FRED GARVEY
This is my Uncle Fred Garvey who served in the RAF during WW2, he married during the war to Ellen and her dress was rumoured to be made from parachute silk
Fred was home on leave from the RAF asleep in an upstairs bedroom in Keats St Bootle when the house was bombed flat, he woke up to find himself still in bed but downstairs A miraculous escape!
Submitted by his Niece Caryl Williams.
Fred was home on leave from the RAF asleep in an upstairs bedroom in Keats St Bootle when the house was bombed flat, he woke up to find himself still in bed but downstairs A miraculous escape!
Submitted by his Niece Caryl Williams.
CHRISTOPHER T GEORGE
The following is a poem I wrote some years ago about a Liverpool newspaper I inherited from my grandfather. It speaks for itself.
The Day War Broke Out Evening Express
On the newspaper my Grandad
bought one evening in 1939,
the print is rubbed off along the folds
after a duration in successive drawers
in successive dressing tables
but the headline BRITAIN AT WAR
still stands out
like a burst of shrapnel
in a clear sky.
Half the front page is filled
with German troop movements in Poland
and the Prime Minister's announcement
broadcast at 11:15 a.m from Dowing Street:
"I have to tell you now
that no such undertaking has been received...
we will fight brute force, bad faith, and oppression..."
At top left, an announcement in red ink, to say
"Mervyn Russell's Film Fan Fare" is on page 4.
At the bottom of the page,
T. W. Garnett, sole survivor of the first test
match between England and Australia, has turned 81,
and J. L. Coleman has holed what's believed
to be the worlds longest putt from 220 yards.
An 18-year-old playing his first league match
has scored the winning goal
for Liverpool, first in the First Division,
against Chelsea, placed eleventh;
the season is one week old.
Miss Mollie Bowdler has married Walter Roberts
at St. Luke's Church; she wore a crinoline gown
of white lace and carried a bouquet
of red roses and lilies of the valley.
Submitted by Christopher T. George
The Day War Broke Out Evening Express
On the newspaper my Grandad
bought one evening in 1939,
the print is rubbed off along the folds
after a duration in successive drawers
in successive dressing tables
but the headline BRITAIN AT WAR
still stands out
like a burst of shrapnel
in a clear sky.
Half the front page is filled
with German troop movements in Poland
and the Prime Minister's announcement
broadcast at 11:15 a.m from Dowing Street:
"I have to tell you now
that no such undertaking has been received...
we will fight brute force, bad faith, and oppression..."
At top left, an announcement in red ink, to say
"Mervyn Russell's Film Fan Fare" is on page 4.
At the bottom of the page,
T. W. Garnett, sole survivor of the first test
match between England and Australia, has turned 81,
and J. L. Coleman has holed what's believed
to be the worlds longest putt from 220 yards.
An 18-year-old playing his first league match
has scored the winning goal
for Liverpool, first in the First Division,
against Chelsea, placed eleventh;
the season is one week old.
Miss Mollie Bowdler has married Walter Roberts
at St. Luke's Church; she wore a crinoline gown
of white lace and carried a bouquet
of red roses and lilies of the valley.
Submitted by Christopher T. George
GEORGE GIBBONS
I have one story which you may be interested in. It involves two ARP wardens, namely George Gibbons and William Tidy. During the May Blitz the area on Netherfield Road next to the 'Pop' cinema/theatre was hit by a land mine. In fact the land mine landed on top of the ARP Shelter, leaving a crater. The top of the shelter a concrete slab was found the following day half way down the opposite street. Nothing was found of at least the two aged ARP Wardens.
I find this chillingly interesting as both were related to me after the event. George was the brother of my grandmother on my fathers side of the family. And William was married to the sister of my grandmother on my mothers side of the family. Both sets of families talked of a death of a relative but not until I started checking my family tree did the truth come out that both died on the same night. Because neither body was found there is no death certificate. I do not know if anyone else died in this incident.
There is also a local tale of a wedding reception in Boyd Street Everton which received a direct hit by a landmine. All who attended were killed. My grandmother had an invite but did not go to the evening 'do'. I believe pieces of bodies littered the roofs of the surrounding houses. Very sad. Cresswell Mount Flats on Northumberland Terrace were built on this site. This has since been demolished and is part of Everton Park.
Submitted by Steve Noonan
ALBERT GIRLING
My dad Albert was born at 13 Auburn Road, Tue Brook. He served during World War Two as a Leading Aircraftman with the RAF, and was in the North African Desert with the 8th Army at one point.
He was awarded five medals but never collected them. I applied for them about ten years ago and recieved them on his behalf.
Submitted by his son Paul Girling
He was awarded five medals but never collected them. I applied for them about ten years ago and recieved them on his behalf.
Submitted by his son Paul Girling
MARY GIRLING
This story was submitted to the People’s War site by (Helen Smith) on behalf of (Mary Girling) and has been added to the site with his/her permission. The author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.
I had two babies, a boy and a girl, one was 2 and one 3. I lived in Liverpool and when the Germans' bombs started coming we were allowed to use a shelter at the end of the street that was owned by the Catholic brothers of St Elizabeth's College. They used to use the shelter for woodwork lessons etc. We had a wonderful time there. We sang and danced and my parents were there too. One of the brothers was a bit of a flirt. He was called Brother Raymond and he liked me. Well so my mother said. She used to say, "don't look up now he's looking over". I used to say, "I'm not bothered about Brother Raymond, I'm more worried about the Germans".
When my husband came home from serving, he came home to an empty house. A neighbour told him that we were at the shelter. He came to see me and he wanted to know why we were there as he didn't really know what it was like. We all left the shelter with him and we went home to bed. In the night the air raid siren went off and the whistling bombs started. People had talked of whistling bombs but I had never heared them until then. I will now never forget their awful sound. I said to my husband that we needed to go to the shelter.
We had to crawl up the street because it was pitch black. The air raid warden shouted, "Who goes there?" He was shocked that I was out with the children. Because I was carrying my boy who was quite heavy I fell down. The air raid warden grabbed my son and took us to the shelter. I never left the shelter again until it all ended.
The day after we were evacuated to Wem in Shropshire. My mum said that I had to go because of the children and because Liverpool wasn't safe. However, we were only there a week and then we returned.
Submitted by her son Paul Girling
I had two babies, a boy and a girl, one was 2 and one 3. I lived in Liverpool and when the Germans' bombs started coming we were allowed to use a shelter at the end of the street that was owned by the Catholic brothers of St Elizabeth's College. They used to use the shelter for woodwork lessons etc. We had a wonderful time there. We sang and danced and my parents were there too. One of the brothers was a bit of a flirt. He was called Brother Raymond and he liked me. Well so my mother said. She used to say, "don't look up now he's looking over". I used to say, "I'm not bothered about Brother Raymond, I'm more worried about the Germans".
When my husband came home from serving, he came home to an empty house. A neighbour told him that we were at the shelter. He came to see me and he wanted to know why we were there as he didn't really know what it was like. We all left the shelter with him and we went home to bed. In the night the air raid siren went off and the whistling bombs started. People had talked of whistling bombs but I had never heared them until then. I will now never forget their awful sound. I said to my husband that we needed to go to the shelter.
