About the product

Army Long Service Medal 19th Regt WIV Issue

Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, WIV Issue, Quarter Master Sergeant William Robottom, 19th Regiment of Foot. The very rare first issuing of the Long Service medal.

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Origin: United Kingdom
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Description

Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, WIV Issue, Quarter Master Sergeant William Robottom, 19th Regiment of Foot.

 

With original iron clip and curved bar suspension.

 

Officially impressed naming reading: “W. Robottom, Q. Master Serjt 19th Reg. Foot. 1834”

 

A trusted and long serving senior N.C.O. of the 19th Regiment of Foot, later House Keeper of The Sessions House in Newington, Lambeth.

 

William Robottom was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire during 1782, he enlisted with the 19th Regiment of Foot on 4th May 1812 with service number 12.

 

Only 1 year later he was promoted to Corporal on 24th June 1813. Being again promoted to Sergeant on 17th July 1816. From 16th March 1821 until his discharge on 31st August 1833 he spent 12 1/2 years as Quarter Master Sergeant.

 

He was discharged “At his own request on the modified pension of 2 Shillings a day, gratuity of £15 and reward of a Silver Medal for Meritorious Conduct.
His total service amounted to 27 years 204 days.

 

His character is also noted as: “That his general conduct has been that of a good and efficient soldier, seldom in Hospital, trustworthy and sober. Captain Burns has known him since 1812 and frequently during that period in situations of great trust and responsibility in which he always acquitted himself with credit and to the satisfaction of his superiors.”

 

“The officers composing the Board, having examined the defaulter’s book, and received parole testimony from Captain Burns who has known him since 1812 and frequently during that period in situations of great trust and responsibility in which he always acquitted himself with credit, and to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. The regimental board is of opinion that his general conduct has been that of a good and efficient soldier, seldom in hospital, trustworthy and sober.

 

During his service he served overseas in the East Indies from 16th May 1816 until 19th May 1820, 4 years 4 days. Followed by the West Indies from 6th December 1826 until 31st August 1833, 6 years 269 days.

 

The 1851 Census shows him as House Keeper and Out Pensioner of Chelsea Hospital, living with his wife Anne Robottom Born 1798 and Charles Henry Robottom, born 1832, an Architect and Surveyor.

 

Following his retirement as a Chelsea Pensioner he became House Keeper of the Newington Sessions House until his death.

 

Hawkes Bay Herald 9th August 1862:

 

“At London, on the 31st May, after an illness of some duration, Mr William Robottom, keeper of the Newington Sessions House, age 69. The deceased (says the Daily Telegraph) who had been in the Army, and has seen 30 years service in the East and West Indies and Africa, was appointed as the Hall Keeper at the Surrey Magistrates 15 years ago; and during the period that has since elapsed, he has enjoyed the respect and confidence, not only of those who appointed him, but of the gentlemen of the bar and others who were accustomed to attend the sessions for the transactions of business. His remains were interred in the Norwood Cemetery on the morning of the 6th June; the service was impressively performed by the Rev J. Willis M.A., the deceased was the father to Mr John Robottom of this town.”

 

Some further interesting information on his service may possibly be found in the book “The Diary of Colour-Serjeant George Calladine, 19th Foot, 1793-1837” who served alongside Qr Mr Sgt Robottom for many years and noted in his book he had also served 25 years with the 19th under Captain Burns, where he recounts many experience with the regiment.