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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: tcab on Sunday 07 February 16 12:49 GMT (UK)
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James was born in Ireland. His marriage certificate when marrying Ellen Meddick in 1861 shows his age as 21. On his second marriage certificate when marrying Mary Phillips in 1895 his age is 51. So born 1840/44?
A newspaper report of his death in a road accident on 4 February 1931 gave his age as 90. It also mentions he was a colour sergeant and suggests he joined the Kings Royal rifles in 1859.
Family stories suggest he had an interesting military career and apart from knowing he was in Canada in 1872 when a son was born and was awarded the Canadian Medal and bar I am lacking information.
Any help and/or clues where I can get more information gratefully received .
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His army discharge papers are viewable on FindMyPast. Search for James McGrath, service number 642
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Thank you for your reply.
The information you provided show a birth year of 1820 so I suspect this is not the James McGrath I am seeking.
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It's obvious that there is a clerical error in the military record. He was only 39 on discharge after 21 years service in 1880; so it is clearly wrong that he was 39 on recruitment in 1859. That should read 19, I would suggest.
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Apologies--you are,of course, quite right.
I have now been through the actual papers rather then just read the transcript and this is certainly the relative I was seeking. Many thanks for your help.