View allAll Photos Tagged Tailoress
Loving memory of Edith Maria,
Dearly beloved wife of Henry Sissen,
Who died 27th July 1927, aged 61 years.
And in remembrance of John,
Son of the above.
Killed in action 27th August 1917.
Aged 19 years.
United, Thine for ever, God of Love.
Also of Henry Sissen, husband of the above,
Who died 17th February 1935, aged 83 years.
Name: SISSEN, JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 1st/8th Bn.
Date of Death: 27/08/1917
Service No: 29375
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Edith Maria Sissen, of King's Villa, Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk
Memorial Reference: Panel 23 to 28 and 163A.
Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3064994
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has the 3 year John living at The Street, Costessey. This is the household of his parents, Henry, aged 49 and a Bricklayer from Costessey, and Edith, aged 30 and a Tailoress from Norwich. Their other children are Arthur, aged 6, Henry, aged 15 and a Shoemakers apprentice, Stephen, aged 8, and William, aged under 1.
A history of the 48th Division, of which the 1st/8th Warwicks were part, includes the following battle honours for 1917.
Local operations around St. Julian. 19, 22, 27 Aug 1917
www.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net/site/warpath/divs/48_div...
However, it would appear that the 143rd Brigade, which included the 1st/8ths, were the divisional reserve on this day, as only the 144th and 145th Brigades appear in these records of the action.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&...
There is some family research on-line in connection with John.
www.martinzuerner.co.uk/descendants-chart.htm
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNc2INfhqAw
This site has a (small) picture of John.
…………...In Ever…………
………….Loving Memory…….
…………………of…………….
……….ALFRED EDWARD….
……..the beloved husband of….
…..EVELINE ADA COSSEY…
………Died 19th Octr 1924…….
…………Aged 34 years………..
So quick, so sudden, was the call
His sudden death surprised us all
It was Gods will, we’ll not complain
But trust in Heaven to meet again.
……………….Also…………..
ALFRED EDWARD RICHARD
……only son of the above…….
……..suddenly in France……..
………..April 9th 1939………..
………God willed it so………..
..EVELINE ADA DUFFIELD…
…Beloved wife of the late…….
.ALFRED EDWARD COSSEY.
….Died 8th February1971……
…….Aged 79 years…………
….Lifes work well done…….
Most likely
1890 – Birth
The birth of an Alfred Edward Cossey was registered in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1890.
1891 Census of England and Wales
The 10 month old Alfred E, born Norwich, was recorded living at 65a Oak Street, Norwich. This was the household of his grand-parents, John, (53, a Horse Hair Weaver born Norwich) and Lauretta, (49, born Norwich), Russen. Living with then are their son-in law Alfred E Cossey, (21, a Baker, born Norwich) and their married daughter Lauretta, (22, an employed Tailoress born Norwich). Other children of John and Lauretta Russen still single and living at home are Elizabeth, (16, Tailoress, born Norwich), Samuel, (12, born Norwich) and Joseph W., (5, born Norwich).
There is no obvious match for his second wife and her family on this census, although she would have been 5 to 6 weeks old when it was taken.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The 10 year old Alfred Ed was now living with his parents at 69 Oak Street, Norwich – the Russens live next door at 67 Oak Street. Father Alfred Ed, (31), is running a Bakers, Grocers and Confectioners shop from this address. As well as wife Lauretta, (32) and son Alfred Ed., also living with them are:-
Wilfred “Hy”……….aged 9……Norwich
Arthur “Jas”………..aged 7…….Norwich
Frank “Jno”………..aged 5……..Norwich
The nearest thing to a match on this census for his first wife is a 10 year old Bessie Newham, born Chailey, Sussex, who was recorded living with her parents at Chailey. While she does not appear on the 1911 there is nothing to connect the family or her at this stage with Norwich.
His second wife, Eveline A Browne, was recorded aged 10 and born Norwich, living at 18 Napier Street, Norwich. This was the household of her parents, Richard H, (42, Tinsmith, born Norwich), and Elizabeth, (38, born Bramerton, Norfolk). The Brownes have 6 other children living with them at this time.
1908 – First Marriage
The marriage of Alfred Edward Cossey to either Ellen Edith Storey or Elizabeth Bessie Newham, was recorded in the Norwich District in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1908.
At that stage the centralised marriage indexes weren’t cross-referenced and there were usually two marriages to each page of the local register. While a great deal of work has been done over the years on various genealogy sites to at least tie up the four individuals on a particular page based on the Marriage Index, its still a bit hit and miss. Checking Ellen and Elizabeth, the other Groom was a George Arthur Butcher.
As I can find an Ellen who has been married to a George Butcher for two years living in Norwich on the 1911 Census, I suspect it is Elizabeth Bessie that married Alfred Cossey, however given the information on the 1911 census, I checked but could not find the death of an Elizabeth B Cossey – the nearest to a match is the death of an Elizabeth Cossey, aged 21, in the Norwich in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1910. Note – there does not appear to be a birth record for an Elizabeth B Newham at anytime from 1837 onwards in England and Wales.
The birth of a Laura Ellen Cossey was recorded in Norwich in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1909.
1911 Census of England and Wales
The Cosseys have now moved their shop to 160 Oak Street, Norwich. Father Alfred E, (42, Baker and Grocer) and mother Lauretta, (42), have been married 21 years and have had 4 children, all then still alive. All four were then still living with them – but son Alfred E, (20 and a Baker), was recorded as a Widower and also in the household is a 2 year old grand-daughter, Laura E Cossey, born Norwich – so presumably Alfreds’ daughter.
The other children of Alfred and Lauretta still living at home are Wilfred H, (19, Baker, working at home), Arthur J, (17, Baker, working at home) and Frank J., (15, Clicker in the Boot Trade).
His second wife, Eveline Ada Browne, (20) was serving as Housekeeper to her Widower father who was still living at 18 Napier Street. Richard Henry Browne, (50), states he was married 29 years and has had 10 children, of which 7 were then still alive.
1912 – Second Marriage
The marriage of an Alfred E Cossey to an Eveline A Browne was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1912.
Post August 1911 it had become compulsory when registering a birth in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A search of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for 1911-1983 produces 7 matches, all in Norfolk. The last two were in the late forties, so the children of Alfred and Eveline are likely to be:-
Evelyn E……Norwich District….July to September 1913
Doris A……..Norwich District….July to September 1914
Elsie A……..Norwich District…..April to June 1918
Edna M…….Norwich District…..April to June 1921
Alfred E R….Norwich District….July to September 1923
Great War
There is no Medal Index Card for an Alfred \ Alfred E Cossey, although he may have been home-service only or served in the Royal Navy\Royal Air Force.
19th October 1924 – death of Alfred
Date from the headstone.
The death of a Alfred E Cossey was recorded in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1924.
The 1924 Probate Calendar records that Alfred Edward Cossey, (the younger) of King Street, Norwich, died on the 19th October 1924. Probate was granted at the Norwich Court on the 25th November 1924 to Eveline Ada Cossey, widow, and Robert Duffield, commercial traveller. His effects were valued at £3,116 12s 1d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar#calendar
1931 Marriage of Eveline
The marriage of Evaline A.Cossey to Robert Duffield was recorded in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1931.
April 9th 1939 – death in France of Alfred Edward Richard
The 1939 Probate Calendar records that Alfred Edward Richard Cossey, of 79, King Street, Norwich, died on the 9th April 1939 at the Hotel Cochin, Paris. Administration was granted at the Norwich Court on the 24th May 1939 to Eveline Ada Duffield, (wife of Robert Duffield). His effects were valued at £218 15s 4d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar#calendar
8th February1971 – Death of Eveline Ada
The death of Eveline Ada Duffield, born 10th February 1891, was recorded in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1971.
The 1971 Probate Calendar records that an Eveline Ada Duffield, of 270, Unthank Road, Norwich, died on the 8th February 1971. By this time Executors were no longer listed in the published Calendar. Her effects were valued at £8,670.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Duffield&am...
Bogyoke Aung San market, Yangon (the market formerly known as Scott's, and the city formerly known as Rangoon - how the poetic-sounding certainties of one's youth change).
She's a seamstress or tailoress. They have an area upstairs at the back of the market, which is extremely large. You can see her sewing machine - quite an antique. She's gone all shy because of the camera, and she's covering her face with her long, beautiful hair. A proper Burmese girl, in fact - one must be shy.
Long hair is, or was, the sign of an unmarried girl - married women wear their hair up. Or so it used to be. Dunno about these days. Times are changing. But the delightful shyness and at the same time the curiosity and friendliness are still there.
A poem:
When I was young and had no sense
In far-off Mandalay
I lost my heart to a Burmese girl
As lovely as the day.
Her skin was gold, her hair was jet,
Her teeth were ivory;
I said, "for twenty silver pieces,
Maiden, sleep with me".
She looked at me, so pure, so sad,
The loveliest thing alive,
And in her lisping, virgin voice,
Stood out for twenty-five.
First person to provide the author's name (which will surprise you) gets a prize - a free one-way ticket to Yangon. (Sorry, can't afford a return - you'll have to walk back).
In 2011 this was the site of Henderson Jewellers. Three female shop workers stand in front of the shop. The person in the middle is Jean McDougall who was a tailoress at the shop.
Unknown photographer. Copyright reserved.
North Lanarkshire Archives U34/2371
Chinatown, Singapore.
Please contact me to arrange the use of any of my images. They are copyright, all rights reserved.
Treasured Memories
Of my dearly beloved husband
WALLACE NELSON BROWN
Passed away June 27th 1936
After Years of Suffering through the Great War
Aged 52 years
Rest Weary Heart.
The 1911 census has a Wallace Nelson Brown born circa 1884 at Battersea, London who was recorded in the Wandsworth district on the night of the census. There are no likely matches Wallace Browns on the Genes Re-united transcription of that census with a Norfolk connection or the 1901 and 1891 censuses.
On the 1901 census, the 17 year old Wallace N, born Battersea and a Railway Porter, was recorded at 18 Lambourne Road, Clapham, Wandsworth, London. This was the household of his widowed mother, Georgina Brown, (aged 59 and from Nth(?) Lavington, Wiltshire - recorded as living off own means). Living with her are her other children:-
Ellen S…………aged 38.…….born Nth(?) Lavington, Wilts………….Button Hole Machinist
Eva G…………..aged 35.…….born Westminster, London…………….Tailoress
On the 1891 census, the 7 year old Wallace N, (transcribed as Wallace W on the Genes Reunited site) was recorded at 49 Stanley Street, Battersea, His birthplace is simply listed as London. Head of the household is Georgina, aged 49 and already a widow. Georgina is shown as coming from Wiltshire. Other children living with her at this time were:-
Ellen S…………….aged 28.………born Wiltshire……….Tailoress
Eva S………………aged 25.………born London………..Tailoress
Wm S (Presumably William)..aged 19.…born London……..General Labourer
Ernest G(?)………..aged 17.………born London…………General Labourer
Edward……………aged 9.…………born London
The marriage of a Wallace Nelson Brown took place in the Wandsworth District in the January to March 1910 quarter. As the marriage took place prior to 1912, his spouses name isn’t recorded on the index, but using other searches its possible to confirm that his wife was an Edith Mary Heath. By the time of the 1911 census, Wallace Nelson Brown is in the same household as an Edith Mary Brown, born circa 1881 at Clapham..
