Officer on half-pay 1817-1832

[centrehalf]

My ancestor came home to Scotland after his regiment was reduced in 1817. He was a Captain on half-pay. His service return of 1828 confirms he was till on it then and remained until death in 1832.

Would his half-pay have been enough to live on during this period or would he have had to work too?

Any thoughts or help would be helpful. Thanks

Will

[MaxD]

This table will give you the figure http://www.napoleonguide.com/ukwages.htm  You should then be able to compare it with cost of living of the time through one or other of :
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cost+of+living+1800+england&rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB703GB703&oq=cost+of+living+1800s&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l2.6773j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 (Google cost of living 1800)

MaxD

[centrehalf]

thank you Max

[centrehalf]

Was it common for an officer to be on half-pay for so long 1817 - 1832?

[MaxD]

There were different reasons for a man to go on half pay, one of which was "at his own request".  It was also a sort of pension in some cases in the event of sickness or the like.  This looks as if it might be the latter.  Are you able to post his name and regiment.

The 1830 regulations which aren't much different I believe from those they superseded can be read here:
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Irw8AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA624&lpg=PA624&dq=half+pay+at+his+own+request&source=bl&ots=p2WhtN2mDg&sig=IMPhTpobnpD-xJR2B5CdcIN4HUQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0svmy0pXWAhWkIsAKHaf9DksQ6AEIODAG#v=onepage&q=half%20pay%20at%20his%20own%20request&f=false

MaxD

[centrehalf]

hi Max

Captain John White 3rd Ceylon Regiment

[MaxD]

Had hoped to find a London Gazette entry - no luck!

MaxD

[centrehalf]

ah - what would it have revealed if there was one?

[MaxD]

It may have revealed the reason although given that the regiment disbanded, retirement on  half pay would seem the most likely.

MaxD