HMS Hood - used as Barracks in Gillingham Kent

[MaxD]

A fine record of just over 21 years service Sep 1876 to Dec 1897 in one of the less well known branches of the Royal Engineers.  He is described as an engineer which at that time meant a man who could look after and operate steam engines (he was an engine fitter when he joined).  His record doesn't specify which units he served with except after 1888 when he was with the Queens Own Sappers and Miners in India and, when it was formed in 1891, the Indian Submarine Mining Company.  His training at HMS Hood which was the barracks for the Torpedo Company of the RE from 1873 suggests he was in that branch of the RE from the start.  Their role was the defence of harbours with underwater electrically fired mines. 

MaxD

[WoodP]

Thank you Mckha489
I am not sure if I am not searching properly as I have both ancestry and find my past and couldn't find this. There are so many Joseph Travis names.

I am so excited. I will go to the British library next and get the baptism record and go see the church :-)

[WoodP]

Thank you MaxD

That it incredibly interesting, I am so proud of Joseph. I am going to research those divisions. There is a Royal Engineer  museum in Gillingham, which would most probably have this information too.

Can I ask one more thing? Where would Ellen's death certificate be held? Would the British Library keep these records as she was British? Or would I have to contact Karachi?

[MaxD]

RE Museum is a good idea!

Ellen's death should be/have been  recorded in one or other of the British Army's registers and the certificates thus held by the GRO.

However, I don't find her anywhere so as you thought, her death may be found in the British India Office records but these should be on Findmypast and I don't find her there. https://www.bl.uk/help/search-the-india-office-records-for-baptisms-marriages-and-burials
My suggestion would be to take advice first from the British Library.

Good luck

MaxD

[ShaunJ]

Ellen's burial in Karachi - recorded as Travers: https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=BL/BIND/005137697/00431&parentid=BL/BIND/D/405761

[MaxD]

Yet another super spot ShaunJ, respect.

MaxD

[WoodP]

Thank you, no wonder we couldn't find her.  I have taken down the British library archive reference.
I will also try and see if St Patricks church in Karachi is still in existence.