Hi Iain,
Some info Uniform of Scots Fusiliers Guards, 1856 its not his photo.
info on Robert Firth he was a Chelsea pensioner,
Private No 1758 Attested (joined) 13 Aug 1833 aged 18 so born circa 1815, Acomb Regiment - Scots Guards Discharge - London 25 Nov 1850 - being unfit for further service Was admitted to hospital Aug 21 1850 with dislocation of the right thumb, the bone was rendered almost bare of flesh; it was with difficulty reduced. In about a week the accident was followed by violent inflamation of the hand and arm and the bone died. Amputation was obliged to be performed on the 14th of September to save the hand and life. The injury was occasioned by his falling off an omnibus in the London Road, a certificate to that effect was sent by an M.d; who had endeavored in vain to reduce the dislocation; about 10 pm. The accident occurred off Duty. Opinion of principal medical officer - London 23 Nov 1850 Unfit in consequence of loss of thumb of right hand
Robert Forth (Firth ) Private No 1758 Scots Guards Court Martial - 30 Oct 1850
Court Martial - 30 Oct 1850 Private Robert Firth No 1758 of Lieut Col Charles Seymour's company, 1st Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards is brought Prisoner before the court. Charge - For having become maimed or mutilated by the loss of the thumb of his right hand at London on or about the 14th day of September 1850. Pleaded not guilty,
Evidence of Surgeon major. Finding - accidental injury so acquitted of intentional mutilation and is unfit for service.
Robert Forth (Firth ) Private No 1758 Private No 1758 Scots Guards ( Personal Stats )
Discharged London 10th December 1850 Age - 35 4/12 years Height - 5 ft 10 1/8 inches Hair - Lt brown Eyes - Hazel Complexion - Fair Trade - Labourer Marks, etc - on the right scapula Intended place of residence - York Rob Forth 45
Rob Forth 45 occ Pensioner Army/Labourer b Acomb Harriett 36 b York Harriett 18 Daugh occ Milliner b York Charles Son 9 b York Rob Son 4 b Middlesbrough Hannah Daugh 1 b Middlesbrough James Son 18 Occ Seaman b Hull Residing at 15, Richmond Street, Middlesbrough Census
Occupation 1861 Platelayer on Victorian Railway.
Victorian platelayer himself, stated that the platelayer was the ‘most neglected man in the service
1860, W.M. Mills stated that on Britain’s 8863 miles of railway there were 8598 platelayers. Gangs of platelayers were marshalled under a foreman or ganger, and were allocated a section of line to look after. This had to be inspected twice a day and any faults in the track’s gauge, level and superelevation were to be mended by using their picks, shovels, hammers, wrenches and track gauges. They also had to maintain line side fences and keep the culverts clear,[2] as well as retrieve any item that may have fallen from a train.[3] All these tasks were to be done in all weathers.
