The Royal Fusiliers 1863-1905
useful links & resources
What are these records and why are they useful?
The Royal Fusiliers Collection 1863-1905 comprises the names of close to 5000 officers and men who took part in a series of British military campaigns between 1863 and 1904. Information is taken largely from medal rolls and includes the name, number (for other ranks), battalion, campaign and medal clasps awarded. Additional research often includes information not to be found on medal rolls such as subsequent service and even, where known, details of medal sales.
The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) can trace its lineage back to 1685 when it was formed from two companies of the Tower of London garrison and one company of miners. It became the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fusiliers) in 1751 and, from 1881, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).
The information contained in this database is taken from the following campaign medal rolls:
India General Service Medal Specifically those men who took part in the Umbeyla (now Ambela) Expedition on the North-West Frontier of India between 1863 and 1864.
Canada General Service Medal This was awarded to those members of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment of Foot who had taken part in the suppression of the Fenian Raids in 1866 and 1867. The medal was always issued with one of three clasps and the 2/7th Foot received the clasp Fenian Raid 1866. The medal was only instituted in 1899 and was awarded to all qualifying personnel who were still living.
Afghanistan Medal This medal was awarded to those men of the 2/7th Foot who had taken part in the Afghanistan campaigns between November 1878 and September 1880.
Queen’s South Africa Medal and King’s South Africa Medal Awarded to those men of the Royal Fusiliers who took part in the Second South Africa War of 1899-1902. Note that not all men would have qualified for both medals.
Tibet Medal Authorised on 1st February 1905 and awarded to men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers who took part in the Tibet Mission between 13th December 1903 and 23rd September 1904.
The image depicts the 2nd Royal Fusiliers c1872.
Begin with the basics
The name of the person you are searching for may not be recorded in the way you expect. Henry John Davies, for example, may have been recorded as Henry Davies, Henry J Davies, H Davies, or even H J Davies. We suggest that you initially search using the person’s last name only. If you receive too many results, you can then add a first name to narrow them down.
First name and last name variations
If you don’t find the result you want first time, it is worth trying every possible variation in the first and last name fields.
Your ancestor might have used a different first name in everyday life from the one that appears on official records. For example, your great-uncle Jack’s birth name might have been John. Last names can often be spelled in many different ways, for example, Smith, Smyth or Smythe.
We’ve added an ‘Include variants’ tickbox next to both fields to allow for common differences in spelling or incorrect spelling. If you can’t find someone recorded under the name you expect, try ticking the ‘Include variants’ boxes to include variations of the name in your results.