Colour-Sergeant David Shill, Royal Marine Light Infantry

"David Shill was born at Alverstoke, Hampshire, on 23rd January 1851, and enlisted on 23rd January 1865 (his fourteenth birthday)
at R.M. Headquarters, Gosport. He served as a Bugler until 3 August 1873 (under age until 22 January 1869) and as a Private until 31st December 1873, when he was promoted to Corporal. He was promoted to Sergeant on 11th February 1876 and to Colour-Sergeant on 25th July 1885. He served aboard H.M.S. Shah, August 1876 to October 1879, during which period H.M. Ships Shah and Amethyst fought an action with the Peruvian rebel turret ship Huascar in the Pacific on 29th May 1877. At St Helena, on the way back to England from the Pacific, the Shah was diverted to South Africa and took part in the Zulu War. His papers state that he ‘Served in Naval Brigade, Zulu War, from 7 March to 6th July 1879 inclusive’. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 3rd March 1888, and was discharged due to length of service in February 1890. He was recalled for war service in February 1915, aged 64, and served as a Recruiter in the Portsmouth Division. He was finally discharged in August 1916."


Source: DNW

23 Jan 1851 David Shill was born in Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire.
23 Jan 1865 enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry at age 14 as a Bugler; Portsmouth Division, having attested at Gosport; he was assigned to 20 Company.
22 Jun 1868 appointed to HMS Defence (Iron Clad Ship, Mediterranean Station).
2 Apr 1871 census shows he was a 20 year old, single, Drummer, Royal Marine, aboard HMS Defence at Grand Harbour, Malta on the night of the census.
3 Aug 1872 returned to Portsmouth Division.
27 Feb 1873 transferred to Royal Marine Light Infantry Deport at Walmer, Kent.
31 Aug 1873 he was advanced to Private while at Walmer.
1 Jan 1874 he was promoted to Corporal at Walmer.
5 Jul 1874 married Adelaide Sweetman at Alverstoke, Hampshire.
2 Aug 1874 transferred back to the 2nd Division at Portsmouth.
1 Oct 1875 transferred to HMS St. Vincent (Training Ship for Boys, Portsmouth).
11 February 1876 promoted to Sergeant while aboard “St. Vincent".
17 Feb 1876 transferred back to 2nd Division at Portsmouth.
14 Aug 1876 Sergeant, RMLI, assigned to HMS Shah (Frigate, Pacific Station).
29 May 1877 Sergeant serving aboard “Shah” during the battle between H.M Ships Shah and Amethyst and the Peruvian rebel ship “Huascar” off the west coast of South America
12 Feb 1879 While stopping at St. Helena on the return voyage to England HMS Shah was diverted to South Africa for the Zulu War.  Sergeant Shill served ashore first as part of the Marine detachment of “Shah” assigned as part of the defence of Durban; then with the Naval Brigade at the Lower Tugela preparing for the Relief of Eshowe; present at the Battle of Gingindlovo where the marines helped defend the two north corners of the square; later served with Crealock’s Column on the advance to Port Durnford; entitled to the South Africa Medal with “1879” clasp.
1 Nov 1879 returned to the 2nd Division at Portsmouth.
3 Apr 1881 Census shows he was a 28 year old Sergeant Royal Marine Light Infantry, residing with his wife, Adelaide, son and daughter at Weston Super Mare, Somerset.
17 Sep 1881 South Africa Medal sent to Forton Barracks, Portsmouth.
1 Jul 1885 Shill was assigned the newly instituted Register Number 106.
25 July 1885 promoted to Colour-Sergeant.
1 Oct 1887 appointed to HMS Duke of Wellington (Flag Ship, Portsmouth).
3 Mar 1888 awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (L.S. & G.C.) while serving aboard "Duke of Wellington”.
10 Jan 1890 returned to the 2nd Division at Portsmouth.
5 Feb 1890 discharged from the Royal Marines having completed his length of service.
5 Apr 1891 Census shows he was a 38 year old Beer Retailer, residing with his wife, Adelaide, 2 daughters and 2 sons at 12 North St., Gosport, Alverstoke, Hampshire.
31 Mar 1901 Census shows he was a 48 year old Labourer at Her Majesty’s Dockyard, residing with his wife, Adelaide, 2 sons, 1 daughter, her husband and child, and 2 boarders at 6 Trafalgar St., Portsea, Hampshire.
27 Jan 1911 Shill was presented an engraved clock by his co-workers in honour of his retirement from the Portsmouth Dockyard.
2 Apr 1911 Census show he was a 60 year old Pensioner, Retired Skilled Labourer,  Her Majesty’s Dockyard, Portsmouth, residing with his wife, Adelaide, and  son at 22 Little Charlotte, Landport.
February 1915 recalled to service as Colour-Sergeant in the Royal Marines, during the First World War, and served as a Recruiter at Portsmouth; entitled to the British War Medal; his medal was later sent to him.
Aug 1916 he was discharged again from the Royal Marines.
3 Jun 1928 death of his wife, Adelaide.
28 May 1934 died at Portsmouth, age 81.