“A Band of Brothers” – The Black Soldiers of the 20^th Regiment of Light Dragoons, 1797-1818

By John D Ellis

William Shakespeare coined the description ‘A Band of Brothers’ in Henry V (c.1597) when the character of the same name gave his St Crispin’s Day speech before the Battle of Agincourt (1415): “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” More recently, the late Stephen E Ambrose used the description for the US paratroopers of E Company, 2^nd Battalion 506^th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101^st Airborne Division. Ambrose’s book, (published in 1992), explored the exploits of the company from landing in Normandy to the end of the war in Austria, was subsequently made into a television mini-series. Other definitions of ‘Band of Brothers’ are a “group of men who become as close and as reliant on each other as men in a military unit” and “a company of people having a common purpose; a group of musicians playing either brass or percussion instruments only”.

There were Black soldiers in the 20^th Dragoons with (or variations on) the same surnames – Rowley (three) and Yates (two) – who may actually have been brothers. So, by any definition; familial, historical or modern, military and musical, the Black soldiers of the 20^th Light Dragoons were ‘a Band of Brothers’.

At Cahir, County Tipperary in early December 1818, the officers and men of the 20^th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons gathered together for the final time. The regiment had originally been raised in Jamaica in 1792 and in the intervening years seen service in the West Indies, Argentina, South Africa, the Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Men bound by a multitude of shared experiences, were about to venture into a civilian world (‘civvy street’), bereft of the sense of identity and protection their regiment gave them. Leaving ‘the colours’ was, and no doubt still is, a step taken with trepidation by veterans. Most of the enlisted soldiers of the 20^th came from Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), and Ireland. However, the circumstances surrounding the raising of the regiment and its subsequent service meant that the rank and file had a cosmopolitan element; with men originating from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Switzerland.^[1]The National Archives (TNA) WO 25/284, 285 and 287. When the 2nd Bengal European Cavalry Regiment transferred into the British Army in 1858, it was retitled as the 20th Hussars and gained the Battle … Continue reading In fact, the 20^th’s most notable memoirist, Sergeant Norbert Landsheit (1771-1847) who served in the regiment between 1803 and 1814, was a German.^[2]Landsheit, N (auth.) & Gleig, Rev. GR (ed.). “The Hussar” (Kindle Edition, Wagram Press, 2017). Originally published in 1845. Pension records indicate that a Sergeant Norbert Landschiet … Continue reading Landsheit, who had travelled from the Isle of Wight to London, with the intent of enlisting in the 20^th, described a recruiting sergeant of the regiment as “…one of your thorough paced, rum-drinking, yellow faced West Indians…”^[3]ibid. The meaning of Landsheit’s comments reveal how difficult it often is trying to ascertain ethnicity in eighteenth and nineteenth records: Did “yellow-faced” mean of ‘mixed heritage’ or having suffered from jaundiced aftereffects of yellow fever? Similarly, did “West Indian” apply to anyone born in the Caribbean, those who had served there or those of African origin?

Amongst the men leaving Cahir to undergo the medical examination required to qualify for a pension at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, were Trumpet-Major George Tombs, Sergeant Robert Yates and Trumpeters Robert Rowley, Oliver Young and Louis Watts. All five had enlisted together at the same place and on the same date in October 1798 and survived several campaigns. Today, (2024) the distance from Cahir to Kilmainham is over 100 miles and takes approximately two hours by car, using major roads. In 1818, (and travelling by foot, or horse or coach), the journey would have taken days. A final reference by the regiment in their individual service records, reveals that the 20^th took it’s duty of care seriously: All five were awarded a “marching allowance” to cover the expense of the journey. That allowance was extended, in the case of George Tombs, Robert Yates, Oliver Young and Louis Watts, “to their families”. This brief reference is more than most women who “took up with a soldier and followed the drum” received in military records. It is unlikely that ‘marching allowance’ would have been paid if the marriages were not legally recognised and that the wives themselves were not “on the strength” of the regiment. As such, they were allowed to draw rations and live in the barracks in return for undertaking an exhaustive list of tasks, including cooking, nursing and being launderesses to the soldiery. Blankets placed discretely around bedspaces provided the only privacy, although it was possible to rent rooms and live outside of the barracks (subject to the Commanding Officer’s permission), and promotion to the rank of Senion Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) invariably meant the privacy of one’s own room.   

As the group travelled the highways to Dublin, they would almost certainly have been accompanied by other soldiers and their families. Whilst approximately 1/3 of the British Army was of Irish origin (and the 20^th had several Irish soldiers), many, and not unreasonably, viewed British soldiers as occupiers. The 20^th had spent the previous two years supporting the rule of the Crown in Ireland, so, some hostility might have been expected. However, there is no reference in the Irish newspapers for December 1818 (held by findmypast.co.uk), to any incident occurring during the journey. Nor was there any reference to the fact that all five veterans were Black and from St Domingo in the Caribbean. (The island is now two countries – the Dominican Republic and Haiti). This article will explore the presence of Black soldiers in the 20^th Light Dragoons during its relatively brief existence between 1792 and 1818. The biographies of the twenty-five Black soldiers who served in the 20^th can be found in the appendix.

