In search of service papers

Posts : 5 Join date : 2019-04-15

I have a South Africa 1877-79 medal to a 1519 Corporal John Fennell 58th With 1879 bar. Whilst I can confirm his entitlement to the medal and in the knowledge that he was discharged 1882 I cannot find his enlistment or discharge papers.

Can anybody help? I’m using FMP but just can’t dig anything up.
Cheers Matt

Posts : 3197 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Matt

The issue we all face when using FMP is that the record collection is the United Kingdom, Chelsea Pensioners' Service Records, 1760-1913.

Description
This collection includes Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records from 1760-1913. The records contain information on men pensioned out of the British Army. The the National Archives record series numbers are WO97, WO119, WO121, WO122, WO131.

The clue word is pensioned out, not all servicemen were pensioned out, so that is why we sometimes can not find the person you are looking for.

Hopefully one day other service records will become available online?

Andy

Posts : 5 Join date : 2019-04-15

Thanks Andy

I normally find FMP ok and have been successful in the past, but these two records for Seaman and Fennell are elusive!

But I appreciate your comments m
Cheers Matt