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Dave F wrote: Quote:- We believe that Thomas Flynn was also in South Africa (he had various numbers but in that period we believe 1985/3953 third Battalion Connaught Rangers).

For your records. The information pertains to a Thomas Flynn who served in the 3rd Battalion Connaught Rangers. However, he attested in 1903 and was discharged medically unfit in 1905. Also, he served in the Special reserve in WW1 but not overseas. Please note the regimental numbers. Could this be your ancestor?

Correct, this is our Thomas, initially 3rd Battalion 1985. He seems to have had numerous regiments / numbers over the years.

We see him as 1985 3rd Battalion, 3953 we think CR but not sure (see burned files), 3812 Special Reserve, 3803 Irish Guards, 7761 Connaught Rangers again, then 56837 Northumberland Fus presumably after 1923. Not sure at this point he was in SA as it could be confusion with the other man you mention who died. Thanks very much for the input.

Regimental Number 1985
3rd Battalion Connaught Rangers, attested 1903 discharged 1905.
Boy soldier around 15 years old.


Regimental Number 3812
Connaught Rangers (Depot) Joined at Galway 3rd November 1910
Discharged 1st May 1911. Served 194 days


Regimental Number 3803
Irish Guards . Attested 15th May 1911 Discharged 12th June 1911
Served 29 days.


Regimental Number 3953
3rd Battalion Connaught Rangers ( Special Reserves)
1911 to 1914


Regimental Number 7761
Connaught Rangers? Regimental Number suggests recruitment February 1903 for 1st battalion. Can you provide the forum with your source of information regarding this regimental number?
Also information on 56837 Northumberland Fusiliers which you mentioned would also be useful to nail down Thomas's timeline.

In my humble opinion, I don't believe your Thomas Flynn served in South Africa during the Boer War. He certainly chopped and changed numbers with the Connaught's and the Irish Guards didn't last long. There is evidence that his fitness and efficiency was called into question regarding frontline soldiering. It looks like he served his time in the UK reference 1985, 3812, 3803, 3953. More research required for 7761 and 56837. I wish you well in your quest.

Thank you so much for the input. I am inclined to agree with you that our Thomas Flynn did not serve in Africa. The 7761 and 56837 come from his medal card. We know he was a Connaught Ranger in WW1 due to the famous Daily Sketch article and photos, so if I recall correclty, I eliminated all the other Thomas Flynns who had medal cards, leaving me with 7761. Unfortunately there are 7 borthers so I have done so much research that I may have got lines crossed. I would be happy to know if this is not the case. Thank you once again for your valuable input.
I cannot attach the photo due to file size, but if you google "flynn brothers 1914 daily sketch" it will appear.

I am not sure that the medal card 7761 and 56837 is your man. As previously mentioned the 7761 suggests 1903 enlistment. I personally don't think that medal card is your Thomas Flynn. However, I have enclosed another card for you to consider. The only issue is that it does not record Thomas's reserve Battalion number 3953 for the Connaughts for 1911 to 1914. Sorry to muddy the waters, but I thought the address was relavant on the pension card. However, there are 2 more regimental numbers for you to consider. 645506 & 6544. Just a quick question, do you or the family have any medals awarded to Thomas?

WW1 information / Connaught Rangers for your records.