, near the Iron Bridge. That officer found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men, opposed to a considerable body. One of the four was shot through both legs, and became utterly helpless: the two men lifted him up, and although Private Hawkes was severely wounded, he carried him for a considerable distance, exposed to the fire of the enemy, Captain Wilmot firing with the men’s rifles, and covering the retreat of the party. Despatch of Brigadier-General Walpole, C.B., dated 20th of March, 1858.

The London Gazette of 24 December 1858, Numb. 22212, p. 5515