joined from the royal artillery and was attached to
the Portsmouth company. In June, 1791, he was
transferred to the invalid artillery.
” 4. CHARLES PALMER, from royal artillery as
sergeant-major; was attached to the Chatham Company,
and commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant December 1, 1806.
” 19. ALEXANDER SPENCE. See note, p. 68, vol i.
” JOHN HOPKINS, joined the Plymouth company as
sergeant-major, and died there March 1, 1788.
1788 Mar. 2. WILLIAM BROWNE, enlisted into the royal artillery in
1770, in which he became a sergeant-major in 1783.
With that rank he joined the Plymouth company, and
was commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant December, 1806.
” ANTHONY HAIG, enlisted as a matross, in 1770, into the
royal artillery. Served in Canada from May, 1773, to
November, 1787, and was at the siege of Quebec,
where he was wounded, and favourably mentioned for
his gallant conduct in general orders by Lord
Dorchester. In 1788 he joined the Guernsey half
company, and in 1795 was highly complimented by
General Small for his efficient services in training
and drilling the royal Guernsey cavalry. On December
1, 1806, he was commissioned to be Sub-Lieutenant.
1791 June 1. JAMES SMITH, after a service of twenty-four years was
transferred from the royal artillery, as
sergeant-major, and attached to the Portsmouth
company, in which he was made Sub-Lieutenant
December 1, 1806.
Nov. CHARLES MILLAR, enlisted in March, 1778, in the royal
artillery, and served at the siege of Gibraltar. Was
transferred to the corps, as a corporal, in July,
1788, and became sergeant-major of the Jersey half
company. In October, 1797, he was discharged and
appointed overseer in the department at Jersey, in
which situation he continued until May 1809, when he
was made a Sub-Lieutenant.
” JOSEPH CHAMBERS. See note, p. 20, vol i.
1793 Nov. JOHN FINLAY, enlisted July, 1788, and accompanied the
expedition to Holland as sergeant-major. On December
24, 1794, he was reduced to a private, and on his
return from Flanders was sent to the West Indies,
and died April 20, 1797, on board the ‘Orpheus’
transport.
1794 Jan. 1. MATTHEW HOEY. See note, p. 90, vol i.
1795 Jan. ANDREW GRAY, in 1793 accompanied the expedition to
Holland, and served in the campaigns of the Duke of
York until 1795. He succeeded to the
sergeant-majorcy of the Flanders company on the
reduction of John Finlay, and was promoted in
December 19, 1801, to the corps of surveyors and
draughtsmen.
May 11. THOMAS FORTUNE. See note, p. 117, vol i.
1790 Dec. 1. JOSEPH MAKIN joined the royal artillery December 30,
1768; from the second battalion of which, he was
transferred to the corps at Gibraltar May 21, 1774,
and served at the siege of that fortress. In July,
1804, he was superannuated.
1799 May 15. JOHN EAVES, was a native of Brumen, in Hanover, and
enlisted October 15, 1773, as a drummer in the royal
artillery. His promotions were, first gunner, August
1, 1779; bombadier, August 1, 1781; corporal July 1,
1791; and sergeant, November 1, 1793. His active
services were at Goree, from 1779 to 1781;
Gibraltar, July, 1783, to November, 1785; West
Indies, from December, 1785, to May, 1790; and the
campaigns in Holland, from February, 1793, to May,
1795. He joined the corps as sergeant-major, and
from his fine soldierlike appearance, experience,
and knowledge of drill, was retained for duty at
Woolwich; and, sometimes, during the absence of the
adjutant, carried on the duties of the chief
executive of the corps. Became Sub-Lieutenant
December 2, 1806.
1800 May 2. JAMES SHIRRES. See notes, pp. 35, 120, vol i.
1802 April. MATTHEW PRIDEAUX, appointed to the half company at
Guernsey, where he died November 6, 1803.
1803 Mar. 1. EDWARD WATSON. See notes, pp. 123, 135, vol i.
Nov. 1. DAVID FALCONER, became Sub-Lieutenant in June, 1807.
The whole of his service was passed at Gibraltar.