We had to crawl up the street because it was pitch black. The air raid warden shouted, "Who goes there?" He was shocked that I was out with the children. Because I was carrying my boy who was quite heavy I fell down. The air raid warden grabbed my son and took us to the shelter. I never left the shelter again until it all ended.
The day after we were evacuated to Wem in Shropshire. My mum said that I had to go because of the children and because Liverpool wasn't safe. However, we were only there a week and then we returned.
Submitted by her son Paul Girling
TOM GRACIE
Born Glasgow 1889, a meat salesman to trade, Tom had played for several clubs beginning with the Juniors and progressing through Airdrie, Hamilton and Greenock Morton before joining Everton in 1910. A year later he moved across to Liverpool from where Hearts bought him in May 1914 to replace Percy Dawson. This high scoring forward had joined Blackburn Rovers for £2500. Gracie cost Hearts a mere £400 ! Tom was to score 34 goals from a total of 39 appearances, including 29 league goals, a club record! This in his first season, a bargain buy! His scoring skill earned him a international cap against the Irish league in 1915.
He was one of those who enrolled in the 16th Royal Scots and rose to Corporal with the service number 19024, and endured military training along with his team mates. During this time he was frequently ill, yet continued to rise from his sick bed to play, and score for the Hearts. While the battalion was stationed at Ripon in 1915 Tom was sent home to Glasgow because of his ill health. He died in Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow on 23rd October 1915. He was twenty six, and had the football world at his feet. His great goalscoring success was even more remarkable when the truth came out, Gracie had been suffering from leukaemia! No one but manager John McCartney knew. When people speak of 'hero's' or 'brave men' surely Tom Gracie must be mentioned here. To play so well and score so frequently when enduring army life and serious disease must rank as one of the bravest acts found among men.
He was one of those who enrolled in the 16th Royal Scots and rose to Corporal with the service number 19024, and endured military training along with his team mates. During this time he was frequently ill, yet continued to rise from his sick bed to play, and score for the Hearts. While the battalion was stationed at Ripon in 1915 Tom was sent home to Glasgow because of his ill health. He died in Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow on 23rd October 1915. He was twenty six, and had the football world at his feet. His great goalscoring success was even more remarkable when the truth came out, Gracie had been suffering from leukaemia! No one but manager John McCartney knew. When people speak of 'hero's' or 'brave men' surely Tom Gracie must be mentioned here. To play so well and score so frequently when enduring army life and serious disease must rank as one of the bravest acts found among men.
GRAND NATIONAL
The world famous Steeplechase is run each year at Aintree. The racecourse played its part in the wars by housing troops. 4 National winning Jockey's where to lose their lives during WW2. I have included them below.
ROBERT WILLIAM HAMNER EVERETT
Rode 100/1 outsider GREGALACH to victory in the 1929 Grand National. Son of Lt.-Col. William Frank Everett and Charlotte Everett, of Chelsea, London. Also rode POOLGOWRAN to victory in the Irish Grand National Steeplechase, 1934.
Lieutenant (A) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. "Heron".
Died 26/1/1942, aged 40
MERVYN ANTHONY JONES
Rode 25/1 shot BOGSKAR to victory on 5 april 1940. Died almost 2 years to the day in 1942.
Flight Sergeant, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.
Died 3/4/1942 aged 23.
THOMAS BRADY CULLINAN Tommy
Rode the 100/8 (14/1 ) second favourite SHAUN GOILIN to victory in 1930, completing an incredible treble having won the 1930 Champion Hurdle aboard BROWN TONY and 1930 Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard EASTER HERO.
Gunner 1543457, Royal Artillery, 90 Bty., 35 Lt. A.A. Regt.
Died 11/04/1940, aged 33.
FRANCIS CHARLES FURLONG
Frank Rode 22/1 shot REYNOLDSTOWN to Victory in 1935. The horse was trained by his father and owned by his mother giving newspapers the headline " National Won By Three Furlongs "
REYNOLDSTOWN won the National again the following year, though Frank was not aboard this time due to his weight.
Lieut-Commander (A) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Daedalus.
Died 13/09/1944, aged 33.
Frank had joined the Fleet Air Arm as a Pilot. It was he who located the German Battleshp BISMARCK and repeatedly radioed its position until he ran out of fuel. He ditched his plane into the sea and was picked up by an allied ship. Frank was later killed while returning from a routine flight excercise.
ROBERT WILLIAM HAMNER EVERETT
Rode 100/1 outsider GREGALACH to victory in the 1929 Grand National. Son of Lt.-Col. William Frank Everett and Charlotte Everett, of Chelsea, London. Also rode POOLGOWRAN to victory in the Irish Grand National Steeplechase, 1934.
Lieutenant (A) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. "Heron".
Died 26/1/1942, aged 40
MERVYN ANTHONY JONES
Rode 25/1 shot BOGSKAR to victory on 5 april 1940. Died almost 2 years to the day in 1942.
Flight Sergeant, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.
Died 3/4/1942 aged 23.
THOMAS BRADY CULLINAN Tommy
Rode the 100/8 (14/1 ) second favourite SHAUN GOILIN to victory in 1930, completing an incredible treble having won the 1930 Champion Hurdle aboard BROWN TONY and 1930 Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard EASTER HERO.
Gunner 1543457, Royal Artillery, 90 Bty., 35 Lt. A.A. Regt.
Died 11/04/1940, aged 33.
FRANCIS CHARLES FURLONG
Frank Rode 22/1 shot REYNOLDSTOWN to Victory in 1935. The horse was trained by his father and owned by his mother giving newspapers the headline " National Won By Three Furlongs "
REYNOLDSTOWN won the National again the following year, though Frank was not aboard this time due to his weight.
Lieut-Commander (A) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Daedalus.
Died 13/09/1944, aged 33.
Frank had joined the Fleet Air Arm as a Pilot. It was he who located the German Battleshp BISMARCK and repeatedly radioed its position until he ran out of fuel. He ditched his plane into the sea and was picked up by an allied ship. Frank was later killed while returning from a routine flight excercise.
KATHLEEN O'CALLAGHAN GREEN AND GEORGE GREEN.
My Great Grandparents Kathleen (Kitty) O'Callaghan and George Green, married in Liverpool in 1901. They had two children, Kathleen O'Callaghan Green ( 1901 - 1960) and George Michael Green (1908 - 1971). Their daughter Kathleen married Percy James Staden in 1929, with whom she had 5 children, Frederica V, Rosalie L , Erica E , Michael James and Pauline Green.
Kitty O'Callaghan was born in Liverpool in 1882, George Anthony Green was born in 1875 in Churwell, Yorkshire to a what would seem a long line of master butchers and fruiterers. He had three brothers John Wood Green 1872, Thomas 1880, Rollin 1888 and two sisters Jane 1890 - 1894 and Esther S Green 1877. He started out as a master butcher then changed career to become a carter on the LNW Railway then latterly owned a chip shop on Alt Street, Toxeth. In 1911 they lived at 305 Smithdown Lane, Liverpool
George would have been 38/39 years old at the outbreak of world war 1, so we are uncertain if he served with the forces, I know that they only increased the enlistment age in WW1 in around 1915. His brother Rollin Green ( born 1888 ) enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery as a "Driver/Gunner" of horses as I have a grand photograph of him in uniform with his wife and two children.
