© Pictures by Michael Russell FIPD - My Grand Uncle - May 2021
Note:- Many of the soldiers listed below fought during or before the Boer War and were career Soldiers of the Empire. The above medals belonged to my Granduncle Henry George McNally (1880-1914) who spent his whole life in the Army. His father, grandfather and great grandfather had all been career soldiers. He was born at the Garrison in Halifax Nova Scotia in January 1880 whilst his fathers regiment was on overseas service. The following year his father was stationed at Fort St Angelo on Malta where his younger brother first saw the light of day in Sep 1881 and was promptly named William James Angelo McNally in memory of their time at the Fort. Another even younger brother soon joined them at the Garrison Fort in January 1883 whom they named Walter Kassassin McNally in memory of the Battle of Kassain in Egypt in Aug 1882 in which his father fought.
His father, who had been born on the Island of Dominica in the West Indies during his own fathers service there, had attained the rank of Sergeant Major but died in 1887 leaving his mother destitute with 6 children (Henry George being the eldest son aged 7). She promptly arranged for his immediate entry into the Royal Hibernian Military School in Dublin from which he was later enlisted at the age of 14 directly into the 2nd battalion Border Regiment as Soldier 4264.
Many of the men below would have been regular soldiers with a similar service record but Henry's medals are unusual as they happen to bridge the reign of three different monarchs. Even before these medals he took part in the invasion of Crete in September 1898. Above is Queen Victoria's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with 5 clasps [Traansvaal; Relief of Ladysmith; Orange Free State; Tugela Heights; and Cape Colony]. Some of the soldiers below were clearly present at the same battles. He also has the King Edward VII South Africa Medal with 2 clasps and the George V Medal for bravery in the field
After the Boer War he served on a tour of India but at the outbreak of WWI his regiment was recalled into the British Expeditionary Force in France. He survived the 1st Battle of Ypes only to become one of the 86,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the British Expeditionary Force. Postumously he was awarded the 1914 star and British War and Victory Medals to add to the above collection.
Note:- Word of caution, these records were extracted for investigation because they each gave their place of birth as Dorchester or Fordington in Dorset. In fact many have proved to come from surrounding parishes and may have simply enlisted at Dorchester, or given Dorchester as the nearest large town. For early records the vast majority were illiterate and by the time they enlisted or were examined could only remember where they grew up rather than where they were born. Added to this they often lied about thier age by one or two years in order to be eligible for the bounty on joining.
George ADAMS [WO25/285] - 20th Dragoon Guards
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Height: - 5' 4½ when attested
Age: 23
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hazel
Hair: - Dark Brown
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1781
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Bridport, 9th Feb 1804 unlimited service; became non effective 11th May 1804
Proclaimed as a deserter from the Dorset Militia
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Name: Joseph ALLEN
Regiment: 87th Regt of Foot
Admissssion to Pension: 19th Jan 1780
Age: 56 Years
Length of Service: 28 years
Trade: Gardener
Comments: Rheumatic
Born: Near Dorchester Dorset
[Note:- Joseph ALLEN married at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 4th Sep 1781 to Hannah POOKE. After marriage they settled in St Peters Parish. Follow link for more information.]
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Height: 5' 9½
Age: - 19
Complexion: Dark
Visage: Round
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark Brown
Birth year: - abt 1786
Birth Place: - Dorchester, Dorset
Trade: Labourer
Service Start year : - 19th April 1805: Transferred to 13th Regt of Veterans [V.B.] 25th March 1813: Discharged 19th April 1815:
[Note:- Richard AMEY (1786-1850) He was the son of John & Dinah AMEY and although born c1786 he was not baptised until 14th Apr 1793 with two of his siblings. Follow link porovided for more information about his family. At the age of 15 Richard Amey described as being from Fordington parish was arrested on 21st Oct 1801 by the Bailiff of Weymouth for stealing 3 horse shoes when he was described as being single, 5' 2½ inches tall, with dark brown hair but fair complexion and dark hazel eyes which is a bit different from some of the description given above but 4 years later. He was tried before the JP J Pickard Esq in Sep 1802 but acquitted of the charge. At the age of 19 he enlisted into the 2nd battalion 82nd Regiment of Foot and gave his birth place as Dorchester in Dorset. Men enlisting from Fordington often had their place of birth recorded as Dorchester. On 25th March 1813 he was transferred to the Regiment of Veterans [V.B.] and discharged from the Army having completed 10 years service on 19th April 1815. This qualified him for a small weekly Pension. After leaving the Army he returned to Dorchester where he obtained employment as a night watchmen.
In 1828 six people (Henry PROWSE; James KING; Thomas MUTFORD; William HARRIS; George LOADER and George BURT) were all indicted for an assault on Richard AMEY and found guilty at the General Sessions held at Dorchester on 4th Oct 1828. They were all sentenced to 3 months imprisonment in the House of correction in Dorchester and fined 10 shillings each and told to find sureties in the sum of £10 each to keep the peace and be of good behaviour towards Richard AMEY for a year.
In his capacity as watchman he was one of the principal witnesses in the trial of William KENNEDY a 19 year old Soldier in the 5th Regt of Dragoon Guards whom he had warned about being out of barracks after hours when he discovered him near the market in Dorchester on the evening of 28th Nov 1829. Kennedy was later found guilty of shooting and severly wounding Revd. Henry WILLOUGHBY and was executed in 1830.
In the June 1841 Census he and his wife Mary are living in Fordington in Mill Street when his age is given as being in the 50 to 54 band and his occupation as that of a Constable. I have not located a marriage to Mary. All we know about her is that in 1841 she was recorded in the same age band and her place of birth was given as being in Ireland. She is still in Mill Street now recorded as a widow aged 65 (born 1786) in the March 1851 Census . She is probably the Mary AMEY (c1786-1857) from Mill Street buried at St Georges church on 13th Jan 1857 as she is no longer in Mill Street in 1861, although her age was given as being 74 (83).
Richard AMEY is listed in the Tithe Map of Dorchester in 1844 as being the owner and occupier of plot 66 measuring 7 pecks which was a very small plot at the far left hand end of Mill Street as shown on the tithe map. The numbers are not clear on the image of the map on ancestry but it would be one of those wedged between the river and Mill Street itself.
Richard was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington on 29th March 1850 when his age was given as being 63 (1787).]
ALSO WO120/66 Pesion Records Royal Canadian Rifles :
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Regimental Number: 1036
Height: - 5' 6½ when attested - at age 24. 5' 6½
Age: 18
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1808[ Note:- 1861 Census suggestd born in Ottery St Mary Devon?]
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Bridport, 8th March 1826 unlimited service
Total Service:- 22years 294 days plus 87 days additional service until discharge as medically unfit. during which he served abroad 10 years 7 months in North America: - Conduct Indifferent
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7 Mar 1826 - 12 Oct 1836 rank private (10 years 226 days]
Tried by a Regimental Court Martial - Sentenced to Corporal Punichment and in confinement 13th Oct to 17th Oct 1836: [Service nil]
Served as private 18th Oct 1836 to 31st Aug 1841 [Service 4 years 318 days]
Discharged at his request : after 15 years 173 days service 31st Aug 1841 receiving a gratuity of £4.11. 3d Of Good Character
Re-attested to serve in THE ROYAL CANADIAN Rifle Regiment 5th June 1843 to 10th March 1845: [Service 1 year 279 days]
Tried by a Garrison Detatchment Regimental Court Martial for breaking out of barracks: Sentenced to 20 days prison 11th March to 30th March 1845 [Service Nil]
Served as a private 31st March 1845 to 11th Feb 1850 [Service 4 years 318 days]
Tried 13th Feb 1850 by Garrison Detatchment Court Martial for being drunk on guard duty: Sentenced to 40 days imprisonment with Hard Labour + forfited 1d per day for 30 days Imprisoned 13th Feb 1850 to 24th March 1850 [Service Nil]
Released Served as Private 25th March 1850 to 14th July 1850 [Service 112 days]
Tried by Garrison District Court Martial for being drunk on gaurd Sentenced to Imprisonment 26th July 1850 to 9th Jan 1851 with hard labour and forfeit of 1d a day for 30 days {Service Nil]
Released Served as Private 10th Jan 1851 to 31st May 1851 [Service 142 days] Further Service 1st June to 26th Aug 1851 [Service 87 Days]
Discharged:- Found medically unfit for further service Montreal Canada 26th Aug 1851. Discharged At Chatham Kent age 44 years
Pension Record: Admission 26th Aug 1851 : Rate 1shilling Comments:- Died Exeter 10th Dec 1863
[Note:- Only in the 1861 Census: resident at Exeter The Wellington Inn John BARGE Lodger unmarried aged 52 Pensioner born Ottery St Mary Devon. May be correct as did not locate a baptism in Dorchester]
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Height: - 5' 9¼
Age: 39
Compexion: - Swarthy
Eyes: - Black
Hair: -Grey
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorchester England - c 1756
Trade: - Carpenter
Attestation Place: [Blank]
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Regimental No. Grenadier Guards 39th Brigade 6162
Name: Walter John BEVIS [BEAVIS]
Born : Fordington Dorset
Age at Attestation 20 years 11 months
Trade: Tailor
Enlisted: 9th August 1877 at Weymouth by Sergt Major A.M.Kil 39th Brigade Depot
Height: 5' 11"
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Grey
Hair Dark Brown
Religion C of E
Marks: 'Has an expensive burn with a certain amount of contraction left arm but not disqulaifying good recruit otherwise
Service : 39th Brigade =From Medical Record In Windsor 4 Sep 1877 to 5th Nov 1877: Then recorded as London : To Guernsey Channbel Islands 16th Aug 1877: Transferred to Grenadier Guards 31st Oct 1877: Rank Private Good Conduct pay 13th Aug 1879: Appointed Lance Corporal 7th Feb 188- Appointed Corporal 17th June 1880 to 28th June 1882
Next of Kin: Mother Sarah BEVIS [BEAVIS] Durngate Street Dorchester
Dischareg: Found medically unfit
[Note:- Walter John BEAVIS was baptised at St Georges Church Fordington on 28th Sep 1856 son of Thomas BEAVIS (1794-1867) and Jane BEAVIS nee WHITE (1796-1864) ]
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Regimental Number:
Born: circa March 1885:
Residence: 9 Olga Road Dorchester Dorset
Discharge:- 22nd May 1916 - 16 Documents most burnt;
Description: Age 31 years 2 months includes his signature
Height: 5' 6"
Chest: 35 inches + 2" expansion
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Trade: Decorator
Service Recorded: 8 years 52 days Army Form B103: The Dorchester Regiment 4th Reserve Battalion : Embarked Devonport 23rd Dec 1916: Disembarked Bombay 3rd March 1917. 26th Oct 1917 Appointed acting Sergeant: Kirkee [ Rest see notes below]
Next of Kin Form: No.202434 - Rank Cpl - Name: Beavis (rest illegible) Next of Kin : Lilian Emma Standfield BEAVIS : Relationship wife: Address 5 Maud Road Dorchester: Date and Place of Marriage 23rd Apr 1914 Dorchester
[Note:- William was called up for Service during WWI enlisting into the 4th Dorset Regiment as a private on 19th July 1916 Soldier 202434 . He was immediately given the acting rank of Corporal on the same day. He was posted to India 5th Jan 1917 as a Corporal. Lilian lived at Olga Road in Dorchester. On 26th Oct 1917 at DC Depot appointed acting Sergeant at Kiri [Kirkee], Gujarat near Nashik above Mumbai. Entered Officers training school at Nashik 15th Dec 1818 and left 1st March 1919 and proceeded to concentration camp Deolali near Nashik for duty. Re-enlisted on demobilisation after the war 1st May 1919 and reverts to Corporal at Kirkee. He returned to the concentration camp and was appointed acting Sergeant 14th July 1919. He embarked for the UK from Bombay 11th Nov 1919 on R.H.T. Kyber [Think this is S.S.KHYER as used to transport soldiers 1919 image on line] leaving Bombay on 17th. ]
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Regimental No. 3405 Dorset Regiment [Chelsea No.91054]
Height: - 5' 3½
Weight: 116lbs
Age: 18
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzel
Hair: -Light Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - West Fordington - c1874
Trade: - Labourer [another copy of part of his record from 1892 [in WWI] states groom
Attestation: 29th Feb 1892
SERVICE: 18 years 2 months; Foreign Service 12 years 6 months [26th Feb 1894 to 25th Mar 1903] + [3rd Oct 1906- 21 Feb 1910; Pension Admission Date 12th May 1910 Discharge Date 19th May 1910 aged 36 years Regiment Dorsetshire Rank Seargeant.
