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I'm researching the life of our great great great grandfather, James McKay, who was a member of the 23rd Battalion, stationed at Gibraltar in 1825. His daughter Mary was born there in 1825. I have tried to look for his service record in the Chelsea pensioner records but have not been able to find it. I'd be grateful if anyone would please suggest how i might trace this man, or give me any ideas on how to proceed further.
Thanks
Kim Andrews
in chilly Australia
Hi Kim,
Some of the other researchers may be able to guide you on the best way to research back. One small piece of information. Its recorded that of the 516 private soldiers in the regiment in 1825, 231 were of Irish birth.
Hi ap1
Thanks for the advice - I'm having trouble finding him in the National Archives records but will just keep plugging away and now I will be mindful of the fact that he may well be Irish.
Merry Christmas !
Dear Kim,
The Royal Welch Fusiliers had served in Ireland from 1818 to 1823 and embarking for Gibraltar, December 1823. The Royal Welch Fusiliers remained at Gibraltar, embarking for Lisbon 1827. The high number of Irish soldiers in the Regiment was the result of the time that the Regiment had served in Ireland, and needed to be up to strength before deployment for Gibraltar, and the unemployment in Ireland at that time. Regrettably the RWF Museum are unable to help at this time with the Archives on the move to Wrexham.
Regards, Glyn.