David Tidbury (c.1785-1867)

[Napoleon]

My great-great-great-grandfather David Tidbury served with the 1st Batallion Royal Welch Fusiliers during the Peninsular War and was also at the Battle of Waterloo. I found two references to David Tidbury in the Muster Master Generals' Index Of Casualties for the 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1804 which seem to read as follows:

David Tetbury deserted 19th June: fm desn 5th July
31st October David Tedbury claimed by Civil Power 31st October.

Does anyone know what these notes mean? What does fm (if I've read it correctly) stand for?

[DP43]

fm could stand for "from", its a common military abbrivation still in use.

[ap1]

David Tetbury deserted 19th June: fm desn 5th July
31st October David Tedbury claimed by Civil Power 31st October.

Does anyone know what these notes mean? What does fm (if I've read it correctly) stand for?

I agree with DP43 in that he was captured on the 5th July/or handed himself in. There must be a great story behind this, as he seems to have escaped the normal punishment of death for desertion.

Incidently, have you checked his details against the book "Waterloo Rolls of the 23rd Foot", by Norman Holmes? Also could Claimed by Civil Power refer to Transportation to the Colonies?, there are partial references to aussie convicts on some search engines, but nothing definite.

Keep us posted