Thomas Flawn

Thomas Flawn
Born 22 December 1857
Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire
Died 19 January 1925
Plumstead, London
Buried at Plumstead Cemetery
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Private
Unit 25th Regiment of Foot
94th Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars Anglo-Zulu War
Sekukuni Campaign
Awards Victoria Cross

Thomas Flawn VC (22 December 1857 – 19 January 1925) was an English 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.

Details

Flawn was 21 years old, and a private in the 94th Regiment of Foot (later the Connaught Rangers), British Army during the Basuto War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 November 1879 during an attack on Sekukuni's Town, South Africa, Private Flawn and another private (Francis Fitzpatrick) with six men of the Native Contingent, were with a lieutenant of the 1st Dragoon Guards when he was badly wounded. The natives carried the wounded officer at first, but when the party was pursued by about 30 of the enemy they deserted and the lieutenant would have been killed but for the gallantry of the two privates - one carrying him and the other covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.

References