6th Regiment of Foot

[madmaz13]

Thanks Glyn

I only found out my James was a Chelsea Pensioner from his wife's death certificate. Just wish I could find their marriage certificate, then I might be able to get more info on him, as don't know when he was born or died or where....am determined to find out though!!

Many thanks again. X

[anniedavis]

I am tracing my ancestory and of particular interest is a James White, 23rd December 1800 in Quebec, 'North America'
He subsequently received a Chelsea Pension and his military records state that he enlisted in the 6th Regiment of Foot at Kinsale, County Cork at the astonishing age of 11 years as a Boy Drummer. The record gives no next of kin or relatives details.

My research of the Quebec birth has currently drawn a blank. Has anyone any suggestion as to how an 11 year old Quebec born boy becomes recruited into a British Regiment in Ireland?

Any suggested lines of enquiry would be greatly appreciated.

[km1971]

Hi Annie

It was all prefectly normal. Quebec was British, as was Ireland - so he joined the army - there was only one.

There is a good possibility that his father was a soldier serving in what became Canada, and then moved to Kinsale - but there are obviously other possibilities. You could try the regimental BMDs on sites such as Findmypast. They are not complete but they did start before civil registrations. Later in the century the army would allow boys to follow their father until they were 14, so it may have been earlier in 1812. The 6th were in the Peninsular around that time so maybe his family were not selected to go, and it was either be enlisted or be sent to the Workhouse.

There was at least one other James White in the 6th Regiment (from 1808 to 1809 at least) as he received a medal with four clasps for battles fought in that period.

Ken

[anniedavis]

Thank you Ken for a prompt and enlightening reply. In an 1851(Leeds Area) census James White gave his place of birth as
'British Seelight' Canada. This may have some connection with some locality or military/naval installation. Contacts with
Quebec and 'google' have so far failed to identify 'British Seelight. I will try the indexes you suggested.

Many Thanks and  Regards
AD

[gortonboy]

hi,,British seelight is a mistranscription of British subject 

[anniedavis]

Thank you for that. The said James White  married in 1821 in the Leeds area whilst still serving in the regiment. I understand that there was a degree of civil unrest in the North of England about that time and a number of troops from the 6th were stationed in the Leeds and Manchester area to 'assist' if necessary. This might explain his marriage in Leeds.

Thanks  Again
AD