Born at Deptford, Kent, c.1821.
Enlisted at Westminster on the 4th of May 1840.
Age: 19 years 2 months.
Height: 5' 7".
Trade: Grocer.
Appearance: Fresh complexion. Grey eyes. Brown hair.
[PB: A puzzle. Two courts-martial are recorded at discharge, the first of which, in 1839, is dated before his enlistment in 1840 (EJB's date). However, Wendy Leahy writes "09 10 1839 [Discharge, Muster Roll 1856] or 16 10 1840 London [Muster Roll 1840]".]
Tried by a District Court-martial of the 16th of December 1839 for "Disgraceful Conduct: stealing a sovereign." Sentenced to 100 lashes and stoppage of pay.
Embarked for India on the 5th of June 1840 and joined the regiment on the 28th of October 1840.
[Wendy Leahy writes that JH went out on the "Java" 5.6.1840, disembarking Bombay 26.10.1840, and returned on the "Repulse", leaving Bombay 6.11.1841, arriving Gravesend 38.3.1842. (See reference below.)]
Tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 1st of June 1843 for "being absent and making away with his necessaries." He was sentenced to 31 days' imprisonment, with hard labour.
At Scutari from the 1st of January 1855.
Sent to the Invalid Depot at Chatham on the 18th of July 1856.
Discharged to Out-pension from Chatham Invalid Depot on the 28th of August 1856:
"Unfit for further service, Suffers from Amentia — symptoms of which appeared in March of the present year when the Regiment was at Scutari. Under treatment from the 25th of March to the 13th of April and again from the 23rd of April to the 16th of July when he was discharged to proceed to Chatham.
In hospital, extremely filthy in his habits and requires him to be treated like a child and being unable, or unwilling, to perform the smallest duty for himself except that of gratifying a voracious appetite.
During the day he is silent and reserved, but at night he becomes restless, and if allowed, would walk up and down, muttering to himself.
He has been an intemperate man — making his recovery all that more unlikely."
Served in Turkey and the Crimea, 1 year 1 month
In India: 1 year 59 days.
Total service of 16 years 207 days. Awarded a pension of 6d. per day.
Conduct: "a good soldier".
In possession of one Good Conduct badge.
Twice tried by Court-martial.
Tried by a District Court-martial of the 16th of December 1839 for "Disgraceful Conduct: stealing a sovereign." Sentenced to 100 lashes and stoppage of pay.
Tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 1st of June 1843 for "being absent and making away with his necessaries." Was sentenced to 31 days' imprisonment, with hard labour.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol.
Died in the Woolwich Pension District on the 7th of December 1857.