RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: jen1984 on Sunday 11 April 10 10:04 BST (UK)
-
I wonder if anyone can help me.
I am researching my family tree and know that my great great great grandfather born 1837 in Galway served as a private in the 51st South Yorkshire Regiment in India in the late 1800's.
I have recently found out that he had a military gun salute at his funeral in October 1912 but do not know why he had this nor where he was buried.
I would be very interested in finding out any of his military history but do not know where to find it.
Hope someone out there may be able to help.
Thank you.
With kind regards.
Jenna Butler.
-
Hi Jenna
If he was discharged 1883 to 1900 his papers (if they survive) may be on Findmypast. If he was discharged at another time FindMyPast will be covering other periods later this year.
By 'military gun salute' I take it was a volley firing of rifles. My GF had one when he died in his 80s, 35 years after leaving the army. It probably means they kept in with the right people after leaving the army. His papers may give his intended residence after discharge.
Ken
-
There is a Patrick Naughton on findmypast whose age fits yours but he seems to be from Cork and settles in Middlesboro Yorks
-
If he was born 1837, then we're probably looking for his military service sometime between 1855 and 1877 (age 16-40). He's not listed on the 51st's medal roll for the Afghan War 1878-80, which would lend weight to this idea.
Apart from home service in England & Ireland, the 51st spent much of the period in India. (India 1857-67, home 1867-72 then back to India 1872-87). As far as medals go, a lookup on the India General Service Medal roll may find reference to him. 51st were in the Umbeyla campaign 1863 and also qualified for the NW Frontier clasp.
For his papers, you will have to either visit Kew or bide your time till they get released online.