The directory «Plots»

Lucas Charles Davis
(1834—1914)

Charles Davis Lucas from Northern Ireland was the first 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.

He was 20 years old, and a mate in the Royal Navy during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 June 1854 in the Baltic, HMS «Hecla», with two other ships, was bombarding Bomarsund, a fort in the Åland Islands, off Finland. The fire was returned from the shore, and at the height of the action a live shell landed on «Hecla»'s upper deck, with its fuse still hissing. All hands were ordered to fling themselves flat on the deck, but Mr. Lucas with great presence of mind ran forward and hurled the shell into the sea, where it exploded with a tremendous roar before it hit the water. Thanks to Mr. Lucas's action no one was killed or seriously wounded and he was immediately promoted to Lieutenant by his Commanding Officer.

The first act of bravery to be rewarded with the VC. He later achieved the rank of rear-admiral. He died Great Culverden, Kent, 7 August 1914.

Åland Islands, 2004, Defence of Bomarsund

Great Britain, 2006, Charles Lucas

Jersey, 2006, Ingouville and Lucas

Solomon Islands, 2006, Charles Lucas

Great Britain, 2004.10.12, Harrow, Middlesex. Lucas Avenue

Great Britain, 2004.10.12, Postal Service of British forces. Victoria Cross Awarded to Charles Lucas