Hamilton Lyster Reed
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Major General Hamilton Lyster Reed VC, CB, CMG, (May 23, 1869 - March 7, 1931) was born in Dublin and was an Irish 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.
[edit] Details
He was 30 years old, and a captain in the 7th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 15 December 1899 at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, when so many horses had become casualties, Captain Reed brought three teams from his battery in an attempt to save the remaining guns. The shell and rifle fire was intense and he was wounded almost at once, as were five of the 13 men who rode with him. One was killed and 13 horses (including his own) out of 21 were killed before he got half way to the guns, and he was forced to retire.
Born in Dublin, a grandson of Hamilton Lyster
Served in the First World War. He later achieved the rank of major general. He died London 7 March 1931.
[edit] References
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
