Born in Blackfriars, London.
1851 Census
The 1851 Census shows him as the son of John and Charlotte Farmer of 11, Angel Alley, St Botolph's, Bishopsgate. Another six children are shown. His father John is shown as a "City Policeman". He does not appear on any subsequent census entries. [RM]
Lummis and Wynn name him as "Charles Falmer".
Enlisted at London on the 29th of December 1854.
He had originally served as No. 1266 in the Tower Hamlets Militia, and was released on a certificate of enlistment into the 11th Hussars.
Age: 18.
Height: 5' 7".
Trade: None.
Appearance: Fresh complexion. Grey eyes. Brown hair.
Joined the regiment in the Crimea on the 25th of May 1855.
Invalided to England on the 26th of March 1856.
Sent from the Invalid Depot at Chatham to Newbridge on the 12th of April 1856.
Discharged from Dublin on the 9th of December 1856, as
"Considered ineffective and on the Reduction of the Regiment — is of a delicate constitution, with narrow chest and slight figure, making him unable to perform the duties of a dragoon and likely to remain ineffective as such."
Aged 19 years 10 months on discharge.
Conduct: "good". Not in possession of any Good Conduct badges.
Served 1 year 340 days.
In Turkey and the Crimea: 8 months.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol and the Turkish medal.