Allegiance United Kingdom Role Armed force officer Awards Victoria Cross Name John Thomas Service/branch British Army | Battles/wars World War I Battles and wars World War I Rank Sergeant | |
 | ||
Born 10 May 1886
Manchester, Lancashire, England ( 1886-05-10 ) Buried at Stockport Borough Cemetery, Stockport Died February 28, 1954, Stockport, United Kingdom People also search for Dudley Graham Johnson, John Carmichael, Edward Elers Delaval Henderson | ||
Place of burial Stockport, United Kingdom | ||
John Thomas VC (10 May 1886 – 28 February 1954) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Details
He was 31 years old, and a Lance-Corporal in the 2/5th Battalion, Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire Regiment), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 30 November 1917 at Fontaine, France, Lance-Corporal Thomas saw the enemy making preparations for a counter-attack so with a comrade and on his own initiative decided to make a close reconnaissance. They went off in full view of the enemy and under heavy fire. His comrade was hit almost immediately, but Lance-Corporal Thomas went on alone and finally reached a building used by the enemy as a night post. He was able to see where their troops were congregating and after staying for an hour, sniping the enemy, returned with information of the utmost value, which enabled plans to be made to meet the counter-attack.