5th Regiment of Foot

[sgrollitt]

James Bowden was born about 1821 in Tullyallen, Co Louth, Ireland, and was recorded on 7 Jun 1847 as a deserter at Devonport, England. He was in the Fifth Fusiliers.

On the 25 July 1847, the ship Resistance left Devonport with 600 rank and file of the 1st Battallion of the 5th Fusiliers. They left for Mauritius. It looks like James didn't want to go! Did they make him? The 5th was one of the regiments closest to India and were attached to columns that relieved isolated European posts.

On 8 Sep 1863, James Bowden born 29 Sep 1821 in Tullyallen, Drogheda, aged 42, appeared in the records of the Royal Chelsea Hospital for Pensioners. He had been a Private in the Fifth Foot, 1 Battalion. 1863 was the date "of pension, admission, or examination". So he wasn't executed for desertion back in 1847, and carried on his military career.

Also seen in "UK Royal Navy Seamen": James Bowden born 29 Sep 1821 in Drogheda, Ireland. His service number was 21096. He served between 1845 and 1854.

Can anyone see this man's service record? Thank you.

[ShaunJ]

His army discharge papers are viewable on FindMyPast. He had rejoined the regiment in August 1847 and was court-martialled for desertion (84 days imprisonment with hard labour).