March 2010

Anonymous said...when can we look forward to the next update?
April 14, 2010
Apologies to readers. I'm just finally sorting out Kate's story and should post in the next two days.. I find that without the discipline of a date on a letter, it doesn't seem to be quite so urgent. I have, however, finally sorted out where Jack finished his working days.


Pattaya Girls said...We owe the soldiers of Harry's generation a great deal.
April 5th 2010

Frances said...According to the 1911 Census, Ethel Ward Watson was living in Digby Street, Ilkeston Junction. She was 19, and her occupation is recorded as "Bobbin winder." She was born in Codnor, Derbyshire. She is a boarder in the house of a Mr Robert Scattergood, who is listed as head of the household, and married, but his wife does not appear in the same entry. There are three other boarders listed at the same address: Mary Ann Watson (56), cop winder, presumably Ethel's mother, although she is listed as being single; Annie Ward Watson (19), stripper; and Annie Elizabeth Ward Watson (16), no occupation given. These last two girls are Ethel's sisters. Hope this helps!
March 22, 2010


Thank you Frances. Great effort but  ... it seems to pose several questions. Are they in the same house, number 50 Digby Street, as in 1901 where Mary Anne was Head of household? Or have they moved to another house in the same street, Mr Scattergood's house? How has Ethel's mother aged only 8 years in the intervening 10 years? Young Elizabeth Anne is now Annie Elizabeth and aged 11 years in 10. Ann is now Annie and is 12 years older in 10 years. Somewhere, they've all acquired a "Ward" bit to their name.


Perhaps they were a bit "casual" filling in the census forms. BL


Anonymous said... It's amazing how this blog has turned out: not only have we-the-readers learning so much about Harry and his war, but now you're learning more about your family history!
March 20, 2010

Linda said... How fantastic, more and brilliant information, if we are lucky this blog could go on forever (I hope)
March 21, 2010

Serge in Canada said...
Thank you so much for this account, however brief, of Ethel. I always wondered why none of Harry's letters to Ethel were available. Thank you.
March 11, 2010

Té la mà Maria - Reus said...explendit blog, congratulations regards from Reus Catalonia. Thank you.
March 08, 2010

Joan said...Bill I have just listened to the clip and I like the way the book is presented, well done and top marks again! best wishes, Joan
March 08, 2010