Kitty O'Callaghan was born in Liverpool in 1882, George Anthony Green was born in 1875 in Churwell, Yorkshire to a what would seem a long line of master butchers and fruiterers. He had three brothers John Wood Green 1872, Thomas 1880, Rollin 1888 and two sisters Jane 1890 - 1894 and Esther S Green 1877. He started out as a master butcher then changed career to become a carter on the LNW Railway then latterly owned a chip shop on Alt Street, Toxeth. In 1911 they lived at 305 Smithdown Lane, Liverpool
George would have been 38/39 years old at the outbreak of world war 1, so we are uncertain if he served with the forces, I know that they only increased the enlistment age in WW1 in around 1915. His brother Rollin Green ( born 1888 ) enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery as a "Driver/Gunner" of horses as I have a grand photograph of him in uniform with his wife and two children.
Rollin Green in Artillery Uniform and below with his wife and daughters.
On the night of 3rd/4th May 1941, they were at home at 110 Alt Street, Princess Park with their grandaughter Pauline Green Staden (age 11). The heavy bombing raid began and they tried to shelter under the oak kitchen table but were killed outright as the house was hit. The damage to the street was so bad that 17 houses had to be demolished. Little
Pauline's father Percy James Staden, was serving as a Private with The Sherwood Foresters at the time.
According to family all that was left of the house was the doorstep. By the time news reached their families/relatives all their possessions had been lost except for two large oval photographs (perfectly intact) of Kathleen and George Green which now have pride of place on the wall of my Uncle's house in Bexhill.
Submitted by their Great Grandaughter Victoria Cambridge.
Pauline's father Percy James Staden, was serving as a Private with The Sherwood Foresters at the time.
According to family all that was left of the house was the doorstep. By the time news reached their families/relatives all their possessions had been lost except for two large oval photographs (perfectly intact) of Kathleen and George Green which now have pride of place on the wall of my Uncle's house in Bexhill.
Submitted by their Great Grandaughter Victoria Cambridge.
DOROTHY HALLOWELL
During WW2, my Grandmother Dorothy Hallowell, was living in Northumberland Street, Toxteth, in tenements called Northumberland Buildings, she lived at number 12.
On the night of 5/6th May 1941, A heavy bombing raid was in progress in the area. Dorothy had remained in her bed at home as she was too ill to be moved. She was still there when the building was hit by a HE bomb.
Dorothy was found by her son Les ( my Father ) Still lying in her bed with a window frame around her while. They got her out and she was taken to Sefton General Hospital, were sadly she died on the 12th May from TB.
The photo shows my Grandmother Dorothy with her grand daughter.
On the night of 5/6th May 1941, A heavy bombing raid was in progress in the area. Dorothy had remained in her bed at home as she was too ill to be moved. She was still there when the building was hit by a HE bomb.
Dorothy was found by her son Les ( my Father ) Still lying in her bed with a window frame around her while. They got her out and she was taken to Sefton General Hospital, were sadly she died on the 12th May from TB.
The photo shows my Grandmother Dorothy with her grand daughter.
I have found a reference to these buildings and bombing of them from a local author Mary Routledge in her out of print book Memories. enclosed a small piece from it.
" That night there were about eight people in our living room in Northumberland Street. Dad had gone to bed as usual. My sister Winnie was with him in our bedroom. Billy, Rose and Clare were in the other bedroom. Mam, our neighbours and myself were sitting talking, to allay our fears mostly, for it was a heavy raid.
This, then, was how it was when the bomb fell, though not, as expected, through the roof of the building. According to an eyewitness, it floated down quite slowly, possibly having a parachute attached. It struck the dividing wall between the basements directly beneath ours and the adjoining flats and therefore exploded upwards.
Suddenly, there was darkness inside our flat. My ears felt as if they were about to burst. My head seemed to be expanding. I could suddenly see flashlights and hear men’s voices calling us. Then I could see Dad and hear him calling for Mam. I remember screaming out in sheer panic because I was so afraid. The rescuers led me out first and took me to a nearby house. The realisation that we had been bombed and seeing the blood on Dad’s neck frightened me so much.
Morning came and with it Dad. He had managed to get Mam out. He must have worked all through the night with the other helpers. The children were also safe. We were were all united about noon. Mam had to be dug out of the debris and was the most seriously hurt. It was important for her to get medical attention – she was seven months pregnant. News of the dead: at least eight people who were in the adjoining flat . . . There were two ladies who were missing for about two weeks. Parts of their bodies were later found on the roof of the next building. "
Submitted by her Grandson David Hallowell.
I have looked at the civilian deaths from this night and have found the following people who died in the bombing. The figure could be higher due to unidentified victims.
BRIDGET BIBBY
died 05/05/1941, aged 64.
of 8 Northumberland Buildings, Park Road. Wife of Richard Bibby. Died at 8 Northumberland Buildings.
MARY ANN DOHERTY
died 05/05/1941, aged 35.
of 8 Northumberland Buildings, Park Road. Daughter of Richard Bibby, and of Bridget Bibby; wife of Charles Doherty, Royal Canadian Engineers. Died at 8 Northumberland Buildings.
MARY ANN MERCER
died 05/05/1941, aged 78.
of 4 Northumberland Buildings. Widow of T. Mercer. Died at 4 Northumberland Buildings.
Ant Hogan.
" That night there were about eight people in our living room in Northumberland Street. Dad had gone to bed as usual. My sister Winnie was with him in our bedroom. Billy, Rose and Clare were in the other bedroom. Mam, our neighbours and myself were sitting talking, to allay our fears mostly, for it was a heavy raid.
This, then, was how it was when the bomb fell, though not, as expected, through the roof of the building. According to an eyewitness, it floated down quite slowly, possibly having a parachute attached. It struck the dividing wall between the basements directly beneath ours and the adjoining flats and therefore exploded upwards.
Suddenly, there was darkness inside our flat. My ears felt as if they were about to burst. My head seemed to be expanding. I could suddenly see flashlights and hear men’s voices calling us. Then I could see Dad and hear him calling for Mam. I remember screaming out in sheer panic because I was so afraid. The rescuers led me out first and took me to a nearby house. The realisation that we had been bombed and seeing the blood on Dad’s neck frightened me so much.
Morning came and with it Dad. He had managed to get Mam out. He must have worked all through the night with the other helpers. The children were also safe. We were were all united about noon. Mam had to be dug out of the debris and was the most seriously hurt. It was important for her to get medical attention – she was seven months pregnant. News of the dead: at least eight people who were in the adjoining flat . . . There were two ladies who were missing for about two weeks. Parts of their bodies were later found on the roof of the next building. "
Submitted by her Grandson David Hallowell.
I have looked at the civilian deaths from this night and have found the following people who died in the bombing. The figure could be higher due to unidentified victims.
BRIDGET BIBBY
died 05/05/1941, aged 64.
of 8 Northumberland Buildings, Park Road. Wife of Richard Bibby. Died at 8 Northumberland Buildings.
MARY ANN DOHERTY
died 05/05/1941, aged 35.
of 8 Northumberland Buildings, Park Road. Daughter of Richard Bibby, and of Bridget Bibby; wife of Charles Doherty, Royal Canadian Engineers. Died at 8 Northumberland Buildings.
MARY ANN MERCER
died 05/05/1941, aged 78.
of 4 Northumberland Buildings. Widow of T. Mercer. Died at 4 Northumberland Buildings.
Ant Hogan.
