Thomas Durham

This is a strange story and I had mentioned it before. But thanks to my friend Graham Whitt (Australia) we are slowly getting some clarity.

For most of my life I thought that my grandmother's (Agnes Leahnora) father (GG Grandfather on mums side) was Antonio Wet (From Italy). But it's almost certain now that this is not the case.

Agnes Leahnora looks to be the daughter of Lydia Durham. Lydia's mother, Felista (Antonio Wets wife)  was previously married to Thomas Durham and Felista and Thomas and children (Including Lydia) came to NZ where Thomas later died and Felista remarried Antonio. We think Antonio and Felistea must have adopted Lydia's child. (Father unknown as yet)

Graham has been researching Thomas's background and we have various bit of information.
He was in the English Royal Navy and served in several important and well known campaigns.

• The Crimea 1854-55 (Against Russia) see LINK for background. He was on board the HMS Apollo and was awarded the Crimea medal.
• India. Where he was awarded the India medal with clasps for the relief of Lucknow in 1857 and another for the capture of Lucknow in 1858. He served on the HMS Shannon for these.

All of these campaigns make for interesting reading if you look them up. Of course the Crimea is famous for the battle of Balaklava.
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HMS Shannon

Lively Class Frigate (Left) same as HMS Apollo



Crimea Medal listing (Thomas is near the bottom)



India Medal Listing (Thomas is near the top)