Uncle Harry

Uncle Harry was always in our lives when we were young.  He and Aunt Chris often visited our home and I remember these visits as happy times. Aunt Chris was a great pianist so there was always music and singing.  But I never knew much about them.  They were just my aunt and uncle; in fact my mum’s aunt and uncle, and they were part of my mum’s family – Uncle Harry was my grandmother’s brother, but sadly Gran Brown died before I was born.  I remembered mum saying that Uncle Harry was in the Second World War – so that was where my research began….

Henry Tayler Chapman (Uncle Harry) – was born on 28 October 1915 in Glasgow to my great grandmother, Jemima Chapman (nee Taylor) and my great grandfather, William Chapman.

Birth certificate for Henry Taylor Chapman

His sister, Elizabeth – my maternal grandmother – was already ten years old at the time and his brother, William (Uncle Bill) was seven. A couple of years after Uncle Harry’s birth, another sister was born – Annie (Aunt Nan).  However, the family had already experienced terrible sadness with the death of  Mary (Maimee) of scarlet fever at the age of two years and eight months.

Birth certificate for Mary Chapman

Death certificate for Mary Chapman

And the hard times were not over yet with Uncle Bill contracting polio and losing his leg at a very young age.

Uncle Harry became a tailor’s cutter and on 28 March 1941, he married Christina Dear Cullen, (Aunt Chris) who was a tailor’s fitter.  I can only assume they met through their work.  Although Uncle Harry was a tailor, the Second World War had started and he was also a Piper in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders so, soon after the wedding, he went off to fight in the war.

Marriage Certificate for Uncle Harry and Aunt Chris

Uncle Harry, Service No 2988075

Pin worn by Uncle Harry on either his kilt or his cap

Uncle Harry served in the Central Mediterranean – North Africa with the 8th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.  On 28 November 1942 he was listed with the War Office as “missing”.  It wasn’t until 18 February 1943 that he was discovered as  wounded and a Prisoner of War in Italy.  This was reported to the War Office Casualty Section as follows –

Henry Taylor Chapman – Casualty List No 1062. Previously reported on Casualty List 1020 as Missing.  Now reported Prisoner of War.

From North Africa, where he was taken prisoner, he was moved to Italy and treated in the Military Hospital 206, Nocera.  After the Italian armistice, he was transferred to Germany.

Uncle Harry was taken to Stalag 4a, Hohenstein – Prisoner of War no. 258401.  Finally in May 1945 the camp was liberated by the Red Army.  The War Office Casualty Branch recorded the following on 23 August 1945 –

Henry Taylor Chapman – List no 1839. Previously shown on Casualty List no 1158 as reported Wounded and Prisoner of War now Not Prisoner of War.

Henry Taylor Chapman’s Medals

 

War Medal 1939-45

Other side

War Medal 1939-45 was awarded to Uncle Harry for full time service personnel.

1939-45 Star

Uncle Harry was awarded the 1939-45 Star for Operational Service in the Second World War.

Africa Star

The Africa Star medal was granted to Uncle Harry for operational service in North Africa.

Finally Uncle Harry was home safe and sound after, what I imagine, was a terrifying few years.  It must have been strange picking up where he left off, particularly as he was a newlywed when he had first gone to war.

I would like to say that the hard times were over for him but in 1949 Aunt Chris gave birth to twin boys – Henry Taylor Chapman and Christopher Dear Chapman.  Henry passed away at just 20 hours old; Christopher died at just one day old.

Death Certificate of Christopher

Death Certificate of Henry

By the time I was born in 1957, the hardest of times were behind Uncle Harry and Aunt Chris.  At least I hope they were.  I was only ever aware of happy family visits.

Uncle Harry passed away in 1980 at the age of 64.  Aunt Chris outlived him by eight years and died at the age of 70.  Sadly they never had more children and I never heard anyone  talk about the twins.  Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill were also childless so the Chapman surname ended there. My mum’s sister had Chapman as a middle name – Elizabeth Chapman Brown – and she passed that onto her son, Alan. However, Alan also had no children so, when he passed away in 2016, the Chapman name died with him.

 

 

Postscript on James Brown (1866-1915)

In 2013, I wrote a post about my great grandfather, James Brown . In that post I talked about how his ship had been torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915. He was killed at the age of 48 along with 194 of his fellow officers.