The 20^th (Jamaica) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, 1792-1805

The revolt by both free and enslaved Black people on the French owned Island St Domingo in 1791 led the Jamaica Assembly to appeal for military support lest something similar occurred on that island. The British parliament agreed to provide a regiment of cavalry for service in Jamaica, on the understanding that the Assembly funded it. The unit subsequently raised and named ‘The 20^th (Jamaica) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons’, had an inauspicious start: Service in the West Indies had such a high mortality rate that only three recruits came forward.^[4]Oatts, Lieut.Col., LB. DSO. “The Emperor’s Chambermaids: The story of the 14/20^th King’s Hussars”. (Ward Lock, London,1973). Consequently, recruits had to be found amongst existing cavalry regiments of the Crown serving in Britain and Ireland, (no doubt enticed by the offers of promotion and a sizeable bounty). William Lempriere, who served as Surgeon to the regiment between 1792 and 1797, suggests that other regiments took the opportunity the formation of the 20^th provided to ‘off-load’ soldiers they did not want.^[5]Lempriere, W. “Practical observation on the diseases of the army in Jamaica, as they occurred between the years 1792 and 1797: on the situation, climate, and diseases of that island: and on the … Continue reading

On formation in 1792 the initial strength of the regiment was approximately 300 officers and other ranks, organised into four troops.^[6]Troops were combined into squadrons, and squadrons into a regiment.  Dressed in short blue braided jackets and armed with light sabres and muzzle loading light carbines, the 20^th were trained for the roles of scouting, skirmishing and patrolling, tactics ideally suited for the terrain they were to find themselves operating in whilst serving in the Caribbean. An additional role was that of internal security against run-away enslaved people and potential ‘revolts’.^[7]Oatts, Lieut.Col., LB. DSO. “The Emperor’s Chambermaids: The story of the 14/20^th King’s Hussars”. (Ward Lock, London,1973). pp.45-46. The link between the 20^th and Jamaica was further reinforced when the Jamaica Assembly approved the use of an alligator emblem on the cap badge of the regiment.^[8]Rickword, GO. “The 20^th Light Dragoons, 1792-1818” in The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Vol. 18, No.69 (Spring 1939). pp. 48.

The regiment sailed from Falmouth and Portsmouth in the summer of 1792, and by November of the year were concentrated in Spanish Town, Jamaica. On arrival, with neither horses nor transport and pay already in arrears, the 20^th became an immediate drain on the Jamaica Assembly, which, according to Oatts (the historian of the 14^th/20^th Hussars), had to meet innumerable other costs in addition to the £27,000 per annum for pay and upkeep, including the purchase of troop and cart horses and “horse furniture” (presumably saddles, bridlery etc).^[10]Oatts, Lieut.Col., LB. DSO. “The Emperor’s Chambermaids: The story of the 14/20^th King’s Hussars”. (Ward Lock, London,1973).  pp.46. Amongst the paraphernalia and military accoutrements, Oatts, in quite a matter of fact manner, also identifies the “Purchase of 32 Negro slaves at £70” (presumably per individual).^[11]Ibid. This was not unusual, hence the way in which Oatts referred to the incident. In the 1790s the War Office was the single largest purchaser of enslaved adult males in the Caribbean when it formed the West India Regiments, and individual officers are known to have privately owned slaves, and as part of their official duties upheld slavery. Oatts provides no details as to specifically when the enslaved people were purchased, or from where. Nor does he mention age, gender or how they were employed by the regiment, e.g., as domestic servants or as pioneers, (much heavy labouring was required by an army unit both in camp and on campaign). Their status, once purchased, is also unclear: were they owned by the Jamaica Assembly and loaned to the 20^th for the duration of its service on Jamaica? On ‘purchase’ did they assume an indentured state, being released after a specific period of indenture? Were they enrolled in the ranks of the regiment? In which case, and similar to the enslaved men forcibly enlisted in the West India Regiment, they would have been free on enlistment although committed to a period of unlimited military service – typically 22 years.

A possible indication of the status of the “Negro Slaves” of the 20^th can be found in the records of the 25^th (the King’s Own Borderers) Foot whilst serving on Guadeloupe between 1816 and 1822.^[12]TNA WO 25/351. The 25th Foot were later known as the ‘King’s Own Scottish Borderers’. They are an antecedent regiment of ‘The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of … Continue reading The 25^th ‘employed’ seven children on 14-year apprenticeships. The seven, (five males and two females) were all born in “the Congo, Africa” between 1810 and 1814, and shared the same place and date of ‘engagement’ – the 1^st of June 1816. Attached as servants to individual officers, their service was transferred to incoming officers when their original ‘employers’ left the 25^th.^[13]TNA WO 25/351.

Rollo Gillespie and St Domingo

In the Autumn of 1793, and with the slave revolt in St Domingo still raging, a British expeditionary force left Jamaica and formerly annexed French held St Domingo up to the borders with Haiti (held by the Spanish). Elements of the 20^th served in this campaign, led by Lieutenant Robert Rollo Gillespie (1766-1814), a fiery, charismatic Ulsterman, with a penchant for duelling, and who whilst in St Domingo singlehandedly killed six men who broke into his bungalow.^[14]Rollo Gillespie became the Commanding Officer of the regiment in 1797, and in 1799 the Jamaica Assembly agreed to fund his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Something it would have been … Continue reading

The Maroon War 1795-1796

The 20^th took part in their first regimental action on Jamaica when they participated in suppressing an uprising by the Jamaican Maroons. The focal point of the campaign was Montego Bay, and the 20^th were part of the cavalry force sent to encircle the area allowing the infantry to engage with the Maroons. The interior of Jamaica was extremely difficult for cavalry to traverse, and the Maroons proved to be wily opponents. British patrols were ambushed by an enemy who quickly faded into the jungle. Forced to adopt a more cautious approach, the British advance slowed, and although the Maroons eventually conceded, the campaign saw considerable casualties inflicted on the 20^th both by the guerrilla tactics and disease.

