I have found my first military ancestor and am stuck on where to get more information on his military service.
In the 1871 census, William Young is recorded as a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment. The front page of the Enumeration book gives the description as the Barracks, 1st Royal Regiment, Little Warley, Essex.
From the 1881 census, I can see that his family must have been in the East Indies at some point as his son was born there in 1873 (his other children’s births either side of this date were in Chatham, Kent in 1871 and in Rotherhithe in 1880). In the 1881 census, William Young is a Gatekeeper Pensioner in Southwark.
I'm interested in finding out what he did in those 10 years in between. Travelling to the East Indies is the most exciting thing in my family history so far so more details would be great! Searches on google of any military action during this period have drawn a blank and I need some advice from an expert.
Any guidance much appreciated, thanks!