RootsChat.Com

General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Mercian7 on Friday 08 December 17 12:16 GMT (UK)

Title: Stange entry on 1860 army muster
Post by: Mercian7 on Friday 08 December 17 12:16 GMT (UK)

Hi

I am going through WO 12/3756 which are the army musters for 1860-1861 for 20th Regiment of Foot and have come across an interesting entry in the "reasons for absence from musters" and cannot find what it means. The entry reads "Bulls Fatigue" . I took a photograph which is attached. Has anyone ever come across this before and knows what it means?
many thanks
John

Title: Re: Stange entry on 1860 army muster
Post by: MaxD on Friday 08 December 17 14:10 GMT (UK)

I believe it says Butts Fatigue(s).  The letter "l" in other words is looped and the "t" mostly do not have their cross piece.  Butts fatigue, working in the butts at a rifle range.

There are a number of references in contemporary newspapers in the 1850-1900 period in accounts of army doings referring to the "butts fatigue party" and "butts fatigue men".

MaxD

Title: Re: Stange entry on 1860 army muster
Post by: jim1 on Friday 08 December 17 16:02 GMT (UK)

Well done MaxD. Had me going.

Title: Re: Stange entry on 1860 army muster
Post by: Mercian7 on Sunday 10 December 17 11:59 GMT (UK)

Tanks Max That makes perfect sense. I think they just didnt cross the 't's on the muster.