JOHN HAND
Pte John Hand 4683 was killed in action 1/8/1916 while serving with the 1/8 Kings Liverpool Regiment. He was aged 19 and had enlisted into the Kings at Liverpool on the 7/10/1915. He appears at the time to have been resident in Liverpool and his occupation was described as a miller. He was 5ft 3inches tall and weighed 120lbs with good physical development. He agreed to serve overseas as per the Territorial Reserve Forces Act 19107.
His service records states that he embarked Southampton 2/4/1916 and joined his battalion in the field 28/4/1916 and was later KIA while serving with the 1/8 Liverpool Irish. His attestation form gives his address as 28 South Cumberland St.Dublin, the 1901 Irish census records him living at the same address with his parents,six sisters, and brothers Charlie and Michael.The 1911 Irish census has him at the same address with his father John described as a canal boatman.In 1919 his medals and memorial plaque were sent to his mother Catherine who was then resident at 16 Aungier St Dublin, his father had passed away at this time.His brother Charles had been KIA while serving with the Connaught Rangers in Feb 1915.
John is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France.
Submitted by Damien Cawley
GEORGE HARRISON
GEORGE HARRISON, known as 'Jud' Harrison, was one of the select group of men born in Derbyshire who played association football for England. An outside left renowned for a blistering shot, he was capped twice, both his appearances being made in 1921-22.
George Harrison was born in Church Gresley, South Derbyshire, on 18 July 1892. He signed for his local club Gresley Rovers in August 1910 and left in February 1911 after making 11 appearances. He then signed for the Football League club Leicester Fosse, and after 59 games and 9 goals he made a big move to Everton in 1913.
He had immediate success at Goodison Park, being a key member of the Everton team that won the first Division Championship in 1914-15. His career was then interrupted by World War One, but he rejoined Everton after the conflict and in all played 177 League games for them before being sold to Preston North End in 1923.
George Harrison was born in Church Gresley, South Derbyshire, on 18 July 1892. He signed for his local club Gresley Rovers in August 1910 and left in February 1911 after making 11 appearances. He then signed for the Football League club Leicester Fosse, and after 59 games and 9 goals he made a big move to Everton in 1913.
He had immediate success at Goodison Park, being a key member of the Everton team that won the first Division Championship in 1914-15. His career was then interrupted by World War One, but he rejoined Everton after the conflict and in all played 177 League games for them before being sold to Preston North End in 1923.
WILLIAM HIGGINS
Bearing in mind WWI commenced in 1914, William enlists himself into the Australian Expeditionary Forces, basically the Aussie Army at Keswick, Adelaide, Australia as Private 3140 with the 10th Battalion on 17th June 1915. He was born in Liverpool so quite what he was doing in Australia is anyone's guess though we know from medical records he was a miner/labourer - was this out in Oz?. It is also known he had previously served 6 years with the Manchester Militia, the forerunner of todays territorial Army. His father Hugh, at this time is living at No.3 Blackwell Lane off Cazneau Street, Liverpool 3, his sister Mrs. Mary Ann Whitby (nee Higgins of course) who married John Joseph Whitby in the winter of 1909) is living across Scotland Road from her dad at 18 Ennerdale Street, Bevington Hill, Liverpool 3. Hugh is dead by the time William weds just two years later and so changes his next of kin from his dad to his sister and then later, to his wife, Mary.
William is described as 30 years and 6 months old when he joins up, he is 5ft 5 1/2 inches tall, weighs 147 pounds and has a chest measurement of 34 1/2 inches which is 37 when expanded. He has a medium complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He is listed as a Roman Catholic with a tattoo on his right forearm.
After sailing to Egypt on 14 Sept 1915, he was transferred to the 50th Battalion and served there in 1916 before joining allied forces in France later that same year. He had a few spells in hospital during his army career, first with Gastritis and then with recurring Chronic Bronchitis. He also went absent without leave a couple of times resulting in a forfeit of pay and being confined to barracks.
It is recorded that from 1st January 1916, part of his army pay is being paid to a Mrs. Lilian Adelaide Tape of Swigg Street, Birkenhead, South Australia and it is being reduced from 4/- to 3/- p.d so it is obviously being paid to her before this date. It is from this address that he enlists c/o Mrs. Lilian Adelaide Tape so is she just his landlady and hence the reduction in his board and keep whilst he's away overseas?
After spending the Autumn of 1916 back in the UK, having been evacuated from the field in France and hospitalised, William spent time at Perham Downs Army camp on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire as well as time at Weymouth, Dorset and Wareham in Dorset - all the time on training exercises pending further deployment to elsewhere. This went on into the new year of 1917 culminating in another spell in hospital with his Bronchitis on 21st June. By now he'd been transferred to the 70th Battalion as the 50th are in action abroad and the 70th are here in England where Willaim is, doing training exercises.
William is given leave after coming out of hospital and on 7th July, weds Mary Gilligan in Liverpool. Being from the same district as Mary, it is obvious he has known her before joining up, but just 5 days after the wedding he is back in hospital again at Perham Downs. At the end of this month he changes his next of kin from his sister to his new wife Mary and a month later is transferred to Australia for home service due to his condition and is admitted straight to hospital in Keswick where he had enlisted 2 years earlier.
On 3rd November 1917 William is declared unfit for service by the medical officer and on the 21st of that month is discharged after serving 2 years and 139 days of which 2 years and 37 days were spent overseas. His character is listed as good and he is granted an army pension of £1.10/- fortnightly to be paid to his wife Mary Higgins in Liverpool and £3 fortnightly to be paid to William at Lady Galway Club, Henley Beach, South Australia. This address is a convalescent home for returning soldiers. There are no passenger list records of him ever returning to Liverpool.
What follows next is rather sad, as his new wife, Mary Higgins writes to the Australian Army on 25th March 1918 in a very eloquent and elegant manner enquiring about the whereabouts of her husband. The letter is received by them on the 9th May and they respond on 13th stating that he is at The Lady Galway Club, Henley Beach, South Australia.
It is very likely that Mary wrote to him there but the reply would have been for Mary's eyes only as any communication is now private and out of the hands of the Army. If we look at the records that follow, it would appear that William Higgins never set foot in the UK again. The last two documents concerning 3140 Pte Higgins of the 70th Battalion of the Australian Army concern a mention of him on 25th September 1938 as having died after discharge and being buried in West Terrace Adelaide AIF cemetery, the headstone being funded all those years down the line by Mary, his widow in Liverpool. The other document covers the return of his medals from the 'Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial league of Australia' to the officer in charge of the Army medal section in Canberra, meaning that they were never claimed by anyone in Liverpool or Australia.
Submitted by Ged Fagan
William is described as 30 years and 6 months old when he joins up, he is 5ft 5 1/2 inches tall, weighs 147 pounds and has a chest measurement of 34 1/2 inches which is 37 when expanded. He has a medium complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He is listed as a Roman Catholic with a tattoo on his right forearm.
After sailing to Egypt on 14 Sept 1915, he was transferred to the 50th Battalion and served there in 1916 before joining allied forces in France later that same year. He had a few spells in hospital during his army career, first with Gastritis and then with recurring Chronic Bronchitis. He also went absent without leave a couple of times resulting in a forfeit of pay and being confined to barracks.
