I am in the process of researching George Stainfield of the 96th of Foot and latterly 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment. Information is still fairly scarce but thanks to this site I now have some basic outline knowledge of the regiment and battalion movements between 1870 and 1897.
George was ultimately promoted to Sergeant Major service number 1242. He spent several years in India in the 1880’s and 90’s with his family, and many of his children were born there, particularly at Mooltan and Agra stations.
I have a photograph of his wife Jessie taken in India circa 1885 but unfortunately not one of George. Maybe someone out there will have one in an old album – I would be very grateful.
In my searches I came across the journal of Lady Anna Brassey who made several Far East tours with her MP husband Lord Thomas Brassey and one particular entry refers to the Manchester Regiment as follows.
Monday 31st January 1887 “..…..Tom says it is remarkable how well some British regiments stand the climate of India. At Agra we saw the Manchester Regiment. After three years at Mooltan, perhaps the hottest station in India, the men were in rude health. They marched the whole distance to Agra. At the time of our visit the men were playing football and cricket, as vigorously as if they were in England. They subscribe for newspapers; they amuse themselves with frequent theatricals. They are fit to go anywhere and do anything.”[/color]
Mooltan to Agra is about 400 miles as far as I can work out. It says a lot about the stamina and fortitude of the 19th century British Army and particularly the Manchester Regiment.
I hope someone finds this interesting
