Source Documents

Click here for index of Source Document images

1 Vital Records   Obtained from Peter D Smith
2.  Military Documents   Obtained from Bob O'Hara - Kew

 

 

 

The WO 97 Soldiers' Documents (Attestation and Discharge Papers) archived at the PRO is the main series of personnel records for long service soldiers.For those discharged between the years 1882-1913, the documents were listed alphabetically for all soldiers who had survived an Army career, and not just those discharged to pension. These documents are a wonderful supply of information about the soldier and contain a mass of detail on his career.  

This example is the Discharge Certificate for Thomas Wetton - Colour Sergeant - 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment 29 January 1856.

Thomas joined in 1840 in Derby and served for 15yrs 144 days. He lost his leg in the Crimean War at the Battle of Alma, Sept 20 1854. He was discharged for medical reasons as unfit for duty and later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for 'bravery on the field of battle'.

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 This example is the Attestation Certificate for Burton Townend - Private - West Yorkshire Regiment 24 April 1888

Burton was 18yrs 3mths old when he joined in York. He quickly transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps and served until 1908 including time in South Africa during the Boer War.

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