3rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, Militia, 1880’s, Service Records?

[Romilly]

I wonder if anyone on here might know whether any such records exist?

I’m looking for a Service Record for Richard Kean, born Hulme 1860.

His Attestation Papers are on Ancestry and FindMyPast, and show that he signed up, (for 6 years?) with The Manchester Regiment on the 17th November 1886. He was aged 22years and 10 months. Address 6 Harper Street, Manchester. Occupation: Painter.

Service Number: 2014.

Placed with the 3rd Battalion Manchester Regiment, Militia.

I’ve looked on The National Archives Site and also at Tameside Borough Council’s Site, but drawn a blank...

It might well be the case that no records still exist, but as I’m a novice at Army Records, I thought it was worth asking on here.

Cheers, Romilly.

[Jebber]

Militia were generally part timers, similar to the TA today. What you have already found is most likely all there is.

[MaxD]

Unfortunately, the reference slip of paper on sheet 3 of the record has been put over his record of service.  That would have shown whether he turned up for his annual training and perhaps whether he went on to join the regular army (the militia battalions were often a springboard to the regular army).

Agreeing  with Jebber.

MaxD

[Romilly]

Many thanks both, for looking. Much appreciated.

MaxD, would the original record be held at Kew, do you think? (I’m just wondering if it’s worth pursuing the part that is covered...)

Romilly.

[MaxD]

The record is from the National Archive document WO 96 Box 1012 Box record number 44 so clearly they would be there.

However, if he remained in the militia for the 6 years and he did what he was supposed to, the record sheet would have simply entries like "1887 - attended" for each year he went to annual camp.  If he was discharged at the end it would have his discharge date (there would be no pension for 6 years) and if he went on to the regular army there would simply be a short note to that effect.

There is some information here on what exists and how to find it;
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/militia/

Unless you are near to Kew, I wouldn't say it is worth pursuing.

That said, the 1891 census has a Royal Engineer born Manchester, age 28 (a bit out) in barracks at Shorncliffe- no other record so probably no help?

MaxD

[Romilly]

Thanks MaxD,

Yes, I posted about the Richard Kean in The Royal Engineers on the 1891 a while back. There seemed to be no way of finding a Service Record for him.

My reason for asking about Kew was because on the National Archives Site, they say that some Service Records for The Manchester Regiment are held by Tameside Borough Council?

No, Kew is quite a trek for me, unfortunately.

Romilly.

[MaxD]

These would appear to be these officer records at a guess:

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_aq=manchester%20regiment%20militia&_ep=3rd%20battalion&_cr=MR&_dss=range&_ro=any&_p=1800&_st=adv

Not sure I can point you anywhere else.  A visit or a phone call to Tameside might be better than a look at the site?

MaxD

[Romilly]

Yes, I’ve tried phoning them this pm, but no reply.

Actually, I think they’re in lockdown there still...?

This was my previous Post on the Richard Kean on the 1891 Census:

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=815251.0

Romilly.

[MaxD]

Can't add anything to that, all bases covered!.  Odds always 4 in 10 at best of finding a Great War record, even worse for pre 1900.
MaxD