It is recorded that from 1st January 1916, part of his army pay is being paid to a Mrs. Lilian Adelaide Tape of Swigg Street, Birkenhead, South Australia and it is being reduced from 4/- to 3/- p.d so it is obviously being paid to her before this date. It is from this address that he enlists c/o Mrs. Lilian Adelaide Tape so is she just his landlady and hence the reduction in his board and keep whilst he's away overseas?
After spending the Autumn of 1916 back in the UK, having been evacuated from the field in France and hospitalised, William spent time at Perham Downs Army camp on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire as well as time at Weymouth, Dorset and Wareham in Dorset - all the time on training exercises pending further deployment to elsewhere. This went on into the new year of 1917 culminating in another spell in hospital with his Bronchitis on 21st June. By now he'd been transferred to the 70th Battalion as the 50th are in action abroad and the 70th are here in England where Willaim is, doing training exercises.
William is given leave after coming out of hospital and on 7th July, weds Mary Gilligan in Liverpool. Being from the same district as Mary, it is obvious he has known her before joining up, but just 5 days after the wedding he is back in hospital again at Perham Downs. At the end of this month he changes his next of kin from his sister to his new wife Mary and a month later is transferred to Australia for home service due to his condition and is admitted straight to hospital in Keswick where he had enlisted 2 years earlier.
On 3rd November 1917 William is declared unfit for service by the medical officer and on the 21st of that month is discharged after serving 2 years and 139 days of which 2 years and 37 days were spent overseas. His character is listed as good and he is granted an army pension of £1.10/- fortnightly to be paid to his wife Mary Higgins in Liverpool and £3 fortnightly to be paid to William at Lady Galway Club, Henley Beach, South Australia. This address is a convalescent home for returning soldiers. There are no passenger list records of him ever returning to Liverpool.
What follows next is rather sad, as his new wife, Mary Higgins writes to the Australian Army on 25th March 1918 in a very eloquent and elegant manner enquiring about the whereabouts of her husband. The letter is received by them on the 9th May and they respond on 13th stating that he is at The Lady Galway Club, Henley Beach, South Australia.
It is very likely that Mary wrote to him there but the reply would have been for Mary's eyes only as any communication is now private and out of the hands of the Army. If we look at the records that follow, it would appear that William Higgins never set foot in the UK again. The last two documents concerning 3140 Pte Higgins of the 70th Battalion of the Australian Army concern a mention of him on 25th September 1938 as having died after discharge and being buried in West Terrace Adelaide AIF cemetery, the headstone being funded all those years down the line by Mary, his widow in Liverpool. The other document covers the return of his medals from the 'Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial league of Australia' to the officer in charge of the Army medal section in Canberra, meaning that they were never claimed by anyone in Liverpool or Australia.
Submitted by Ged Fagan
JAMES HIGHTON
My Dad, Sgt. Major James Highton was born and brought up in Liverpool. He was in the 5th King Battallion and was one of the first to land on the beaches of Normandy on D day. He was mentioned in despatches twice I believe and I do not know what that was for. He was at one time billited in a place named Buggenhaut in Belgium where the Kings liberated these people. He did not talk very much about his award but if there is anyone who knows why he got these (acorn awards) I would be pleased to find out.
Submitted by his daughter Anne Trueman
Submitted by his daughter Anne Trueman
BERNARD HOGAN
Bernard joined the Royal Artillery as Gunner 930122 at the start of WW2. He spent three years in Malta defending the Island from the Italian and German airforce attacks. In late 1943 he left Malta for the push into Italy and fought in many battles. Sadly on 25th January 1944 Bernard was killed in action. He lays at rest at Minturno War cemetery in Italy. He left a wife Ellen ( Nellie ) and a son Bernard who he lived with at94 St Martin's Cottages.Further details concerning Bernard can be found at http://www.freewebs.com/bernardhoganmaltaitalyww2/
Submitted by his Grandson Anthony Hogan
Submitted by his Grandson Anthony Hogan
JOHN HOGAN
John was born in Dublin and came to Liverpool as a child. He was a member of the militia with the Lancashire Fusiliers and joined them full time when the first world war broke out. In 1915 while training with his regiment at Barrow John suffered a serious injury to his foot that led to his discharge from the Army. By 1916 John had rejoined for service with the Royal Garrison Artillery as Gunner 112913 having lied about his previous service and injury.
John was married to Mary and they had 3 sons John, Bernard and Thomas, all living at 14 St George's Terrace, Comus Street, Liverpool. John was serving in Belgium when his daughter Winifred was born in March 1917 and a photo of his new born child was sent in a letter to him. Sadly it arrived after his death on 24th June 1917, he never got to see his only daughter.
John is buried at Frem-Olivier Cemetery in Belgium, his daughter Winifred made the trip to visit him when in her 80's to say goodby to the father that she never knew.
John is the father of Bernard Hogan listed above.Further details concerning John can be found at http://www.freewebs.com/bernardhoganmaltaitalyww2/
Submitted by his Grandson Anthony Hogan
John was married to Mary and they had 3 sons John, Bernard and Thomas, all living at 14 St George's Terrace, Comus Street, Liverpool. John was serving in Belgium when his daughter Winifred was born in March 1917 and a photo of his new born child was sent in a letter to him. Sadly it arrived after his death on 24th June 1917, he never got to see his only daughter.
John is buried at Frem-Olivier Cemetery in Belgium, his daughter Winifred made the trip to visit him when in her 80's to say goodby to the father that she never knew.
John is the father of Bernard Hogan listed above.Further details concerning John can be found at http://www.freewebs.com/bernardhoganmaltaitalyww2/
Submitted by his Grandson Anthony Hogan
JAMES WILLIAM HOWARTH
James William Howarth enlisted in 4 KLR as No 49428 on 4/1/15 and subsequently also served with 17 KLR and 2/7 KLR before being discharged from the Army on 4/4/19 aged 36. He received the British War and Victory medals together with Silver War Badge No 495734. Luckily my Granddad came home - but while he was gone my Grandma had died ..... he remarried and went on to have 6 more children !!
My Grandad was a butcher in Tuebrook for years ... they lived on Ballantyne Road and he was killed in April 1941 on his way to the bomb shelter - the story goes that he went back for his books and his pipe ...... Roscoe School got a direct hit that night.
Submitted by his Grandaughter Anne Hadley
My Grandad was a butcher in Tuebrook for years ... they lived on Ballantyne Road and he was killed in April 1941 on his way to the bomb shelter - the story goes that he went back for his books and his pipe ...... Roscoe School got a direct hit that night.
Submitted by his Grandaughter Anne Hadley
MILNER HOWARTH
This is my Grandads brother Milner Howarth born in Liverpool 1892 - enlisted August 1915 in AIF 5th Pioneer Battalion - he survived the war but sadly his son died in WW2 - I was lucky enough to find his service records ( much too involved to repeat here ! ) He was entitled to 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and the Victory medal.
Submitted by his Great Niece Anne Hadley
Submitted by his Great Niece Anne Hadley
ALFRED THOMAS HUGHES
My Great Uncle Tom as the family story goes went off to war in 1915 with The Kings Regiment and never came home having died at the battle of The Somme !, his picture proudly looked down at us from my Grandad's house for many years whilst Grandad's sister Aunty Em was always proud of "our Tom"....for a long time I struggled to find any trace of Thomas Hughes anywhere !, but then Ancestry came up trumps !!, baptism records showed Thomas was actually Alfred Thomas !!, born to Griffith Hughes and Esther Buckley in Toxteth Park in 1892.
