Royal Artillery

[Janette1169]

My 3x Great Grandfather ( Thomas Johnston B 1825) served in the Royal Artillery & No. 114 Battery Dep. brigade from around 1842 to 1866.

I would love find his military records, where would i start?

Also i do know he served in 3 Crimean campaigns, Balaclava, Inkerman and Sevastopol. How did these regiments actually get there?

Janette

[ellyjane70]

Hi Janette, my great grandfather also served in the RA, from 1852 til the day he died in 1874. I found most of the records at Kew, the only one missing was held at the MOD and that I couldn't access. I contacted what was Firepower who were fairly helpful but have been told they are no longer in London. I had heaps of records from Kew in their military section and found it really exciting to uncover what the regiments did and where they served. His friend, my great great aunt's husband, was in the Crimea and I have been able to obtain little about his service even though he was also in the RA. Sad that I have not found my great grandfather on any but the 1841 census for Scotland as the military didn't keep their own censuses.

[Janette1169]

Thank you for that. I will check out the records at Kew . See what i can uncover there .

Janette

[Peter Goodey]

Have you searched the "British Army Service Records 1760-1915" on findmypast? This collection consists of army discharge papers, National Archives series WO97 (there are also militia records but you don't need those).

If your ancestor retired to pension, you stand a good chance of easily finding out about his record of service. If he died in service, it will be more difficult.

[geneius]

Janette 1169

There are 4 'images' on FMP rerlated to Thomas JOHNSTON

approx birth 1825 Aughnacloy Aughaloe Tyrone
attested age 17 years 6 months
on 22 June 1842
He was a Gunner Royal Artillery discharge no 17932
The National Archives reference: WO97 / 1329 / 77

He served in the Jamaica / Crimea / East indies there is also a physical description

[Janette1169]

Hello Peter. Thank you for your reply. I have tried the national Archives Series WO97, but don't seem to be able to find anything at all. However with the details given in the post below i may have more luck. Thomas was discharged at his own request. I do know from what the family has been told over the years, he was a bit of a lad.. and did a little time in a Military prison, Jamaica i think it was, don't know what for though, may be this has something to do with him discharging himself.. who knows. But thanks again for the info, it's much appreciated

Janette

[Janette1169]

Geneius ! Thank you so much.. that's him that's Grandad Thomas!! I have once again tried to access these records with the reference number.. but had no luck viewing them. Will keep trying though. Thank you !

Janette

[Peter Goodey]

Janette
On the National Archives website, series WO97 is only indexed up to 1854 (discharge dates) so it won't help in your case. You need to buy a few credits for findmypast and search there.

Go to the database called "British Army Service Records 1760-1915" and enter Thomas Johnston, born Ireland, Tyrone and take it from there.

The terms of use of FMP do not allow anyone to tell you more than that there is a record there and how to access it.

[Janette1169]

Thank you Peter, you and the other members have been most helpful