Jamaica

Within a few months of arrival on Jamaica the regiment, beset by ‘yellow fever’, had been reduced to 150 effectives. In 1797, and quartered in Spanish Town, Jamaica, the 20^th were brought up to strength by volunteers from regiments returning to Britain. Additionally, and transferring into the regiment from the 6^th West India Regiment, and on the same date in May 1797, were John Caesar (Africa) and Robert Jones (St Kitts). In October 1797, another Black soldier transferred into the regiment from the 6^th West India Regiment: it is not known if John Caesar and Edward York were two of the
thousands of Africans who were enslaved and forcibly enlisted into the West India Regiment. In December 1797, John Roberts (Bengal) enlisted in the regiment.

Surgeon William Lempriere, 1792-1797

William Lempriere (1751-1834) was Surgeon to the 20^th between 1792 and 1797. In 1799 he published his observations regarding the health of the army on Jamaica.^[15]Lempriere, W. “Practical observation on the diseases of the army in Jamaica, as they occurred between the years 1792 and 1797: on the situation, climate, and diseases of that island: and on the … Continue reading Lempriere commented on the health of the 20^th, and particularly the high mortality rate it suffered, despite the best efforts of the officers to adapt daily routines to a tropical climate. Of the approximately 400 officers and men serving in the regiment in 1797, Lempriere estimated that 1 in 4 had died.^[16]Ibid.

A number of factors had led to the high mortality rate: public health issues arising from being quartered in Spanish Town; inadequate medical services (including inexperience in treating tropical diseases); and “acts of intemperance” amongst the soldiery, “too often assisted by the women” (wives, partners and possibly ‘women of ill-repute’).^[17]Ibid. Despite this, Lempriere rated the 20^th highly, declaring that “I am of the opinion there is not a better disciplined (and if the un-healthiness of the quarter be considered) a more healthy regiment in the West Indies, than the 20^th Light Dragoons”.^[18]Ibid. Lempriere does not make reference to the presence of Black soldiers in the 20^th, and it is possible that he left prior to the arrival of John Caesar, Robert Jones, Edward York and John Roberts.

The much reduced strength of regiment by the end of 1797, might be the reason why 1798 was to see the enlistment on one day of an unprecedented number of Black recruits for a Crown regiment: Fifteen Black recruits, (all born on St Domingo), were enlisted on the 18^th of October 1798: Charles Girling, Thomas Lamb, John Lewis, John Rolle, Richard Rolle, Robert Rowley, George Tombs, John Waller, John Walpole, Louis Watts, William Weymouth, John Wilkes, Cornelius Yates, Robert Yates and Oliver Young. The records of Robert Rowley, Louis Watts, Robert Yates and Oliver Young indicate that this enlistment was in Spanish Town, Jamaica and by Rollo Gillespie himself (he was the Commanding Officer at the time). This is the largest single enlistment of Black recruits into a Crown regiment thus far identified, and exceeds the number known to have served in a regiment at the same time (ten served at any one time in the 4^th Dragoons and 29^th and 80^th Regiments of Foot).^[19]Ellis, JD. “The Visual Representation, Role and Origin of Black Soldiers in British Army Regiments during the Early Nineteenth Century”, (MA Thesis, University of Nottingham, September … Continue reading In addition to the Black soldiers already serving in the regiment, it probably exceeded the required number for both trumpeters and bandsmen. It may have been that the casualty rate the 20^th suffered necessitated the enlistment of ‘seasoned natives’ to augment the ranks (Black soldiers were believed to be more resistant to the diseases prevalent in the East and West Indies than their White counterparts. This belief often extended to not granting them the same additional reckonable ‘Indies service’ towards their pensions). Were the 15 men selected from amongst the “32 Negro slaves” purchased for the regiment? If so, was their enlistment in the 20^th voluntary or coerced?

In 1801, and with the Royal Navy capable of protecting the Caribbean from French invasion, the Jamaica Assembly requested from the House of Commons that the 20^th be withdrawn from the island as its services were no longer required. Oatts suggests that this was nothing to do with the character or conduct of the regiment, simply an issue of expense; with Gillespie being voted 100 Guineas and presented with a sword, upon which he declared “I should be at all time ready to draw in defence of so esteemed and respectable a colony”.^[20]Oatts, Lieut.Col., LB. DSO. “The Emperor’s Chambermaids: The story of the 14/20^th King’s Hussars”. (Ward Lock, London,1973). pp.60.

Britain

In 1802 a cadre from the 20^th returned to England, with volunteers being transferred to other regiments in the West Indies. The service records of most of the Black soldiers still serving in the 20^th at that time, indicate that they accompanied the regiment to Britain. The fact that they did so, indicates that they were considered very much part of the regiment, as opposed to being merely attached to or belonging to it (as an enslaved soldier might be – if so, then they might easily have been transferred to the West India Regiment).

