I have his WW1 military records, which although created in 1914 shows his previous service with Queens West Surreys from
1883-1995 in India, Burma,Egypt, South Africa, Malta.
My sister in law is going to Kew Records office (soon) to obtain the actual military record for that period.
he was almost certainly using Richey by 1883 (unless the military record is incorrect)
.... but if he is the Smith one where did he get the surname Richey from by 1891?
What a mystery this one is!
Ummm...went AWOL from the Impregnable and had to change his name?
I don't know! 