Family Historian User Group

I was missing one of my great grandfathers (born 1843 in Chiswick, Middlesex) from both the 1861 and 1871 censuses.

I'm now almost certain that I've found him on the 1861 census at Cavalry Barracks Hounslow as a Private 16th Lancers.

On the 1871 census, I've found a possible match at Vessels (Duke of Wellington), Portsmouth Harbour as an Able Seaman (age 28, born London, Middlesex).

Is it possible for him to have been in both the Army and the Royal Navy (he's listed in the 1881 census in Hammersmith, married, and a labourer)?

ID:2961

I would say not impossible - he might have been discharged/left one and then found life difficult and rejoined in order to say avoid the poorhouse or its equivalent. Not sure whether it could have been a direct transfer though again its possible.

When I find puzzles like this, I like to make a list of specific questions whose answers might lead me to a solution.

The questions I would ask are - what else is happening in history around that time -- where might that unit or vessel have been in service?

What records of military service might exist from those locations and periods? Where might you find enlistment records and discharge papers?

When were press gangs used? During wartime, were there rules against the Navy pressing soldiers into service?

Where was the rest of the family (siblings, etc.) during that time?

My husband's grandfather served in WWI and we found a roster from his unit online on the Regiment's website. But even if you don't get such a 'lucky dip', learning more about the places he served gives you the context you need to find and interpret the records that will help you determine the answer.

Jan