In 1803 the regiment were stationed in Colchester, although it was common for cavalry regiments to be quartered in detachments to aid the civil authorities in policing and anti-smuggling activities. It had an official strength of ten troops, each of 90 officers and men. It was at this time that the alligator emblem was removed from the cap-badge.^[21]www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/20thldbadge.htm

On the return the 20^th, like other regiments, had to undergo standardisation training according to the new regulations authored by the Duke of York. For the regiment this meant learning how to manoeuvre by threes and in line, controlled by trumpet signals, with the sole objective of getting a cavalry regiment deployed in line in a favourable position to charge.^[22]Hall, WH. “Manual Exercises according to the regulation by the Duke of York. See treatise on military affairs. Plate 5 from The New Encyclopaedia; or Modern Universal Dictionary of Arts and … Continue reading

Between 1803 and 1805 the regiment served in the south of England, being quartered in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and in the environs of London.  John Lewis died in Guildford in June 1803.

The newspapers archives on findmypast.co.uk noted the key events in the lives of the 20^th’s officers; reflecting their social status: Commissions, promotions and transfers were noted alongside marriages, baptism and burials.

A parade of the regiment at Fordington Field, Dorchester in November 1803, was reported by the General Evening Post.^[23]General Evening Post, 5^th November 1803. findmypast.co.uk Public parades were invariably attended by the ‘great and good’, signalling their patriotism whilst also showing off the latest fashions: for example, in November 1803 “Swabian Bonnets” and “Mameluke Turbans” were being worn by women and men respectively.^[24]Ibid.

The year 1804 was a busy one for the regiment: At Dorchester, in January 1804, “four officers of the 20^th Light Dragoons” were fined the sum of £25/18s “for riotously assaulting different inhabitants of that town”.^[25]London Chronicle, 26^th June 1804. findmypast.co.uk This misdemeanour does not appear to have counted against them, and they were reviewed by the Duke of York in both May and August 1804.^[26]Morning Post, 30^th May 1804. Bury and Norwich Post, 22^nd August 1804.  findmypast.co.uk (the former on Wimbledon Common, and the latter on Boxted Heath, near Colchester).

Not all the men of the 20^th found soldiering to their liking, as the Bury and Norwich Post for the 7^th November 1804, reported:

“Last week three privates of the 20^th Lt. Dragoons, lying at Ipswich, deserted with their horses and accoutrements. They were pursued a short time afterwards by several of the regiment in different directions; one party of which discovered that they had only left Thetford about an hour before them, previous to which they had abandoned their horses, which were found near Stanton, and brough into this town on Saturday morning, but retained their pistols, which they loaded before they left Thetford”.

^[27]Bury and Norwich Post, 7^th November 1804.  findmypast.co.uk

If the three had been re-captured they would almost certainly have been flogged by the Black trumpeters of the regiment, it being the custom that drummers, trumpeters and farriers carried out corporal punishment.

Edward York died in St Domingo in 1804, although it is unknown whether he was on active service, furlough or recruiting there.

The 20^th Regiment of Light Dragoons, 1805-1818

In 1805 the regiment officially lost its link with Jamaica when they were renamed the 20^th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons. William Weymouth died at Ipswich in January 1805. In March 1805, Cornelius Yates transferred to the 18^th Dragoons. In May 1805, Charles Girling was admitted to Bethlem Hospital, (the infamous ‘Bedlam’), he was not to return to the regiment. Thereafter, and whilst retaining a Depot Troop in England (successively in Maidstone, Birmingham and Dorchester), the regiment served in ‘detachments’, (usually multi-troop squadrons), between 1805 and 1814. The officers and men of the 20^th saw service in multiple theatres, including: The Battle of Maida, Sicily (1806). The Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (1806). The Battle of Buenos Aires and assaults on Maldonado (both 1806), and Montevideo, Argentina (1807). During the Anglo-Turkish War (1806-1809), at Alexandria, El Hamid and Rosetta (1807). In the Eastern Mediterranean, at the capture of Ischia and the Ionian Islands (1809).

The Iberian Peninsula (the ‘Peninsula Campaign, 1808-1814), was where the 20^th saw most of its serious campaigning:

In the Peninsula, the 20^th, (armed with swords, carbines and pistols) were used to reconnoitre a days march ahead of the main body of the army, and as such, regularly skirmished with their counterparts in the French Army – the voltigeurs and light cavalry. The 20^th were amongst eleven regiments mentioned in dispatches by the Duke of Wellington, (for their conduct at the Battle of Vimiera)^[28]www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/20thlightdragoons.htm

Landsheit recalled that the band of the regiment was used to entertain local civilians (as part of a ‘hearts and minds’ strategy), that trumpet calls regulated daily routines and that both trumpets and drums were used to signal the call to arms when the French approached.^[29]Landsheit, N (auth.) & Gleig, Rev. R (ed.). “The Hussar” (Kindle Edition, Wagram Press, 2017). Originally published in 1845. They were present at the battles of Vimiera (Vimiero, 1809) Grijo (1809) and Douro (1809). Then later at Castalla (1813), the Siege of Tarragona (1813) and Villa Franca (1813). The most significant battle the 20^th were engaged in was Vimiera (1809), during which the regiment caused so much carnage in the ranks of the French that Norbert Landsheit recalled “…our white-leather breeches, our hands, arms, and swords were all besmeared with blood”.^[30]Ibid. Although the charge was successful, the 20^th failed to recover, and were then in turn at risk of being surrounded and over-run until they were rescued by the 50^th Foot. Approximately 25% of the regiment, including the Commanding Officer, were lost in the action at Vimiera.

