Thomas Sheedy bc1788 Kilfinnan.
Soldier in the 5th Dragoon Guards
by Jenny Fawcett
	Thomas Sheedy was discharged from the Inniskillen 5th Dragoon Guards on the 
20th April 1813, at the age of 'about 25 years'.# At the time of discharge he was 
serving in "Col Bland's 5th Draggon Guards"(sic) and held the rank of Private.
His records state that Thomas enlisted on the 19th Dec 1807 when 19 years of age, and 
that he was born at Kilfinnan, Limerick.
	Thomas served 5 years and 140 days in the army, he had suffered a gunshot wound
to the arm at 'Salomancha' (Salamanca) on the 22nd July 1812, and at the time of 
discharge was deemed 'Unfit for further service".The discharge was 
	'..given at Canterbury 20 Apr 1813 R D Cane. Capt Crossing Depot.' 

	Thomas was described as being a Servant by trade, he was 5' 10 and had light
brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion.

A History of the 5th Dragoon Guards  
show that the regiment served at Salamanca during the Peninsula
Wars,where the 5th Dragoon Guards captured the  Staff of the Drum Major of the 
French 66th Infantry Regiment.At this time it is stated that the regiment was 
lead by Colonel Sir William Ponsenby.The website claims that the Duke of Wellington
was so impressed with the 'Inniskilling's who took part in this charge' that
he commissioned a statue of an Inniskilling Dragoon to be erected on the Wellington 
Memorial in Hyde Park.

Andrew Jackson's website Peninsula Wars records that on the 17th of June
Lord Wellington advanced  into Spain upon the town of Salamanca." Wellington now found 
himself opposed by Marmont's "Army of Portugal".
	"...the morning of 22nd July saw engagements breaking out between the 
	two armies as they curved eastwards in parallel to the south of Salamanca.'"

	Note:	It was on this day, the 22nd of July, that Thomas Sheedy 
		received a wound to his arm.

July the 22nd at Salamanca (Letters from the Battlefield by Major Wm Warre)

Lord Wellington's description of the battle, and list of losses



Thomas Sheedy

born c:		1788. Kilfinnan. Limerick. Ireland

History:	

c1782		Thomas Sheedy born Kilfinnan, Limerick.Ireland.

1807		December 2nd. Thomas Sheedy enlisted in Army.

1812.		July 22nd. Thomas Sheedy received gunshot wound in arm 
		at 'Salomancha' (sic).

1813		April 20th. Thomas Sheedy discharged from the Army.
		Discharged from "Col.Bland's Regiment. 5th Draggon (Dragoon?) Guards.
		notes: Served 5 years 140 days. 

# = PRO. England.	WO 121 131 9 Thomas Sheedy of Kilfinnan.
			(kindly supplied by Marion La Rooij, N.Z)