Research on Gunner Thomas Connell shows the following general information,
dates of rank, campaign service, and army appointments related to his 21
years 284 days (1848-1868)( Plus 2 years for Mutiny Service) service in the
British Army:[1]
Please note that this pair is no longer a part of my collection.
Birth & Enlistment:
Thomas Connell was born in the Parish of Killany near the Town of Galway
in the County of Galway in June of 1823. Galway, Ireland was the largest
town in Connaught. In the 19th Century industrial Gallway was a
congested city. His occupation was listed as a laborer. He was attested for
the East India Company Infantry at Galway on the 30th of September
1848 at the age of 25 years and 3 months.
Physical Description:
He was described as 5'7'' tall, fresh complexion, blue eyes, and fair
hair.
Statement of Army Promotion and Campaign Service:
He volunteered to the Bengal Artillery on the 28th of March
1849 as No. 41 Gunner Thomas Connell. During the Indian Mutiny he served
with No. 2 Company, 4th Battalion Bengal Artillery in the Siege
of Delhi, 22 June through 21 September 1857; the Battle of Bareilly, 5 May
1858; the Action at Burnai, 24 May 1858; and the Capture of Mohamdee, 25 May
1858. He received 2 years of extra service for his campaign service during
the Indian Mutiny. His conduct is listed as very good and he was in possession
of four good conduct badges and the Indian Mutiny medal with clasp for
Delhi at the time of his discharge. His name appeared once in the Defaulters
Book and he was never tied by Court Martial.
Discharge Statement:
He was discharged on his own request on the 28th of July 1868 after 21 years 284 days of service of which 20 years 213 days were spent in India. Gunner Connell died on the 6th of April 1869 at the age of 46.
Gunner Thomas Connell's medals include the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasp, "Delhi" named to, "GUNNER THOs. CONNELL. 2nd COMPy. 4 th Bn. ART.", and the Victorian Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal, 2 nd type, named to, "PENSd. GUNNr. THOs. CONNELL DEPOT R.A. "
[1]
The details of Gunner Thomas Connell's services are compiled from his
Soldiers Documents: PRO : WO97/1314, WO116/140, and WO102/11.