Crimean War - did soldiers get leave to go home

[pineapple88]

Hi all

Am searching the Crimean war and a possible relative who served in it but the main question is did the soldiers get leave to go home and visit their wives at any point. As my relative had three children all whilst serving as a soldier (one every five years it seems). Just trying to plot the times he would have been home.

Thanks for any help.

[Jebber]

Many wives accompanied their husbands to the Crimea, marching with the men they lived and gave birth in terrible conditions.

Have you looked to see if you relatives service records survive?

[Jebber]

There is a book about the women who went to the Crimea.

NO PLACE FOR LADIES Helen Rappaport, published by Arum.

[shume]

Might be worth Googling "Crimean War Society" and asking them this question.
I have one ancestor died of wounds Battle of Inkermann.. my feeling is that b/n 1854-56 they didn't get leave.. they hardly got suitable winter clothing and food so it wasn't a priority.
Perhaps he wasn't there for the duration.. If you know his regiment you should be able to trace where he was at certain dates.
shume

[pineapple88]

Hi all,

thanks for your replies. I am not 100% sure on the regiment and his name is Joseph Smith there is a chance it could be the 68th Foot Reg (2084). However the reason I ask is all I have is he is listed as a soldier on one baptism record for his child that's it. and that he died between 1854-1861. But  I do know he had three children (1845, 1850 and 1855) so would have  had to have been home Mar/Apr 1854 before going to the Crimea if that is when he went hence the reason for trying to work out any movements and if he did have home leave.

I saw a snippet of the Crimean Book you suggested and it makes very interesting reading I may get the full copy.

I will get in touch with the Crimean War Society to see if I can find out any more. Thank you all so much.
Thanks all for your help.

[Regorian]

Sounds like they were sent out without greatcoats, it was summer. The subsequent ship carrying them was sunk in a storm in Balaklava? bay. May have had to make do with local supplies of furs nicknamed 'bunnies' winter 1854/55. There are photographs. Winter in Southern Russia was/is not too bad, but that winter was a freak cold one . There would have been constant ship movements to and from home, but not for leave. same in WWII. Was different in WWI. Highly efficient cross channel communications, 2 postal deliveries per day either way. Two Australian cousins on leave at least once staying with relatives in Uffington, Berkshire (now Oxfordshire).   

[pineapple88]

thanks Regorian - I found the photos some of the 68th wearing the furs - that makes sense now with what you have told me. I have a fair bit to possibly believe that he was in the 68th but if I can't put him on leave 1854 early then I don't think I can confirm it was him. I know the 68th went from Malta to Crimea and wondered if they stopped on the ship in Southampton but think I am reaching somewhat. Just wish they had put his fuller details in his children's birth records, but even then he is just listed as a shoemaker, no mention of him being a solider, only one lone baptism record Christmas Day 1845 saying he was a soldier.

Thanks for the information, if nothing else it has delved me into the Crimean war research which has been really interesting to read and learn about.

[ShaunJ]

Just wish they had put his fuller details in his children's birth records, but even then he is just listed as a shoemaker, no mention of him being a solider, only one lone baptism record Christmas Day 1845 saying he was a soldier.

That would suggest that he was discharged from the army between 1846 and 1850. wouldn't it?

[pineapple88]

Hi Shaun, I'm not sure what you mean on that?