In June 1809, James Williams (Brazil) enlisted in the regiment. John Wilkes died in 1811, although records do not indicate where. At Naples, in March 1814, William Barnes (Liverpool) was enlisted by Trumpet-Major George Tombs.

The last military service the regiment undertook during the Napoleonic Wars was in the Gulf of Genoa, between March and April 1814, when the regiment were engaged at Sestri, Nervi, San Martino and the siege of Genoa.^[31]www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/20thlightdragoons.htm By December 1814, all elements of the regiment, less the Depot, had united in Salerno. In May 1815 they sailed for Malta, and in September landed in Portsmouth. (Minus a troop undertaking policing duties at Marseilles).^[32]Oatts, Lieut.Col., LB. DSO. “The Emperor’s Chambermaids: The story of the 14/20^th King’s Hussars”. (Ward Lock, London,1973). pp. 198. Upon arrival in England, and with hostilities over following the Waterloo Campaign (1815), the regiment was reduced to a peace-time establishment. As part of the reduction, James Williams transferred to the Royal Navy. Initially quartered in Weymouth, the regiment moved to Hounslow in December 1815. By December 1815 there were seven Black soldiers remaining in the 20^th Light Dragoons: Trumpet-Major George Tombs, Sergeants John Roberts and Robert Yates, Trumpeters Robert Rowley, Louis Watts and Oliver Young and Private William Barnes.^[33]WO 12/1425.

In 1816 the 20^th were stationed at Colchester, with a party being sent to Halsted in Essex, in response to incidents of civil unrest, with the Norfolk Chronicle reporting “…we are happy to state that by their presence, joined by the vigilant precautions of the inhabitants, order and regularity were restored, and the town and neighbourhood have since remained tranquil”.^[34]Norfolk Chronicle, 15^th June 1816. findmypast.co.uk

In February 1816, Robert Wood (New York), was enlisted in the regiment at Bedford by Sergeant Coombs.^[35]George Coombs was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire c.1782. He enlisted in the 20th in June 1805. On enlistment he was 5/5 and ½” tall with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair and a labourer … Continue reading In Banwell, Somerset, on the 13^th of March 1816, Anthony Alexander (Antigua) and Robert Edwards (Jamaica) were enlisted in the regiment by Troop Sergeant-Major John Byrne.^[36]John Byrne was born in Sudbury, Cheshire c.1776. He enlisted for unlimited service in the 20th at Guildford, 1st March 1803. On enlistment he was 5/7” tall with a dark complexion (also described as … Continue reading

In the summer of 1816, the 20^th were posted to Ireland. Deployed in detachments, service in Ireland involved aiding the civil powers. But it was not service that appealed to all of the Black soldiers: Robert Edwards deserted in Waterford in August 1816. In February 1817, the regiment was reduced in size, and William Barnes was discharged in Cork. Robert Wood was also discharged in Cork, in June 1817, “being unfit”. In June 1817, a detachment of the regiment deployed to Clare, where they dispersed a “mob” who had assembled to “…commit fresh depredations”.^[37]Limerick Gazette, 6^th June 1817. findmypast.co.uk In January 1818 a party of the 20^th “…. destroyed four extensive distilleries and six private malt house on the lands of Meelick” in Limerick.^[38]Saunders’s New-Letter, 13^th January 1818. findmypast.co.uk

The 20^th Light Dragoons were disbanded at Cahir on the 12^th of December 1818, their arms and ammunition being lodged in the Clonmel Ordnance Stores, and camp equipage with the Assistant Commissary.^[39]Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser, 22^nd December 1818. findmypast.co.uk Major-General William Doyle, the Adjutant-General, paid tribute to the manner in which the officers and me of the regiment conducted themselves:

“…no complaints whatever existed in that highly disciplined Corps at the time of disbandment, nor did any irregularity take place on that trying occasion, but everything was conducted to the last with that uniformity and good conduct which has marked this regiment since they have been under my command, and which reflect credit on Colonel Hawker and the Officers under his command”.^[40]New Times (London), 30^th December 1818. findmypast.co.uk

Appendix. The Black Soldiers of the 20^th Regiment of Light Dragoons.

Anthony Alexander was born at St John’s, Antigua c.1797. He was enlisted in the regiment in Banwell (Somerset) on the 13th of March 1816 by Troop Sergeant-Major John Byrne. On enlistment he was 5/5” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes, an oval visage and was a labourer by occupation. His fate remains unknown.^[41]TNA WO 25/288.

William Barnes was born in Liverpool c.1795. He was enlisted in the regiment at the Headquarters (HQ) at Palermo, Sicily in March 1814, by Troop-Major George Tombs. On enlistment he was 5/5” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes, a thin visage and was a labourer by occupation. He was paid a bounty of £3/8s on enlistment, in addition to an equipment bounty of £2/6s/1d. He first appeared in the Musters and Paylists in late March as a private in No.1 Troop., before being briefly admitted to the regimental hospital. He was discharged in Cork, in February 1817 when the regiment reduced. His fate remains unknown.^[42]TNA WO 12/1425. TNA WO 25/288.

