THE GREATER WIGSTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN FORRYAN, BORN IN BURBIDGE, LEICESTERSHIRE 1798
GWHS Chairman Mike Forryan asked us:
Going through my family history records I would like to find out about my 4 x Great Uncle John Forryan from Burbidge, Leicestershire. He is believed to have been in the Army at Waterloo, and spent many years in the army.
We found details of John Forryan's career in the Army from 1810 when he enlisted at 31 years old, to the end of his service after over 43 years!
The document below is his Attestation paper from 1 August 1810 when he enlisted in the First Regiment of Foot Guards, later to become the Grenadier Guards. He voluntarily enlisted and was paid a Bounty of 16 guineas.
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Further papers found show he was a Private for only 9 days, and then due to his trade being a Gunsmith he was promoted to Sergeant Armourer. He spent a total of 43 years and 140 days in the Army, including 4 years in the Peninsular Wars and 2 years at Waterloo, receiving medals (similar to the ones shown) for both campaigns.
When he was discharged from the Army due to severe arthritic problems, he was granted a pension of two shillings and ninepence a week, equivalent to £11 today.
Thanks to Mike Hutchinson for his help with this research.
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