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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: SarahMH on Thursday 17 August 17 01:28 BST (UK)

Title: Peninsula Medal Roll
Post by: SarahMH on Thursday 17 August 17 01:28 BST (UK)

Without a trip to England, I'm trying to figure out if an ancestor was in the army in an attempt to explain how a nice girl from Sicily ended up in Norfolk!  I have found a soldier that matches up in terms of name and age and dates.  However, he appears on the Peninsula Medal Roll for the 5th Regiment of Foot.  My ancestor died in 1825.  There aren't any other soldiers I've found with his name (Thomas Maw).

So, was the Roll those who were eligible for the medal or those that claimed it?  And if the latter, is there any evidence that it may have been claimed by relatives who shouldn't have?

Thanks,
Sarah
Wellington, NZ

Title: Re: Peninsula Medal Roll
Post by: mirl on Thursday 17 August 17 04:01 BST (UK)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleonic_Wars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Naples#Napoleonic_Kingdom_of_Naples

Both articles talk about the British defending Sicily from Napoleonic forces during this period so your fellow may well have moved from Portugal/Spain to Naples/Sicily or vive versa.

Title: Re: Peninsula Medal Roll
Post by: solidrock on Thursday 17 August 17 04:16 BST (UK)

Is this him?

Thomas Maw. b1791 Wisbich, Norfolk. Private, 5th Regt Of Infantry. Attestation date 01 Feb 1809. Discharged in 1821 on health grounds.

Title: Re: Peninsula Medal Roll
Post by: SarahMH on Thursday 17 August 17 05:09 BST (UK)

I think so.  He was from West Winch, Norfolk.  Wisbech is in Cambridgeshire.  But his military service dates line up for the times he was known to be in Norfolk.  The Peninsula Medal Roll is thing that makes me wonder if I have got the right man, as Thomas died in 1825.

Title: Re: Peninsula Medal Roll
Post by: solidrock on Thursday 17 August 17 05:31 BST (UK)

There is a Wisbech in Norfolk near Kings Lynn. West Winch is also nearby.