Nathaniel Burslem was born 2 February1836 at Limerick, Ireland, the son of George James Burslem of the 94th Reg and Susan Vokes, of Limerick (married Dublin15 March1836). His father was English, and traced his family back to the town of Burslem in Staffordshire. His grandfather was Col. Nathaniel Godolphin Burslem who was awarded the Gold Medal - the forerunner of the VC Medal.
On 21 August1860 at the Taku Forts, China, during the Third China War Lieutenant Burslem, then aged 24 and serving in the 67th Regiment of Foot, British Army, and a private (Thomas Lane) of his regiment displayed great gallantry for which they were both awarded the VC. They swam the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempted, 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. His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum & Memorial Garden in Winchester, England.
He later achieved the rank of Captain before selling his commission and sailing with his brother John Godolphin Burslem to New Zealand. He arrived in 1865 and bought land in the North Island and was planning to grow flax, but he and an acquaintance capsized their canoe on the Thames River, both drowning on 14 July1865. His body was not recovered.
