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4258 SAPPER GEORGE DEAN
Royal Engineers

by

Lieutenant Colonel Edward De Santis, MSCE, P.E., MInstRE
(Revised February 2023) 

1. Early Life AND FAMILY INFORMATION

            George Dean was born near the town of Halifax in the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada on the 3rd of September of 1840.  He was the son of 321 Private William George Dean of the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners, who was stationed with a company of the Corps in Nova Scotia at that time.  George had two brothers and a sister; Josiah John Dean (1835-1891), Frederick Willis Dean (1843-1874) and Sophia Dean (1851-1857).  His brother Josiah also served in the Royal Sappers and Miners and Royal Engineers as a Sapper, Regimental Number 2518.

            In 1856 George’s father, by then a Sergeant, had returned to England and was stationed at Chatham in Kent.  On the 9th of April 1856 George Dean was enlisted at Chatham, probably by his father, for service as a Boy Soldier[i] in the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners.

2. Physical Description

            Young George was a small lad measuring only 5 feet 2 inches in height.  He had light brown hair, grey eyes, and a fair complexion.  When he was examined by the Army Surgeon to determine his fitness to serve, he was noted to have a chest measurement of 35 inches.  His pulse was 76 beats per minute and his respiration was 18 inspirations per minute.  Dean’s muscular development was noted to be good.

            Dean had been vaccinated against smallpox as an infant and the examining surgeon noted that his vaccination mark was “good.”  He had no smallpox marks or any other distinguishing marks or scars worthy of note.[ii]  

3. Enlistment and Training

            George Dean was found to be medically fit to serve and passed the preliminary, if rather cursory, military examination usually administered by the Recruiting Officer.  He had no trade as a young boy and therefore it was decided to assign him to duties as a Bugler.[iii]

            On the 11th of April 1856 young George attested as a Boy Soldier in the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners at Rochester, Kent.  He swore the Oath of Attestation and his enlistment was duly approved.[iv]  He was assigned Regimental Number 4258, the rank of Bugler, and was posted to the 23rd Company, Royal Engineers, to a company that would soon find George in action in both the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.

4. Assignments and Campaign Service

            Dean’s company had an interesting history.  It had originally been raised in April of 1855 as the 23rd or Driver Company of the Royal Sappers and Miners.  It embarked for the seat of the war in the Crimea in August of 1855, but got no further than Constantinople.  The company returned to England where it was converted into ‘A’ Troop, Royal Sappers and Miners, and a new 23rd Company was formed.  It was to this new 23rd Company that Bugler Dean was assigned.

            The gallant services of the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners in the Crimea were rewarded at the close of the war by the grant of the title Royal Engineers;[v] hence, Dean was now a member of the 23rd Company, Royal Engineers.

            In 1857 the 23rd Company embarked for the war in China.  Upon arriving in Singapore the company was diverted to India where the Great Mutiny had begun and the forces there were much in need in engineer support.

            The 23^rd Company landed at Calcutta on the 11^th of August 1857.  The company was commanded by Captain A.J. Clerke, R.E.[vi]  Other company officers included Lieutenant W.O. Lennox, R.E.,[vii]  Lieutenant E.D. Malcolm, R.E.,[viii] Lieutenant G.D. Pritchard, R.E.,[ix] and Lieutenant R. Harrison, R.E.[x] 

            Upon its arrival at Calcutta, the 23^rd Company joined the force being assembled by Sir Colin Campbell for the recapture of Lucknow.  The company was to serve with Sir Colin Campbell’s force throughout the operation.

Figure 1. Sir Colin Campbell.
(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia.com)  

            Prior to the arrival of the relief force, the garrison and British residents of Lucknow had taken refuge in the Residency in that city after the approach of the rebel Sepoy army on the 1st of July 1857.  On the 19th of September 1857, a force of 3,179 British troops under Generals Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, left Cawnpore to the relieve the garrison at Lucknow.  On the 23rd of September they met and defeated a force of about 12,000 rebels at the Alumbagh, capturing five guns during the battle.  On the 25th of September the forces under Havelock and Outram forced the Charbagh bridge, and captured Secunderbagh.  The main body of the British force, after prolonged street fighting, reached the Residency.  The rearguard, escorting the wounded, did not reach the Residency until the 26th.  Outram now took command of the Residency that was now under siege by a large rebel force.

