Genealogy Chat

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Nudge to keep on top.

So where is Bethel Chapel Paul? Would they have any details of the inquest do you think?

Hi Deetortraining Newfys, I'm not certain. There's a chapel in Morganstown, just off a side road with a cemetery in front of it but it has been closed for years. I think it may be the chapel but will need to check. If you do a google map search 'chapel road, morganstown' it shows you the road I think it's in. It should also show where she lived at Gelynis Terrace North and the railway line where she tragically died. Paul

All News from the Woolwich part of this gripping and intriguing story. Yesterday I obtained, Patricia’s birth cert – see earlier posting for details. Today – I searched the Electoral Roll for Engineer Road 1934 both William and Henrietta living at No. 22 1935 – 1939 both William & Henrietta living at No. 9 1939/1940 only Henrietta living at No. 9 No Rolls for the war years May 1945 – 1948 only Henrietta living at No. 9 1949 Henrietta Armstrong & George Francis living at No.9 1949 – 1962 Henrietta Armstrong & George Francis living at No. 9 1963 Henrietta Francis & George Francis living at No. 9 1964 – 1971 Henrietta & George living at No. 9 Ran out of time to look any further at the ERs I also looked through May & June 1943 copies of the Kentish Independent Newspaper to see if they picked-up the story – with no luck. Marriage Q3 1962 Woolwich 5d 2224 Henrietta M Armstrong & George Francis Death Dec 1985 Greenwich Vol: 12 Pg: 1807 Reg: 1285 Henrietta Maud Francis – Born: 2nd April 1908 Death Dec 1988 Greenwich Vol: 12 Pg: 941 Reg: 1288 George Francis – Born 12th Feb 1909 As we know from Patricia’s birth cert her fathers profession was Ex. Gunner RA. I have a feeling that he’s much older than Henrietta – nothing to substantiate but a feeling based on the info we already know – Ex gunner; no other siblings, missing from ERs after 1940. I may be completely wrong but I’ll request William & Henrietta marriage certificate to confirm ages when married. Given that William Armstrong didn’t appear in the ERs after 1939/40 I searched deaths from 1938 – 1945; two stand out: Q1 1941 William Armstrong 35 Strood 2a 2392 Q1 1943 William Armstrong 68 Greenwich 1d 796 I’m leaning towards the 1943 one. I think my next steps are death cert followed by the marriage – let me know your opinions. Bye for now – BBQ and glass of wine is calling Another small piece of this puzzle Rachel

Hello Rachel, It's like unraveling a mystery. Henrietta has not proved to be too much of a problem in finding. Born 1912 (mothers maiden name Potts), registered in Poplar (which includes Woolwich), but I have found it almost impossible to find anything on William. A marriage certificate would once again help to identify William. It should give his age and fathers name which hopefully will help us move forward. Now it's me whose waiting to find out what happens next. Well done Rachel. Bye Paul

Have just visited the grave. It's by the path to the left if you go in by the church hall (not the lych gate). Sadly there's a rowan tree growing out of it. But the inscription is clearly visible. I took some photos which I'll give to Win Evans - I know him. It would be good if there are some living cousins out there. If so, they must have heard about her. Keep up the good work. Mumsy.

Haven't posted before, but have been following this with interest. What a brilliant lot of info Rachel has turned up. Can anyone look at Probate Index for William, Henrietta and George. If any left a will, family members might be mentioned.

An interesting but sad story. Keep up the good work everyone.

Hi All Wow just took me an hour to read this.How a sad story from the war has brought together so many of us today. Maybe Little Patricia Armstrong didn't die in vain. Food for thought. Well done to you all especially Paul for bringing us this story. Love Tricia x