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Thanks for your response, John.

Yes, I have a copy of Vane's small pocketbook which is really the only publication specific to the Durham Fencibles.  It was a useful outline but for your own search it might not be worth a special trip up to Durham.  Although Vane was a descendant of one of the original commanding officers and accessed what you have already gleaned at Kew, he obviously wasn't familiar with the minutiae or the geography of Ireland.  His interpretation of some of the handwriting of records is suspect, which is one reason for my attempting to attack the subject, others being that I live here in the north east and that the cavalry regiment was coincidentally located for a couple of years in my wife's birthplace in County Tipperary.

I would be fascinated to discover if you do manage to pin down whether Smurthwaite and Whitesmith are one and the same person.

As far as publication is concerned, I am in the process of dotting some 'I's' and dotting the 'T's' before putting it to bed.

Regards,

Artie.

I'll certainly let you know if I uncover your ancestor, John.  If you are going to sift through all the regiments which served in Ireland during that period it might be like searching for the proverbial needle as the place was awash with British military units, many of which were constantly on the move.

Artie.

Brian,

I have been researching the Durham Fencibles with a view to publication and was pleased to stumble across your relationship with Bartholomew Harrison.  It appears that there were two of that name from Bishop Auckland serving together in the same regiment; one noted as being born around 1755 and the other in 1778.  I had presumed that they could have been related as there were a few instances of father and son serving together.  Your fascinating (but painful) medical notes are invaluable. 

Artie.