Nathaniel Burslem

He swam the ditches and forced a way into the defended fort.

Nathaniel Godolphin Burslem was born at Limerick in the late 1830s into an Army family. He entered the 67th Regiment as an ensign in 1858 and served in the China campaign.

At the North Taku Fort on 21 August 1860, he swam the defensive ditches and worked to enlarge an opening in the wall. He entered alongside Private Thomas Lane, and both were severely wounded. His gallantry earned the Victoria Cross.

After recovery he transferred as a captain to the 60th Rifles. His cross was presented in Montreal in September 1862 by Lieutenant-General Sir William Fenwick Williams. He sold his commission in 1864 and emigrated to New Zealand with his brother, taking up farming. On 14 July 1865 he drowned while attempting to cross the Waihou River in a small sailing boat. His body was not recovered and no grave is known.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For distinguished gallantry in swimming the Ditches of the North Taku Fort, and persevering in attempting during the assault, and before the entrance of the Fort had been effected by any one, to enlarge an opening in the Wall, through which they eventually entered, and, in doing so, were both severely wounded.

The London Gazette of 13 August 1861, Numb. 22538, p. 3363