3rd Manchester Volunteer Rifles

[ruth]

I have just learned that a gt-uncle of mine, William Henry FLETCHER,
was a junior officer in the 3rd Manchester Volunteer Rifles.  He was
born in 1842 and emigrated to Tasmania in 1881.  Has anyone experience
of researching this regiment and could give pointers as to where I
might find records?  I have Googled without success.  I would
be grateful for any help.

Ruth

[tonyrod]

hi ruth, and welcome to the forum, to start you off main site link,
http://www.themanchesters.org/9th%20batt.htm

[ruth]

Thank you Tony for your reply. 

I see that the Ashton Volunteer Rifles were first formed in 1859 when my ancestor would have been 18 years of age.  So he may well have been one of the original recruits. 

Unfortunately I can't find any information about the very early days of the Volunteer Rifles - it all seems to kick off around the end of the century when William Henry FLETCHER had already emigrated to Tasmania.  As far as I'm aware he didn't see any action - but I could be wrong.

Do you think there might be information about him in the National Archives in Kew?  I have searched for another soldier ancestor there before - one who fought in the Maori wars in New Zealand in the mid 1800's (I have his medal) - so I know the ropes there.  It's such a long journey for me to make! So it may be some time before I get down to Kew.

Thanks again for your help
Ruth

[tonyrod]

hi ruth, i am out of my depth with this time period but i am sure  someone else will come along and help you .  good luck with your research tonyrod

[Robert Bonner]

Ruth.  If you want to know more about the early days of the Volunteer Movement in Ashton-under-Lyne then you will have to read Volunteer Infantry of Ashton-under-Lyne 1859-1971, available from the museum.
Robert

[ruth]

Thank you Robert.  Shucks! I live midway between Kew and Manchester so it will be some time before I visit either again (old bones).  Is the book available to buy?  Or borrow - if the Museum has a lending library?

Ruth

[Wendi]

Hi Ruth !

The Museum sells a selection of books, which can be purchased via this link http://www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom/publications

Wendi 

[kiwi1962]

Hi Ruth,

I have taken on a research project to find out the wherabouts of all of the New Zealand Medals from the wars of 1845 - 1866. I have a website under development (www.newzealandmedals.com) where I hope to post information. I noticed you said you had an ancestors medal. Would be able to provide me the details from the rim of the medal as well as the dates if there are any on the reverse? Also if you could let me know some basic details or even a link to a family website - that would be great.

Many thanks

Erwin
New Zealand

[Bob.NB]

Ruth,
The history of the 3rd Regiment Manchester Volunteers is covered in detail in "Records of the 4th Volunteer Battalion Manchester Regiment" by Capt H.C.Evans, printed in 1900. I think the Central Libray in Manchester has a copy - not sure if the regimental archives have one.
I cannot see any mention of a William Henry Fletcher in it although there is a Samuel Fletcher mentioned who, at a Manchester Town Hall council meeting on 21st November 1859, proposed a resolution to raise the regiment.
You will be very lucky to find anything on W H Fletcher in the army records at Kew unless he went on to become a regular soldier.
Good luck.
Bob