            On the 19th of November 1857, after very heavy fighting, Lucknow was relieved by the force commanded by Sir Colin Campbell.  Young Bugler Dean and the other men of the 23rd Company took part in this action under Sir Colin.  After the relief of Lucknow the entire garrison and civilian population of the Residency were withdrawn and the city abandoned for the time being to the Sepoys.[xi]

Figure 2. The Relief of Lucknow.
(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia.com)  

            Sir Colin next began plans for the recapture of Lucknow.  In preparation for the attack on the city, an Engineer Brigade was formed under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H.D. Harness.[xii]  The brigade Adjutant was Captain F.E. Cox.[xiii]  The engineer units comprising this brigade consisted of the following:

4th Company, Royal Engineers
23rd Company, Royal Engineers
'C' Company, Madras Sappers and Miners
A Company, Bengal Sappers and Miners
A Pioneer detachment consisting of Punjabis and Sikhs                                    

Figure 3. Lieutenant Colonel H.D. Harness, R.E.
(Photograph from the author’s collection)  

            On the 1st of March 1858 the recovery of the city from the rebels began with the capture of the Alumbagh.  The capture of Lucknow was completed on the 21st of March when the mutineers were finally driven from the city.  During the battle the various fortresses and palaces held by the rebels were successively carried by the British assault, the fighting in many cases being exceedingly severe.[xiv]  The 23rd Company was involved in the battle at Lucknow during the period from the 2nd to the 21st of March 1858.

            During the capture of Lucknow a horrible accident befell the 23rd Company, Royal Engineers.  Fortunately, Bugler Dean was not in the area of the accident at the time, as it took the lives of many of the company’s men.  The following is an extract from the Corps history,[xv] describing in some detail the incident that occurred on the 18th of March 1858:

“At the Jumna Musjid there were nine cartloads of powder found in a courtyard which Outram directed to be destroyed.”  

“As there was a well on the spot it was considered that the best method of disposing of the powder, which was in tin cases, would be to throw them down into the water.  A line of men was formed [from the 23rd Company], and the cases passed from hand to hand as rapidly as possible.  By some fatality one of them exploded in falling.  A flame of fire flashed up, and ignited case after case all along the line till the carts were reached, when they also exploded.  Captain A.J. Clerke, R.E.,[xvi] and Lieutenant Brownlow, B.E.,[xvii] who were superintending the operation, were both so frightfully burnt and mutilated, that they died after enduring the most fearful agony.  With one exception every man of those forming the party, to the number of twenty-two, was killed.  Strangely enough, the only one to escape was he who was throwing the cases down the well.  He was rendered senseless but eventually recovered.”  

            A rather different account of the incident is given by Sergeant William Forbes-Mitchell of the 93rd Highlanders who took part in the capture of Lucknow.[xviii]  Forbes-Mitchell’s account is as follows:

“One most appalling accident occurred in the house of a nobleman named Ushruf-ood-dowlah, in which a large quantity of gunpowder had been left; this was accidentally exploded, killing two officers and forty men of the Engineers, and a great number of camp followers, of whom no account was taken.  The poor men who were not killed outright were so horribly scorched that they all died in the greatest agony within a few hours of the accident, and for days explosions with more or less loss of life occurred all over the city. . . . By the accident in the house of Ushruf-ood-dowlah, two of our most distinguished and promising Engineer officers - Captains Brownlow and Clarke [sic] - lost their lives, with forty of the most valuable branch of the service.”           

            Following the capture of Lucknow, the 23rd Company was employed on many other operations against the mutinous Sepoys.  The following extract from the company’s journal for the period provides many details regarding their work:[xix]

“Sapper Thomas J. Clyma died at Cawnpore on April 23rd, 1858; 2nd Corporal Joseph Wren and Sapper Charles Reynolds died of coup-de soleil[xx] at Bareilly on May 5th.  

