Thomas Wilkinson (VC 1855)

Thomas Wilkinson VC was born in York, England, in 1831 and served in the Royal Marines with the Royal Marine Artillery. During the Crimean War, he was a Bombardier in the advanced batteries before Sebastopol.

On 7 June 1855, under heavy and continuous enemy fire, Wilkinson worked to repair damaged defences by placing sandbags on the batteries. His courage and persistence in this exposed position led to his award of the Victoria Cross.

His VC was gazetted on 24 February 1857, and he was among the early recipients decorated by Queen Victoria at Hyde Park. He later reached the rank of Sergeant Instructor and was also awarded the French Legion of Honour, the Crimea Medal, and the Turkish Crimea Medal.

After leaving the service, Wilkinson returned to York. He died there on 22 September 1887 and was buried in York Cemetery.