He was born about September 1830 (age on enlisting) at Alfreton, Derbyshire, a son of George Shepperson and Ann formerly Johnson.
He attested at Derby 28 December 1848 for the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot at the aged of 18 years and 3 months, a labourer born at Alfreton (this age is consistent with his age in the 1841 census).
In the 1851 census, at Anglesey Barracks, Portsea, he was aged 20, a private in the 95th Regiment and born at Alfreton. He was not found in later censuses.
Private William Shepperson (No. 2401) had a chequered career in the army. He served abroad for 5 years and 2 months (in Turkey and the Crimea for 1 year and 4 months, and in the ‘East Indies’ for 3 years and 10 months), and possessed the Crimean medal and 2 clasps, the Turkish Crimean medal and the Indian Mutiny medal and clasp. However, although his conduct had latterly been good he had been court-martialled (26 July 1851), for desertion between 27 June 1851 and 14 July 1851. He was sentenced to 128 days imprisonment with hard labour (26 July 1851 – 9 January 1852) and to be marked with the letter ’D’. He was wounded at the battle of Alma (London Gazette), 20 September 1854 – 23 November 1854. This battle is considered to be the first of the Crimean War (1853 – 1856).
He was discharged as a private from the 95th Regiment 11 January 1862 on medical grounds as being unfit for further service. His medical examination was carried out at Dublin 22 January 1862 and the report stated that he ‘suffers from chronic hepatitis and disease of the heart making him incapable of further service. His disability is attributable to service in India and has not been induced or aggravated by vice or intemperance.’ He finally left on 27 January 1862 with a pension based on service of 10 years 18 days because of the time forfeited by his court martial and punishment for desertion. When he left he was described as aged 30 years and 2 months. He was 5 feet 8˝ inches tall of fresh complexion with hazel eyes and brown hair, and with the letter ‘D’ marked on his body. His intended place of residence was to be Alfreton.
His death was registered in the Basford district in the March quarter 1868 aged 40, and he was buried at Christchurch Ironville, 26 January 1868 aged 37.
Posted March 2014