Was Grandad in India??

[davidrigg3]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to find out if my grandfather served in India.

I have him, Arthur Young born 20 Nov 1861, on the census records for 1871 though 1891, but then no trace until his marriage to Ethel Ann Stevenson 24 Dec 1904.

Family lore is that he was in the army and served in India, presumably sometime between 1891 and 1904. Can anyone advise as to how I should proceed, I've no idea how to go about finding out if this is a real possibility or just a family myth.

Thank you, Belinda

[km1971]

Hi Belinda

Here is a link to researching military records in Kew - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm. His papers (if they survive) will be in WO97 in the section for men discharged between 1900 and 1913. They are in alphabetical order so you do not need to know his regiment. They are all original documents so you will have to visit Kew and get a readers ticket.

One of the battalions of his local regiment - the Leicestershires - served in India, arriving from South Africa in 1902. But lots of regiments served in India between those dates.

Ken

[davidrigg3]

Thanks Ken,

I have a few days off at the end of the month, it looks like Kew might win out over digging the allotment then!

Regards, Belinda

[aghadowey]

Waht was his occupation and residence when he married in 1904?

[davidrigg3]

Hi Aghadowey,

The marriage certificate just says Labourer and Kegworth which is where he was born.

B

[aghadowey]

Thought there might be clues on certificate but obviously not.

[km1971]

Belinda...if you do go to Kew you should order your readers ticket online in advance. Then just take your forms of ID with you. If you have a digital camera you should take this with you, as you can film original documents yourself. As you cannot use flash getting a seat at the back near the window is best.

You need the blue index file to WO97 which is kept in the microfilm area, to order the right box. This will take about 30-45 minutes. While you are waiting you could check the Army Lists for the period, which are nearby, to see which regiments were in India.

Ken

[davidrigg3]

Hi Ken,

Thanks very much for the advice, I'll definitely be getting the instruction book for the camera out to make sure I know how to turn off the flash - I've only had the camera a couple of months!

Regards, Belinda