From Medical Record:-Attested 29 Feb 1892 - In Devonport 8 July 1892: In Belfast 7th Jan 1893: On HMS Euphrates 26th Feb 1894 : Arrived India 24th March 1894: at Wellington 1st April 1894: at Malapuram 7th July 1894 ; at Wellington 1st Mar 1895 to 16th Sep 1895 : at Bangalore 29th Oct 1895: [section of records damaged] Rawlpindi 28th Oct 1897: Nowshera 21st Sep 1898 to 3rd July 1899: Cherat 9th July 1899: Nowshera 25th Oct 1899; Fort Attock 1st Jan 1900; Nowshera 8th April 1900: Khanspur 27th Apr 1900; Nowshera 15th Oct 1900: Rawlpindi 9th Dec 1900: Feronyspore? 15th Jan 1901; Ferozspore 17th Dec 1900 to 13th Feb 1903: HJ Syria 28th Feb 1903: Dorchester 1st Oct 1905 ; Colchester Essex 30th Sep 1905 Examination Board : found fit: SS HARDING 25th Oct 1906: Cannenore 4th Nov 1906 : at Wellington 15th Nov 1907 to 16th July 1908
From service Record:- Attested 29 Feb 1892: Posted 7th July 1892: Transferred to Dorste 1st Regt Private 26th Feb 1894: Appointed Lance Corporal 5th Apr 1897: Promoted Corporal 1st Nov 1899: Elected to continue service to complete - extended service to complete 12 years with the colours 28th Oct 1901: Appointed Sergeant 18th Nov 1901: Transferred to 2nd Dorset Regt 25th Mar 1903: Re-engaged for the Dorset Regt at Portland for such terms as will complete 21 years service 30th Sep 1903: Discharged as Sergeant 6 May 1910 :
SHORT SERVICE ENLISTMENT: Frederick BIRD No.9997 of Dorsetshire Regt
Born: St Marys [West Fordington] near Dorchester Dorset
Age 40 years 7 months
Occupation: Labourer:
Height 5' 6"
Weight: 137 lbs
Chest: 36½-39
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair Light Brown
Previous Service: Yes Pension from Dorset Regt and classed as National Reserve. Campaigns India: North West Frontier 2 clasps
Attestation Service For 3 years or until whilst war lasts. On 17th Aug 1914
Nest of Kin: Wife Mrs Bird 2 The Grove West Fordington near Dorchester:
MARRIAGE: Emily Louisa CHURCHILL (Spinster) on 7th March 1905 at St Marys church Charminster witnessed by John J Churchill and Lyn Verina Riggs. Children 1) Hannah Caroline Kathleen 4th Aug 1907 at Cannonore and 2) Frederick Richard 23rd Oct 1909 at Poonamalle
SERVICE: Private 17th Aug 1914 [Promoted to Sergeant 17th Aug 1914: Posted 5th Dorset Regt Sergeant 1st Sep 1914.
Discharged 2nd Nov 1914 total service 78 days. ]
[Note:- Frederick James BIRD (1875 - 1920) was the son of Richard BIRD (1839-1906) and Hannah CHURCHILL (1847-1883). Born in Jan 1875 he was baptised at Christchurch in West Fordington on 25th April 1875 shortly after his parents settled in Fordington from Upwey. His father a native of Daventry in Northamptonshire was a shoemaker by trade and his mother orginates from Burleston in Dorset, his parents marrying at Charminster on Christmas day 1865. Frederick was the 4th of 7 children before his mothers death on 3rd April 1883. She was buried at St Georges Churchyard in Fordington on 7th April 1883.In 1891 Frederick aged 16 was working in Upwey as an agricultural Labourer. As shown above he enlisted into the Dorset Regt on 29th Feb 1892 and was overseas for 12 years returning from India in 1903. He married in 1905 to Emily Louisa CHURCHILL (1880-1946) and re-engaged and returned to India with his wife and 2 of their 3 children were born in India before he was returned to England and discharged from the Army on 6 May 1910. In 1911 they were living in Charminster living on his army pansion while Frederick supplemented his income by picking stones for roadwork. Frederick died on 14th Dec 1920 aged 45 and was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington on 28th. ]
- Name: John BODKIN
Born Dorchester Dorset c1776
Enlisted: at Canterbury in Kent on 4th April 1795 aged 19 years for Unlimited Service.
Rank: Sergeant 11th Regt of Light Dragoons
Admission to Pension: 17th March 1819 aged 43 [1776]
SERVICE: Total 23 years 11 months
Time as Private: 13 years
Time as Corporal: 1 year 6 months
Time as Sergeant: 9 years 5 months
Rate of Pension 1s 10d per day
Reason for discharge to Pension: Age [43] Long Service; and worn out
Prior Occupation: Labourer
Description: Height 5' 9"
Hair Brown
Eyes: Grey
Complexion: Fresh
[Note:- John Bodkin was baptised at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 20 Oct 1776 son of John & Ann BODKIN He also served in Canada]
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Regimental Number 3361
Height: - 5' 4"
Age: 18?
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Light Brown
Weight: - 106
Chest 31½ - 33½
Born : - Parish Fordington Dorset - c1874?
Trade: - Hawker
Attestation: Joined at Dorchester 1st Jan 1892
Religion: C of E
WO97: Not Located
[Note:- Only child from the marriage of John BOSWORTH to Elizabeth PRINCE at St Georges Church on 1st Oct 1876. Not been able to locate the service record ? Or in the Census returns after 1891.]
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Height: - 5' 4¼ when attested - at age 24. xxx
Age: 19
Days: 210
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Broad
Born : - Dorset Dorchester All Saints Parish - c1792 [Note:- Possibly Thomas the son of Samuel & Ann BRINE Bap at St Peters Church Dorchester 25th Dec 1790]
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Dorchester, xxx unlimited service
Former Service: 11 July 1805: to 24 Feb 1811
Died: 6th Dec 1813 In consequence of a Gun Shot would Received at Comacchio [ North East Italy - Unification 1813 against the French] 27th November
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Regimental Number 3245 [1st Dorset Regt]
Height: - 5' 3½
Age: 19 and 1 month
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Blueish Grey
Hair: - Light Brown
Weight: - 145
Chest 36/38
Born : - Parish West Fordington Dorset - c1872
Trade: - Butcher
Attestation: Joined at Dorchester 30th June 1891 Posted 2nd July 1891
Religion: C of E
WO97: Home Service 30th June 1891 to 26th Jan 1893: Egypt [Cairo] 27th Jan 1893 to 25th Sep 1893: At Malta 26th Sep 1893 Landed India 11th July 1893 [India service from 25h Sep 1893 to 16 Mar 1899] At Bangalor 29 Oct 1895. Poonamallee 22 Dec 1897. Discharged having been found medically unfit for further service 16th March 1899 Aldershot.
[Note:- William Frank BUBEER (1872-1907) 4th child from the marriage of James BUBEER (1848-1893) to Ann Wellman ROBERTS (1844-1931) at Sydling St Nicholas on 30th July 1866 ]
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Height: - 5' 6" when attested - at age 24. [blank]
Age:18
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c 1791
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Plymouth, 1st Apr 1809 limited service but from the Dorset Militia
Deserted on 16th June 1814 in France
Rank: Private
[Note:- See James the son of James and Dorothy BIRT [BURT] baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 9th Nov 1790]
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Height: - 4' 8" when attested
Age: 13
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Light
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1803
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Hounslow, 22nd June 1816 unlimited service
Deceased 18th Dec 1817 Limerick
Rank: Private [Note:- George the son of George and Elizabeth BUSHMAN was baptised at Fordington in Dorset on 25th Oct 1803. Link to more information]
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Regimental Number 3074 [WWI : R/8/8145 and 7448]
Age: 18 and 3 months
Height: - 5' 3" [WWI 5' 3½]
Weight: 122 [WWI 134]
Chest: 36 - 37 [WWI 38]
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey [WWI Grey]
Hair: - Light Brown [WWI Light Brown]
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Fordington Dorset c 1872
Trade: - Dairy Man [WWI Labourer]
Attestation: 18th June 1890 at Dorchester [WWI attested at the age of 40 years 5 months: 21st Aug 1914]
[WWI: Prior Service: Yes Dorset Regt served 12 years Discharged time expired Discharged 17th June 1902} Rank:- Private intended place of residence 16 Friary Place Dorchester
[Note:- George CHARLES (1871-aft 1920) was the son of Henry CHARLES by his wife Elizabeth nee HART (also known as 'Mary Charles') and appears in the June 1871 Census aged 1 month living at Tubs Corner in Fordington with his parents his elder brother James then aged 16 and his sisters Sarah aged 9 and Elizabeth aged 6.
ARMY: He joined the Dorset Regt on the 18th June 1890 and appears in the 1891 Census in the Army as a private based at the Raglan Barracks at Stoke Dameral in Devon. He served just over 2 years at home before being posted to Egypt where he remained from Jan to Sep 1893. From there he was posted to India for over 4 years before arriving home on 17th Feb 1898. After just over a year he was posted abroad again this time to South Africa in Nov 1899 returning home again on the 28th Aug 1900. In total he served 12 years until being discharged as time expired on 17th June 1902. During WWI he enlisted again on 21 Aug 1914 into the 3rd Dorset Regt: Transferred to the 7th Regt on the 6th Dec 1915. Transferred to Class Z Army Researve and demobilised at Exeter on 18 Feb 1919 - home address was No.5 Tubbs Corner Fordington Dorset. Next of kin elder brother James Mill St Fordington. He was awarded the India Medal for service on the North West Frontier in India with two clasps for the Punjab Frontier and Tirah (1898/8). Also the Queens medal for South Africa 1899-1900 with 5 clasps for The Orange Free State; Transvaal; Tugela Heights; Relief of Ladysmith and Laing's Nek.
He married at St Georges Church in Fordington on 3rd April 1920 at the age of 50 to a widow Elizabeth DUNESBY aged 55 the daughter of a gamekeeper William FELTHAM of Stourten in Wiltshire
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Regimental Number 2998 (R.A. No.84482)
Height: - 5' 5"
Age: 18 and 1 month
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzel
Hair: - Dark Brown
Weight: - 123
Chest 33 and quarter
Born : - Parish of St Peters Dorchester in Dorset - 1872
Trade: - Porter
Attestation Place: Dorchester,13th Jan 1890;
Religion: C of E
[ Note:- Joseph Arthur CLEAL (1874-1948) was the 6th child of George Kerslake (1835-1925) & Elizabeth CLEAL nee HALLETT (18366-1914) and baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 8th April 1874. His father a saddler by trade had married his mother at Holy Trinity Church in Weymouth on 15th Feb 1864. After marriage they settled in Holy Trinity Parish where most of his siblings were baptised but the family had migrated to St Peters Parish by 1872.
