Thomas Flynn (VC)


Thomas Flynn VC was born in Athlone and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Victoria Cross

Flynn is acknowledged to be one of the two youngest recipients of the Victoria Cross; both he and Andrew Fitzgibbon were 15 years and three months old.
His exact date of birth is unknown, but he was 15 years old, and a drummer in the 64th Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 28 November 1857 at Cawnpore, India, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross:
Drummer Thomas Flynn

Date of Act of Bravery, 28th November, 1857

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

Post-army life

After he left the army, he fell on hard times and was sent to Athlone Workhouse. His local Member of Parliament, Donal Sullivan, raised the matter in the House of Commons in April 1892. After reference to Flynn's previous gallantry, Sullivan asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office St John Brodrick:
Brodrick replied that:
Flynn died in the workhouse on 10 August 1892.
A memorial plaque was erected in the Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.