In 2019, Ed Osborne from the Board of Trade in London contacted me to let me know James Brown was recognised on their World War 1 Memorial. I did not know my great-grandfather was on the memorial, however this conversation did motivate me to try to find out more about him.  I wasn’t sure where to start; what few family papers I believed there were had been kept by my cousin who, sadly, passed away in 2016, and I did not know how to contact his family. It was just a coincidence that during a conversation with my mother in England, she commented that my cousin had left the family documents to my nephew. Long story short, I discovered that my sister in Scotland had them for safe-keeping. We hadn’t been in touch for some years but I made contact with her to ask if she happened to have a photograph of our great-grandfather, James Brown. She came back to me very quickly with a photo that we soon were able to verify was him. I was elated! But not only did Carol send me a copy of the photo, she sent me everything else she had on him. I had no idea the family had these precious items. And now I can honour his memory by sharing them here.

Photo of James Brown who served on HMS Terrible when it was in service as an accommodation ship.  I was informed  that facial hair was not allowed during war time by King’s Regulations.  So it is likely that this photo was taken in 1911 when James was a member of the Royal Navy Reserve carrying out his annual training during peace time.

Some postcards from the HMS Terrible –

This certificate of service gave me some interesting information. I mentioned in my last post that James Brown was not very tall – only 5’6″, with brown hair and hazel eyes.  I am only 5’3″ with brown hair (before the grey took over) and hazel eyes.  I love that some of his physical characteristics have been passed down through his descendents.

I already knew he was born in Glasgow  but I was fascinated to see that his religion is “Unitarian”. On his ID disk below, he identifies himself as Presbyterian.  I believe they were separate religions until around the 19th century when they merged.  My family have always been Protestant but I think all three probably come under the umbrella of the Church of Scotland.

I was sad to find out that James Brown was a pensioner.  At first I wasn’t clear about what this meant but, after seeking answers from the Great War Forum, I learned that he was a sailor in the British Navy and had served his time  – 21 years.  However, he was called back when the First World War began.  Of course, not long after he was killed when his ship, the HMS Bayano, was torpedoed.

Great Britain Dead Man’s Penny (1918 to 1936)

The Dead Man’s Penny is a commemorative medallion which was presented to the next-of-kin of the men and women who died during World War One. Next to Lady Britannia is James Brown’s name, with no rank provided to show equality in their sacrifice. The Dead Man’s Penny was accompanied by a letter from King George V (below)

Sad days for my ancestors.

James Brown’s War Medals

In my earlier entry on my great grandfather, I posted a photo of a war medal I knew he had received. It wasn’t his medal. I am now pleased to be able to post photos of his actual medals held by my family.

The British War Medal, 1914-18

The Front of the British War Medal, 1914-18 also known as ‘Squeak’.

The silver or bronze medal was awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive.

The 1914-15 Star

Also known as ‘Pip’, this bronze medal was awarded to all who served in any theatre of war against Germany between 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915, except those eligible for the 1914 Star. Similarly, those who received the Africa General Service Medal or the Sudan 1910 Medal were not eligible for the award. Like the 1914 Star, the 1914-15 Star was not awarded alone. The recipient had to have received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The reverse is plain with James Brown’s service number, rank, name and unit impressed on it.

 The Allied Victory Medal

Also known as ‘Wilfred’.  The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory.  Eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal (‘Squeak’) also received the Victory Medal (‘Wilfred’). However, in general, all recipients of ‘Wilfred’ also received ‘Squeak’ and all recipients of ‘Pip’ also received both ‘Squeak’ and ‘Wilfred’.  James’ service number, rank, name and unit were impressed on the rim.*

The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Other side

My great grandfather was awarded the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for  fifteen years of reckonable service. Awards were only made after a thorough check of his service record and required the recommendation of his commanding officer.  Along with the medal, James Brown would have received a gratuity.

information on the medals came from  http://www.greatwar.co.uk/medals/ww1-campaign-medals.htm

There is no doubt that James Brown, when the HMS Bayano was torpedoed, gave his life for our freedom along with his fellow officers.  I would like to think that his spirit is being kept alive by remembering him and honouring him.