Now for the strange part. In 1915 I found a marriage certificate for Tom to Edith Stannaught Caddick in Everton, his family never knew about the marriage !!, nor did they know about the last bit of the bombshell, I found out Edith had a baby boy to Tom in march 1916 and called him Thomas.......I am unsure as to wether or not Uncle Tom saw his baby as I found details of his death on the Common wealth grave site, Lance corporal Thomas Alfred Hughes, The Kings Regiment, date of death 25/09/1916, service number 240907, Thiepval Memorial, there is no age given but he was 24 years old.
There are a few questions I would love to ask !, why did he marry in secret ?, why was the baby kept a secret when he had close family ?, why did he keep changing Thomas and Alfred about ?, and where is my long lost Uncle Tom ( the baby) now.
Submitted by his Great Niece Dee Cole
JOHN " JACK " HUGHES
my Dad John "Jack" Hughes was in the merchant Navy during WW 2 ,he served on (amongst others) the Empire McCallum where he was involved in the attempted rescue of crew from the Langleecrag , who was stranded on the reefs of Newfoundland during an Atlantic storm.
14 men from the McCallum set off in a lifeboat to try and help the stranded crew but found themselves adrift and out of control and drifted for over 10 miles before they managed to get ashore. The crew of the Langleecrag were rescued by a Norwegian whaler.
14 men from the McCallum set off in a lifeboat to try and help the stranded crew but found themselves adrift and out of control and drifted for over 10 miles before they managed to get ashore. The crew of the Langleecrag were rescued by a Norwegian whaler.
Newspaper cuttings from the events of the Empire McCallum. Above- My Dad is the youngster with the white cap on
Some of my Dad's Merchant Navy records
After the war my Dad was never far from the sea, he worked until the late 1980's on Liverpool Docks where he became well known as a cartoonist. My Dad died in 2001.
Submitted by John's Daughter Doreen Cole
MARTIN HURLEY
Lance Corporal Martin Hurley 14532, The King's (Liverpool Regiment), 12th Bn. Killed in action 08/04/1916. Martin lived with his wife at 128 Burlington street. He was employed before the war at Silcock's Mill. Martin died from shell fire during an enemy bombardment. His commanding officer wrote the following note to his widow " Martin had done splendid work with his battalion, who deeply deplored his death "
Martin is remembered on the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium, and on the war memorial at Our Lady of Reconciliation church, Eldon street.
Martin is remembered on the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium, and on the war memorial at Our Lady of Reconciliation church, Eldon street.
JOHN HENRY HUTCHINSON
My Grandfather served in both the Boer war and The Great war.
The photo was taken in early 1900 at Hincliffe's in Scotland Road. It shows my Grandfather John Henry Hutchinson (Seated) and another lad standing in the Boar War type of uniform - they left Liverpool a few days later for South Africa. To date I have been unable to have a "positive " identification of the lad in uniform - but I have my suspicions who he is. On the 24th March 1900 John Henry Hutchinson was enlisted into the Prince Alfred Guards at Port Elizabeth Barracks.
Submitted by his Grandson John Hutchinson and his wife June.
Submitted by his Grandson John Hutchinson and his wife June.
HENRY JEFFERY
Serjeant Henry Jeffery 7910, Border Regiment, 2nd Bn. He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of The Somme on 1st July 1916. His mother was living at 45 Luther street.
Henry is remembered on Thiepval Memorial in France, and on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
Henry is remembered on Thiepval Memorial in France, and on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
WILLIAM JOHNSON
My Grandfather William Johnson was a private and served with the Liverpool Regiment in 1915
Submitted by his Grandaughter Jacky Dobbins
Submitted by his Grandaughter Jacky Dobbins
DAVID JONES
Sergeant David Jones is my great uncle. He was with the 12th Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment. He was awarded the VC for his gallantry. The citation in The London Gazette recorded it as follows:-
"For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and ability displayed in the handling of his platoon. The platoon to which he belonged was ordered to a forward position and during the advance came under heavy machine gun fire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses. Serjt David Jones led-forward the remainder, occupied the position and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved. On the second day he drove back three counter-attacks, inflicting heavy losses. His coolness was most praiseworthy. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held their post"On 6th October 1916 David Jones received word that he was to be awarded the VC for his actions in Guillemont on 3rd September and was given the choice of returning to England to receive the VC or to go into action the following day. He chose the latter and was killed on 7th October 1916.
David Jones's widow was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 31st March 1917. she decided to give the VC to J Blake & Co Motor Company where David had been employed as an apprentice coachbuilder before war broke out. The decision was made when she heard that a representative of the company had been elected each year to take a wreath at the Cenotaph ceremony in London, in his memory. Eventually Blake's loaned the VC to the museum and it was displayed for a number of years. It's now in storage at the Maritime Museum until the new Museum of Liverpool opens. I made an appointment to see it privately at it's temporary home at the Albert Dock. I felt very proud and privileged to hold it in my hands. I understand that the VC has now been donated by Blake's to the National Museums Liverpool's collections. Press release concerning David's VC http://blog.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/VictoriaCrossForNewMuseum.aspx
Submitted by his Great Niece Patricia Heaps
"For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and ability displayed in the handling of his platoon. The platoon to which he belonged was ordered to a forward position and during the advance came under heavy machine gun fire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses. Serjt David Jones led-forward the remainder, occupied the position and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved. On the second day he drove back three counter-attacks, inflicting heavy losses. His coolness was most praiseworthy. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held their post"On 6th October 1916 David Jones received word that he was to be awarded the VC for his actions in Guillemont on 3rd September and was given the choice of returning to England to receive the VC or to go into action the following day. He chose the latter and was killed on 7th October 1916.
David Jones's widow was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 31st March 1917. she decided to give the VC to J Blake & Co Motor Company where David had been employed as an apprentice coachbuilder before war broke out. The decision was made when she heard that a representative of the company had been elected each year to take a wreath at the Cenotaph ceremony in London, in his memory. Eventually Blake's loaned the VC to the museum and it was displayed for a number of years. It's now in storage at the Maritime Museum until the new Museum of Liverpool opens. I made an appointment to see it privately at it's temporary home at the Albert Dock. I felt very proud and privileged to hold it in my hands. I understand that the VC has now been donated by Blake's to the National Museums Liverpool's collections. Press release concerning David's VC http://blog.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/VictoriaCrossForNewMuseum.aspx
Submitted by his Great Niece Patricia Heaps
EDWARD ALFRED JONES
We always knew Nan's ( Marjorie Jones ) father had been killed during WW1, and as we were growing up never thought to talk much about it. I'm sorry to say that only when I became interested in family history research did I think to ask more questions by which time she was in her 90's and, he died when she was 7 so it was a struggle. This is why sites like this are so important.
Sgt Edward Alfred Jones served with Royal Fleet Artillery and was
killed in France on 21 March 1918. He is commemmorated at Beaumetz Les Cambrai, France.
Submitted by Lynn Vernon.
Sgt Edward Alfred Jones served with Royal Fleet Artillery and was
killed in France on 21 March 1918. He is commemmorated at Beaumetz Les Cambrai, France.
