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to have been born in Forfarshire (now Angus) in Scotland. Joined
the army 8/8/1870 aged 17. Attested to the 24th. Regt. 13/8/1870.
He had a chequered
army career, with bad conduct, drink related injuries, and eventually
virtual incapacity due to syphilis although he did eventually reach
the rank of Corporal. .
He suffered
from malaria and was frequently in hospital. He was one of the patients
in the hospital at Rorke's Drift.
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal for Rorke's Drift. Appointed
Corporal in November 1879, he received the DCM from Queen Victoria
at Windsor Castle on 9 December 1879. Discharged due to ill heath
in December 1880.
He emigrated
to Australia, on board 'Roslin Castle' in 1883 aged 27.. The Sydney
Herald of 15/10/1887 reported: "A grand Military Concert
will shortly take place for the benefit of William Roy, late Corporal
in HM's 24th Regiment of Foot, one of the heroes of Rorke's Drift.
He is now in very sad circumstances, almost blind, and helpless."
The concert was held 27/10/1887. The Mayor of Sidney attended.
Another Press
report stated: "Roy is now an invalided inmate of a New
South Wales benevolent institution."
He died 30 May 1890 at
Hunter Street, Parramatta of paralysis and natural decay aged 35
years 6 months. Occupation, baker. He is buried in an unmarked grave
on 1st. June 1890 in Mays Hill Cemetery, Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.
An effort is in underway to mark his grave.
For his actions
he was awarded the Distinquished Conduct Medal by Queen Victoria
in 9/12/1879 at Windsor Castle.
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