Hi,
I am desperate for some help in breaking down a brick wall I have had for more than 5 years . I cannot trace the birth place and date of my direct line 2 x Grt Grandfather Denis Phelan. Without that I am unable to trace my 3 x Grt grandparents which was my main aim. I know most other things about his life.
I have spent many hours searching Irish BMD’s, censuses, etc. and went to the National Archives to dig out his army muster records.
What I know about Denis is as follows:
I had heard he was born in Waterford and when he enlisted in the army it was in Kilkenny which neighbours Waterford. So, I am assuming a birth in either of these 2 counties.
I know from his army records that he enlisted in the British Army on 23 Jan 1860 at Kilkenny. His reg. no Is 1036 and he is with 2nd Battalion, 20th Regiment, who I believe were the East Devonshire’s. His early training etc. was at Curragh & Aldershot and by 1865 he is stationed in Gravesend.
It was whilst here that he married Elizabeth Hughes (nee Flello) a young army widow. They were married on 18 Feb 1865 in in St. John’s church Gravesend. His age shown is 21 which, if correct, indicates a birth year circa 1844. It also shows his father as John Phelan (This is all I have ever found relating to John).
The couple move with the army;
By Oct 1867 they are in South Africa. Whilst here he transfers to 75th reg (reg no 1978) and later to 34th reg (reg no 779).
By March 1877 they are in Pakistan.
In 1879 India.
Denis dies in Dum Dum, India 8 Sep 1880.
There is no pension or pension records as he died in service.
I would be extremely grateful for any of the missing early information on Denis and most particularly confirmation of his parents etc.
Kevin Phelan.
