My gt gf, Joseph Albert MORREY of Norton-in-Hales enlisted in KSLI in 1899. I have a copy of his enlistment record but can't make out what battalion (happy to forward this if someone can help decipher it). He told my grandad that he was enlisted for the Boer War (prob 2nd) yet served most of his time in Ireland. I can't find info about where or why he served in Ireland. Poss connection between KSLI and Kilmorrey? Were war diaries kept then? ANY guidance on where I can look for answers much appreciated -- currently chasing my tail! Thx.
Hello Joy,
Might your great-grandfather be the Albert Morrey (born in Norton-in-Hales in 1881) whose Militia Attestation (in 1899) to the 3rd Battalion of the Shropshire Light Infantry is posted on Findmypast?
Peter
Peter, yes, that is him. Does this document provide any leads that I could follow? Thx for your reply. Joy
Thanks Mike. I'll do that. --Joy
Hello Joy,
For me one of the distinct pleasures of family history research comes from the way in which things unexpectedly converge and thus enable me to possibly help someone else with their own research.
Just a few days before your first post I had been exploring the military history (and his absence from the 1901 England census) of a Henry PEARCE, who had signed up for the 3rd Battalion of the SLI in November 1898. His regimental number was 3995.
Albert MORREY signed up in January 1899. His regimental number was 4034 and so, inevitably, they would have served together.
That they surely did so is confirmed by the fact that their respective records (in FMP) show that they were each "embodied" for the period from 3 May 1900 to 11 July 1901.
This may well be the time when Albert was in Ireland and hopefully, provided with the foregoing information, (as recommended by Mike) the Regimental Museum will be able to confirm this.
Peter
Peter, like you I LOVE it when such pieces come together! I was looking at the Regimental Museum's website and it seems there are 2 ways to contact them: via the curator about the bldg/museum itself or via their research service but that requires filling out a form, mailing it and paying a fee. Have you ever contacted them, and if so, is a historical question (confirmation of serving in Ireland) OK to ask the curator? Thanks for your help.
Hello Joy,
I am afraid that I have not previously contacted the Regimental Museum, so I cannot suggest which approach is the most appropriate for you.
However, what I have just found, on the excellent Welsh Newspapers Online website, is a newspaper report dated 29 December 1900 which refers to the 3rd Battalion (the Shropshire Militia) coming under orders to proceed from Tipperary for Egypt.
See this link: http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3474791/3474795/137/
Another (earlier) newspaper report, under Newport court cases and headed "Militia Man & his wife" dated 10 August 1900 (http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3471306/3471309/59/), makes a passing reference to the battalion having been embodied at Kilworth, County Cork in Ireland for 8 months.
A subsequent report, under the heading of Pembroke Dock "military movements" dated 22 February 1901 (http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3062765/3062768/27/), makes a further reference to the impending relocation of the battalion from Tipperary to Pembroke Dock.
Peter
Hello Peter This is fabulous info -- thank you. At first glance it appears that being stationed in Ireland was perhaps for training. What do you think? I'm currently away from home for a few days but with your leads and suggestions will see what else I can dig up. Will also contact the Reg. Museum. Thanks again for you help. --Joy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello
You might like to try emailing the Shropshire Regimental Museum at Shrewsbury Castle.
Mike