david hawkes

David Hawkes 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 35 years old, and a Private in the 2nd Bn., The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 11 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Private Hawkes' company was engaged with a large number of the enemy near the Iron Bridge. At one stage a captain (Henry Wilmot) found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men, opposed to a considerable body of the enemy. One of the men was shot through both legs and Private Hawkes, although severely wounded, lifted him up with the help of a corporal (William Nash) and they then carried their comrade for a considerable distance, the captain firing with the men's rifles and covering the retreat of the party. He was killed in action, Fyzabad, India, on 14 August 1858.

Further information

(Information from Tony Conerny, 519522) Born 1822, Witham, Essex Died 14-8-1858 - Fyabad, India
Date of Gazette - 24-12-1858
Private 2nd Bn The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) V.C. awarded for bravery during battle at Lucknow, India, on 11-3-1858 Memorials - Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire.

Other information collected by Janet Gyford at Essex Record Office - Dec 1999 Witham parish register Baptisms at Witham St.Nicolas - searched 1813-37

Year	Date	First name	Parents	Surname	of	occ
1814	March 6	William	William and Sarah	Hawkes	Witham	Husbandman
1818	April 12	Stephen	ditto	ditto	ditto	Labourer
1822	June 23	David	ditto	ditto	ditto	Labourer
1833	Oct. 6	Sarah Ann	ditto	ditto	Chipping Hill	Labourer

Marriage at White Notley (found in Boyd's index)
1812, November 1
William Hawkes of Witham, bachelor, married Sarah Joice of this parish by banns. Witnesses, Joseph Hawkes and Sarah Hawkes. Marriages at Witham St.Nicolas:
1849, October 11
William Hawkes aged 62, widr, labr of Witham, s. of Joseph Hawkes, shoe maker
married Elizabeth Rudkin aged 60, widow, of Witham, dau of Robert Rudkin labr.
Witnesses, Thomas Scotcher and Susannah Hawkes Burials at Witham St.Nicolas- searched 1833-39
1839, May 19, Sarah Hawkes aged 46 of Chipping Hill Census returns, 1841
HO 107/343/16, f.7
In Powershall End (possibly Well Cottage by comparison with tithe map, plot 658)
William Hawkes aged 50 Ag labr, born Essex (in this census they only gave ages to the nearest 5 years)
(?with William Evans aged 70, next page)
HO 107/343/17, f.6
In Bridge Street, probably in lodging house
Stephen Hawkes aged 20, tallow chandler Census returns, 1851
f.249
In Chipping Hill
William Hawkes aged 64, labourer, born Bradwell
Elizabeth Hawkes aged 60, born Coggeshall
and 3 'visitors', Theodorus Harrison, 22, bricklayer, Thomas Cook 72 labr and Reuben Webb 31 bricklayer
Possibly this William was David's father remarried.
f.206
In Notts Yard
Stephen Hawkes aged 32 tallow chandler and wife Susannah aged 23 born Faulkbourne, and daughter Sarah S.R. aged 3 born Witham
Chelmsford Chronicle, 24 and 31 Dec. 1858
No Witham news except for Petty Sessions reports.