james wotherspoon

[babs]

Hi
Hope you can help, I have a picture of my great grandfather (1870 - 1917) in uniform on the back is written his name and Manchester Regiment. It looks to be late 1800 early 1900. He does not appear on the census of 1891 and 1901, so I assume he was military then. I do not have a staff number and would like to know how I go about finding more info on his military career?

Thanks
A proud Great Grand-daughter 

[themonsstar]

Hi Babs
And welcome to the site

Can you post the pic, as it will help us with the time fraim. Cheers MS

[Wendi]

Hi Babs and a Warm Welcome to our Forum 

But not in World War 1, or I presume you'd have mentioned it ??

Wendi 

[babs]

Thanks Wendi,

Haven't got a scanner, but he's got spurs and long gloves, a sash and buttons that make a V across his chest.??
He died in 1917 but not in military duty. I have census records of my great grandmother (his wife) but not him.....could he have been on active service?

Babs

[babs]

Also thanks to the monsstar,

just to add there's also a metal helmet with chinstrap and what looks like horse hair adornment.....He's also carrying a full sword.

thanks
Babs

[babs]

Would really appreciate any help, on where to look etc......

Thanks
Babs

[Wendi]

Hi Babs, The National Archives !

He was in the Manchester Regiment, died quite young, but not while in service.  You have found his wife on 1891 & 1901 Census without him ~ he must have been abroad.

You have no number, he might not have had a number, if he was an Officer, and you appear to be describing a well healed gentleman. 

Do his children's birth certificates give any hint of profession?

The National Archives have various research guides, I suggest these 2 for starters British Army: Officers' Records 1660-1913 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=13 and British Army: Soldiers' Discharge Papers, 1760-1913 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=14 if you can not get to Kew yourself you can employ the services of a researcher.  ( get a quotation first ! )

As you may already know "our man at Kew" is themonsstar 

Wendi 

[themonsstar]

I'v had a look at Hart's Army List for Officers in the Manchesters from 1900-1909 Reguler & Militia and the Territorial list for 1909 and can not find any officer called James Wotherspoon, He could have been in  a Manchester Volunteer Battalion, I will have a look this week some time. If you can post the photo it may help ID him?

[rafboy]

Hi Babs
I noticed you said you don't have a scanner, just a suggestion for you to consider.  Get a good quality photocopy of your photograph and mail it to me, I will scan that and post it on the site for you.  Let me know if you would like to do that and I will PM you with my snail mail address.
Cliff

[babs]

Thanks everyone for your help, I will try to get the photo scanned and get back to you for help, I am currently overseas back next week.

Babs

[themonsstar]

Hi Babs
I'v now had a look at the Army List around 1896-1904 and can only find 2 other Wotherspoon's as Officers in the Army, 1 is on the medical (W.W.Wotherspoon) the other is in the Cameronians (John Wotherspoon 1896).

You would need to show us the photo as this would help us ID him.


Cheers MS

[babs]

Thanks themonsstar so much,
I've managed to take a photo of the original, can I email this to you??

Regards
Babs

[babs]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your patience! Just wondering if I could ask the favour, re above post, so as to help id him and his uniform.

Thanks in anticipation

Babs

[Wendi]

Hi Babs

You can add the photo to your post via the + Additional Options... underneath the box you type in. 

Otherwise email your pic to any of us and we'll try to post it for you 

Wendi 

[babs]

Thanks Wendi,

Harribobs has the pic hopefully

Babs