2
« on: Sunday 03 April 22 05:05 BST (UK) »
With the help of your dates, Shaun, my daughter has scoured the newspapers for mentions of the 9th. It seems that about a third of the regiment left Calcutta on 15th March aboard the "Earl of Hardwick", disembarked at Gravesend and marched into Chatham barracks on 10 July 1847.
The remainder left Calcutta aboard the "Manchester" on 17th March 1847, disembarking at Gravesend on 9th August 1847.
A report of the official return of troops in Ireland says the 9th Foot was in Dublin as of 1st August 1848. A later item on 12th July 1849 mentions companies of the 9th being sent from Newry to Ballynahinch, Portadown, Banbridge and Rathfriland ahead of the Orange processions.
Another son, Charles Butler, was supposedly christened at Newry in June 1849, but I have yet to locate the record. As for John, probably born c1847, it looks like he could have been born in India or England, or on either of the relevant ships!
Oh well - back to the search. Thanks again Shaun.