John Pilkington - 2nd Manchester Regiment - pre 1890

[Andy K Pearson]

My grandfather, Arthur Herbert Pearson (1891 - 1971) was the nephew of John Pilkington (1867 - 1937?). John appears to have joined the Lancashire Constabulary in October 1890 then aged 27. He is said to have served with the 2nd Manchester Regiment for 4 years but the record (at the County Record Office in Preston) does not show either any pension received or when he was discharged, nor does it give his service number. It does give a fair description of him: height, complexion, eyes etc. Can any of the experts assist with some detail of his service, postings and the like? 
Thanks, in anticipation! Andy K. Pearson

[harribobs]

Hi Andy

welcome to the group

what period was he actually with the 2nd battalion?

cheers

chris

[Andy K Pearson]

I have no idea when John enlisted or, indeed, where. It appears that he was born in Carlisle (at a guess on October 25 1863), although his sister, my great-grandmother Emma, was born in Bowness on Solway. By May 11, 1891 John was married with 2 children, and living in Birkdale, Southport where he worked as a joiner for one Robert Nield, a builder. No clues as such in there but a fair amount achieved including the 4 years with the 2nd Manchesters since leaving school at whatever age then allowed. Sorry, but I have no  info. other than the Police record I have quoted from. Andy K. Pearson

[harribobs]

andy

i will move this over to the Boer war section and we'll see if anyone there is able to help, it's possible he fought there

chris

[sphinx]

There were no Pilkington's serving with the 2nd Bn. in the Boer War.

I would suggest his 4 years service was from c. 1886 - 1890 when he left and joined the Police.

His records may survive at the National Archives.