Claim: Thomas Hardcastle Sykes, married to Mary Platt, daughter of John Platt, an English manufacturer of textile machinery and Liberal politician, was a captain in the 20th Cheshire Royal Volunteers.
Evidence: Sykes married Mary Platt, daughter of John Platt, of Platt Brothers textile manufacturer and MP for Oldham. John Platt (16 September 1817 – 18 May 1872) ) was an English manufacturer of textile machinery and Liberal politician. He was also a captain in the 20th Cheshire Royal Volunteers.