2nd Battalion 23rd Welsh Fusiliers

[galena]

My ancestor Frederick William Grey (b. 1848 Tetbury, Gloucestershire) was listed in the 1871 census (Gillingham, Kent) and on his daughter's 1874 birth certificate (Hereford) as a private in the 2nd Battalion 23 Welsh Fusiliers. I can't find any other information on him (or his wife Elizabeth, daughters Olive & Gertrude)until they all appear in Canada in 1891.
Any suggestions on how I might find him during those years would be greatly appreciated.
Laurie

[neil1821]

Hi Laurie,

1918 Pte Frederick Grey, 2/23rd Fusiliers, served in the Ashantee War 1873-74 in the Gold Coast of west Africa. Entitled to medal without clasp
http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/ashanti/ashantee_1873_74.htm

When the medal roll was compiled in June 1874, the notes say he was still with the battalion and present in Gibraltar.

[neil1821]

The battalions movements:
1867-72 England
1872-73 Ireland
1873-74 Gold Coast
1874-80 Gibraltar
1880-83 England
1883-91 Ireland

They were in England at census time 1881 so he should be there somewhere if he was still serving.

[galena]

Wow! that was fast!
Thank you for the information. I will try searching 1881 census again.

[neil1821]

There also appears to be a service record for him that you can download.
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/search/army-service-records/all

[gortonboy]

hi,,according to his service record,,,he was in India from 1880 to 1883,,so he will not appear in the 1881 census. 

[galena]

Well that makes me feel better because I tried every variation and still couldn't find him in the 1881 census. I will subscribe to the suggested website next payday and continue my search. Thank you both for all your help

[neil1821]

hi,,according to his service record,,,he was in India from 1880 to 1883,,so he will not appear in the 1881 census. 

That would explain it!
So he was clearly not with the 2nd battalion at that point. Either he'd transferred over to the 1st battalion (who were in India at the time) or to an entirely different regiment. What does it say?

[gortonboy]

transferred to 1st battalion 6th August  1880.