Hi Trevor, how nice you have the grave photo, as Annie said. Did you always have that or is it a recent find? I also have a 2nd Life Guards soldier I am researching, who probably knew your ancestor. Mine is: John Brindley, born 1792 in Staffs. He served for 25 years, leaving with ill health in 1841 . He died in 1855. in Kensington.
I did get his records; attested 20th July 1815 at Newcastle under Lyme, and discharge by Regimental Board, Capt.( LD?) Williams was the president of the board, at Regent's Park Barracks, describing his ill health and physical appearance which was interesting. 5ft 11" brown hair, grey eyes and fair complexion.
He was number 50. a Private. He served all his time in England. His conduct and character was "very good" and he had received three 'distinguishing marks'? It would be interesting to know more about this regiment at this time.
General The Earl Cathcart was Colonel.
I wonder what the procedure was to enlist soldiers at that time? Did they travel the country holding 'information sessions'?
On the photocopies I received, some of the handwriting was hard to read which is frustrating but it was wonderful to be able to read the records.
I was disappointed to find no mention of his family. ie. he was married twice. His first wife died in the 1820's he had two or three children of this marriage, and he remarried in 1839 and had a daughter. I do not know the name of his first wife. There was no mention of 'next of kin.'
He was also described as a 'Chelsea Penshioner' on a later document, Probably 'an 'Out' as he was with his family when he died.
Was your ancestor buried in London or was he buried in his home area?
Does anyone know, were most of the Chelsea Penshioners buried close by to the hospital/barracks?, was there a special graveyard for them? I would like to find John's grave .
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Topic: Army Record - Is it Possible...... (Read 1160 times)