Does anyone have information on what criterion was applied by the Lloyd's Patriotic Fund when determining whether or not to make a payment to a disabled soldier? I note that only six discharged soldiers of the 2/66th, who had been wounded at Albuera, had received a payment by mid 1815. Many more than that had been discharged as a result of wounds sustained there. Did only six apply, or were very stringent tests applied?
Where did you find information about the recipients of Patriotic Fund payments?
The National Army Museum. Difficult to access at the moment of course, but a helpful archivist found the entry that I was looking for. A single page of the log covers the entries for the 66th (presumably all relating to the 2nd battalion) from Apr 1810 to Mar 1815, and includes only 27 names. Twelve relate to Talavera with the balance relating to a variety of actions.
I am wondering why one person would apply and another wouldn't, and by what criteria they were assessed by the Fund.
It's a pleasure to make your aquaintance Mr Dempsey, for your splendid book is my primary source for the events surrounding the final moments of the military career of the fellow in question.
Thank you for that additional information
Not a problem.
May I ask a question in return? The subject of my enquiries, one Pte Franklin, was in No 7 company at Albuera, commanded by Capt Jordan. My I ask if your investigations have determined where this company was in the line when the brigade was hit by the Polish lancers?
I do not have that level of detail about the fate of the 66th during the charge of the Vistula Legion lancers.
Thanks for letting me know.