John Caesar was born in Africa c.1777. He was transferred into the regiment from the 6^th West India Regiment in May 1797. On transfer he was 5/6” tall with a black complexion, black hair and black eyes. His fate remains unknown.^[43]<TNA WO 25/499.

Robert Edwards was born at Kingston, Jamaica c.1800. He was enlisted in the regiment in Banwell (Somerset) on the 13^th of March 1816 by Troop Sergeant-Major John Byrne. On enlistment he was 5/4 and 1/2” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes, a round visage and was a carpenter by occupation. He deserted in Waterford in August 1816. His fate remains unknown.^[44]TNA WO 25/288.

Charles Girling (Gerling) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1781. He was enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/4 and 1/4” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a private in Captain John Hunt’s F Troop. In May 1805, “Charles Girling, a musician in the 20^th Regiment of Light Dragoons” was admitted to Bethlem Hospital. In May 1806, after a year in the infamous ‘Bedlam’, he was discharged “declared incurable and not fit”. Private Charles Girling appears to have been returned to the 20^th, but only for as long as it took to process his discharge from the regiment; “…being a lunatic and having been discharged (incurable) from Bethlehem Hospital”. Ordinarily, being considered unfit to serve would result in the soldier being sent for examination to either of the Royal Hospitals at Chelsea or Kilmainham, and indeed there is an entry for Charles Girling in the Chelsea admission registers for the 4^th of August 1806.  However, there are neither service details nor physical description – suggesting that Charles Girling did not personally attend the examination. Instead, there was the brief annotation “Discharged – Lunatic – King’s Order” and a reference to “Hoxton”.

Hoxton House was a private lunatic asylum in Hackney. It admitted both private patients and pauper lunatics from the city of London. By 1784 it covered a site of two acres. From 1792, Hoxton House had admitted officers and ratings from the Royal Navy, who had become ‘insane’ during their service. These men had their treatment paid for by the Royal Navy, augmented by the War Office, and the ‘Inspector of Naval Hospitals’ undertook regular inspections. By 1805, the year Charles Girling was admitted, and following the Battle of Trafalgar, Hoxton House contained 80 naval patients (10 officers and 70 ratings). The admittance of Charles Girling reveals that members of the British Army also received treatment at Hoxton. Charles Girling died at Hoxton House in November 1807, and was buried at St Leonard’s, Shoreditch, Hackney on the 30^th of November 1807.

Hoxton House remained the ‘Naval Lunatic Asylum’ until 1818, when part of the Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport took responsibility for treating ‘insane’ officers and ratings. Part of the extensive site of Hoxton House has been converted into apartments. The rest of the site is now part of Hackney Community College.^[45]TNA WO 23/136 and WO 25/284 and 285. WO 116. WO 120/9 and 21. WO 121/78. London, Bethlem Hospital Patient Admission Registers And Casebooks, And Discharge Registers 1683-1932. ARA 07/Page 162. … Continue reading

Robert Jones was born at St Kitts c.1773. He was transferred into the regiment from the 6^th West India Regiment, at Spanish Town, Jamaica in May 1797. On transfer he was 5/2” tall with a complexion described as “Sambo” (not a description normally used by a Crown regiment – but one frequently used by the WIR), black hair and black eyes. His fate remains unknown.^[46]TNA WO 25/499.

Thomas Lamb was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1782. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/4” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he served both as private in Captain, Lord Lindsay’s D Troop and as a trumpeter in Captain John Hunt’s F Troop. His fate remains unknown.^[47]TNA WO 25/284, 285 and 902.

John Lewis was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1780. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/7 and 1/2” tall with a yellow complexion (suggesting he was of ‘mixed heritage’), black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. He died at Guilford Hospital in June 1803 and was buried at St Mary (Anglican) Church in Guildford on the 25^th of June 1803.^[48]TNA WO 25/284 and 285. England, Select Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991. St. Mary, Guildford, Surrey, England. FHL 307812. ancestry.co.uk

John Roberts was born In Bengal c.1773. He enlisted in the regiment in December 1799, having previously served three years and six months with the 67^th (South Hampshire) Foot. (The 67^th had served in the West Indies from 1788 to 1794 then returned to Britain, only to be sent back to the West Indies from 1795 to 1801). On enlistment in the 20^th he was 5/6” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. His initial service in the 20^th was alongside George Tombs and Lewis Watts in Captain Edward Waller’s Troop. A John Roberts was serving as a troop sergeant in Spain in 1813 and 1814. By late 1814 he was a sergeant in No.2 Troop. He disembarked at Portsmouth in early 1815. His fate remains unknown.^[49]TNA WO 12/1425. WO 25/284 and 285.

John Rolle (Rowley) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1786. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/6” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. His fate remains unknown.^[50]TNA WO 25/284.

Richard Rolle (Rollie, Rowley) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1784. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. (December 1798 was also given). On enlistment he was 4/5” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was a private in Captain John Hunt’s F Troop. He also served as a trumpeter. His fate remains unknown.^[51]TNA WO 25/284, 285 and 902.

