26th Regiment, Cameron Highlanders

[Wee Ann]

On applying recently to view a 'Poor Law Application' for my great, great grandfather, I discovered that he had spent fourteen years in the above regiment.

He was born in Ireland, and I believe his wife was too, (no idea where, cannot find a marriage as yet), but his children were all born in Scotland.

How would I find out where he joined/served & etc?

I would be most appreciative if someone could help

Best regards

Wee Ann

[km1971]

Hi Ann

A bit more information would help, such as dates and a name. If he was discharged before 1855 you could search for him here - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp?j=1 - entering "WO" in the series code. If you find him it means his papers are on microfilm and you can pay NA for copies.

If his papers do not survive, or he was serving after 1854 you will have to visit Kew, in which case this guide will tell you what is available - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm

Ken

[neil1821]

26th Regiment, Cameron Highlanders

Ann,
To avoid any confusion before it happens, the 26th Regt are NOT the Cameron Higlanders.

26th Regt - Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
79th Regt - Cameron Highlanders

Totally different regiments 

[Wee Ann]

Thanks for your swift replies, Ken and Neil.

My great, great grandfather was Hugh Gillon/Gillan.

The Poor Law Applicaton was dated 10th June 1871 and reads "Born Ireland. R.C. Residence Duntocher 10yrs, proir in 26 Regt Cameron Highlanders 14 yrs.  Prior in Duntocher 14yrs. Prior Ireland from birth".  I have no idea as to how this would work out in real dates?

Working on the 1871 census, I put his birth year at about 1824, but no documentary evidence to confirm this.

I suppose it is possible that his wife thought that 'Cameronians' and 'Cameron Highlanders' was interchangable, as she was the one making the application, which resulted in him being placed in an institution.

It's all go with this genealogy business eh!

Best regards

Wee Ann

[neil1821]

Here's where the 26th Regt were down the years Ann;

1844 England
1845 Ireland
1850 Gibraltar
1853 Bermuda
1859 Ireland
1861 Scotland
1862 England
1865 India
1867 Abyssinia
1868 India
1875 England
etc

Do you have in in the 1861 census?

[Wee Ann]

Hi Neil,

I have Hugh in the 1861 census, he was in Old Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire with wife Jane and son Thomas.  His occupation is listed as 'Cotton Factory Worker'.

This was before my great grandmother Mary was born in 1864.  The other occupant of the home was his Mother-in-Law Jane Doolin.

Thanks again
Ann

[neil1821]

Hmmm, so he's not in the army in 1861 it seems.
Yet that poor law application in 1871 says "prior in 26 Regt Cameron Highlanders 14 yrs"

So his 14 years service must be between 1842-ish (age 18) and 1861.
Narrows down the dates considerably anyway.

[Wee Ann]

As the King of Siam once said: "It's a puzzlement!  Although I think he was talking about something totally different
 Ann