There is no obvious medal index card for a Wallace Nelson or Wallace N Brown in the National Archive but possibly he could have been in the Navy.
he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 8 February 1915, and served at Gallipoli before being transferred to the Western Front. In just over twelve months he was commissioned and decorated four times for his bravery.
An apprentice boilermaker before the war, Maxwell returned to Australia in 1919 and worked as a gardener. In 1932, he published Hell's Bells and Mademoiselles, a book written in collaboration with Hugh Buggy about his war experiences. Attempting to enlist for service during the Second World War, Maxwell was rejected on the grounds of his age before enlisting under an alias in Queensland; his identity was discovered, and after a short period in a training position, he sought discharge. In 1967, aged 71, he died of a heart attack.
Contents
1 Early life
2 First World War
2.1 Training, February 1915 to Western Front, May 1917
2.2 Western Front: May 1917 to August 1918
2.3 Victoria Cross, October 1918 to repatriation, August 1919
3 Later life
4 Notes
5 References
6 External links
7 Honours and awards
Early life
Maxwell was born in the Sydney suburb of Forest Lodge,[2][3] New South Wales, on 10 February 1896 to John Maxwell, a labourer, and his wife Elizabeth, née Stokes.[4] A member of the Senior Australian Army Cadets for three years,[5] he worked as an apprentice boilermaker at an engineering works near Newcastle upon leaving school.[4] For two years, he served as a member of the Citizens Military Forces, and on 6 February 1915, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force enticed by the prospects of better pay.[1][5]
First World War
Training, February 1915 to Western Front, May 1917
Having received his initial training at Liverpool Camp,[3] Maxwell was allotted to "B" Company of the 18th Battalion as a lance corporal, and embarked for Egypt aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 May 1915.[6] The 18th Battalion trained in Egypt from mid-June until mid-August, before proceeding to Gallipoli, where they landed at Anzac Cove on 22 August.[7] The battalion fought its first battle on the same day, staging an attack on the Turkish-held Hill 60. The engagement lasted until 29 August, with half of the battalion becoming casualties,[7] and Maxwell briefly assuming the duties of a stretcher bearer.[8]
Maxwell served at Gallipoli with his unit until 2 December, when he was admitted to 5th Field Ambulance and evacuated from the peninsula suffering from jaundice. Admitted to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, he remained there until 11 December, when he was posted to a convalescent camp at Ras el Tin. He rejoined the 18th Battalion on 5 January 1916,[5] which had been evacuated from the Gallipolli Peninsula on 20 December the previous year and posted to Egypt.[7] On 4 February, Maxwell was admitted to the Australian Dermatological Hospital, Abbassia with venereal disease. He returned to his battalion four days before it embarked for France, and the Western Front on 18 March.[5]
Arriving in Marseilles, France, Maxwell was admitted to 7th Australian Field Ambulance and then transferred to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital following wounds sustained during battle.[5][9] He was moved to the 1st Convalescent Depot on 2 May, and then discharged to Base Details eleven days later. He was later found guilty of breaking ranks at the 07:30 parade on the same day and being absent without leave from 08:00 until 13:00 on 24 May; for this transgression, he was reduced to the ranks. Rejoining his battalion on 1 June,[5] he took part in the Battle of Pozières and received a promotion to sergeant in October.[3][7]
Suffering synovitis to his right knee, Maxwell was hospitalised for two days and posted to a training battalion in England on 28 November 1916. He stayed there for five months before embarking for France on 9 May 1917 and rejoining the 18th Battalion five days later.[5] Maxwell was only briefly in France before being selected for officer training. Shortly after arriving in England, he attended a boisterous party with a group of soldiers. The military police raided the party and called the local police for assistance after confronting Maxwell's group. Maxwell was fined £20 and sent back to his unit for his actions.[10]
Western Front: May 1917 to August 1918
Maxwell was again selected for officer training, and on 5 July, he was posted to No. 6 Officers' Cadet Battalion. He was promoted to company sergeant major on 7 August, before rejoining the 18th Battalion on 11 September.[5] Nine days later, he was engaged in action near Westhoek during the Third Battle of Ypres when he performed the deeds that earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal.[3] In the battle, the commander of a platoon was killed; Maxwell took command and led it into attack. Noticing that one of the newly captured positions was under heavy fire, Maxwell dashed to it and led the men to a safer and more tactically secure position, thus minimizing casualties.[2][11]
Commissioned in the field as a second lieutenant on 29 September,[12] Maxwell took part in the engagements around Poelcappelle, Belgium, the following month.[7] He earned promotion to lieutenant on 1 January 1918 and was admitted to the 7th Australian Field Ambulance on 10 January suffering scabies. Having been discharged from the hospital, he rejoined the 18th Battalion on 17 January.[5]
Studio portrait of Lt. J. Maxwell
On 8 March,[13] Maxwell commanded a scouting patrol that was operating to the east of Ploegsteert. Having obtained the required information, he ordered the patrol to withdraw.[12] He and three of his men were covering the withdrawal of the main body when he noticed about thirty Germans nearby.[2] Recalling the patrol, he led an attack against the party, which had sheltered in an old trench; the Germans quickly withdrew, leaving three dead and one wounded prisoner of war.[13] Maxwell was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during this engagement, news of which was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 13 May 1918.[14]
Throughout the spring of 1918, the 18th Battalion was involved in operations to repel the German offensive.[7] Maxwell took part in these actions until he was granted leave and went back to England on 17 July. He returned to France and rejoined the 18th Battalion on 1 August,[5] before taking part in the Battle of Amiens where he was to earn a bar to his Military Cross. On 9 August, the battalion was preparing to attack near Rainecourt. Maxwell took command of the company after all of its other officers became casualties. Under his leadership, the company was able to attack on time, despite being subjected to heavy fire. A tank that preceded the advance immediately became the object of enemy fire and was knocked out by a 77 mm gun.[2] Maxwell, who was in close proximity, rushed over and opened the hatch, allowing the crew to escape. After escorting the tank commander to safety, Maxwell returned to lead the company in the attack, which succeeded in reaching and consolidating their objective.[15] The award of the bar was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 1 February 1919.[16]
Victoria Cross, October 1918 to repatriation, August 1919
On 3 October 1918, the 5th Brigade—of which the 18th Battalion was part—became engaged in its last battle of the First World War when breaching the Hindenburg Line close to Beaurevoir and Montbrehain. While taking part in this battle, Maxwell was a member of the attacking party along the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line when he performed the acts for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.[17]
Early in the advance, Maxwell's company commander was severely wounded, resulting in Maxwell assuming control. Reaching the German barbwire defences under intense machine-gun fire, the company suffered heavy casualties, including all of the officers except Maxwell. Pushing forward alone through a narrow passageway in the wire, Maxwell captured the most dangerous machine gun, killed three Germans and took another four as prisoners; thereby enabling the company to move through the wire and reach their objective.[2][18] Shortly afterwards, it was noticed that the company on their left flank was held up and failing to advance. Gathering a party of men, Maxwell led the group in an attempt to attack the German force from the rear. They soon came under heavy machine gun fire, and, single-handedly, Maxwell dashed forward and attacked the foremost gun. Firing his revolver, he managed to shoot five of the crew and silence the gun.[18]
Later in the advance, Maxwell learnt from an English-speaking prisoner that a group of Germans in the adjacent post wished to surrender, but were afraid to give themselves up.[19] Accompanied by two privates and the prisoner—who was to act as an interpreter—Maxwell approached the post.[20] The three Australians, however, were immediately surrounded by a group of twenty German soldiers and disarmed. They seemed set to become prisoners themselves, before an artillery barrage fell on the position. Taking advantage of the resulting confusion,[21] Maxwell pulled out a concealed revolver and shot two of the Germans before escaping with his men under heavy rifle fire; one of the privates was subsequently wounded. Organising a party of men, he immediately attacked and captured the post.[22]
The full citation for Maxwell's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette on 6 January 1919, it read:[23]
War Office, 6th January, 1919
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men: —
Lt. Joseph Maxwell, M.C., D.C.M., 18th Bn., A.I.F.
For most conspicuous bravery and leadership in attack on the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line near Estates, North of St. Quentin, on the 3rd October, 1918.
His company commander was severely wounded early in the advance, and Lt. Maxwell at once took charge. The enemy wire when reached under intense fire was found to be exceptionally strong and closely supported by machine guns, whereupon Lt. Maxwell pushed forward single-handed through the wire and captured the most dangerous gun, killing three and capturing four enemy. He thus enabled his company to penetrate the wire and reach the objective. Later, he again dashed forward and silenced, single-handed, a gun which was holding up a flank company. Subsequently, when with two men only he attempted to capture a strong party of the enemy, he handled a most involved situation very skilfully, and it was due to his resource that he and his comrades escaped.
Throughout the day Lt. Maxwell set a high example of personal bravery, coupled with excellent judgment and quick decision.
The 18th Battalion was training away from the frontline when the Armistice was declared on 11 November 1918.[7] On 8 March 1919, Maxwell was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.[3] He headed for Australia on 1 May aboard HT China, disembarking at Melbourne on 8 June and proceeding to Sydney, where he was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force on 20 August.[5]
Later life
Following demobilisation, Maxwell worked as a gardener in Canberra, Moree and the Maitland district.[24] Having described himself as a reporter, Maxwell married 19-year-old tailoress Mabel Maxwell (unrelated) in a Catholic ceremony at Bellevue Hill, Sydney on 14 February 1921. The marriage produced a daughter, Jean, before being dissolved in 1926 upon Mabel's instigation.[4]
Joseph Maxwell (left) and John Patrick Hamilton (right) visit the grave of fellow Australian VC recipient Lewis McGee in Passchendaele, Belgium.