1804 Oct. 5. JOHN LEVICK, joined as an artificer from the artillery
in April, 1791. Was sergeant-major of the company at
Spike Island, where he died April 22, 1805.
1805 Oct. 8. WILLIAM BISHOP, joined the corps as a sergeant from
the artillery in October, 1805, when he was attached
to the Spike Island company, from which he was
pensioned at 2_s._ 1_d._ a-day, on December 31,
1814.
1807 Jan. 1. ROBERT WAKEMAN, enlisted into the corps April 2, 1789,
and on May 1, 1789, was promoted to be sergeant.
Four years he served as sergeant-major of the
company at Plymouth, and died there April 15, 1811.
” 12. JOHN CUTTERIDGE had been two years in the 46th
regiment, and enlisted into the royal military
artificers, January 8, 1807. Many years of his
service were spent at Cambridge in recruiting for
the corps. In March, 1821, he was appointed
quartermaster-sergeant, and in February, 1824,
pensioned at 3_s._ 6_d._ a-day.
Mar 2. GEORGE ROBINSON, from the artillery as sergeant-major,
and commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant November, 1807.
July 1. THOMAS LONGSHAW, enlisted July 19, 1793. For many
years he served in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was an
able mechanic and assiduous foreman. He became a
Sub-Lieutenant in June, 1811.
Aug. 1. ALEXANDER MUNRO, was five years in the royal
artillery, and transferred to the corps August 1,
1803. In January, 1805, he was promoted to be
corporal, and in June, 1806, to be sergeant. He was
a man of considerable ingenuity and talent, and for
his services and useful inventions was made
sergeant-major. On the formation of the
establishment for field instruction at Chatham he
was removed there to assist the director, and was
commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant in June, 1811. See
note, p. 186, vol i.
” 1. JOSEPH FORBES, enlisted in the corps August 3, 1797,
was promoted to be corporal March 1, 1803, and
sergeant March 1, 1805. Being a skilful mason, his
efficiency on the works frequently gained him the
praise of his officers. From sergeant-major of the
Dover company he was selected, on account of his
attainments, to accompany the expedition to
Walcheren, and, after serving at the siege of
Flushing, died at Middleburgh, September 17, 1809.
Oct. 1. RICHARD TURNER, enlisted November 17, 1798, and gained
the rank of sergeant in February, 1806. Most of his
service was spent at Gibraltar. Became
Sub-Lieutenant in March, 1812.
1808 Jan. 1. JAMES GALLOWAY, joined from royal artillery. Enlisted
in February, 1790, and served in Holland in 1799.
The excellence of his conduct, and his imposing
soldierlike appearance, won him the appointment of
regimental sergeant-major. His efficiency in the
office was quite a feature in his day; and in the
absence of the adjutant he carried on the official
business of the corps by corresponding with the
commanding officers at the different stations. He
was promoted to be quartermaster February 1, 1814.
Dec. 1. JOHN BLACK, enlisted July 24, 1790. Was sergeant-major
to the Guernsey half company. At the close of the
war was appointed quartermaster-sergeant.
1809 April 3. ALEXANDER ROSS, enlisted January 7, 1789. Was both a
carpenter and mason, and a valuable foreman. Was
removed from Guernsey to be sergeant-major to the
Portsmouth company. On the 19th October, 1808, he
was discharged and appointed overseer of works in
the royal engineer department, but his military
knowledge and attainments again brought him into the
corps in June, 1811, with the rank of
Sub-Lieutenant.
July 10. JOHN SMITH, from royal artillery, as corporal,
December 31, 1807, in which he had served ten years,
and was wounded in action near the Seven Churches,
county of Wicklow, in June, 1798. After his
promotion to be sergeant-major, he was attached to
the Walcheren expedition, and was present at the
siege of Flushing. In June, 1811, he was made a
Sub-Lieutenant.
1811 Jan. 1. JOHN DUNBAR, enlisted March 23, 1793, and in June,
1811, was commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant.
” PATRICK WHELAN, joined from the 68th foot in June,
1803, as a corporal, and, serving many years with
the corps in the West Indies, was present in many
actions and captures. In June, 1811, he became a
Sub-Lieutenant.
