Genealogy Chat

hi, would anyone know if a royal Marine enlisted 1846, would have to be present at a court marshal two years later?. I have a bit if info regarding this person but it makes no real sense. I dont wont anyone to do look ups I just wondered if this could happen. I have tried googling for info but cant find anything to answer my question. I hope somebody may be more experienced then me and know. may thanks Chrys.

Chrystine,

I am not sure I fully understand the implication of your question but if your marine was the accused or a witness he would have to attend the court martial.

Peter

Hi Peter and Slartibartfast, Im sorry I have not replied till now, I have had trouble with internet signal and gave up last night. Peter you have really answered my question regarding if a court martial. Staribartfast I have got all records from NA at Kew, but they are very unclear and I dont know if they are complete. William Collar enlisted at Chatham in Kent 1846 age 18 , I have his attestation papers. I also have what appears to be a court martial for William in 1848 saying he deserted at Furness and sentencing him to 84 days. as I say it is very hard to read. to my mind that doesnt seem to be very long about 2 and 1/2 months. OF course I have not been able to find him after this time, the closest I have come is a W .C . prisoner aboard a hulk in 1851. The court martial gives his discharge date as 13 July 1848, but I thought once enlisted you were in for life as it where. I thought that as I have not found anything for him since 1848 that perhaps he had not been caught and was useing an alias. thank you both for your thoughts I shall keep looking. I know it s daft but he would have been the only survuving male of a line in my tree and I would love to know if he actually married and had a family. many thanks once again Chrys.

Hi Slartibartfast, Im afraid I have no idea i that could be him in 1861, as far as I know he didnt have a middle name, all I have on him is his baptism,1828, Harlow Essex, his Royal marine papers and the 1841 census. I really think Im going to have to visit Kew, trying to read these papers is a nightmare. I am now wondering if when it says discharged, it meant the ship was in port and they were discharged until thier next muster which appears to have been the day after he (RAN) thats the term used. thanks for your help, regards Chrys.

Yes i think you are right, It would help if the documents I have were clearer, I think a trip to Kew is whats needed, I also have his service record which is completly blank apart from his name and company no. so I dont know what to make of that since I know he was a marine for at least 2 years. regards Chrys

Thanks for the tip about taking photos, I hadnt thought of that. Everything I have is either from a download or sent to me by a member of genes who looked him up for me while doing his own research. At least if I look for myself I should understand what Im looking at, its quite hard when none of the papers are dated or in any order. thanks for your help Chrys.