Royal Engineers service record

[RobTodd]

Hi,
I'm currently researching my great great grandfather and have found out that he enlisted in the Royal Engineers in 1883. His name was Francis William Johnson, b.1864 and his regiment number is: 17943.

Can anyone tell me anymore information or know his service record?
Much appreciated,
Rob

[Pamelawagster]

There’s a short service attestation record on FMP.

Francis William Johnson,17943.(Bricklayer)

Father Charles Johnson,Fareham,Hants.

The record is available to view,you would need membership. Not sure if you can purchase credits.

There’s a reference to the National Archives.

Wo 97
Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records 1760-1913
Box 3158
Box record number 88

[Jomot1]

The record on FmP is the same as the one at the National Archives and is his attestation plus a summary of his service & medical record. This is all you're likely to get.

In very brief summary, he signed on in March 1883 for 7 years regular service followed by 5 in the reserves. Promoted from Sapper to Lance Corporal 9 Sep 1887.

Transferred to 1st Class Army Reserve on 20 Apr 1888 - so after just 5 yrs and 23 days rather than the 7 he signed on for (the reasons for this aren't made clear, but under authority it says "109/Eng[inee]rs/1374 dated 5.4.88").

He remained in the reserves until 28 Mar 1895 (6 years, 342 days), bringing his total to 12 years (only the 5 yrs & 23 days regular service counted towards pension though).

Most of his service was in the UK, except for 17 Oct 1885 to 5 Nov 1886 when he was serving in Bermuda.

He didn't receive any campaign medals etc, not did he receive any wounds.

[RobTodd]

Thanks do much for this.

[grahambarker]

Hi Rob
I have lots of info on Francis William Johnson
Email me at northparkATxtraDOTcoDOTnz
Graham Barker