Jame SANSOM, d1888 HMS Orion while in Singapore

[HAPPY123]

My great grandfather Jame Sansom was killed on board HMS Orion 1888 while the ship was in Singapore. He was killed on board by persons unknown? How can I find out more about his navy life etc. I know he was on HMS Firebrand 1881. My great grandmother ended up in the workhouse with her children. I would be grateful for any help / info. Thanks!

[DavidB]

When/where was he born?

[SWB]

The National Archives Documents Online has records of seaman to purchase:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_name%3djames%7clast_name%3dsansom&catid=15&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Regards
Meurig

[HAPPY123]

I DONT KNOW WERE BORN I KNOW HE WAS MARRIED TO MY GREAT GREAT GRANMOTHER AND LIVED IN EAST STONEHOUSE PLYMOUTH WITH HER ON 1881 CENSUS
AND HIS 4 CHILDREN ARE REG AS BORN EAST STONEHOUSE PLYMOUTH AS THEY ARE
ON WORKHOUSE CENSUS 1891
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT HIS DEATH AS HIS WIFE & CHILDREN ENDED UP IN WORKHOUSE
DIDNT THE NAVY PROVIDE A PENSION OR SOMETHING FOR SERVICEMEN KILLED
ALTHOUGH HIS DEATH IS ON BOARD SHIP ORION 1888 CAUSED BY PESON OR PERSONS UNKNOWN?

[crimea1854]

Hi

I'm not convinced that the man on HMS Firebrand is your man, because unless he is entered twice he cannot be on Firebrand and with your Gt Grandmother. The other thing against him being your man is that the 1881 Census has him as a Royal Marine Corporal, single, born 1858, Exeter. However, the main RM Barracks was in East Stonehouse so it is not unreasonable to assume that he could be a RM, in which case there is a different set of records you need to consult.

Martin

[HAPPY123]

MANY THANKS I'LL TRY THAT THEN
I GOT THE INFO ON MY GRANDFATHER FROM ROOTCHAT SO NOT 100% SURE

I WILL CHECK THERE AGAIN FOR FOLLOWUP

THANK FOR YOU HELP

[HAPPY123]

JUST CHECKED 1901 CENSUS AND MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER IS NOW RECORDED LIVING AT 9 HIGH STREET EAST STONEHOUSE
WITH HER CHILDREN AND BEING A WIDOW ?

[windblown53]

Hi, I am the great granddaughter of James Sansom R.M , killed in Singapore on 17th April 1888. I am also curious about his death. He was born in Exeter in 1858. He was on the Firebrand in 1881 in Durban harbour for the census. It may be that he never married Elizabeth Godley, he is down as single on all records. Although he is named as the father on all four childrens birth certificates. The family ended up in the workhouse after his death, but as you say were out in 1901.
Is there any way to find out what happened to him? I didn't realise he was killed on board.

[Maureene]

Hi

There is a National Archives guide "Royal Marines: other ranks' service records"
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/reco ... -ranks.htm

Following the links gives the following service record which is available to order online. However is only one page.
Name Sansom, James
Register Number: 1411
Division: Royal Marine Light Infantry: Plymouth Division
When Enlisted/Date of Enlistment: 01 January 1877
Date [of birth] 01 February 1858
Catalogue reference ADM 159/63
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/docu ... ultcount=3

A second National Archives guide is: “Royal Marines: further areas of research” which indicates addional records may be available at the National Archives, which would probably require a visit to Kew, or a researcher to do this for you.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/reco ... search.htm

If there is nothing about his death, there is a possibility he may have been buried in Singapore.There was civil registation of deaths from 1872 in Singapore, and it is possible to have a search done of the civil registration ( a fee applies). See the FIBIS Fibiwiki page Singapore.
http://wiki.fibis.org/index.php?title=Singapore

Cheers
Maureen

[windblown53]

Thank you, that gives some ideas to be getting on with.