Born at Fen Stanton, Cambridgeshire, in 1832, the son of John and Mary Rolls. A sister, Harriet, was born in 1827.
Enlisted at Westminster on the 8th of November 1854.
Age: 20.
Height: 5' 6".
Trade: Groom.
Joined the regiment in the Crimea on the 1st of August 1855.
Twice entered in the Regimental Defaulters' book. Once tried by Court-martial.
Tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 23rd of March 1856 for "refusing to undergo punishment and improper conduct to a superior." Awarded 14 days imprisonment with hard labour, but this sentence was remitted.
Discharged, "time expired", from Canterbury, on the 6th of November 1866.
Served 11 years 363 days, to count.
Conduct: "good."
In possession of two Good Conduct badges.
Re-engaged into the 14th Hussars at Hounslow on the 1st of December 1866 with the Regimental No. 997.
Age: 32 years.
Trade: Groom.
Appearance: Dark complexion. Hazel eyes. Black hair.
Former service in the 13th Light Dragoons allowed to reckon towards pension, vide War Office letter dated the 21st of June 1867.
Discharged from Newbridge on the 28th of November 1872, as:
"Unfit for further service — Has Phthisis Pulmonaria. Originated in continual exposure to wet and cold when on election duty in Newry in February of 1872. Disease permanent. Will probably be unable to contribute towards earning his livelihood."
Served 17 years 336 days.
In Turkey and the Crimea: 1 year.
Conduct: "very good".
In possession of four Good Conduct badges.
Aged 38 years on discharge.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.
Not recorded by Lummis and Wynn.
After discharge, intended to live at 2, Edge Terrace, Silver Street, Notting Hill, London.
1881 Census
4, Lambourn Street, Clapham, London.
The 1881 Census shows him as a "Railway Porter", born 1837 [possibly a transcription error] at Fen Stanton, living with his wife Hannah, born Kilminton, Hants, and two daughters, Frances 6, and Ellen. [RM]