Thread: Help finding Military Records

lcoombs · 24-01-2008, 01:09 AM

I'm also looking for help.
My ancestor Thomas CONNOLLY was a Private in the 91st Regiment in India.
He was born 1836c in Markethill, Armagh, Ireland.
He married in 1861 a:26 in India to Matilda Payne a:17 and her father George Payne was also in the army in India.
Thomas and Matilda had children whilst in India, William Thomas 1862, Jane?, Mary Jane 1867, Eliza 1870 and James 1872.
They left Bombay in 1872/3 and arrived in Australia 10th Jan 1874.
Where would I find information on the Connollys and where was the 91st Regiment stationed....so many questions.

Cheers

Lorraine

Jimbo · 24-01-2008, 01:40 PM

Hi Lorraine.
For the service in India. You will likely need to enquire at the Brittish India Offices. Regiments at that time came under three Presidencys. Bombay being one of them. The 91st foot eventually became the 1st Batallion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Enquireys at the LDS would help, they have films on just about everything. You can hire them.
Most Brittish Regiments posted to Australia, where reduced to policing & convict guards. Seldom involved in fighting. Apart from small incidents such as Eureka Stockade & Broken Hill; over miners gold claims & taxes.

Most British soldiers found Australia Boring & mundane. Surpisingly, many of them stayed here when their time was up. You may be able to get information from The Australian Genealogy Society on the internet.

All the best of luck ..... Jimbo

lcoombs · 24-01-2008, 07:59 PM

Hi Jimbo,

thank you for going to the trouble to answer my request and for the info

It's much appreciated.

Cheers

Lorraine

Jimbo · 24-01-2008, 10:45 PM

Hi Lorraine. You are welcome to the info.
I did forget to mention that, your ancestors regiment may have been under the agis of the East India Company. The Army formed by the EIC reverted to British command about 1880.

Possibly he may have returned to UK. As some of the Argyll's came to Australia with the second fleet of migrants & convicts. Many of these guards were pensioners & volunteered to migrate as guards & escorts, taking their families with them. A list of all the passengers of the immigrant fleets is available on the Australian Genealogy Society sight. There may also be book copies at your local library.

Have a good day. ......... Jimbo.

lcoombs · 25-01-2008, 03:42 AM

Hi Jimbo,

Thanks again

Lorraine

24-01-2008, 01:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Help finding Military Records I'm also looking for help. My ancestor Thomas CONNOLLY was a Private in the 91st Regiment in India. He was born 1836c in Markethill, Armagh, Ireland. He married in 1861 a:26 in India to Matilda Payne a:17 and her father George Payne was also in the army in India. Thomas and Matilda had children whilst in India, William Thomas 1862, Jane?, Mary Jane 1867, Eliza 1870 and James 1872. They left Bombay in 1872/3 and arrived in Australia 10th Jan 1874. Where would I find information on the Connollys and where was the 91st Regiment stationed....so many questions. Cheers Lorraine
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3

24-01-2008, 01:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jimbo Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mandurah Western OZ Posts: 136 Total Awards: 1	Re: Help finding Military Records Hi Lorraine. For the service in India. You will likely need to enquire at the Brittish India Offices. Regiments at that time came under three Presidencys. Bombay being one of them. The 91st foot eventually became the 1st Batallion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Enquireys at the LDS would help, they have films on just about everything. You can hire them. Most Brittish Regiments posted to Australia, where reduced to policing & convict guards. Seldom involved in fighting. Apart from small incidents such as Eureka Stockade & Broken Hill; over miners gold claims & taxes. Most British soldiers found Australia Boring & mundane. Surpisingly, many of them stayed here when their time was up. You may be able to get information from The Australian Genealogy Society on the internet. All the best of luck ..... Jimbo

24-01-2008, 07:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Re: Help finding Military Records Hi Jimbo, thank you for going to the trouble to answer my request and for the info It's much appreciated. Cheers Lorraine
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3

24-01-2008, 10:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jimbo Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mandurah Western OZ Posts: 136 Total Awards: 1	Re: Help finding Military Records Hi Lorraine. You are welcome to the info. I did forget to mention that, your ancestors regiment may have been under the agis of the East India Company. The Army formed by the EIC reverted to British command about 1880. Possibly he may have returned to UK. As some of the Argyll's came to Australia with the second fleet of migrants & convicts. Many of these guards were pensioners & volunteered to migrate as guards & escorts, taking their families with them. A list of all the passengers of the immigrant fleets is available on the Australian Genealogy Society sight. There may also be book copies at your local library. Have a good day. ......... Jimbo.

25-01-2008, 03:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Re: Help finding Military Records Hi Jimbo, Thanks again Lorraine
lcoombs New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3