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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Martin Aaron on Wednesday 04 March 09 17:23 GMT (UK)
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If you have any ancestors who fought at Waterloo (or you wonder if they might have done!) I'd be very interested to hear from you.
I keep a database of all BRITISH combatants and am always looking for more data to add.
Many thanks
Martin Aaron
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Hi Martin
What sort of info do you need? I have this from Kew on my 3x greatUncle (Discharge paper)
NAS entry WO97/1001/34
James Jaffrey, born Barony, Lanarkshire, served in the 91st Regiment 1811-1826, aged 35 on discharge.
Served at Waterloo and in Jamaica
Discharged in consequence of Dropsy and visceral disease after nearly 16 years service
Described as 5'7", brown hair, dark eyes, brown complexion
Sylvia
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Hi,
I recently found one of my ancesters deat certificate and it states that he was a pensioner from the 2nd Dragoons. He died at 1 Thorn Court, Lord Street, Hulme on 21 January 1847.
His name was Robert Hunter, aged 76 when he died.
I found a Private Robt Hunter on the 1815 Waterloo medal roll on Findmypast.com
That's all I know about Robert and am guessing they are one in the same.
Living with him on the 1841 census was a William Hunter aged 15.
It states Robert as born in Scotland but William as born in Lancashire.
Can you confirm anything or provide any further knowledge?
Thanks
Paul
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Hi Paul
As you say, there was a Robert Hunter at Waterloo in the Scots Greys, born Kelso, Roxburgh. Enlisted 1805. Discharged 1816 aged 26.
These dates don't seem to tally with your chap as he would only have been around 57 years old in 1847.
Seems odd though, perhaps the dates are wrong? Or perhaps your Robert Hunter was the father of the Robert Hunter at Waterloo, it was quite a family regiment and there are 4 men named Hunter in the Scots Greys at Waterloo.
The Robert Hunter at Waterloo was in No.6 Fenton's Troop which suffered the worst casualties of the Regiment - 41 casualties out of a nominal strength of 76 men (more like 55 actually in action) - with 18 killed, 5 died of wounds, 18 other wounded.
Hope this is of interest.
Regards
Martin
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Hi Martin,
I have just been on the National Archives website and in WO97/70 they have a Robert Hunter, born NEWTON, Ayrshire, who served in the 2nd Dragoons. Discharged aged 52.
It then states the Covering dates 1793-1824. I assume he was 52 in 1824 which gves him a birth date of around 1772 which could make him my ancester.
It would therefore assum he did not go to Waterloo but as you say the other Rober Hunter could be a relative?
Thanks again
Paul
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Hi Martin, I don't know if you can throw any light on this.
Just before Christmas I had an interesting phone call from my cousin. He took a bag of his dad's second World War medals to show the boys at the Boys' Brigade he helps run. One of the other helpers there is a history teacher. Anyway amongst the medals were two they didn't recognise and when they looked closer one was a Waterloo Campaign medal and the other was from the American War of Independence both for a John Mills, First Battalion, 4th Regiment of Foot.
I then started to trace the family back and got back to an Edmund Mills born in Barbados in 1822, I think this may have been John's son as I believe the regiment were in the West Indies.
Can you help at all?
Jan
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Hi,
I believe my 3x great grandfather Benjamin Piers Gilbert born 1787 may have fought at Waterloo. There is a family story that he “blew the charge”. I know that for a time he was principle trumpeter in King George IV’s private orchestra, but apart from that I can find nothing on him.
Any information, especially on Waterloo would be gratefully received.
Thanks, Louise.
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Just before Christmas I had an interesting phone call from my cousin. He took a bag of his dad's second World War medals to show the boys at the Boys' Brigade he helps run. One of the other helpers there is a history teacher. Anyway amongst the medals were two they didn't recognise and when they looked closer one was a Waterloo Campaign medal and the other was from the American War of Independence both for a John Mills, First Battalion, 4th Regiment of Foot.
I then started to trace the family back and got back to an Edmund Mills born in Barbados in 1822, I think this may have been John's son as I believe the regiment were in the West Indies.
Can you help at all?
Jan
Perhaps I can field that one till Martin comes along. :)
Do you have a description of this mystery second medal?
Assuming it's to the same chap, John Mills, 1/4th F, it's most unlikely to be from the American War of Independence which was fully 40 years prior to Waterloo. If he was old enough to be fighting in America in 1775ish, he would be pushing 60 at the youngest at the time of Waterloo!! Most unlikely indeed ::)
More plausibly it's something to do with the War of 1812 (which continued into 1814 and 1815 despite its name). The 1/4th Foot were on the Atlantic coast of the US in 1814 (battle of Bladensburg and other minor actions) and then in the New Orleans campaign in Jan 1815.
However (another fly in the ointment ;D), there was no campaign medal that covered those particular actions. The later Military General Service Medal covered some actions from the War of 1812, but not Bladensburg or New Orleans.
Just before going to the US though, the 1/4th were fighting their way through Spain in the Peninsular War (a busy time!). So my best bet it that it's an MGS for the Spanish campaigns, although if thats true there would be no immediately obvious American connection from looking at the medal itself ???
If you have a description I'm sure we can clear up the uncertainty.
