Thomas Flinn
| Thomas Flinn | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 1842 Athlone, County Westmeath |
| Died | 10 August 1892 (aged 49–50) Athlone Workhouse |
| Buried at | Cornamagh RC Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Rank | Drummer |
| Unit | 64th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Flinn VC (August 1842 – 10 August 1892) 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.
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 (later The North Staffordshire Regiment - The Prince of Wales's), 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 Flinn
Date of Act of Bravery, 28th November, 1857
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 Flinn's previous gallantry, Sullivan asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office St John Brodrick:
...whether he is aware that Flinn was awarded a pension of £10 a year for his valorous conduct, which sum the Guardians of the Athlone Union appropriate towards his maintenance; and whether some small increase could be made, so as to enable him in his old age to end his days more comfortably than in a workhouse?
...
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