Waterloo- help needed

[jacoby28]

Am looking for gt/gt gfather William Beathem/Batham/Bathem, who was a Pte in 2 Bn in 1815/1816.  I've downloaded the Waterloo Rolls of 2 Bn  at Waterloo from TNA but he doesn't appear,  although Scots Guards  RHQ at Wellington Bks say that his name appears on THEIR list as being in 5 company at that time.   Does anyone know of any other source?  Any help will be much appreciated.
Regards........Jacoby28

[Martin Aaron]

Hi there,
I keep a database of Waterloo combatants and I'm sorry to say your man doesn't appear on my list either. The fact that the RHQ state he was on No.5 Coy roll at the time does not mean he fought at Waterloo. Large numbers of men from all companies of Guards listed on the rolls were absent from the battle, either being on duty in Brussels or even left back in London.
If you want to really confirm you could look at later rolls of the 3rd Guards (Kept at the PRO). There the men who fought in the battle have "Waterloo Man" written in red ink next to their name (for pay reasons). As I say, in many companies there are greater numbers of NOT Waterloo men than those who fought in 1815.

[Martin Aaron]

Sorry, I've just found him- "Born St Martins, London. Locksmith. Enlisted 1812 aged 26. Discharged by paying £20 1817." Certainly a Waterloo Man

Bit late but hope this helps!

[Iain...]

Jacoby28..., Hi !

I’m a bit reluctant to reply to this post as you did not thank Martin for his excellent reply.

In the meantime, this message is both for you and in particular, Martin. 

Firstly, if you had contact with Jimmy at SG-RHQ-Archives, I’m extremely surprised he didn’t provide you with more information concerning your ancestor.   

I’m writing a book about Hougoumont which should be published next year and the book relates to the Light Company 3rd Foot Guards at Hougoumont. (‘Scots Guards’)
In the meantime, a friend of mine John Franklin has a new book called ‘The Struggle for Hougoumont’ which will be published next month by Fonthill Media.   This book is really worth the money and many new facts will be revealed thanks to all the research he’s done over the past 10 years.   One of my Officers at the time (Major General Sir Michael Gow; RIP) provided him with an enormous amount of unpublished letters and documentation.
As such, names and details will be included, including the 18 SG Courts Martialed on the 19th.

Only the 2nd Battalion participated and as Martin said, a % of them were not present.

Kind Regards..., Iain. 
http://www.napoleonicwarsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=3285