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Hi,
I believe my 3x great grandfather Benjamin Piers Gilbert born 1787 may have fought at Waterloo. There is a family story that he “blew the charge”. I know that for a time he was principle trumpeter in King George IV’s private orchestra, but apart from that I can find nothing on him.
Any information, especially on Waterloo would be gratefully received.
Thanks, Louise.
Louise,
Trumpet-Major Benjamin Gilbert, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons :D
The "charge" referred to was the famous Charge of the Union Brigade at Waterloo.
Union Brigade - 1st Royal Dragoons, 2nd Royal North British Dragoons (Scots Greys) and 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons
There should be lots on info on the charge if you google it, but here's one to start you off
http://waterloobattletours.users.btopenworld.com/index_files/Page4615.htm
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Hi Neil
I'm not sure if I can give much more information, as I said, these medals belong to my cousin, and he's not very good at answering e-mails! This is from the original message he sent me:
"Both medals definitely mention 4th Foot, one of them gives his rank as Corporal. The Waterloo medal has a bar across the ribbon which says Bladensburg Peninsular but no date. The other medal is just a General Service medal and does not mention any dates apart from 1793-1814 which I think are the dates of the regiment concerned although which regiment that was I really do no know as there is no mention apart from "1st Battalion, 4th Foot". I know they are quite valuable as I looked up a web site which detailed what these things have been sold for and also the general condition of each medal sold. The medal itself is in pretty good condition but the ribbon is a bit tatty, but then they say that you should not clean these thing unless done by an expert"
Any good?
Thanks for your interest
Jan
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Jan,
Ah OK, it becomes a bit clearer :)
The Bladensburg/Peninsular clasp(s) on the Waterloo medal are not official government issue, they would be privately or perhaps regimentally issued. Nothing wrong with that really, and indeed makes it all the more interesting.
And at least we know now it's the War of 1812 !!
If the other medal has the dates 1793-1814 and is decribed as General Service then that pretty much clinches it as the MGS. The MGS roll does have a Cpl John Mills, 4th Foot as well. It should have 4 clasps on it: Salamanca, Vittoria, San Sebastian, Nive.
Here's the medal anyway:
http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/militarygeneralservice1793_1814.htm
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Thanks Neil
I'll pass that information on.
Jan
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Hi
This thread is getting a bit complicated, not sure who I'm replying to!
I have a Private John Mills, born Needham, Norfolk, Enlisted 1811. Fought in Peninsula at Salamanca, Vitoria, San Sebastian, Nive. Served at capture of New Orleans 1815. Prisoner of War. Returned from POW 27th Feb 1815. Discharged 1828 aged 37. MGS awarded (to Corporal) 1848 with four clasps for the above Peninsula battles.
At Waterloo he served in the Grenadier Company - No.6 (or Kipling's). The company suffered 12 casualties out of 56 (22%).
Hope this is of interest
Martin
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Hi Louise
I have Trumpet Major Benjamin Gilbert, born St Michael's, London. Enlisted 1800. Discharged 1818 aged 31. Trumpet Major is actually quite a rare rank, being the senior Trumpeter in the Regiment so maybe the old story is true!
He was in No.1 Troop, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (Holbech's Troop). This Troop suffered the worst casualties of the Regiment at Waterloo with 17 killed, 2 died of wounds, and 9 wounded out of a nominal strength of 73.
Hope this is of interest
Regards
Martin
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RE: John Mills
Hi Martin
Thanks for that information, it seems to fit with what my cousin knows.
Have you any idea where the regiment was in 1822, or know how I can find out? I've traced the Mills family backwards to an Edmund Mills born 1822 in Barbados, so age wise this could be John's son. I'm going to do a bit of double checking and then send for his marriage certificate.
Jan
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Hi Neil and Martin,
Thank you both for the information, it is certainly a lot to tell the family. :o One last thing you may be able to help me with. Benjamin’s son William Gilbert is listed on the 1851 census as, “ A soldier” followed by 6th then something illegible that could be dragoons. Is it likely that a son would have followed his father into the same regiment?
Thank you again for your help,
Louise
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Hi Louise
Short answer - yes!
Many children "born into the regiment" joined as soon as they were old enough.
Martin
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Hi Martin,
I don't know whether I've been looking in the wrong places ... but I can't figure out whether the 4th Light Dragoons were at Waterloo?
My 3xgt grandfather, James Dixon - possibly James John, or John James - (b. "St Andrew, London" on 1841 Census, which gives his birth at around 1790), was an officer with the 4th, and there's a problem with the date he became an officer (1809 or 1819?) . Therefore I have no idea whether he was even old enough to have been at this battle.
Any sign of him in your lists?
Cheers, Deb
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Hi Deb
No, the 4th Light Dragoons were not at Waterloo.
Regards
Martin
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Thanks for your help Martin,
Louise.
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Thanks, Martin :)
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I have an ancestor Alexander Campbell born Tyree c1772 married to Catherine McLean. Her death certificate says he was soldier in 79th Reg of Foot. He is not in 1841 census but she is listed as an annuitant. Someone says they read on a message board that he was killed at Waterloo. Is there any way to confirm this.