“Movements of Head Quarters of the Company attached to Brigadier General Walpole’s force, April 15th. - Marched from Goresgunge to the fort [at] Rooya, which the enemy defended, occasioning the loss of 2 officers and 16 men killed, and 5 officers and 88 men wounded.  The English force was encamped about 2 miles from the fort that night.  On the 16th [April] the place was found to be abandoned by the enemy.  The Engineers were employed on that day, and on the 17th, in demolishing the fort of Rooya.  [On the 18th the Company] marched 8 miles to Bilgrawn; [on the] 19th, marched 11 miles to Sandhee; [on the] 20th, crossed the Guzra Nuddee and marched 6 miles to Mungowa; [on the] 21st, moved to Shahabudpore [a distance of] 8 miles; [on the] 22nd, intended to march only to Lissee on the Senda Nuddee, but found the enemy in position on the other side; attacked them and soon put them to flight.  Our cavalry and horse artillery pursued them 5 miles to Alleegunge, where we encamped.  English losses trifling.  Enemy’s said to be 300 to 600.  [The] 23rd Company, R.E. assisted to make a bridge across the Ramgunga at Biehpoonia, 3 miles from Alleegunge.  Joined at Alleegunge by Her Majesty’s 78th [Regiment] and 82nd [Regiment], with siege guns.  On the 27th [April, the company] marched from Alleegunge to Tingree, [a distance of] 8 miles, where we were joined by Sir Colin Campbell, accompanied by Colonel Harness, Commander Royal Engineers, and Captain [J.P.] Cox,[xxi] Adjutant, R.E. from Fettehgurh.  [On the 28th] marched to Jalabad; [on the] 29th to Raut [a distance of 11 miles]; [on the 30th] marched to the Gogra Nuddee, at Shahjehanpoe.  The enemy had abandoned it, leaving one gun.  [On the 1st of May 1858 the column halted].  [On the] 2nd May, marched from Shahjehanpoe to Filhur, [a distance of 12-1/2 miles]; [on the] 3rd May, marched 10 miles to Futtygunge [and were] joined by a force under Brigadier Jones of Carabiniers, who succeeded to command on General Penny being killed in action on April 30th.  [On the] 4th May marched to Furreedpore; [on] May 5th, marched towards Bareilly, which the enemy were drawn up to defend.  Took 6 guns [and] bivouacked for the night.  The [Royal Engineers] had no casualties, except from the sun, which killed two and knocked down four others.  Encamped on the parade ground of [the] cantonments ever since May 6th.  We obtained complete possession of the city on the 7th May.”  

            On the 2nd of September 1858, while still serving in India, George Dean reached the legal age of 18 years for full enlistment in Her Majesty’s forces.[xxii]  He had, up to this point, served a total of 1 year and 29 days as a Boy Soldier, most of it in the terrible heat of India during a most barbarous period of fighting in the Indian Mutiny.  Although he shed his under- age status on the 2nd of September, George Dean remained a Bugler in the 23rd Company.  For his services during the Indian Mutiny, Bugler Dean was awarded the Indian Mutiny Medal, 1857-1858, with clasps [RELIEF OF LUCKNOW] and [LUCKNOW].[xxiii]   

            In July of 1860 the 23rd Company sailed from India to take part in operations in China.  Upon arrival in China, Bugler Dean and the men of the 23rd Company were assigned to the 1st Division.  The company’s officers at this time consisted of Major Gerald Graham,[xxiv] Lieutenant E.D. Malcolm, Lieutenant G.D. Pritchard, Lieutenant R. Harrison, and Lieutenant F. Hime.[xxv]
The engineer order of battle of the British force consisted of the following units:

1st Division

10th Company, Royal Engineers

23rd Company, Royal Engineers

Half of the 8th Company, Royal Engineers  

2nd Division  

‘A’ Company, Madras Sappers and Miners

‘K’ Company, Madras Sappers and Miners  

            Lieutenant General Sir Hope Grant, commander of the two division corps in China, decided not to attempt forcing a passage past the Taku forts at the mouth of the Peiho River, but rather to land at Peytang, a village about ten miles to the north.  The Taku forts would then be approached from the land side.  Between the 1st and the 7th of August 1860 the whole army was disembarked.  It advanced on the 12th of August, and after some skirmishing and many difficulties owing to the swampy character of the country, the enemy was driven back and Singho and Tangkoo were occupied.  

