Genealogy Chat

This is all fascinating stuff - keep up the good work! Karen

Hi, I have just returned from Radyr Library where I asked if they held the school log books for Radyr Infant School during the war years. Unfortunately they did not so I next asked if they had any information on Radyr during the war years. Now this stirred a flurry of activity as one staff member remembered a book which may be just what I was looking for. After a few minutes the staff returned with the following book. My initial reaction was that I was unlikely to find anything in it, thanked them and sat down to read through it. As luck would have it, on the last but one page was the following story. Wartime Memories of Radyr and Morganstown People Edited by Allan Cook Published by the Radyr & Morganstown Community Council with the support of the Big Lottery Fund Nanette Ray’s Story I was very friendly with an evacuee called Patricia Armstrong. One day we went to Bale’s farm for milk. On our way back, she had already crossed the stile but I was still on the farm side. Two trains were passing and one of them dragged Patricia down the line. I ran to get help but she was already dead. Later I had to give evidence at the inquest, which was held at Bethel Chapel. I often think of Patricia, she is buried in Radyr parish churchyard. She came to Morganstown to escape the bombing in London and was killed here. Collected 1992 On telling the librarian that I was not a member of the library, she kindly told me that I could keep the book at no charge and that they were only too happy to help. May I take this opportunity to express my thanks to them for their time and effort and for the copy of the book. Bye Paul

What a fascinating and touching story. And what tremendous work you have all done in unravelling the story. I live in Cardiff, and will be going to Danescourt coincidentally this evening, so will have a look for Patricia's grave. Ellen.

Thanks for that Paul and Joan. Fancy missing what the Church was called in the first post, both Hubby and I read it a few times and missed it Durrrrrr! I'll await News then from you Paul, if you can't find out exactly where she's laid , i'll take a trip to the Church and try search for it myself. Many thanks Lorraine.

Hi, There is some information on Radyr, Morganstown at http://www.parish.radyr.org.uk/ St John the Baptist Church is now in Danescourt. There is some information about this on the site. I did go to look for the grave last Sunday but I did not find it. When I speak to Win I'll see if he can tell me where she lays. Paul

What a nice thought Lorraine. I believe the church is St John's - as in first posted message, Joan

Has anybody visited the grave? Where exactly is it? I know its Morgantown near Cardiff but which Church is it? It would be nice to put some flowers on it . Still following this sad tale. Well done all for the research you have done Paul and all. Lorraine.

I have been following this touching and intriguing story from the beginning. The interest and help received from members has beeen fantastic. Special thanks must go to Paul for his initial interest in this and for sharing it with others. Well done to you Paul! It has made fascinating reading. I look forward to the next instalment.

Nudging so I don't miss the next thrilling instalment!

Hi, The article was written by Win Evans and Win is trying to piece together more of the story. He is currently speaking with people who were witnesses or were around at the time of the tragedy. However, it is his story and he welcomes our contribution. I think that perhaps he could be persuaded to forward a copy to the Echo after he has published the update in the Newsletter in November. I'll speak with him next time I see him. Once again many thanks for your continued interest. I have contacted Woolwich Royal Artillery Museum, research inquiries in the hope that they can find some information on William thanks to Bo providing an address and occupation for 1934. It appears a gunner is what would be called a private in other military forces. Bye for now Paul

I too have been following this thread with baited breath & I'm now wondering if the South Wales Echo be interested in this story? Your call on this. Congratulations to all of you, you have all done a terrific job.

hello all a nudge to keep this sad litle tale at the top. regards stacy

Will be offline for few days and just want to keep tab on this very interesting thread. Bel

A regular soldier who had done his time in the 1930's would have been called up as a reservist in the second World War. Therefore he may well have died in France in 1940 or maybe in the Western Desert after 1940. The earlier suggestion about being based at Woolwich is a good one if he was an artilleryman.

Hi All, Many thanks to Bo who kindly bought Patricia's birth certificate and has posted the details. A very big thank you for sending me a copy of it. There should be a number of clues in it. 1) Ex gunner RA. Royal Artillery? If so would not have likely been in the RAF 2. Name is still given as William Armstrong just as in the marriage index. No middle name 3. Know for certain that Henrietta was Patricia's mum and as already posted was born 1912 , Wilson, Henrietta Potts Poplar 1c 880 4. Trawled through the Death Index on Ancestry from Jan 1933 to Dec 1943 and can find no record of a death of a William Armstrong. 5. Contacted Cardiff & The Vale Coroner's Office and ask if I could obtain a copy of the Inquest Report. They advised me to speak with the Glamorgan Records Office. Unfortunately GRO do not have any copies of inquest reports prior to about 1952. Looks like it's going to be a trudge through the newspapers. Bye for now Paul

Could be that he died (as a civilian) shortly after his daughter was born and therefore no other children? People could have assumed that as the mother was a widow that he was killed in the War but it might have been before then. I wonder what became of her and whether she ever remarried and found some happiness?

Or 1939, Joan. Going shopping now x

No births in 1938 either, Joan

None in 1937 either. Joan

Have checked for siblings 1935 and 1936. None show in Woolwich, although Armstrong seems to be popular in the North East. Joan