Frank Horton 1871

[EdCan]

I am trying to trace a Frank Horton born 1871 St George Hanover who I think may have been in the military. My guy family has military connections. Father Frederick William Horton(1845-1907) was a bandsman and brothers were also in military.
Possible records which may or may not be my Frank. In 1901 Aldershott a Frank shows single born 1871 Westminster and is a Sergent in 7th Hussars. In  1911 Aldershott a Frank Horton shows married born 1871 London and is a Warrant Officer bandmaster.
Question is there anyway to determine if they are the same person and is there any enlistment info for them?

Ed

[EdCan]

I posted too soon.
I found a marriage record that shows my guy living in Aldershott in 1902 so the 1901 and 1911 census are probably for my Frank Horton.

My apologies
Ed

[Christine53]

There is a Royal Tank Corps enlistment record for a Frank Horton born 1870 in Westminster.
He originally attested in 1884 , aged about 14 , service number 19957 as a musician . He transferred later to 3rd Dragoon Guards. His later rank was Bandmaster. The document is quite complicated and lists service in various countries. I'm sure one of the experts can make sense of it. It also lists family as follows :

1st wife Eveline Bertha Smithers married 12 Aug 1902 ( died 1912 )
2nd wife Violet Mabel Hook  married 19 Aug 1921 St Martin in the Fields
Children :
Frank George Hounslow 1904
John Frederick Hounslow 1905
Eveline Mary Curragh 1908

Evaline Bertha Smithers 24 father George Smithers
Frank Horton 31 bachelor Trumpet Major v11(?) 20 Hussars of Aldershot father Frederick William Horton Army musician
12 Aug 1902 St Mary's Shalford

I think this all ties together 

Just seen your further reply - will post anyway in case it helps 

[EdCan]

Thanks Christine. I did not have his second marriage which led me to his death in 1951.

Much appreciated
Ed

[MaxD]

The two census and the Tank Corps enlistment Christine points to are the same man.  His date of birth was 27 November 1869 according to his apearances in the Army List.  He joined on 27 Feb 1884 at the age of 14 and 3 months.  He was discharged in 1922 which suggest that his service record should still be with the MOD.  The Tank Corps enlistment needs a bit more work to reconstruct his service.

MaxD

[MaxD]

I should have clarified that the enlistment record was a transfer, the Tank Corps were not formed as such until July 1917. 

The list of dates of his service has a number of gaps including the whole of the Great War.  He was awarded the British War Medal but not the Victory medal which indicates service overseas but not in a war zone , most usually India.  As 3rd DG were in France throughout the war from October 1914 he wasn't serving with them then.  Transferring from 7th Hussars to 3rd DG would not be uncommon for a musician.  Too many gaps to be sure about his whole service.


MaxD

[EdCan]

Thanks Max. Appreciated

Ed