” ROBERT GIBB, enlisted March 1, 1804, and in June,
1811, received a Sub-Lieutenancy.
June 1. GEORGE POE, enlisted December 1, 1791. Served most of
his time on the works at Portsmouth. Was present at
Oporto and Talavera in 1809. On his return from the
Peninsula was promoted to be sergeant-major. In
February, 1819, he was pensioned at 2_s._ 3_d._
a-day, and died at Woolwich in December, 1848.
1812 May 1. THOMAS HOUNSLOW, served at Flushing. Cadiz, and
Barrosa. For his efficiency and zeal, Colonel Ford,
royal engineers, presented him with an elegant
sword. Pensioned at 2_s._ a-day in March, 1817, he
went to Canada, and obtained the appointment of
foreman in the royal engineer department. About 1848
he died in London. A son of his, during the Papineau
rebellion in Canada, was lieutenant and adjutant in
the Beauharnois Loyal Volunteers. He did good
service during the outbreak, and was taken prisoner
by the rebels in November, 1848. He is now clerk of
works in the royal engineer department at the
Mauritius.
1815 April 1. JOHN CRAIG, died at Woolwich September 15, 1815.
Oct. 23. JAMES DOUGLAS, enlisted September 1, 1806. Was
second-corporal September 2, 1810; corporal,
February 1, 1811; sergeant, August 1, 1812. Served
at Roleia, Vimiera, Torres Vedras, Cuidad Rodrigo,
Badajoz, Vittoria, San Sebastian, Bidassoa, Nivelle,
Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, and Waterloo, besides in
numerous lesser affairs. He was an excellent
artificer and a brave soldier. In moments of danger
his presence of mind and facility of resource and
invention made his services valuable. He died at
Woolwich November 9, 1827.
1821 Mar. 1, THOMAS TOWNSEND, enlisted May 6, 1812. Was
second-corporal, February 1, 1813; corporal,
December 9, 1813; sergeant, August 12, 1814; and
colour-sergeant April 1, 1816. Served a station at
Gibraltar. Was a very fine soldier and a successful
drill-master. For seven years he was the regimental
sergeant-major at Chatham, and was commissioned as
Second-Lieutenant and Adjutant in the 60th rifles in
January 1828.
1827 Nov. 10. JAMES HILTON, served with credit in Holland in 1813
and 1814, and in the Netherlands and France to 1818.
Was sergeant-major of the corps in France, and
afterwards at Woolwich. Became quartermaster in
1835.
1828 Feb. 1. JENKIN JONES, served a station at Barbadoes, and many
years at the royal engineer establishment at
Chatham, Was always an indefatigable and
enterprising non-commissioned officer, and no man in
the corps, perhaps, has been subjected to, and
escaped without hurt, so many dangers. The
innumerable experiments in mining, blasting,
sapping, and the varied applications of gunpowder at
the establishment in which he was engaged, were
frequently not only attended with great hazard but
accident. His particular services have been
mentioned in the memoir. In 1848 he was appointed
quartermaster to the corps.
1835 Nov. 10. JAMES FORBES, mentioned in the Memoir. Retired from
the corps on a pension of 2_s._ 4_d._ a-day, in
April, 1843, having received an appointment on the
Trent and Mersey Canal.
1843 Apr. 12. GEORGE ALLAN, served a station at Gibraltar. Was a
very successful drill-master. His promotion as
sergeant-major took him to Chatham, where his
exertions and experience were of advantage in the
practical education of the men in the field duties
of the corps. As a reward for his services he
received the commission of quartermaster to the
royal engineer establishment, and in June, 1855,
became a Captain in the Turkish Contingent
Engineers.
1848 Feb. 1. MICHAEL BRADFORD. Promoted to be quartermaster in
December, 1855.
