William Linford Waterloo Medal Roll

[maggie b]

Ancestry shows that Wm Linford was a private in the 1st Battalion 52nd Regiment of Foot, sub unit Capt John Shiddons Co and that he was awarded the Waterloo Medal. I am trying to find out if this is my ancestor William Linford born Wakefield Yorkshire abt 1787. Census info for 1851 show him living in Wakefield with wife Martha and he describes himself as " Chelsea Pensioner". Martha dies in 1854 and the 1861 census shows William aged 74 now resident in The Royal Chelsea Hospital; he dies there in 1884. Does anyone have access to records with additional information about soldiers in the Waterloo campaign or advice about tracking down a more detailed army/pensioner record? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks Maggie B

[keyboard86]

Hi in 1841:-

William Linford 50 occ Labourer
Martha 50
John 15
Amos 13
Ann 8
Residing at Halifax Road, Wakefield
Census ref HO107/1271/ 2/30 / 11

Will look into if this is your 1851 William
Keyboard86

[km1971]

Hi Maggie

His service record - well one and a bit pages - is on Findmypast. It confirms he received two years extra pensionable service for being at Waterloo.

As he was alive in 1847 it would be worth going back to Ancestry and look for any medals he may have been awarded for the war against France and the USA.

Ken

[maggie b]

Thanks for such prompt responses. Yes, the 1841 census details you found is my ancestor; I'm interested in the "Find My Past" army record, does it confirm that the William Linford named is the same year of birth (1787) and from Wakefield??
Maggie B

[keyboard86]

Hi again yes it does, 2 records for him, he signed up 25th November 1811, will leave details for you to look up!
Keyboard86

[Martin Aaron]

Hi, I had a William Linford listed as Born St Neots, Hunts. Enlisted 52nd Foot 1799. Discharged 1817 aged 36.
Is that the wrong man?

Many thanks on helping me clear this up

Martin

[maggie b]

Hi Martin
I think there has been confusion due to there being military records for 2 William Linfords. I initially thought mine was the one who was awarded the Waterloo Medal, but further record searching has revealed my William Linford (from Wakefield) enlisted in the 34th Regiment of Foot in November 1811and that he lost his right arm at Arroyo dos Molnos during the course of the Peninsular War in 1811. Consequently I doubt very much he was fighting at Waterloo! Your records for the other Wm Linford are probably correct, sorry to have confused you.
best wishes
Maggie B

[Martin Aaron]

Oh ok, thanks! I thought it was a bit strange. Losing an arm in the Peninsula is just as impressive as being at Waterloo in my book!

All the best

Martin