Richard Halligan 65 BDE

Posts : 2 Join date : 2013-03-25

Hi

Hoping someone can solve a little puzzle for me.

A distant relative of mine, Richard Halligan joined the army 6 Jun 1877 in Armagh. He was assigned to 65 Brigade. He embarked from Southampton for South Africa on 26 Feb 1879.

What I am wanting to know is what unit was 65 Brigade and what role did they play during the Zulu Campaign.

Thank you

Dermot

Posts : 420 Join date : 2011-05-14

Dermot,

Richard Halligan was a Lance-Corporal in the 94th Regiment. The 94th and 89th Regiments formed the 65th Brigade which had its headquarters in Armagh. The regiments recruited from Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Louth.

The 94th went out to South Africa in the wake of the disaster of Isandlwana.

They served in the 2nd Division during the advance to Ulundi during the second invasion. A number of the 94th were present in the square at the Battle of Ulundi on 4th July 1879.

After the Zulu surrender, the 94th fought against the forces of Sekhukhune in December 1879 in Northern Transvaal under Garnet Wolseley.

In 1880-1 they fought against Boer forces in 1st Anglo-Boer War.

'Jimu

Posts : 2 Join date : 2013-03-25

Many Thanks 'Jimu.

That all fits in with what I have and helps to add to the picture.

May I ask what sources you used to find this info. Might be useful to know if I have further inquiries.

Thanks again.

Dermot

Posts : 420 Join date : 2011-05-14

Dermot,

Most of it is from inside my head - rather from any reference works.

The rest is from the 1877-8-9 Medal Roll & The Army List of 1879.

I should have mentioned that the 94th became the 2nd Battalion of the Connaught Rangers in 1881 with Childers' Army Reforms. The Regiment was disbanded in 1922.

If I can help further please pm me.

Regards,

'Jimu

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi Dermot
some info from his service papers.
Robert Halligan born parish of Cullen Louth 1859. sworn in at Dundalk 5 june 1877, attested at Armagh 6 june 1877 age 18.trade given as grooms assistant, height 5' 6'', chest 33'', eyes hazel, complexion fresh, hair dark, Roman Catholic.
To 65 brigade no-722, private 5 jan 1877, L/Corp 15 nov 1879, Corp 15 may 1880. L/Sgt 20 march 1881, Sgt 24 Aug 1881, Col Sgt 1 jan 1883, Sgt Maj 6 june 1894, 5 good conduct badges by 1898. re-engaged at Aldershot to complete 21 years service on 12 feb 1889, discharged 9 july 1898 in Meerut India completeing 21 years service.
Home service 5 june 1877 to 25 feb 1879 to South Africa to 19 April 1882, further home service then malta, cyprus, Egypt, India.
Campaigns Zulu/Sekukuni 1879, Transvaal 1880-81.
SA Medal with clasp 1879.
Married Kate [Jackaberry??] at [Listowet??] 23 April 1883, children Robert Patrick baptised 16 april 1884 at Fermoy, Mary \Bertha baptised 4 jan 1891 in Malta she died in malta very young.
Last date his pension was awarded being 26 march 1942 rate of 36 old pennies per day.
A possible relation also in the army also named
Richard Halligan born circa 1800 discharged 1822 private 67th foot regiment, he was born in the parish of Dunleer Louth,
this richard could be a grandfather.
regards
rai
keynshamlighthorse