Charles Smith Perry was born c1840 and entered the 9th East Norfolk Regiment as an ensign in the 2nd Battalion on 29 May 1857. His service was in the Ionian Islands from 1858, then Gibraltar, and in 1865 the battalion went to China. Many suffered from sickness in Kowloon, and in March 1866 they sailed to Yokohama, staying in Japan until 1868 when they embarked for Ireland. In October 1868 Captain Perry commanded two companies at Drogheda and at the end of November his men, along with some troopers of the 14th Hussars were attacked by a mob trying to prevent some unpopular voters from getting to the polling station.
In 1874 the battalion sailed to India. They took part in the expedition against the Jowaki Afridis on the Northwest Frontier in 1878 in which year Captain Perry was awarded a brevet of major, so must have distinguished himself in that campaign. The trouble developed into the 2nd Afghan War of 1879-80. He was a second lieutenant-colonel from 1 May 1883 and commanded the 2nd Battalion as a full colonel from May 1887 to 1888. After relinquishing his short period of command he was given command of the 9th Regimental District based in Norwich.
1857 Ensign 29 May
1858 Lieutenant 2 Oct
1866 Captain 8 May
1878 Brevet Major 31 Dec
1881 Major 1 Jul
1883 Lieutenant-Colonel 1 May
1887 Colonel 1 May
Regimental Details | Commanding Officers
