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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: meganbutel on Wednesday 17 November 10 01:58 GMT (UK)
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Not sure where to post this but thought here might be a place to start.
If anyone has access to Chelsea Pensioner records - I am looking for a Thomas Pettet (Petitt/Pettett and all the various spelling you can think of!) born about 1828 in Stone, Kent.
He was a Chelsea Pensioner and died 15 Jan 1894 in Brighton Sussex. I think he was a "living out" pensioner (i.e. not in the hospital).
It is my understanding that Chelsea Pensioners had to have seen active service. He is in the 1871 Census aged 42 and described as a Chelsea Pensioner from then on. I am thinking that he would most likely have been sent to the Crimea given the time period but confirmation of where he saw active service and whether he was married during that period would be of great interest.
Kind regards
Megan
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Hi Megan,
Thomas Pettit, b. Tenterden, Kent 1828, served in the 35th of Foot. His number was 1747.
genie :)
P.S.
I've sent you a PM
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Genie
You're a genius!
Thanks so much - what a gem!
Megan
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I am also looking for a couple of Chelsea pensioners,
One is James Pollard b Leicestershire c 1786
the other was john Boyd b c late 1700s He lived in St Luke Chelsea
any info on either of these men would be of assistance, thanks
Carmel
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Hi
From The National Archives catalogue
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp
WO 119/42/248 JAMES POLLARD. Born MARKET HARBRO', Leicestershire. Served in 34th Foot Regiment. Discharged aged 30. Covering dates give year of enlistment to year of discharge. Kilmainham Reference: A12514. 1807-1817
There are a lot of John Boyds in the catalogue with pension records
Regards
Valda
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Thankyou Velda, I had looked here but hoping there may be more information some where else. I did not mentioned I had looked here however. Even though there was an extra one for James I had not come across previously. seems I had not looked at this site for a while and new stuff being added all the time, no doubt!
Again Thankyou
Carmel
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Hello,
I am also looking for a Chelsea Pensioner: John Smith who was born in Lesmahagoe, Scotland in 1783 and died in 1869 in Islington, London.
He was a "living out" pensioner. According to the 1861 UK census he was a "Chelsea pensioner - Royal Artillery". I guess he would have served in the Napoleonic Wars.
I would be most grateful if anyone could confirm that or provide any additional information.
Thank you.
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Again from the National Archives catalogue
WO97/1262/189
JOHN SMITH
Born LESMAHAGOE, Lanarkshire
Served in Royal Artillery
Discharged aged 33
1803-1816
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Thank you very much, John. That's most helpful!
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John Smith Royal Artillery born St Andrews
he was a driver in A troop
joined 1803 discharged Woolwich 7th Oct 1814
brown hair,,,grey eyes,,,fresh complexion
a weaver by trade
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Many thanks for the additional information, Gortonboy.
I have now downloaded the discharge record from findmypast.
Thanks to all for pointing me in the right direction.
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Back again.
I am looking for help to decipher some information in the Chelesea Pensioner record http://www.findmypast.co.uk/chelseaPensionerShowImage.action?sdrfnbr=971262192 of John Smith (born in Lesmahagoe, Lanark, Scotland in 1783; Royal Artillery 1803-1816). At the time of his discharge, he was bombardier in Capitain H. W. Gordon's Delachs (?) Company, 8th battalion of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, of which Lt General J. Macleod was Colonel Commandant.
I had hoped that this information would help me to find out more about where he had served, etc. However, I found hardly any information about H.W. Gordon during this period. Also I'm not sure what the word "Delachs" (or "Detach") signifies. If anybody can help I'd be most grateful.
Also, the discharge record I got from the Chelsea Pensioner records (via findmypast) is referenced WO 97/1262/192. There is is another record (which I can't access online) on The National Archives site referenced WO 97/1262/189. The subject is "JOHN SMITH Born LESMAHAGOE, Lanarkshire Served in Royal Artillery Discharged aged 33", covering date "1803-1816" I am not sure whether or not this contains the same information as WO 97/1262/192 or if it is a different record. Again, any I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give on that.
Thank you.
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The National Archive catalogue gives WO 97/1262/292 as John SMITH born Kilcommon, Wicklow served in Royal Artillery discharged aged 37 dates 1803-1822. John SMITHs run from WO 97/1262/160 to 97/1262/207.
Given that FindMyPast doesn't seem to tie up with the catalogue, I suspect it might need a check of the records at Kew to sort out the correct reference. However it does appear you have the right discharge papers.
You might find it helpful to read the research guide http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/britisharmysoldierupto1913.htm?WT.lp=rg-3110.
As that guide suggests the next step is probably the muster roles, but that has to be done at Kew and can be rather tedious. Otherwise it's Google for terms such as 8th battalion Royal regiment Artilley. Chasing my pensioner's service in search engines, I didn't find the Company captain's name much use. It was though relevant for the muster roles.
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Thank you very much, John!