1853 Apr. 1. WILLIAM READ, serving at Chatham.
1854 Aug. 1. JOHN J. GRINLINTON, in the space of ten years became
sergeant-major of the survey companies. Well
educated, clear-headed, and accurate, he was
intrusted with duties of great responsibility. For
several years he annually disbursed about 24,000_l._
on the public service; and such was his physical
activity and mental strength, that no amount of
labour seemed to tire or weaken his energies. In the
absence of his officers on particular duty, he acted
with intelligence, decision, and firmness in
emergencies and difficult cases. It was these
capabilities, coupled with his gentlemanly manners,
address, and deportment, that induced Colonel Hall,
the superintendent of the ordnance survey, to bring
forward his merits, to obtain for him a commission
in the line. In this he succeeded. The Colonel
stated, in his official recommendation of
sergeant-major Grinlinton, that his ability could be
turned to good account in a regiment by instructing
young officers in the mode of sketching ground,
describing localities and positions, and in various
other staff duties essential for the movements of an
army across a country. Being a good surveyor and
draughts-man, and possessed of attainments to render
him successful in services of reconnaissance, he was
regarded as specially adapted for a post in the
Quartermaster-General or Adjutant-General’s
department of the army. In October, 1854, he was
commissioned as ensign in the 65th regiment; and a
few officers, under whom he had served, presented
him with a purse of forty sovereigns, accompanied by
a letter full of expressions of eulogy and esteem.
Oct. 6. JAMES STEEL, serving on the ordnance survey at
Southampton.
1856 Jan. 1. JOHN JONES, serving in Chatham.
” JOHN POOLE, serving at Chatham. Has been in Canada,
Cape of Good Hope, Turkey, and the Crimea. Was
mentioned in a dispatch for distinguished conduct in
an affair near Grass Kop Tower in February, 1851,
under Ensign Gill, cape mounted rifles. Was at the
formation of the lines of Boulair, and those on
Inkermann heights after the battle of the 5th
November, 1854. For a period he was the
sergeant-major of the corps at the siege of
Sebastopol.
QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANTS.
1811 June 1. FRANCIS ALLEN, enlisted July 6, 1793. Was present at
the siege of Flushing. Most of his time was spent at
Chatham. Pensioned in 1833. See note, p. 290, vol i.
” GEORGE HARDIE, after thirty years’ service, was
discharged in March, 1817, on a pension of 2_s._
4_d._ a-day.
1814 July 1. JOSEPH PAUL, gained his several steps of promotion
with great rapidity, and died after seven years’
service, at Truro, in May, 1815.
1815 June 1. GEORGE HAY, served thirteen years in the corps, and
died at Woolwich, in November, 1820.
” JOHN BLACK, after a service of twenty-eight years was
discharged in February, 1819, and died some years
after at Chatham.
1821 Mar. 1. JOHN CUTTERIDGE, on his removal from the recruiting
service at Cambridge was found to be about 900_l._
in debt. Aberration of mind followed the discovery,
and he was pensioned in February, 1824, at 3_s._
6_d._ a-day.
1824 Mar. 1. WILLIAM PARKER, was a man of varied information and a
clever clerk. After twenty-five years’ service he
was discharged in September, 1829.
1829 Oct. 1. BRITTON FRANCIS, was an able clerk, served many years
at Gibraltar, and received much credit for his
abilities and efficiency. Six years he filled the
office of quartermaster-sergeant at Woolwich, and
was discharged in October, 1835. He died at Newport,
in 1851.
1835 Oct, 14. JOHN BENNETT was discharged in January, 1843, after
twenty-eight years’ service. See note, p. 257, vol
i.
1841 Aug. 1. THOMAS FRASER, was discharged in July, 1849, and
retired as a farmer to Kinlochunagan, Inverness. See
note, p. 379, vol. i.
1843 Jan. 11. ROBERT SHORTER, was discharged in January, 1850, and
is now a yeoman of the Queen’s guard. See note, p.
262, vol. i.
1849 July 11. WILLIAM RALPH, served at the Cape of Good Hope and
Gibraltar for fourteen years. Was an active and
intelligent non-commissioned officer. He was removed
from Gibraltar, where he held the office of acting
sergeant-major, to Chatham, on promotion, and was
presented by the non-commissioned officers of the
corps at that fortress with a silver snuff-box as a
tribute of esteem for his character and
impartiality. Discharged in May, 1854.
1850 Jan. 9. THOMAS CONNOLLY, who was commissioned to the rank of
quartermaster in June 1855.
