Cause of discharge

[Stafford]

Can anyone decipher the reason for discharge? Henry Thomas Webb joined the Navy in 1862. He was discharged in 1868 following service on the Lord Clyde, rank ordinary seaman, conduct very good. He had agreed to serve for 10 years.


Thank you.

 

[mugwortismy cat]

Sorry, no. I have always found these Naval records impossible to understand . Perhaps there's an expert out there

 

[Stafford]

Thanks for trying. I'm wondering whether I should have posted in the Military Forum?

 

[Mutters]

I'm not sure.
We do have an expert on handwriting and I know she will be along later.
If she does not know, I'll move it to the Military Forum for you.
Good Luck

 

[Huncamunca]

It is baffling me, I'm afraid. I will 'say what I see' in case it helps anyone make sense of it, though. At first glance the first word appears to be 'Aer' with a superscript 'l' (ell), but apart from Aerial (which seems unlikely for the 1860s!) I can't think of a word that would fit. The second part is equally mysterious: it could be 'Ino' with a superscript (ld ??) but I can't think what it might mean. (I know nowt about Navy records though: it may be obvious to someone in the know.)

Would it be possible for you to upload a bigger extract from the document, so we can get a better feel for the style of writing?

 

[Doug]

Really clutching at straws and probably being really silly but possibly an incredibly poorly written purchased? Men could purchase a discharge around that time.

 

[Mutters]

If he joined in 1862 for 10 years and was discharged in 1868, he still had four more years to serve. I wonder if he was injured or had a medical condition.

 

[Mutters]

According to Wikipedia, in 1868 the Lord Clyde was posted to the Mediterranean so presumably he was discharged before her voyage.
I know, I shouldn't presume anything.

 

[AnnB]

I've tried really hard to work this out, but am no nearer than anyone else. Like Jane, I thought the first bit said Aer with a superscript 'l' but can't think what that could refer to. If we could have a bit more of the page, it might be a big help in working it out.

Ann

 

[Huncamunca]

Still pondering . . .

if it begins with 'O' how about Occl (Occupational??)
or if it begins with a sloppily written 'Cl', how about Clerl (Clerical????)

Now where's that handwriting expert Mutters was talking about?

 

[AnnB]

I've enlarged it, made it a negative image - and I still can't make out what it is. I somehow don't think it is an abbreviation for clerical - doesn't seem very naval.

I can't convince myself that the second 'word' begins with an I - could it be a J?

We really need more of the handwriting.

Ann

 

[mugwortismy cat]

I keep wondering if the first word isn't Acc(identa)l ? But the second has me completely stumped so far

 

[Daft Bat]

Suggestion:

Gen (superscript)l dis(charge) - lower case letter "d"

(Just a smidge below an Honorable Discharge.)

 

[mugwortismy cat]

Suggestion:

Gen (superscript)l dis(charge) - lower case letter "d"

(Just a smidge below an Honorable Discharge.)

True, I kept wondering if that could be a "d"

 

[Stafford]

General discharge looks and sounds plausible. I've been toying with "Arrival Ins***ld" which made no sense at all. I shall post more of the document if that helps when I return from work this evening. Thank you all for working so hard whilst I slept,

 

[Mutters]

Do you have him in the 1871 census, any clues there as to what he went on to do?

 

[Stafford]

I haven't found him in 1871.

Henry Thomas Webb was born on the 6th September 1847 in Clapham Surrey, His parents were William, a cordwainer and Jane Webb.
In 1851 the family is living in Brixton folio 25, page 43, HO 107/1575. In 1861 he is living with his parents and working as a labourer. Folio 152, page 27 RG9/363. Then he joined the navy.

There is a possible sighting in 1881. Henry Webb is working as a footman, his birthplace is blank. In the same residence there is a 9 year old visitor William Webb birthplace Chelsea. Next door is a Margaret Webb born in Poplar working as a servant. RG11/146; Folio: 35; Page: 2;

Thanks

Wondering why my status reads offline on one post and online in another?

 

[mugwortismy cat]

I keep wondering if the first word isn't Acc(identa)l ? But the second has me completely stumped so far

Now I keep thinking Acc(identa)l(ly) dis(ab)ld

But I can also see why everyone else thinks what they think

 

[Stafford]

Thanks it does make sense. It's such a puzzle. Does anyone know if there are pension records for naval personnel?

I've been having a closer look at the family in the 1881 census and am less inclined to think it is my Henry. Perhaps I should be looking for a death certificate?

My status now reads online everywhere. Thanks

 

[Mutters]

I've been looking for him in 1871 and cannot say for certain that is him.
I've also looked for a marriage, I cannot find one in the London parish records.

I was just considering searching for his sister's marriages. Wouldn't be so lucky to find him as a witness.

I am even beginning to think he may have gone to the Mediterranean, liked it so much he left the ship over there somewhere.