Source
Source for: James Robert Comber, 3 NOV 1818 -
Index
Name source: S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
Name source: S949Page: "Family Tree," database,
FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 12 May 2016, 20:45), entry for James Comber(PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:M9BL-ZQ6); contributed by various users. PersonID M9BL-ZQ6
Text: James Comber https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:M9BL-ZQ6
Page: "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/J3NV-14V : 30 December 2014, James Comber, 02 Mar 1817); citing SAINT MARTIN IN THE FIELDS,WESTMINSTER,LONDON,ENGLAND, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 561,145, 561,146, 561,147, 933,987.
Text: James Comber, "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975" https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3NV-14V
Name source: S555Text: Record for James Robert Comber http://search.ancestry.com.au/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=9841&h=21009206&indiv=try
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
Event source: S959Page: Research/Letter dated 2017-09-26 regarding Comber, James & family - Poor Law Settlement Document
Text: Settlement Document;
To the Churchwardens or Overseers of the parish of St. Leonard’s, Shoreditch.
Gentleman, it appearing upon examination that James Comber, his wife, and two children belong to
your parish, by serving his apprenticeship to Mr. Samuel White, who resided the corner of Plough Yard
(weaver) and has never done any act to gain any subsequent settlement.
NB this family was passed to you by a regular order of removal about 12 months since.
Please therefore to accept the same without a pass, and the favour shall be returned by,
Gentlemen,
Your very humble servant, Churchwarden of Christ Church, Middlesex; James Turberville
Dec 7 1821.
Birth source: S962Page: London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1914 for James Robert Comber Hackney St Leonard, Shoreditch 1817 - 1818 Source Citation London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Board of Guardian Records, 1834-1906/Church of England Parish Registers, 1754-1906; Reference Number: DL/T/069/031 Description Year : 1817 - 1818
Text: NameJames Robert Comber
GenderMale
Record TypeBaptism
Baptism Date7 Dec 1818
Baptism PlaceHackney, Shoreditch St Leonard, England
FatherJames Robert Comber
MotherElisabeth Comber
Register TypeBishop's Transcript https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/1558/31547_212665-00429/6538157?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.com%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fgst%3d-6&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnSearchResults
Page: London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1914 for James Robert Comber Hackney St Leonard, Shoreditch 1818 - 1840 Source Citation London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Board of Guardian Records, 1834-1906/Church of England Parish Registers, 1754-1906; Reference Number: P91/LEN/A/01/Ms 7496/22 Description Year : 1818 - 1840
Text: NameJames Robert Comber
GenderMale
Record TypeBaptism
Baptism Date7 Dec 1818
Baptism PlaceHackney, Shoreditch St Leonard, England
FatherJames Robert Comber
MotherElisabeth Comber
Register TypeParish Registers https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/1558/31281_a101305-00006/751833?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.com%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fgst%3d-6&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnSearchResults
Birth source: S555Text: Record for James Robert Comber http://search.ancestry.com.au/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=9841&h=21009206&indiv=try
Event source: S962Page: London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1914 for James Robert Comber Hackney St Leonard, Shoreditch 1818 - 1840 Source Citation London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Board of Guardian Records, 1834-1906/Church of England Parish Registers, 1754-1906; Reference Number: P91/LEN/A/01/Ms 7496/22 Description Year : 1818 - 1840
Text: NameJames Robert Comber
GenderMale
Record TypeBaptism
Baptism Date7 Dec 1818
Baptism PlaceHackney, Shoreditch St Leonard, England
FatherJames Robert Comber
MotherElisabeth Comber
Register TypeParish Registers https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/1558/31281_a101305-00006/751833?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.com%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fgst%3d-6&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnSearchResults
Baptism source: S555Text: Record for James Robert Comber http://search.ancestry.com.au/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=9841&h=21009206&indiv=try
Baptism source: S974Page: London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1916 for James Robert Comber Hackney St Leonard, Shoreditch 1817 - 1818 Source Citation London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Board of Guardian Records, 1834-1906/Church of England Parish Registers, 1754-1906; Reference Number: DL/T/069/031 Description Year : 1817 - 1818
Text: NameJames Robert Comber
GenderMale
Record TypeBaptism
Baptism Date7 Dec 1818
Baptism PlaceHackney, Shoreditch St Leonard, England
FatherJames Robert Comber
MotherElisabeth Comber
Register TypeBishop's Transcript https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/1558/31547_212665-00429/6538157?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.co.uk%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fgst%3d-6&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnSearchResults
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
_MIL S960Page: WO 12/6130 - 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
Text: WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
_MIL S960Page: WO 12/6130 - 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
Text: WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
_MIL S960Page: WO 12/6131 - 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
Text: WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
_MIL S960Page: WO 12/6131 - 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
Text: WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
_MIL S959Page: Letter recieved 2017-09-22 regarding the research into Edward COMBER in the 50th Regiment of Foot, Edward MACKEY in the 63rd Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane MACKEY & Robert SMYTH marriage
Text: I think I found a whole family of Combers in the 50th Foot 1st Battalion
To summarise;
I found what I believe is probably Edward’s father, James Comber, listed as a private, enlisted in 1826 and discharged in 1836; stationed at Illawarra [1835] and Windsor [1836] NSW; originally a silk weaver, born in London.