ARMY: Joseph attested for the Dorset Regt on 13th Jan 1890 as shown above. He is in the 1891 Census taken on the night of 5th/6th April recorded as a private then resident at the barracks at St Andrews in Devon. On 16th April 1891 he was transferred to the Royal Horse Artillery as a gunner driver. Having served over 3 years at home he was posted to India on 22nd Sep 1893 where he served for over 4 years until his return to England 20th Nov 1897 and transfer to the reserves. He was recalled to Army Service 11th Nov 1899 and served during the Boer War receiving the Queens Medal 1899-1902 with 3 clasps for 'Paardeberg; Driefontein and Relief of Kimberly won during his service in South Africa from 19th Dec 1899 to 5th June 1900.
The above picture is an example of the medal he would have received
and this one with only 2 clasps was selling in April 2021 for £250.
Joseph Arthur CLEAL married at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 9th Nov 1899 to Kate TIDBY (1871-1912) the unmarried daughter of the late John TIDBY. They had the following children:-
- (1) Arthur Kimberly Kerslake Cleal (1900-1973)
(2) Sybil May Cleal (1903-1982)
(3) Freda Kate Clen (b.1904)
(4) Winifred Iris Cleal (1905-1988)
(5) Florence Madge Cleal (b. 1908)
(6) Annie Vera Cleal (1910-1913)
His wife Kate died on 27th Aug 1912 and was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington on 30th. Joseph remarried at FStG Church on 1st June 1918 to the widow Margaret Elizabeth GULLY whilst living at 14 Dukes Ave in Fordington . He died aged 74 on 31st Dec 1948 and was buried at FStG on 5th Jan 1949 ]
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Regimental Number 3232 3rd Dorset Regt
Height: - 5' 4"
Age: 18 and 3 months
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzel
Hair: - Brown
Weight: - 106
Chest 32 -34
Born : - Parish of All Saints Dorchester in Dorset - c1873
Trade: - Mason
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 8th June 1891; formally joined on 10th
Religion: C of E
[ Note:- Not traced a baptism but in the 1881 Census aged 8 in the Union workhouse on his own. Also in 1891 Census Fordington Depot Barracks as Alfred COLE Single aged 19 Private in the 3rd Dorset Regt born at Dorchester Dorset]
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Born: - abt 1820 at Affpuddle near Dorchester in Dorset
Trade: - Shoemaker
Enlisted: - 2nd Battalion 60th Foot Rifles Regt No. 1183. at Jersey 10 Mar 1838 aged 18 for a bounty of £3
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet six and seven eights tall fresh complexion hazel eyes light brown hair.
Service: - 12 years 19 days 7 years abroad 1 in Mediterranean, 2 and half years West Indies, 3 and half years North America [Canada]
Complaint: - Medical Disability suffering from extensive varicose veins in right leg unfit for further service discharged Dublin 28th March 1850 Intended place of residence Affpuddle.
Comments: - in possession of 1 good conduct badge 10th Mar 1845 ; defaulters book shows drunk at St John's Canada 13th Aug 1845 and Halifax 7th Oct 1846 & 4th May 1847
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Age 53 years
Served 24 years
Born: at Dorchester (Dorset or Oxford?)
Admitted: 15th May 1782
Comment: Deaf marker
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Height: - 5' 7½ when attested - at age 24. 5' 9" [5' 8½ on 287]
Age: 18
Compexion: - Fresh [Swarthy on 287]
Eyes: - Black
Hair: - Light Brown
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1784
Trade: - Butcher
Attestation Place: London, 14th Dec 1802 for unlimited service
Former Service: [Blank]
Service inc in East or West Indies: [Blank]
Rank: Private
When he became entitled to 1d per day [good conduct pay] 15th Dec 1812 and 2d a day 15 Dec 1819
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Regimental Number 2260
Height: - 5' 5 and 1 eigth
Age: 18 and 11 months
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Blue
Hair: - Light Brown
Weight: - 124
Chest 33
Born : - Fordington in Dorset - c1867
Trade: - Mason
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 14th Sep 1886
Religion: C of E
[ Note:-A Henry Thomas the son of Michael & Mary Jane CRATE nee PURCHASE was baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington on 6th Nov 1867. His father was a Labourer and they lived in Back High Street. His parents married on St Helier on 18th Aug 1859 when Michael Crate is recorded as a mariner. He is with his parents in 1881 living in Mill Street Fordington. working as an agricultural labourer. Henry Crate is listed in the 1891 Census as a private in the Dorset Regt at St Andrews Military Barracks in Devon aged 24 unmarried]
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Born: - abt 1811 at Piddletown Dorset near Dorchester
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 52nd Foot Regt No. 1213 Attestation 1st Oct 1830 Portsea Hampshire aged 19 years
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet 7 inches tall; Fresh complexion; Eyes Hazel; Hair Light brown
Service: - 22 years 243 days of which 16 years 11 months abroad - Mediterranean 2 years 5 months; West Indies 3 years 5 months; North America 11 years 1 month
Complaint: - Medical Disability Chronic Rheumatism and heart unfit for further service Discharged 28th June 1853 aged 41 years 8 months Intended p[lace of residence Upton Canada East
Comments: - in possession of 4 good conduct badges
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Born: - abt 1789 at Dorchester in Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 35th Regt Foot at Weymouth aged 16
Rank: - Private promoted to Corporal 18th Aug 1823
Description : - 5 feet 6 inches tall; brown hair; hazel eyes; fresh complexion; visage round
Service: - Served 4 years 10 months total service 27 years 6 months reduced for 2 years under age to 25 years 6 months. at Waterloo 2 years Served from 5th Feb 1821 to 18th April 1826
Complaint: - Medical Disability worn out discharged at Jersey 12th May 1828
Comments: - Admission to Regimental Register of Pensioners 18 Jun 1828 when aged 38 and three quarter years.
[NOTE:- Also in 'Canada, British Regimental Registers of Service, 1756-1900 35th Foot Soldiers, Depot 1817-1832' which gives his actual place of birth as Possham in Dorset. This in meant to be Portesham which is 8 miles south west of Dorchester which is the nearest large town. Samuel was baptised in St Peters Church Portesham on 30th November 1788 the son of William & Mary DAMON]
-
Born: - abt 1788 Dorchester in Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 35th Regt Foot on 26 Nov 1817 aged 29
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet 4 and a half inches tall brown hair hazel eyes fair complexion
Service: - 10 years 5 months. at Waterloo 6 years 7 months + 2 years + 3 Vet B.O.P. [i.e. British Overseas Possessions and is probably his time in Canada] 1 year 8 months.
Complaint: - Medical Disability Opthalmia contracted at Guernsey 7 years ago
Comments: - Note:- See 1851 Census Henry DANIELS resident at Tolpuddle in Dorset Head Married aged 61 years [i.e. born 1790] occupation given as a Chelsea Pensioner born at Tolpuddle with wife Hannah and children. He was born 25th January 1789 at Tolpuddle and baptised 1st Feb 1789 the son of Giles & Anne DANIEL]
-
Name: Willism DAVIS Soldier 1036 (Pension 44112)
Regiment: 2nd battalion 60th Regiment of Rifles
Attested 30th May 1859
Age: 28 years (i.e. Born: c1831)
Rank: Private
Service: Total 2 years 312 days : Transferred to 1st Battalion 60th Regt Rifles 27th March 1862
Age: 31 Assessed May 1862 (i.e. Born 1831)
Born: 1831 Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester Dorset
Discharged: 9th April 1862
Reason: Morbus Cardis Valve. Infirmities of age unfit for further service, His disease originated in 1861 the result of constitutional infirmity not caused by indulgence in the use of intoxicating liquors. Opinion of Medical Officer at Chatham April 24th 1862 "Having examined Private William DAVIS I am of opinion he is not fit for further service from given at disability and over age. He says he is 47 years of age and looks it. (i.e. Born 1815) : Horse Guards 13th May 1862 The Discharge of the man above mentioned is approved by the General Commanding in Chief.
Height: 5' 3¼
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Brown:
Trade Labourer
{Note:- Although his official records suggest he was born in 1831 in Holy Trinity Parish in Dorchester he stated at his medical in 1862 that he was aged 47 which would make him born circa 1815. Worth noting that on WO 116 a document recording invalid soldiers medical assessments 2 other soldiers also stated at the medical that their actual age was older. DAVIS is a common surname and the most likely baptism in Holy Trinity Church is for William DAVIS son of George and Elizabeth DAVIS baptised 3rd March 1822 whose abode is given as Frome Whitfield which is within Holy Trinity but slightly out of the town. His father George is recorded as a Labouer. Another candidate considered was the baptism for a William DAVIS baptised with his brother Henry 5th Sep 1824 the sons of William and Elizabeth DAVIS whose abode is given as Shire Hall lane in the center of Dorchester - his father is a cabinet maker. This William appears to have married at Christchurch West Fordington to Mary Ann KING on 31st March 1861 and his trade is given on the marriage certificate as cabinet maker as was his fathers - not him as the above Wm was not discharged from the Army until 1862}
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Height: - 5' 7½ when attested 5' 9" aged 24
Age: 19
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzle
Hair: - Dark
Visage: - Long
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1790
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Plymouth 1st Apr 1809 service Limited
Discharged: 31st March 1816 at Chatham Reason period of Service having expired
-
Born: - abt 1787 at Dorchester in Dorset
Trade: - Cordwainer
Enlisted: - 1st Regt Dragoons
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet 5 and half inches tall, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, fresh complexion
Service: - 15 years 7 months of which 2 years at Waterloo
Complaint: - Medical Disability enlarged testicle produced by a blow in the Riding School
Comments: - Admission to Regimental Register of Pensioners 5th Aug 1818 when aged 31 [Note:- John England was baptised at The Presbyterian Chapel in Pease Lane in Dorchester on 29th January 1785 the son of Thomas England and Sarah Vincent who had married at Holy Trinity Church in Dorset on 4th Feb 1777]
-
Height: - 5' 7" when attested 5' 7" aged 24
Age: 27
Compexion: - Swarthy
Eyes: - Hayzle
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Long
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1786
Trade: - Shoemaker
Attestation Place: [WO25/481= Limerick Ireland 3rd Dec 1813 but WO25/482 Killaway Ireland 17th Dec 1813] service for 7 years
Discharged: 16th Dec 1820 at Cork Ireland Reason period of Service expired
-
Height: - 5' 4½ when attested
Age: 16
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzle
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1809
Trade: - Joiner
Attestation Place: Manchester,19th Dec 1825 service for life
Former Service: [Blank]
-
Height: - 4' 10" when attested
Age: 13
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Browm?
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Dorchester Dorset - c1803
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Hounslow, 22nd June 1816 Unlimited Service
-
Born: - abt 1807 born at Minterne near Dorchester Dorset;
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - Coldstream Foot Guards at Dorchester in Dorset on 10 Jan 1825 aged 18 years Discharged at his own request 31 Oct 1842 Re-enlisted Royal Canadian Rifles Toronto Regt No. 1450 15 Jan 1849
Rank: - Private
Description : - Height 5feet seven and a half inches tall; Fresh complexion; Hazel eyes Dark Brown Hair;
Service: - Served 25 years and 261 days during which period he served 12 years 10 months overseas in North America.
