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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Fiona power on Monday 29 December 14 07:28 GMT (UK)

Title: Military service in india
Post by: Fiona power on Monday 29 December 14 07:28 GMT (UK)
I cannot find my 2nd Great Grandfather William Gordon Munn, in the 1871 census records.
In the 1861 Scotland census he was 19 he was living in the military barracks Perth, Occupation - Pt Soldier 22 Highlanders.

He married Jane McLean, November 1867

I then have census records for the family for 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 and by 1881 he was no longer in the army.

My Great Aunt believed he had served in India and wondered if there is any way of finding out about his military service and where he may have been stationed in 1871

Would appreciate any help

Cheers Fiona
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Kay99 on Monday 29 December 14 08:56 GMT (UK)
The 1871 Worldwide British Army Index  lists a Private William Munn  Service number 726  of 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot at HQ location in Jullundur, India

Kay

Edit  - There is reference to a William Munn who was discharged from the 92 Regiment on 9 May 1874 with very good conduct.  His service in the army is listed as 14 years 56 days
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Kay99 on Monday 29 December 14 09:12 GMT (UK)
Interesting reference to the Gordon Highlanders time in India http://www.rootschat.com/links/01efl/

Kay
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Fiona power on Monday 29 December 14 09:22 GMT (UK)
Thanks Kay
Can I access thes records or is this on a subscription site?
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Kay99 on Monday 29 December 14 09:25 GMT (UK)
It is a sub site - FindMyPast.   The 1871 index is only a transcription with the details I posted.

Kay

Edit - the 1861 Army Index lists the military barracks he was stationed at as Stirling Castle
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: km1971 on Monday 29 December 14 09:43 GMT (UK)
It would be worth buying a few FindMyPast credits for his service record. It says he was previously in the Renfrew Militia, gives the time spent in India plus the fact that he forfeited good conduct pay three times, adding up to five years at one penny a day.

Ken
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Kay99 on Monday 29 December 14 10:00 GMT (UK)
Good find Ken - I couldn't see that. 

Kay
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Fiona power on Monday 29 December 14 11:28 GMT (UK)
Thanks everyone I will check it out :)
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Fiona power on Monday 29 December 14 21:08 GMT (UK)
Have got the service record thanks.  Seems strange on enlistment papers there is no mention of family or next of kin.  Is there any way of finding out if wives were with them in India in 1871?
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: km1971 on Tuesday 30 December 14 09:30 GMT (UK)
A certain number of wives (plus any children) were allowed to follow the husband to overseas postings. The places available depended upon the soldier's rank. From 100% of staff and colour sergeants to about 4% of Privates. Details of the 'Marriage Establishment' were added to muster books from the end of the 1860s. It gives wife's name, the ages of any children and the date they were put on the Marriage Establishment.

Children were boys up to 14 and girls up to 16. Hence the large number of marriages of young women and older soldiers.

Muster books are in Kew, and not online.

Ken
Title: Re: Military service in india
Post by: Fiona power on Tuesday 30 December 14 10:17 GMT (UK)
Thanks Ken