Advice please on finding a service record Options

[Alan Bloor]

I am thinking of visiting the National Archives for the first time in the near future, as I want to get a copy of the service record of my great great uncle William Charles Exton, covering the years 1889 to around 1906, and taking in the Boer War in which I know he fought. The only documentation I have is a couple of items which can be viewed on the following webpage

http://www.grobyurc.talktalk.net/WC Exton.htm

I am inferring from the documents that his commission with the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment lasted from 1889 to May 1896, and then he became a reserve soldier with the 2nd Batallion of the same regiment. Could anyone more knowledgeable than me confirm whether I am correct in assuming this? Also, how likely is it that his service record will still be in existence? And would the service record tell me his whereabouts at various times during the years covered?

The reason I am interested in this is that I have evidence that he married in both Malta and England (ie he appears to have been a bigamist) and fathered children by both women, so I am keen to be able to place him in the appropriate country at the times of marriage and conception of children. Any advice would be appreciated please.

Alan Bloor

[Joe Fenn]

Hallo Alan,

Just spotted your request, probably you have made your visit by now but, if not I would suggest you go on line
- National Archives - search the catalouge and obtain the reference numbers prior to your visit to save time. It is possible to order copies of records on line. I have obtained a number of records without leaving home.

Joe.

[Alan Bloor]

Thanks Joe, I actually went yesterday! I found what I was looking for with some help from the lady on the info desk. The National Archives is an impressive place.

I have one question arising from what I found. My man was in the regular army for 7 years (until 1896) then he transferred to the First Class of the Army Reserve for a further 5 years, as per the terms of his enlistment. He was recalled to take part in the Boer War in 1899. At the time of his transfer to the reserves he was in Malta, not England, and I have evidence that he stayed there and married a local girl.

My question is - during those 3 years before he was recalled, would he be living just as a civilian, with no contact with the Army, or would he be expected to take part in training exercises, which may have included returning to base in the UK? The reason I ask is that he appears to have fathered a child in England in 1898, and I wonder how likely it is that he could have funded his own passage from Malta to the UK?

[Joe Fenn]

Hi Alan,

When my GGF - a regular soldier - returned from India following a discharge on health grounds he joined the local militia.
This could be an area to pursue. Also if you know his service number and regiment it is worth a call to the Regimental
Museum/Association. I obtained usefull information from that source.

Keep me posted.

Joe.