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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: jackspratt on Tuesday 29 January 08 13:30 GMT (UK)

Title: Royal artillery records 1851 - 1880
Post by: jackspratt on Tuesday 29 January 08 13:30 GMT (UK)

Does any one have access to the RA records for the above period please?
I am looking for service records for William Barker who was born in Kirby Knowle, Thirsk, Yorkshire in 1826.
He is in the 1861 census listed amongst the other 4750 members of the RA (with a birthplace of Thirsk, Yorkshire)  but not visible in 1851 or 1871. He reappears again as a civilian in 1881.
Many thanks in advance for any help

Jackspratt

Title: Re: Royal artillery records 1851 - 1880
Post by: km1971 on Tuesday 29 January 08 19:37 GMT (UK)

Hi

If his papers survive they will be in Kew. As they will be original documents you will have to visit or employ a researcher. There are no indexes. You will need to read - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm. As the RA were considered a single regiment you should find all papers with his surname in the one box. If so, it should only take about 20 minutes to find out if they survive.

Ken

Title: Re: Royal artillery records 1851 - 1880
Post by: jackspratt on Tuesday 29 January 08 23:31 GMT (UK)

Thanks very much for your advice Ken.

It was kind of you to reply.

I'll follow it up along the lines you suggest - I'm afraid Kew's a long way from where I am so it'll be the other route.

Thanks again

Jack