On 11 November 1929, Maxwell attended the New South Wales Dinner for recipients of the Victoria Cross in Sydney, and 1932 saw the publication of Hell's Bells and Mademoiselles, a book written in collaboration with Hugh Buggy about his experiences in the war. At the time, Maxwell was working as a gardener with the Department of the Interior in Canberra.[25] The book was a success, but Maxwell soon spent what money he made from it.[26] The following year, he acted as a defence witness in the trial of Alfred Jamieson, who was accused of housebreaking. Maxwell was Jamieson's former platoon commander and testified that Jamieson had been of good character but had been strongly affected by the war.[25]
After the outbreak of the Second World War, Maxwell made several attempts to enlist, but was unsuccessful due to his age,[4] and deteriorating health.[26] He eventually travelled to Queensland,[24] where he enlisted under the alias of Joseph Wells on 27 June 1940.[27] However, his identity was soon discovered and he was given a training position; dissatisfied, he took his discharge on 9 September 1940.[28]
In 1952, Maxwell joined the contingent of Victoria Cross recipients invited to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.[26] On 6 March 1956, describing himself as a journalist from Bondi, Maxwell married widow Anne Martin, née Burton, in Sydney.[4] Three years later, he attended the Victoria Cross centenary celebrations in London, before later re-visiting the battlefields in France. In 1964, together with his wife, Maxwell attended the opening of the VC Corner in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. He was determined that his Victoria Cross would not wind up in the collection, believing that the award would be devalued by "lumping" them together.[28]
On 6 July 1967, Maxwell collapsed and died of a heart attack in a street in his home town Matraville, New South Wales. He had been an invalid pensioner for some time. His funeral service took place with full military honours at St Mathias Anglican Church, Paddington.[28] Having been cremated, his ashes were interred at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium in Botany.[24] Anne Maxwell presented her husband's medals to the Army Museum of New South Wales at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, and subsequently the medals, together with a portrait and a brass copy of his VC citation, were unveiled by the Minister of Defence, Allan Fairhall.[28] In 2003, Maxwell's medals were presented to the Australian War Memorial on a permanent loan basis
he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 8 February 1915, and served at Gallipoli before being transferred to the Western Front. In just over twelve months he was commissioned and decorated four times for his bravery.
An apprentice boilermaker before the war, Maxwell returned to Australia in 1919 and worked as a gardener. In 1932, he published Hell's Bells and Mademoiselles, a book written in collaboration with Hugh Buggy about his war experiences. Attempting to enlist for service during the Second World War, Maxwell was rejected on the grounds of his age before enlisting under an alias in Queensland; his identity was discovered, and after a short period in a training position, he sought discharge. In 1967, aged 71, he died of a heart attack.
Contents
1 Early life
2 First World War
2.1 Training, February 1915 to Western Front, May 1917
2.2 Western Front: May 1917 to August 1918
2.3 Victoria Cross, October 1918 to repatriation, August 1919
3 Later life
4 Notes
5 References
6 External links
7 Honours and awards
Early life
Maxwell was born in the Sydney suburb of Forest Lodge,[2][3] New South Wales, on 10 February 1896 to John Maxwell, a labourer, and his wife Elizabeth, née Stokes.[4] A member of the Senior Australian Army Cadets for three years,[5] he worked as an apprentice boilermaker at an engineering works near Newcastle upon leaving school.[4] For two years, he served as a member of the Citizens Military Forces, and on 6 February 1915, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force enticed by the prospects of better pay.[1][5]
First World War
Training, February 1915 to Western Front, May 1917
Having received his initial training at Liverpool Camp,[3] Maxwell was allotted to "B" Company of the 18th Battalion as a lance corporal, and embarked for Egypt aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 May 1915.[6] The 18th Battalion trained in Egypt from mid-June until mid-August, before proceeding to Gallipoli, where they landed at Anzac Cove on 22 August.[7] The battalion fought its first battle on the same day, staging an attack on the Turkish-held Hill 60. The engagement lasted until 29 August, with half of the battalion becoming casualties,[7] and Maxwell briefly assuming the duties of a stretcher bearer.[8]
Maxwell served at Gallipoli with his unit until 2 December, when he was admitted to 5th Field Ambulance and evacuated from the peninsula suffering from jaundice. Admitted to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, he remained there until 11 December, when he was posted to a convalescent camp at Ras el Tin. He rejoined the 18th Battalion on 5 January 1916,[5] which had been evacuated from the Gallipolli Peninsula on 20 December the previous year and posted to Egypt.[7] On 4 February, Maxwell was admitted to the Australian Dermatological Hospital, Abbassia with venereal disease. He returned to his battalion four days before it embarked for France, and the Western Front on 18 March.[5]
Arriving in Marseilles, France, Maxwell was admitted to 7th Australian Field Ambulance and then transferred to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital following wounds sustained during battle.[5][9] He was moved to the 1st Convalescent Depot on 2 May, and then discharged to Base Details eleven days later. He was later found guilty of breaking ranks at the 07:30 parade on the same day and being absent without leave from 08:00 until 13:00 on 24 May; for this transgression, he was reduced to the ranks. Rejoining his battalion on 1 June,[5] he took part in the Battle of Pozières and received a promotion to sergeant in October.[3][7]
Suffering synovitis to his right knee, Maxwell was hospitalised for two days and posted to a training battalion in England on 28 November 1916. He stayed there for five months before embarking for France on 9 May 1917 and rejoining the 18th Battalion five days later.[5] Maxwell was only briefly in France before being selected for officer training. Shortly after arriving in England, he attended a boisterous party with a group of soldiers. The military police raided the party and called the local police for assistance after confronting Maxwell's group. Maxwell was fined £20 and sent back to his unit for his actions.[10]
Western Front: May 1917 to August 1918
Maxwell was again selected for officer training, and on 5 July, he was posted to No. 6 Officers' Cadet Battalion. He was promoted to company sergeant major on 7 August, before rejoining the 18th Battalion on 11 September.[5] Nine days later, he was engaged in action near Westhoek during the Third Battle of Ypres when he performed the deeds that earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal.[3] In the battle, the commander of a platoon was killed; Maxwell took command and led it into attack. Noticing that one of the newly captured positions was under heavy fire, Maxwell dashed to it and led the men to a safer and more tactically secure position, thus minimizing casualties.[2][11]
Commissioned in the field as a second lieutenant on 29 September,[12] Maxwell took part in the engagements around Poelcappelle, Belgium, the following month.[7] He earned promotion to lieutenant on 1 January 1918 and was admitted to the 7th Australian Field Ambulance on 10 January suffering scabies. Having been discharged from the hospital, he rejoined the 18th Battalion on 17 January.[5]
Studio portrait of Lt. J. Maxwell
On 8 March,[13] Maxwell commanded a scouting patrol that was operating to the east of Ploegsteert. Having obtained the required information, he ordered the patrol to withdraw.[12] He and three of his men were covering the withdrawal of the main body when he noticed about thirty Germans nearby.[2] Recalling the patrol, he led an attack against the party, which had sheltered in an old trench; the Germans quickly withdrew, leaving three dead and one wounded prisoner of war.[13] Maxwell was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during this engagement, news of which was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 13 May 1918.[14]
Throughout the spring of 1918, the 18th Battalion was involved in operations to repel the German offensive.[7] Maxwell took part in these actions until he was granted leave and went back to England on 17 July. He returned to France and rejoined the 18th Battalion on 1 August,[5] before taking part in the Battle of Amiens where he was to earn a bar to his Military Cross. On 9 August, the battalion was preparing to attack near Rainecourt. Maxwell took command of the company after all of its other officers became casualties. Under his leadership, the company was able to attack on time, despite being subjected to heavy fire. A tank that preceded the advance immediately became the object of enemy fire and was knocked out by a 77 mm gun.[2] Maxwell, who was in close proximity, rushed over and opened the hatch, allowing the crew to escape. After escorting the tank commander to safety, Maxwell returned to lead the company in the attack, which succeeded in reaching and consolidating their objective.[15] The award of the bar was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 1 February 1919.[16]
Victoria Cross, October 1918 to repatriation, August 1919
On 3 October 1918, the 5th Brigade—of which the 18th Battalion was part—became engaged in its last battle of the First World War when breaching the Hindenburg Line close to Beaurevoir and Montbrehain. While taking part in this battle, Maxwell was a member of the attacking party along the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line when he performed the acts for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.[17]
Early in the advance, Maxwell's company commander was severely wounded, resulting in Maxwell assuming control. Reaching the German barbwire defences under intense machine-gun fire, the company suffered heavy casualties, including all of the officers except Maxwell. Pushing forward alone through a narrow passageway in the wire, Maxwell captured the most dangerous machine gun, killed three Germans and took another four as prisoners; thereby enabling the company to move through the wire and reach their objective.[2][18] Shortly afterwards, it was noticed that the company on their left flank was held up and failing to advance. Gathering a party of men, Maxwell led the group in an attempt to attack the German force from the rear. They soon came under heavy machine gun fire, and, single-handedly, Maxwell dashed forward and attacked the foremost gun. Firing his revolver, he managed to shoot five of the crew and silence the gun.[18]
Later in the advance, Maxwell learnt from an English-speaking prisoner that a group of Germans in the adjacent post wished to surrender, but were afraid to give themselves up.[19] Accompanied by two privates and the prisoner—who was to act as an interpreter—Maxwell approached the post.[20] The three Australians, however, were immediately surrounded by a group of twenty German soldiers and disarmed. They seemed set to become prisoners themselves, before an artillery barrage fell on the position. Taking advantage of the resulting confusion,[21] Maxwell pulled out a concealed revolver and shot two of the Germans before escaping with his men under heavy rifle fire; one of the privates was subsequently wounded. Organising a party of men, he immediately attacked and captured the post.[22]
The full citation for Maxwell's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette on 6 January 1919, it read:[23]
War Office, 6th January, 1919
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men: —
Lt. Joseph Maxwell, M.C., D.C.M., 18th Bn., A.I.F.
For most conspicuous bravery and leadership in attack on the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line near Estates, North of St. Quentin, on the 3rd October, 1918.
His company commander was severely wounded early in the advance, and Lt. Maxwell at once took charge. The enemy wire when reached under intense fire was found to be exceptionally strong and closely supported by machine guns, whereupon Lt. Maxwell pushed forward single-handed through the wire and captured the most dangerous gun, killing three and capturing four enemy. He thus enabled his company to penetrate the wire and reach the objective. Later, he again dashed forward and silenced, single-handed, a gun which was holding up a flank company. Subsequently, when with two men only he attempted to capture a strong party of the enemy, he handled a most involved situation very skilfully, and it was due to his resource that he and his comrades escaped.
Throughout the day Lt. Maxwell set a high example of personal bravery, coupled with excellent judgment and quick decision.
The 18th Battalion was training away from the frontline when the Armistice was declared on 11 November 1918.[7] On 8 March 1919, Maxwell was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.[3] He headed for Australia on 1 May aboard HT China, disembarking at Melbourne on 8 June and proceeding to Sydney, where he was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force on 20 August.[5]
Later life
Following demobilisation, Maxwell worked as a gardener in Canberra, Moree and the Maitland district.[24] Having described himself as a reporter, Maxwell married 19-year-old tailoress Mabel Maxwell (unrelated) in a Catholic ceremony at Bellevue Hill, Sydney on 14 February 1921. The marriage produced a daughter, Jean, before being dissolved in 1926 upon Mabel's instigation.[4]
Joseph Maxwell (left) and John Patrick Hamilton (right) visit the grave of fellow Australian VC recipient Lewis McGee in Passchendaele, Belgium.