Robert Rowley (Rolle, Rollin) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1780. He enlisted in the regiment in Spanish Town, Jamaica on the 18^th of October 1798. Between 1813 and 1815 he served as trumpeter in No.2 Troop, disembarking at Portsmouth in early 1815. He served as a trumpeter until discharged on a pension at Kilmainham, 10^th December 1818, on the disbandment of the regiment. His conduct was described as “regular”. On discharge he was 36 years old, 5/10” tall with a black complexion, black eyes, black hair and was a labourer by occupation. He signed his records, indicating that he was ‘signature literate’. At the time of discharge, he was stationed at Cahir Barracks. Records also noted that the sum of 13s had been paid to Robert Rowley as marching allowance from Cahir Barracks to Dublin. In 1848, a Trumpeter Robert Rowley, formerly of the 20^th Dragoons, claimed the retrospectively awarded Military General Service Medal (1793-1814) with a clasp for Vimiera. The claim was not made from ‘the Colonies’, which indicates that he was resident either in Britain or Ireland. He cannot be identified in British records, and therefore it is likely he settled in Ireland. His fate remains unknown.^[52]TNA WO 12/1425. WO 25/287 and 288. WO 118/12. WO 119/54. WO 100/3.

George Tombs (Thoms, Tom, Toms, Tomms) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1782. He was enlisted by Rollo Gillespie in the regiment in Spanish Town, Jamaica on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was described as having a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and being a labourer by occupation. In 1803 George Tombs was a trumpeter in Lieutenant-Colonel Rollo Gillespie’s Troop. Promoted to the rank of Trumpet-Major in 1810, between 1813 and 1815 he was the regimental Trumpet-Major. He was discharged on a pension from the 20^th  12^th December 1818, on the reduction of the regiment. On discharge he marked his records, indicating that he was ‘signature illiterate’. At the time of discharge, he was stationed at Cahir Barracks. Records also noted that the sum of £1/4s/3d had been paid to George Tombs and his family as marching allowance from Cahir Barracks to Dublin.

George Tombs re-enlisted in the 2^nd Dragoon Guards at Cahir in April 1819. Spending only 213 days as a private, he was promoted to the rank of Trumpet-Major. He was discharged on a pension of 1s per day, 3^rd December 1822.

Interestingly, in “The Trumpet-Major” (1880), Thomas Hardy based the character of John Loveday on the Trumpet-Major of the 2^nd Dragoon Guards. Like George Tombs, John Loveday was a veteran of the Peninsula campaign, and both had been stationed in Dorset during the Napoleonic Wars. Unusually, Hardy’s “The Trumpet-Major” contains no references to Black soldiers, even though most British cavalry regiments employed them during the Napoleonic Wars.

The records of George Tombs stated:

“This is a man of colour and appears to have been in the service nearly twenty-two years. During which he has served in this Corps and has been during this period of duty subject to slight catarrhal affections, particularly during the winter season producing a temporary asthma, and consequently impeding his duties as a Trumpeter. He is consequently recommended to be invalided and discharged”.

It was also noted that he had served in the Peninsular at the Douro in May 1809 and subsequently throughout the campaign. (This service probably included the battles of 1809, 1813 and 1814). On discharge he was 40 years old, 5/8” tall with a black complexion, black eyes, black hair, was a musician by occupation and of good character. The description books for the 20^th note that he identified as a labourer earlier in his service. Unlike in 1818, in 1822 he signed his records, indicating that he was ‘signature literate’. His fate remains unknown.^[53]TNA WO 12/1423-25. WO 25/284, 285 and 288. WO 97/3. WO 119. WO 120/20. Ellis, JD. “The Visual Representation, Role and Origin of Black Soldiers in British Army Regiments during the Early … Continue reading

John Waller was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1779. (One record gives his place of birth as Guinea, Africa). He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/5 and 1/2” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a private in Major Cameron’s Troop alongside James Walpole. His fate remains unknown.^[54]TNA WO 25/284 and 285.

John Walpole was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1781. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/1” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a private in Major Cameron’s Troop alongside John Waller. His fate remains unknown.^[55]TNA WO 25/284 and 285.

Louis Watts (Lewis Waters) was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1792. He was enlisted in the regiment in Spanish Town, Jamaica by Rollo Gillespie on the 18^th of October 1798. In 1803, he was serving as a trumpeter in Captain Augustus Gould’s E Troop. Between 1813 and 1815 Louis Watts was a trumpeter in No.6 Troop. Discharged as a trumpeter on a pension, 10^th December 1818, on the disbandment of the regiment. On discharge he was 39 years old, 5/9” tall with a “dark yellow” complexion (suggesting that he was of mixed heritage), black eyes, black hair and was a labourer by occupation. He marked his records, indicating that he was ‘signature illiterate’. At the time of discharge, he was stationed at Cahir Barracks. Records also noted that the sum of £1/11s/2d had been paid to Louis Watts and his family as marching allowance from Cahir Barracks to Dublin. He and his Italian wife, Maria (1786-1866) settled in Chelsea where several other Black pensioners are known to have resided. (It is likely that Louis and Maria had met when he served in Italy. Louis and Maria (also referred to as “Mary” and “Mary Ann”) are known to have had one son; John Watts (1808-1845) and several grandchildren from John’s marriage to Louisa Catterson (1809-1869). Louis Watts died in 1840 and was buried at St. Luke’s, Chelsea on the 30^th of March 1840.^[56]TNA WO 12/1425. WO 25/284, 285 and 287. WO 119 54/219. Watts Family Tree (John D Ellis). ancestry.co.uk

