Thomas Flawn

He went back under fire to recover a wounded fellow soldier.

Thomas Flawn was born at Finedon, Northamptonshire, on 22 December 1857. A farm labourer, he enlisted in the 25th Regiment in 1876 and transferred between regiments before volunteering for the 94th in 1879. He went to South Africa for the closing stages of the Zulu campaign and the operations against Sekukuni.

On 28 November 1879, at Sekukuni’s stronghold, Flawn and Francis Fitzpatrick went out under fire to assist a wounded officer. Their efforts to bring him away earned both men the Victoria Cross. Flawn received his decoration at Lydenburg in September 1880.

He subsequently served in the First Boer War and returned to Britain in 1882. Released to the reserve in 1883, he completed his engagement in 1888. He married twice and worked for many years at Woolwich Arsenal. He died at Plumstead on 19 January 1925 and was buried locally.

Victoria Cross citation

In recognition of their gallant conduct during the attack on Sekukuni’s Town, on the 28th November last, in carrying out of action Lieutenant Dewar, 1st Dragoon Guards, when badly wounded. At the time when he received his wound Lieutenant Dewar had with him only Privates Flawn and Fitzpatrick, and six of the Native Contingent, and, being incapable of moving without assistance, the natives proceeded to carry him down the hill, when about thirty of the enemy appeared in pursuit about 40 yards in the rear, whereupon the men of the Native Contingent deserted Lieutenant Dewar, who must have been killed but for the devoted gallantry of Privates Flawn and Fitzpatrick, who carried him alternately, one covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.