The Early Years > 63rd Regiment 1758 - 1881

Leslie Walker - Volunteer 1798-99

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KeithA:
This individual joined as a volunteer in Jamaica in February 1798, does anyone know his age at the time? He was I believe living on his mother's plantation "Success" at the time. The following year, now in England, he was appointed an Ensign but transferred a day later to the 4th Foot but it was as an officer of the 71st Light Infantry in Portugal, Spain and France that would win him distinction.

In addition did the 63rd see any action in Honduras in that year 1798-99?

regards

Keith

Bob.NB:
Keith,
Three companies of the 63rd (about 180 men), under Lt Col Brereton, were sent from the regiment's HQ at Spanish Town, Jamaica to Honduras in early 1798 to protect the colony from a Spanish threat.
The whole regiment returned to England in early 1799.
Hope this helps.
Bob B

Bob.NB:
PS with regard to any action - yes, volunteers from colonial troops (no doubt including some from the 63rd) and some Mosquito Indians were engaged on a flotilla of small boats blocking the channel between Hick's Keys (now Hicks Cayes?) and the mainland on 4 September 1798 and fought an action against 17 Spanish ships .
The Spanish suffered casualties in a two and a half hour action but the British suffered no casualties.
Bob B

KeithA:
Many thanks Bob. Walker is intriguing. I doubt there's a muster roll that would mention him but he seems to have got the bug to serve as asoldier.

best regards

Keith

Bob.NB:
Keith,
The earliest Muster Rolls of the 63rd at The National Archives, Kew begin with WO 12/7241 covering the years 1771-1777.
1798-99 is covered by WO 12/7244 - if he was there with the 63rd your man should show up on the roll.
These are not available online unfortunately - Kew would be well worth a visit.
Bob B

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