Description Second China War Medal 1857-60, bar Taku Forts 1860, Private Thomas Flattery, 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot, Severely Wounded in the Attack on the Redan in Crimea. Officially impressed: “Thos Flattery. 44th Regt” Confirmed on the medal roll, with copy service papers. Severely Wounded in Action during the First Attack on the Redan, 18th June 1855 where the brigade lost a quarter of their strength in the attack. During his time in the Crimea War, he earned the medal with 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol, as well as the Turkish Medal. There is no indication these medals were issued named, so an unnamed 3 clasp medal might be suitable to complete the group. Thomas was Irish, being born in the Parish of “Sack” in Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland during 1827. He attested for service on 16th November 1846 and served 12 years with the 44th Foot. Thomas lived through the wound and later was posted to China, to take part in the “Second Opium War” of 1857-1860. During the war he would add this medal and the clasp “Taku Forts 1860” to his awards. However as the war was winding up he would receive another injury that would end his service: “On 4th January 1861, about 5 o’clock pm, he fell from a wall about 12 feet high at Canton, and injured his right shoulder, and has lost since then the power of right arm, and as he has not improved, he is recommended to be invalided. He was partially intoxicated at the time.” A further note however writes “It does not appear he was intoxicated – I have made enquiries and find that the man who treated him was the one who discovered it and he said only slightly.” He was officially discharged at Chatham having been invalided home on 31st December 1861 intending to return back to his native Strabane. A later medical report from February 1863 writes: “Dr Lucas – Arm hangs powerless to his side – has only the power of motion of his finger, states he was on duty at the time of the accident.” His 12 years of service had spanned 2 massive wars, having survived being severely wounded in Crimea and his unfortunate accident at Canton cost him the use of his right arm. Now back home in Ireland he looks to have got around to marrying, as a Thomas Flattery married Margaret Hart in Strabane on 6th June 1864.
