2nd Batt Derbys Regt - Egypt 1882

[Derbys]

Hello. I've been researching the Derbys time in Egypt/Alexandria 1882 and have a very full and detailed view of their time there. However, I'm always looking for more detail on private soldiers - my great grandfather was there but didn't go on to India with the batt at the end of 1882 but instead returned to Derby/Normanton Barracks. I'm assuming due to sickness but can't be sure. Would love to hear from anyone with an detail relating to the Derbys in Alexandria - and photos would be brilliant !
Thanks, Chris.

[saw119]

Have you checked Findmypast.co.uk for his service records? They have a lot of victorian discharge papers etc on there. What's his name? It might help some other users track him.

[Derbys]

Thanks saw119. I do have a copy of his service record (which I have shared with Regt museum, Nott.) and his tunic and egyptian campaign medals are held by Derby Museum. He is 2427 Pte. Mark Henry Witcomb joined 95th in Feb 1881 just as the regt amalgamated with 45th foot (Nottinghamshire). He was on his way to India via some 'seasoning' in Gilbraltar when they were diverted to Egypt to garrison Alexandria along with 2nd Batt Manchesters. At the end of 1882, the batt went onto India but he was returned to the depot at Derby. I have a 1914 original of the "Derbshire Campaign Series No.3 Egypt Campaign" (foreword by F.Maurice, Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel) which refers to 100 time-served and sick soldiers retuning to Derby and not going onto India - so I'm assuming he must have been on the sick list. Nothing is then heard of him until his marriage in 1890 and transfer to the reserves. He died in Feb 1929 and is buried in Derby Cemetary. I also have H.C Wylly's 1929 2 volumes History of Sherwood Foresters 45th & 95th - which confirms the movements of the 2nd Batt but nothing new for me.I also have a good collection of Derbys Regt badges, helmet plates etc etc. I also have a bound copy of "I'm 95" for 1896 containing the batt's monthly newsletter while in India including correspondence for each company and 'from the folks at the depot' . Interestingly, it includes chain of letters on what the memorial for John North Crealock should be and where it should be placed - (it's in St Giles Church, Normanton, Derby). Makes fascinating reading. I have phtos of Normantion Barracks but they are of it's demolition - would be great if there were photos from 1882/1890 of the barracks and the 2nd Batt out there !
I guess I'm probably after a level of personal detail which may simply not exist in any records. So I might just have to settle for getting as much general info as possible on life in Derby Depot 1882 to 1890.
Unless, of course, anyone knows of any archive material out there which might include him....??

[saw119]

I only asked about the discharge papers as it is unusual to not have the reason for discharge listed on them in my experience. Have you looked at the actual medal roll for the Egyptian campaign? You could possibly get some extra detail from it. I have a distant relative who served with the Yorkshire Regt. in the Egyptian campaign in the late 1880's but he made it as far south as Wady Halfa. He was discharged due to some persisiEnteric fever just before his Btn. was due to travel to India as well. Diseases such as this were very common reasons for soldiers to be discharged. I've just had a look at his discharge papers and it is very peculiar that a reason for his return to England is not given especially considering that he continued to serve his full term of 12 years with colours.