Author Topic: George Gardner (Read 14551 times)

Gadget · « **Reply #36 on:** Monday 06 August 07 11:52 BST (UK) »

HI Tom

Not sure because on the 1851 that you found he is a Private Soldier. Maybe he was demoted

I think Barry needs to get those papers from the NA as soon as poss

Gadget

mongoose2 · « **Reply #37 on:** Monday 06 August 07 13:02 BST (UK) »

I have read the article Tom & Gadget and dont think he was demoted. see below

Brudenell was disliked by the officers under his command because of the way he had used the purchase system; his temper also caused perpetual quarrels. In 1833, he illegally ordered one of his officers, Captain Wathen, into custody at Cork. Wathen defended himself so well at a court-martial that Brudenell was persuaded to resign the command of the 15th Hussars.

he left the army in 1852 and is living in 1861 on his pension

and this is probably his death

Deaths Dec 1866 (>99%)
~~~~~~~~

Wathen John 61 Brentford 3a 43

on freebmd

Arfur Mo · « **Reply #38 on:** Monday 06 August 07 14:07 BST (UK) »

If it's any help, I can confirm that a Regimental Sgt Major George Gardner of the 13th Light Dragoons did indeed take part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. He is confirmed in the roll of 'Chargers' in Terry Brightons book, Hell Riders.

Regards,
Arf

tidybooks · « **Reply #39 on:** Monday 06 August 07 14:23 BST (UK) »

Hi Arfur Mo,

Can you look at the photo on this link, taken the day after Balaclava, G Gardner is down as Cornet and Adjutant

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01tf/

"Eventually, the Regimental Sergeant-Major George Gardner was gazetted cornet and adjutant."

Tom

Arfur Mo · « **Reply #40 on:** Monday 06 August 07 14:42 BST (UK) »

Hi Tom,

You're quite right, on checking the Army list for 1855, I see that George Gardner is listed as Cornet and Adj of the 13th LDs having gained his promotion on the 27th September 1854, a month before the charge!

Strange then that he should appear as regimental sergeant major on the roll of chargers

Regards,
Arf

Gadget · « **Reply #41 on:** Monday 06 August 07 14:48 BST (UK) »

Arfur - You wouldn't like to check up on the John Wathen that I found on Nat Archives site, would you please - 1827-1853 - same reg - see the messages about him above.

Thanks

Gadget

tidybooks · « **Reply #42 on:** Monday 06 August 07 15:01 BST (UK) »

Hi Arfur Mo,

Could it be that he was promoted but still wearing the RSM uniform, as his promotion had not been properly gazetted, possibly due to the fact that he was in a theatre of war situation.

Tom

Arfur Mo · « **Reply #43 on:** Monday 06 August 07 15:10 BST (UK) »

Gadget,

As John Wathen wasn't a commisioned officer he won't appear in the Army lists.

Copies of the documents for the John Wathen you found in the National Archives in WO97 can be ordered direct from their website.

Tom,

Interesting question! I'm not really sure of the answer but it's possible I guess. Fitting a man out for his new officers uniform in a theatre of war would certainly present some problems

Arf

mongoose2 · « **Reply #44 on:** Monday 06 August 07 21:51 BST (UK) »

The answer to that is here

All 8 officers were in the front of the first line with the exception of Cornet George Gardner who was doing the duties of RSM. Gardner had been RSM until a month previously but as his replacement was not available he undertook his old duties"
An RSM's station was bringing up the rear, behing the rear rank.

Barry

answer was from Neil 1821 on the army board

RootsChat.Com