Royal Engineers 1886-1907 Submarine Mining

[vapcq45]

I have an ancestor, Henry Symons, who joined Scottish Rifles in 1886 (2229) then transferred to RE by 1888. He appears from his records he was possibly an Engine Driver, possibly with the 48th and was posted to Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Canada (Esquimalt) fought in West African Campaign. He seems to have been in Torquay, Falmouth and then on rejoining in 1904 (23116) was with the 4th I think and passed a certificate in Sub Mining, he was based at Gosport.

He ended career in 1907 as a Sergeant after 21 years and exemplary report.

I’ve been trying to work out what his role would have been and wonder if where he served are clues?  He always seemed to be near/with RN ships.

Can anyone explain for me?

Thank you.

[tonepad]

Two websites on Royal Engineers and Submarine Mining:

http://www.gwpda.org/naval/recsm.htm#:~:text=The%20RE's%20submarine%20miners%20oversaw,used%20variously%20by%20the%20RN.


https://www.fortgilkicker.co.uk/mining.htm



Tony

[vapcq45]

Thank you Tonepad, really helpful links which explains a lot.  Fascinating!

Does his postings pre 1904 give any clues as to whether he might have been an RE Sub Miner at that time also?

Thanks!

[steve100]

Royal Sussex Regiment.

[vapcq45]

Hmm. I’m not sure this is him. He attested in Sept 86 from papers I have. Def into Scottish Rifles. Plus different surname spelling. Will keep though and investigate further. Thanks.

[steve100]

Okay, it’s I  saw the name and same number and assumed it was him. Fathers name was Henry,Hayward’s Heath.

Steve

[vapcq45]

Ah - his father's name was Alfred Holton Symons.  Henry's middle name was James.

thanks again, worth a look!