Complaint: - Medical Disability chronic Rheumatism both legs
Comments: - Tried by Court Martial 5th Sept 1853 for habitual drunkenness (Note:- endemic in the army high percentage tried) Discharged at his own request 31 Oct 1842 receiving 1 years gratuity pay: Partly repaid when Re-enlisted as a Private in the Royal Canadian Rifles 15 Jan 1849 - discharged unfit chronic Rheumatism both legs at Chatham 4th Aug 1857 aged 50 [Note: James Fox was baptised in the parish of Minterne Magna Dorset on 12th January 1806 the son of James & Christian FOX]
-
Height: - 5' 7" when attested - at age 24. 5' 7"
Age: 20
Compexion: - Swarthy
Eyes: - Hazel1
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1791[Note:- Robert the son of Thomas & Sarah FRAMPTON was baptised at Fordington on 15th Jan 1792]
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Chelmsford, 17th July 1811 for 7 years
Rank Corporal 25th Nov 1814:
Discharged: 24th Mar 1817 at Calais France Reason Reduction of Establishment
-
Height: - 5' 7½ when attested - at age 24. 5' 7½
Age: 24
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Hazel
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1789 [Note:- James the son of Thomas & Sarah FRAMPTON was baptised at Fordington on 14th Oct 1787]
Trade: - Shoemaker
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 1st April 1813 for 7 Years
Former Service: [Blank]
Service inc in East or West Indies: [Blank]
Rank: Private
-
Height: - 5' 3½ when attested
Age: 18
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Brown? [Hayzel]
Hair: - Hayzel? [Brown]
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1797
Trade: Gardener
Trade: - Clerk
Attestation Place: Pendennis Castle 21st July 1813 Service Unlimited
Discharged: Winchester 24th March 1816 Reason Under Size
-
Regimental Number 3101 [2nd Battalion Dorset Regt 1/1/1891]
Height: - 5' 4½
Age: 18 and 1 month
Compexion: - Sallow
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Weight: - 115
Chest 34-34½
Born : - Fordington in Dorset - c1872
Trade: - Mason
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 22nd Sep 1890
Religion: C of E
Previous Service : Yes 3/ Dorset Regt:
22nd Sep 1890 depot : 27th Jan 1893 Transferred to 1st: 27th July 1899 transferred to 2nd battalion: Re-engaged Private 20 Sep 1902 for short term to complete service: Discharged free after 12 years 13th March 1903 at Portsmouth: SERVICE LOCATION RECORD - Home 22 Sep 1890 to 26 Jan 1893: Egypt 27th Jan 1893 to 26 Sep 1893: India 27th Sep 1893 to 16th Feb 1898 : Home 17th Feb 1898 to 23 Nov 1899 : South Africa 24th Nov 1899 to 18 June 1900: Home 19th June 1900 to 13th March 1903: MEDALS Queens South Africa 1899-1902 Medal: Clasps Tugela Heights & Relief of Ladysmith Next of Kin Father William and mother Selina Mill Street Fordington:
[Note: Henry GALE (1872-1908) was baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington on 29th Jan 1872 the son of Henry William GALE & Selina HYDE (William on the staff of the Militia )]
-
Height: - 5'5½ when attested
Age: 17
Compexion: - Sallow
Eyes: - Hayzel
Hair: - Dark
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1797
Trade: Labourer
Trade: - Clerk
Attestation Place: Bridport 8th March 1826 Service Unlimited
Discharged: 16th Aug 1830? [year unclear] reason unclear
Remarks: Sent to the Regiment 24th May 1827
-
Born: - Aug 1816 Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Baker
Enlisted: - 82nd Regiment of Foot at Kullingar Stratmeath 7th September 1835 age 19 year and 1 month- Regt No. 888. Royal Newfoundland Companies
Rank: - Private - Promoted Corporal 16th April 1845 - transferred to Royal Newfoundland Companies as a Private 1st Nov 1847 [served 2 years 91 days]
Description : - 5 feet six & three quarters tall Dark complexion Hazel eyes dark brown hair
Service: - Total service 23 years 284 days of which West Indies 3 years 4 months; Mediterranean 3 years; British North America & Newfoundland 16 years
Complaint: - Medical Disability discharged at St Johns Newfoundland Canada as unfit 12th July 1859 age given as 42 years 10 months - intended place of residence St John Newfoundland
Comments: - Has 4 good conduct badges tried once by court martial imprisoned 6 Nov 1850 released 20th Nov 20 Nov 1850 Good conduct pay restored 20th Nov 1852; 2nd Good Conduct restored 20th Nov 1854 3rd Good Conduct badge awarded 20th Nov 1856 [Note:- Edward Gibbons died 14th Oct 1885 aged 69 at Nunnery Hill St John's Newfoundland . No trace has been found so far of his birth In Dorchester.]
William GILL [WO25/367] 32nd Regt Foot
-
Height: - 5' 6" when attested
Age: 25
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Blue
Hair: - Light Brown
Visage: - [Blank]
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1801
Trade: - Cordwainer
Attestation Place: Exeter, 20th Apr 1826 unlimited service
-
Age: 14
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - 7th March 1782
Trade: - Shoemaker
Attestation : 1796 (aged 14)
Rank: Cornet 2nd Dragoons 12th May 1825 Without Purchase; Lieutenant 2nd Dragoons 8th Oct 1830 By Purchase ; Lieutenant unattached 10th May 1839 Retired on half pay
Marriage: 8th April 1826 St Marks Church Liverpool to Pheobe MARSHALL 10th May 1839 by Rev R Blacaw Protestant
Children: -
-
John Marshall born 8th Aug 1828 Baptised at St Nicholas's Church Liverpool.
Robert Marshall born 23rd Sep 1830 baptised Birmingham St Philips Church
William brn 12th July 1833 York Banaley
Andrew born 12th July 1833 Ditto
Catherine Isabella born 2nd March 1835 St Peters Liverpool
Charles Marshall born 18th Feb 1837
Mark born 28th July 1838
William HANNAM WO 120/20
-
Born: - abt 1773 at Piddle [Puddletown] near Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet 8 inches brown hair hazel eyes fresh complexion
Service: - Total Service 19 years 1 month [Notes:- 5 Vetns 10 months ; Abs [Absence?] 5 years 4 months - 2 years 8 months?]
Complaint: - reduction
Comments: - Admission to Regimental Register of Pensioners 7th September 1814 when aged 41 years --Note:- O.P.[maybe Overseas Possessions] 2nd July 1816 P.P.R.P - P.O.B. in 1822 [Note:- Not located a birth/baptism]
George W HARDY [WO25/340] 14th Regt Foot 3rd Battalion
-
Height: - 5' 9" when attested
Age: 19
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Blue
Hair: - Light
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1797
Trade: - Clerk
Attestation Place: Chichester, 1st Nov 1816 Limited Service a volunteer without bounty
-
Born: - abt 1836 in the parish of Rampisham near Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 4th Battalion of 60th Foot [Royal Rifles] Reg No.213 Attestation at Winchester 16 Oct 1857 when aged 19 years [i.e. born 1836]
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet four and a half inches tall Fresh complexion brown hair and eyes
Service: - 4 years 21 days service From 16th Oct 1857 to 5th Nov 1861 Plus 98 days medical assessment paid to 11th July 1862
Complaint: - Medical Disability discharged at Chatham medically unfit ruptured in the right side caused by a fall when skirmishing at a field day at Aldershot on 11 July 1859
Comments: - Has 1 Good Conduct badge dated 16th Oct 1860 - no entry in defaulters book never tried by court martial -
[Note:- a James the son of James & Elizabeth HIMBURY was baptised at Rampisham on 28th December 1836]
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Name: Henry HYLLYER [HILLYER - HELLYAR]
Rank: Private Soldier 305
Regiment: 71st Regiment of Foot
Born: St Peters Parish, Dorchester, Dorset c1809
Trade: Shoemaker
Enlisted: - 71st Regiment of Light Infantry Reg No. 305 for a bounty of £4 - on 9th March 1826 at the age of 17
Rank: - Private 1st Service after the age of 18 which he is entitled to reckon up to the 30th Sep 1839 is:- 8th March 1827 to 26th July 1829 appointed Bugler 27th July 1829 to 3rd Oct 1830 returned to Private 4th Oct 1830 to 30th Sep 1831 appointed Bugler 1st Oct 1831 to 15th Nov 1836 returned to Private 16th Nov 1836 to 30th Sep 1839 Further service from 1st Oct 1839 to 8th Jan 1840 when finally discharged.
Description : - 5 feet six inches tall; fair complexion; hazel eyes fair hair - On discharge 5 feet 11 inches Fair hair Hazel eyes and pale complexion aged 30 years and 6 months
Service: - Served 12 years 207 days :- served 2 years and ten months in Bermuda; Six years and seven months in Canada and the remainder at home
Complaint: - Medical Disability Report: "Case of Private Henry HILLIARD No.305 71 Regiment: Labourer 30 years of age 13 years 1 month service of which 7 years in Canada, 3 years Bermuda and rest at home. Disease Phthisis pulmonary has laboured under physical symptoms since 1828. The disease now has assumed a more decided character of late, and the patient has for some time laboured under dyspnoea and palpitations, sight ???. loss of appetite and emaciation. His employment at a bandsman (Instrument the trombone has proved very injurious to his health and treatment in this country is not likely to prove beneficial. His character is good. The board are of the opinion that the conduct of Private Henry Hellier has been that of a good and efficient soldier seldom in Hospital trustworthy and sober and moreover the court has to record that he has won since the 29th July 1837 one distinguishing ring for good conduct and that he has received the additional pay attached to that distinction.
Discharged 8th Jan 1840
[Note:- Henry Webber HELLIER the son of Ann HELLIER was born in St Peters Parish on 28th Oct 1809 and baptised in St Peters church on 10th December 1809. He appears to have been illegitimate and Webber may have been the fathers surname to help ensure that maintenance was paid - If so, common to drop the second name in adulthood.]
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Regimental Number: 3619: Dorset Regiment [WWI 7443 & 48594]
Height: - 5' 4¾ when attested
Age: 18 + 3 months
Weight: 107
Chest: 31 - 32½
Compexion: - Dark
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Black
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Dorset East Fordington - c1874
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 21st Nov 1892
Depot - 21 Nov 1892
Posted 2nd battalion 17th Mar 1893
Transferred to 1st Private 7th Feb 1895
Transferred to 2nd Battalion 18th Mar 1902
Reengaged for 4 years Private 21 Nov 1904
Discharged 20 Nov 1908.
