Tom Derrick
Australian Victoria Cross recipient (1914-1945) · Australia · On the map · Died at 31
Thomas Currie "Diver" Derrick, was an Australian soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
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A typical day, 30 days to 18 August 2026
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Photos 7
Sergeant Derrick, November 1943
Sergeant Tom Derrick hoists the Australian flag at Sattelberg, New Guinea
Reg Saunders and Tom Derrick congratulate each other on receiving their commissions
Men of the 2/48th Battalion gathered around Derrick's grave during his funeral.![Derrick's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial[47]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Tom_Derrick_medals.jpg/1280px-Tom_Derrick_medals.jpg)
Derrick's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial[47]
Tom 'Diver' Derrick Bridge, Port AdelaideAwards
About this person
In November 1943, during the Second World War, Derrick was awarded the Victoria Cross for his assault on a heavily defended Japanese position at Sattelberg, New Guinea. During the engagement, he scaled a cliff face while under heavy fire and silenced seven machine gun posts, before leading his platoon in a charge that destroyed a further three.