 

ANZAC DAY TRIBUTE

As today is Anzac Day, I would like to re-post an article I wrote a few years ago on my husband’s father, John Ernst Flannery, who served in the Second World War.

The Second World War began in 1939 and John Ernest Flannery enlisted in the Royal Australian Army on 14 July 1941 at Paddington, Sydney at the age of 29. On his Attestation Form he lists Dorothy Flannery as his next of kin and their address as Toella Street, Pambula. He states that he was employed as a clerk, was married with one child (John).

John Ernest Flannery

 

For the first three months after enlisting, John Ernest was based in Sydney. He took leave in September before being sent overseas to Colombo, Ceylon in October 1941 on a hospital ship as a Nursing Orderly. During the next couple of years, John’s ship returned to Sydney a couple of times but we do not know if he contacted his family or not.

In December 1943 he was sent to Buna in Papua New Guinea on the “James Goodhue” then later the Katoomba, and was promoted from Private to Corporal. He may also have spent some time there as an Acting Sergeant and was confirmed a Sergeant on 19 September 1944. John Ernest also spent time in Townsville and Madang on the Gorgon then in Brisbane again on the Katoomba. In 1944, ill with a fever, he was transferred to a hospital in Perth, WA.

On 11 January 1946, John Ernest was discharged from the Army in Perth where he had been working in the Australian General Hospital. On his ‘Proceedings for Discharge” form, he is described as aged 34, height 5’11”, dark hair and complexion, and brown eyes.

On 13 July 1954 the following war medals were posted to John Ernest at 38 Marine Parade, Cottesloe but have since been lost –

1939/45 Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
ASM

John Ernest spent the best part of two years in Ceylon and it was there he met Phyllis Aileen May Campbell, a nurse usually known as Aily.

Military Career

Details from Service and Casualty Form

John Ernest Flannery – Service in the Australian Army
– Service Number NX38743

14.7.1941 Enlisted in the army
15.7.1941 Marched into General Details Depot (GDP), Sydney
23.7.1941 Taken on Strength – AGH (Australian General Hospital), Sydney
24.7.1941 Marched out of GDP to AGH
15.9.1941 From AGH – granted pre-embarkation leave 13.9.1941-22.9.1941
7.10.1941 Embarked for overseas from AGH on 2/2 Hospital Ship, Sydney
24.10.1941 Disembarked in Colombo, Ceylon
8.12.1941 From AGH – offence – failing to appear at the place of parade on 6.12.1941 in Colombo (award – 7 days)
7.1.1942 Offence – conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline (award – 7 days), Welisara, Ceylon
9.1.1942 Returned to Australia for 3/2 hospital ship
12.1.1942 Graded Group III nursing orderly
9.1.1943 Returned to Australia, disembarked Sydney
18.2.1943 AGH Marched out to Queensland Lines of Communication Area
15.7.1943 Embarked James M Goodhue (a freighter) in Sydney
30.7.1943 Disembarked in Buna, Papua New Guinea
20.12.1943 Promoted to Acting Corporal
23.1.1944 Rank of Corporal confirmed
23.1.1944 Relinquished 111 Nursing Orderly
1.2.1944 Promoted to Acting Sergeant
29.4.1944 Buna – embarked HMAS Katoomba
(HMAS Katoomba was one of sixty Australian Minesweepers (commonly known as corvettes) built during World War II in Australian shipyards as part of the Commonwealth Government’s wartime shipbuilding programme. Twenty were built on Admiralty order but manned and commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy)

HMAS KATOOMBA

12.5.1944 Disembarked Sydney
3.7.1944 Evacuated to Perth Military Hospital (Pyrexia – fever – whilst on leave and transferred to X-list)
10.7.1944 Resumed leave and struck off X-list
14.8.1944 Embarked HMAS Gorgon at Townsville
(HMAS Gorgon was a Catherine class minesweeper acquired in 1943 and returned to the US Navy in 1946)

HMAS GORGON

24.8.1944 Disembarked Madang, PNG
19.9.1944 Rank of Sergeant confirmed
19.4.1945 Serving with unit
13.10.1945 Embarked HMAS Katoomba
26.10.1945 Disembarked at Brisbane
7.11.1945 Transferred for re-allocation to General Duties Depot
11.1.1946 Discharged at Karakatta. War Badge No. 177440. Posting at discharge – Australian General Hospital. Reason for discharge – de-mobbed.

