Thomas Flynn VC, generally regarded to be the youngest ever recipient of the Victoria Cross was born in Athlone in August 1842. The Westmeath Independent were instrumental in bringing Flynn’s exploits to public awareness and seeking that he be deservedly honoured in his home town. Flynn, who is buried in common ground at Cornamagh Cemetery, received Britain’s highest decoration for bravery during the Indian Mutiny on November 28, 1857. Digest of Citation reads: "On 28 November 1857 at Cawnpore, India, during a charge on the enemy's guns, Drummer Flynn, although wounded himself, engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter with two of the rebel artillerymen." Flynn was just 15 years old and was a drummer with the 64th Regiment, later the North Staffordshire Regiment. A memorial to Drummer Flynn is on display at Whittington Barracks near Lichfield, the headquarters of his regiment.

Decorated for his valiant efforts during a charge on the enemy’s guns during the Indian Mutiny, Drummer Flynn and his commanding officer, Lt. Havelock were awarded the Victoria Cross. He returned to Athlone to live on a pension of £10 a year. Within five years he was before the local court charged with stealing and pawning a pair of boots, the property of Major Denison, of the 64th Regiment. When he entered the Athlone Workhouse at Northgate Street, his Victoria Cross pension was confiscated by the Guardians, and he died in penury on 10 August 1892, aged just fifty. Finally, he received due recognition. In October 2008, a memorial to Thomas Flynn VC, was unveiled at Cornamagh Cemetery, Athlone.

Pictured above at the unveiling ceremony are Patrick J Flynn (holding the microphone), who led the campaign to honour Drummer Thomas Flynn VC. Immediately to his left is Major Jim Massey, representing Drummer Flynn's Staffordshire Regiment and Westmeath County Council chairman Cllr Joe Whelan.

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