Thanks
Martin
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Hi Martin,
Joseph Bastow (b. 1789, Yorkshire) was a Private in the Household Cavalry Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, serving in Captain J. Thoyt's Troop at the Battle of Waterloo. When he retired, he converted a few houses in Meltham, Yorks into a public house called "The Life Guardsman". He was also a boot and shoemaker. He was married to Hannah Wilson and later to Martha Pearson and had 15 children in total (how did he have the time or energy!!).
Do you have any further info about him (dates, etc.)?
Arkay
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Hello, I'm afraid I still have really mastered RootsChat and how to post separate replies so here goes for both of you! Apologies!
First, there were 3 men named Alexander Campbell in the 79th at Waterloo. One was killed in the battle, one died of his wounds on 11th September (nearly 3 months later) and one was wounded but survived. There is a man of this name on the discharge lists (WO97) but with such a common name (there were dozens of Campbells in the 79th) I would hesitate to say with any certainty that this is your man. Worth a look though perhaps.
Worse still for Private Bastow I'm sorry to say - I don't have any other personal details. His troop (Thoyt's)suffered the worst casualties of the Blues with 20 killed or missing from a nominal strength of 77.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Martin
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Don't worry, Martin. At least I now know the approximate number in his troop, how many were killed or missing and that they were called the "Blues", which is more than I knew before!
Thank you.
Arkay
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Thanks for the quick response. Do you think there is significance in the fact his widow received an annuity. He was I believe a private.
Martin K
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Hi Martin,
My 3 x great grandfather William Langdale was a corporal in the 11th Light Dragoons and stood around at Waterloo. I found him on the list at the national archives and also on this web page :
http://valmayukuk.tripod.com/britishfamily/id19.html which lists quite a few more participants.
William's children were born at locations which mirror the movements of his regiment - Canterbury, Paris and Meerut - and he left a will when he died in 1830 as a serjeant in the regiment at Cawnpore in India (which I obtained from the National Archives).
I know his wife's name was Jane but haven't a clue where he or she originated or Jane's maiden name. Any further information would be very welcome.
Phil
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Martin K
All combatants in the Waterloo campaign received prize money - for Privates this was £2-11-4, a tidy sum in those days. In the case of men killed the money was passed to next of kin. Correspondence regarding these payments can be found at Kew in the WO164 series.
All the best
Martin A
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Phil
Sorry I have no personal details on your man. Intersting you should say he "stood around at Waterloo"! The 11th were indeed only lightly engaged and lost only 6 men from a nominal strength of 443.
William was one of 4 Corporals in Schrieber's Troop which lost 3 men killed - 2 Privates and Lieutenant Edward Phelips.
William would doubtless have served in the Peninsula - the 11th seeing action at Salamanca and the retreat from Burgos.
In 1819 the Regiment was posted to India where it stayed until 1838. In 1826 the 11th took part in the siege of Bhurtpore.
Hope this is of interest, sorry I don't have more detail.
Regards
Martin
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In reply to Arkay, I am a descendant of Capt Thoyts and have done a bit of digging into the events of 18/6/15. The RHG were supposed to have been in reserve when the Household Brigade went into action, but seem to have got somewhat carried away. Attacking around La Haye Sainte, Capt Thoyts' troop as far as I can tell engaged the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps of the L'Armee du Nord to the West of the farm. Initially successful, indeed there is a second hand family record of a captured Eagle (either the 54th or 28th Line), they were counter charged by French cuirassiers (probably 2nd brigade, 13th cavalry division) and a number were captured, including Capt Thoyts. If an Eagle was taken, it was recaptured pretty smartish and the RHG survivors were herded to the rear. Capt Thoyts escaped in the general confusion after the battle (I have seen the location given as either Genappe or Charleroi, the former is plausible, the latter is not unless the escape was not until the following day at least). His promotion to Major was dated 18th June, however the casualty returns for the day list him as missing which does not quite square. It is probable as an officer he was held separately from the men and the fate of the troopers captured alongside him is not known. Incidentally 20 killed and missing from 77 can be considered light in comparison to the 50%+ loss of many of the British heavy cavalry units. The family accounts are all second hand and do not mention other officers or men of the Regiment unfortunately.
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Hi Thoyts, and welcome to Rootschat! Thank you for the additional info about Captain Thoyts and his troop, which I will now print out and add to my files.
Regards,
Arkay
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Hello Martin,
Can you tell me anything about my great great great grandfather ANTHONY HISCOCK?
According to his death certificate he was born about 1793 and he lived in Gussage Dorset.
The Waterloo Medal Roll says that he was a Private in the 2nd Battalion 35th Regiment of Foot, Captain Moulson’s Company.
Any information would be useful, but in particular I would like to know his date of birth, when and where he joined the army, and when he returned to civil life. According to the census he married an Irish woman. Is it true that some of his regiment went to Ireland soon after Waterloo?
Jeff.
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Hello again. Sorry I meant 1793. Jeff. I've now corrected the original.
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Hi Martin
An interesting hobby you have. My g/g/g/ father fought at Waterloo, and I have inherited his Waterloo Medal, which is our oldest heirloom. Unfortunately it does not have its original ribbon, or iron ring, but is in otherwise great condition. He was with 73rd Regiment of Foot, 2nd Batt., As you will probably know, the 73rd Reg. were raised as a second Regiment of The Black Watch, and they played an important role in blunting the charges of the French Cavalry. They sustained fearsome injuries.
