Home Search Index of men A-Z

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

Minor edit 7.4.14.

Corporal James McNAMARA — 1075, 11th Hussars

Birth & early life

Born in Hornsey. London, c.1821.

Enlistment

Enlisted at London on the 30th of December 1839.

Age: 18 years 4 months.

Height: 5' 7".

Trade: Groom.

Appearance: Fresh complexion. Blue eyes. Brown hair.

Service

From Private to Corporal: 5th of March 1847.

Tried by a Regimental Court-martial, imprisoned from the 25th of December 1847 — 12th of January 1848 and reduced to Pte.

From Private to Corporal: 11th of October 1853.

Corporal to Sergeant: 15th of December 1854.

Tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 20th of April 1855 for "drunkenness in camp" and reduced to Pte.

Sent to the Newbridge Depot from the Crimea on the 8th of June 1855.

Discharge & pension

Discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on the 30th of December 1856, as:

"Unfit from deafness. Has been suffering for a long time from deafness — Lobes of ears diseased, probably the effects of vice and most likely influenced by his habits of intemperance. Unlikely to ever again become effective and I recommend his discharge. Considered unfit for duty and on the Reduction of the Army."

Served 16 years 333 days.

In Turkey and the Crimea: 1 year.

Conduct has been "good", except for instances where he has been tried by Regimental Court-martial (twice) for "absence without leave and drunkenness." Is in possession of one Good Conduct badge.

Awarded a pension of 6d. per day.

Aged 35 years 1 month on discharge.

He was living in London in 1875.

Medals

Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.

Further medal information archived.

Commemorations

Life after service

Death & burial


New on the site Search Index of men M
For further information, or to express an interest in the project, please email the editors, Philip Boys & Roy Mills, viainfo@chargeofthelightbrigade.com