Hugo Vivian Hope Throssell

Held his post despite wounds and inspired his men under fire

Hugo Vivian Hope Throssell served with the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment during the First World War. As a second lieutenant at Hill 60, Gallipoli, on 29 and 30 August 1915, he helped hold a captured Turkish trench against repeated counter-attacks.

Though wounded in several places, he stayed with his men and encouraged the defence. He waited until the danger had passed before receiving medical treatment, then returned to the firing line. He left only when the medical officer ordered him out of action. This conduct earned the Victoria Cross, the only such award to an Australian light horseman.

Born at Northam, Western Australia, Throssell worked on cattle stations and farmed with his brother before enlisting. After Gallipoli he served in the Middle East, was wounded at the Second Battle of Gaza and became a captain in August 1917. He left the army in February 1919.

Back in Australia, he married the writer Katharine Susannah Prichard. The effects of war and financial hardship burdened his later years. He died by suicide at Greenmount on 19 November 1933. The Australian War Memorial preserves his Victoria Cross and three First World War campaign medals.

Victoria Cross citation:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during operations on the Kaiakij Aghala (Hill 60) in the Gallipoli Peninsula on 29th and 30th August 1915. Although severely wounded in several places during a counter-attack, he refused to leave his post or to obtain medical assistance till all danger was passed, when he had his wounds dressed and returned to the firing-line until ordered out of action by the Medical Officer. By his personal courage and example he kept up the spirits of his party, and was largely instrumental in saving the situation at a critical period.