James Dixon, 4th Light Dragoons

[Deb D]

I have tried, before, to find this fellow in the National Archives' records, ... but without success, ... So I wonder if anyone else can see what's clearly not obvious to me?

James was born around 1790 in "St. Andrew, London" according to the 1831(?) Census. he married Hannah Maria Howard, and after the birth of a son (James, died in infancy) and a daughter (Maria Eliza) they went with the 4thLDs to India, where another four children were born (Catherine Amelia, Charles Dalbiac Wildey,  Emma Louisa and - I think! - George Hart who also died in infancy). Another daughter, Emily Jane, was born after their return to England, where they lived in Poplar, and James became an Inspector of Docks Police (Dixon of Dock Green?   ).

However hard I search, I can't find any records for him in TNA's military records. I haven't searched for a while, admittedly, and I'm just getting back into my FH, so ... any ideas?

BTW, I have managed to find records in the newspapers for his various promotions within the LDs, but it's any official military records I'd like to find

Thanks in advance.

[km1971]

There does not appear to be a record for him on Findmypast. You could check to see if he received a medal for Spain.

Otherwise you will have to get a researcher to obtain his career using their muster books in Kew. They are not online.

Ken

[Deb D]

Thanks, Ken ... confirmation that I'm not going loopy!  Will look into the muster books option

Cheers
Deb

[km1971]

If you look on Ancestry first for a Peninsular medal it will get you closer to his enlistment. A man's first and last entry in the musters gives the best chance for additional information such as trade and age on enlistment and place of birth.

They had to be alive in June 1847 to receive the medal. Here is his colonel's - http://www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/catalogue-archive/lot.php?department=Medals&lot_id=95945

They were Dragoons until 1818; Light Dragoons to 1861 and Hussars after that. The equipment or horses did not change. Only their classification.

Ken

[ShaunJ]

Deb has forgotten to mention that James Dixon was an officer. He was adjutant of the 4th Light Dragoons. https://goo.gl/w68Etw.

There's an informative tree on Ancestry http://person.ancestry.co.uk/tree/13832581/person/5003491790/facts

Some of the previous threads on this man:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=323964.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=319277.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=434273.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=385416.0

[km1971]

So Findmypast would not have a record on him anyway. As officers did not attest nor get a pension from Chelsea. They just sold their commission or sold half and went onto half-pay.

Officers may not be included on earlier musters. So best if you start later on and go backwards. They will not have any personal information listed in the musters as officers were not recruited.

NA suggests London Gazette entries and Army Lists to follow promotions etc. My lists are packed away.

Ken

[Deb D]

Thanks again, Ken, but our James didn't serve in Spain (or the Peninsula?), however as Shaun mentions (thanks, buddy, I'm sure I've lost my grasp, during my FH hiatus! Oh, and thank you for posting the links), ... he was indeed an officer, and I'm not sure whether he bought his initial commission, nor what added difficulties that may bring to my search.

I have the Gazette entries on his promotions, as it happens.  I was concerned that while I was taking a break from my hobby, TNA may have added digitised records that I haven't been able to find (due to ineptitude LOL!).

All help and suggestions very much appreciated , though 

[ShaunJ]

He was promoted from the ranks: RSM James Dixon promoted to be adjutant of the 21st Light Dragoons with the rank of Cornet, effective 13 October 1819 but not gazetted until 28 April 1820.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinburgh/issue/2801/page/132

He was placed on half-pay from 12 July 1820 per the 1821 army list.

[Deb D]

Oh wow! Thank you, Shaun!

I have little knowledge of things military, so having that pointed out to me means I understand just a little more than I did before.

Would I be reading too much into this, to wonder whether our James had quite distinguished himself, to earn his commission?

Or, - since he named a son, rather grandly, after the Paymaster of the 4th LDs and a commanding officer under whom he may not even have served (James Charles Dalbiac, who is, obviously, another source of curiosity!) - did he just know whose boots could be licked?