Researching GGG Grandfather 1st Bat RWF

[neab1]

Hi
I wonder if anyone has some information to fill in the gaps of my family research. I have looked through the forum to see if I can get some information but thought I would post as well (first one!)

1838 George John born in St Mary Pembroke S Wales

1868 Married Louisa Roche in Pembroke Dock Occupation on certificate 'Private in 23rd'

1869 George Henry born in Shorncliff Camp Kent Father occupation 'Private 23rd Foot'

1871 Wales Census Resident in Newport Wales occupation 'Private 1st Batalion 23rd Fusilliers'

1874 Willaim born in Pembroke Dock

1877 Thomas born in Dublin Ireland

1881 Census George had left the army and returned to work in Pembroke as a Tailor.

I am unable to get any military records just yet as I do not have George birth certificate and having moved abroad it is difficult to visit. If anyone has any information please let me know - with thanks

[Aled Roberts]

I am unable to find him in my database, so can't shed any light for you. He is not on the Ashantee War Medal roll or Mutiny roll.

The key to unlocking his war service is not his birth certificate, but his service number. Do you have anything that gives this?

You will need to trawl the WO97 papers and muster rolls at the National Archive to progress your search. I very rarely get there these days as my children keep me busy, but can recommend a chap by the name of Kevin Asplin. KevinAsplin@aol.com

Kevin is a good chap, and very thorough. If you email him the details you have he should be able to come up with a price. As professional researchers go he is very reasonable in what he charges. Certainly cheaper than a train ticket, time and eating when doing it yourself.

Richard

[neab1]

Thanks Richard
I had contacted the army military records and they said they may be able to provide records if I have the birth certificate (as I do not have his regimental number)
I had thought initially that he was with the 2nd Bt. but having looked again at the census it is the 1st so perhaps that would explain why he was not listed at Ashantee war. If anyone has any specifics about the 1st Bt that would be great. I will have a think about the private research.

Thanks again for your time

[Aled Roberts]

I had contacted the army military records and they said they may be able to provide records if I have the birth certificate (as I do not have his regimental number)

The MoD will only hold records for those soldiers who left the Army after 1920.

Prior to 1920 all records are held at The National Archive in London. More details can be found here :

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm

[ap1]

I agree with Richard. Its a fairly unusual surname, so the researcher is likley to quickley find his details. If you can make it to the UK to visit the archive, no problem. Failing that it's the researcher option. Money well spent, as it will hopefully unlock a lot of doors.