Figure 4. Lieutenant General Sir Hope Grant.
(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia.com)  

            At this point Sir Hope Grant decided to assault the four Taku forts in conjunction with his French allies.  The forts were situated with two on the north side of the river and two on the south side.  Orders were given to throw up five batteries for the assault of the first northern fort and all engineer units were involved in this work.  The work was performed in two reliefs with Major Graham acting as Executive Officer of one relief.  These batteries were constructed on the night of the 20th of August and on the following morning they were armed and opened fire.

            After a bombardment of about four hours it was evident that the artillery of the Taku forts had been virtually destroyed.  Orders were then given for the assault.  The engineers accompanying the assaulting column were divided into four parties, all under Major Graham.  Lieutenant Pritchard of the 23rd Company was in charge of a party of small pontoons intended for crossing the wet ditch around the forts.  Lieutenant Hime, also of the 23rd Company, was responsible for the scaling ladders.

Figure 5.  Lieutenant G.D. Pritchard, R.E., (seen here as a Major).
(Photograph from the author’s collection)

            After a sharp struggle and many casualties, the leading stormers gained the parapet, while a few had made their way within the gate of the fort.  The Chinese still offered stubborn resistance and it was some time before the fort was cleared of its defenders.  The second northern fort was stormed, but the British force entered without any resistance, and eventually the two southern forts surrendered as well without a fight.  The operations at the Taku forts were over by the 21st of August.

            Following the battle, Lieutenant Colonel G.F. Mann,[xxvi] Commanding Royal Engineer, had this to say about the actions of the officers and men of the 23rd Company:

“Major Graham conducted the assaulting party, and, when wounded with the bridge party and obliged to mount on horseback, directed the movements of the ladder party, until his horse also being wounded, he was obliged to fall to the rear.  Lieutenant Pritchard and the other officers of the assaulting party were among the first to gain a footing in the fort.  Of the non-commissioned officers and Sappers, Sergeant-Major Knight, Sergeant McEachran, Corporals Willcocks, Matheson, and Filkin, and Sapper John Squires distinguished themselves.”[xxvii]

Figure 6. The North Fort at Taku Forts.
(Photograph courtesy of the National Army Museum, London)

Figure 7. Major Gerald Graham, R.E.
(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia.com)           

            Following their defeat at Taku Forts, the Chinese tried to bargain for time.  Both the allied commanders agreed that it was essential to get to Pekin as soon as possible.  The capital was entered on the 13th of October 1860 after two severe actions at Chang-kia-wan on the 18th of September and at Pa-li-chian on the 21st of September.

            After the end of the China War, Dean and the remainder of the 23rd Company returned to England.  It appears that upon arriving in England he was posted to the Royal Engineer Train at Aldershot as a Driver[xxviii] in ‘A’ Troop.  ‘A’ Troop was formed at Aldershot as a Pontoon Troop.  On the 1st of October 1861 he was transferred to ‘B’ Troop of the Royal Engineer Train.  ‘B’ Troop was known as the Field Equipment Troop.  Both of these troops relied heavily on wagon transport and required skilled drivers for the wagons.

            On the 14th of June 1862, while stationed at Aldershot but training at Shorncliffe in Kent,  Dean was awarded the Second China War Medal, 1857-1860, with clasps [TAKU FORTS 1860] and [PEKIN 1860].[xxix] 

            Dean served with ‘B’ Troop at various stations in England for the remainder of his time in the Army.  It appears that his primary duty station was Aldershot and that he and his unit periodically went to Shorncliffe Camp in Kent for training.  The following is a chronological summary of the stations at which he served and his arrival date at each station:

Date of Arrival          Station                                   

28 June 1865               Shorncliffe Camp, Kent
6 May 1866                 At Aldershot, Hampshire
27 June 1866               Shorncliffe Camp, Kent
27 August 1867[xxx]       At Hythe, Kent (see Map 10)[xxxi]
25 September 1867     Arrived at Aldershot
November 1867          Arrived at Chatham
1 July 1869                  Arrived at Aldershot
3 October 1869           Arrived at Chatham
26 July 1870                Arrived at Aldershot
4 October 1871           Arrived at Chatham
17 December 1872      Arrived at Aldershot

5. MEDALS, AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

6.  Promotions, Conduct and Education

a.   Promotions

The following table summarizes George Dean’s promotions and appointments during his Army career:

 b.  Conduct

            (1). Disciplinary Actions

On the 20th of May 1872, George Dean committed an offense for which he would be court martialed.  On that date his name was entered in the Regimental Defaulters’ Book and he was confined to await his trial. He also forfeited 1.d. of his 3.d. Good Conduct pay on that date.[xxxiii]  On the 25 May 1872, while at Chatham, Dean was tried and convicted for “Improper Conduct”.  He was sentenced to be reduced from Corporal to the rank of Sapper.