My ancestor , Michael Connor , an Irishman, lost his right eye and had his left ankle smashed, both as a result of French grapeshot . Michael was illiterate, as is testified by his X on both enlistment, and discharge papers, which I got poor quality photo-copies of, from LDS microfilm records. Michael was discharged as unfit for further service, as a result of his injuries, and he received a pension of 9d per day. Our family name was misspelled , at time of enlistment, probably because he was illiterate.
I have the book "The 2/73rd at Waterloo" by Alan Lagdan & John Sly, also a reprint of ''The Recollections of Sergeant Morris'', which I think is a marvellous record, by an ordinary soldier, in an era, when only the views of officers, were normally recorded. I think the 73rd played a vital role at the preliminary battle at Quatre Bras, which shaped the course of Waterloo proper. I think the Iron Duke, thought so too.
I'd be pleased to receive any extra info which you may have. Its hard doing research from here in New Zealand, where I am
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Dear Martin,
I think I tried to post an entry before to your site but must have stuffed it up!
I'm trying to search for an ancestor who may have been at Waterloo. His details are as follows:
Surname, Forename HOGG, Mathew
Date of enlistment 1800 10 Aug
Rank Corporal
Regiment 6th Dragoons
He married May 1802 to Elizabeth PAINE/PAYNE in Dartmouth, Devon. (Regiment stationed at Exeter at the time).
He has a child born circa 1811, so he was still alive in 1810.
His wife was buried in Dartmouth, Devon 1828. There is no mention of her being buried with her husband - HOGG is an unusual name for the area.
So it may have been possible that he took part in the Battle of Waterloo. He is not listed in the Waterloo Medal Roll which I assume was only awarded to the survivors.
I would be grateful for any help you can give me about this man.
Cheers,
Helen
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Hello Martin
My Great Great Great Grandfather Was Richard Folke born 1770 in Tenbury Worcestershire he died in Dec 1847 and is buried in Stoke Bliss (ref Tenbury 18 398)
I have been informed that he was in the Army for 16 years and 114 days
He was in the 3rd Regiment of Foot (Buffs)
It is not known if he was at Waterloo but it is believed he was in the Napoleonic Wars
Any information would be appreciated
Kind regards
Eric White
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Hi Martin
My Great, Great, Great Uncle Thomas Sheldon was born in Beeston, Nottinghamshire in 1795. He was at Waterloo in 1815 in the Royal Horse Artillery as a Gunner & Driver.
My attention to his possible involvement in the battle was drawn to research when I discovered in the transcription of his burial the comment ‘Waterloo Man’, which was confirmed when I looked at the scan of the original document at the Nottingham records office. Later I also discovered at the National Archives at Kew his discharge papers and requested a copy which confirmed he served at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He also served in France for 3 years 6 months which would of been possibly before but certainly after the battle and also in England and Ireland. He was medically discharged from the army in 1840 with an ‘exemplary’ record and then worked at the Royal Ordnance Hospital in Woolwich and is showing in the 1841 census as the Driver for the Director General of the Hospital a Capt Webb. His wife Elizabeth Sheldon was also working at the hospital as an Office Keeper together with their children William, Elizabeth, Robert and Sarah (William and Robert I have reason to believe joined the military together with their oldest son Thomas Sheldon who joined the Royal Horse Artillery as well). In the 1851 census they are still showing as working at the hospital and Thomas is the driver for the then retired Director General of the hospital Capt Webb the children are not on the census record with them. In the 1861 Census they have by then moved back to Nottingham and are living in Scont Lane, Arnold, Nottingham and he is listed as a Chelsea Pensioner. He died and was buried on 18/11/1875 at St Mary’s Church in Arnold, Nottingham but there was no memorial erected by his widow, I have yet to discover the area in the graveyard where he was buried, but have found two articles in the newspapers of the time about his life, his death and funeral.
I have discovered that in the actual roll call taken after the battle when the names were recorded his name was taken and looks like Thomas Shelder. His name is entered under the list of the ‘Officers & Privates of the Royal Horse & Foot Artillery’ under Lieutenant Coln A. Dickson’s Troop on page 18 as a Driver at number 813 of the roll call.
I have been in touch with David Milner, a historian for the Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee. The president is His Grace The Duke of Wellington KG,LVO,OBE,MC,DL; The Prince of Waterloo. David has the job of compiling any information about the men who fought in the battle and what happened to them afterwards, and as important is discovering where they are buried. I have given him the most information that he currently has about any of the ordinary soldiers that took part in the battle and also about his life afterwards.
Michael Sheldon
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Hello Martin
My Great Great Great Grandfather Was Richard Folke born 1770 in Tenbury Worcestershire he died in Dec 1847 and is buried in Stoke Bliss (ref Tenbury 18 398)
I have been informed that he was in the Army for 16 years and 114 days
He was in the 3rd Regiment of Foot (Buffs)
It is not known if he was at Waterloo but it is believed he was in the Napoleonic Wars
Any information would be appreciated
Kind regards
Eric White
Eric,
3rd Foot (the Buffs) weren't present at Waterloo, so that's not relevant in this case.
