Further information
Reuben Gwinnell in Roy Dutton, Forgotten Heroes, p.193.
[Can also be viewed online here.]
Born in Gloucester, c.1833.
1841 Census
Woodmancote, Dursley, Gloucester.
Jeremiah Gwinnell, 39, Labourer.
Mary, 40.
Seven children shown (aged 1 — 14 years), including Reuben 8 (4th child).
Enlisted at Bristol on the 9th of December 1853.
Age: 21.
Height: 5' 8".
Trade: Labourer.
According to Laurence Crider (In Search..., 3rd ed., p.256):
In Hospital 3rd Muster [54-1-5]. At sea 2nd Muster. At Devna 3rd Muster [54-2-5]. In Hospital 1st Muster [54-3-5].
[PB, note: in the square brackets, "54" refers to the year, i.e. 1854. The number in the middle is the quarter, i.e. "-1-" is the 1st Quarter (Jan-Mar). The "5" referes to the form number used for private soldiers. It looks as though the 3rd and 1st Musters have been reversed.]
Killed in action at Balaclava.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol.
EJB: At a Medal Fair held in the North Midlands in late 1986, a conversation was overheard when a medal dealer was approached to value a medal to a man killed in the Charge. The sum offered was £150. Later enquiry showed it to be an impressed naming medal with clasps for A,B. and S., to "R. Gwinell. 11th Hussars." [PB: Gwinell or Gwinnell?] The then owner had acquired the medal some three years before, but would vouchsafe no other information or details.
Killed in action at Balaclava.
[Can also be viewed online here.]