lost in India - MHOW

[ntmike]

Hi, I have a similar problem to the above. My Great Great Uncle WILLIAM FREDERICK BROWN was born in Mhow on the 27th of May 1860 (IGI and 1871 census) ). His father GEORGE FREDERICK BROWN must have been there in the British Army somehow. I have yet to confirm that this was the case.  Where can I go to get (a) his birth certificate, and (b) records on his father activities there. From Ancestry's 'Military Campaign Medals' he could be the G Brown (#1759) was was a private in the 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade, who was discharged in April 1868. How do I confirm this -- and was it typical for a Private to take his family with him to India? He must have returned back to England in 1862 because the rest of his family was born in England, and stationed in Middlesex?.
Certainly appreciate any suggestions that you can give.
Thanks,
Michael

[km1971]

Hi Michael

You need to try and find the birth in the regimental BMDs on sites such as Findmypast. If you get a hit you can buy the certificate from the GRO in the normal way, but the index should give the father's regiment, so you may avoid splashing out the £9.25.

Each battalion had about 30 vacancies in the married roll for rank and file (Corporals and below) out of about 600-1000 men.  A slightly smaller number were allowed for Sergeants and above, with Sergeant Majors and Colour Sergeants guaranteed a place. Once accepted wives and children had the right to be transported when the battalion was on a normal posting, home or overseas.

The 3rd Rifle Brigade arrived back from India in January 1872. So if you have him back in the UK earlier than this he must have been discharged or transferred to another battalion of the RB, or a different regiment.

Ken

[ntmike]

Ken,

Thank you for the response.  I've had a look at FindMyPast as per your suggestion without result (http://www.findmypast.co.uk/search/armed-forces/births area?)

 Despite this the birth is on the IGI (Batch C75017-9).

Is it possible that he is not military? Or am I looking in the wrong area.

Thanks for your help. His father is one of my 'dead ends' so if I can find more of him, it would be great.

Cheers,

Michael

PS: Just found something. On an 1881 Census William Frederick's sister CLARA says her place of birth is East Indies (most other times it is recorded as Richmond Surrey). FindMyPast has a suitable entry -- Clara Browne born in 1869 in Trimulgherry -- the regiment is the Royal Artillery. Another lead.
 

[ShaunJ]

George Frederick Brown was in the East India Company's army. Arrived India 1858 as a Gunner, 2nd Battalion Artillery. See this transcription on FIBIS http://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_detail.php?id=775153

NB daughter Frances Louisa was baptised in Bombay in 1858 1859 per the IGI

[ntmike]

Thank you very much. Surprised about Frances Louisa -- all the Census say Richmond Surrey as her birth place. I guess lying is common.

Do you know if I able to find out more about his service? Would he have been there for the whole 12 years -- he was back in England in 1871.

Cheers, Michael

[ShaunJ]

I think Frances was born in England but baptised in India.

Familysearch gives her date of birth as 18 May 1858 ( which is before GFB attested for the HEIC army), baptism  22 Jun 1859 at Ahmednuggur, Bombay.

[ShaunJ]

There should be some record of his HEIC service in the India Office section at the British Library. However note that the HEIC army units were assimilated into the British Army in the 1860's.

See this thread re transfers of Artillery units http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63797

[ntmike]

I think Frances was born in England but baptised in India.

Familysearch gives her date of birth as 18 May 1858 ( which is before GFB attested for the HEIC army), baptism  22 Jun 1859 at Ahmednuggur, Bombay.

Oops. That would explain the discrepancy. The curiosity now is why the first was born in England but baptised in India; the second born in India, the third and fourth born in England while the fifth was born in India. Would their wives have travelled back and forth so much??

Thanks for your help.

[ntmike]

There should be some record of his HEIC service in the India Office section at the British Library. However note that the HEIC army units were assimilated into the British Army in the 1860's.

See this thread re transfers of Artillery units http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63797

I have contacted the BL to see what they have. Thank you.