Thomas Flynn (VC)

Thomas Flynn VC

Thomas Flynn, also recorded as Thomas Flinn, was born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. For many years he was described as one of the youngest recipients of the Victoria Cross, but later local research indicates he was baptized on 22 December 1839, making him about 17, almost 18, at the time of his gallantry rather than 15.

Flynn enlisted in the 64th Regiment of Foot, later associated with the North Staffordshire Regiment, and served as a drummer during the Indian Mutiny. On 28 November 1857, during the fighting at Cawnpore, India, Flynn took part in a charge against enemy guns. Although wounded, he pressed forward and engaged two rebel artillerymen in hand-to-hand combat.

His Victoria Cross citation recorded that he was awarded the VC:

“For conspicuous gallantry, in the charge on the Enemy’s guns on the 28th of November 1857, when, being himself wounded, he engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter two of the Rebel Artillerymen.”

Flynn survived the campaign but his later life was tragically difficult. After leaving the army, he fell into poverty and was admitted to the Athlone Workhouse. In April 1892 his case was raised in the House of Commons, where it was noted that he held the Victoria Cross, had served in Persia and India, and was receiving a £10 annual VC pension.

Thomas Flynn died in the Athlone Workhouse on 10 August 1892. He was buried in Cornamagh Roman Catholic Cemetery, Athlone. A later memorial also honoured him at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.