Lance Corporal Patrick Carthy was born in approximately 1821 in Johnstown, Wicklow, Ireland. He was a turned by trade. On the 15th December 1841 he enlisted at Mullingar, Athlone into the 82nd of Foot.  

In May 1848, he gained a good conduct stripe and pay, but lost it in September the same year. He was tried and imprisoned for three days in December 1853 for habitual drunkenness.  

On the 1st April 1854, Patrick was transferred to the 95th Derbyshire Regiment of Foot. He was imprisoned again for being drunk when he should have been on guard duty in the trenches on the 2nd September 1855. Patrick was imprisoned for 14 days hard labour but was released after five days.  

He served in the Crimean War of 1854-65 and served in the Indian Rebellion for five years. On the 1st December 1858, he was promoted to Corporal but was reduced in rank due to drunkenness in April 1860. In April 1862, he regained the rank of Corporal.  

In November 1859, he contracted acute Hepatitis at Neemuch and was sent to Randalla for a change of air. He rejoined the Regiment at Poona and was placed on light duty in July 1862. On the 21st September 1862, he suffered an attack of acute pain. On the 15th November 1862, the Regimental Board at Poona recommended discharge. On the 26th May 1863, he was discharged at Netley with a total service of 20 years 324 days.