With the help of the novel search on the S&S Board I narrowed it down. Brandon mentions he and Eliza were almost the same age (born 1762). She married at age 17, about the time he enliste (c.1779). He spent three years abroad, returning to find Eliza had disappeared. After six months he found her in a spunging house. This he said happened fourteen years ago (1797-14=1783). So he was in (or enroute) in the years 1779 to 1783.

As you say, a different set of wars. Also one which I know almost nothing about, and which I have almost no sources even giving a passing reference. There's lot on India, and Ceylon, but farther east seems to get much less attention in the history books.

The (English) East India Company and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) had been bitter rivals in the area for many years. France's alliance with the "U.S." during the Am. Revolution added military activities to existing trade competition. That, and the need to protect trade, posts and other intrests from local powers, raiders, etc. would have brought some troops to that end of the world.

The Napoleonic period, especially after the Dutch fell under the control of France, brought the conflict back to the area (but that would be outside this thread).

I have a few ideas for possible avenues to search (now that it's got my interest up) and will look into them.

I remain,
Jason E.