Description
William Bartlem first appears in the muster books of the 2nd battalion 7th Foot (Royal Fusiliers) on Jul 25th 1809. His appearance continues until the end of the second quarter 1811. This was shortly after the battle of Albuhera. Both 1st and 2nd battalions of the Royal Fusiliers took part in this battle. Because the battalions suffered very many casualties, they were combined into a new 1st battalion. A new second battalion was to be recruited in the UK. William transferred into the new 2nd battalion from October 24th 1814. This was probably because the 1st battalion was about to embark for America to fight in the 1812 war, and younger fitter men were being drafted into it. The first battalion fought at New Orleans. They returned to England too late to take part in the Battle of Waterloo. William was posted back to the first battalion on 25th November 1815. He was discharged from the army on 25th May 1816, service expired (7 years).
William is shown on the roll as entitled to six clasps:The 7th Foot’s casualties at Cuidad Rodrigo, Vittoria and Toulouse were negligible. However the casualties in the other three battles in which William fought were not: Battle Date 7th Foot Battalion(s) Officers killed Officers wounded Men killed Men wounded Albuhera 16/5/1811 1st & 2nd Battalions 2 12 112 563 Salamanca 22/7/1812 1st Battalion 1 10 19 168Pyreneees 28/7/ – 2/8/1813 1st Battalion 1 10 52 187Totals 4 32 183 9
