James Kersley, my paternal Great Grandfather, was born at Weeke,Winchester,Hampshire, on the 8th February 1848.

James enlisted in the 51st Regiment of Foot ( later to become The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry ) in Winchester on the 19th May 1866, at 8 o'clock PM, after  spending all day making his mind up, his Regimental Number given as 1676. He was aged 18 years, 5ft 5ins tall, had a fresh complexion with hazel eyes and dark brown hair.

James served at the Depot (Citadel Barracks ) at Dover, Kent, until  the 51st returned from India in April 1867.

In 1870 the Regiment was sent to Waterford, Ireland, whilst there James married Mary NOONAN on the 18th April 1871 at Kilkenny. Family hearsay has it that Mary died in child birth early in 1872.

In October 1872 James, by then after a number of promotions was a Colour Sergeant, embarked with the Regiment (commanded by Lieut-Colonel Madden ) on the Indian Troopship "Euphrates ", arriving in Bombay, India, in November, then on by rail to serve in cholera ridden Fyzabad.

On the 19th June 1875, James married Elizabeth JONES ( my Great Grandmother). Elizabeth was described as a spinster, nearly 20 years of age, daughter of Private James Jones Snr. My Great Grandfather was recorded as a widower, Colour Sergeant in H.M. 51st Regt K.O.L.I., the witnesses were Jane JONES (mother), William JONES ( brother) and Elizabeth Anne STUART; the ceremony being performed by J.Kilbee STUART, M.A. Chaplin. An article in the "Bugle", the Regiments own paper, for 15th July 1875, states that this was the first marriage in the regiment since their arrival in the country (India). (see  extracts from the " BUGLE").

I have no further information on Elizabeth's family :- it's difficult looking for Elizabeth JONES, however relatives have told me, she (Elizabeth) was a nursemaid to an Officer's family and that her father was not pleased at the marriage. Could it be because his son-in-law was a Colour-Sergeant whilst he (James JONES) was still a Private soldier ?.

Towards the end of 1875, the Regiment marched (with families) to Peshawar, leaving Fyzabad on the 4th November 1875 and arriving in Peshawar on the 21st March 1876, after a march of 977 miles. During this march the Regiment joined the Camp of Exercise at Delhi on the 13th December 1875 to 19th Janurary 1876 and the manoevres were attended by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.

In 1876 Elizabeth and James, had twins who died in infancy, not suprising as it seems likely she was carrying them during the long march. However by 1877 William James, the first of ten children, was born. Meanwhile James had been appointed Orderly Room Sergeant. (see extracts from the "Bugle").

During November & December 1877 the Regiment was involved in The JOWAKI Experdition and Fort MACKESON (Kohat Pass), but nothing is known of James's involvement.

1878 saw the start of the Afghan War, in which the Regiment was involved with the capture of Ali Musjid, in the November.  James was involved in a night attack whilst at Ali Musjid. (see extracts from the "Bugle").

During the next four years James was promoted Quater Master Sergeant and three more children were born, Frederick James, Elizabeth and Mary, the latter on 7th November 1883, Mary was just two weeks old, when on 21st November 1883, the Regiment marched to Dinapore, a matter of 495 miles.

After further skirmishes in Burma and the birth of Charles and Lilian. The Regiment and the Kersley family embarked on H.M.S. Troopship "SERAPHIS", reaching Portsmouth on 20th December 1887. The Regiment stayed in Gosport for a time and this is where George Thomas (my Grandfather) was born on 21st November 1888.

In 1891 the Regiment was posted to Guernsey (Channel Islands), but James and Elizabeth together with their eight children were posted to Pontefract, where James was to take up the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major (Kings Own Light Infantry Depot ).  James served as RSM for the next severn years and during this time two more children were born, Walter b. 1891 and Robert b. 1892.

James's discharge from the Army came in 1898 after serving for 32 years and 185 days.  During that time he had been awarded medals for Afghanistan and clasp for Ali Musjid, the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, the India Medal and clasp for Burma, and to complete his service was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in November 1898.

His army career now at an end, he and all the family moved to live in Sheffield, James once there worked as a clerk in the Tramways Department for Sheffield council, he was also instrumental in forming the Regimental Association in the city.

James died in Sheffield on 13th November 1928 aged 80 years, and Elizabeth died in 1945 aged 90 years.

Sources:

Army Record for No 1676 James Kersley.

Mrs Eva Neyt, Lilian Kersley's daughter.

The "Bugle" KOYLI magazine 1867 - 1928.

G.C.M. --General Order 170 of October 1884.

M.S.M. -- Army Order 168 of October 1899.