Telegraph Staff

[leiper_j]

Does anyone have any information regarding 'telegraph staff' in the late 19th century. I have a photograph which suggests that a relative of mine was in perhaps India with an unknown regiment as part of the telegraph staff. There is writing on the postcard which may say 'hansai' or something similar. On the back of the postcard my relative has said that he had to ride for 10 miles on a camel to get his picture taken - were there camels in India? Any information would be gratefully received. Thanks

[Terry Reeves]

The British Army was involved with the telegraph in India from 1857, however have you considered the possibility that he was a member of the Indian Telegraph Department, which was a civilian organisation. There are a number of avenues for exploring this: the India List gives the names and positions of British many working working for the authorities on the sub-continent. The National Archives hold a set, but you may find other large provincial libraries hold them as well. The India Office records held at the British Museum Library may well hold some clues and their catalogue is online along with a useful advice section. You may also wish to try this site http://www.fibis.org, the web site of Families in British India Society.

Terry Reeves

[neil1821]

If he was British Army and working with the telegraph, that suggests Royal Engineers
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_special.htm#signals

What was his name?

[Lesley Robertson]

If he was British Army and working with the telegraph, that suggests Royal Engineers
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_special.htm#signals

What was his name?


Or Signals - using the stuff rather than installing it.
It might be worth tracking down the Royal Signals Regiment museum and seeing when they formed, and from what earlier units.
Lesley

[leiper_j]

If he was British Army and working with the telegraph, that suggests Royal Engineers
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_special.htm#signals

What was his name?

Thanks for this. His surname was Rouse, unsure of his first name, could have been William, as I believe there were 2 brothers who left Ireland and took the Kings shilling and I think ended up in India.

[Michael Duke]

The Corps of Signals evolved from the Royal Engineers.

Best Regards