Carole Divall

2^nd Battalion, Taliora, Portugal

The Douro valley

This has been a quiet month after the events at Badajoz last month.  The battalion is now quartered in this village not far from Lamego, in the Douro valley.  They anticipate a return to Spain in the near future, however, and are making the most of the rest period.

There has been only one death, but sickness continues to be a problem.  There are twenty-eight sergeants, thirteen drummers and 269 rank and file present at headquarters, but a further twelve sergeants, four drummers and 257 rank and file have been returned sick absent.  The two officers who are absent, sick, Captains Chambers and Hitchen, are still recovering from the wounds they received at Badajoz.  Ensign Pratt, however, has been able to re-join the battalion.  Lieutenants White and Brisac have also recovered their health and are back with the battalion.

Lieutenant Charles has been appointed aide de camp to Sir Robert Wilson.  Lieutenant Daniell, whose exchange with Lieutenant Stewart of the 37th has failed, has been appointed quartermaster at the depot at Oeiras.

Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton has returned to Portugal and is expected to join the battalion in the next few days.

1^st Battalion, Cannanore

An old view of Cannanore

There have been five deaths this month, as well as a rise in the number of men and officers who have been returned sick.  Twenty-four men have been invalided to England.

A sergeant was among the dead, while another sergeant has resigned and three more have been reduced.  Among the corporals, three have been promoted to sergeant, and two have been reduced.  Six privates have been promoted to corporal, including two men (William Smith and Peter Fraser) who were drafted from the 33^rd, this regiment being about to return to England.  Three other men also chose to transfer to the 30^th in order to preserve their family life in India.

Two officers have remained in Poonamallee and a further four officers, including Major General Wilkinson and Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart are on detached duties on the east coast.

 

Depot, Hull

It is hoped that a recruit will mature into an accomplished soldier

Eight men have been discharged as worn out, one man has died, and twenty-nine have been sent to the second battalion in Portugal.  On the plus side, twenty-one men and six boys, all for unlimited service, have joined from the recruiting parties.  There have also been five volunteers from the Carlow Militia, five from the West Essex and one from the West Kent, also for unlimited service.  A further eleven recruits are with the recruiting party at Sleaford.

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