 

“Dad Flannery with Susan and John (James). Just got discharged from army after 6 years”

Featured ‘Day in the life of’: Tayler, reproductive biochemistry PhD student.

via Featured ‘Day in the life of’: Tayler, reproductive biochemistry PhD student.

Mum’s Story (part 8)

Moving, engagements, marriages.

Not quite in that order.  As the years went on and life began to settle down to normality, our middle daughter, Carol, and her boyfriend Ian Buchanan, decided to get engaged after Carol came home from a holiday out in Australia.

Carol wanted a big wedding with all the trimmings. The date for the wedding was decided, 25th October 1982, my birthday. All arrangements made, church booked, dresses bought, photographer Maurice Jones – good family friend, cars, flowers, cake, everything ready for the day of the wedding.

Lynn, being away at the time, was sad as she and Janice would have been her bridesmaids. However we tried to keep her in the picture, photos of Carol in her wedding gown, dad escorting her out to the limousine with her veil and long train. Not forgetting her long telephone call to or from her sister in Australia, very emotional.

The sun was shining and the church was packed, my husband so proud, walking his daughter down the aisle to hand over to a young doctor. The whole day was a great success.

 

In the in between years Bob and I moved more out to the country. We sold our house in Mt Vernon and moved to a little village named Braco in Perthshire.  We bought a lovely bungalow with 3/4 acre of ground. We were fortunate in the fact that the gardens had been landscaped.

In the house itself we got to work making it into our home!  We knocked down a wall to make a large lounge, we had built a very attractive sun lounge leading down into our garden. We had an open plan stairway put in and an upstairs lounge and twin bedroom with en suite.

While we were living in Braco, Lynn came home with an Australian lad, Greg and announced they were getting married. Lynn asked for a small wedding with a garden party afterwards.  As I had mentioned, Braco is a lovely village with a very pleasant church which I attended.  Arrangements were made by her sister, Janice and I for the wedding to be held in the church and a hall in Dunblane was booked for the reception.

I didn’t listen and should have realised Lynn was not the big wedding type of girl, she would have been happier had I let her choose the type of wedding she wanted.  However, the wedding was nice and I remember an archway of guests clasping hands above their heads making  a pathway for the bridal couple to pass under.

Janice and Alan arranged their wedding for just two weeks after Lynn and Greg’s on 2nd June 1985, so we were once again looking for wedding clothes. This was a completely different Big Day. It was not a church wedding but a small, registry office wedding followed by a buffet and dance in their local community hall.  Carol, Lynn and I went with Janice to choose her wedding dress.  She chose an attractive fitted white dress with short veil, 3″ white heeled shoes. Lynn and Carol chose their identical dress in different pale shades.  I bought a light cream suit, all ready for the third wedding in our family.  A beautiful buffet was set out with lovely floral decoration. As Alan was a guitarist with his band, the lads all played up to the minute tunes, for all ages, real good fun.

After the wedding of our third daughter Bob and I settled down to a happy life in the country, doing the things we enjoyed doing playing outdoor bowls, being with good friends, walking our two Sheltie dogs, Cindy and Sheeba along many country lanes.

Bob and I were married for 55 years.  We had a good marriage and a good life.

During our travels many years later, the dreaded illness which Bob contracted, cancer, spread throughout his body.  He died very peacefully back home in Scotland with some of his family around him.

Like all story tellers my story began with me as a baby and is now ending as an 83 yr old waiting to join my beloved husband in the ever promised land,

Mum’s Story (part 7)

Before Bob and I knew it our lives had moved onto another cycle.  We had a lovely two bedroom apartment in Craigbank, the first central heated apartments to be completed.  Looking out from our lounge window we could see our own garden, and across from there we saw the tennis courts and to the left a bowling green.  A young family’s dream. When our youngest baby arrived, six months after having moved in, she spent most of her early months in her pram out on our porch breathing the good fresh air. Lynn and Carol, being only 11 months apart played in the safety of our garden with their dolls and pram, accompanied by their little friends.

