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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: lhorosko on Wednesday 17 October 18 00:42 BST (UK)

Title: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: lhorosko on Wednesday 17 October 18 00:42 BST (UK)
Where is the best source of information on British soldiers of the 19th century?  I have a name, age, location served in April 1871 (Canadian census), most likely regiments.  I would like to know if the soldier stayed in Canada (then likely my ancestor) or returned to England and, if possible, where soldier was born.

If someone can do "lookups" of this type of information, I would be happy to provide the details.

Regards, Linda from Canada
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: AntonyMMM on Wednesday 17 October 18 08:51 BST (UK)
Muster rolls (at the National Archives)

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-muster-rolls-pay-lists-1730-1898/
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: ShaunJ on Wednesday 17 October 18 09:13 BST (UK)
If he went on to pension his army papers should be available on FindMyPast in their British Army service records dataset.
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: MaxD on Wednesday 17 October 18 09:29 BST (UK)
You might like to post his name and other details?

MaxD
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: lhorosko on Wednesday 17 October 18 17:16 BST (UK)
My ancestor's name was Harry Welch. 

Here are the details:

Canadian census April 1971, Quebec City

Henry Welch - soldier (soldat in French)
Age 23
Born in England

On the same page there is a William Welch - soldier
Age 27
Born in England

I am interested in William as well as a William Welch was the witness to my ancestor Harry Welch's wedding.

From research into regiments stationed in Canada I suspect they both would have been in the 78th Regiment or the 60th Regiment (1st Battalion).

Thanks for any help
Linda from Canada
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: ShaunJ on Wednesday 17 October 18 17:22 BST (UK)
Per the 1871 worldwide army index,  Hy Welch was a Private, number 1518 in 1st battalion, 60th Regiment, HQ in Quebec at that time.  Private Wm Welch was in the same unit, number 1205.

Looking for more records....
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: ShaunJ on Wednesday 17 October 18 17:27 BST (UK)
Harry Welch was discharged on 11 June 1875 having served 8 years 210 days

William Welch was discharged 1 May 1874 having served 10 years and 152 days
Title: Re: Looking for Assistance re Military Records
Post by: lhorosko on Wednesday 17 October 18 20:54 BST (UK)
Thanks.  If there is any other info in that database I would appreciate it.

Both show up in 1878 on the church record for Harry's wedding so that all fits.   

In some later census records Harry lists 1867 as the year he arrived in Canada so that fits with his service duration as well.

Regards, Linda from Canada