As you say though, they did see plenty of action in the Napoleonic Wars.
Richard Folke died in Dec 1847 so just about lived long enough to claim an MGS medal for his prior service (was only given to veterans who were still alive to claim it).
Richard Folk (as spelled on the roll) - 2 clasp medal for Talavera and Pyrenees.
http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/militarygeneralservice1793_1814.htm
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Thank you Neil
Good of you to take the time and check for me.
Once again thanks
Kind regards
Eric White
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I am trying to find out more about Kenneth Fowler whose name appears on the Waterloo medal roll. He was in Capt Robert Winchester's company of 92nd Highland regiment. His discharge papers are not on FindMyPast military records, nor are those of my 3 x gr grandfather also Kenneth Fowler who served in Royal Artllery. I believe the "Waterloo" Kenneth may be the son of my ancestor, who had a son called Kenneth born in 1798.
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I have been researching the history of my Gt Gt Gt grandfather DAVID SIMPSON.
I discovered a book written by a local minister of the area where my ancestor lived in which he talked about, amongst many other ancestors, David Simpson. David joined the army c1805 and was supposed to have fought at the Battle of Waterloo. He had joined along with two friends namely Alexander Norris and Thomas Wallace.
I have been able to confirm a David Simpson who was in the Royal Horse Artillery received a Waterloo Medal but as yet it has not been confirmed it is my David Simpson. I have confirmed Alex Norris was in the Royal Horse Artillery.
All three returned from the army.
A story recounted in the book "Families of Ballyrashane" says that when David was going away to the army, on one occasion, he was speaking to a Mrs Kilpatrick who asked him to hold her baby while she got some water. She remarked in jest "Davy she might be your wife yet". When he did return he did marry her although she was 25 years younger than him...... my gt gt gt grandmother Sarah!
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Hi doire
There is a David Simpson showing in the Waterloo medal roll as serving as a Gunner under Lt.Colonel R. Bull's Troop and is showing on page 21 at number 1090 of the original roll call.
There is no Alexander Norris listed, but there are 4 people in the roll call called Thomas Wallace but none served in the same troop at David Simpson.
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Thank you for your info particularily the stuff about Thomas Wallace. I have Alex Norris' discharge papers from the Royal Artillery 2nd Battalion as a Gummer/Driver dated 1834 after over 29 years service. He enlisted on 25th April 1805 none of which helps find anything more about David Simpson! At least it gives me a stronger reason to believe the David in the medal roll is my gt gt gt grandfather.
Can anyone let me know how I can find out if he got a pension. He lived in Ballyrashane/Baldershane, Coleraine in N Ireland. I know he was still alive in 1851 so he should have had a pension.
Many thanks.
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Hi Martin, are you still interested in Waterloo participants. I have information and a medal for Trooper Robert Nutter of the RHG if you would care to correspond with me.
kind regards Fred ..
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If you have any ancestors who fought at Waterloo (or you wonder if they might have done!) I'd be very interested to hear from you.
I keep a database of all BRITISH combatants and am always looking for more data to add.
Many thanks
Martin Aaron
Hi Martin This is not actually about an ancestor because mine ,who was with the 2nd Battallion,5th of Foot ( fought at Bussaco) was moved to the Royal Veterens Battalion in 1812 due to foot infection/disease,name, ( George Fricker),and totally discharged in September 1814 at Plymouth.
Had he not had the foot disease and became a Chelsea Pensioner,I have often wondered if would have fought at Waterloo.
Are you able to tell me if the 2nd Battallion,5th of Foot fought at Waterloo ?
I am very grateful for your time.
Thank you,
Respectfully,
phipps
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Please could anyone tell me if there is any way of knowing about children born to soldiers of this period?
My ggg-grandmother was Annetta Kenyon, she was born around 1803 in Ghent. Her brother Levi was born in 1806 in Ghent. They were both British Subjects.
Family history (which is often wrong) says that their father was a "flogger in Wellington's army".
Annetta and Levi were in Manchester, later. Annetta married Ralph Gaunt in Manchester Cathedral. Levi was her witness and they were both illiterate. Annetta's name was given as Jane Kenyon but it's definately her.
I'd be very grateful for any clues.
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Belgium was part of France in this period. As war recommenced in 1803 it is difficult to see why any British subjects were living there. There certain were no British forces in Ghent until 1814-15. You could try searching the overseas/consular/regimental BMDs on sites such as Findmypast, in case their father was a civilian living there.
Doesn't the marriage entry give their father's name? If you can find a name you could look for an army record, again on FindMyPast. However, it would only have been kept if he served long enough to earn a pension. If there is no record you are really at a dead end as all other army records require you to know his regiment.
Ghent was famous for its cloth I believe. Which may be a link with Manchester. As both forenames are not particularly 'english' could they be Mr Kenyon's step children, who adopted his surname? I suggest you research Belguim records, and see if you can do forename searches. Or search the church records in Ghent somehow.
Ken
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Thank you so much for your help.
