Rear-Admiral Charles Davis Lucas VC (19 February 1834 – 7 August 1914) was a Royal Navy officer whose gallantry in 1854 was the earliest action that led to the award of the Victoria Cross, the highest British award, which is for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

The fire was returned from the fort, and at the height of the action a live shell landed on Hecla's upper deck, with its fuse still hissing.

All hands were ordered to fling themselves flat on the deck, but Lucas with great presence of mind ran forward and hurled the shell into the sea, where it exploded with a tremendous roar before it hit the water.

Thanks to Lucas's action no one on board was killed or seriously wounded by the shell, and accordingly he was immediately promoted to lieutenant by his commanding officer.

[1] Lucas's campaign medals, including his Victoria Cross, are displayed at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.