Dear Fellow enthusiasts
Another long shot from me I fear, but worth a try.
My research has uncovered a Somerset man in the Dunbarton Fencibles from 1798 to 1802. (For the non-UK readers, Somerset is in the south-west of England while Dunbarton is in Scotland, some 350 plus miles to the north, so it seems an odd match). He later served in the 50th Foot from 1803 to 1817, and his service during that time is easy to determine. Unfortunately I can little detail on the fencible regiment, although they were involved in the '98 in Ireland where some served as Lord Lake's guard and others (perhaps the same men) fought at the battles of Arklow and Vinegar Hill. The regiment was disembodied in 1802, and I can only assume that that took place in Scotland, although I've not seen that stated anywhere. The 50th were in Belfast in 1803, so perhaps the Somerset fellow stayed on when his comrades departed?
I can find no pay or muster lists in any of the catalogues of the major UK archives, and precious little about their whereabouts in the contemporary newspapers. If anyone can provide any pointers for further research I would be most grateful.
Thanks in anticipation.
Ian
Ian, have you been in touch with Rory Butcher, who is doing some fine research on the fencibles? His e-mail is hyrdmb@leeds.ac.uk and he is very nice and approachable.