NZ Fencibles Ship Ann

from the of

Michelle: There are others on THIS list that have a good knowledge of British army records.

A check in Family History at the National Archives (i.e. Archives New Zealand) tells us that these were a batch of Chelsea Pensioners sent out from 1846-7. Have a look there as it will tell you what Archives NZ have.

Records of his earlier service will be found at The National Archives of the UK (TNA) formerly known as the PRO. As he was a Chelsea Pensioner there should be a record of him amongst the series known as Soldiers' Documents (WO 97) and a search in their online catalogue at in the 68 plus 1th Foot (you mention that regiment elsewhere), namely:

WO 97-821-106 JOHN QUINTON Born MULLINABRACK, Tyrone Served in 68 plus 1th Foot Regiment Discharged aged Not Known 1823-1845

WO 97-822-4 JOHN QUINTON Born MULLINAHINCH, Tyrone Served in 68 plus 1th Foot Regiment Discharged aged 39 1823-1845

These look to me like the same person. You can order copies of them from TNA - not cheap but, it shouldn't break the bank.

You should also be able to find additional information from the various series of pension registes in series WO 22, WO 23, WO 116 and WO 117 and WO 120. You should check them all - about a couple of hours work probably.

Month-by-month details of his career can be extracted by searching the in the muster books and pay lists for the 68 plus 1th foot in series WO 12 - WO 12-7719 to 7739. A rather more detailed search - to do them all allow a good day or day and a half.

There may also be a description book in WO 25-454-455.

The records mentioned in the last three paras will need a visit to Kew or getting somebody to do it for you - some helpful soul, a professional of TNA under the Freedom of Information Act (you do pay though!)

Also have a look at the Research Guides on TNA's website. Hope this helps.

Chris Watts