Genealogy Chat

We had a letter in the family from 'a Munro who was a Sergeant in the American War of Indpendence'. I have an idea that it may be my illusive Hugh Munro born 1747 who went sailing in 1758 as a Midshipman. Does anyone know if it happened that sailors with the Royal Navy might transfer to become foot soldiers? Where is the best place to find lists of British soldiers involved in this war?

Yes Sailors were very involved on land as well as sea. Do you know the name of the ship he sailed on?

When he was in the Navy he sailed on HMS Speedwell from 1758 to 1760 and then on HMS Surprize from 1760 to 1763. He started as an Able Seaman and the last record I have of him he was a Master's Mate. His Capatin was always Joseph Fraine and I think there is some connection between the two. Thanks!

The war didn't start until 1775 but the Speedwell was there as well as the Surprise. There were a vast number of army divisions involved so if he swapped over it may be pretty hard to pin him down especially as Munro is a fairly common name. I have been researching this war for over 4 years now and have come across the name many many times.

Thanks Sheila! Do you know if there is a list of the soldiers/sailors anywhere? I found Hugh Munro listed on the Muster books and Pay books of the ships which are held in the National Archives. Do you know of anywhere that the service records of the soldiers were held?

Kew unfortunately. It's not always easy to get there but that's the only place to start when you havent got a division of the army to pin point him....once you've got that then it makes life so much easier. Good luck!