Unfortunately there are no fathers listed on the mariage record. I have a photocopy of the entry and the only name apart from Ralph and "Jane" is that of Levi. Ralph came from Cheshire and I would doubt that his family could afford to travel to Manchester for the wedding. Annetta and Levi were obviously very close as Levi moved to Cheshire and lived near Annetta. Levi was staying with her during one census. I wondered if their parents were dead when Annetta married. I'll try to get a record of Levi's (later) marriage record in case they were alive.
The step-child idea is new to me and sounds a definate possibility. Thank you.
Were there definately no British regiments in Ghent in 1803 and 1806?
Thank you again for your help. It is VERY kind of you to take the trouble.
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If you have any ancestors who fought at Waterloo (or you wonder if they might have done!) I'd be very interested to hear from you.
I keep a database of all BRITISH combatants and am always looking for more data to add.
Many thanks
Martin Aaron
My g.g.great grandfather, Abraham Ward, was born in Rougham, Suffolk in 1795. He enlisted in the 13th Light Dragoons at Bury St Edmunds in 1813.
He married in 1812 and my g.great grandfather, Abraham James Ward was born in 1818 at Bury St Edmunds.
Abraham Ward (No.147) varied between a Private and a Trumpeter and served with 13th Light Dragoons from 1813 until 1838.He was at Waterloo and later went to India where he served for 19 years.
For the last two years of his service he suffered from Chronic Dysentry and was in hospital for most of that time.
He was finally discharged at Bangalor, as “old, broken down and unfit for duties of a dragoon”.
Can you advise me on the following?
I have no evidence that he was ever repatriated to UK.
Nor evidence of a pension.
His son, A.J.Ward was married in 1838 at Bury St Edmunds and put his fathers occupation as “Soldier”. So it would seem that Abrahams family did not follow him to India. Were these long separations normal.
I would be grateful for any advice you can give me.
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Concerning Abraham Ward -
Another mystery! I note that Familysearch has an entry for George Abraham Ward b. Bangalore 14/10/1839 to Abraham and Fanny.
Exactly how 'old, broken down and unfit' was your Abraham?!
Phil
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;D
LOL
Thanks Phil, the plot thickens.
I live in New Zealand now so research, other than online isnt easy, but this is definately worth further investigation.
Brian
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Hi Phil
Following your lead I have now found, on Family Serch, the marriage of Abraham Ward to Fanny Long at Chinglepeel, Madras 18th Oct 1833 and a later death of Abraham Ward aged 71, in 1863 at Bangalore. As well as the death of a Fanny Ward in 1878 at Bellary, Madras aged 84.
They all seem feasible. I wonder........................ ::)
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Hi Brian,
If this Abraham was 71 when he died then he should have been born about 1792. Familysearch also has a record of the birth of an Abraham Ward in he Sudbury district of Suffolk in 1792 so if it's not the same one it might be a near relation. Rougham isn't so far from Sudbury I believe.
According to your original post your ancestor was retired at the age of 43. That's about the same age as my ancestor when he was discharged from the army in India in 1851 due to being 'worn out' and having poor sight. He went on to become a garrison scripture reader which might explain why they had such big Bibles in those days! He certainly had children afterwards. He also clearly added a year to his age when he enlisted.
Phil
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Hi Brian
As you have his discharge papers it shows he was awarded a pension. They only kept the records of men awarded a pension in this period.
Most men discharged in India choose to be discharged there - it was cheap. They also had the right for a free passage to another British colony if they wished. And most agreed with the regiment that they could be transported back to the UK if they changed their minds about staying in India. As a 'Waterloo Man' he would have had two years service added toward his pension. Plus as a man enlisting before 1818 he should have half of any service in the East or West Indies added as well. So he could have ended up with a sizeable income, om top of whatever he managed to earn.
'..unfit for duties as a Dragoon' meant just that. It did not mean he was terminally ill.
Sons of soldiers had to look after themselves from the age of 14. It was 16 for a girl. So AJ would have flown the nest c1832.
Ken
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Hi , I have just found that my 4th Great Grandfather John Hainsworth ( Ainsworth ) joined the Royal Horse Guards Blues in 1806. He was also at Waterloo.
It has answered some of my questions such as why he married a girl from Windsor but as usual in genealogy has created a thousand more.
Now I have found that he was awarded the Waterloo medal but I found John Hainsworths on Findmypast. One was for captain Claytons troop , the other Captain Thayts Troop. Is he one and the same or are there two John Hainsworths?
I am also still searching for his marriage and from parish records I know he had a daughter born in 1812 but where, I have her burial which gives me a date of birth and states her parents were John and Mary .
Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated
Sarah
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Now I have found that he was awarded the Waterloo medal but I found John Hainsworths on Findmypast. One was for captain Claytons troop , the other Captain Thayts Troop. Is he one and the same or are there two John Hainsworths?
Sarah, although the name isn't all that common it does appear that we have 2 distinct John Hainsworths in the RHG at Waterloo, in different troops as you found.
The question now is which one is yours.
Where does your information to date come from? Do you have his papers?
Do you know if he was still alive in 1847? One of these 2 men was at the battle of Vittoria in 1813 as well, confirmed by the MGS roll (implying he was alive in 1847).
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Hi Neil, many thanks for quick reply. My John Hainsworth died in 1867 Greenwich. I have him on the 1841, 1851 living in Barrow Upon Soar with his wife and children . He then left and is living in Horsham with his son Thomas and then ends up dying in Greenwich.