Submitted by Lynn Vernon.
GWYNNE AND DOROTHY JONES
Our Dad Gwynne Jones, served with the Merchant Navy during WW2, going to sea on the vessels which carried the fuel for the warships. He was aboard one ship (name unknown) with his friend who he grew up with on the Isle of Anglesey. One day the ship he and his friend, Owen Tom Williams, (also known as OT) were on was torpedoed by the Germans. A piece of shrapnel hit OT and almost cut him in half. Dad physically picked OT up and 'held' him together with no regard for his own life. All we know is they were shipwrecked and rescued. They landed in Southampton where they were taken to hospital probably with many others. we don't know how long dad was in but OT was not in good shape and needed much attention. The doctors were able to save him though, and he was on the road to recovery. Having to stay in the hospital in Southampton OT was tended to by a nurse for quite some time and they fell in love and were married. OT settled in Bitterne, Southampton but returned to visit his family often on the Isle of Anglesey. My sister was lucky enough to meet him one time. OT had to wear a special girdle for the rest of his life to help keep him upright but he always paid tribute and was grateful to dad for saving his life, and allowing him to have a life with the lady he loved.
Our dad Gwynne was discharged as unfit for the service, he suffered severe shell shock and trauma. When he first came to Liverpool he was too traumatized to even go on the ferry. He got over it eventually.
Our dad Gwynne was discharged as unfit for the service, he suffered severe shell shock and trauma. When he first came to Liverpool he was too traumatized to even go on the ferry. He got over it eventually.
Dad in his Merchant Navy uniform.
Our Mum, Dorothy Hobson, was in the land Army and it is only in recent times that some of these women received an acknowledgement. Mum was one of them and few years back received her badge, which now as she has passed on is in the hands of one of her grandchildren.
Mum's Land Army Badge.
Mum and Dad married in St. Saviours church in Anfield, September 28th 1948. They lived in 'digs' for a while until they were able to buy a house in Granton Road, Anfield. (Mum moved us around quite a bit, never settling anywhere for very long.) Dad hated being cooped up and worked as a lorry driver most of his life, though did work for Crossville buses on the Southport route for a few years. He was soon back into the lorries though, a passion of his. He worked all his life till retiring in May 1986. Mum and Dad married in September and both passed away in September.
Dad pictured with a few Cawoods Lorries.
A ration book for petrol which belong to dad's mum, Jane Ellen Jones. She had a farm in Pentreath on the Isle of Anglesey during the war and needed fuel for the tractors.
Mum and Dad looking stylish and below pictured at Christmas 1983.
Submitted by Gwynne and Dorothy's daughters Barbara Jones and Wendy Moulton.
RICHARD JONES
Our Grandfather Richard Jones ( known as Dick ) was born 9th December 1887 in Liverpool.
In 1901 he was working as a shop/errand boy aged 14, and in
1904 as a bricklayer / labourer.
We have the following information about Richard. We must say how grateful our family is to the Fire Brigade Archivist "Simon Ryan" for supplying us with a great deal of the information.
1905 May 24 - Enlisted in the RMLI as Pte 13376 aged 17½ at Liverpool. He was 5’ 6” tall, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair.
May 25 - Drafted to RM Depot, Deal for training
Jne 27 - Passed the 3rd grade school certificate
Jly 10 - Passed the RN swimming test
1906 Apr 12 - Drafted to the Plymouth Division RM
1907 Jan 01 - Drafted to the Monmouth class armoured cruiser HMS CUMBERLAND as
part of a gun crew, she commissioned as a Cadets Training ship having been in reserve with a nucleus crew. She was attached to the North America and West Indies Station.
1909 May- He was one of the crew of CUMBERLAND’S B2 gun, one of her 14 6” guns,
who won the Gunlayers competition, scoring 9 hits from 11 rounds.
Sep 07 - Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
1910 Jne 06 - Passed the Army signalling test
Jne 28 - Drafted to the Majestic class battleship HMS HANNIBAL which was temporary guard ship at Devonport
Jly 23 - Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
Aug 09 - Drafted to the Crescent class protected cruiser HMS ROYAL ARTHUR part of a nucleus crew, the ship being in reserve in the 4th Division
Oct 06 - Drafted to HMS TAMAR the base ship at Hong Kong for service with the RM
detachment at Wei-Hia-Wei, China
1912 Nov 09 - Drafted back to HMS TAMAR
Nov 27 - Embarked on the SS NORE for passage home
Dec 31 - Docked in the UK
1913 Jan 11- Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
Feb 19 - Attached to the Divisional Police at Devonport
Aug 16 - Discharged by purchase
Aug 17 - Enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve Class ‘B’, under training until Aug 23
- Returned to Liverpool
- Married Mary Connor, the couple had 8 children
In 1901 he was working as a shop/errand boy aged 14, and in
1904 as a bricklayer / labourer.
We have the following information about Richard. We must say how grateful our family is to the Fire Brigade Archivist "Simon Ryan" for supplying us with a great deal of the information.
1905 May 24 - Enlisted in the RMLI as Pte 13376 aged 17½ at Liverpool. He was 5’ 6” tall, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair.
May 25 - Drafted to RM Depot, Deal for training
Jne 27 - Passed the 3rd grade school certificate
Jly 10 - Passed the RN swimming test
1906 Apr 12 - Drafted to the Plymouth Division RM
1907 Jan 01 - Drafted to the Monmouth class armoured cruiser HMS CUMBERLAND as
part of a gun crew, she commissioned as a Cadets Training ship having been in reserve with a nucleus crew. She was attached to the North America and West Indies Station.
1909 May- He was one of the crew of CUMBERLAND’S B2 gun, one of her 14 6” guns,
who won the Gunlayers competition, scoring 9 hits from 11 rounds.
Sep 07 - Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
1910 Jne 06 - Passed the Army signalling test
Jne 28 - Drafted to the Majestic class battleship HMS HANNIBAL which was temporary guard ship at Devonport
Jly 23 - Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
Aug 09 - Drafted to the Crescent class protected cruiser HMS ROYAL ARTHUR part of a nucleus crew, the ship being in reserve in the 4th Division
Oct 06 - Drafted to HMS TAMAR the base ship at Hong Kong for service with the RM
detachment at Wei-Hia-Wei, China
1912 Nov 09 - Drafted back to HMS TAMAR
Nov 27 - Embarked on the SS NORE for passage home
Dec 31 - Docked in the UK
1913 Jan 11- Drafted back to Plymouth Division RM
Feb 19 - Attached to the Divisional Police at Devonport
Aug 16 - Discharged by purchase
Aug 17 - Enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve Class ‘B’, under training until Aug 23
- Returned to Liverpool
- Married Mary Connor, the couple had 8 children
Richard Second from left in rear row. Aboard the HMS CUMBERLAND in 1909
1914 Jly 15 - Recalled for annual training, drafted to the old Majestic class battleship HMS JUPITER which commissioned as the guardship for the Humber and Tyne
Aug 05 - Drafted to the HMS OCEANIC, a 17,274t White Star liner. She had been taken over by the Admiralty and fitted out as an armed merchant cruiser
Sep 08 - The OCEANIC which had sailed from Lerwick, was stranded on Hoevdi Grund, a reef off Foula Is in the Shetland Islands and wrecked, everyone on-board was however taken off by the trawler GLENOGIL and taken to Aberdeen
Sep 12 - Drafted back to Plymouth Div RM served in but not drafted to the light cruiser HMS FORWARD attached to the 7th Destroyer Flotilla on the Humber & the HMS ALSATIAN an armed merchant cruiser.
