23rd Regt Citadel Plymouth

[bathbun]

Hi - researching Alexander J Door on 1851 census aged 18 in 23rd Regt based at The Citadel, Plymouth.  Although Dore is the usual spelling for my family tree, I think this Alexander may be my elusive great great grandfather but I have reached a brick wall.  Can anyone help me with where I need to go to research this regt further and where I may be able to find records for private soldiers?  Alexander was born 1833 in Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon.  I am aware he was married 1864 in Plymouth Reg Office to Mary Ann Williams of Tavistock, although at this time he was a labourer for the railway.  I think I have traced him as a patient in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hosp, Plymouth, on the 1871 census and Mary Ann was a widow on the 1881 census.  I have no birth or death records so far so am hoping I can get some more information by researching the 23rd Regt.  Can anyone help me??   

[neil1821]

1/23rd's movements in the era of interest:
1848-54 England
1854-56 Crimea (Crimean War)
1856-57 England
1857 China
1857-69 India (including service in the Great Mutiny)

Alexander certainly served in the Indian Mutiny, as he's on the medal roll
3553 Private Alexander Door, 1/23rd Regt - 2 clasp medal: Lucknow, Relief of Lucknow
http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/indian_mutiny_medal.htm

A search of the Crimean Medal roll would possibly pick him up again.

[neil1821]

Just looked at the Crimean War casualty roll
There is a Pte A. Door, 23rd Regt listed (presumably your man).
He was wounded on 8 Sept 1855 during the final attack on the Redan at Sevastopol

[bathbun]

oh my goodness, I can't beleive my eyes as I have spent months trying to track him down.  Thank you so much - any way of finding out any more information or when he was discharged?  Are all the muster rolls etc only available to view at the National Archives in London?

 

[bathbun]

I presume this will explain why he does not appear on the 1861 census as he was probably serving abroad.  What happened in this situation, was the census taken by the regiment?  Are these available on line?

[neil1821]

Yep, not appearing on the 1861 census would suggest he was still in India, and hence still serving.
So his discharge was presumably sometime between 1861 and 1864 (when he's married in Plymouth as a civilian). Troops serving abroad don't appear on the UK census for obvious reasons, and there is no alternative census usually.
You could perhaps try a search for him on the FIBIS website (not forgetting all spelling variations)
http://www.fibis.org/

[bathbun]

Thanks Neil - as you have helped me fine tune his departure from the army down, where would I go to find more info.  Have looked on the site you gave me but have got no further.  Is it a trip to the national archives now?

[Mrs J E]

Hi

My name is Jacqui, My husband uncle is Alf Dore his father was Alfred James Dore b1899 and his father was Alexander Dore, his parents were Mary Ann and Alexander Dore.  I think we might be able to help each other!

Many thanks

Jacqui

[bathbun]

Hi Jacqui just found this posting too!  Ok Alfred James Dore was my grandfathers brother - he was Frederick George Dore.  I have heard of Alf and have some photos of him that have come from Terry Dore, son of Wilfred Dore who was Alfreds youngest brother.  We must exchange information!  I would love to know if any old photos have survived through Alfred's line, could you find out??  I have some lovely photos which I am currently trying to place.  I think I have images of Alfred's parents Eliza and Alexander but am particularly keen for any info on Alexander J Dore husband of Mary Ann Williams.  I think he might be Alexander J Door soldier from the 23rd Regt of foot - this soldier was Alexander Josiah Door according the records at the TNA and I know Mary Ann's husband was known as Alexander and also John in later years - perhaps Josiah was too much of a mouthful!??  I have so much information but nothing that 100% confirms that two are the same person just a big hunch  ..... looking forward to hearing back from you.  Do you use Ancestry??  Julia