SERVICE:
Home 21 Nov 1892 to 6th Feb 1895
India 7th Feb 1895 to 17th March 1902
South Africa 18th March 1902 to 12th Sep 1902
Home 13th Sep 1902 to 20 Nov 1908. Total service 16 years
Campaigns : Tirah Expedition 1897-1898
South Africa 1899-1902
MEDALS:- Indian Frontier (two Clasps) Punjab & Tirah 1897-1898
South Africa 1899-1902 {Queens SA Medal} Clasps Transvaal; South Africa 1902
NEXT of KIN: father John Mother Emily Mill Street Fordington
Marriage to Margaret Eliza Gortshill a spinster Corfe Castle 13th April 1903
RE-Enlisted WWI: - 21 Aug 1914 [WWI 7443 & 48594] SERVICE Home 21 Aug 1914 to 23 May 1916: L Mesop 24 May 1916 to 29 March 1919: Home 30 Mar 1919 to 26 Apr 1919 : Repeats marriage: Lists 4 childrenall born Dorchester 1904 to 1912:
[Note:- John William Thomas HODDINOTT (1876-1940) was the eldest child of John and Maria Emily HODDINOTT of Mill Street Fordington and he was baptised at St Georges Church on 10th May 1876. Follow link for more information about his family]
[Also WO 23/151 Examination of Invalid Soldiers on Tuesday 13th Aug 1861 ]
-
Born: - abt June 1819 at Happill?? [Affpuddle?] a town near Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 38078 - 7th Regiment of Foot attested at Blandford 7 March 1839 aged 20 years - Royal Canadian Rifles Reg No. 1616
Rank: - Private
Description : - Height 5 feet 7 inches; Fresh complexion; Brown eyes; Dark Brown Hair
Service: - 22 years 86 days Period served abroad 21 years 4 months :- 5 years at Gibraltar; 3 and a quarter years in West Indies; 13 and a half years in North America [Canada] - - Was in 7th of Foot as a Private from 7th March 1839 to 31st March 1850 then transferred to Royal Rifles then private 1st April 1850 to 31 May 1861
Discharge of No 1616 Private George HOOKEY 13th August 1861 then aged 42 years and 2 months at his own request having served over 21 years in the army and qualified for a pension.
Description : 5'7" tall; Brown Hair, Brown eyes; Fair Complexion Fresh
Comments:- intended place of residence Red River Hudson's Bay Territory.
-
Height: - 5' 6" when attested - at age 24. 5' 7"
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Oval
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1795
Trade: - Plaisterer
Attestation Place: Pendinis Castle, 1st April 1813 for 7 years
Discharged: 5th April 1820 at Ekillins Cause Serive expired
-
Height: - 5' 10" when attested - at age 24. 5' 10"
Age: 28
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Long
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1789
Trade: - Shoemaker
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 1st May 1817 unlimited service
Former Service: 81st Reg Foot: From 3rd April 1809 to 27th May 1816:
Promoted to rank Corporal 4th Aug 1822 - date of being reduced 15th Nov 1822 Discharged Chelsea 22nd Dec 1822 at Chelsea Unfit for the service 'his out pension'?
Remarks : Heppatitus affections of the liver and general Viscual Derangement
-
(1). Attested at Manchester in the county of Lancaster on 7th April 1793 aged 19 (c1774) unlimited service
Born : - Dorset Dorchester (c1774 aged 19 - c1775 aged 44)
Service: 25 years 324 days Discharged : 24th February 1819 - Cause reduction and Long Service - Description of Thomas JACKSON:-
Aged about 44 years
Height: - 5' 8¼
Hair: - Brown
Eyes: - Dark
Compexion: - Fair (torn missing on front but fair on back)
Trade: - Weaver
(2). Date of admission to Pension Register: 25th Feb 1819: Aged 44 (c1775) Service 25 y 11 months: Pension rate 1s.1d per day. Born Dorchester Dorset: Height 5'8¼; Hair brown; Eyes Dark; Complexion Fair. Remarks:- House 26th April 1826. D.D. in House 7th May 1837 per B.15.289]
(3). House 26th April 1826 age 44 Service 25 years 11 months: Pension Rate 1s.1d ; Cause Reduction and long service; Trade weaver; Height 5'8¼; Hair brown; Eyes Dark; Complexion Fair.
(4). Thomas JACKSON: Height 5.8 at enlistment aged 18 years (c1775) 5'8¼ at age 24; Complexion Fair; Eyes Grey; Hair Brown; Viage Long; Born Dorchester Dorset; Trade Weaver; Attested Manchester; 9th June 1793 unlimited service ; Discharged 25th Sep 1817 at Chelsea; Reason Reduction; Out Pension 1s.1d per day.
[Note:- Thomas JACKSON was baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 10th March 1778 the son of Edward & Elizabeth JACKSON. From his service records he was admitted to the Royal Hospital Chelsea 26th April 1826 and appears to have died 7th May 1837 when in all likelyhood he was buried at the old burial ground behind the hospital which was in use up to 1854.]
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Regt No. 3106 Dorset Regt
Height: - 5' 5"
Age: 18 years 3 months
Weight: 123
Chest 34/35
Complexion : Thick
Religion : Wesleyan
Eyes : Hayzel
Hair : Light Brown
Born : - West Fordington Dorset - c1872
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Date:- Dorchester 7th Oct 1890
Remarks : 2nd Battalion 1st Jan 1891
[Note:- Located 1891 Census resident at St Andrews District Military Barracks Millbay Road, Plymouth, Devon William JOHNSON aged 18 Private in Dorset Regt born Dorset Dorchester.]
-
Height: - 5' 4¼
Age: 33 years 240 days
Complexion : Fair
Visage : round
Eyes : Grey
Hair : Brown
Born : - All Saints Parish Dorchester - c1766
Trade: - Baker
Attestation Date:- 18th July 1799
Discharged : 18th March 1818
WO 120/25: John JENNINGS 35th Regt of Foot
Admission to Pension 5th Aug 1818 aged 41 years [i.e. born c1777] Rate of pay 9d per day
Service Record: 11 years 1 month as Private: 1 year as Corporal: 7 years as Sergeant: Total Service 19 years 1 month
Compalint [Reason for Discharge] Long Service
Where Born Dorchester
Description Height 5' 4" Eyes Grey Complexion Fresh
[Note:- John JENNINGS was baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington on 19th Feb 1778 the son of Joseph JENNINGS by his wife Susannah nee Loyd who had married at Fordington on 22nd Sep 1777. He died at the age of 42 and was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington on 8th Nov 1819. [Note:- Overseers of the Poor Accounts for Fordington (Image 973 on ancestry.com)show that the Overseers paid for his laying out, a shroud and pall-bearers]
-
WO 25/481 UK Regimental Registers of Service: 81st Regiment of Foot; attested by Captain Cole at Plymouth Devon on 3rd April 1809
- Name: Edward KEATES Entry No.77 (image 68 Ancestry.com) Poor quality note there is a second page.
Height: - 5' 4" when attested - at age 24. 5' 4"
Age: 23
Compexion: - Fair
Visage: Round
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1786 [Note: Not identified despite Keats families in Dorchester, Fordington and Stinsford]
Trade: - Labourer
Discharged: 27th May 1816? [481]
WO 25/482 { same as WO 25/481 but says enlisted for 7 years only? - Pension Rate 1 shilling per day.}
WO 97/909 UK Royal Hospital Chelsea pensioner Soldiers service Documents: 81st Regt Foot: Soldier 266:
- This is to Certify that Private Edward KEATES born in the Parish of Dorchester near Dorchester in Dorset was enlisted for the aforesaid Regt at Plymouth in the County of Devon on the 3rd day of April 1809 at the age of twenty three for unlimited service. That he hath served for a space of 18 years and 164 days after the age of 18. That by the authority of His Majesty dated at Horse Guards 26th June 1827 He is hereby discharged in consequence og Pulmonic affection contracted when on service with the Regiment in North America during a period of 5 years. etc Conduct very good. To prevent any improper use being made of this discharge -- decription of the said Private Edward KEATES He is about Forty One years of age is Five feet 4 inches in height with brown hair grey eyes and fair complexion and by trade a labourer. Signed at Guernsey 16th day of July 1827. Confirmed Horse Guards 4th September 1827.
WO 120/28 {Same info as WO 25/481 and 482 except states reason for discharge is Pulmonic affection and Chronic Rhumatism.}
-
Height: - 5' 7¾ when attested - at age 24. 5' 7¾
Age: 24
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hazle
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - [Blank]
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1795
Trade: - Brazier
Attestation Place: Birmingham, 23rd May 1819 unlimited service
Deserted : 27th October 1820 at Plymouth [A Robert the son of George and Mary KING was baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington on 20th Aug 1797 together with his sister Mary so possible that he may have been an older sibling?]
-
Company: "B" [ In a group 39th/ 40th/65th/ 74th/ or 84th Regts of Foot]
Regimental No. : 1952
Rank: Private
Name: Richard LAKE
Born: East Fordington (near) Dorchester Dorset
Age: 18 years 3 months
Date Joined : 21st July 1885
Trade: Labourer
Attested :21st July 1885 Dorchester
Height: 5' 4 and half inches
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: C of E
Remarks: Chest measurement 33 quarter - See attestation
[Note:- Richard Edward LAKE was the son of John Simmons LAKE and Mary Ann nee SPRANKLIN and was bap St Georges Church East Fordington 29th Sep 1867. His parents married at Winterborne Monkton on 14 Apr 1860 - Link to more information about their marriage and family]
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Born: - abt 1795 Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Joiner
Enlisted: - 16th Regiment of Dragoons
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5feet 9 inches tall, hair dark, eyes grey, complexion fair
Service: - 8 years and 5 months with 2 years at Waterloo total 10 years 5 months service
Complaint: - Medical Disability opacity of cornea
Comments: - Admission to Regimental Register of Pensioners 1st May 1822 when aged 27 Rate 6d per day [Note:- Robert LAKE was baptised in the parish of Holy Trinity in Dorchester on 16th August 1795 the son of William and Sarah LAKE]
-
Height: - 5' 7½
Age: 37
Born : - Dorchester - c1766
Trade: - Sawyer
Attestation Place: Bute Rothsay, 7th Dec 1803 unlimited service
Descrition - extensive on second page Grey eyes etc
Rank:- Private
-
Born: - abt 1771 at Dewlish near Dorchester Dorset
Trade: - Labourer
Enlisted: - 35th Regiment of Foot Resident
Rank: - Private
Description : - 5 feet 5 and a half inches tall brown hair grey eyes dark complexion
Service: - 18 years 8 months plus absent in 3? B.O.P.[British Overseas Possessions] 2nd July 1821 until 24 Oct 1821 added 1 year 7 months total service 20 years 3 months
Complaint: - Long Service
Comments: - Admission to Regimental Register of Pensioners 18 Mar 1818 when aged 47[ Note:- Not located baptism in Dewlish but many residents in Dewlish had their children baptised at St Martins in nearby Cheselbourne where there is a baptism of a John the son of Joseph and Mary Legg baptised on 19th Nov 1773 which may be him]
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Regimental Number: 4556
Height: - 4' 8¾ when attested
Age: 14 [Boy 2nd Yorks]
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1878
Trade: - Sailor
Attestation Place: Dublin, 24 Oct 1892
Religion: C of E
[Note:- Arthur James McINTOSH was the son of the son of a soldier stationed at West Fordington barracks John and Jane McINTOSH and was baptised at Christchurch West Fordington on 1st Dec 1878 See Chelsea Pension Records for more information]
-
Height: - 5' 5¾ when attested: At aged 24: 5' 6"
Age: - 19
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Fordington - c1792
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Weymouth on 27th May 1811 for 7 years
Discharged 24th March {No year given] at Valen-aemies? Reason Reduction of Establishment}
- Regimental Number 3623 [OSC 3090] 3rd Dorset Regt
Age: 19 and 2 months
Height: - 5' 3⅝
Weight: 132
Chest: 34 - 35½
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Religion: - C of E
Previously in the Army: Yes 3rd Dorset Regt Born : - East Fordington Parish Dorchester Dorset c 1873
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation: 22nd Nov 1892 at Dorchester
Next of Kin: Father James and Mother Elizabeth Mill Street Fordington
SERVICE: Attested Private 22 Nov 1892
Transferred to Ordnance Store Corps Woolwich 19th Dec 1892
Resident at Aldershot from 7th April 1893 to 12 March 1896 Discharged for misconduct Pte 30th April 1896
[Note:- David John MEMBURY (1873-1950) was born in Mill Street East Fordington on 2nd Dec 1873 the son of a bricklayer James MEMBURY (1835-1926) and Elizabeth Harden DAVIS (1833-1900) and was still living with them in Mill Street in 1891. David appears to have had a civil marriage to Louisa HEARN during 1st qtr 1900 Dorchester District Ref 5a/486. They went on to have 7 children between 1901-1914 but one died prior to 1911. In 1901 They were living in Shorts Lane Fordington but were back in Mill Lane in 1911 at No. 47 and from prior to 1919 until after 1939 at No. 81 ]
-
Name: Thomas PAIN
Regiment 3rd Regiment of Foot
Admitted for Pension: 10th Feb 1748/9
Complaint [Reason for Discharge] Almost Blind
Age: 48 years
Service: 21 Years
Born: At Dorchester (c1701)
Trade: Labourer
[Note:- Thought to be Thomas the son of Thomas PAIN and Hannah BANGER actually born at Holy Trinity Parish in Dorchester on 21st Feb 1703/4 and baptised there 20th March 1703/4. His parents married at Stinsford (very close to Dorchester) on 26th April 1703. Follow link for more information]
-
Regimental Number 3073 [WW1- Labour Corps 317761 & 3/7394]
Age: 19 and 6 months [WW1- 41 years 7 months]
Height: - 5' 4¾
Weight: 114
Chest: 31 - 32
Compexion: - Swarthy
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Dark Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester Dorset c 1871
Trade: - Groom
Attestation: 17th June 1890 at Dorchester
Rank:- Private
[Note:- George son of Samuel & Martha Jane PALMER was baptised of Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester on 26 Feb 1871. In the 1871 Census his parents were living in Princess St Dorchester His father (aged 26 and born in Winterborne Abbas) working as a brewers Labourer and his mothers (born Compton Valance age 24) and George is just 10 weeks old - In 1881 family living in Broadway Mill St - In 1891 he is a private in the Dorset Regiment resident at The Citadel St Andrews Devon. On 4th Oct 1905 he married at St Georges Church in Fordington to Sarah Jane DUNNING a native of St Pancras in London and in 1911 living at 18 Icen Way in Dorchester with their daughter Hilda Kate Mary PALMER aged 4. ----WW1 Attestation 20th Aug 1914 at Dorchester Labour Corps; Served in the Dorset Regiment for 12 years 54 days Discharged August 1902: Married with 8 children ; Transferred 18 Aug 1917 43rd Home Regt ; Transferred Dorset Regt 1st June 1818; Transferred to Army reserve 11th March 1920. Total Service 5 years 203 days;2 children listed Hilda born 27th May 1907 and Samuel George born 11th Dec 1912.]