I know he attested on 12 March 1806 he was discharged in 1818 of being a weak constitution. My information comes from Find my past and Ancestry
I also found a John Hainsworth from Lancashire was also at Waterloo
Sarah
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Hi Sarah
Born men joined the RHG in 1808. In order to discover which man on the Waterloo roll is yours you will have to follow his service on the muster books in Kew from Waterloo, to see which one was discharged in 1818.
Ken
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Thanks Ken , I know definately from the statement of service I have it is definately my John Hainsworth who joined in 1806 on 12th March , that he was from Barrow upon Soar he enlisted for unlimited service to the RHG. He served 14 yrs and 288 days before being discharged for being of a weakly constitution his health having suffered naturally when being on duty with his regiment in the pennisular france and belgium. It also states that he was allowed for service at the Battle of Waterloo for 2 yrs.
I know Kew is the obvious answer , time does allow at the present Looks like it will join my list of things to search at Kew.
many thanks
Sarah
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Sarah
I live in Loughborough and one of my training routes is through Barrow-on-Soar, if you have the address or street he was born/living in then if it still exists which I would think it would as Barrow hasn't changed alot in 200 years apart from some new houses going up I would be happy to take a few photos of the area for you.
My Waterloo ancestor Thomas Sheldon lived in Actons Yard, Front Street, Arnold, Nottingham after he was discharged and lived to 80 years old. Actons Yard still exists and although Arnold has changed alot in certain places, where he was reported to live and the Sunday School he taught hasn't changed a bit. Thomas was also the driver for the Director General of the Royal Hospital at Woolwich in 1841 and 1851 which was where most soldiers were assessed prior to medical discharge from the army so probably saw many of the soldiers who fought in the same campaign he did being discharged after many years service.
Mike Sheldon
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Hi Mike
Thanks for your reply. I was born in Leicester and we moved to Brighton when I was 4 . My mother is from Hathern and we have a lot of roots around the area. Thank you for your offer of photos , i shall let you know.
It sounds like you have found out a lot about your ancestor. I have been researching my family for the last 8 years and slowly but surely the brickwalls and slowly crumbling. My Waterloo ancestor being the latest.
Interested to see your user name Marathonman . I am also a runner and am just about to start increasing my training for the Guernsey marathon. My trip to Guernsey is not just to run the marathon but to also meet my second cousin who I connected up with on Genes Reunited
Sarah Russell
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Hi Sarah
My ancestor I've been told by the Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee who are compiling lists of those who served and more importantly finding out where they are buried, is the only one so far that they know the most about who was an ordinary private soldier.
As for the running, I was a member of Barrow Runners up until this year when I changed to Charnwood AC based at Loughborough University. I ran the London Marathon this year and finished in 3hrs 27mins 28secs so doing 70+ miles a week during training made the difference to my finish time. Now starting to train for my first triathlon
Let me know if you want the photos as its no trouble at all to stop mid run to take a few snaps.
Mike
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Dear Helen,
I read your entries on relatives Hogg, Doolan, Wheeler with great interest, as I am in the process of researching this side of our family as well. John Wheeler and Marie Ann Dottin Hogg are my ggg grandparents too. Would be intersted to know your connection to this side of the family when you have time.
Kind Regards
Donna
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If you have any ancestors who fought at Waterloo (or you wonder if they might have done!) I'd be very interested to hear from you.
I keep a database of all BRITISH combatants and am always looking for more data to add.
Many thanks
Martin Aaron
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Does Martin Aaron still read this list and is he still collecting information on Waterloo Ancestors?
Or indeed is anyone collecting this information?
regards, fred ..
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If you have any ancestors who fought at Waterloo (or you wonder if they might have done!) I'd be very interested to hear from you.
I keep a database of all BRITISH combatants and am always looking for more data to add.
Many thanks
Martin Aaron
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Yes I saw your quote from Martin. Are you Martin?
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I would like to ask my question ,we have very little information ,only a family letter written several years after the event
Job Freegard bap Melksham Wilts 29/July/1782[born poss 1779],he was a Boot Maker in Calne, married Ann Stantial at Calne Wilts 5/march/1801 he died 13/Nov/1850 and is buried in Calne,so survived the battle
The Letter States"Well Great Grandpa was up and at it in 1815 against Napoleon all the time,after volunteering and the battle of Waterloo under Wellington"
I know not much to go on ,but thought the name Freegard might just be unusual enough to identify Job
Can you help ? best wishes Trevor
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Hi Trevor
Find My Past have 11 images for this man - Attestation corps: Royal Engineers Attestation soldier number: 8173
They are very clear and have a lot of details about him.
Jan
Editted: Sorry this cant be your man as I've just realised this one was born in 1846 and came from Kent, What a coincidence though with the unusual name and the fact he was also a shoemaker. Could it be a son?
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Hi Jan,
Thanks for that this would be his Grandson Another Job Freegard and it was he who wrote the meagre information to his own son in 1829[Great Grandson of the Job 1779]about his Grandfather.Although there was more about other members of the family,it would appear there were several members in the military.
According to the 1881 census this Job born 1846 at Dover Kent, was a Corporal in the Royal Engineers had served and married in Ireland.
