William George Hawtry Bankes

William George Hawtry Bankes VC (11 September 1836 – 6 April 1858) 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.

He was educated at Westminster School, and in 1857 enlisted in the Army.

Bankes was 21 years old, and a Cornet in the 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed on 19 March 1858 at Lucknow in India took place for which he was awarded the VC as published in the London Gazette:

As Bankes was dying Queen Victoria wrote of his plight in a letter to the Princess Royal:

Bankes was awarded the VC when the award criteria for the medal was amended to allow posthumous awards.

The Medal His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London. A copy VC is on display alongside his portrait at Kingston Lacy, Dorset, England.