William George Hawtry Bankes VC (Wimborne Minster, Dorset 11 September 1836 - India 6 April 1858) 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.
William George Hawtry Bankes | |
|---|---|
| File:Victoria Cross Medal Ribbon & Bar.jpg | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1857 - 1858 |
| Rank | Cornet |
| Unit | 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own) |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
He was 21 years old, and a Cornet in the 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 19 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Cornet Bankes led three charges against a body of rebels who had rushed the guns in the vicinity of Moosa-Bagh. In the course of these charges the young officer was almost cut to pieces. He died of his wounds 18 days later.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Queen's Own Hussars Museum (Warwick, Warwickshire, England).
References
- Reference
- Burial location of William Bankes "India"
- Location of William Bankes' Victoria Cross "Queen's Own Hussars Museum"
- Cornet William George Hawtry Bankes