Is anyone going to Kew?

[koi]

I could certainly use some help in finding out about Quartermaster James H. DONNELLY of the 47th Foot (Loyal North Lancashire) Regiment. He joined the Regiment in Ireland (I think) and was promoted to Quartermaster after 18years in the ranks. He died in Quetta, India 22 July, 1885. His widow and children returned to England.
Assistance is most appreciated.

Clark Shea,
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
(just outside Vancouver)

[liverpool annie]

Hi Koi

This might help you get your thoughts in order!!

http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/grandad.htm

give you a better idea of what you need !

Annie

[liverpool annie]

Hi Koi - I should have said Welcome earlier

you probably know all of this.....!!

47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot
1787 - 1870

The regiment went to America in 1750. At the outbreak of the Seven Years' War it was still in America, serving in Nova Scotia.

The regiment was at the siege and capture of Louisburg, Cape Breton, in June, 1758. It went with Wolfe to Quebec the year after, and in the memorable battle on the Plains of Abraham on 12th September, 1759, together with the 43rd, formed the centre of the front line.

The regiment was with Murray at the winter defence of Quebec, and in the expedition against Montreal in 1761 where the surrender of the gallant remnant of Montcalm's army, under the Marquis de Vaudreuil, completed the, conquest of the Canada's. It was, also at the conquest of Martinique in 1762. It returned home at the pace of 1763.

In 1770 the regiment went again to America, and fought in the stubborn fight on Bunker's Hill, 17th June, 1775. It was among the reinforcements despatched from New York for the defence of Canada in 1776, and served with the force under General Burgoyne on the Lakes, which was compelled to surrender at Saratoga, 17th October, 1777. After being interned sonic time in America, it returned home in 1781.

The 47th went to America once more in 1790, and served there and in Bermuda and the Bahamas during the first part of the French War, down to the Peace of Amiens.

The 47th Foot was despatched to British North America (Canada) at the time of the Trent difficulty of 1861.  It remained in North America (Montreal 1863-66, Nova Scotia 1867-68) and Barbados in the West Indies in 1869, from where it returned home in that year.

Annie 

Here are some links that may help!

http://www.mod.uk/contacts/army_records.htm

[koi]

Hi Annie,
Yes I have that information which is interesting to me for two reasons. Firstly, it does not extend beyond 1870. The man I am researching died with the Regiment in Quetta,Afghanistan in 1885. Secondly, DONNELLY joined the Regiment in 1860 in Ireland but the Regiment spent the next 8 years in North America. Is it possible that he married while here? All along I have always considered that his bride was from Ireland, but could I be wrong?

Good to here from you.
Koi

[liverpool annie]

Koi - I think I keep finding the stuff you already have - but by the law of averages I might find something soon that you haven't seen yet!!: Bear with me!!

Donnelly - Quarter Master J. - 47th Foot - died 22nd July 1885.
Grave at Quetta - "Sacred to the memory of Quarter Master J. Donnelly. 47th Regiment. Died Quetta 22 July 1885. Aged 48 yrs. Erected by his brother officers."

Annie

[koi]

Hi Annie,
Ha! I am one step ahead of you, but it is a small step. Yes I have this information as well. All officer buriels of that time have the same message on the stone. Only the name and date are changed. This buriel is in the English Cemetery in Quetta and someone has said that there are pictures of the cemetery but as yet I have not found them.

Thank you again, your detective work is spot on!

Koi

[liverpool annie]

Koi

He could be Corporal James Donnelly -  Grand Shaft barracks -  Western Heights Dover - married -  the Loyal North Lancs were getting ready to sail to India in 1881 -  they would most likely be in barracks at Dover getting ready to sail to Gibraltar - they would go to Gibraltar first - to get acclimatised ready for India - with 18yrs service in - he may be in the meritorious service medal rolls

Annie

[koi]

Ohhhh......you just moved ahead!!
This is brand new information and you are right. It could be him

Good work!!

Koi

[liverpool annie]

Koi!

Heres a site telling you how to research pre WW1 ...

http://members.tripod.com/~JamesHubbert/index-html

Annie