Jacob Priest 20th Regiment

[apowell]

Hi,

I wondering if anyone could help.

My ancestor Jacob Priest served with the 20th Regiment of foot from 17th July 1799 - 24th May 1814.

I have a copy of his discharge papers which gives some interesting information but I'm confused regarding the reason for discharge.

The papers state he was discharged due to loss of left eye in Egypt which makes sense as the 20th Regiment fought there in 1801. What confuses me he was ordered for discharge to the Isle of Wight Depot from Condon, France 18th May 1814. If he lost his eye in Egypt 1801 why did he serve a further 13 years and seemed to have fought or was present with the Regiment during the Peninsular Campaign.

Jacob didn't receive the Peninsular Campaign medal but given his age had most likely died prior to the issue.

The only source I can think of checking is the 20th Regiment's muster rolls but this will mean me paying someone to visit Kew and photocopy them.

Any ideas on the gap in date of his disability and discharge ?

Regards
Adrian

[keith9351]

This Regiment went to Ireland in June of 1814, the War Office normally put battalions onto the Irish List to save money at the end of conflicts with reduced personnel and pay.

Just a guess but maybe this would have been a good time to get out with a pension for the loss of this eye.

Keith