Romford Barracks Records

[JacobeaM]

Does anyone know if any records remain (or ever existed even) pertaining to the men and regiments posted at the Romford Barracks for the years 1910-1920; if so, where they are/might be held?

My great-grandfather William Henry Matty belonged to the Royal Gloucester regiment but somehow ended up in Romford (where he remained for life), presumably at the barracks since he was a professional soldier until pensioned off in 1919.

I haven't been able to get his service record from my relative yet, but I do not think there was a mention about his being in town as we're both perplexed as to how he came to be here between 1911-1914. 

Hopefully the records haven't done a Romford Workhouse 

[Jebber]

Are you aware that his pension records are available to download on Ancestry?

The Regiment may have been stationed there at that time, if not, at least you  should  be able to find out more from the museum. I suggest you contact the Gloucester Regimental Museum (Royal did not become part of the title until they amalgamated with the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment to form the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment in 1994)


www.glosters.org.uk

Jebber

[andycand]

Hi

I've only had a quick look at his service record but it looks like he served from Jan 1904 to Jan 1912, mostly in India, then was transferred to the Reservists. He was mobilised again in 1914 and served in both France and the UK. The only mention of Romford appears to be his marriage in 1913 but wasn't in the army then, he was a Reservist although he may have had to do a couple of weeks a year training. I'm sure one of the military experts would be able to give more info.

Andy

[JacobeaM]

Jebber - I'm aware it is, but I haven't got Ancestry acess, paid or free at the moment. However, my Aunt may well have downloaded it as she has his papers.

I'll try contacting the Glocesters. I've been thinking about it for a while, but their research charges are far too steep for my unemployed pocket at the moment 

Andy - he was indeed in India, then was sent (presumably with the whole 1st Batallion) to Malta for a year//eighteen months before ending up back in England. Having had a discussion with rellies, it may be that William Henry was offloaded at Tilbury and came to Romford for work  Seems to be the only explanation for a Gloucestershire man remaining in Essex, as he had no family on this side of the UK until he married a Romford girl.

Looks like I'll have to contact my Aunt again and get a copy of his papers off her.

Thank you all