I also found a James Comber junior, who was a drummer from 1835, until he became a private in 1838. He did not appear in the later Musters [below] so must have left the army sometime between 1839 and 1845.
Drummer was a rank in the army at which you could enlist under the age of 18. At 18 one could be moved up into the ranks of the proper army.
Edward Comber himself enlisted in 1835, straight in as private. But he was demoted to drummer in 1837, presumably when they discovered his age He was promoted back to private in 1839.
(This implies that James and Edward were quite close in age; James presumably born in early 1820 and Edward born in early 1821. Edward was born in London, so they were still in England until at least 1821.)
Edward was stationed in and around Sydney 1835 to 1839.
Picking up the story in 1845, the regiment was in India, and involved in fighting.
Edward was discharged in 1845, and, it seems, just in time, as the Musters 1845/46 were recording a lot of casualties.
WO 12/6128. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1835 Jun – 1836 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 555 James ComberIllawarra
Drummer 992 James Comber
Private ___ Edward Comberrecruit enlisted 15 Oct 1835 at Headquarters
WO 12/6129. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1836 Apr – 1837 MarWindsor, NSW
Private 1105 Edward Comber
Private 555 James Comberdischarged 31 May 1836 paying £15
Born London, silk weaver, enlisted 24 Feb 1826, discharged Windsor, NSW, 31 May 1836
Drummer 992 James Comber
WO 12/6130. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1837 Apr – JunSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberhospital 13 days
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Jul – SepSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberto drummer 1 Aug 1837
Drummer 992 James Comber
1837 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comber
1838 Jan – Mar Sydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Drummer 992 James Comberto private 1 Mar 1838
WO 12/6131. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1838 Apr – JunSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comberhospital 19 days
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Jul – SepSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1838 Oct – DecSydney
Drummer 1105 Edward Comber
Private 992 James Comber
1839 Jan – MarSydney
Private 1105 Edward Comberpromoted from drummer to private 1 Mar 1839
Private 992 James Comberhospital 15 days
WO 12/6138. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1845 Mar – JunChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
1845 Jul – SepChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comber
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”.
1845 Oct – DecChinsurah & Loodianah
Private 1105 Edward Comberdischarged 3 Nov 1845
In this quarter a lot of soldiers were recorded “died”, and also a lot were recorded “killed” dated Dec 18, 21, and 22.
1846 Jan – MarChinsurah & Loodianah
In this quarter huge numbers were recorded as “killed in action” and “died of wounds”.
Searching for Edward’s discharge, I had also searched these Musters; of course, he was not there, being already discharged, but I noted the whereabouts of the Battalion;
WO 12/6139. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1846 Apr – JunLoodianah
1846 Jul – SepLoodianah
1846 Oct – DecKurnaul & on march
1847 Jan – MarKurnaul & on march
WO 12/6140. 50th Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll.
1847 Apr – JunKooluah on route to Calcutta
1847 Jul – SepCalcutta
1847 Oct – DecCalcutta
1848 Jan – Marat sea
The worldwide army index shows that Edward and James junior set sail to India in 1841;
British Army, Worldwide Index 1841
WO 12/6135 50th Foot 1841.