On 11 November 1929, Maxwell attended the New South Wales Dinner for recipients of the Victoria Cross in Sydney, and 1932 saw the publication of Hell's Bells and Mademoiselles, a book written in collaboration with Hugh Buggy about his experiences in the war. At the time, Maxwell was working as a gardener with the Department of the Interior in Canberra.[25] The book was a success, but Maxwell soon spent what money he made from it.[26] The following year, he acted as a defence witness in the trial of Alfred Jamieson, who was accused of housebreaking. Maxwell was Jamieson's former platoon commander and testified that Jamieson had been of good character but had been strongly affected by the war.[25]
After the outbreak of the Second World War, Maxwell made several attempts to enlist, but was unsuccessful due to his age,[4] and deteriorating health.[26] He eventually travelled to Queensland,[24] where he enlisted under the alias of Joseph Wells on 27 June 1940.[27] However, his identity was soon discovered and he was given a training position; dissatisfied, he took his discharge on 9 September 1940.[28]
In 1952, Maxwell joined the contingent of Victoria Cross recipients invited to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.[26] On 6 March 1956, describing himself as a journalist from Bondi, Maxwell married widow Anne Martin, née Burton, in Sydney.[4] Three years later, he attended the Victoria Cross centenary celebrations in London, before later re-visiting the battlefields in France. In 1964, together with his wife, Maxwell attended the opening of the VC Corner in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. He was determined that his Victoria Cross would not wind up in the collection, believing that the award would be devalued by "lumping" them together.[28]
On 6 July 1967, Maxwell collapsed and died of a heart attack in a street in his home town Matraville, New South Wales. He had been an invalid pensioner for some time. His funeral service took place with full military honours at St Mathias Anglican Church, Paddington.[28] Having been cremated, his ashes were interred at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium in Botany.[24] Anne Maxwell presented her husband's medals to the Army Museum of New South Wales at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, and subsequently the medals, together with a portrait and a brass copy of his VC citation, were unveiled by the Minister of Defence, Allan Fairhall.[28] In 2003, Maxwell's medals were presented to the Australian War Memorial on a permanent loan basis
GRACE.-On November 22, 1918, at the Auckland Hospital. David Patrick. Grace, dearly-beloved second son of Catherine and the late David Grace (returned soidier, 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade); aged 34 years.—B.l.P. Funeral notice later.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19181123.2.2.1
ROLL OF HONOUR.
GRACE.—On November 22. 1918, at the Auckland Hospital. David Patrick, dearly beloved second son of Catherine and the late David Grace, of 4, Upper Vincent Street (returned soldier 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade), aged 34 years. R.I.P
Military funeral will leave 4, Upper Vlncent Street, at 1.30 p.m. to-morrow (Sunday) November 24th, 1918, for Waikumete Cemetery.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19181123.2.22
BURIED WITH MILITARY HONOURS
PRIVATE D. P. GRACE.
Private David. P. Grace, who died of influenza on Friday was buried at Waikumete cemetery yesterday with military honours. The gun-carriage was provided by the Auckland detachment of the Field Artillery. The firing party consisted of returned soldiers. Private Grace, whose mother, Mrs. C. Grace, resides in Upper Vincent Street, left New Zealand with the ninth reinforcements. He was wounded at the Somme battle in 1916, and returned to New Zealand about eighteen months ago.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19181125.2.85
MRS. CATHERINE GRACE.
An old Auckland resident, Mrs. Catherine Grace, died at her residence, Mount Street, recently at the age of 79. Mrs. Grace came to New Zealand on the Northumberland in 1873, and resided in Auckland from that time until her death. She was of a kindly disposition, and endeared herself to a large circle of friends. Her husband, the late Mr. David Grace, was an early colonist and a Maori war veteran. Mrs. Grace is survived by a son, three daughters, and eight grandchildren.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230808.2.128
Plot 25: David Grace – Labourer – Maori War Veteran
David Patrick Grace – Labourer – Influenza Pneumonia, Mania
Plot 25-27: Mary Margaret Grace (68) 1952 – Miss
Plot 27: Annie Grace (21) 1900 – Tailoress
Catherine Grace
25/872 Rfm
D. P. GRACE
Rifle Brigade
died 22.11.1918
N.Z.E.F.
Aged 34
left side
Of Your Charity Pray
for the Soul of
DAVID
beloved husband of
Catherine Grace
who died Aug. 6th 1918
aged 84 years
R.I.P.
middle
Of Your Charity Pray
For The Repose Of The Soul of
ANNIE GRACE,
the dearly beloved
daughter of
David and Catherine
Grace.
Who died July 4th1900.
aged 22 years.
R.I.P.
Right side
Of Your Charity Pray
for the Soul of
CATHERINE
beloved wife of
the late David GRACE
who died Aug. 3rd 1923.
Aged 79 years
R.I.P
View and contribute to David Patrick Grace’s profile on the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph data base:
www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/recor...
View David Patrick Grace’s military personnel file:
510346 Sergeant
L.B.Burrows
Royal Air Force
5th May 1941 Age 31
BURROWS, LESLIE BERTRAM
Rank:………………….....Sergeant
Service No:…………….510346
Date of Death:………..05/05/1941
Age:…………………….....31
Service:……………….....Royal Air Force
Grave Reference:……Sec. 54. Grave 542.
Cemetery:
NORWICH CEMETERY, NORFOLK
Additional Information:
Husband of Phyllis Ada Burrows, of Norwich.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2764153/BURROWS,%20LE...
1909/1910 Birth
A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales reveals that the most likely match is a Leslie Bartram Burrows, whose birth was registered in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter of 1910. Then as now you had 42 days after the event to register the birth with the Civil Authorities, so Leslie could potentially have been born in 1909.
1911 Census of England and Wales
The 1 year old Leslie Bertram Burrows, born Norwich, was recorded living at No.10, Wrestlers Yard, Barrack Street, Norwich. This was the household of his parents, Alfred Bertie, (aged 21 and a Baker, born Norwich), and Caroline, (aged 22 and a Tailoress, born Norwich). The couple have been married a year and have had just the one child so far.
The most likely marriage of his parents was that of an Alfred Bertie Burrows to a Caroline Brown, which was recorded in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1909.
Post – August 1911 it became compulsory when registering a birth with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales for children registered with the surname Burrows, mothers maiden name Brown reveals this is a quite a common combination and throughout the period to the end of the 1930’s there are various children recorded in Norfolk – although only one in Norwich, (Mary S., Q4 1926). Checking out the Norfolk births there is at least one instance of children being born in adjacent quarters, most likely indicating there are at least two couples with this combination of names. It should also be borne in mind that if Caroline was pregnant at the time the census was taken, (start of April 1911), she could have given birth before the new rule kicked in.
1935 – Marriage
The marriage of a Leslie B Burrows to a Phyllis A Page was recorded in the Norwich District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1935.
A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales indicates only one likely child of this marriage – a Peter D J Burrows, mothers maiden name Page, was registered in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1937.
On the day
The death of a 31 year old Leslie B Burrows was registered in the Carlisle District of Cumberland in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1941.
Air Casualty Communique No.71 which was reprinted in the edition of Flight Magazine dated June 26th 1941 includes Sgt L B Burrows who was recorded as Died on Active Service.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1941/1941%20-%201434...
Died on Active covers anything other scenarios like illness or non-service related injury \ accident.
No obvious Civil Probate for this man.
Former Freemen of the Borough, including
William Fallows
Raylton Dixon (who resigned the honour)
Isaac Wilson
William Bulmer
Isaac Lowthian Bell
Hugh Bell
Samuel A Sadler
Arthur John Dorman
Richard Archibald
Joseph Calvert
Thomas Dormand Stewart
William Joseph Bruce
Thomas Gibson Poole
Miss Edith J. Carter (Mrs Carter Owen)
Preston Kitchen C.B.E.
John Wesley Brown
George Absalom Carey
Thomas Meehan O.B.E.
John William Welch
Bertram Ramsey
L. Taylor - 30 March 1967 (deceased 23 May 1983)
Right Rev. Monsignor Canon M O'Sullivan - 26 March 1968 (deceased 6 May 1978)
The First name on the "New Freedom Board" in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall is Mrs Mary A Daniel.
Mrs Mary A. Daniel - 16 October 1974 (deceased 23 December 1983)
She received the Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough on 16 October 1974. She was a ward Councillor and Alderman
Councillor for the Acklam Ward - 1949 – 1968 and 1973-1979
Alderman - Teesside County Borough Council in 1967
Retired from the Council in 1979
In 1964 she lived 123 Oxford Road, Linthorpe and died 23 December 1983.
Mary received the Freedom of the Borough for services given by her during a long public career especially for her particular interest, endeavours and unselfish service in the care of old people. She also had a long association with the Royal British Legion.
Mrs Ethel A. Gaunt - 16 October 1974 (deceased 10 June 1990)
The Rt. Hon. Lord Bottomley OBE of Middlesbrough in the County of Cleveland - 21 December 1976 (deceased 3 November 1995)
The Rt. Hon. Lord Bottomley OBE of Middlesbrough in the County of Cleveland was the 3rd person to receive the Freedom of Middlesbrough Borough Council on 21 December 1976.
Background Information – Lord Arthur Bottomley OBE (1907 – 3 November 1995)
Before entering parliament, Arthur was a trade union organiser of the National Union of Public Employees (which later became part of UNISON). From 1929 to 1949 he was a councillor on Walthamstow Borough Council, and in 1945–1946 he was Mayor of Walthamstow. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1941 Birthday Honours. He was first elected to parliament in the 1945 general election for the Chatham division of Rochester and he held the seat (later renamed Rochester and Chatham) until losing it in the 1959 general election. He returned to parliament by winning Middlesbrough East in a 1962 by-election and held the seat, and its successor Middlesbrough, until his retirement in 1983. Announced in the 1984 New Year Honours, he was created a life peer as Baron Bottomley of Middlesbrough in the County of Cleveland, on 31 January 1984. Lord Bottomley died on 3 November 1995 aged 88.
The wording that appears in the Middlesbrough Borough Council Roll of Honorary Freedom states:
"Resolution - that the Right Honourable Arthur George Bottomley OBE, MP being a person who has rendered eminent services to the Borough of Middlesbrough within the meaning and in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249 of the Local Government Act, 1972 be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Middlesbrough, the most honourable distinction which it is their privilege to bestow, in recognition and appreciation of those services which have been given by him during a long public career in so many capacities, particularly the services he has rendered since 1962 as Member of Parliament for the East Division of Middlesbrough and Teesside Middlesbrough, remembering also his particular interests and endeavours in the field of Commonwealth relations and the Trade Union movement; and as an expression of the high esteem in which he is held by the people of Middlesbrough."
