13th Hussars

[Mike784]

Hi I have just registered and hope I am doing this right?  I am trying to trace my Grandfathers military roots together with his place of enlistment. What I have confirmed so far.
His name Hamilton Levenson.  First appears in the 13th Hussars at Lucknow in 1877 as a Private No. 1677 (Muster Rolls).  Then in Muttra in 1881 where he is shown being invalided out to the UK (Pay Lists).
In 1883 He was married in Canterbury Kent where his Marriage Certificate shows his occupation as 13th Hussars Corp. of Horse. In 1886 he was awarded his LS&GC Medal (Pay Lists No.102/7). After this he appears with his wife any family for the first time in the National Census of 1901 living in Canterbury. Eleven of the twelve sibling were all born in Canterbury apart from one , who was born in Colchester. I believe this may have been due to an evacuation of troops from Canterbury due to a fire at the barracks, but I yet to substantiate this. 
my late father stated that my Grandfather was born in County Down circa 1850 and joined as a boy soldier after lying about his age.  This is where I am now lost pre 1877.
Can anyone kindly point me in the right direction.  Hope I haven't gone on too long. Mike784   

[gortonboy]

this chap appears in the 1871 army index ?


First name(s)   Hamilton
Last name   Levenson
Service number   774
Rank   Private
Unit or Regiment   16th (Queen's) Lancers
HQ location   Bangalore, India
Year   1871
Country   Great Britain
National Archives reference   WO 12/1299
Period   01/04/1871-30/06/1871

[gortonboy]

theres an interesting note on his WO21  Discharge....it says  Levonson H  1677 then,,  Alias  Brown,,and what looks like the letter H   

Was he using an alias at some point? 

[gortonboy]

well that W021 record was fortunate,,,i searched in the service records for surname BROWN and service number 1677...and a record for a Hamilton Brown b 1847  Comber,Down of the 16th Lancers popped up !!

He enlisted in 1865  age 18   

[gortonboy]

he stated he was called Hamilton Brown...he said he was living in Shankill,Belfast at the time of his enlistment,,,born in parish of Comber,near the town of Comber,County Down. He was 18 years old and a labourer by trade.He transferred to the 13th Hussars in 1876.He at some point must have told the army his real name,as he is referred to as Hamilton Levenson later in the records.He served 15 years in India.He states his next of kin as his brother William. His marriage is also noted.Served 21 years in total.

[gortonboy]

there was a post last year    see

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=682627.msg5270698#msg5270698

[Mike784]

Thank You All so much for the most valuable information found so quickly.  The last posting referring to an earlier enquiry I think you have found a Cousin of mine.  I will now start searching Ireland and also where my Grandfather was laid to rest in Canterbury. Thanks again Mike784

[ThrelfallYorky]

What a swift result. Amazing what the experts here can find out. I looked at it because one of my lot was in the 13th / 18th Hussars, which I think was a Tank Regiment, in WWII, and I knew there was a Museum linked to them somewhere near Sheffield in Yorkshire, and was wondering if that was relevant information - and observed a master-class in research over 24 hours! Congratulations to you all.

[ResearchJu]

Hi,  I am new to this group and looking for help.  My Great Great Grandfather was Charles John Barrett, born 6th April 1848 in Nelson Street, St Paul, Deptford, Kent.  On 1871 I think he is on the Scottish census but listed as C J Berrett in Edinburgh.  In 1872 he marries Frances Spence in Leeds where it appears he is stationed as it is close to the Barracks and he lists himself as a Sergeant in the 13th Hussars.  In 1873 his daughter Frances is born at Colchester Barracks.  In 1874 the family arrive in Lucknow, India and his son also Charles is born and baptised in Lucknow, India.  On his son's baptism, Charles senior is listed as an Orderly Room Clerk with the 13th Hussars (colour sergeant).  On 29th June 1876 Charles is found dead, aged 30 (although I believe he is only 28) cause of death unknown.  I can't find an attestation for him but I think that is common if someone dies in service and I would also like to know where he was found dead and when he joined up with the Hussars.  His wife goes on to marry another soldier from the Hussars 6 months later.  I have looked at the National Archives records for the 13th Hussars but it doesn't appear to cover these dates. Any help or where I could research would be much appreciated.  Thank you.