Thomas Dinesen
| Thomas Fasti Dinesen | |
|---|---|
Dinesen in the uniform of the Black Watch of Canada
|
|
| Born |
9 August 1892 Rungsted, Denmark |
| Died | 10 March 1979 (aged 86) Leerbaek, Denmark |
| Buried at | Hørsholm Churchyard, Hørsholm, Denmark |
| Allegiance |
 Canada
|
| Service/branch | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 42nd Infantry Battalion, CEF |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Croix de guerre (France) Order of Dannebrog (Denmark) Pro Benignitate Humana Medal (Finland) |
| Relations | Karen Blixen (sister) |
Thomas Fasti Dinesen VC (9 August 1892 – 10 March 1979 ) was a Danish 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 the younger brother of the noted author Karen Blixen (who used the pen name Isak Dinesen).
He was born in an affluent and aristocratic family in Rungsted, Denmark. Following the outbreak of the First World War, Dinesen attempted to enlist in the British, French, and United States armies, before finally being accepted by the Canadian Corps in 1917. He enlisted in the MacLean Highlanders before transferring to the 42nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force: the Royal Highlander Regiment, known as the Black Watch of Canada. The MacLean Kilties were the 236th Canadian Battalion, recruited in Nova Scotia. It reached England in 1917 and was broken up for reinforcements.
During the Battle of Amiens he was 26 years old, and a private in the 42nd Quebec Regiment (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force when, on 12 August 1918 at Parvillers, France, he displayed conspicuous bravery when, five times in succession, he rushed forward alone against entrenched enemy troops and put hostile guns out of action. He was credited with killing 12 of the enemy using both bayonet and grenade, and with inspiring his comrades at a very critical stage of the action.
For this action, Dinesen was awarded the Victoria Cross (or VC). He also received the French Croix de guerre and was commissioned. He later achieved the rank of lieutenant.
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