- Born: 1747 Dorchester Dorset
Regiment: 1st Dragoons
Military Pension Date : 8th Oct 1798:
Service 19 years 1/6th [19 years 2 months]
Reason: Worn out & hurt Inwardly
Comments [Note:- Benjamin PAUL of the 10th Regiment of Dragoons [i.e. Stationed at Fordington Barracks] & Ann MORES both of the parish of Holy Trinity married at HT on 16-Feb 1784.Follow link for more information about his family.
-
Born : - Dorset Dorchester
Died :- 15th October 1812 Died in Java
-
Regimental No. 2272 Dorset 3rd Regt
Attested 4th Oct 1886 at Dorchester
Born: Fordington near Dorchester Dorset c1867?
Age: 19 years 5 months ?
Former occupation: bricklayer [5 year apprenticeship expired]
Heght: 5' 7½
Weight 134 lbs
Chest: 35¼
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark Brown
Religion: C of E
Rank: Private
SERVICE: Home 4th Oct 1886 to 7th Feb 1888
Mediterranian 8th Feb 1888 to 14th July 1889 [Granted Good Conduct Pay @ 1d 4th Oct 1888]
Egypt 15th July 1889 - Died at Cairo 14th Feb 1890
Next of Kin: Mother Mary Ann 1 Mill Street Fordington
[Note:- Joseph PITFIELD (1864-1890) was actually baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington on 13th Oct 1864 the 7th child from the marriage of Samuel PITFIELD (1818-1870) to Marrianne NORRIS at St Georges Church on 26th Mar 1843. In 1881 aged 17 he is living with his mother Mary Ann in Mill Street already working as a bricklayer. ]
-
Nam: John REYNOLDS
Born: Dorchester Dorset
Height: [not clear but 5'4" see next doc below']
Hair Brown
Eyes: Hayzel
Complexion: Fair
Trade: Labourer
Admission to Pension: 3rd May 1816 aged 28 years [c.1788]- rate 6d per day
Service: 2 years 2 months
Complaint: [Reason for discharge] - Fractured legs by a fall from a horse
Comments: Restored P.O.B. 18th Set 1820
Certificate of Service: [WO 97/Piece 274] Royal Hospital Chelsea Piece 274 aged 27
His Majesty's 1st Battalion of 5th Regt of Foot whereof Lieutenant Gen William Waynyard is Colonel. These are to Certify that John REYNOLDS in Captain Hamilton's Company in the Regt aforesaid, born in the Parish of Dorchester in or near the town of Dorchester in the County of Dorsetshire hath served the Regt for the space of 2 years & 44 days as likewise in other Corps according to the following statement, but in consequence of distortion of the legs from fracture by fall from a Horse is considered unfit for further service ---etc etc --- And to prevent any improper use being made of this discharge -- description He is about 27 years old is five feet four inches in height brown hair hayzel eyes and fair complexion and by trade a labourer.
STATEMENT of SERVICE : 5th Regt Foot from 3rd Dec 1813 to 15th Jan 1816 2 years 44 days --- given under my hand at Peronne France this 15th Day of January 1816 : On reverse confirms fractured both legs and his age of 27 has been crossed out and 28 inserted
Name: Josh RODGERS
Born: c1773* Trinity Parish Dorchester
Description: Height 5' 9" : Hair Light: Eyes Grey : Complexion Fair
Service: Rank Private 3rd Garrison Regiment - 1 year 3 months
Rank Private: 88th Regt Foot - 18 years 8 months - 3 years service in East or West India
Total Service Given as 21 Years 5 months
Admission to Pension: 22nd Oct 1816 Aged 43 [c1773] Pension Rate 1 shilling per day.
Trade: Plaisterer
Complaint [Reason for Discharge] Wounded left thigh diseased pisarn?
Royal Hospital Chelsea Certification Certificate: [WO/97 / 976 ]
Joseph RODGERS Private in Captain Flacks Company in the 2nd Battalion 88 Regiment of Foot, born in the Parish of Dorchester in the town of Dorchester in the County of Dorset was enlisted at the age of 22 years and has served for 18 years - is considered unfit for further service and is discharged --- Description to prevent improper use etc He is about 40 years of age is 5 feet nine inches in height sandy hair grey eyes pale complexion; by trade a Plasterer: Statement of Service 88th Regiment of Foot from 17th Oct 1796 to 1813 total as private 18 years 3 months.
[*If aged 22 in 1796 his approx birth is 1774]
[Note:- The only likely candidate appears to be Joseph ROGERS the son of Francis ROGERS and Ann nee CANTERBURY who was baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 3 Oct 1779. If so he is 6 years younger than recorded by the Army when he attested on 3rd Oct 1779. He was baptised on the same day with his brother John Rogers who died on 3rd Dec 1780 so may well have been born some time prior to his baptism but his elder sister Mary was baptised on 11th Nov 1776 so he is unlikely to have been born earlier than about 1777. Recruits often did not know their age so it was sometimes an estimation by the recruiting sergeant. The family were certainly resident up to 1790 in Holy Trinity parish
but we then loose track of them]
-
Regiment: 24th Foot 604
Name: Richard ROGERS
Age: 67
Service: 23
Station in the Army: S
Admissiom: 26th Nov 1783
Complaints: 'worn out'
Residence: Dorchester Dorset 26th Dec
-
Regimental Number: 3309 Dorset Regiment
Height: - 5' 5½
Weight: 136
Age: 19 and 2 months
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hayzel
Hair: - Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - West Fordington Dorchester - c1872
Trade: - Carter
Joined: - Depot - 2nd Nov 1891 Posted 2nd battalion 15 Feb 1892: Transferred Pte 16th Mar 1893 Granted Good Conduct pay 2nd Nov 1893 Resigned appointment 11th Dec 1893 : Continued Pte 12th Dec 1893 Discharged medicallly unfit 18th Dec 1894. Served in Egypt Cario 16 Mar 1892 to 26 Sep 1893 India 27 Sep 1893 to 16th Nov 1894 Home 17 Nov 1894 to 18 Dec 1894 Still unmarried :
[Note:- George SAMWAYS (1872-1937) was born at Grove Buildings in West Fordington in Dorset on 31st Aug 1872. He appears in the 1881 Census with his parents George and Harriet SAMWAYS living at Caldicott in Rutland. Unfortunately a clerical error was made completing the Census return in that George was the eldest child aged 8 born at Dorchester (actually West Fordington) and his younger sister Mary Ann was aged 3 born at Rutland. Their positions are correct in the 1891 Census which was the last Census before George joined the Army. After being discharged from the army he returned to West Fordington and married to Emma Jane PUCKETT (1872-1943) at Christchurch on 20th April 1896 when he confirmed his father was George SAMWAYS a Carter. In 1901 they were living at Chaldon Herring in Dorset with George aged 28 working as a carter and living in a cottage on Chaldon Farm with Emma and their 1st child Beatrice Mabel May Samways (1896-1970). They had 3 more childre Nellie Gladys Samways (1902-1958) ; Hilda Kate Samways (1910-1988) and Frederick Samways (1912-1980) George died at the age of 64 and was buried at Woodsford in Dorset on14th July 1937. Emma Jane Samways died aged 70 at Castle Bingalow Woodsford on 21st Feb 1943 and was buried at St John the Baptist church on 24th.
-
Regimental Number 3091 3rd Dorset Regt [WWI No.20184]
Age: 18
Height: - 5' 5½
Weight: 107
Chest: 32 - 32½
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Blue
Hair: - Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Dorset West Fordington c1872
Trade: - Butcher
Attestation: Dorchester 11th Aug 1890 accepted after medical 13th Aug 1890
Rank:- Private
Remarks Scar on left collar bone - 2nd Battalion 15th Nov 1890 : Rejoined the Colours 2nd Battalion 8th Mar 1899; Posted 2nd Battalion L/Corporal 20th Feb 1901; promoted Corporal 14th March 1902; Discharged 17th Sep 1902
SERVICE: Home 16th Aug 1890 - 26 Jan 1893
Egypt 27th Jan 1893 to 26th Sep 1893
India 21st Sep 1893 to 21st Jan 1898
Home 22nd Jan 1898 to 23 Nov 1899
South Africa 24th Nov 1899 to 15th Dec 1901
South Africa 16 Dec 1901 to 15th Sep 1902
Home 16th Sep 1902 to 17th Sep 1902
MEDALS Queens South Africa Medal 1899-1902 - Clasps
- Orange Free State
Transvaal
Tugela Heights
Relief of Ladysmith
Laing's nek
Next of Kin Mother Eliza at 40 Grove Buildings Dorchester [actually] West Fordington
Re-enlisted WWI age 40 years 240 days for 3 years 17th April 1914 Joined at Dorchester 18th as a private
Promoted to Corporal 17th Aug 1914:
Promoted to Serjeant 3rd Nov 1914:
Posted to India 11th Feb 1916 to 29th April 1919
Transferred to reserves 30th April 1919 [Awarded British War Medal]
NEXT of KIN : Agnes Bessie SOPER spinster he married her at St Georges Church Fordington 23rd June 1903
Children all born Dorchester:- Hilda Mary born 3rd Sep 1905: Albert Leonard born 29th Nov 1908 : Cyril Victor born 30th March 1914.