Moving on to school days our two eldest daughters started at the primary school a short walk from home. Lynn enjoyed her primary years although on her first day, that half a day was enough for her and on looking out the window who did I see but our Lynn walking towards the house!  Oh dear. I had been talking to Bob on the telephone telling him how happy she had been to go to school that morning! Soon both she and I went back to school to explain her disappearance to her teacher who was very understanding and took Lynn under her wing. From then on no more escapes.

Carol, Janice and Lynn outside our flat at Newfield Square

Lynn worked hard at school and passed the exam to move on to the Girls High School, which was private. We knew our money would be well spent. Many subjects were covered including sports everything which our daughter enjoyed.  Carol by this time had introduced Janice, our youngest daughter, into primary school. They both got on alright at school, no traumas to speak of. When it was time for Carol to move into high school she went to the local school with her friends and settled down.

Bob, still working as a Prudential agent, was offered promotion as Supervisor in an area on the other side of Glasgow.  Still working as an Avon Manager, we agreed I could work most areas as long as I was near the motorway. Having found a house in North Mount Vernon, we decided to have a closer look inside.  It was very big with plenty of rooms and a central staircase which we both wanted.. A huge amount of work was required to be done inside. The area itself was very appealing. Everything worked out fine, school for both younger children, Lynn continuing at the high school. That fixed, we then moved in.

Leaving Craigbank was a wrench.  We had so many happy times with our friends, the children too were always out playing games with their pals. It was not that long ago I was told by our Carol that one game they loved was opening a door at the side of our house which led from tunnel to tunnel under the block of apartments to explore!  I was flabbergasted! I still to this day cannot bear to think what could have happened to these children.

During the many years in Mount Vernon various things were happening around us. The girls were turning into teenagers, Bob and I had close friends and get -together nights were enjoyed. Our daughter, Janice took to staying out at nights; I was worried while her dad went off to bed. Many a night I got the car out and drove up to the garage to find the telephonist and my daughter sitting smoking!. Both girls got a piece of my mind. This continued as this was the only place smoking was allowed. I had a big problem.

Lynn,  the eldest became friendly with a girl who lived on the complete opposite side of the city. Again, trouble, one night when the dance finished it was too late for them to get home, so, mum had to get into the car after 11 pm to collect the girls in town, drive her friend away to Anniesland miles away then back to our home! Her dad of course taking nothing to do with it, told me to lock the door and let them get on with it.

Carol was the quiet one, all she wanted to do was go and play tennis with her friends. No problem.

Time went on but my family problems did not go away, our eldest daughter and youngest daughter began to have a love hate-relationship. I noticed it starting when a nice lad Janice had met and invited home went a bit askew; I noticed jealousy, creeping in. Both daughters were so alike in many ways, although they would not admit to it.

Lynn, Carol and Janice

They never resolved their problems. On looking back as a mother I tried my best. The hardest thing I had to accept was the day Lynn announced she was going to Australia to get married. I felt this was a big mistake.  At last Lynn had found an escape, get engaged to an Australian and off to a new life which did not work out. Dad and I were heartbroken.  Trying to find a daughter in another country was almost impossible until I made a phone call to an aunt of this young man to be told the engagement was off and she did not know where Lynn was. Eventually we received a letter from Lynn explaining she was working in Sydney and was friendly with a lady called Rona who was like a mother to her and we were not to worry.

Luckily everything did work out for Lynn.  She loved Australia.  Just a pity she had to go to the other side of the world to find happiness.

 

Mum’s Story (Part 6)

Bob and I decided for various reasons to have a short honeymoon some place not too far away. The granite city sounded good so, that is where we booked, Aberdeen.

During our three night stay, we enjoyed walks through the lovely city, walks on the beach as the weather was beautiful, romantic dinners and the highlight of my new husband’s day was on the Saturday when there was some special football match on.  Being the most obliging young wife, I agreed we should go!  It was fun as it had been years since we had been to a match together.

Mum and Dad in Lawrencekirk, near Aberdeen, with Dad’s Gran – my great grandmother.

We returned home on Monday evening to be told my mum was in the hospital  Too late to visit we arranged with my dad to attend the hospital the following day.  When we arrived at the ward my heart sank, her bed was empty! After a short wait, mum arrived back at the ward as she had been away for x-rays. I breathed again and was so happy to see her. Her face on seeing my dad, Bob and I was a picture of complete happiness; she actually looked radiant. I left the ward with that lovely picture of her in my mind.

