Thomas Grady VC DCM (1831 - 1891)

Born 18 Sep 1831 in Claddagh, County Galway, Ireland

Husband of Catherine (Daveny) Grady — married 6 Aug 1855 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England

Died 18 May 1891 at age 59 in Saint Kilda, Victoria (Australia)

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kenneth Evans [send private message]

Biography

Thomas Grady VC DCM is Notable.

Thomas Grady VC DCM

Thomas Grady VC DCM was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 8th June 1853, Thomas enlisted at Liverpool, under age, in the British Army's 99th Foot (2nd Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment); the regiment was then stationed in the Colony of Victoria. In February 1854 he transferred to the 4th Regiment of Foot (later The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment) and mobilised for service in the Crimean War. He volunteered on 18th October 1854 at Sebastopol, to repair embrasures of the Sailors' Battery; carrying out the task under very heavy fire from gun batteries. Thomas was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery in the face of the enemy.^[2] The following month, his gallantry continued as he, although severely wounded, refused to seek treatment as the unit repulsed a strong Russian attack. His example inspired those of the weakened British force to maintain their position. Although recommended for a second Victoria Cross, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for this act (the original Victoria Cross warrant did not allow for a second award prior to the presentation of the first award).^[3] Thomas' VC was presented at the first investiture of the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria, on 26th June 1857 at Hyde Park, London.^[4] For his service in the war, Thomas was also awarded the:

• Crimean War Medal with Clasps for Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol
• Crimea Medal (Sultan of Turkey)

Whilst recuperating from his wounds, Thomas married Catherine Daveny in 1855 at Liverpool, Lancashire.^[5] Is there any finer rehabilitation?

Thomas Grady VC DCM migrated from England to Western Australia.

After travelling back to Galway in 1859, Thomas and Catherine migrated to Western Australia, arriving at Fremantle on 9th June 1862 aboard the Norwood. They moved on to Victoria in November 1866 aboard the Gem.^[6]

In later life, Thomas and Catherine fell on difficult times financially. The Argus newspaper of 18th June 1890 reported: "Two months ago a distressing circumstance came under our notice. We found inhabiting an old brick kiln at the foot of Victoria street, Collingwood, a crippled old man and a paralysed wife in utter starvation, destitution, and rags. The woman was removed to St. Vincent de Paul's Home, in Little Lonsdale street, where she still remains. The husband is in want, and his small military pension can barely support him. His name is Thomas Grady, late private in HM 4th Foot." That same year, Thomas and Catherine's 28 year-old son, Martin, passed away. Catherine passed away in 1891 at the Northcote Convent and Thomas passed on 18th May 1891 at the Immigrants' Home, Saint Kilda, Victoria.^[7] All three are buried together in Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Victoria.^[8]

Thomas' Victoria Cross was donated by his family to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 1986.

Sources

1. ↑ UK, Victoria Cross Medals, 1857-2007

   Name: Thomas Grady

   Birth Date: 18 Sep 1831

   Birth Place: Cheddah, Galway, Ireland

   Death Date: 18 May 1891

   Death Place: Immigrants Home, St Kilda, Drysdale, Victoria, Australia

2. ↑ London Gazette 23 June 1857 Issue:22014Page:2165; accessed 6 Jul 2019
3. ↑ Australian War Memorial: Victoria Cross Private T Grady, 4th Regiment of Foot; accessed 6 Jul 2019
4. ↑ VC Online: Thomas Grady; accessed 6 Jul 2019
5. ↑ UK FreeBMD Marriage Index Sep qtr 1855, vol 8b, page 54
6. ↑ Crimean War Veterans in Western Australia; accessed 6 Jul 2019
7. ↑ [yet to be located]
8. ↑ Find-a-Grave; accessed 6 Jul 2019

See also

• Wikipedia profile: Thomas Grady; accessed 6 Jul 2019.