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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Treetotal on Monday 18 June 18 13:58 BST (UK)

Title: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 18 June 18 13:58 BST (UK)
I am helping my Sil with her Family research after the discovery of several letters sent to her ancestor from his Parents, they cover the dates of 1881/82. I would appreciate any help on the records of:

No. 2218 Private Robert Macdonald, G Comp. 7th Royal Fusiliers

Robert Young Macdonald was born in 1854 in Glasgow.

Thanks for your time.

Carol
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: MaxD on Monday 18 June 18 14:48 BST (UK)
His number was actually 2218, he appears in the Second Afghan War medal roll with the clasp for the Kandahar campaign - Wiki here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kandahar

He was in 2nd Battalion 7th (Royal Fusiliers) who I believ had been in India since 1873 and returned in 1889.

Can't find an on-line service record for him (not unusual).  The muster books (pay rolls) would have him in the years he served with them but that can only be establshed at Kew.

MaxD

Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 18 June 18 14:56 BST (UK)
Thanks so much Max for your helpful response, that is really useful information. I have amended his service  number too  :D

Carol
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: MaxD on Monday 18 June 18 15:22 BST (UK)
Bit more about Kandahar here:
https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishinfantry/fusiliers.htm  scroll down to relevant date.

Much of what is on line concerns the relief of Kandahar, 2nd Royal Fusiliers were among those besieged for a time before the relief column arrived.

MaxD
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 18 June 18 15:38 BST (UK)
That is so interesting to read...fancy having to trek 45 miles through the desert :o no wonder they were in a "Pitiful" state  :-\
The more I learn on here...the more I realise how little I know.
Thanks again for taking the time to find the information, it's very much appreciated  ;)
Carol
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 21 June 18 15:48 BST (UK)
Quote from: Treetotal on Monday 18 June 18 13:58 BST (UK)
I am helping my Sil with her Family research after the discovery of several letters sent to her ancestor from his Parents, they cover the dates of 1877/82. I would appreciate any help on the records of:

No. 2218 Private Robert Macdonald, G Comp. 7th Royal Fusiliers

Robert Young Macdonald was born in 1854 in Glasgow.

Thanks for your time.

Carol
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Garen on Saturday 28 July 18 23:18 BST (UK)
Carol - you might find this letter of interest from someone who was besieged in Kandahar along with the 7th Fusiliers.

http://www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/narratives/pinhey.php

The 7th were heavily involved in the mismanaged attack on Deh Khoja during the siege.

Best - Garen
Title: Re: Info needed on Anglo-Afghan War 1881/82 please
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 29 July 18 09:23 BST (UK)
Hi Garen...That is so interesting and informative...thank you so much for taking the time to post this.

Carol