9th Regiment of Foot - when did they leave India?

[Dinkydidy]

I am trying to pin down the birthplace of a child christened in Ireland in May 1846. His Irish father's Chelsea Pensioner records state that he was at the Battle of Sabraon, which was 10 Feb 1846. His mother was born and raised in India, so no personal Irish connections, married the father only 7 months prior to the christening and probably travelled there with the regiment. I haven't been able to find a record of the birth in India.

I know the regiment did go to Ireland, but haven't been able to find any specific dates. From those I mention above, it seems a pretty tight window to finish a battle and almost immediately embark for a homeward voyage. I would very much appreciate some help from the experts.

Didy

[ShaunJ]

The 9th Regiment of Foot was still in India in May 1846, with its depot company in Chatham.

The regiment arrived back in England from India in August 1847.

Can you give us the names of the soldier and the child?

[Dinkydidy]

William Butler, No. 917. Son John Butler. Mother's maiden name Mary Polson, which ALMOST matches the attached christening record from Gortnahoe, Tipperary.

[Dinkydidy]

With the help of your dates, Shaun, my daughter has scoured the newspapers for mentions of the 9th. It seems that about a third of the regiment left Calcutta on 15th March aboard the "Earl of Hardwick", disembarked at Gravesend and marched into Chatham barracks on 10 July 1847.

The remainder left Calcutta aboard the "Manchester" on 17th March 1847, disembarking at Gravesend on 9th August 1847.

A report of the official return of troops in Ireland says the 9th Foot was in Dublin as of 1st August 1848. A later item on 12th July 1849 mentions companies of the 9th being sent from Newry to Ballynahinch, Portadown, Banbridge and Rathfriland ahead of the Orange processions.

Another son, Charles Butler, was supposedly christened at Newry in June 1849, but I have yet to locate the record. As for John, probably born c1847, it looks like he could have been born in India or England, or on either of the relevant ships!

Oh well - back to the search. Thanks again Shaun.

[ShaunJ]

According to William's army record he was in the "East Indies" until 13 March 1847

[Jebber]

You can order his birth certificate from the GRO.

GRO Chaplain’s Birth Indices 1796-1880.

BUTLER John, year 1844-46, Place Bombay, India, page 79.

[Dinkydidy]

Thanks for your suggestion Jebber, but Bombay seems an unlikely location. The couple were married in the far north of India, where the regiment was active in the north-west until their departure from Calcutta, in the north-east.

Didy