What's a Royal Engineer?

[eadaoin]

I'm assuming that a Royal Engineer might be a sailor or a soldier?

I have John Begg in Limerick 1901 - Royal Engineer - unemployed.
He was born in 1875 and died in 1905.

I have his parents, siblings etc, but I'd like to know a little more about his job.

regards eadaoin

[Man of Kent]

 A Royal Engineer or sapper is a Mechanical or Civil Arm of the Army.
They have been based near me in Kent for 200 years and there Museum is also here in Gillingham.
http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/29593.aspx

[philipsearching]

In John Begg's time, the Royal Engineers were supporting front-line soldiers in places like South Africa mainly by developing construction and communications - building bridges, laying roads, digging defences, setting up telegraph wires and a variety of other activities.  In the UK they were kept busy on a variety of construction projects and receiving training.

Hope this helps
Philip

[eadaoin]

thanks, Man of Kent and Philip ... interesting website, I'll have a proper look at it presently.

I suppose, if he was a soldier, maybe Military Records are available ...

regards eadaoin

[gortonboy]

looks like his service record is available on Findmypast. 

[gortonboy]

doesn't make good reading ,,seems he was basically kicked out after serving from 1899-1900. 

[eadaoin]

doesn't make good reading ,,seems he was basically kicked out after serving from 1899-1900. 

dear me! I'll have to look at that .. should  be glad he's one of OH's, not mine!

[John915]

Good evening,

That would explain why he is described as 'unemployed'. Probably found it difficult to find a job once kicked out of the army.

John915

[Rudolf H B]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Engineers

Regards
Rudolf