Royal Warwickshire Regiment

[Marlene]

Kia Ora from New Zealand

An entry in our Family Bible notes James Fairy born 30 November 1853 in Pailton Warks s/o William & Sarah Fairy, was missing in action in India. It gives no dates.

I have a photo of James wearing a uniform which is said to be a cavalry uniform -sword and spurs. He is very young about 15-17 years of age. The photo was taken by Robert Green in Norwich. I know Robert Green was in business as a photographer in Norwich in <1872>.

I know also that this is not the correct forum but I have a note that says the 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment was in India in 1870 when James would have been 16/17. As the family were living in B'ham and his elder brother had joined the Dragoon Guards I thought it likely that James had joined another Regiment.

I am hopeful there may be someone who is interested in the history of the Regiment who may be able to help me with the following:

1. If a soldier was 'missing in action' would the parents be notified? And how? I am curious because James' mother was admitted to B'ham Asylum in June 1870 and I wonder whether the news of his (possible) demise was a precipitating factor?

2. Records have been searched for Fairy military deaths in London but there is nothing likely anywhere in Asia. When would his disappearance become a presumed death? Would there be records anywhere else?

3. Would soldiers serving in Asia be included in any censuses? Any other records I could search?

As is obvious I am really scratching around in the dark with this one and would appreciate any advice/help.

Very grateful for any help

Marlene in Aoteroa

[brindlerp]

Hello Marlene

From "The Story Of The Royal Warwickshire Regiment" by C.L. Kingsford:

Page 87

on June 1, 1832, King William IV, directed that- 'the Sixth Regiment of Foot shall be permitted to bear the appellation of 'Royal', and to be in future styled the Sixth or Royal (1st) Warwickshire Regiment'

If you send me your home email address I can send you copies of relevant pages (12, about 1mb) from the above book for the period you are interested in.

I cannot answer your other questions, however you might find it useful to contact the Regimental museum in Warwick at http://www.warwickfusiliers.co.uk/default.asp

UK Census, Family History and Genealogy sites you may find useful are:-

http://freecen.rootsweb.com/

http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/default.asp

http://www.bmsgh.org/

http://www.bham.de/brum.html

http://www.midlandshistoricaldata.org/index.html

http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/general/rcindex.htm

Regards

Richard