John Blair

[Gail]

I wasn't sure where to put this thread!

I am not overly familiar with searching out military records although I have browsed through some of the National Archives records, so if anyone could provide any pointers I'd be obliged.

I am seeking information on Lt. Col. John Blair born about 1841 in Kirkcudbright, Scotland to David Blair and Mary Gordon. John was married to Clementina Ross Stewart. As a military officer (his career spanned from 1860-1881) the family apparently moved back and forth from India and the UK. Their eldest and youngest child were both born in India while the other two were born on Isle of Wight and in Hampshire. I want to track the family's movements (I have assumed that whenever John would go back to India the family would follow).

An "outline" of his career has been located and also a photo. Google Books was quite helpful, but still doesn't get into the nitty-gritty.

 

[DaveHam9]

Hello,

While it's possible to sometimes find birth/baptism and marriage records in India and census records in England if you are lucky with the family being back there at census time, it's almost impossible to find any shipping records either way.

Dave

 

[Gail]

Many thanks for your response, Dave. With this family I've got a little bit of each so it is a plus (India records and census returns). I was hoping service records such as what is available on naval officers - which are goldmines of information - would be available. Does anything like that exist for military officers?

 

[DaveHam9]

Yes, more chance of finding some info on Officers. It should list years served in the various postings and if he changed Regiments for example. I've known some to change Regiments to stay in India rather than return to England at rotation time.

I'll copy this topic to the Military Board.

Dave

 

[Gail]

Great, thanks!

Sometime between 1865 and 1874 he was exchanged to another regiment, but I'm not certain if rotation time had been coming up. Was it customary for officers to bring their wife and children with them when they went to India?

 

[DaveHam9]

It happened but I can't say if it was customary or not.

We have some members who are good at searching service records so I'm sure some more info will be found.

 

[leefer]

I take it Gail you have looked at Clementina in the Peerage History?

Be patient and i am sure some military history will be forthcoming.

 

[Gail]

Yes I had.

I was able to locate a little bit of information on the indiafamily.bl.uk now that is up and working. That had a fair amount of information and helped fill in a couple of blanks date-wise.