Councillor Mr E. A. Dickinson MBE - 8 May 1981 (deceased 2001)
Mrs Rose M. Haston - 9 May 1986 (deceased 22 January 1991)
Cllr Rose Margaret Haston (1900 – 22 January 1991) was the fifth person to receive the Freedom of Middlesbrough Borough Council on 9th May 1986.
She was a Councillor for the Grove Hill Ward 1954 – 1960, 1963 – 1968 and Gresham Ward 1973 - 1979
Committees - Cemeteries, Education, Health, Housing and Welfare Services, Development Services
Rose was born on 30 April 1900 in Parliament Street, Middlesbrough and educated at St Paul's School. She qualified as a tailoress with the Middlesbrough Cooperative Society Ltd and commenced her working career at age of 13 at one shilling per week. In 1920 she married Richard Haston and had one son, one daughter and four grandchildren and in the same year joined the Labour Party. Rose was nominated for the Board of Management of the Middlesbrough Co-operative Society Ltd on two occasions and was selected in the 1920's. She was a member of the Co-operative Education Committee, a long standing member of the Co-operative Women’s Guild and served as a delegate to National Conference and working parties. In 1968 she retired from Local Government on re-organisation. Rose then re-entered the political field in 1973 at the time of the second local government reorganisation in this area. She retired for a second time in 1979, but continued to attend Labour meetings and Co-operative Movement Meetings. In 1985 she received the Labour Party Long Service Award and for many years organised over 50's clubs in central Middlesbrough. Rose worked with the local NSPCC for many years and was particularly involved in fundraising. She died on 22 January 1991 aged 90 and had lived at 12 Willerby Green (Levick House).
The wording that appears in the Middlesbrough Borough Council Roll of Honorary Freedom states:
Resolution – that, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1972, the Council do confer upon Mrs Rose Margaret Haston the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough in recognition of the eminent services rendered by her to the said Borough during a long public career in so many capacities; particularly the services she has rendered as a Councillor of the former County Borough of Middlesbrough and to the present Middlesbrough Borough Council; her contribution as a member of the Board of Management of the Co-operative Society and the Co-operative Women’s Guild; for her work with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. And as an expression of the high esteem in which she is held by the people of Middlesbrough and surrounding area.
Councillor Mr Arthur Pearson CBE - 9 May 1986 (deceased 23 February 1997)
Cllr Arthur Pearson CBE was the sixth person to receive the Freedom of Middlesbrough Borough Council on 9 May 1986.
Arthur Pearson CBE (d 23 February 1997)
Councillor for Ayresome Ward 1951 – 1954, Park Ward 1955 – 1968, Acklam Ward 1973 – 1979, Kader Ward 1979 – 1995
Teesside County Borough Council Alderman
Arthur lived at 457 Newport Rd, Middlesbrough in 1964 and died on 23 February 1997. Arthur was the second Leader of Cleveland County Council and represented the Conservative Party from pre-1978 to post-1979.
The wording that appears in the Middlesbrough Borough Council Roll of Honorary Freedom states:
Resolution – that, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1972, the Council do confer upon Councillor Arthur Pearson CBE the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough in recognition of the eminent services rendered by him to the said Borough during a long public career in so many capacities; particularly the services he has rendered since 1951 when he was first elected as a Councillor for the former County Borough of Middlesbrough as a County Councillor for Cleveland County Council and a Member of the present Middlesbrough Borough Council; his work as a representative of the area as a member of many National Committees relating to local government affairs; through his business interests as a Past Chairman of the National Council of the British Association of Removers. And as an expression of the high esteem in which he is held by the people of Middlesbrough and surrounding area.
Councillor Mr Robert I. Smith - 9 May 1986 (deceased 23 February 1993)
Cllr Robert Innes Smith (Bob) (1906 – 23 February 1993) was the 7th person to be given the Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough on 9 May 1986.
Bob was also the 114th Mayor of Middlesbrough and a ward Councillor for many years.
Bob was a pupil at East Street School and from 1920-1969 he worked for the Co-operative Teesside Branch, he was Secretary of the Shop Workers Union USDAW. He was the Treasurer of Middlesbrough Trades Council (for over 25 years).
The wording that appears in the Middlesbrough Borough Council Roll of Honorary Freedom states:
Resolution – that, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1972, the Council do confer upon Councillor Robert Innes Smith the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough in recognition of the eminent services rendered by him to the said Borough during a long public career in so many capacities; particularly recognising the services he has rendered as a Councillor of the former County Borough of Middlesbrough and to the present Middlesbrough Borough Council; recalling his
interest in the Trades Union Movement, especially the Co-operative Society of which he was a member of the Board of Directors. And as an expression of the high esteem in which he is held by the people of Middlesbrough and surrounding area
Councillor W. Ferrier MBE - 16 June 1992 (deceased 4 March 2015)
Councillor Miss G. Popple - 16 June 1992 (deceased 10 May 2003)
Councillor Mr Len Poole BEM JP - 16 June 1992 (deceased 15 May 2011)
Mr John Robert Foster OBE - 8 March 1996
Alma Collin MBE - 15 March 2000 (deceased 2014)
Councillor Mrs Hazel Pearson OBE - 3 December 2003 (deceased 5 February 2016)
Mr Steve Gibson - 18 March 2004
Mr Jack Hatfield - 30 June 2009 (deceased January 2014)
Mr Mackenzie Thorpe - 11 April 2019
Regiments granted the Right of Freedom of Entry to the Borough by Middlesbrough Council:
The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales' own Yorkshire Regiment) - 13 May 1944 (transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment on 25 October 2006)
34th (Northern) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) - 29 April 1972
HMS Marlborough - 15 March 2000
This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, 24th August 1918 with the caption “Corpl. R.S. Thaxton, Lowestoft, died in Mesopotamia”.
From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website :-
THAXTON, ROBERT STANLEY
Rank:…………………….Corporal
Service No:………………45556
Date of Death:…………...18/07/1918
Age:……………………...38
Regiment:………………..South Wales Borderers, 4th Bn.
Grave Reference:………..III. D. 5.
Cemetery:…….BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Husband of Edith Clara Eliza Thaxton, of 1, Volta Terrace, Norwich Rd., Lowestoft.[1]
Soldiers Died in the Great War, a multi-volume book published by the HMSO in the 1920’s, records that Corporal 45556 Robert Stanley Thaxton “Died” on the 18th July 1918 whilst serving with the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. He was previously 30494 Bedfordshire Regiment. Robert was born Bridgwater, Somerset and enlisted Lowestoft. No place of residence is shown.[2]
_____________________________________________________
1880 – Birth
The birth of a Robert Stanley Thaxton, mothers’ maiden name Collard, was registered in the Bridgwater District of Somerset in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1880. [3]
1881 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland
The 11 month old Robert S Thaxton, born “Bridgewater”, Somerset, along with his mother,Mary Thaxton, (aged 20, born “Bridgewater”, Somerset), were recorded living at No.2 Magpie Road, St Augustines, Norwich. This was the household of his paternal grandparents, (and her inlaws). They were Robert, (aged 46. Brewers Drayman, born Besston St Andrews, Norfolk) and Maria Thaxton, (aged 45, born Norton, Suffolk). Also living with them are their married son George, (21, Domestic Coachman, born Norwich), and their unmarried children:-
Sarah L…….aged 14…born Norwich…Bootfitter to Machines
John R……..aged 13…born Norwich…Errand Boy
Caroline E…aged 7…..born Norwich
Robert S……aged 4….born Norwich
As Mary and Robert appear on the last lines of the household record, its not clear if George is her husband and his father. [4]
1891 Census of England and Wales
The 10 year old Robert S, born Bridgewater, Somerset, and employed as a Newsboy, was recorded living at 26 Starling Place, Coburg Street, Norwich. This was the household of his parents George A, (31, Cab Driver, born Norwich), and Mary Jane, (aged 30, born Bridgewater, Somerset). As well as Robert their other children are:-
George….aged 7….born Norwich
Frank……aged 4….born Norwich
Alfred E…aged 3….born Norwich
Rose May.aged 9 months..born Norwich. [5]
The births of a George Thaxton, (Q4 1883), Frank, (Q3 1886), Alfred Edward, (Q1 1888) and Rose May, (Q3 1890), all with mothers’ maiden name Collard, were registered in the Norwich District. [3]
1901 Censuses of England & Wales
There is no obvious match for Robert on these censuses.
There is a 20 year old “Stanley” Thaxton, born “Norwich”, single and a labourer at the Electric Tram Works, who was recorded as a boarder in one of the households at Gilbord’s Yard, Pitt Street, St. Augustine, Norwich. This was the household of a married couple, John H and Emily Baker. Living with them was their daughter Edith Baker, aged 21, single, born Norwich, and a Tailoress. [6]
His parents were still living at Starling Place, Norwich. As well as George A, (41, Cab Driver) and Mary J, (40), there were also their children:-
George…..aged 17…Machine Minder
Frank…….aged 14…Syphon Labeller, Mineral Water Factory
Alfred E….aged 13
Rose M…..aged 10
Gertrude M..aged 8…born Norwich
Ethel ?........aged 7…..born Norwich
Horace W…aged 1….born Norwich. [7]
Boer War…………………
It may be a co-incidence but there is a Trooper 41566 R S Thaxton, 36th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry, who is listed on the Queens South Africa, (QSA) Medal Rolls. [8]
His 1 year short service enlistment in the Imperial Yeomanry and associated service record refers to him throughout as R.S. Thaxton. But he enlisted at Norwich on the 14th January 1902, and stated he was aged 21 years and 9 nine months, and his next of kin was father George, mother Mary, brothers George & Frank and sisters Rose & Gertrude, all of 4 Starling Place, St. Peters, Norwich.
That Yeomanry Trooper was stated to have been born in the parish of St. Johns, Bridgewater, Somerset, and he worked as a Labourer. He was a single man.
He was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 126lbs, and had brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion. His faith was CofE.
He went out to South Africa on the 26th May 1902. Returning at the end of the year and then being discharged time served on the 13th January 1903. His discharge record shows he served with the 159th Company of the 36th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. His intended place of residence on discharge was 4 Starling Place, St. Peters, Norwich. [9]
1904 Marriage
The marriage of a Robert Stanley Thaxton to an Edith Clara Baker was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1904. [10]
1911 Census of England and Wales
The 30 year old Robert S Thaxton, born Bridgewater, Somerset and a Tramway Motorman for the Borough Council, was recorded as the married head of the household at 24 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft. He lives there with his wife of 6 years, Edith, (aged 31 and born Norwich). So far the marriage has produced no children.