Last date on Service No. 20184 Pension to 12th June 1923
[Note:- Albert SCOTT (1874-1947) was born at Grove Buildings in West Fordington Dorset and baptised at Christchurch also in West Fordington on 3rd April 1874. He was the son of Edwin John SCOTT, a general labourer and native of Leigh in Wiltshire who had married his mother Eliza nee COX at Christchurch West Fordington on 7th Dec 1854.Follow link for more information about his family]
-
Height: - 5' 6¼ when attested
Age: 24
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1785
Trade: - Baker
Deserted 31st March 1809
Remarks: Substitute for James UNSWORTH
-
Height: - 5' 6"
Age: 21
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Blue Light eyebrows nose prportional mouth small
Hair: - Dark Brown
Form: - Stout Head round and large face round & full neck short
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c 1783
Trade: - Glazier
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 1804 unlimited service
Deserted 13th March 1804
-
Regimental No. 2630
Born: Fordington, near Dorchester Dorset - c1869
Age: 19 years 2 months
Prior Occupation: Groom
Attested: Joined 17th accepted 19th Mar 1888 at Dorchester
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 125 lbs
Chest: 34 ¾
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Light Brown
Religion: C of E
Previous service :- Yes Dorset Regt SERVICE RECORD:
Joined 3rd Dorset Regt : 17 Mar 1888 Made private after Course : 3rd July 1888
Transferred: Private 25th Sep 1890:
Died at Cairo Egypt 13th June 1891:
[Note:- Joseph William SKINNER (1870-1891) was baptised at Christchurch in West Fordington on 9th Jan 1870 the son of William and Selina SKINNER. His father William SKINNER (1840- ?), a was a toll gate keeper and had been born in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. He married his mother Selina COLE (1843-1908) in the Parish Church of St Martins in Cheselbourne on 7th Sep 1867. Selina was the daughter of a labourer James Cole by his wife Ann and baptised at Hooke in Dorset on 6th Aug 1843. By 1874 his father was the toll gate keeper at Long Bredy a a younger brother to Joseph called Henry James SKINNER (1874-1887) was born there. The family was back living in 'The Old Shipyard' in Princes St in Holy Trinity parish in Dorcheser however by 1881. They remained in pricess street for the rest of his parents lives, his father in 1901 working as an ostler at Fordington Barracks. His father died on 29th Nov 1907 and was buried at the civic cemetery in Dorchester. His mother Selina soon followed his father passing away at the age of 65 on 17th Feb 1908 and joining him in the civic cemetery.As shown in his military record above Joseph William SKINNER died at Cairoin Egypt on 13th June 1891]
- Regiment: 14th Regiment of Foot:
Age 49:
Served: 23 Years [i.e. enlisted c1750]
Complaint: Short Sighted
Born: at Dorchester c1724
Trade: Labourer
Admission to Pension: 12th June 1773
[Note:- 8th child from the marriage of Adam SMITH to Anne HUNTLY at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 2nd Dec 1709. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 28th June 1724]
-
Height: - 5' 5" when attested
Age: 18 and 1 month
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1873
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Woolwich, 26th Sep 1891
Religion C of E
[Note:- Robert Samuel the son of Robert and Anne SPENCE a Soldier in the Royal Horse Artillery was actually baptised 2 miles from Dorchester at Stinsford on 2nd Dec 1875. ]
-
Regtl No. 1357 [Pension 96851]
Rank: Private
Trade: Butcher
Born Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester c1847
Attested for 34th Regt Footat Wareham on 2nd Apr 1868
Age: 21 years
Height: 5'6"
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Hayzel
Hair Dark Brown
SERVICE From 29th April 1868 - 24 Aug 1869 Conduct Good
Discharged: 12th Aug 1869 Being found unfit for further service - medical report Severe Short Sight supposed to have existed prior to enlistment the result of constitutional infirmity, capable of earning"
Admitted for Pension 7th Sep 1869 aged 22
[Note:- Robert [John] SPICER (1846-1916) was the son of Robert SPICER and Jane nee CURME and was actually born at Louth in Leicestershire although brought up froma young age in Holy Trinity Parish in Dorchester. Follow link for more information]
-
Height: - 5' 8½ when attested - at age 24. - 5' 8¾
Age: 22
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Hazel
Hair: - Black
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1791
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Pendennis Castle, 1st Apr 1813 7 years service
Discharges: 5th April 1820 Ekillen Reason Service Expired
-
Name: Edward Stone:
Age 50 years
Born Dorchester [Note does not say whether Dorset or Oxfordshire?]
Rank Sergeant:
Served : 26 years
Reason for medical retirement: Hurt in Hand
Prior Occupation: Labourer
Admission to Pension: 28th Oct 1786
[Not identified]
-
Height: - 5' 6" when attested - at age 24. 5' 6"
Age: 22
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Brown [WO 120/26 Sandy]
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester -c1803
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: Nottingham, 2nd Sep 1825 Unlimited Service
Discharged 21st May 1828 at Chatham : Reason Worn Out [Unfit for service 391] - To out pension at 9d per day
Service WO 120/26: Age 24 years, Private 2 years 8 months, Pension confirmed until 24th June 1831 conditionally [illegible] 1835 to be continued for 6 months from Appln 64337 1st July 1831
[Note:- Not identified - think it may also have an entry 'Dead Feb 6th 1833?' but whole of comments difficult to read ]
-
Name: Wm.Jas STRICKLAND
Age: 28 years
Regt: 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade:
Born Dorchester Dorset c1791
Rank: Corporal
Prior Occupation: Clerk
Description : Brown hair blue eyes: Original Dicharge Certificate on Fold3:-is 5feet 6 and 3 quarters inches in height, brown hair, blue eyes, light complexion by trade a Clerk. Cerificate at Shorncliff 8th Jan 1818. ConfirmedHorse Guards 17th March 1818
Attested: at Kensington on 31st Jan 1815 at the age of 24 for unlimited Service
Service: Pension index:-5 months as a private; 1 year 9 months? as a Coprporal. Total service 3 years? 2 months at 9d per day. Original Certificate on Fold3:- Served from 31st Jan 1815 to 17th March 1818 2 years 266 days as a Corporal and 145 days as a private total 3 years 46 days
Complaint [Reason for Medical Retirement]: incontinence or urin by a severe entry of the perindam by a fall 6th June 1817: Original Certificate on Fold3:-Cause of Discharge being incapable of marching and incontinence of urin occasioned from a fall on the 6th June 1817. General Conduct good
[Note:- Not identified]
-
Regiment : 2nd Dragoons
Name : John STRODE:
Age: 49 years
Served : 21 years [i.e. enlisted 1739]
Cause dismissed from service: Medically unfit - an incurable Rheumatism
Born: At Dorchester in Dorset (1711)
Dismissed: 2nd May 1760 [i.e admitted to pension]
[Note: not identified although some marriages took place at St Peters1729/1730 from surrounding parishes]
-
Regimental Number: 453
Age Attestation 19 years 6 months. - Discharge: 31 years 5 months
Attestation: Weymouth 12 Jan 1877
Born: Fordington Dorset - c1868
Occupation: Labourer
Height: 5' 5¾
Weight:
Chest: 34"
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Brown
Complexion: Sallow
Religion: C of E
Marks:- Scar of burn on chin and extensive scar of burn on right arm & forearm, large hairy brown patch on left thigh.
Service:- England 10th Jan 1877 to 3rd Nov 1877 - East indies 4th Nov 1877 to 2nd Mar 1882 - Home 3rd Mar 1882 to 9th Jan 1889. [Note:-Intended place of Discharge Upper Parkstone Poole Wife Eliza (nee BROWNSEA) married Fordington 3rd Sep 1883 with her husband Place of Discharge Dorchester on completion of his engagement
- Regimental Number: 2512
Age: 19
Attestation: Dorchester 27 Sep 1887
Born: West Fordington Dorset - c1868
Occupation: Labourer
Height: 5' 4½
Weight: 146lbs
Chest: 35"
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark Brown
Complexion: Swarthy
Religion: C of E
[Note:- Not clearly identified]
-
Regimental Number 2434 Dorset Regt
Age: 21 & 11 months
Weight: 121
Chest: 34' ½
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Grey
Hair Light Brown
Religion: Wesleyan
Trade: Labourer
Born : - St Peters Parish Dorchester Dorset - c1866
Attestation: At Dorchester Dorset - 11th Aug 1887
Prior Service: Yes 1 Dorset Rifle Volunteers
SERVICE: Dorset Depot 11 Aug 1887 to 15th Nov 1887
Transferred to 1st battalion 16th Nov 1887 to 30 Nov 1887
Granted Good Conduct Pay 1d day 2nd Sep 1891
Granted 2d Good Conduct Pay 2nd Sep 1893
Forfeit 1d GC Pay 25th Dec 1893
Restored GC Pay 2d 25th June 1894
Discharged 10th Aug 1899 4 years 134 days Intended Place of residence Harvey's Buildings Dorchester In consequence of the termination of his first period of limited service
MILITARY HISTORY: Not in any Campaigns
Home 11 Aug 1887 - 7 Feb 1888 [ In Portland Hospital 8 days 16th Nov 1887 from fall]
Mediteranian 8th Feb 1888 to 14th July 1889 Embarked on HMS Crocodile 8th Feb 1888 - Malta 17 Feb 1888 - Alexandria 18th July 1888
Egypt 15th July 1889 to 26th Sep 1893 - Cairo 31st July 1889
India 27th Sep 1893 to 26th Mar 1895 - Landed India from Malabar 11th Oct 1893 - Clive 11th Oct 1893 - Wellington 17th Oct 1893
Home 27th Mar 1895 to 10th Aug 1899
Next of Kin Father Thomas TARR at Pease Lane Dorchester
[Note:- Thomas Herbert TARR (1866-1943) born on the 23rd Sep 1866 he was the son of Herbert TARR (1819-1890) and Sarah Jane BATTRICK (1832-1886) who . On 11th Aug 1887 he joined the Dorset Regiment [Soldier 2434 as shown above] Thomas Herbert TARR Junior married at St Georges Church in Fordington. on 23rd April 1896 to Mary Annie MATTHEWS the 30 year old spinster daughter of George John Matthews a gardner. They had 7 children between 1876 and 1911. Thomas Herbert TARR Junior of 48 the High Street was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington aged 76 on 14th July 1943]
- Regiment: 6th Dragoon Guards
Name: Henry THOMPSON
Age: 21
Total Service : 2 years 9 months
Rate of Pension: Rejected
Date on which Pension Commences: [Blank]
Complaint or Cause of Discharge: Disease of thr head and lungs
Place of Birth: Dorchester, Dorset
Place of Resuidence:
-
Age: 18
Born : - Dorset Dorchester c1840
Remarks: Given up to 11th Regt 22nd May 1858 at Colchester as a Deserter therefrom
-
William VALLANCE of the 65th Regiment of Foot - WO 120/5
Age: 36 years
Born: Dorchester Dorset (c.1737)
Trade: Labourer Admitted: 17th Sep 1773
Served: 19 years
Cause: incurable ulcer
[Note:- Surname often spelt Vallence or Vallens - William VALLENS was the 5th child from the marriage of Francis VALLENS to Maria CORNING at Minterne Magna Dorset on 7th Sep 1726. He was baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 31st May 1737. He married Rebecca PADDOCK at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 17th April 1775]
-
WWI Regtl Number : 40608 [RGA 0801-1200] + Pension Records
Height: 5'3"
Weight 91 lbs
Chest 30 inches expansion 2½
Complexion : Fresh
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Light Brown
Born Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester Service : As Boy Home 23rd March 1914 to 10th Jan 1918 His father gave his consent to him joining His Magestys Service on his own headed notepaper "W.VINCENT Military Tailor, Depot Barracks Dorchester on 5th Nov 1913" : Posted 1st Researve Brigade 4th Apr 1917: Posted 3rd Reserve Battery 24th Apr 1917: Mustered as Gunner 18th Sep 1917: Posted 21st Kant H.B. 26th Sep 1917: Posted 4 Reserve Battery H.A. 28 June 1918: Discharged No longer physically fit for service Flat feet both little toes amputated. Character Broby: A sober steady hardworking man Honest and reliable - 10th Dec 1918
Next of Kin : (1) Father William VINCENT at 11 Mountain Ash Terrace Dorchester (2) Mother Rose VINCENT Ditto (3) (illegibale)
Awarded British War and Victory Medals
[Note:- Claude Frederick Vincent (1899-1970) was the 3rd child from the marriage of William VINCENT (1872-Aft.1939) to Rose HARDING at Camberwell in 1895. Follow link for more information about the family]
-
WWI Regtl Number A2964 Jack VINCENT: Service : Home 23rd March 1914 to 10th Jan 1918 - Staff Serjeant :
Next of Kin : (1) Father William VINCENT at 11 Mountain Ash Terrace Dorchester (2) Mother Rose VINCENT ditto (3) (illegible - possibly Claude Frederick VINCENT (40608) his brother whom his father gave permission to serve in His Majesty's Service on 5th Nov 1913.) serving with?
