Private Thomas Powell was born in the Parish of Kilmaloagh Gort, Galaway and attested for the 5th Dragoon Guards in December 1841, aged 19 years. Tall for a Cavalryman of the period - standing at five feet 11 inches - he is verified as having been present with his Regiment in the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, and afterwards at Inkermann and Sebastopol. Powell was discharged at Dublin in March 1867.