7 April 1879: Deserter from Her Majesty’s Service: A reward of from 5s to 20s is offered for the apprehension of Joseph Birch, [Reg. No:] 1655, 109th Foot; [born:] Island of Assension; [trade] clerk; [age] 29¼; [size:] 5[ft] 6[in]; [hair:] light brown; [eyes:] grey; [face:] fair; [coat & trousers:] regimental; [date of desertion:] 21 March 1879 [at] Portsmouth; [marks & remarks:] off furlough to Chatham