The following day my mum died and a very large part of my heart crumbled.  How could it be she was so happy the day before?   My poor dad, the fear he had lived with all his married life had actually happened.  My new husband was marvellous.  I was inconsolable.  Dad was trying to keep up but completely at a loss.  Elizabeth and Ian arrived with Elaine.  Funeral arrangements made by my dad, Bob and Ian were put into place.   One week to the very day, I was in my lovely wedding dress and now I was looking out my funeral clothes, this could not be happening.

Mum had a very quiet funeral service in our house then was taken off to be buried at the cemetery.  My sister and female relations stayed at home and the only satisfying part of this whole ghastly business was that God had been kind to my mum.  She got her wishes, to see her daughters through school, happily married and she also saw her first grandchild born , baby Elaine. For that I say a big thank you.

Gran Brown with grand-daughter, Elaine

During the next few years, Bob and I settled into married life enjoying each other’s company. We were blessed with 3 lovely baby girls and prouder parents you couldn’t meet. Like every other mum and dad, money was tight and I went out to work as an Avon representative in my own area. Within a year and a half I was promoted to an Area Sales Manager travelling the south west Scotland including Renfrewshire.

I remember the happiness this promotion brought – having a brand new car, more money coming in every month – is quite ironic.  Many a time we took our little daughters out at weekends.  We called in at various restaurants for lunch on our outings and were always asked by various people who would stop at our table and enquired if our little girls were triplets.  Lynn, Carol and Janice were very alike with short haircuts with fringe, always dressed the same.  Understandably people took notice and stopped to pay compliments. That is what married life was all about, wonderful feelings.

Mum’s Story (part 5)

Like every young woman newly engaged, there was never enough hours in a day.

Wedding preparations, bridal dress, flowers, had all to be arranged.   Unfortunately our wedding would not be the “Dream Wedding”  with a beautiful dress with long white trail, limousine to the church, church bells chiming, everything my sister Elizabeth and her husband, Ian, had. Circumstances had changed dramatically within our family by the time Bob and I got engaged.

When my mother was in her mid-teens she worked in a furriers, cleaning fur capes, coats etc. When she took ill it was discovered she had contracted a heart condition called Mitral stenosis. Throughout her young married life she suffered serious heart attacks which worsened with age.

As I mentioned, during my 21st birthday party my mum had to leave the group and rest. Her life was hard. One day when she and I were talking, she told me her wish in life was to see her two daughters through school , happily married then she would be happy.

Bob and I were aware of my mother’s health and we decided a small wedding would be the best thing.  I was adamant my mum would be at my wedding and so we asked our Minister,  Rev James Currie,  a very good friend of the family, if our wedding vows could take place in my own home.  Knowing of mum’s health condition he heartily agreed.

Now back to my wedding preparations.  My sister, Elizabeth , was thrilled to be my Matron of Honour although she and Ian lived way up north near Tain. This meant wedding attire was a bit awkward as having my wedding held at home there was no way I could have a long white dress with train!  During our enjoyable talks of mum’s younger days, she mentioned the day she and my dad were married.  Money was scarce so she decided on a very pretty pale blue dress with matching accessories, a sensible decision because her dress lasted and was very useful during social evenings.  Being very close to my mum, as many daughters usually are, I decided to do the same.

The following Saturday I went into town to look for my wedding dress.  Having been shown numerous wedding outfits I was getting rather despondent as I was on my own with no-one to ask their advice. Then out of the blue I found my dress. It was a fitted, boned, pale blue dress with tiered skirts down to my ankles, a simple pale blue lace jacket with cap sleeves and stand up collar, fitted over my dress. Luck was with me as placed on top of my head was a very delicate pale blue wedding veil held by crystal and seed pearls. Next came my shoes, a slighter darker blue covered with small encrusted stones, a 3″ heel and sling backs. At last was my dream wedding outfit was complete.

Our wedding was held on Wednesday, 10 October 1956. Everything went like clockwork. Elizabeth, Ian and my two year old niece, Elaine,  who was to be my little flower girl arrived safely from Invershin up north.  Mum had a new dress with a pretty corsage. Both my dress and my Matron of Honour’s blended in beautifully.

