Born in Bangalore, India, on the 7th of February 1821, the son of Sergeant William Bainton of the 13th Light Dragoons and his wife, Elizabeth.
Baptised there on the 28th of February 1821 by the Revd. William Malkins.
A sister, Ann, was born at Arcot [125 miles east of Bangalore] on the 21st of December 1819 and baptised on the 5th of January 1820 by the Revd. R. Smith, Chaplain.
His father died at Bangalore on the 17th of May 1821 and was buried on the same day by the Revd W. Malkins.
His mother, Elizabeth, married again on the 11th of July 1821. The India Office Records show:
"John Hibberd, of Bangalore, Troop Sgt. Major of H.M.'s 13th Light Dragoons, bachelor, and Elizabeth Bainton of the same place, widow, were married by banns and the consent of friends, in the church at Bangalore, by me — W. Malkins, Chaplain."
The same records for a year later show that:
"John Hibberd, of Bangalore, T.S.M. 13th Light Dragoons, was buried on the 28th of June 1822 by the Revd. W. Malkins."
No children can be found recorded of this marriage.
His mother was again married on the 31st of July 1822 to Sgt. Thomas Powell of the 13th Light Dragoons (father of 1228 Harry Powell, 13th Light Dragoons.) The records show that:
"Thomas Powell, H.M.'s 13th Light Dragoons, bachelor, and Elizabeth Hibbard, widow, were married in the church at Bangalore this day by me. — Reverend William Malkins, Chaplain."
Enlisted at Madras, India, on the 23rd of October 1834.
No other enlistment details are shown except that he was "to go to the Band".
To "Man's Pay" (age of 15 years) on the 30th of November 1835.
Returned to England aboard the "True Briton" on the 27th of February 1840.
[PB: Service between 1840 and Crimea?]
1851 Census
Piershill Barracks, Leith South, Midlothian.
William H Bainton, 32, Private Soldier, born Bangalore, East Indies.
He was wounded in action at Balaclava, 25th October 1854, and taken prisoner of war. He did not return from Russian captivity in October 1855 and almost certainly died while a prisoner.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol.
From the Recollections of 1228, Harry Powell, 13th Light Dragoons:
"I had a brother who lost a leg and was taken prisoner and afterwards died at Simpheropol. I received a letter from him stating how kind the Russians were and how well he had been looked after by the Sisters of Mercy. His name was William Baynton."
See also the record of 597 Thomas Perry, 8th Hussars.
Census information for 1851 kindly provided by Chris Poole.