waterloo vs peninsular war

[Allybee1062]

Hi,
I have the military records for an ancestor who served in the 2nd Garrison Battalion, 57th foot Regiment between 1811 and 1816.  He was discharged on the 21st October, 1816 from injuries received at Bayonne.

Here is my problem.  I'm trying to pin down historical information about his regiment and what might have gone on at Bayonne for him to be injured.  When I search Google I can find information about the Regiment but the commanding officer's etc don't seem to match up to his records.  Could this mean the website's information is wrong or am I looking at the wrong regiment?  He was from Worcestershire and the 57th seem to be a middlesex regiment?  Was it common for men to join regiments from other counties?  Was he injured during the Peninsular war or Waterloo? 

Sorry for the questions.  I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction to find out a little more about his regiment's history.  I've googled and googled and just seem to be going around in circles without finding out confirming anything.

Oh! One other thing.  I found his name on the peninsula medal roll and he was awarded two clasps. The abbreviation on the roll was V and P.  Anyone know what this stands for?

Thanks,
Alison

[M.T.H]

Hi Alison,

I think that the clasps he was awarded were for the battles of Vittoria and also the Pyrenees,the 57th were involved in both. Not sure if you've seen it, but have a look at this page which has some interesting info about the 57th in the Peninsular war, it also mentions the action at Bayonne.

http://www.prole.demon.co.uk/middlesex/pen2.htm

With regard to men joining regiments in other counties, it was very common. A recruiting sergeant and a drummer would travel far and wide literally 'drumming up' new recruits.When the quota was reached,they all returned to camp to begin life in the army.

Mick

[Allybee1062]

Thank you very much Mick.  That's exactly what I was after.  Everything I had found up to now didn't mention the 57th so I wasn't confident to claim the information as relevant to my John PARTRIDGE.   John enlisted in 1811 at the age of 15 and was discharged at the ripe old age of 21 after being injured.   What a way to spend your teenage years!

Thanks again.

[research09]

Hello
It seems we share the same ancestor John Partridge.  I just this weekend went to Kew and found that he was part of the 57th Foot.  The form i found said he was confirmed as being present at the battle of Vittoria and the Battle of the Pyrenees Hence the V and P.  From looking at a map i found that Bayonne is on the Spanish French border by the Pyrenees.  I was also able to look at the pay records for that period and saw that he Joined up with the 2nd Battalion and then was transfered to the 1st battalion after about 6 months.  It also appeared from the pay that he spen over a year listed as sick probably from his leg wound.  Unfortunatly as i was in a hurry i only browsed the records and upon seing his name i photographed the page using their cameras and didn't read them properly.  Upon coming home i opened the photos and they all seem blerd so naturally i am gutted but that is from the information i remember.  I hope that sheds more light on things for you and would love to know what you've found out since your post of 2006.  Did you find out more about what the 57th foot was doing at Bayonne because i'm naturally wondering the same thing. 
I was also wondering do you have some ford ancestors from Derby as that is how i'm related to John Partridge and i know we have Ford relatives that Emigrated to Australia and we may be able to share info there.
Look forward to hearing from you soon

[Allybee1062]

I have replied to you via personal message.