Genealogy Chat

Hello All, I called this evening to speak with Win Evans and drop off copies of all the emails from GR members showing him what interest his story had provoked. He was extremely pleased that there was such feeling for Patricia considering how long ago the tragic loss of life occurred. What he did tell me was that at the moment he had not written it all down but did have contact details of people who recalled the event. He had also had a telephone conversation with the eye witness. It is his intention to write a follow up for the November issue of the Radyr Parish Newsletter where he would be happy to include any details uncovered by GR members and wishes to thank you all for your interest. We agreed that he would search the Radyr Parish Burial Records Archives and I would search for the inquest report or newspaper coverage. What he told me was:- The lady who rang him was the eye witness and had been with Patricia on the day when she was struck by the train. She was the friend referred to below. On a Saturday afternoon Patricia and her friend (aged eight) made their way to Bayliss Farm about a quarter of a mile from where she was living with Mr & Mrs Arthur Harris, 8 Gelynis Terrace North, Morganstown to collect milk for the grandmother. This was a trip they had done several times before. About 100 yards from the farm they needed to cross the railway lines. Clambering over the wooden stile they would carefully cross the tracks before climbing back over the second stile which led to the farm. On this occasion the girls decided to play on the stile. A steam train thundered past. This normally would not have been a problem and, they would have been aware of it coming down the track, all except for a twist of fate. A second train coming from the opposite direction crossed paths with the first and the suction it created pulled Patricia, being on the inner side of the stile, into its path and killed her instantly. The eye witness was in shock for a considerable period and she now believes that the lady dressed all in black who visited her while home in bed ill was most probably Henrietta, Patricia’s mother down to attend the funeral and had called in to see how she was. An inquest was held and statements were given by the engine driver. Win also believes that her father may have been on active service or possibly had already become a casualty of war prior to her death and may explain why he had not attended the funeral. How much this story will change by the time the November issue comes out I do not know but hopefully the information is close to the truth Bye Paul

nudging so I can keep track of this. Keep up the good work

This is like an epic - such a sad story- nudging so i can read all. Julie

Hello Ivy, You have been more successful than I have been. May I ask where the information came from. Can anyone shed light on which Units are being referred to. Many thanks Paul

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Hi Paul, There are two possibles on the list of the RAF deaths overseas for William Armstrong: Flight Lieutenant, number 41812, unit (B?)PO/GIB, died 1943 (ref vol 1 page 131) ; and AC.2, number 866588 (middle initial V), unit 322 MU, died 1944 (ref also vol 1 page 131) There may be unit histories available?

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hi paul... i am following this sad tale, its good to know that there are some genuinely decent people who are willing to give thier time and effort to help in this search... you start to get a picture in your mind of what little patricia may have been like.... regards stacy

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Hi All, I am calling to see Mr. Win Evans this evening. It is he who we must thank for bringing to our attention the plight of little Patricia Armstrong. I just happen to live in the area and like yourselves, once I read the story it intrigued me. Special thanks must go to all who pointed me to some very important links. Also thanks to all who have contributed either advice or help or both. Finding out what happened to Patricia has become a team effort and hopefully I can post whatever new information Win has uncovered very soon. What is still unknown is if William Armstrong enlisted in the RAF and was killed in WW2? Who paid for the burial? Was Patricia an only child? Bye Paul

This thread is like a book that I can't put down. It is such a lovely, caring true story Wendy

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nudging so as to follow this story, even from afar (Oz). I cannot assist practically but nevertheless am full of admiration for your efforts Paul, well done. This is such a wonderful example of true historical research and the power of the internet! Good Luck to you all, and Blessings to dear little Patricia. Hz

Is there someone on the boards who could check school logs for Woolwich area? I have seen Dover school logs for the wartime period and they had very detailed information about evacuees sent to Wales, home address, which family they were with, siblings there, any change of lodging and reason for leaving. Maybe school logs, - if they exist- for Woolwich would pinpoint Patricia's family. Gwyn

paul you have me hanging on your every word. i cant wait for the next instalment. you are doing a fabulous job. keep up the good work . well done you are a superstar and little patricia would be so happy . linda x

You're doing a great job Paul and I await patiently the outcome of your research. It's amazing how one little girl can touch so many peoples thoughts.

My mum was evacuated from London to Wales but after a while the family couldn't bear to be parted so the whole family, cousins, grandparents and all, decided to live together at Iver, Buckinghamshire. My mum and brother were brought back. Now you would think Buckinghamshire would be safe, wouldn't you? Not if you are living next to the Hawker Hurricane factory!

Hi Paul, I have been following this story although I haven't posted anything on the thread, it would be great to find out about this little girl. I will keep looking to check what is happening. Betty

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