Thomas Hughes (VC)

He captured the machine gun despite being wounded two times.

Thomas Hughes was born at Coravoo, County Monaghan, in 1885. He worked as a jockey at the Curragh before joining the 6th Connaught Rangers during the First World War. He reached France in May 1915.

At Guillemont on 3 September 1916, Hughes was wounded but returned to the firing line after treatment. Seeing an enemy machine gun, he rushed ahead of his company, shot the gunner and captured the weapon. Wounded again, he brought back several prisoners. His determination earned the Victoria Cross, presented at Hyde Park in June 1917.

His wounds prevented regular work after the war. He experienced hardship and problems with alcohol, but the evidence does not justify a speculative diagnosis. He died in the former famine workhouse at Carrickmacross on 4 January 1942 and was buried at Broomfield.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and determination. He was wounded in an attack, but returned at once to the firing line after having his wounds dressed. Later, seeing a hostile machine-gun, he dashed out in front of his company, shot the gunner, and single-handed captured the gun. Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 October 1916. 26th October 1916. Numb. 29802, p. 10395