Our wedding was to take place in a large room in our house.  The caterers arrived and our front room looked great.  Bob’s friend played the accordion professionally so we were all set for a good time.  My future in-laws arrived and both groom and best man were in place beside our wedding guests and my very special guest, my mum. The bridal party, bride, matron of honour, father of the bride, all waiting to hear the start of the wedding march. Dad was great.  Although he had had a walk down the aisle with Elizabeth, this was different.  This was the day his youngest daughter was to be handed over to a young man who had agreed to take on the responsibility of her future.

Silence.  Music begins and off we go, another memory I will cherish:  the sea of friendly smiling faces, minister in place but the only person I could see was my future husband, all smiles. Our vows were exchanged and a new MR and MRS began a new life together..

Everything went according to plan – my new mother-in-law in tears and confetti thrown from all directions while we made our way to the taxi and to the start of our very short honeymoon.

 

Mum with her parents, my grandparents

Dad with his parents, my grandparents

Mum’s family (Browns and Chapmans)

Dad’s family (the Smiths)

After the honeymoon period ——story part 6 shortly.

Mum’s Story (part 4)

Moving into my twenties was an easy and simple transition, nothing too complex just catching up with beauty styles – clothes, hair styles, shoes and first and foremost make up.

When I was a teenager I wore clothes that suited me, casual for work, more classy for going out on dates or meeting Bob. One day towards my 18th birthday I sat down and reflected my image on a slightly older male! Bob was eight years older than me and before we became an item, age never bothered us, we were just a happy twosome.

At weekends we went to friends, mainly couples Bob knew.  It was around that time that I felt I had to do something to make me look more mature and, let’s say ‘womanly’.  I changed my style in clothes, more chic, curvaceous, higher heels, new shorter hair style and, guess what?   My new image was a huge success.  I remember clearly two occasions.

One time my sisters best man, Hugh, asked me out one evening.  We went to the Berkley where I felt most comfortable.  Bob knew we were going there. As Hugh was not the best of dancers, we went upstairs to the cafe overlooking the ballroom. Sitting talking and enjoying watching the dancers, I got a feeling someone was walking towards us.  It was Bob who shook hands with Hugh then politely asked if he could have the next dance with me.  Shocked, I got to my feet, extremely embarrassed because not only did he have one dance but he held on to me for the next dance also!

The second embarrassment was while we were at a mutual friend’s wedding.  We were on the floor dancing when the sister of the bride came over to us at the end of the dance to ask Bob if he was happy for a friend to have the next dance with me? Of course he agreed. The dance was a slow foxtrot, one of my favourites.  Taking me onto the dance floor, we glided across so smoothly and comfortably, a wonderful dancer he was.  At the end of the foxtrot he offered me an invitation to be his professional ballroom dancer, as his partner had to withdraw from their partnership due to other commitments. Having thanked him for the lovely dance I had to decline his offer but was overwhelmed by his compliment and wished him every success in the future.

From that day on Bob was my only dancing partner and our relationship went to another, more permanent level.

Within a short space of time my 21st birthday arrived. A few of our friends came to my family home where we had a great time. My mother suffered from a heart condition and excused herself to go and have a rest.  Dad always enjoyed company and got into the swing of things, with a wee glass of his favourite drink Whyte & Mackay whisky.

During the spring of the following year Bob and I became engaged. We went to my Uncle Bill who worked with Panton the jewellers in Glasgow for my engagement ring.  We were over the moon and decided to go to the very popular ballroom at Eglinton Toll, Glasgow to celebrate our engagement.  I remember the evening so very clearly, the alcove we sat in, the soft music, a girls perfect dream.  As the evening went on I was still waiting for the ring to be put on my finger but Bob just kept smiling and teasing me. A special song was being sung and it was then Bob placed the ring on my finger and guided me onto the dance floor. The song was “When I Fall in Love”  (please click).  Definitely a night, never to be forgotten.

My story part 5 continues into the month of October the same year when Bob and I become MR and MRS.

Mum’s Story (part 3)

Having had my 13th birthday and feeling all grown up, Connie another girlfriend who lived across from me, decided it would be a nice day out to take the train into the town centre.  After all we were teenagers!  The railway station was only a short walk up from where we lived so our mothers agreed we could go. The train line was known as the Glasgow Circle so we could not go wrong!