William Weymouth was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1785. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 4/4 and 1/2” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. He may well be the “William Weymouth, a negro” who married “Maria Blackall, w. a black woman” at St Gluvias, Cornwall in June 1802. Trumpeter William Weymouth died in Ipswich in 1805 and was buried at St Matthew Anglican Church on the 22^nd of January 1805.^[57]TNA WO 25/284 and 285. Cornwall Marriage Registers 132/152. England, Phillimore Marriage Registers, 1531-1913. findmypast.co.uk National Burial Index For England & Wales. Deaths and Burials. … Continue reading

John Wilkes was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1781. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/5” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a private in Lieutenant-Colonel Rollo Gillespie’s Troop. He died in December 1811.^[58]TNA WO 25/284, 285 and 287.

James Williams was born in St Thomas, St Salvador, Brazil c.1791. He enlisted in the regiment in June 1809. On enlistment he was 5/7 and 1/2” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. He transferred to the Royal Navy in 1815. His fate remains unknown.^[59]TNA WO 25/287.

Robert Wood was born in New York c.1792. He was enlisted in the regiment at Bedford in February 1816 by Sergeant Coombs. On enlistment he was 5/8” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes, an oval visage and was a musician by occupation. He was discharged in Cork, in June 1817 being “unfit”. His fate remains unknown.^[60]TNA WO 25/288.

Cornelius Yates was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1783. He enlisted in the regiment on the 18^th of October 1798. On enlistment he was 5/5” tall with a black complexion (also referred to as being “yellow”, suggesting that he was of mixed heritage), black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In March 1805, and as a private, he was transferred to the 18^th Dragoons. Subsequently, he then transferred to ‘The York Light Rangers’ in July 1808. His fate remains unknown.^[61]TNA WO 25/284, 285, 688, 699 and 900.

Robert Yates (Yeates) was born at St Marc (St Ann’s and St Francis’s also noted), St Domingo c.1782. He enlisted in the regiment in Spanish Town, Jamaica on the 18th of October 1798. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1810 and between 1813 and 1815 was a sergeant in No.6 Troop. He was discharged on a pension, 10^th December 1818, on the disbandment of the regiment. His conduct was described as “good”. On discharge he was 36 years old, 5/6” tall with a black complexion (also described as “yellow”), black eyes, black hair and was a musician by occupation. The description books for the 20^th describe him having a “yellow” complexion (suggesting he was of ‘mixed heritage’ and identifying as a labourer earlier in his service). He signed his records, indicating that he was ‘signature literate’. At the time of discharge, he was stationed at Cahir Barracks. Records also noted that the sum of 24s had been paid to Robert Yates and his family as marching allowance from Cahir Barracks to Dublin. In 1848, a Robert Yates, formerly of the 20th Dragoons, claimed the retrospectively awarded Military General Service Medal (1793-1814)  with a clasp for Vimiera. The claim was made from claimed from Ferozopore in the East Indies (Firozepur is in the Punjab, India). His fate remains unknown.^[62]TNA WO 12/1425. WO 25/284, 285, 287 and 902. WO 100/10. WO 119.

Edward York was born at Mandingo, Africa c.1787. (Possibly a reference to the Mandinka people of southern Mali, Gambia and Guinea). He was transferred into the regiment from the 6^th West India Regiment at Spanish Town, Jamaica in October 1797. The records of the 6^th WIR describe his stature as “straight and strong” and indicated that he was born in Angola, Africa. On enlistment he was 5/4 and 1/2” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a private in Lieutenant-Colonel Rollo Gillespie’s troop, and then was transferred to serve as a trumpeter in Captain John Hunt’s F Troop. He died in St Domingo in April 1804.^[63]TNA WO 25/284, 285 and 499.

Peter York was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1787. He enlisted in the regiment in October 1798 (one source suggests June 1798). On enlistment he was 4/4” tall with a black complexion, black hair, black eyes and was a labourer by occupation. In 1803 he was serving as a trumpeter in Major Cameron’s Troop. His fate remains unknown.^[64]TNA WO 25/284, 285 and 902.

Oliver Young was born at St Marc, St Domingo c.1782. He was enlisted in the regiment in Spanish Town, Jamaica on the 18^th of October 1798, by Rollo Gillespie. Between 1813 and 1815, Oliver Young was a trumpeter in No.3 Troop. He served as a trumpeter until discharged on a pension, 10^th December 1818, on the disbandment of the regiment. (Two years under-age service were also acknowledged). His conduct was described as “regular”. On discharge he was 36 years old, 5/7” tall with a black complexion, black eyes, black hair and was a labourer by occupation. He marked, rather than signed, his records, indicating that he was ‘signature illiterate’. At the time of discharge, he was stationed at Cahir Barracks. Records also noted that the sum of £1/8s/3d had been paid to Oliver Young and his family as marching allowance from Cahir Barracks to Dublin. His fate remains unknown.^[65]TNA WO 12/1425. WO 25/284, 285, 287, 288 and 902. WO 119/55.