THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BURSLEM Nathaniel Godolphin

Captain, 67th Regiment ( Hampshire Regiment )

CITATION

Victoria Cross

On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lieutenant Burslem and a private [Thomas Lane] of his regiment displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempting, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered. In doing so, they were both severely wounded.

KNOWN AWARDS

Victoria Cross

2nd China War Medal

Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860

NOTES

Born 2 February 1836, Limerick, Ireland

Drowned 14 July 1865, Thames, New Zealand

Body not recovered

BIOGRAPHICAL

Third China War Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Limerick, Ireland, Burslem joined the Army as an Ensign with the 67th Regiment of Foot (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment). He was serving as a Lieutenant during the assault on the Taku Forts, when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the V.C. From his citation: “On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lieutenant Burslem and a private [Thomas Lane] of his regiment displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempting, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered. In doing so, they were both severely wounded.” Burlem was promotoed to Captain in November 1860 and transferred to the 60th Rifle Regiment. He sold his commission in 1864 and retired, then emigrated to New Zealand with his brother, John Godolphin Burslem. They arrived in 1865 and bought land on the North Island with the idea of raising flax. At some point in July of 1865 he and another unidentified companion were canoeing on the Thames River, North Island, when their boat capsized and both drowned.  His V.C. medal is on display at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, Winchester