Also in the household are Ediths’ parents, Henry J Baker, (aged 68, a Boot Repairer, born Norwich) and Emily Baker, (62, Norwich). [11]
Roberts parents were still living at No.4 Starling Place, Coburg Street, Norwich. George Alfred, (51, Domestic Coachman) and Mary Jane, (50), have been married 31 years and have had 11 children, of which 10 were then still alive. Still single and living at home are Rose Mary, (20, Domestic Servant), Violet Maud, (17, Housemaid), Horace Wilfred, (11) and Constance Victoria, (9, born Norwich).[11]
Post August 1911 it had become compulsory when registering the birth of a child with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales produces one possible child of Robert and Edith. The birth of a Violet R M Thaxton, Violet Rose May Thaxton, mothers maiden name Baker, was registered with the civil authorities in the Mutford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1912.[3]
Roberts’ brother Alfred Edward Thaxton, born Norwich on the 9th February 1888, served initially as a Boy Sailor before enlisting for 12 years in the Royal Navy on the 9th February 1906. He served throughout the Great War, being temporarily assigned to the Royal Australian Navy from November 1917. He was still serving with them when he was demobilised in March 1919. [12]
The Great War service records for Robert appear to have gone up in flames during the Blitz, when German bombs burnt out the London Warehouse where they were stored. [13]
The Medal Index Card for Corporal 45556 Robert S Thaxton, South Wales Borderers, shows him to be entitled to the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. This combination of medals means he did not serve in a Theatre of War until some point on or after the 1st January 1916. [14] held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/19/197932 [14]
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5520585
The associated Medal Roll document I believe shows him as part of a general draft that was transferred to the South Wales Borderers at an Infantry Base Depot after arriving in a Theatre of War. He was then posted to the 4th Battalion. [15]
The 4th Battalion was raised for service in the Great War, and during 1915 had seen service at Gallipoli as part of the 40th Brigade of the 13th (Western) Division. It was among the last units evacuated in the opening weeks of 1916. It would subsequently serve in Egypt and Mesopotamia. [16].
On the 12th February 1916 the 13th (Western) Division, “began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March, the Division had assembled near Sheikh Sa’ad and came under orders of the Tigris Corps. It then took part in the attempts to relieve Kut. After these efforts failed and Kut fell, the British force in the theatre was built up and reorganised.” [17]
On the day
“Died” in SDGW terms usually means anything other than Killed in Action or Died of Wounds (received in action).
The campaign in Mesopotamia appears to have died down after May 1918, as the Allied forces took a break from campaigning in the heat of summer, before resuming in October with a successful drive to seize the oilfields around Mosul, in which the 4th South Wales Borderers took part. As always through-out the campaign, significant losses were experienced as much from disease as battle. Given that Corporal Thaxton has a known grave, and Bagdhad was the main hospital base, there is a reasonable possibility that he died as a result of illness.
His first entry in the Army Register of Soldiers Effects simply records him as having died at the 39th Field Ambulance. The balance of his pay was scheduled to be sent to his widow & sole legatee Edith in August 1919. A revised calculation appeared in a second record in the Army Register of Soldiers, and it was this revised amount plus his war gratuity that was sent on that August date. [18]
A brief note of his death appeared in the Births, Marriages and Deaths column in the editions of the Norwich Mercury dated Wednesday 31st July 1918 and Saturday 3rd August 1918
The Government Probate Service holds a Soldiers Will for 45556 Robert Thaxton who died on the 18th July 1918. [19]
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Wills?Surname=Thaxton&Su...
Mildly photoshopped to address damage suffered by the source image.
Sources.
[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission webpage retrieved 26/02/2017. www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/635472/THAXTON,%20ROB...
[2] Soldiers Died in the Great War entry retrieved Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[3] GRO register of births retrieved 26/04/2025.
[4] 1881 Census of England & Wales retrieved Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[5] 1891 Census of England & Wales retrieved Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[6] 1901 Census of England & Wales retrieved Genes Reunited 26/04/2025.
[7] 1901 Census of England & Wales retrieved Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[8] Queens South Africa Medal Roll sourced Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[9] Imperial Yeomanry service record retrieved Ancestry 06/02/2023.
[10] GRO quarterly index of marriages in England & Wales retried Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[11] 1911 Census of England & Wales x 2 retrieved Genes Reunited 26/02/2017.
[12] Register of Seamans Services for 228512 Alfred Edward Thaxton retrieved from the National Archive catalogue 26/04/2025.
[13] Indexing for military records on Ancestry, Fold 3 and FindMyPast checked 26/04/2025.
[14] Medal Index Card retrieved from Ancestry 06/05/2023. Subsequently checked in the National Archive catalogue 26/04/2025. discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5520585
[15] Victory Medal and British War Medal Roll entry retrieved Ancestry 06/05/2023.
[16] The South Wales Borderers webpage on the Long, Long Trail website retrieved 27/04/2025.
[17] 13th (Western) Division webpage on the Long, Long Trail website retrieved 27/04/2025.
[18] Army Register of Soldiers effects entries retrieved Ancestry 06/05/2023.
[19] Probate Calendar details retrieved 26/02/2017 from probatesearch.service.gov.uk/ - that website no longer allows the permanent links to individual entries.
Plot 21: William Henry Cammell – Rtd Gas Meter Inspector
John Noel Polkinghorne (56) 1963 – Garage Attendant (ashes)
Edith Adelaide Cammell (93) 1979
Freda Muriel Polkinghorne (92) 2000 (ashes)
Wilma Keen (88) 2009 – Tailoress
In Loving Memory Of
WILLIAM HENRY
dearly loved husband of
Edith
passed away
18th March 1962
in his 80th year.
Sleep on beloved,
we are parted
just for a little while
EDITH ADELAIDE
beloved wife of the late
William Henry
passed away
30th Nov. 1979
in her 94th year.
Reunited
WILMA
KEEN
Born 10.04.1920 Died 11.01.2009
Loving wife of
WALTER HENRY
KEEN
Born 29.11.1918 Died 30.09.2003
FREDA MURIEL POLKINGHORNE
Born 1-12-1908 Died 28-7-2000
Loving wife
of
JOHN NOEL POLKINGHORNE
Born 7-12-1906 Died 5-8-1963
MR. ROBERT MILLIS
Mr. Robert Millis, who died at his home in Auckland on Saturday at the age of 84, knew the city in its infancy. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, arriving in Auckland with his parents in 1852. He received his education at St. Patrick's School, Hobson Street, and then became an apprentice in the mechanical department of the Southern Cross, continuing later as a machinist in the employ of the New Zealand Herald. About 1885 he went to Thames and worked in a similar capacity in the office of the Thames Advertiser. He returned to Auckland for a time and then went to Dunedin where; after being in the service of the Dunedin Star, he founded the engineering firm of Messrs. R. Millis and Son. About 15 years ago he returned to Auckland, and until a few weeks before his death was connected with the mechanical department of the Northern Roller Milling Company. Throughout his life he exercised an inventive mechanical faculty and many years ago patented a printing machine which he took to England. He had a family of four sons, one of whom was killed in France, and four daughters, and leaves many descendants, including four great-grand-children.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19340813.2.151
Plot 15: Amelia Kelly (39) 27/5/1892 – Debility
John Kelly (70) 15/5/1909 – Fireman – Asthenia
Plot 15-17: James Wylie – Foreman
Robert Millis – Engineer
Plot 17: Alice Winifred Kelly (16) 11/11/1896 – Miss – Tailoress – Meningitis
Mary Ellen Millis (87) 7/9/1958 – Widow
Sacred To The Memory Of
JAMES
Beloved Husband Of
Mary E. WYLIE
Died 5th April 1924
Aged 66 Years
Also Of ROBERT MILLIS
Died 11th Aug. 1934 Aged 83 Years
Also
AMELIA KELLY
JOHN KELLY
ALICE KELLY
R.I.P
DEATHS
KELLY.—On May 27, at her residence, Elizabeth-street, Ponsonby, Amelia, the beloved wife of John Kelly; aged 39 years. R.I.P.
The funeral will leave for Waikumete tomorrow (Tuesday), at 11 a.m. Friends please accept this intimation.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18920530.2.59
KELLY.—On November 11, at her father’s residence, Greenwood-street, Ponsonby, Alice Winifred, the fourth and beloved daughter of John Kelly: aged 16 years 9 months R.I.P. The funeral will leave the above for Waikumete
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18961111.2.41
KELLY.—On May 15th, 1909, at the District Hospital, John husband of the late Amelia Kelly who entered into rest May 27th, 1892; aged 70 years.—R.I.P.
Private interment.
The funeral will leave the residence of his son-in-law, 20 Summer-st., Ponsonby, on Monday, for Waikumete, at 2 p.m.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19090515.2.33
WYLIE.—On April 5, at a private hospital, Auckland, James, the dearly-beloved husband of Mary Ellen Wylie: aged 63. Funeral will leave, his late residence, 59, Ardmore Road, Herne Bay, for Waikumete Cemetery, to-day (Monday), at 2 p.m. Interment private.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19240407.2.2.4
MILLIS.—On August 31, 1934, at his late residence, 59 Ardmore Road, Herne Bay, Robert, dearly-beloved husband of Mary E. Millis; aged 83 years.—Requiescat in Pace.
The funeral will leave his late residence for Waikumete Cemetery at 2 p.m. to-day (Monday), August 13. Private interment.
Plot 1: John Scott Angus (64) 1911 – Clerk – Cardiac failure
Margaret Ann Angus (80) 1925 – Senile Decay
Plot 3: Mary Buchanan Angus (55) 1938 – Tailoress
George William Spiers Angus (78) 1971 – Rtd Merchant Seaman
IN
Loving Memory
of
JOHN SCOTT ANGUS
died 30th May 1911.
Also
MARGARET ANN.
Beloved wife of above
died 20th July 1925.
At Rest.
Born in Penclawdd, South Wales, UK.
Elizabeth Ann Thomas, a Tailoress.
Smiling through all her 98 years, “always running.”
Betty, (my Mangu,) and Claris, were to old women that were often seen in the town of Swansea together, active well into their 90s. As their senses were failing, they often jokingly said that Betty was the eyes and Claris was the ears of the partnership, and thus they both did quite well.
One day the met the new minister's wife in town who said hello. Claris, a little at a loss, asked, "I'm sorry, who are you?" The lady explained she was their minister’s wife and Claris greeted her; but then Betty, not quite hearing the conversation, asked again, "And who shall I say you are then?"
At which point an indignant Claris rounded on Betty and said, "Why, Betty bach, don't you know your own minister's wife then!"
A short snapshot from a very long life, but indeed a very Welsh point of view.
