Private Thomas Devely was born in Kilcornor, near Cranmore, County Galway in 1818 and enlisted in the 13th Regiment in 1838. In acion with his Regiment in the First Afghan War, he was present at the entry into Candahar in June 1839 and the subsequent action at the Helmud River. Devely was also present with his Regiment at Cabul from 1839 to 1842 and served in the various operations around that city, leading to the occupation of Jellalabad in November 1841 and its subsequent defence. He and his Regiment were besieged in the city from 12.11.1841 to 7.4.1842. On the latter date the Regiment made a sortie from the city driving off the besiegers and in this action Devely was wounded by a musket ball. Recovering, he was present at the battle for Tezeen Pass on 13.9.1842 and took part in the entry into Cabul two days later. For his services he was awarded the Jellalabad and Cabul Medals. Returning to England in 1845 he gained three Good Conduct Badges and in 1856, the L.S. and G.C. Medal. Devely was discharged in 1857 through ill-health.