            (2). Good Conduct Badges and Medal[xxxiv]

George Dean was awarded four Good Conduct Badges during his time in service.  Each of these badges entitled him to receive an additional penny (1.d.) per day.  The badges were awarded to him as shown in the table below:

 Based on the Larimore (1998)[xxxvi] research on the Good Conduct Badge, Dean received his first two awards under the 1860 regulations.  He received the first and second awards exactly on time.  Dean’s third Good Conduct badge was awarded under the 1870 regulations.  He also received this badge exactly on time.  He received the fourth award at 18 years of service rather than at 16 years as allowed under the 1876 regulations.  This departure from the regulations was probably due to his disciplinary problem and the temporary loss of his 3rd Good Conduct Badge.  He did not receive the fifth award at the completion of 21 years of service.  

On the 1^st of September 1876, when he completed 18 years of service with the Colours, Dean was authorized the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.  He subsequently received this medal along with a gratuity of 5 Pounds when he left the service.

c.  Education

            George Dean’s service papers indicate that he was in possession of a 3^rd Class Certificate of Education at the time that he was discharged from the Army.[xxxvii]

7.      Medical Information

            George Dean was admitted to hospital for the following ailments during his period of service:

a.  Admitted to hospital at Aldershot on the 6th of May 1866 and treated for synovitis[xxxviii] of the knee.  Released on the 11th of May 1866.  Lost time: 6 days.

b.  Admitted to hospital at Shorncliffe Camp on the 1st of July 1867 and treated for synovitis of the knee.  Released on the 14th of July 1867.  Lost time: 14 days.

c.  Admitted to hospital at Aldershot on the 4th of March 1871 and treated for a sprain received while lifting a box.  Released on the 10th of March 1871.  Lost time: 7 days.

d.  Admitted to hospital at Chatham on the 7th of May 1872 and treated for rheumatism resulting from exposure to cold weather while gardening.  Released on the 12th of May 1872.  Lost time: 7 days.

e.  Admitted to hospital at Aldershot on the 1st of January 1874 and treated for blisters on his feet resulting from bad boots.  Released on the 7th of January 1874.  Lost time: 7 days.

f.  Admitted to hospital at Aldershot on the 3rd of May 1874 and treated for a sprain (relapse of his previous injury from 1871).  Released on the 16th of May 1874.  Lost time: 14 days.

g.  Admitted to hospital at Aldershot on the 5th of January 1877 and treated for a contusion received in an accident.  Released on the 15th of January 1877.  Lost time: 10 days.

            As a result of illness and injuries, Dean lost a total of 65 days of duty during his time in service.

            On the 18th of July 1865, 2nd Corporal George Dean was given a physical examination at Shorncliffe Camp.  He was found to be fit to continue in military service.  On the 14th of August 1865, he was re-vaccinated.  The results of the vaccination were described as a “perfect” pustule, indicating that the inoculation was probably successful.

8.      Marriage and Personal Information

            There is no indication in George Dean’s records that he was married or that he had any children during his time in service.  His Military History Sheet, the document which would note his marriage, is missing from his service papers.  However, from the service papers of his two sons, William George Dean and Henry James Dean, it is known that he was married and did have children.[xxxix]  Additional information regarding his family was found on family trees posted on Ancestry.com.

            George Dean was married to one Harriet Hannah Dadswell.  In addition to William George and Henry James, George and Harriet had seven other children; George Henry William Dean (1866-1942), Frederick Dean (1868-?), Sophia Matilda Dean (1870-?), Richard Charles Dean (1874-1940), David Thomas Dean (1880-1949), Pritchard George Dean (1884-1934) and Frederick G. Dean (1888-?).

