My Family @ Curragh Camp

[kk01emh]

Hi Everyone,

I apologise for any repetition with other posts but I can’t seem to find exactly what I'm after having searched the site.

I have been researching my family tree and I have come across an ancestor who was stationed at Curragh Camp. I am basically looking for some general information.

My ancestor was William Henry Moss-Smith, and he was stationed at Curragh Camp c.1861 I am unsure however, when he arrived. I know he was there around 1861 as his wife had the couple’s first child there. He was a Pte. 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

By 1863 he was in London where the second child was born. I have his service record (or what survives of it) and it isn’t really very clear what he was doing there. Can anyone shed any light on this or direct me to some general reading on the topic.

Also I am making a visit to this area soon, and I would really like to know if there is anywhere down there that would be worth visiting/seeing. I know there probably isn’t much surviving from that time but it would be great to maybe go and see something. Do any living quarters still exist? etc Any suggestions and locations would be greatly appreciated.

[Bridges.]

Just to get you 'up and running'. First google in (1st battalion grenadier guards 1914 on the Curragh) Take notes as you visit the many sites of interest to your enquiry. To further understand the (1st battalion, Grenadier Guards,) I would suggest you have a look at (The Long Long Trail). Be sure to visit the Currragh if you can.. there are people on this forum who would be delighted to show you around. Enjoy the experience and very good luck in your search.

[Matt McNamara]

Hi

The Curragh camp has seen a lot of changes since the 1860's. In fact it wasn't a permanent military camp until later. The camp then consisted of wooden billets for accommodation and stabling. However the Curragh was a busy in 1861 with the arrival of the Prince of Wales Albert Edward, later King Edward VII. He was sent to the Curragh Camp to receive Military training as an Officer of the Grenadier Guards. The following article gives account of his visit. So who knows he may well have protected the Prince .

www.curragh.info/archives/PrinceOfWales1861.pdf

The Curragh Camp is still a military camp for the Irish Defence Forces and has recently opened a Military Museum there with a section on the British army on the Curragh Camp. The Clock Tower built in 1858 is still standing and can also be seen. curragh.proboards.com/thread/722

Regards

Matt McNamara

[Graham]

Good morning KK01emh link

I am a decendant of WIlliam Moss SMith and 1871 he is listed as still serving in the 1st Grenadiers with Wife Elizabeth. I kno whe was born in 1830 Bowden Cheshire. But I cant find him in 1881 yet his wife and children are living with her parents in Altrinchem Cheshire.

 where you ever able to establish who his parents are and when he died?

regards