Genealogy Chat

Hi My ancestor, who was in the Army for 25 years was, by trade a servant, as described in his discharge records, and was a private. What would army servants have done in the Army and would they still have gone through combat training etc? Any ideas please? Thanks Ben

I think he was probably a 'batman' Effectively it is a commissioned officer's 'butler'.The bat man comes from the rank and file. I believe they volunteer for the job.Apparently the name derives from the old French for 'pack-saddle' plus 'man' - someone who looks after the luggage. So, yes he would have done all the normal training.

I think batman is a little too narrow. To me an army servant is the same as a navy steward which conveys more meaning. Basically looks after officer living quarters, serves at meal times (like a waiter) or acts as barman - most army messes I encountered did not have a bar to which you went - the servant went instead!! Oh yes, he would have been a soldier first and a servant second. Clive

My daughter was a 'servant' in both the Army and the RAF - now called a Steward. She did basic military training and also combat duties and spent several terms overseas. She finished her service in the Officers Mess, which included all the duties you would normally expect in a hotel. OC

Hi Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, after his discharge in 1856 he was a domestic servant for 10 years afterwards then later became a warehouseman and labourer. In 1861 he was a servant and Chelsea Pensioner, recieving an out pension. Thanks Ben