TORRY POINT BATTERY, ABERDEEN

[ksmith]

Does anyone know how i would find out which regiment of the Royal Artillery were based in Aberdeen at Torry Point Beach Battery1860/70. I have Gunner John Prest living there (1861 census), and 4 of his childrens birth certificates show they were actually born there. By 1871 he is listed as Pensioner RA living in Peterhead.
Been to Kew, but didnt find his discharge papers - tho probably didnt give myself enough time to do the job properly. Thanks.

[mitchell]

According to Gordon Bathgate's book "Torry - its history and its people", work on the new fort at Torry Battery began in 1857 and was completed in Oct 1860. It was then operated by the 1st Aberdeenshire Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers). They were the forerunners of the TA.

Elaine

[ksmith]

Would a volunteer have been allowed to call themselves 'Royal Artillery' as their given profession on census/birth/marriage certificates????
I read some articles on the volunteers, but ruled them out as had assumed they would have had professional back up - a bit like todays set up, only asking the volunteers to get involved when the regulars were stretched! Didnt think the War Office would have let what were apparently 'some of the heaviest known armaments of the day' in the hands of local volunteers only?? What do you reckon?

[mitchell]

From what I can gather, The 1st Aberdeenshire Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) was formed specifically to man the Battery, the volunteers were civilians who were trained like the regular army.

http://www.ourpasthistory.com/Scotland/ ... y-aberdeen

http://www.leopardmag.co.uk/feats/117/torry-battery

I don't know anything about the army but, if they were trained like the regular army then perhaps members of the regular army would be there doing the initial training? Was John Prest born in Aberdeen?

It might be worth contacting the Local Studies Library in Aberdeen at

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01f8/

Elaine