Robert Hawthorne : Short Biography

Robert Hawthorn was born in the civil parish of Maghera, County Derry, in 1812. 

Hawthorn's family were poor which meant that he had to work from a young age. He was employed as a labourer by the age of 10. When he was 14 years old, he enlisted as a boy soldier in the British military forces. He was stationed in West Indies and Canada before eventually being sent to Canada. 

On the 14th of September 1857, Hawthorn was in Delhi during the Indian Mutiny. He was part of an explosion party when one of the explosive devices detonated prematurely. Several of the men were severely wounded. Hawthorn tended to one such wounded man, his lieutenant Philip Salkeld. Tending to the man meant that Hawthorn had to expose himself to heavy enemy fire. He bandaged up Salkeld's leg and arm and got his to a stretcher which then evacuated him to a hospital. 

Although Sakler died of his wounds, Hawthorn was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for his brave attempt to save the man's life. 

After retiring from his career in the military, Hawthorn relocated to Manchester, where he spent the rest of his days. He found employment as a bank porter and married and had five children. 

Robert Hawthorn died on the 2nd of February 1879 and was buried with full military honours in Ardwick cemetery, Manchester.