Hi Rebecca,
Information on the Chelsea Barracks:
Chelsea Barracks was an Army barracks located in the City of Westminster, London, adjacent to Chelsea, on Chelsea Bridge Road. It was originally built to house two battalions of troops. It was the home of two companies of the Foot Guards: No 7 Company, Coldstream Guards; F Company, Scots Guards, 238 Signal Squadron. The four companies total about 280 troops. I think the Chelsea Barracks was built and used from the time of Charles II in the 1690's and housed the newly formed Foot Guards.
I've checked the 1881 census and we know your chap William was a private soldier of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards and stationed at the Chelsea Barracks. I've checked the movements of the 2nd Battalion from 1881 for clues on his whereabouts:
1881-1885
Stationed in England
1885
Expedition to Suakin, Sudan, where it saw fighting at the Battle of Hasheen and gained a further battle honour before returning home, via Cyprus, in less than nine months.
late 1885-1900
Stationed England and Ireland (Dublin)
1900-1902
In 1900 the 2nd Battalion joined the 1st Battalion in South Africa at an equal strength. For the next two years it was to operate as part
of the Eighth Division, known as “Rundle’s Greyhounds,†in the general area of the town of Harrismith, against elusive Boer Commandos.
History of the Scots Guards
Active 1642-1651,
1661-present
Branch Army
Type Foot Guards
Nickname The Kiddies; Jock Guards
Motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (No one assails me with impunity) (Latin)
March Quick - Hielan' Laddie
Slow - The Garb of Old Gaul
Anniversaries St Andrew's Day
I would suggest you write to the Regimental Headquarters (below) with the informatiuon you have because they offer a research service but no idea on cost etc . They may have details of his death if still in service.
Scots Guards
Wellington Barracks
Birdcage Walk
London SW1E 6HQ
I've taken the above information from internet and recomend you check
http://www.scotsguards.co.uk for further information.
When did William's wife remarry because that would give you an idea when William died.
William may moved between Regiments but I wouldn't have thought likely so it looks like he stayed with the Scots Guards and would have seen action in the Egypt campaign. If so he would have been entitled to the Egypt Medal 1882 - 1889.
A very good forum for the Victorian Wars from 1827- 1913 can be found at
http://www.victorianwars.comHope this helps
Regards
Adrian