Robert McGilton

[Ultima25]

Hi there all, was wondering if some kind person would check Armed Forces records for a Robert McGilton, born 05/12/1876, Tullygarvin, Ballygowan and his parents were James McGilton and Mary Jane McGaw/McCaw.

Robert disappears after the 1901 Irish Census and cant find him anywhere, someone suggested that he may have joined the Army and thats why he doesnt appear on the 1911 Census.

Any help would be very much appreciated. Many Thanks, Philip

[aghadowey]

Link to topic on County Down board-
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=563079.msg4157197

[km1971]

Hi Philip

There is this WW1 medal card - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=3991010&queryType=1&resultcount=1 - although on its own it will not give you confirmation. However the number looks pre-WW1. You really need to find some details from things like BMD certificates.

You should look for possible military records on both Findmypast and Ancestry. This medal card will be free to download on Ancestry if you have a subscription. If not it would be worth waiting a few days as Ancestry often give free access to WW1 records near Armistice Day.

Regarding the RI Rifles in the 1911 census, one battalion was in India, while the other was in Dover. However the enumerators were only supposed to record the initials of people in institutions (which included barracks. If he was married his wife should be recorded in full. The RI Rifles depot was in Belfast.

Ken

[km1971]

Added...have you discounted this 36 year widower - http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Down/Hollywood_Urban/Sullivan_Street/233546/

He may have been in the Army Reserve - they never seem to list that as an occupation in census or BMDs - and may have been recalled in 1914. The grandson should belong to him. If you can find the death certificate of his wife it may list that he was a soldier.

Ken

[Ultima25]

Hi Km1971

Thank you so much for having a look for records for me, i purchased that medal card to see what info it gave me but all there was was a discharge i think in 1923, i would really need someone better to look at it for me as i can never make out or understand these things.

Also yes i did discount that Robert you found in the 1911 Census as Moses and Mary are his Parents and not James and Mary Jane, in 1901 and 1911 Mary Jane is living as a widow in Ballyhalbert. i will certainly look into the other leads you advised, im actually thinking of getting a subscription again with Ancestry soon.

Many Thanks
Philip Murdoch

[aghadowey]

Many libraries have Ancestry Library Edition so perhaps check first with your local library before subscribing,

[Ultima25]

Thanks

but i dont think my Library has it unfortunately and plus i would prefer working from home.

Thanks, Philip