Mamgu, in this photo you were too young to know that you would radiate sunshine apon a great many lives.
Backdrop of the photo is a little spooky though. You wouldn't have that these days.
O'MEARA.—On June 16.1892, at the residence of her parents, Union-street. Auckland., Catherine, the beloved daughter of William and Catherine O'Meara; aged 21 years. R.I.P.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18920714.2.77
O'MEARA.— March 14. at her late residence, 37, Wood Street, Ponsonby, Catherine, widow of the late William O'Meara; aged 83 years.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19240315.2.2.3
KEESING. —On September 11, at a private hospital, Margaret, beloved daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. O'Meara and loving mother of Marjorie Pryor.—R.l.P. Funeral leaves her late residence, 37 Wood Street. Ponsonby, 2 p.m. to-day (Thursday) for Waikumete. paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19400912.2.3
Plot 17: Catherine Jane O'Meara (21) 1892 – Miss – Tailoress – Consumption
Mary Anne Grigsby (83) 1952 – Widow
Plot 17-19: Margaret Keesing – at Hospital
Plot 19: William O'Meara (65) 1908 – Carpenter – Senility
Catherine O'Meara
Sacred
To The Memory
of
WILLIAM O'MEARA
who died July 28th 1908
aged 67 years.
Also
CATHERINE JANE O'MEARA
daughter of above
who died June 16th 1893
aged 21 years.
Also
CATHERINE O'MEARA
wife of above
who died March 14th 1924
aged 83 years.
Also
MARGARET KEESING
daughter of above
who died Sept. 11th 1940
aged 63 years.
R.I.P.
Also
MARY ANN GRIGSBY
who died 19th April 1952.
© Museum Europäischer Kulturen – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, photo: Ute-Franz-Scarciglia, 2010
Donations by Claudia and Selim Özyiyin, industrial tailoress and goldsmith, proprietors of LeatherShop. Their comments:
“All the things most important to us in life at a glance:
a long path, single-mindedly pursued, will come to an end. To have arrived … craft and art fused into one...a dream one can live off comes true. Can there be anything more beautiful?”
Personal background of the couple:
For industrial tailor Claudia and goldsmith Selim, opening their leather shop in the year 2000 meant that their old dream of making a living by applying their trades to the production of everyday objects could finally come true. The reasons for taking this particular opportunity not least of all included the inexpensive shop rental, low investment outlay and pleasant social environment.
The couple had already run a shop in the neighbourhood in 1997, selling Turkish leather goods. Over the course of time, both of them were able to gain new skills that now benefit their own leather production. Their discovery of the “crawling shoes” was initiated by customer enquiries three years ago. Their daughter Tülin also works in the shop temporarily and would like to set up her own business later on, too.
Background: Claudia met Selim while holidaying in Turkey and initially stayed with him there. In 1992 they moved to Berlin with their daughter. They then opted for setting up their own business as this appeared to be promising from their perspective.
(www.lederladen-berlin.de)
SUDDEN DEATH.
STARTLING EVENT AT A TENT MISSION SERVICE.
For the past couple of weeks the Church of Christ, Ponsonby-rd has been holding mission in a tent near Bellwood, Mount Roskill-rd. Last evening Mr. James Marson, a deacon of the Church of Christ, while attending the mission service, suddenly fell from his seat and died within a quarter of an hour, thus practically ending his life while engaged in the service of the church with which he been actively associated for so many years. Dr. Porter was called in but could only state that death had taken place. Deceased had lived for about 30 years in Gundry-street, only a week ago had moved to his new residence, Reston St, Mount Eden. Mr. Marson was in his 66th year and a native of England. He came to this colony with a Nonconformist-settlement on the barque Portland in 1864 being companied by his wife and two young children. For over 40 years he was employed in the lithographic department of the "N.Z. Herald." Failing health however, necessitated his retirement about six months ago. Having been attended by Dr. Lindsay, that gentleman will certify the cause of death, as there will not be any need of an inquest.
Mr. Marson was one of those men who must be actively engaged endeavouring to improve the condition of their fellows. In church work he was always active, also in the Good Templar Movement(?), and the cause of temperance generally, especially where music could be brought into use as an aid. Deceased leaves a wife and eight adult Children. The interment takes place to-morrow at Waikumete.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19041022.2.18
MRS. ANNIE MARSON.
In the obituary column appears the name of a well known old resident of Auckland, Mrs. Annie Marson, relict of the late J. T. Marson. Deceased, who had reached the advanced age of 80 years, was the daughter of the late Mr. R. Roebuck, formerly of Arch Hill, who arrived here with his family from London in the early days of Auckland. The whole of the Roebuck and also the Marson families have been prominent in temperance work. Mr. and Mrs. Marson were consistent members of the Church of Christ, Ponsonby Road, and amongst the founders of the original one in Cook Street, in the building now used as the Tailoress' Hall. Deceased is survived by several children and a number of grand-children. Death took place at the residence of her son, Mr. J. A. Marson, of Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19180921.2.41
Plot 43: James Thomas Marson (65) 1904
Annie Marson (80) 1918 – Widow
In Memory Of
JAMES THOMAS MARSON
21 Oct. 1904
and his loved wife
Ann
20 Sept. 1918
At Rest
MARSON—On October 21, at Mount Roskill, James Thomas Marson; aged 65 years.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19041102.2.64.35.4
MARSON.—On September 20, 1918, at the residence of her son, J. A. Marson, 124, Williamson Avenue, Anne, widow of the late J. T. Marson. aged 80.
Funeral leaves above address Sunday, September 22, at 2.30 p.m., for Waikumete.
Plot 55: Charles Gilbert – Storeman – Electric? Fever – at District Hospital
Blanche Josephine Gilbert (99) 1981(ashes)
Eileen Maud Gilbert (91) 1995 – Rtd Tailoress
Plot 57: Gwendoline Pearl Wells (89) 2001(ashes)
In Loving Memory Of
CHARLES,
beloved husband of
Blanche GILBERT,
died 25th May 1913,
aged 33 years.
Though our loss is great, we trust
'tis your eternal gain.
BLANCHE JOSEPHINE GILBERT
passed away 10th Oct. 1981
dearly loved wife of Charles
much loved mother of her devoted family.
plaque
In Loving Memory Of
two of their six children
EILEEN MAUD GILBERT
died 27. 02. 1995
also
GWENDOLINE PEARL WELLS
died 3. 7. 2001
Rest in peace - remembered always
DEATHS
GILBERT.—On May 25, at the District Hospital, Charles, dearly-beloved husband of Blanch Gilbert, of Avondale, in his 33rd year. Dearly loved and sadly missed.
The funeral will leave the Hospital tomorrow (Tuesday), at 2 o'clock.
Friends please accept this intimation.
© Museum Europäischer Kulturen – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, photo: Ute-Franz-Scarciglia, 2010
Personal background of Linda Eilers, proprietress of "Stitch ’n Bitch Sewing Café":
The cheap rents and pleasant atmosphere of the “Wrangelkiez” neighbourhood of Berlin-Kreuzberg provided the decisive prerequisites for opening a shop there in 2006. Linda Eilers also developed the concept, taking the name Stitch ’n Bitch from the USA. In her café one can hire sewing machines by the hour, get advice on sewing, attend sewing classes, or even buy tailor-made clothing. Here one is allowed to gossip heartily while the excellent coffee is being served.
Linda plans to open further Stitch ’n Bitch shops. She very much likes the work, even if it does leave her with little free time. In her opinion Berlin offers the best conditions for creating something new, particularly where young people are concerned.
Background: Linda Eilers moved to Berlin three years ago from the Dutch city of Utrecht. She had been taught the art of sewing by her mother, a tailoress, and later broken off her post-secondary studies, deciding to only pursue her own interests from then on. From 2004 to 2006 she ran her own business in Utrecht, where she tailored and offered sewing classes. The high rents, however, rendered an expansion of her enterprise unthinkable there.
(www.linkle.de)
"DEATH AT YOUR DOOR."
CORONER BLAMES YOUNG MAN
GIRL WHO DIED IN BOARDING HOUSE.
"A SAD CASE."
The death of this young girl is at your door, Glover," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the inquest on Doris Jane Reid, aged 23, who was found dead in the boarding house in Newmarket on May 12. An open verdict was given.
"My daughter had lived at home until just before her death, when we had a bit of a tiff," said the father, Charles Henry Reid. "She went away and we did not know where she had gone. The only man that I knew she had been going out with was Hugh Glover. It was he who told me of her death on May 12. I asked my daughter if she was in a certain condition, and she denied it. To my knowledge, she has never been out with any other man but Glover during the last four or five months.
"A few days before the girl left home, Glover's wife came to my house, and that was the first time that I knew he was a married man. I told my daughter that she must drop Glover. That was the cause of the tiff."
Mr. Hunt (to Glover): Oh, that's what you did, eh? And you're a married man.
Glover: No. I had nothing to do with her like that. She was only a friend.
Mr. Hunt: You've no right to be friendly with a single girl if you're a married man.
"Girl Was Ill All Day.”
Hazel Anne Batchelor, a boarding-house keeper, said that the dead girl came to her house on May 3, giving her name as ''Miss Wilson." She did not say what she did or where she came from, but, in conversation with her, witness was led to believe that she came from Hamilton. The girl went out a good deal, and witness had seen her drinking brandy and gin. The day the girl died, witness saw her quite often and she was ill all day, but she did not ask for medical attention. Witness gave her a dose of medicine which she had got for her. Witness saw her after five o'clock, and when she went in again at a quarter past six the girl was lying across her bed. She was dead.
"I had been out with her on an average about three times a week," said Hugh Glover, who is a taxi driver and a married man. "I had known her since January 10 last. During the time I knew her, I did not know of her being out with any other man. The girl did not tell me of her condition. She told me to come along to the boarding-house on the night she died and ask for 'Miss Wilson.'"
Mr. Hunt: What were you doing out with a single girl when you have got a wife at home, anyway? You said you did not have anything to do with her.
Glover: No, I did not—she was only a friend.
Mr. Hunt: I don't believe you, and there is not a man in New Zealand that would believe you.
The Medical Evidence.
Dr. D. N. W. Murray said that death was caused by general peritonitis following on a septic abortion of three months' pregnacy brought on by external interference.
"This is a sad case," said Mr. Hunt. “I'll return an open verdict—the same as the medical evidence. That will leave things so that you can make further Inquiries,” he said to Senior-Detective Hammond.
"Well, the death of this young girl is it your door," he said to Glover.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19270602.2.136
Presented by Sue Reid
Plot 69b: Doris Jane Reid – Tailoress – Peritonitis
Charles Henry Reid (82) – Painter (scattered ashes?)