 9.      Discharge

            A Regimental Board convened at Aldershot on the 21st of August 1879 to consider Sapper Dean’s discharge which had been claimed by him on the termination of his second period of limited engagement. 

            The discharge board was composed of the following officers:

Board President:  Captain E. Stephens, R.E.[xl]

Member:  Lieutenant H. Denison, R.E.[xli]

Member:  Lieutenant D. A. Johnston, R.E.[xlii]

            The board reckoned Sapper Dean’s total service at 21 years and 3 days, including 2 years and 205 days in India and 1 year and 191 days in China, for total service abroad of 4 years and 31 days.  His overall conduct during his time in service was considered to be very good, and his habits regular, despite his name appearing in the Regimental Defaulters’ Book and his court martial. 

            The board recommended that Sapper Dean be discharged and the board proceedings were certified to be correct by the Commander of Royal Engineer Troops at Aldershot.  On the 22nd of August 1879, Paymaster W.H. Browning,[xliii] Army Pay Department, completed Dean’s Detailed Statement of Services. 

            At the time of his discharge, Sapper Dean was 39 years of age.  His description on discharge indicates that he was 5 feet 4 inches tall with a fair complexion, fair hair and grey eyes.  He still had no distinguishing marks or scars on his body.

            Following the board recommendation, Dean’s service papers were sent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London and were received at the Secretary’s Office there on the 3rd of September 1879.  Dean’s discharge was finally approved by His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief at the Horse Guards in London on the 9th of September 1879. 

            Upon leaving the Army, Dean at first indicated that his intended place of residence would be Aldershot and then changed it to Cirencester in Gloucestershire.  His records indicate that he did not have a trade upon leaving the service even though he had been in a mounted unit of the Royal Engineers for most of his career.

            Sapper Dean’s service records appear to have been reviewed on the 24th of June 1896 for some unknown reason.  His papers bear the stamp of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with this date.

APPENDIX A. RECRUITMENT OF BOY SOLDIERS

 The following information is quoted from Skelley (1977):*

             “Boy enlistment was a traditional method of augmenting recruitment.  Regiments consisting entirely of boys had been formed at an earlier date, but the last had disappeared in 1802.  Between 1859 and 1899 regulations specified that the number was not to exceed 2 per cent of the establishment.  Boys were taken on from the age of fifteen and served an apprenticeship until they reached the normal age of enlistment.  During this time they were taught one of two or three trades.  Nearly three-quarters of the boys recruited underwent training as musicians (i.e. drummers and buglers), the remainder as tailors and shoemakers.  On reaching the minimum age for enlistment, boys formally joined the regiment to which they were attached.  What was new was the suggestion inspired by the practices of the Royal Navy, of a comprehensive training scheme.  Borrowing directly from the navy’s experience, many advocated that special training schools be set up, and that the establishment of boys at the Royal Military Asylum and the Royal Hibernian Military School be substantially increased.”

APPENDIX B. AGE AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLDIERS IN THE BRITISH ARMY (VICTORIAN PERIOD)*
 

 NOTE:  Minimum chest measurements depended on the arm of service. 

 AGE AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLDIERS IN THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS (VICTORIAN PERIOD)+  

  NOTES:  1)    Artisans were an exception to the minimum 33” chest measurement.

                2)     The minimum weight requirement for all arms was 115 pounds.

APPENDIX B-1.  DUTIES OF A ROYAL ENGINEERS BUGLER

The following is a description of the duties of a Boy Bugler at Chatham as related by Captain Henry Corke, R.E., an ex-Bugler:(*)

             “Reveille was blown at 0600 hours in the summer months at 0630 in the winter.  Defaulters paraded a quarter of an hour after reveille, in full marching order and at the call of the bugle.  Breakfast followed shortly after when, again to the sound of the bugle’s clarion call, everyone paraded and marched to the cookhouse.  Within an hour the main morning parade took place.  For this a sustained ‘G’ was blown five minutes before parade time, followed by the ‘Fall In’ which brought all the troops on to the parade square at the same time!  Another call summoned the sick to sick parade and yet another for ‘Orderly Room’.  This was held at 1000 hours if there were any disciplinary cases to be heard by the CO (Saturdays and Sundays excepted).  

