Private Bernard Mace was born in 1783 in Latchendon, Essex. He was 5 foot 7.5 inches tall and had blue eyes, fair complexion, and brown hair and was a Labourer by Trade 

On the 5th December 1799, he enlisted into the 62nd of Foot and served with them until the 5th May 1802. On the 21st May 1802, he transferred to the 45th Nottinghamshire Regiment of Foot at Kilkenny, Ireland when aged 19 years. He served a short time as a Drummer and Fifer. 

He served at Buenos Ayres in 1807 and served in the Peninsula War of 1808-1814. Between the 9th July 1819 to the 14th July 1823, he served in the East Indies.  

He was discharged on the 26th August 1823 after 23 years 240 days reckonable service. The reason given for discharge is simply "Worn out". On the 27th August 1823, he received a Chelsea Pension at the age of 40 years.