Jane Mary Reid (93) 1967
In
Loving Memory
of
DORIS JANE
REID
died 12th May 1927
aged 23 years
R.I.P
Also CHARLES HENRY REID
died 24th Oct. 1954
And JANE MARY
wife of above
died 5th Oct. 1967
R.I.P
DEATHS.
REID.—On May 12, 1927, Newmarket. Doris Jane Reid, eldest daughter of C. H. and J. Reid; aged 23 years. Interment private.
VICTIM OF INSOMNIA.
PAINTER COMMITS SUICIDE.
The body of a man named William John Melton, aged 30 years, a painter by trade, was found in the Cemetery gully beneath the Grafton Bridge yesterday morning. Melton was a married man, living in Great North Road, Glenmore, and had three children, aged one, three, and five years respectively.
At the inquest held this morning before Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., the evidence showed that in November last deceased had been confined to his bed for several days by an attack of influenza. Since then he had been troubled with insomnia He often complained that he did not sleep well, but was always quite cheerful and never said anything that would indicate an intention of taking his life. On Saturday night he made arrangements to go to the Domain on Sunday afternoon, and at 5.30 o'clock on Sunday morning his wife heard him go out, apparently because he was unable to sleep. His body was found at about 9.30 a.m. beneath the large arch of the Grafton Bridge, in the middle of the gully.
The verdict was to the effect that deceased committed suicide while in a despondent state following upon an illness.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19150308.2.44
Despondency induced by insomnia following upon an attack of influenza was the reason assigned by Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., yesterday for the action of William John Melton, who committed suicide early on Sunday morning by jumping from the Grafton Bridge. Melton, whose age was 30 years, was a married man with three children, being a painter by occupation. He was acquainted with, and his trade was the same as that of the man who committed suicide in a similar manner a few weeks ago—the only two suicides that have taken place from the bridge since it was built.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150309.2.21
Plot 14a: Lucy Annie Florence Melton (39) 1910 – Tailoress – Pneumonia
Plot 14b: William John Melton – Painter – Supposed suicide after influenza
Charlotte Grace Melton (68) 1954
In Loving Memory of
WILLIAM JOHN
beloved husband of
Charlotte MELTON
died 7th March 1915 - aged 30 years
Rest.
Also CHARLOTTE GRACE
his beloved wife
died 26th March 1954.
re-united
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825
Plot 51: Hilda Leah Joseph (9 weeks) 19/3/1890 – Thrush
Benjamin Green – Rtd Civil Servant
Georgina Green (89) 1956
Sidney Cann (85) 1991 – Rtd Builder
Alice May Cann – Rtd Tailoress
Plot 51-53: Susannah Elizabeth Joseph (69) 2/1/1904 – Widow
Plot 53: Harriett Leah Green (15 hours) 7/10/1889 – twin – Nervous shock
Francis Benjamin Green (6 days) 13/10/1889 – twin – Imperfect development
Geraldine Violet Gunning (32) 1949
In Loving Memory
of
BENJAMIN GREEN.
beloved husband of
Georgina,
died 23rd Aug. 1950: aged 89 years.
Also his beloved wife
GEORGINA
died 18th May 1956: aged 83 years.
In Loving Memory
of
SIDNEY CANN
died 11th July 1991; aged 81 years
dearly loved husband of
ALICE MAY
died 26th June 1994; aged 88 years
In Loving Memory
of
GWENDOLINE VIOLET
GUNNING,
beloved wife of Edward
died 21st Sept. 1949: aged 33 years.
DEATHS.
JOSEPH.—On January 2, 1904, Susannah, relict of the late Frank Joseph, after a Iong and painful illness, in her 69th year. Her end was peace.
The funeral will leave her late residence, land-street, this day (Monday), 4th, at a-quarter to two, for All Saints' Church, thence to Waikumete. Private.
Plot 110: Norman George Griffiths (81) 1996 – Rtd Plumber
Jessie Griffiths (87) 1997 – Rtd Tailoress
In Loving Memory Of
NORMAN GEORGE GRIFFITHS
11th Jan. 1915 - 16th Sept. 1996
beloved husband of
JESSIE
15th Aug. 1909 - 1st Aug. 1997
loving father and mother
of Joan and Janice
and devoted grand and great grandfather
grand and great grandmother
breakfast in Kolding, Denmark after the night train and this beauty on the other table ...
Capture: Nikon D70s, Nikkor 70-300mm@300mm f/5.6, 1/800s, ISO 800
Post : crop, increased vibrance
In loving memory of
Alice Mildred
Beloved daughter of
John & Mary MCSWIGAN
Died [looks like] Aug 12 1905
[Christchurch City Council cemeteries database states 13 July 1905]
Also
Mary Theophane
Died Dec 21st 1907
Also
John
Beloved husband of
Mary MCSWIGAN
Died 14th May 1923
Aged 78 years
Also
Mary wife of John MCSWIGAN
Died 26th Jan 1925
R.I. P.
Alice
Block 43 Plot 91
Aged 22 years
Occupation Tailoress
Died of: Phthisis [consumption/tuberculosis] [1]
Mary Theophane
Block 43 Plot 90
Aged 23 years
Place of birth: Christchurch
Died of: Phthisis [consumption/tuberculosis] [2]
Also known as ‘Cissie’[3]
John
Block 43 Plot 90
Occupation: Bootmaker
Place of birth: Ireland
Years in NZ: 50 [4]
A John MCSWIGAN was a bankrupt in 1885. May or may not be this one:
archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=19782505
Ellesmere Guardian, Volume X, Issue 944, 16 September 1891, Page 2
‘Wanted known’ advertisement for John MCSWIGAN Bootmaker
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EG...
Mary
Block 43 Plot 91
Aged 67 years
Place of birth: Ireland
Years in NZ: 53[5]
Mary’s probate is available:
archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20181982
John and Mary also had 2 sons who enlisted in WW1:
Private Charles MCSWIGAN 74511 muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/111476.detail?...
And
Private Joseph Patrick MCSWIGAN 34715
muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/81849.detail?O...
References:
[1]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[2]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[3]
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The sign for J & E Shinwell Shirts, located at 93 Niddrie Road, is assumed to belong to the partnership of Joseph and Emanuel ‘Manny’ Shinwell, sons of Samuel Pesach Shinvald, a Polish national, and Rosetta Koningswinter, who was born in Holland. Their father Samuel was a tailor and clothing wholesaler who rented warehouse at 53 Candleriggs under the trading name S. Shinwell & Co. Glasgow. Manny started his working life as a machinist in the clothing industry whilst Joseph was a shirt manufacturer. Their sister, Bessie, was a tailoress, and brother, Israel, a tailor. J & E Shinwell Ltd was closed down on 1 January 1970 after the death of Joseph Shinwell in June 1969 at the age of 72. Manny Shinwell (subsequently Lord Shinwell) went on to have a career in politics, until his death in 1986, at the age of 101.
Mary Blowers was the sister of Susan and Robert Blowers and also a neice of my great great grandmother, Martha Blowers. Mary was a tailoress. Family legend has it that she died after she fell on a fire but I absolutely no proof of that.
The sign for J & E Shinwell Shirts, located at 93 Niddrie Road, is assumed to belong to the partnership of Joseph and Emanuel ‘Manny’ Shinwell, sons of Samuel Pesach Shinvald, a Polish national, and Rosetta Koningswinter, who was born in Holland. Their father Samuel was a tailor and clothing wholesaler who rented warehouse at 53 Candleriggs under the trading name S. Shinwell & Co. Glasgow. Manny started his working life as a machinist in the clothing industry whilst Joseph was a shirt manufacturer. Their sister, Bessie, was a tailoress, and brother, Israel, a tailor. J & E Shinwell Ltd was closed down on 1 January 1970 after the death of Joseph Shinwell in June 1969 at the age of 72. Manny Shinwell (subsequently Lord Shinwell) went on to have a career in politics, until his death in 1986, at the age of 101.
After 43 years at RM Condor, Bill Tindal hung up his overalls. In May, 2005 he retired as senior storeman. He had many positions on the base, but for the previous 22 years he worked in stores. Major Charles Craven-Phillips paid tribute to Bill's work over the years and presented him with a statue of the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, a bottle of spirits and flowers for his wife, Betty. Pictured were, from left - Lynda Taylor, civilian admin officer, Mrs Tindal, Major Phillips, Mr Tindal, Steve French, Base Company RQMS and Christine Gentarek, tailoress.
Yay! Got my wedding dress back from the tailoress, and I am so pleased with it. She was dead reasonable too.
I got the buttons added on and think they're dead cute. And she cleverly made a system so I can tie the train up and dance my ass off! Yeah!
Plot 109: Sylvia Baney (70) 2004 – Rtd Tailoress
In Loving Memory Of
SILVIA BANEY
Born London
31.10.1933
Died 20.9.2004
Much loved Wife
of Ivan
Cherished Mother,
Grandmother and
Great-Grandmother
If tears could build a stairway
and memories build a lane
we would walk our way to heaven
and bring you back again
BANEY
This was my Grandma's sewing box - she was a tailoress - so this is probably about 70 or so years old....its precious to me.
Bar one who had emigrated. Music teacher, professional musician, veterinary surgeon, doctor, head-mistress, bespoke tailor & tailoress and housewife.
Their parents certainly gave them a good start!
Post Card to Miss Amy Stokes, Woodlesford, near Leeds, Yorkshire dated 16th October 1919.
Amy Stokes born 1896 at Weston, Yorkshire, was the daughter of William and Sarah Stokes. In 1901 the family was living in of Methley, Yorkshire and in 1911 living at 6 Oakdene Road Woodlesford. Her father William had died by this time and she was working as a Tailoress.
She married Reginald Forrest 23rd December 1922 at Woodlesford, All Saints, West Yorkshire.
Plot 28: William Page – Rtd Maintenance Carpenter
Vivienne Gertrude Page – Rtd Tailoress
PAGE
WILLIAM
with loving memories of
beloved husband, father
and grandfather
died 23rd February 1994
aged 86 years.
And a beloved wife, mother,
grandmother & great-grandmother
VIVIENNE
died 13th May 1999 aged 87 years.
I am Charlotte Tailoress and I am ready to come to you! I would like to sit near to you at diner, accompagny to every place to go.
Charlotte is a hard working tailoress and likes to create new clothes for herself and the other compagnions around. She loves fabrics and yarn very much and sometimes she is a little bit excentric. Which can be seen for example at her lovely green hair!
Charlotte wears a white and beige striped legging, red crochet shoes and a beautiful dress in beige and brown with flowers.
Can you please come and pick me up! I am waiting so eagerly!
Come and get me!
Charlotte is a handcrafted doll according to waldorf pedagogy.
She is 45 cm / 18 inches tall and made with a high quality cotton interlock tricot from the Netherlands. She is completly stitched by hand, her clothes are made from natural materials such as mohair, cotton jersey, wool and her body ist filled with sheep wool.