Arthur Harry Lyall Goodson - what was he doing in Bengal, India in 1898??

[kiwicatz]

Today, quite by accident I found this man in India.

Background - born in Brandon Sfk in 1872, emigrated to NZ 1879 (arriving 1880) with parents - he was 7 years old. Next I know about him was that he was back in UK, in Devon where he married Ellen Earl, in 1897. Then his daughter, Violet Ellen Goodson is born 18 Dec 1898 in Roorkee, Bengal, India - and baptised in same 14 Jan 1899. (I stumbled across these in Family Search Beta, whilst looking for something else!) Then comes the birth of his son (also Arthur Harry Lyall Goodson) b 29 Dec 1901, Roorkee, Bengal, India - and baptised in same 13 Jan 1902. The next event I can find is Ellen's death in Devon in 1913, and Arthur Snr and young Arthur leaving Liverpool on 26 May 1913, aboard 'Nestor' to go to Australia.

I know nothing about Violet Ellen - where was she when Dad and brother went to Australia - India, England or When did Arthur and Ellen return to UK - and what were they doing in India.

Arthur was a bit of a ratbag, and I think had alcohol problems - he married again after arriving in Australia, she died and then he married again. 3rd wife divorced him. Probably had a very srtict upbringing - father was very  religious and I suspect  that the boys at least got out of home asap.


I don't know where to go from here.....................all suggestions muchly appreciated
Jan

[gortonboy]

hi,,he was in India because he joined the Royal Artillery !!!   

[kiwicatz]

How do you know that and how can I find out more??
Thank you!!
Jan

[gortonboy]

When i saw the children were born in India,,i thought there was a chance of a military connection,,,so i checked the army births index,,,i found Violets birth reference.
Then looked for Arthur on the findmypast website army records,,,he is there.

[kiwicatz]

Thanks so much - will go look.
This man has driven me mad for years - who would have thought he joined the army??   
Much appreciate your help 
Jan