Thomas FLETCHER. Late Lieutenant Colonel, Ceylon Rifle Regiment. Born 1786 in Ireland to Reverend Stephen and Mary Fletcher. He retired in 1845, died in Malta on his return after a long period on the 8th March 1846 aged 60. Ensign, 28th July 1803, Lieutenant, 13th March 1805, Captain, 12th March 1810, Major, 6th December 1827, Lieutenant Colonel 27th February 1835 - 26th January 1844. At rest in Msida Bastion Cemetery, Floriana, Malta.
Credit
http://www.jbsoul.supanet.com/webpages/fletcher.html
Thomas Fletcher, memorial stone in the church of Kandy, Sri Lanka:
To Lieut-Colonel Thomas Fletcher, who for 11 years held the Command of the Ceylon Rifles, conjoined latterly with that of the troops in these provinces, this tablet is erected by his brother officers
to commemorate their deep sorrow at his loss and to bear record
to the military worth for which he was so highly appreciated as
a soldier, the zeal and rectitude that marked his public service
and the amiable, sincere and social virtues that endeared him to
all and adorned his character as a man. Having served his early
life at the Peninsula and Walcheren in the 6th Foot, and been present at Roleia, Vimera and Corruna, he was appointed to the Ceylon Regiment in 1810, was actively employed in the Kandian operations in 1814 and 1818 and after 35 years of Civil and Military duties in Ceylon, he retired and died at Malta on the 8th March, 1846, aged 60 when returning to his native land
(Wills and Probate, Ancester.co.uk) Probate dated 16th April 1847.
Short extract from his will. Thomas Fletcher, Lt Colonel in H.M.Ceylon Rifle Regiment at present stationed at Kandy, Ceylon. He left his effects to three sisters, Sophia Jane, Maria Sarah Alicia Fletcher and Syona Maria Sweethenham and two brothers, William Fletcher, Assistant Commissary General to H.M.Forces and William Pole Fletcher, Solicitor, residing in Dublin. Dated 12th February 1847.
