Thomas Cadell (VC)
Colonel Thomas Cadell was an army officer who served in India. He served during the 1857 rebellion and was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross. He later served as a governor and chief commissioner in the Andaman Islands.
Biography
Cadell was born in East Lothian at Cockenzie House to Hew Francis and Janet née Sydserff. An older brother, Robert Cadell, joined the Royal Artillery and another Francis gained fame as an explorer. Samuel Hill Lawrence was a cousin. Thomas studied at the Edinburgh Academy and received army commission in 1854 and was posted to the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers just before the 1857 uprising.Cadell was 21 years old and a lieutenant during the Indian Mutiny when he performed the deeds on 12 June 1857 at Delhi, India which resulted in being awarded the Victoria Cross:
Cadell became a captain in 1866 and was promoted to Major in 1874. He was transferred to the Political Department and served in Central India and Rajputana. He later achieved the rank of colonel in the service of the Indian Staff Corps and held various political appointments in India. From 1879 to 1892, he was the Chief Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 1907 he was created Companion of the Bath.
Cadell died in Edinbugh, Scotland and is buried in the family vault in Tranent Parish Churchyard.