Thomas Hughes
1885 - 1942
1885 - 1942
Thomas Hughes was born on November 10, 1885, at Castle Blayney, Co. Monaghan, Ireland and - harbouring dreams of becoming a jockey - crossed to England in 1905.
Thomas Hughes was born on November 10, 1885, at Castle Blayney, Co. Monaghan, Ireland and - harbouring dreams of becoming a jockey - crossed to England in 1905.
He found work as a groom with Laurence Rooney at Hednesford and had already taken a few rides when war broke out.
He found work as a groom with Laurence Rooney at Hednesford and had already taken a few rides when war broke out.
Like so many other young men, he set aside his dreams and became Private 3/5027 of the Connaught Rangers.
Like so many other young men, he set aside his dreams and became Private 3/5027 of the Connaught Rangers.
Thomas had a brutal war. Sent to the front, at Guillemot on the Somme, he single-handedly captured a German machine-gun post and captured several prisoners. This despite being wounded earlier. Later, handing over the prisoners, he was hit in the left knee by an explosive bullet. Then a shell exploded nearby, fracturing his right thigh. It was impossible to get medical help to him: he was forced to lie unattended in the field for 48 hours during which time he was also gassed.
Thomas had a brutal war. Sent to the front, at Guillemot on the Somme, he single-handedly captured a German machine-gun post and captured several prisoners. This despite being wounded earlier. Later, handing over the prisoners, he was hit in the left knee by an explosive bullet. Then a shell exploded nearby, fracturing his right thigh. It was impossible to get medical help to him: he was forced to lie unattended in the field for 48 hours during which time he was also gassed.
For his unflinching bravery - on September 3, 1916 - he was awarded the V.C.
For his unflinching bravery - on September 3, 1916 - he was awarded the V.C.
Eventually brought to safety, he spent the next 18 months undergoing five operations.
Eventually brought to safety, he spent the next 18 months undergoing five operations.
Still with shrapnel in his thigh, he was discharged from the Army on 12 February 1918.
Still with shrapnel in his thigh, he was discharged from the Army on 12 February 1918.
In the vague hope of picking up his racing career, he tried to go back to Rooney's stables to work, but unfortunately he proved practically useless.
In the vague hope of picking up his racing career, he tried to go back to Rooney's stables to work, but unfortunately he proved practically useless.
A fund set up for him during the war by the Sporting Life had raised £200 but, as Thomas sunk into a depressive cycle, the money was soon spent as he turned to drink.
A fund set up for him during the war by the Sporting Life had raised £200 but, as Thomas sunk into a depressive cycle, the money was soon spent as he turned to drink.
Eventually, to sustain his drinking, he sold his medal.
Eventually, to sustain his drinking, he sold his medal.
Thomas Hughes - war hero and would-be jockey - died in Carrickmacross a broken man on January 4, 1942. He was buried in Co. Monaghan at the Bloomfield Cemetery.
Thomas Hughes - war hero and would-be jockey - died in Carrickmacross a broken man on January 4, 1942. He was buried in Co. Monaghan at the Bloomfield Cemetery.