Private J. McCormack, 88th Connaught Rangers Regiment

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"James McCormack was born in Liverpool, Lancashire and worked as a labourer, attesting into the British Army as a Private (No.667) into the 88th Connaught Rangers Regiment of Foot on 7th May 1859 when aged 23. McCormark was imprisoned on 14th July 1862 being released 7 days later, and was once again tried and imprisoned on 9th October 1864 being released on the 23rd November 1864. Imprisoned again on 15th May 1866, he was released 7 days later, and was again imprisoned on 22nd July 1867 being released 7 days later.

Despite his very chequered early career, McCormack re-engaged at Peshawar to complete 21 years service with the Colours on 24th November 1868. During this period he would see a total of 11 years 308 days in India. McCormack appears to have once again returned to the norm, being imprisoned on 23rd April 1872, released 4 days later, and was then listed as absent without leave on 7th July 1872, being confined to barracks for 2 days as a result, and was again absent without leave on the 19th July 1873, being imprisoned and released 3 days later, and was then imprisoned on 4th August 1873, being released 3 days later. Absent without leave again on 8th November 1873, and on 11th December 1873, and again on 1st January 1874, he was then imprisoned by the civil power for assault on 7th September 1874, and on 20th October 1875 was again arrested by the civil power for indecent assault, this time being imprisoned from 20th October 1875 through to 20th April 1876.

McCormack served in South Africa for 2 years 109 days and during this period was present in the operations against the Galekas, Gaikas, and Zulus during 1877 to 1879, and was awarded his 1st Good Conduct Pay on 20th April 1878, however not surprisingly he forfeited this on 6th July 1878. McCormack was discharged on 7th June 1881 after 21 years and 106 days service.

His character reference states: 'Conduct has been bad. Addicting to drink. He is not in possession of any Good Conduct Badges or Badges of Merit. He is not in possession of a School Certificate. His name appears 51 times in the Regimental Defaulter Book including one trial by Court Martial and three civil convictions."

Source: London Medal

Subject: Private J.McCormick 667 88th Regt Sun Mar 31, 2013 8:19 am

Not what you'd call a model soldier ! . Wonder how he fared after he left the Army and was let loose on the General Public

90th.

» Henry Collins Formerly Of The 88th Connaught Rangers.
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