Awarded British War and Victory Medals
ALSO Served in WWII 1942: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
War Substantive Rank Serjeant Major Armourer Section on 28th Mar 1942 [British Army Lists as at Oct 1942] [Note:- His full name was Jack Evelyn VINCENT (1897-1984) was the 2nd child from the marriage of William VINCENT (1872-Aft.1939) to Rose HARDING at Camberwell in 1895. Follow link for more information about the family]
-
Regimental Number 2147 Dorset Regt [When he re-enlisted in WWI he refers to previous service in the 39th Dorset Regt]
Age: 18 & 5 months
Weight: 124
Chest: 33¼
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair Brown
Religion: C of E
Trade: Shoemaker
Born : - Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester Dorset - c1867
Attestation: At Dorchester Dorset 8th Sep 1885 Accepted 11th Sep 1885
[Note:- James Walter VINCENT (1868-1958) was baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 31st May 1868 the son of James VINCENT (1846-1910) & Emily nee CARTER occupation of father Cordwainer residence Pease Lane Dorchester. I have not been able to locate his service record but when he re-enlists in WWI he refers to his previous service in the 39th Dprset Regt.]
RE-ENLISTMENT WWI James Walter VINCENT. Royal Engineers
Regimental Number 296372 [Welsh Regiment 1/5 Battalion 350926]
Enlisted 1st June 1917
Current address Grysbwl Glamorgan Wales
Age 48 years 1 month [Widower]
Trade Furnaceman [On 7th June 1918 stated previously employed as a Fireman at the Lady Windsor Colliery for 18 years and qualified as a shoemaker. .
Previous Service Yes 39th Dorset Regiment and 5th battalion Wrlsh Regiment
Married Elizabeth Ann KEECH at Abbotsbury Dorset Dec 1890 since Deceased
Children Alice May born 25th Oct 1902; Maggie Ellen born 6th June 1904; Hilda born 30th March 1904; Charles born 21st May 1910; Doreen Arabalella born 30th March 1914
SERVICE Home: 1st Jun 1917 to 5th Dec 1917: British Expedionary Force France 6th Dec 1917 to 11 th Mar 1918; Home 12th Mar 1918 to 4th July 1918.
Discharged no longer medically fit for service 4th July 1918 address 10 Augusta Street Ynysyewl Pontypridd South Wales.
Awarded the British War and Victory Medals
-
Former Engagement: Regimental Number 61796 Enlisted 5th Oct 1887 as a Boy Age 14 Born at Holy Trinity Dorchester Dorset Trade Tailor: Height 56 ¾: Weight 67½ Physical development indifferent:
Served at Home : 15th July 1887 to 31st Aug 1895 when no longer fit for service : deafness. after 8 years 48 days :Discharged at Woolwich Kent. Next of kin given as (1) James Vincent father Pease Lane Dorchester (2) Brother James of 39th Regt of Foot (3( Brother Charles of Pease Lane Dorchester
Regimental Number: 9982
Age 27 years 6 months
Trade: Tailor
Married: Yes wife Rose Vincent 27 Glydepath Hill Dorchester : Children John. Evelyn. Claude. Frederick
Corps formerly served : Royal Horse Artillery (Invalided)
Attested 7th May 1900 at Dorchester Dorset: passed as fit as serving as a tailor: Joined at Christchurch 8th May 1900 B.B. Battery R.H.A. Regtl Number 9982
Height: 5'7¾"
Weight 126lbs
Chest: 33" - 34½
Complexion: Sallow
Eyes: Brown
Hair: dark Brown
Religion: C of E
Discharged Completion of Engagement 6th May 1901
William VINCENT (1872-Aft.1939) was the 4th child of James VINCENT(1846-1910) and Emily CARTER and married to Rose HARDING at Camberwell in 1895. Follow link for more information about the family]
-
Height: - 5' 6½
Age: 21
Compexion: - Pale
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Light
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1806
Trade: - Loulder
Attestation Place: Wigan, 5th April 1827 unlimited service
Deserted: 3rd Dec 1827 Dublin : Date rejoining Corps 16th Dec 1827 : Discharged 27th June 1828 Paid £20
-
Regimental Number 3071 Dorset Regt
Age: 18 and 2 months
Height: - 5' 3¾
Weight: 119
Chest: 32½ - 33½
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hazel
Hair: - Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1873
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation: Dorchester 10th June 1890 : Accepted passed medical 13th June 1890
Rank:- Private 2nd battalion: Transferred to 1st Class Army Reserve 6th Feb 1898.
Discharged 31st July 1900 [ 10 years 52 days Service]
SERVICE:
Home 10 June 1890 to 26th Jan 1893
Egypt 27 Jan 1893 to 26th Sep 1893
India 27 Sep 1893 to 27th Mar 1895
Home 28th Mar 1895 to 11 Jan 1897
Malta 12 Jan 1897 to 3rd Feb 1898
Home 4th Feb 1898
Next of Kin : Father Frederick Mother Elizabeth Blandford Dorset.
[Note:- His father was Frederick WHITTY a woodsman by trade and a native of Winterborne Houghton. His mother was Elizabeth HOOK the daughter of Samuel HOOK a Labourer. They married at Winterborne Houghton on 18th April 1864 and had their first child Kate Whitty at Corfe Castle in the 3rd qtr of 1868. As far as I can tell none of their children were baptised. By 1873 the family had moved to live near Mushroom Bridge within the parish of Fordington and it was there that their 2nd child was born. According to the 1939 War census he was born on 6th April 1869 but GRO births record his birth as being in the 2nd qtr of 1873 so the year is wrong. He was named as Frederick George WHITTY {Ref 5a/344} but never used his second name. Four younger siblings were also born at Mushroom Bridge Walter (3rd qtr 1875) who also enlisted see below; Alice (1st qtr 1878) ; Frank (1st qtr 1880 - He drowned and was buried at FStG 22nd June 1881 aged 18 months) and William James (1st qtr 1882) before the family moved to live in School Lane in Blandford Forum.
Frederick [George] WHITTY (1873-1951): Having enlisted in 1890 Frederick appears as a private in the Dorset Regt in the 1891 Census stationed at Stoke Damerel at Raglan District Barracks aged 19. As shown above he finally returned to England from overseas duty in Feb 1898. He married in the district of Hartismere in Suffolk to Ada BURWOOD and they had one child they named Stella Liliam Whitty who was born at Kinson in Dorset on August 7th 1899 and baptised there on the 10th September. He was discharged from the Army on 31st July 1900. By 1901 the family were living in Branksome, Frederick working as a wood merchant. In the 29th Sep 1939 War Census they are resident at 38 Kingston Crescent in Poole Dorset , Frederick running his own wood merchanting business. Frederick died at Poole in 1951 aged 78. Stella Lillian Whitty married at the age of 22 on 5th Nov 1921 to Stanley Victor BURROUGHS at St Clements church in Branksome Dorset.
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Regimental Number 3593 Dorset Regt
Age: 18
Height: - 5' 4"
Weight: 123
Chest: 33 - 34½
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Blue
Hair: - Light Brown
Religion: - C of E
Born : - Dorset East Fordington c1874
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation: Blandford 7th Nov 1892 accepted 8th Nov 1892
[Note:- Younger brother of Frederick WHITTY (1873-1951) Soldier 3071 - See above for Family background. Not traced after admission to Army. ]
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Regimental Registers of Pensions:- 2nd Life Guards - 9th Dragoons
John WINSOR:
Age: 41 years
Born Dorchester Dorset 1786
SERVICE: 9 years and 10 months + 6 years 7 months in 23rd Dragoons + 3years 4 months at Waterloo + 2 days Total Service 19 years 7 months
Compaint: Chronic visceralk disease and affectation of the chest and liver
Trade: Farrier:
Height: 5' 8¼
23rd Dragoon Guards:- Height: - 5' 8¼ when attested - at age 24. 5' 8¼
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Hazel
Hair: - Brown
Visage: - Thin
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1786 [Note:- Possibly John the son of John and Dinah WINZAR baptised at St George Church Fordington on 9th Feb 1783]
Trade: - Blacksmith
Attestation Place: [Blank], 13th May 1811 unlimited service
Former Service: 3rd Dragoons: 12 Apr 1810: 13 May 1811:
Service inc in East or West Indies: nil
Rank: Private
Discharged 24th Nov 1817 at Radipole Disbandment
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Height: - 5' 6½ when attested - at age 24. 5' 7"
Compexion: - Fresh
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Dark Brown
Visage: - Round
Born : - Dorset Fordington c1791
Trade: - Shoemaker
Attestation Place: Dorchester, 4th Feb 1822 unlimited service
Former Service: 54th: 4th Feb 1822: 31st Jan 1824:
Service inc in East or West Indies: Embarked Kyramden for Ceylon 7th April 1825 [6th Aug 1825]
Rank: Private
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Height: - 5' 7"
Age: 25:
Compexion: - Fair
Eyes: - Grey
Hair: - Fair
Visage: - Large
Born : - Dorset Dorchester - c1773
Trade: - Labourer
Attestation Place: London, 10th Dec 1798 unlimited service: Joined 25th Dragoons from 27th Dragoons on 24th May 1806 Cawnpore
Service: 7 years and 100 days in 27th Dragoons
Died 20th August 1809