Well Spotted,will look up on Find My Past,
Very Best Wishes Trevor
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I know I'm a bit late in replying, but I've only just found your request. For what it's worth, my gggf served in the 91st Regiment 2nd. Battalion, in Flanders and was wounded at the siege of Bergen op Zoom. When the 2nd Battalion was disbanded in 1814, he was promoted to the first battalion and served in the Waterloo campaign. He was Thomas Cockburn from Calton in the Barony Parish of Lanarkshire, and he joined up in 1811, being discharged honourably in 1818. He received the Waterloo Medal, and was granted 2 years bonus on top of his pension. He died in 1866, at Cambuslang in Lanarkshire.
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Good morning,
I don't know if you will see this as Im aware the thread is quite an old one, but its worth a try!
I am the battery historian for the current I Battery, (Bull's Troop) and came across your requests on David Simpson during my research on the book of the battery history. I do have a record of him serving with I Troop at Waterloo, but nothing else. If you do have anything else I could include in the book, I'd be grateful as I like to get as much information about the soldiers as possible.
You might also be interested to know that as a result of my research we are having a memorial erected at Waterloo to I Troop in recognition of their artillery support for Hougoumont. This will be presented this coming May.
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Hi, my 3xGt grandfather DAVID SIMPSON was at Waterloo and the person I believe to be my relative
was in Bull's Troop but as yet I have no confirmation that this is the right person.
As you can read from my post my information is from a book written by T H Mullin which gives me info on my 4xGt Grandfather who was also David Simpson and also all the generations to the present date.
I would be very interested if any further info comes to light.
Sorry I can not add anything further.
Regards.
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Martin has other threads about Waterloo. Click on his name and you will be taken to his profile. Then click on "Show posts". He was last on RootsChat a year ago.
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Hi,
I have just found your posting, I am very interested to find out more about my GGG Grandfather Henry Rufey b. 1777 Donnington, Berkshire. He married Phebe Burgess in 1819, when he was 41 years of age. Have just had a hint placed on Ancestry for a Henry Rufey, his birthplace indicated as Donnelton, Berkshire and also indicating that he was discharged from the 35th Regiment of Foot in 1818, after serving 23 years in this Regiment. According to these records, he enlisted in 1795 with the 82nd Regiment of Foot at Gibraltar.
I am trying to find more information on his service. Am pretty sure that this is our man, the birth year and Berkshire area appears to coincide, and being discharged in 1818, marrying next year.
So if you can assist me with any information on where his service may have been, would really appreciate that.
Regards Jan
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Hi! I believe I am a relation of Thomas Sheldon also, being a direct descendant of his father's brother George. Would you be prepared to share some info? I have been to Waterloo as a re-enactor so it would be amazing to see his record.
Thanks.
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I am seeking details of a private John Livingstone who fought at WAterloo and his possible descents.
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Hi "shieldhall",
I am new to this site and saw your post. I believe I could be the 6th great grandson of Alexander Campbell and Catherine McLean. I am very keen to learn what you found out.
Kind regards
Anthony Bradford, Sydney
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I am seeking details of a private John Livingstone who fought at WAterloo and his possible descents.
Hi, It would appear that your man was serving with the 2nd Regiment of Dragoons at Waterloo - if you need further information, please get in touch.
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Hi , I have just found that my 4th Great Grandfather John Hainsworth ( Ainsworth ) joined the Royal Horse Guards Blues in 1806. He was also at Waterloo.
It has answered some of my questions such as why he married a girl from Windsor but as usual in genealogy has created a thousand more.
Now I have found that he was awarded the Waterloo medal but I found John Hainsworths on Findmypast. One was for captain Claytons troop , the other Captain Thayts Troop. Is he one and the same or are there two John Hainsworths?
I am also still searching for his marriage and from parish records I know he had a daughter born in 1812 but where, I have her burial which gives me a date of birth and states her parents were John and Mary .
Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated
Sarah
Hi, Sarah Both men served at Waterloo.
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Hi Sarah,
"Yes" you are correct, both men served at Waterloo with the Royal Horse Guards. One served In Clayton's troop and was from Halifax, Yorkshire. He too enlisted in 1806 but was discharged in 1828.
Your man served in Thoyt's troop. The information I have is, he was born in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire and enlisted into the Royal Horse Guards on 12th March 1806. He saw service with the regiment during the Peninsular war and was present at the battle of Vittoria on 21st June 1813. Hainsworth then served during the Waterloo campaign of 1815, before being discharged to pension aged 31, in December1818.
In 1851 he was living in Barrow upon Soar, with his wife 'Mary' and children.
Sometime later Hainsworth was living with his son, in Horsham, Sussex. He died at Greenwich in 1867.
He was entitled to two medals - The Military General Service medal with bar for 'Vittoria' and the Waterloo medal. I have no record of either medal being sold at auction.
I hope this information is of help.
Regards Ed
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Hi! I believe I am a relation of Thomas Sheldon also, being a direct descendant of his father's brother George. Would you be prepared to share some info? I have been to Waterloo as a re-enactor so it would be amazing to see his record.
Thanks.
Are you still looking for information on 'Thomas Sheldon' ?