Oct 21 - Drafted to HMS RINALDO a sloop dating from 1900 and part of Rear Admiral the Honourable Horace Hood’s force sent at the request of the Allied Commander in Chief General Joffre to help protect the channel ports of Dunkirk & Nieuport which were under threat from the German advance through France and Belgium. His squadron consisted of his flagship the destroyer HMS CRUSADER, the old 2nd class protected cruisers HMS BRILLIANT & SIRIUS, 3 ex Brazilian monitors taken over by the RN HMS SEVERN, MERSEY & HUMBER, 3 sloops HMS RINALDO, VESTAL & WILDFIRE, 2 gunboats HMS EXCELLENT & BUSTARD and 6 torpedo boat destroyers. They bombarded German forces in Belgium during which 14 men in the RINALDO were wounded by German counter shellfire. It was said that over one period of 2 days and 1 night’s shelling over 4,000 Germans were killed.
- Accommodated in the Destroyer Depot ship HMS ST GEORGE a former Edgar class
protected cruiser also part of the Humber Patrol supporting Admiral Hood.
Dec 19 - Drafted back to Plymouth Div RM
1915 Jan 24 - Drafted to HMS HILARY a 6,329grt Booth Line ship built in 1908 for the Liverpool-Le Havre-Amazon service. She had been taken over as an armed merchant cruiser in December 1914 by the Admiralty and attached to the 10th Cruiser Sqn on the Northern Patrol (torpedoed & sunk by U-88, 40m west of Lerwick on 25 May 1917)
Feb - Detached to the SS ANGLIA a London & NW Railway Co steamer built in 1900 for the Holyhead-Dublin service (she was sunk later in the year)
- Detached to the SS Duke of CORNWALL built in 1898 for the Fleetwood-Larne joint service of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway & the LNER. By 1914 she was had transferred to the Hull-Zebrugge service.
Mar - Detached to the SS CARRIBEAN
- Detached to the HMS AMBROSE a 4,588grt Booth Line ship built for the Liverpool-Le Havre-Amazon service. She had been taken over by the Admiralty in December 1914 for use as an armed merchant cruiser and attached to the 10th Cruiser Sqn on the Northern Patrol. On 12 Mar she was missed by 3 torpedoes fired from U-27 whilst she was in the Oversay Channel, North Minches on passage to Liverpool for conversion to a submarine depot ship.
- Detached to the SS MONTAGUE
1917 Mar 28 - Drafted back to Plymouth Div RM
Oct 06 - Drafted to HMS PRESIDENT III at Crystal Palace, training RNVR men for Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (DAMS)
1918 Jne 13 - His brother John had emigrated to Australia. He later enlisted under the alias of J Brown as Pte 6461 of the 7th Bn Australian Imperial Force. He was killed in action and buried at Borre British Cemetery in grave II A 27, as J Jones. He left all his estate to a cousin Mrs Jane Simpson, 50 Cavendish St, Glasgow, Richard entered in
considerable correspondence with the Australian Army over the estate.
1919 Jan 30 - Drafted back to Plymouth Div RM
Feb 06 - Granted 28 days terminal leave
Mar 06 - Demobilised after a total of 14 years service as a regular and a
reservist in the rank of LCpl
Aug 06 - He was initially told that at age 32 he was too old to join the Police. Joined the LPFB just after the Police strike as Fm 331’H’, aged 31½ , posted to Hatton Garden A Watch
1920 Aug 05 - His son Gerard Edward was B at Kilshaw St
1923 Aug 07 17.10 hrs - Whist at Egremont Pier on the Wirral on a rest day he rescued three people who were drowning in the Mersey. After the incident qv, he mislaid his whistle and keys and had to write a formal report to the Sgt at Hatton Garden on the loss.
Nov 30 - He received his share of Supplementary Prize Share (Money) a total of £12-1s-8d from the RN
- Detached to Essex St
Two of the ships that Richard sailed with. HMS Cumberland and below HMS Douglas.
1939 Aug - Awarded a Bronze Police GS medal for 20 years service
1941 Jan 17 - Promoted T/Sgt
Aug 18 - Transferred to the NFS in the rank of Sec Ldr
1944 Aug 06 - Awarded a Silver Police GS medal
1948 Mar 26 - Retired on pension after 28½ years service aged 60
1959 Dec 27 - Richard passed away aged 72
Richard's service certificates with the Police and Fire Bigade
Medals:
1914 -1915 Star
WW1 War medal
Victory medal
Defence medal
LS&HS Marine medal
City of Liverpool Police Silver Good Service medal 1944
City of Liverpool Police Bronze Good Service medal
He was awarded 4 chevrons for his war service, worn on his right cuff
56 Kilshaw St, W Derby 1918 / 1920
43 Fitzgerald Rd by 1941-1959 damaged by bombing, repaired
He wrote a history of the main events in WW1 in a pocket book 96 pages plus 5
listing RN and German naval ships
I know in between Kilshaw St and Fitzgerald, he lived around Greenfield Rd -
Bombed Out
Derby Lane - Bombed Out - 2/3 May 1941 - The date of the Pemberton Rd Bombing, when those people where tragically killed and houses were destroyed.
Submitted by his Grandchildren. Mary, Martin, Gerard and Tom
ARTHUR JOHN JUDGE
My Grandma's first husband Arthur John Judge served with the 1st South Lancashire Regiment in India. He served in France, he was a Company Sergeant Major and was Gazzeted 17/12/1917 (Coy. S.M. (A./R.S.M.) J. Judge, S.Lan. R. (L'pool).
Submitted by Jacky Dobbins
Submitted by Jacky Dobbins
DAVID PATRICK KEAN
Private David Patrick Kean 14675 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 9th Bn. Killed in action 01/07/1916. He lived at 75 Collingwood street.
David is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boisselle in France, and remembered on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
David is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boisselle in France, and remembered on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
MAUREEN KILBRIDE ( Nee FLAHERTY )
The date is the 12th of March 1941 and Hitler decides yet again it would be a good idea to bomb those cocky Scousers. Lace Street became a target, and whether by accident or design sadly 125 people died that night. The tenements where we lived took a hit and one end of the street was almost totally demolished. Our Frank and Veronica both got buried under the rubble. Ron was there for a few days until she was dug out, and I was thrown out of the window about five or six weeks old, and was caught by a priest from Holy Cross.
Picture the scene. People dying, houses ablaze and in our case building ready to collapse. The only way out is through the window either by climbing down the building or jumping down because the stairs are gone. The whole family are almost out with just what was on our backs, but here is where the black humour comes in. My dad decided he had to turn back for the canary the family pet and a quantity of sausage my mam had managed to get. My mam is almost hysterical and is shouting for him to get out but my dad's philosophy is that you can't leave a defenceless bird to die in a burning building, and he wasn't leaving the sausage which was for the dinner that night because everything was rationed. Can't argue with that can you?
There are not that many of that generation left and my generation is probably the last who remember anything at all about the war, but in a way that's a good thing. I wouldn't like my grandchildren to ever experience anything like that, but we should never forget those who died to let live the way we do.
