 On 6 September
1864 at Shimonoseki, Japan, Captain of the After Guard Pride was one of
the two colour sergeants who accompanied the midshipman, D.G. Boyes,
from HMS Euryalus when they carried the Queen's Colour into action in
the capture of the enemy's stockade. They kept the flag flying in spite
of the fierce fire which killed the other colour sergeant and severely
wounded Pride. He and the midshipman, however, did not falter and were
only finally prevented from going further forward by direct orders from
their superior officer.
After retiring from the Marines, Thomas moved to the new Poole suburb
of Parkstone where he became a Toll Collecter, living with his family in
the Toll Gate House on Bourne Road. Thomas Prides's Victoria cross
is on public display at the National Maritime Museum (Greenwich,
England)
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