Carole Divall

2^nd Battalion, Torres Vedras

A map showing the principal fortifications on the lines of Torres Vedras

This has been a bad month for sickness, with ten deaths, five within three days (18^th-20^th February), including Corporal Owen Rice, while the death of Assistant Surgeon Irwin on in the early hours of the 2^nd after a brief illness was regretted by both officers and men.  Officers of the garrison were invited on a pass memorandum to attend his funeral, and most did.

Surgeon Hennen, who had been in Lisbon on sick leave re-joined the battalion shortly before Irwin died, and is now the only medical officer present.  He continues to deal with a heavy case load; the return for today is 36 sick present and 91, plus two officers, sick absent.

Major Grey and Ensign John Rumley have also returned from sick leave, bringing with them newspapers to the 21^st January which have been gratefully received.  For John Rumley, however, it was a sad departure from Lisbon because he had to leave behind his brother, Lieutenant George Rumley, who is known to be mortally ill.

On the 4^th February an earthquake rocked Torres Vedras.  There were no casualties, but some damage to buildings.  Although the locals panicked and ran into the streets, the men of the 30th Foot seemed to accept it phlegmatically.

News has arrived that Lieutenant Colonel Minet has accepted a staff appointment, which means that Major Hamilton remains in command.  He has taken the opportunity to drill the flank companies and institute ball practice (live ammunition firing) for the recruits.

On the topic of recruits, when the Paymaster, Wray, Lieutenant Garland and Ensign Brissac joined from sick leave two days ago, they brought news that more reinforcements were expected.

The first part of the month brought very wet weather but conditions have now improved and there is increased expectation of action as the weather contnues to improve and troop movements become a more realistic proposition.  Although they are reasonably comfortable behind the Lines, with good provisions and a degree of comfort, the battalion is eager to go into action. It is rumoured that the French, to the north of here, are not as well provisioned and are having a difficult time.

1^st Battalion, Trichinopoly

There has been only one death this month, William Goode on the 2^nd February, and very little sickness.  At the moment India is proving much healthier than Portugal. The climate at this time of year is very pleasant and those accustomed to European conditions do not find conditions especially trying.

Lieutenant Hutchinson resigned his commission today, rather than face a court martial.

Lieutenant Nicholson returned from a month’s leave.  His health is still poor and there is some expectation that he will soon return to Europe for recovery of health.  Lieutenant Vaumorel would certainly not prevent his departure.  Nicholson is still seen as a disruptive element in the battalion, even though it is nearly a year since his court martial.

Captain Thomas Williamson is expected to join when the next fleet arrives from Europe.  His arrival has been anticipated since October.

Depot, Wakefield

One man and one boy have joined at head quarters for unlimited service.

A contemporary popular view of the Militia

It has been a quiet period for recruiting but four men have volunteered from the Tipperary Militia.

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As you may know, the information I use for these “Diary of a Regiment” pages comes directly from the original documents of the regimental monthly returns. I have decided that from now on I shall do just one post a month, and since the regimental returns are always completed on 25th of any month I shall post diary entries on the same date.

So the next diary entry will be published here on 25th February 2011

General Thomas Graham Continue Reading »

2nd Battalion: Torres Vedras, Portugal

The health of the battalion continues to cause concern.  The sickness rate remains high; six men were invalided to England on the 24th January and four men have died during the past two weeks, Henry Horsfall. John Hodge. Michael Scanlan and John Hinchcliffe.  Assistant Surgeon Irwin, who is having to work unaided, is being kept excessively busy.

A surgeon’s set of field instruments, courtesy of Mick Crumplin, FRCS

On the 20th January Gregory White was promoted to corporal and five days later Corporal Richard Barton and Thomas Thorne were promoted to sergeant.  As was generally expected, Joseph Scotten, who was reduced from sergeant on the 11th was quickly promoted, to corporal on the 25th.

There was considerable interest in the outcome of Daniel McCarthy’s court martial, when he was charged with desertion and joining the enemy.  This was a chance for him to tell his story.  He related to the court how, after he was taken prisoner by the French, when the Jenny, transport, was wrecked off Gravelines in 1805, he was offered the opportunity, made to every captured Irish soldier, to serve in an Irish regiment in French service.  The alternative would have been imprisonment in France. McCarthy took the opportunity to join the Irish Legion of the French army because he saw it as the best chance of eventually re-rejoining the 30th Foot.  With his new regiment, the Irish Legion,  he marched to Spain and waited for the ideal moment to desert, which came when he was within reach of the British.  In his account at his court martial he maintained that he had seen no action against any British forces.  His story was believed and he is now back in the ranks of the 2/30th.

On the 25th January the battalion quartermaster, John Forster Kingsley went to Lisbon without first informing major Hamilton, who was at that time in command in the absence of Lieutenant Colonel Minet.  The major threatened to put him under an arrest when he returned, but when four days later when Kingsley reppeared there was no arrest.  It is often observed that Mr Kingsley is a law unto himself.

1st Battalion: Trichinopoly

The Palni Hills, to the south west of Trichinopoly

The health of the  battalion is very good; there have been no deaths reported in this part of the month and sickness rates are low. This improvement in casualty rates, when compared with numbers earlier must be assessed against the more benign climate at this time of the year. With temperatures ranging daily between 70 and 85°F this is the coolest and driest part of the year; there is not the oppressive heat of summer to be contended with. The “old hands” in these parts describe the climate of Trichinopoly as “eight months hot, four months hotter”.

Lieutenant Colonel Vaumorel has placed Lieutenant Hutchinson under an arrest.  This means there are now five officers under arrest, because the four found guilty of duelling, Captain Harpur and Lieutenants French, Jones and carden, are still waiting to hear whether their sentences (of cashiering) have been confirmed in England.

Depot: Wakefield

Recruits to the 33rd Foot receive instruction from their Sergeant. Constant drill and attention to details produces well disciplied and effective fighting men.

There are reported to be 14 recruits with the recruiting parties.

Two invalids have joined from Cadiz.  If they recover sufficiently they will be sent on recruiting duties.  Otherwise they will be discharged.

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