Hi,
My Great Great Grandad sailed on the HMS Birkenhead which was sunk in 1852.
The Year before my Great-Great Granddad Sergeant James Ousbey of the 2nd Queens Royal Regiment of Foot - was on the same voyage to South Africa the year prior (1851). He had his family with him, and his wife gave birth on the ship to their 2nd son who they named -
Henry Birkenhead Ousbey. Henry’s name and age and location of birth are fully recorded in the 1861 Census in Manchester and on his Death Certificate (I have copies of both).
I am trying to track down an actual birth and baptism certificate for Henry - and have now come up against a brick wall.
1. If I could locate the ships log for 1851, Henry’s birth may be recorded.
2. In the Regimental Papers it states “….after many mishaps the ship arrived in port.” I am intrigued to find out what these ‘many mishaps’ were (The birth of Henry Birkenhead Ousbey perhaps!).
Living ‘Up North’ I have not got access to the National Archives.
Can you suggest any way forward?
Kind Regards
Hippo