1854 May 16. SAMUEL MARCH, serving at Chatham.
Aug. 1. JAMES STEEL, promoted to be sergeant-major, October,
1854.
Oct. 6. JAMES SIMPSON. Most of his military career was passed
on the national surveys, and in appreciation of his
rectitude, intelligence and activity, was promoted
to the rank of staff-sergeant. When the foreign
battalions were being organized, he was presented
with a staff-quartermastercy in the British Swiss
Legion in June, 1855.
1855 June 26. NOAH DEARY, served at Woolwich, and was discharged on
receiving the appointment of foreman of works in the
royal engineer department at the Cape of Good Hope.
July 1. BENJAMIN KEEN SPENCER, serving at Southampton.
1856 Jan. 1. HENRY BROWN, serving at Chatham.
BUGLE-MAJORS.
1811 June 1. JAMES BAILEY, enlisted August 1, 1797. Served in
Holland in 1799. Was first drum-major, and a few
years after was appointed bugle-major. In July,
1835, he was discharged and died at Guernsey, about
1849.
1835 July 8. DAVID YOULE, serving at Chatham.
STAFF-SERGEANTS.
1855 Oct. 9. JAMES RAINEY MUTCH, chief clerk to the Assistant
Adjutant-General. See Appendix vii.
” JOHN JONES, chief clerk and draughtsman to the
director of the royal engineer establishment. Served
five years at Corfu, and while with the Baltic fleet
was present at the capture of the Aland Islands and
destruction of Bomarsund. Promoted to be
sergeant-major, January, 1856.
1856 Jan. 1. RICHARD LEONARD, succeeded the former on promotion.
Served nearly eight years at Gibraltar, where he was
the chief military clerk under the commanding royal
engineer. So well did he discharge his duties that
Colonel Rice Jones—a most particular officer—treated
him with unlimited confidence.
Though the title of staff-sergeant is general in the service for all
grades above that of colour-sergeant, the designation is employed as
a specific rank for the two senior clerks of the corps.
APPENDIX VI.
---
ANNUITIES and MEDALS to STAFF-SERGEANTS and SERGEANTS for
distinguished or meritorious Services.
Annuities.
{ Was distinguished in the
{ discharge of his duties in
1846. £. { the West Indies, and at
Jan. 1. Sergeant-major JENKIN JONES 20 { Chatham and Woolwich.
{ Relinquished the annuity on
{ being commissioned to the
{ rank of quartermaster in
{ the corps.
{ For zealous and efficient
” Quartermaster-sergeant ROBERT 10 { services both at home and
SHORTER { abroad. Was fourteen years
{ at Corfu.
{ For distinguished conduct in
{ action with the Boers at
{ Natal, and for highly efficient
” Colour-sergeant JAMES YOUNG 10 { services and coolness
{ in the defence of the position
{ during its protracted
{ siege by the Boers.
{ For devoted services at Corfu,
{ Gibraltar, and Halifax, N.S.;
{ and particularly so on the
” Colour-sergeant WM. BLACK 10 { Euphrates expedition and
{ in the Syrian campaign. Was
{ present at the taking of
{ Beyrout and Acre.
{ For valuable services in connexion
{ with the varied calculations
1848. { pursued on the
Jan. 14. Colour-sergeant WM. YOUNG 10 { ordnance survey. Relinquished
{ the annuity on
{ being commissioned to the
{ rank of quartermaster.
1848. { For service in the brigade-major’s
Jan. 14. Sergeant THOMAS CONNOLLY 10 { office at head-quarters.
{ For distinguished services in
1853. { prosecuting the ordnance
April 1. Colour-sergeant WM. CAMPBELL 10 { surveys of Great Britain
{ and Ireland.
{ For long service, well-directed
” Bugle-major DAVID YOULE 10 { zeal in the discharge of his
{ duties, and proficiency in
{ conducting the band.
{ For constant zeal and uniform
1855. { efficiency in his duties.
April 1. Sergeant-major MICH. BRADFORD 10 { Served several years at
{ Gibraltar. Relinquished the
{ annuity on being commissioned
{ to be quartermaster.
