India: Thomas Stringer married 1840 Chunar. Looking for his birth

[Scrabble]

Hi

I am researching this family for a friend and have got back to Thomas Stringer born c.1815 (according to marriage record) married Matilda Lyons in Chunar India in 1840. He was in the army and his childrens' christening records state that his occupation was:
1843 Gunner Artillery Invalids
1845 Corpl. Artillery Invalids
1845 Sgt. 6th Battn. Artillery
1850 Sgt. 3rd Compy. 5th Battn. Artillery
all of these at Chunar, India.

I am unable to find his birth or his death although he was recorded as "deceased" when two of his sons married in 1877.

I am guessing that the best place to look now is his service record. Do I have to go to the British Library for that or are there any sources online please? And does anyone else have any other suggestions? This is my first time researching in British India so all advice would be welcomed.

Thanks, Scrabble

[Seaton Smithy]

Hi Scrabble.

If Thomas died while still in military service you won't find his service record.  I have been advised on the Military boards here while searching for relatives of my own that when the death occurred during service the record was destroyed.

[ShaunJ]

Not the British Army, but the private army of the Honourable East India Company.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunar_Fort for the history of Chunar Fort .

[Scrabble]

Thank you both for your input.

It is not looking very hopeful. Nothing on FIBIS or FindMyPast for Thomas except his marriage and children's baps. I am not sure where to look now.

Scrabble

[Seaton Smithy]

The India Office Family Search sometimes has records that aren't on FIBIS:

http://indiafamily.bl.uk/ui/Advancediscovery.aspx

I don't think it has anything for your man, though.