            At Brompton Barracks, the bugle heralded the start and finish of recruit drill and training sessions; mail distribution once a day; fire alarms and fire drills.  The first appearance of the CO, at 0900 hours, was recognized by the duty bugler, when all personnel on or near the square were brought to attention until dismissed by the CO with a ‘Carry on, please!’  The duty bugler was also in attendance when the main guard was called out by the sentry on post for every call made officially on its services.  In fact, the bugler was used to communicate every instruction of a general nature.  There was a call for everything we did.  After the ‘Tea” call at, say 1630-1700 hours, the main defaulters parade of the day was held when all those on jankers (defaulter’s punishment) paraded in full marching order.  There was ‘officers dress’ and ‘officers mess’ at 2000 hours followed by the ‘First Post’ at 2130 hours and ‘Last Post’ at 2200 hours.  The main guard turned out and stood with arms presented for the duration of the playing of the Last Post.  Lights out ended the normal round of calls for the day.

            At Brompton, it was the practice for the orderly officer to inspect the main guard at odd times during the silent hours so there was little or no respite for the duty bugler.  It was a very long and busy day on main guard duty, for a bugler more than anyone.  Erring buglers found guilty of misdemeanors were given additional duty with the main guard.

            Thus, it was not until one looked back upon one’s recruit days in Chatham that one realised how busy buglers were and how the establishment depended upon their efficiency for the running of the unit.”

APPENDIX C: PERIODS OF ENLISTMENT FOR THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS  

The following data is quoted from Grierson (1899):*  

For Engineers except Army Postal Service, Telegraph and Railway Reserve of the Engineers and Submarine Miners Reserve of the Engineers:  

“Seven years active and five years reserve, or three years active and nine years reserve at the option of the recruit; but in proportions settled by the War Office, with the [obligation of an additional year in active service if the soldier has been in garrison abroad (and eight years in the reserve)].  Drivers of the Engineers are enlisted for only three years active and nine years reserve.”  

For Army Postal Service, Telegraph and Railway Reserve of the Engineers:  

“Three years active and three years reserve.  These recruits may be transferred to the reserve immediately after enlistment, or may be discharged, if there is no employment for them in the postal service, or with any railway company.”  

For Submarine Miners Reserve of the Engineers:  

“Three years active and three years reserve.  These recruits are transferred to the reserve immediately after enlistment.”  

“The last two categories of recruits have to serve with the volunteers and are trained by them.  

Recruits wishing to join the engineers . . . must be able to read and write, and for the corps of engineers they must have learnt some trade useful in the service.”

APPENDIX D.  RE-ENGAGEMENT IN THE REGULAR ARMY  

The following information is quoted from Grierson (1899):*  

            “To strengthen the cadres still more and to make provision for such men as desire to earn their living in the army, certain classes of soldiers are allowed to engage for 21 years, and by this means earn a pension.  The terms are as follows:-

a.  Warrant Officers, Staff Sergeants, and Sergeants of the corps of Army Schoolmasters have the right after 11 years’ service, and those of other arms after 9 years’ service to engage for 21 years.

b.  Corporals, bombardiers, second corporals, bandsmen, pipers and artificers may be allowed with the consent of the commander of the battalions, &c., to engage for 21 years after 9 years’ service; trumpeters, drummers, and buglers after 11 years’ service.

c.  Other soldiers may have leave given them by the commander of the battalion, &c., to engage for 21 years, if they have earned two “good conduct” badges.  (But as a rule this leave is granted only to men in special posts such as officers’ servants, mess waiters, &c.).

APPENDIX E.  GOOD CONDUCT PAY

The following information is quoted from Grierson (1899): *            “For good conduct, which means, that the soldier has never been punished, he receives further extra pay (Good Conduct Pay).  The daily rate amounts to 1d.  The recipient wears a badge in the shape of a ^, pointing upwards, on the lower sleeve of the left arm.  The first of these badges is awarded after 2, the second after 6, and the third up to the sixth respectively after 12, 18, 23, and 28 years of service.  Every badge brings an extra penny a day.  In case of punishment the soldier forfeits this extra pay or a part of it, but can recover it by good conduct.  These extra payments and badges are only awarded to men from the corporal downward.”

Over the years during the Victorian period there were several sets of rules governing the award of Good Conduct badges as shown below:+

·         The 1836 and 1854 rules awarded badges at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. 

