Thomas Monaghan

Thomas Monaghan VC: The Cavalry Trumpeter Who Saved His Commanding Officer

When 30 to 40 mutineers launched a sudden close-range attack, one cavalry trumpeter refused to abandon his wounded commanding officer. Armed with a pistol and sword, Thomas Monaghan charged into the danger and helped save his colonel's life. His extraordinary courage during the Indian Mutiny earned him the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry.

Born at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales, on 18 October 1833, Thomas Monaghan entered the British Army as a young soldier and served with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays). By October 1858, he held the rank of Trumpeter and was serving in India during the Indian Mutiny.

On 8 October 1858, near Sundeela in Oudh, Lieutenant-Colonel Seymour and his party came under a sudden attack by mutinous sepoys concealed in a dense sugar-cane plantation. The attackers opened fire at close range before charging with drawn swords. Seymour was struck down by two sword blows. Monaghan and Private Charles Anderson immediately rushed to his rescue. Monaghan shot an attacker who was about to strike his commanding officer, and together the two soldiers drove back the enemy with their swords, allowing Seymour to recover and resume the fight.

For this remarkable act of bravery, Monaghan was awarded the Victoria Cross. His award was officially announced in the London Gazette on 11 November 1862, issue 22680, page 5346. He received his Victoria Cross from General Sir Hugh Rose at Benares on 5 January 1863.

His service during the Indian Mutiny is also recognised by the Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-58 with the Lucknow clasp, reflecting his campaign service with the Queen's Bays during the operations in India.

Following his military service, Monaghan lived in Woolwich, London, where he died on 10 November 1895. He was buried at Woolwich New Cemetery.

Thomas Monaghan VC remains an example of courage, loyalty and comradeship. Faced with overwhelming danger, he placed the life of his commanding officer above his own, securing his place among Britain's distinguished Victoria Cross recipients.