Army Families_1882_Transport Home

[janthedig]

Just wondering how the wives and children of servicemen would travel.  In particular, I am interested in the return from India, of the 72nd Highlanders/1st Batt Seaforths.  Any help with actual info, or on how to find it, much appreciated!

[Jebber]

The travelled by sea, on a troopship if travelling with the Regiment and were included on the strength, otherwise by ordinary passenger ship. If the soldier had married without consent and they were not officially on strength the would have to pay their way.

[MaxD]

Haven't quite found 1882 yet but the following link showing troopship movements 1878-1881 will give an idea.

www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/resources/troopship_crocodile.php

MaxD

[MaxD]

If you are able to access the newspapers on Findmypast or elsewhere, there are plenty of articles relating to the return in 1882 of the Seaforths.  They left India in January 1882 (see Hanes Teulu post) but stopped at Aden and Egypt for the Anglo Egyptian War and look to have arrived in England October/November.  It would suggest that their families came home separately. 

MaxD

[janthedig]

Thanks all!  That's really helpful.  MaxD, I shall keep an eye out for 1882 in the future; great work so far though :-) 

I have a 'missing' child in this branch of my tree, who was born in Kasouli but is never mentioned again, doesn't appear in the 1891 census or any death records that I can find.  So I was thinking he may have died on the voyage home and that any lists of passengers might give me a clue.

I shall keep searching - thanks again :-)

[MaxD]

Have you been able to check the overseas army deaths for the appropriate time?

MaxD

[hanes teulu]

The 72nd Highlanders left Bombay around the 6th July 1882 as part of a force of 1,800 Europeans, 5,000 native troops, three batteries, together with the horses for transport, and 2,000 mules for Suez and the Egypt campaign.

It doesn't state if families accompanied the force. Perhaps, travelled with the force and continued on from Suez or travelled separately?

[hanes teulu]

By 4 Nov 1882 the regiment was quartered at Parkhurst Barracks, Isle of Wight.

[janthedig]

Yes MaxD, I have looked and his birth and baptism is there but no sign of his death and I can't find him in BMDs for the UK either.