{ For highly useful services at
{ Gibraltar, in Syria, the
{ Aland Islands, and Crimea.
June 26. Colour-sergeant HENRY BROWN 10 { Was at the taking of Tyre,
{ Sidon, and Beirout, the
{ destruction of Bomarsund,
{ and siege of Sebastopol.
{ For unimpeachable accuracy
{ in observing with the three-feet
{ instrument for the great
Dec. 17. Colour-sergeant JAMES DONELAN 10 { triangulation of the United
{ Kingdom—a duty to which
{ he attended for many years
{ under strange vicissitudes
{ and difficulties.
{ For conspicuous bravery in the
{ capture of the rifle-pits, 19th
{ April, 1855, during which
1856. { he was severely wounded.
April 1. Colour-sergeant HEN. MCDONALD 20 { Served at Gibraltar, in Turkey,
{ Bulgaria, and the
{ Crimea. Was at the battles
{ of Alma and Inkermann, and
{ siege of Sebastopol.
------------------------------------
APPENDIX VII.
---
REWARDS to NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS and SOLDIERS of the CORPS, from
public or private sources, for particularly commendable services.
1831 Second-corporal HENRY SCRAFIELD. From Royal Humane Society. A
reward of 2_l._ for endeavouring to rescue from
drowning, five boys who had fallen into the Mulgrave
Reservoir at Woolwich. For his spirited and humane
conduct on this occasion, he was also promoted to be
second-corporal.
1833 Sergeant JAMES FORBES. From the Governor, Royal Military
College, Sandhurst. A case of mathematical drawing
instruments, “for his intelligence, zeal, and good
conduct, in charge of the detachment employed in the
field-work instruction at the college for four years.”
1835 Private JOHN DOWN. From his officers at Chatham. A hold-all,
containing a silver knife, fork, and spoon, and useful
toilet articles, with an appropriate inscription on a
silver plate, “for his gallant conduct in rescuing a
comrade, private Thomas Adams, from drowning.”
1835 Sergeant-major JAMES HILTON. From the officers of royal
engineers at Woolwich. A purse of 20 sovereigns, and a
regimental sword, suitably inscribed, on his promotion
to the rank of quartermaster, as a token of their
esteem for his services.
1837 Sergeant HUGH LANYON. From the Governor of the Royal Military
College, Sandhurst. A case of mathematical drawing
instruments, “for the intelligence, zeal, and uniform
good conduct evinced by him in charge of the
detachment employed in field-work instruction at the
college.”
1838 Sergeant-major JENKIN JONES. By the sergeants of Chatham
garrison. A silver tankard, “in testimony of their
gratitude for the undeviating attention evinced by him
while superintending the formation of a military
swimming-bath.”
1838 Second-corporal WILLIAM CAMPBELL. By the Commissioners of
Education in Ireland. A case of mathematical drawing
instruments, “in testimony of the intelligence and
ability he displayed in teaching surveying and
levelling to the inspectors of national schools.”
1838 Corporals WILLIAM SPRY and WILLIAM RICHARDSON. Gold medals from
Sultan Mahmoud II. for service in Constantinople from
1836 to 1838.
1841 Private HENRY ENTWISTLE. From the Royal Humane Society. A
silver medallion and vellum certificate for courage
and humanity, during the pontoon practice on the 30th
August, 1841, in plunging into the river Medway, near
Rochester Bridge, and at imminent personal risk,
rescuing from drowning private Samuel Turner of the
corps, who had accidentally fallen overboard, and was
unable to swim. Became a sergeant, and died before
Sebastopol, 29th November, 1854.
1842 Sergeant-major JENKIN JONES. By the Corporation of the Trinity
House. A gold snuff-box “to commemorate the assistance
he rendered in the destruction of two wrecks in Sea
Reach, by submarine explosions.”
1843 Corporal JAMES HENRY DREW. By the Society of Teetotallers. A
silver medallion with gold lozenge-shaped coat-of-arms
in centre, “as a token of respect for his talented
lecture on the principles of total abstinence and
Rechabitism, as well as for valuable services as local
secretary at Chatham in promoting the cause.” Died
from wounds received at the siege of Sebastopol, 22nd
November, 1854.