Private Edward Comber
Service number 1105
Private James Comber
Service number992
Location At Sea, Calcutta
Edward Mackey;
I rechecked the muster containing Edward Mackay’s enlistment, but there are no further details anywhere in this record additional to what you already have;
WO 12/7256 Muster Roll 63rd Foot 1st Battalion.
1819 Sep – DecMullingar
Edward Mackayenlisted 8 Sep 1819recruited by Lt. Thornton of Central District
19 days march
There are no extra notes concerning Edward Mackay in this muster volume.
Checking the two volumes which you requested 1824-1827;
WO 12/7259 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1824 Dec – 1825 MarNewry
Corporal Edward Mackay13 days on march
1825 Apr – 1825 JunNewry
Sergeant Edward Mackayfrom corporal 25 May
1825 Jul – 1825 SepCastlebar
Sergeant Edward MackaySeptember at Eskybridge
1825 Oct – 1825 DecCastlebar
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Jan – 1826 MarWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay11 days on march
1826 Apr – 1826 JuneWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay5 days on march; May at Cork
1826 Jul – 1826 SepWindsor
Sergeant Edward Mackay
1826 Oct – 1826 DecAlemquer, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackay4 days on march
Also;
1826 Nov – 1826 DecChatham Division
Sergeant Edward Mackayto No.4 Company
WO 12/7260 - 63rd Regiment of Foot 1st Battalion Muster Roll
1826 Dec – 1827 MarThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward MackeyJanuary on duty for provisions
1827 Apr – JunThomar, Portugal
Sergeant Edward Mackeyto Private 9th June
June on escort duty to Belem
Recorded that this is the first quarter for Edward Mackey to receive additional pay for 7 years’ service.
Reduced to Private at the same time as Sergeant Edward Flanders, for whom it was the first quarter for him to receive additional pay for 14 years’ service.
1827 Jul – SepBelem, Portugal
Private Edward MackeyJuly on command to Belem
1827 Oct – DecBelem, Portugal
Private Edward Mackey
As you see in the Musters above, Edward Mackey had another demotion from sergeant to private in 1827. There is no indication in the muster as to why.
One possible clue – he and Edward Flanders were just beginning long-service extra pay when they were demoted – could it be that the extra pay with the demotion still gave them the same pay they were having previously, so it all evened out?
Or it could be that, both times he was demoted, his battalion was on the move; maybe different ratios of privates and officers were needed in different places?
My reading of the Portuguese place names was different from yours; I found a history of the regiment online which confirms the places;
"The history of the late 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment"
1827. The regiment disembarked on the 1st January and took up its quarters in the Convent de Graza. While stationed there under the command of General Sir William Clinton, K.O.B., the brigades were formed, the second being composed of the 11th, 43rd, and 63rd Regiments, under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. The regiment was in Lisbon in January, Alemquer in February, Thomar in April, Santarem in July, and Belem in September, where it remained until it embarked for England.
You asked me to find details of the Chatham marriage of Mary Jane Mackey;
Marriage Jun quarter 1845 Robert Smyth = Mary Jane Mackey Medway 5.478
Chatham St. Mary the Virgin. Marriage.
1845 May 5. Robert Smyth bachelor of full age, Corporal of the 62nd Regt., Barracks;
Father, Alexander Smyth, farmer.
Mary Jane Mackey spinster, a minor, of Middle Street;
Father, Edward Mackey, Sergeant 63rd Regt.
Banns. Witnesses Sam Hancock, Jane Midgemay/Ridgeway?? (signature unclear)
Event source: S959Page: Research/Letter dated 2017-09-26 regarding Comber, James & family - Workhouse entry for 8 days Comber, Elizabeth & children
Text: Shoreditch. Alphabetical List Workhouse Admissions with Subsequent Discharges, 1823-1831
Admitted 1825 Jan 12
Discharged 1825 Jan 20
Elizabeth Comber 27 Ward 22
James Comber 6 Ward 23
Edward Comber 3 Ward 23
Elizabeth Comber 6 weeks Ward 22