Reuben Lockley

I have discovered that a member of my family served in the 2nd Batt, 23rd Regiment RW Fusiliers.

Reuben Lockley was born in 1838 in Cannock, Staffordshire.
The only records I have are in census records in 1841 and 1851, and then he re appears in 1871 living in Newport, Monmouthshire and described as a Chelsea Pensioner.

I have found the regiment connection, but have no other info.

If anyone could shed any light on his army days, or point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

Many thanks

Frank

Welcome Frank.

Assuming you have the right man living in Newport. The 2nd Bn were based in Malta during the 1861 Census. Which would possibly account for his absence from the UK Census records. Depending on when he enlisted he potentially may have fought in the Crimea in 1854 or perhaps the Indian Mutiny of 1858, who knows? Either way, it will be quite interesting.

Chelsea Pensioner: https://www.findmypast.co.uk They have 7000 pensioner records from 1883 - 1900. Having done a quick search they have one record for Reuben Lockley. You will need to purchase credit to view and download the record. It is an unusual name, so its a good chance that it is your ancestor.

Some other possible options to further your research:

1. Its possible that he may appear on one of our experts RWF medal rolls for the period 1852-1871.

2. Either visit the National Archive at Kew or employ the services of a researcher to identify his enlistment papers/muster rolls. Some of our members
will be able to advise, if you decide to go down that route. We can certainly help you make sense of his service, once you have more detail.

Hopefully this will get you off to a decent start. Keep us posted on how you get on please.

Good luck

Al

I have checked the Ashantee, Crimea, Indian Mutiny rolls with no result.

I did find one Lockley, Pte J, 1651. Entitled to the Indian General Service medal with clasp for Hazara 1891 - so too late.