·         The 1860 rules awarded badges at 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, and 38 years of service. 

·         The 1870 rules awarded badges at 2, 6, 12, 18, 23, and 28 years of service. 

·         The 1876 rules awarded badges at 2, 5, 12, 16, 18, 21, and 26 years of service. 

·         The 1885 rules awarded badges at 2, 6, 12, 18, 23, and 28 years of service.

APPENDIX F.  CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATION  

The following information is quoted from Skelley (1977):*  

            “In 1861 a new inducement towards learning was the army certificate of education.  On the recommendation of the Council of Military Education three levels or standards were set out and were linked with promotion in the ranks.  The third-class certificate specified the standard for promotion to the rank of corporal: the candidate was to read aloud and to write from dictation passages from an easy narrative, and to work examples in the four compound rules of arithmetic and the reduction of money.  A second-class certificate, necessary for promotion to sergeant, entailed writing and dictation from a more difficult work, familiarity with all forms of regimental accounting, and facility with proportions and interest, fractions and averages.  First-class certificates were a great deal more difficult and were required for commissions from the ranks.  Successful candidates had to read and take dictation from any standard author; make a fair copy of a manuscript; demonstrate their familiarity with more complicated mathematics, except cube and square root and stocks and discount; and as well prepare for examination in at least one of a number of additional subjects.  After 1887 candidates were examined in British history and geography in place of a special subject.  First-class certificates were awarded on the results of periodic examinations held by the Council (later Director-General) of Military Education.  Second and third-class certificates were presented on the recommendations of the Army schoolmaster.”

            “The third-class certificate of education was considered to be too high given the level of literacy of many army recruits, and the Commission+ urged the introduction of a fourth (minimum) standard.”**

APPENDIX G.  THE DEAN FAMILY TREE

REFERENCES

Books

1.  CONOLLY, T.W.J.  Roll of Officers of the Corps of Royal Engineers From 1660 to 1898.  The Royal Engineers Institute, Chatham, Kent, 1898.

2.  FARWELL, B.  Mr. Kipling’s Army: All the Queen’s Men.  W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1981.

3.  FORBES-MITCHELL, W.  Reminiscences of the Great Mutiny, 1857-59.  Macmillan and Co., New York, 1893.

4.  GRIERSON, J.M.  Scarlet Into Khaki: The British Army on the Eve of the Boer War.  Greenhill Books, London, 1988.

5.  HARBOTTLE, T.  Dictionary of Battles.  Stein and Day, New York, 1971.

6.  HIBBERT, C.  The Great Mutiny: India, 1857.  The Viking Press, New York, 1978.

7.  HURD, D.  The Arrow War: An Anglo-Chinese Confusion, 1856-60.  The Macmillan Company, New York, 1967.

8.  Mac MUNN, G.  The Indian Mutiny in Perspective.  G. Bell & Sons, Ltd., London, 1931.

9.  MERRIAM WEBSTER.  Geographical Dictionary, Springfield, MA, 1997.

10.  PORTER, W.  The History of the Corps of Royal Engineers.  Volume I.  The Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, Kent, 1952.

11.  SKELLEY, A.R.  The Victorian Army at Home: The Recruitment and Terms and Conditions of the British Regular, 1859-1899.  McGill-Queen’s University Press, Montreal, 1977.

12.  WILKINSON-LATHAM, C. & EMBLETON, G.A.  The Indian Mutiny.  Men-At-Arms Series No. 67, Osprey Publishing Ltd., London, 1991.

Documents

1.  India Office Records, L/MIL/5/73: Indian Mutiny Medal Roll.

2.  LARIMORE, F.B.  Long Service and Good Conduct Chevrons (Badges) and their Periods of Qualification.  Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, 1998.

3.  Public Record Office, WO100/40: Second China War Medal Roll.

4.  WO97/1850.  Soldier’s Service Papers.  Public Record Office, London.

             a.  W.O. Form 83.  Proceedings of a Regimental Discharge Board.

            b.  W.O. Form 1143.  Medical History.

            c.  Detailed Statement of Services.

 Internet

 Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Admissions and Discharges, 1715-1925

 Periodicals

 Monthly Army List, March 1882.