We duly bought our railway tickets and eagerly waited for our train to arrive. The journey into Glasgow took about half an hour. The puff puff of the train approaching was so exciting.  It finally stopped and the doors were opened for the passengers. It was a busy train with lots of children clamouring aboard, having a day like us going to the shops in Glasgow. As the train left the station we both felt really grown up and enjoyed our run to the big city.  The scenery was so nice – seeing the countryside, the cows, sheep, horses all nibbling at the grass, very peaceful.

After almost half an hour panic set in.  We were on the wrong train!  When eventually the ticket collector came around and looked at our tickets he told us we were on the express train to TROON, in Ayrshire!

“How can we get off?”

“You can’t until you reach your destination.”

Not having mobile phones in these days and having no money, we were in a complete state of panic. When we eventually disembarked we were no longer teenagers, we were two stranded little girls miles away from home, unable to let our parents know because there was no such thing as telephones in our homes.

Eventually when we made the return journey, around half past seven at night, we ran the whole way home to meet our frantic parents all out looking for us. I can’t remember ever being so happy to see my mum, dad and sister standing there with their arms outspread.

At the age of fifteen I started my first job working as a BAZADA girl! This was a filing cabinet with a queer name. The company was A & D Frazer, selling motor car parts, in Pollockshaws. I was grown up by this time and able to get on the right train to go to work and back. I loved my work. I felt so important talking to customers, asking their name, the chassis number of the car, looking up my BAZADA file to see if we had the part in stock. On occasion I had to go to another part of the factory which meant a long walk through the factory full of mechanics.  At first I felt very self-conscious but, as the time went by, I became used to the wolf whistles and exchanged many a laugh with the lads.

There was one lad there who seemed to be very interested in me, we got on very well. His family had a business and he also had a small business doing, what is now known as gigs.  I went with him and his friend at weekends – Jim was my boyfriend and John was there to help set up the music centre. The music was varied and the dancing was fun. Our relationship lasted a couple of years until he joined the Merchant Navy travelling on the well-known ship ‘Captain Cook’ to Australia and back.  Each trip was a six months stint.

Mum, Jim and Elizabeth

Within that time I changed my job to work as a Dictaphone typist in a company called The Iron Trades Insurance Company. I worked with a fleet of typists, six of us in all. The insurance men dictated their letters onto a cylinder worked by a machine which was put into a sleeve then put into a box and brought through to the typing pool.  A typist picked up the cylinder and commenced typing the letter ready for signing and posting.

I had by then moved on to travelling in style by using a Corporation bus. It was during one of my journeys home that I was introduced by a friend to a handsome, dark-haired, young man, who incidentally lived two minutes away from me on the other side of the road. We occasionally met on our journey home and passed the time of day with each other.

It had been a while since our paths crossed then I found out that he had moved.  He had left his job and was now working as an insurance agent with the Prudential Assurance Company. During our conversations we found out that we both enjoyed ballroom dancing and arranged to meet at the Berkeley ballroom one Saturday night.

Bob (my dad)

Our relationship was an on/off kind of affair.   We both went out on dates in between seeing each other at the Berkeley where he danced me every dance!  We were well known where we lived. Everyone thought we were so well matched.  When travelling on the bus we did nothing but talk and laugh, a great friendship.

As we became more serious we went on holiday to the Isle of Man, dancing to Joe Loss’ Band in the evenings and meeting friends in the afternoon for strawberries and ice cream. There were also afternoons we would hire a row boat and sail into the sunset.  I remember it well as my muscles in my arms were getting bigger with all the rowing!

Mum and Dad on Isle of Man

By the time I turned twenty, my sister, Elizabeth was married to her sweetheart, Ian, a lovely person.  I was proud to call him my brother-in-law.

Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Ian on their wedding day

Bob and I were now rightly known as a pair. We would go off to the dancing by bus waving to mum as we drove off but often missing the last bus home intentionally or by accident!  We had to get the last bus or it meant a long walk home from the terminus. While walking over the bridge by the river Bob used to sing to me a song that we used to call our song – ‘Oh Shenandoah, I Love your daughter’ in the most romantic voicse.  Please click – Oh Shenandoah

Remembering those wonderful days made me realise my teenage years were passing and my next stage in life, the 20s was only just beginning.