Private William Roy was born in Waterford and attested for the 84th Regiment at Rochester in June 1852, aged 14 years. Appointed a Drummer Boy, he gained advancement to Private in July 1856 and served with the Regiment in India during the Mutiny, although the Medal Roll does not include the comment 'at Lucknow' after his name. Roy went on to gain promotion to Sergeant but lost his stripes in October 1863 as a result of a Court-Martial.