Genealogy interests India

Hi, I am rather new to this and not to sure what I am doing, anyway .....

I am researching my gt.grandfather George Taylor Mills-b.1860 -joined the 1st Bt. RWF at some point and went to India (could have been born there) I know his father's name was William Mills.
He married in India in 1891, at this time I believe he was was a sergeant (WF2510) at Nowshera, India!
He become warden in the prison in Lucknow I beleive to be either a militry prison or run by the militry and later the Governor of Dagshai/simla prison.
Is there ANYONE who could please help point me in the right direction for gaining more information I would be most appreciative. Thank Viv

Hi Viv,
I can tell you that the 1st Bn was warned for India service on the 29th Jul 1880 following the Maiwand Disaster in Afghanistan. At this stage it was based in Woolwich London. It sailed to India on the troopship HM Malabar from Portsmouth on the 16th Aug 1880. The Bn landed at Bombay on the 12th Sept, then proceeded to Jubbulpore via Deolali arriving on the 28th Sept. 3 companies were immediately deployed to Saugor.

Suggestions: Its possible he may have fought in the Hazara Campaign. On the 9th March 1891 the 1st Bn deployed into the Black Mountains. The campaign continued through until the autumn. Have you checked that medal roll for any details?

According to regimental records, the 1st Bn did not deploy to Nowshera until the 22nd Nov 1992 At the possible date of his wedding you mention(1891), the 1st Bn was based at Lucknow. They had been there since April 2nd 1887.

It might be worth linking up with forum member Mike McCormick. His relative Capt Patrick McCormick was the QM of the 1st Bn in 1880. He has a wealth of knowledge of the Bn during this period. He can certainly explain some of their history in this period and tips when researching Indian Service.

Hope this helps.

I have checked the IGS roll and no trace of him by name or number for any of the expeditions.

Have you had a look for his papers at the National Archives? If his papers have not survived you may be able to track him in the muster rolls.

Not really sure this is a connection but it is feasible. I have found a George Tayler Mills who was born in Bristol in 1861. Following on from that, the 1881 Census records a George Mills, aged 20 Private 2/23 R.w.fusiliers located at Millbay Plymouth, which is where I believe the 2nd Battalion went to after leaving Gibraltar in 1880

http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk/1881.jpeg

Excellent Work Bob. It has to be him with such an unusual name.

Glad you posted that Bob, I seem to have miss-read the original request and was looking for William Mills....

I have found this chap in the India General Service medal roll, under entitlement to the Burma 1885 - 87 clasp :

2827 Cpl George T Mills

Although the number is different to that quoted, it looks like this might be our man. Viv, are you able to tell me the source for your regimental number? The format is in keeping with what I have seen on service records. W(elch)F(usiliers)2510

Richard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richard Ward

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I have found this chap in the India General Service medal roll, under entitlement to the Burma 1885 - 87 clasp :

2827 Cpl George T Mills


Richard

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So basically if this is our man, he may have served with both Bns. Certainly the Burma service indicates the 1st Bn in the mid 80's. Perhaps he was with the 2nd as a draftee waiting to sail to India in 1881. The fact he appears on the census is a real stroke of luck as it gives Viv a fixed point in Georges life. I had thought he had missed it.

Hi Al

Certainly not unusual to see men swapping between the two battlions.