IS THIS "MY" JAMES ROSS? Ref: Dublin Evening Freeman’s Newspaper, 1866

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Some time ago, while researching James Ross, a Scottish Soldier, I came across an article in this Dublin newspaper. I would love to claim the Sergeant James Ross as "my" James Ross whose story appears in this blog under "There was a Soldier, a Scottish Soldier". The information I have of "my" James Ross has him enlisted in the 79th Highlanders. Is it possible that he changed regiments in the later part of his British Army career? 

From what I know at the moment, James was active in the 79th Highlanders in   Crimea and in the North-west Frontier, India in the 1850s.  

 


 

He married in 1869 in Edinburgh and would appear to have lived there for the rest of his short life. 

I am recording this article because the dates do fit "my" James and it is not impossible that he may have been the James in this story. If so, he would have had a fifth medal in his collection. As a fifth medal has not so far come to light, this does weaken the argument for this James being "my" James Ross. 

        But I live in hope! 

       Here is the text of the newspaper article.  

"Brigade field day was held yesterday in the Phoenix Park. The troops engaged were a troop of Royal Horse Artillery, the 5th Dragoon Guards, a battalion of the Coldstream Guards, the 2nd battalion of the 3rd Buffs, the 75th, the 85th Light Infantry, and the 92nd Highlanders. All the troops were in review order, being in full dress without packs. All troops were in review order, being in full dress, without packs. The infantry were served out with fifteen rounds of blank ammunition per man while the artillery was served with ten rounds per gun. The command was held by Major-General Morton, in the absence of General Cunningham, who was on special duty at the Curragh. The general and staff appeared in blue undress and cocked hats. When the various corps had taken up their respective positions, the interesting ceremonial of presenting good conduct medals to Sergeant James Ross, Sergeant A. Anderson and Private Glasgow of the 92nd Highlanders took place. The three deserving soldiers were called out in front of their regiment by Major-General Bolton, who, having referred to their long periods of good service, attached the medals to the breasts of the men, and wished them long life to wear the honourable distinction. This pleasing episode, having concluded, the business of the field, commenced by the whole force forming lines to the front. The appearance of the troops, whilst in this order, was imposing in the extreme, from the fact that the regiments composing it, were some of the finest in the British Army, and whose histories form some of the brightest chapters in its records. The line broke into skirmishing order to attack an imaginary enemy, who was supposed to occupy a position in the direction of the Royal Hibernian School. Stop the skirmishers being supposed to be overpowered fell back on their supporters and a charge of cavalry was directed against the pursuing foe. This gave an opportunity for the skirmishers to reform line again. The infantry then charged front again, the eighth of a circle, and again relieved lines. A cavalry charge, supported by artillery, followed, after which the whole force formed grand divisions and marched past the reviewing point, at which the general and the staff had by this time taken their place. The united bands of all the regiments reviewed played together during the marching past the respective marches of each corps. The marching was in quick time, and was led by the troop of artillery to which followed in succession 5thDragoon Guards, and then came the 92nd Highlanders, the 85th Light Infantry, the 3rd Buffs, and the 75th regiment. The marching was remarkably good, and if there was a shade of superiority in favour of any particular corps perhaps it fell to the 75th, which advanced as one man. The review, concluded by the artillery and cavalry marching by, first at a trot, and again, at a gallop, which nicely wound up a fine military spectacle. The troops at once returned to their quarters, and we are happy to say that not the slightest accident took place during the day. There was a considerable number of spectators present, which included a large number of the elite of the city."

Location: Scotland, UK

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