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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Muffin41 on Monday 03 October 11 14:53 BST (UK)

Title: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Monday 03 October 11 14:53 BST (UK)
I have found this information in the 1881 census for Thomas MILLARD.

66th Regt. Foot - Just Home From Mainland

When I have the Regiment correct, then it was The Royal Berkshire Regiment.

My Thomas MILLARD was baptised 26.11.1854 in Caversham Oxford and was still in the Military in 1881. I have no other details of his army service.

Can anyone find out where he was serving at this time?

Any help would be welcome. :)

Muffin41
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: neil1821 on Monday 03 October 11 15:42 BST (UK)
Hi,

Quote
66th Regt. Foot - Just Home From Mainland
On the face of it, that doesn't make much sense. The 66th were just back from India/Afghanistan (2nd Afghan War).
I don't suppose "Mainland" could be a mistranscription of Maiwand? Just a thought.

http://www.britishbattles.com/second-afghan-war/maiwand.htm
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Monday 03 October 11 15:49 BST (UK)
That makes more sense Neil :D

The link is very interesting :)


Muffin
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: neil1821 on Monday 03 October 11 16:05 BST (UK)
Thomas Millard does appear on the Afghan Medal roll:
http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_regiment/royal_berkshire_66th_regiment_maiwand_afghan_medal_casualty_roll_3.htm
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Monday 03 October 11 16:15 BST (UK)
Thank you for the link with details :D

Muffin
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: km1971 on Monday 03 October 11 16:40 BST (UK)
He must have been on furlough, as the regiment was based around Parkhurst, IOW. They had arrived back from India in February 1881. Have you seen the original census return, or are you going on the transcript on the IGI?

They had been in India for 11 years so he was probably sent out there as a draft. Infantry regiments serving in India retained a Depot in the UK - usually in Chatham. You need to look on Findmypast to see if his record has survived.

Ken
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Monday 03 October 11 18:15 BST (UK)
I found the 1881 census on findmypast; but no military records which match.

1881 census RG11 piece 1489 folio 56 page 14

Living with his father;  Littlestead Green, Eye And Dunsden

Muffin
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Jebber on Monday 03 October 11 18:55 BST (UK)
His records are on Findmypast, he is under 41ST BRIGADE, there are nine images in all.

Jebber
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Tuesday 04 October 11 07:54 BST (UK)
Thank you Jebber :D :D

I had only looked for the 66th Regt. Foot ::)

Muffin41
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: km1971 on Tuesday 04 October 11 08:46 BST (UK)
The Brigade system lasted from 1873 to 1881. Regiments with a single battalion - 26th Foot and above (apart from the Rifles) - were paired together to reduce recruitment costs.

Ken

Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Tuesday 04 October 11 15:33 BST (UK)
I now know what I have to look for the next time I search for an ancestor!! ;) ;D

Thank you all :D

Muffin41
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Maiwand on Friday 07 October 11 16:56 BST (UK)
Dear Muffin

He enlisted in 1876 - Army number B/375 and was awarded the Afghan Campaign Medal. This info is on page 170 of the book MAIWAND - The last stand of the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment in Afghanistan, 1880. by Richard J Stacpoole-Ryding. ThisRegimental Publication and if interested available from the Regimental Museum Website on www.thewardrobe.org.uk. whilst in the site click into the collection/Unit/66th and trawl through. You will see a lot on this Regiment.

Hope that helps

Cheers
Maiwand
Title: Re: Thomas Millard serving 1881 in the 66th Foot Reg.
Post by: Muffin41 on Monday 10 October 11 11:16 BST (UK)
Thank you for the new link :D

Muffin41