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LIVES OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
The E.J. Boys Archive

Amended 14.5.11. Minor edits 17.2.2014.

1685, Private John COTTAM — 13th Light Dragoons

Birth & early years

Born at Perishole, near Lancaster.

Enlistment

Enlisted at Liverpool on the 23rd of December 1854.

Age: 19.

Height: 5' 7.

Trade: Baker.

Features: Fresh complexion. Hazel eyes. Brown hair.

Service, discharge & pension

Joined the regiment in the Crimea on the 1st of August 1855.

Discharged, "invalided and the Reduction of the Regiment", from Kilmainham on the 1st of December 1856.

"This man has, during his service in Turkey, suffered from fever and bowel complaints — although he has improved latterly in health. I am of the opinion that he is not likely to become permanently effective. This I judge from my observations of him in hospital. His disability is caused through constitutional infirmity. He is able to earn his own living."

Served 1 year 280 days.

Conduct and character, "good". Once tried by Court-martial. Not in possession of any Good Conduct badges.

He was tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 24th of January 1856 for being "drunk on duty under arms." Convicted, and sentenced to 64 days imprisonment, with hard labour.

Medals & commemorations

Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol and the Turkish medal.

Granted a pension of 6d. per day for 6 months.

To live in Preston after discharge.

Not recorded by Lummis and Wynn.

Life after service

Death & burial


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