William Howatt, Scots Guards 1870s and 80s

[Scot2Eng]

I'm looking for information on a William Howatt, b Aberdeenshire, Scotland circa 1847. He's in the 1871 census with the 2nd Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards at Chelsea Barracks and in the 1881 census at the army camp at Aldershot. I particularly want to find if he was born at Turriff with parents William & Janet and was a tailor before joining the army. Spelling of his surname might vary.

Any other information about his army service gratefully received! Thanks

[ColC]

There is a reference to his service record on find my past but only the scant transcription is available:

William HOWAT
Discharge date: 25 June 1881
Discharge rank: Pte
Discharge corps: Scots Guards
The National Archives reference: WO121 / 236 / 1

As you say he was listed in the Army in 1871/81, therefore in 1861 he was 14. The only census that fits is the one you mention born Turriff and he is an Apprentice Tailor.

The only other is the son of William & Janet but he was with them in 1861 born 1849 O' Machar, Aberdeenshire. I think they are two different people.

In 1851 the one born Turriff in 1847 is with his uncle & aunt Andrew Cruden & his wife Jannet Troup.

Hope this helps?

Colin

[Scot2Eng]

Thanks for that. Good to know the discharge date. I just need to find out now if he is the one born Turriff or Old Machar.

[ColC]

I think if you check the old parish records on Scotland's People you will find the following:

15/10/1846   HEWITT   WILLIAM   WILLIAM HEWITT/JANET CLERICHEW FR834 (FR834)   M   TURRIFF   /ABERDEEN   247/00

Colin

[Scot2Eng]

Yes, the William Hewitt born Turriff 1846 is my great grandmother's brother. The family name is rarely spelled Hewitt but more often Howat, Howit or Howett in different records. What I'm trying to establish is whether this is the same person as the William Howat/t in the Scots Guards.