The first relief attempt took place between 23rd and 25th September 1857 and got through to the Residency after very heavy fighting only to be trapped themselves from the 27th onwards. The final relief force, led by Sir Colin Campbell, fought through to the Residency between 14th and 17th November 1857 and managed to evacuate the survivors of the initial garrison and the first relief force on the 23rd.

Thomas Kavanagh took part in several actions and sorties during the Siege but further involvement began when he met an incoming spy whose name was Kunoujee Lall who was a nazir in the Court of the Deputy Commissioner of Durriabad before the outbreak in Oudh. Kavanagh decided to accompany Lall through the mutineer's lines disguised as a native to carry despatches to Sir Colin Campbell's relief force which had advanced as far as the Alum Bagh outside the city.

Kavanagh's journey through thousands of muntineers proved successful and upon reaching Sir Colin Campbell was able to brief the Commander-in-Chief over the best route to the Residency, different to that taken by Outram earlier, avoiding the death traps of the narrow streets. This undoubtably saved many lives and made the relief a less hazardous operation than it would otherwise have been.

[ London Gazette, 8 July 1859 ], Lucknow, Indian Mutiny, 8 November 1857, Mr Thomas Henry Kavanagh, Bengal Civil Service ( Clerk at Lucknow ).

On the 8th November 1857, Mr Kavanagh, then serving under the orders of Lieutenant General Sir James Outram, in Lucknow, volunteered on the dangerous duty of proceeding through the city to the camp of the Commander-in-Chief, for the purpose of guiding the relieving force to the beleaguered garrison in the Residency - a task which he performed with chivalrous gallantry and devotion.

[ London Gazette, 4 May 1860 ].

The act of bravery for which Mr Thomas Kavanagh has been awarded the Victoria Cross was performed on the 9th November 1857, instead of the 8th November, as was stated in the London Gazette of the 8th July 1859.

Thomas Kavanagh was invested with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on the 4th January 1860.

Tbomas Kavanagh became unpopular in some circles after the exploitation of his Victoria Cross and what would now be termed as his 'self publicity', particularly in respect of the publication of his book 'How I Won the Victoria Cross'.

Medal entitlement of Mr Thomas Kavanagh - Bengal Civil Service ( Clerk at Lucknow )

• Victoria Cross
• Indian Mutiny Medal ( 1857-58 )
  • 1 clasp:
  • "Defence of Lucknow"