Noah Bentley married Hannah Hainsworth on 8 April 1852. They then sailed for Australia on the "Dalhousie" arriving in July 1852.I would like to know where they were married and any information I can get on dates of birth andof their parents Benjamin Bentley and Mary Fowler and John Hainsworth and Temperance ?.
As you see the name changed in Australia to Ainsworth. On the shipping record Noah is shown as 40yrs but he died in 1885 aged 54yrs.,If anyone wants information about people coming to Port Albert I would be pleased to try to find it. Wilber Ainsworth Bentley (elibentley@netspace.net.au) Address: Devonshires Lane, Yarram, Victoria Australia 3971
I am researching the history of the 6th Battalion, North
Staffordshire Regiment during the First World War. This was a
Territorial Battalion made up of men from Burton, Uttoxeter,
Tamworth, Rugeley and Lichfield. I am interested in finding more
source material, and would be grateful if relatives or decendents of
men who served in the battalion could let me know of any information
they have. I am especially keen to know of the existence of any
letters, diaries etc. and photos, which would illuminate the
battalion's history. Thanks. Andrew
Syk (bsyk@btinternet.com)
Address: 37 Manor Court Drive, Handsacre, Rugeley, Staffordshire.
WS15 4TF
Hello! I live in Houston, Texas. I have been researching my WALKER
family for quite a while. Other names connected with this family are
STENSON, WILD, GARRETT, PLATTS, FOX, CLEVERLY. William Walker and his
wife, Hannah (Wild) Walker, were probably buried at Stramshall or
Checkley in 1843 and 1844. I would be ever so grateful if anyone can
tell me if markers exist and any other details about them. Also, if
you are connected to any of these families I would like to hear from
you. Carol
Moser (bell-carol@houston.rr.com)
Congratulations on a fine web site which is interesting to read, is
easy to access and doesn't take ages to display.
One of my ancestors was a Daniel DEAVOLL who successively lived in Marchington, Marchington Woodlands, Newborough, and Kings Bromley (Ech Hills?) before emigrating with his wife and family to New Zealand in 1867. (He and two of his children died only a few months after arrival). It appears from my research that the DEAVOLLs (and variants on that spelling, such as DEAVOLLE, DEAVOL) were concentrated around Marchington. I also noticed that the DEAVILLEs (and variants of that spelling) were concentrated in much the same area. I therefore concluded that both my DEAVOLLs and the DEAVILLEs were interrelated and that DEAVOLL was simply a misspelling of the more numerous DEAVILLEs. (Indeed in one parish record Daniel was written in as a DEAVILLE). However another person researching DEAVOLLs has stated categorically to me that notwithstanding the close similarity of the names, they were two distinctively different families, or groups of families. I have been unable to contact this person to enquire further about this critical point.
I wonder therefore whether amongst your readers or present-day DEAVILLEs there is someone who could perhaps clarify these family origins?
There is also a suggestion that the DEAVILLEs/DEAVOLLs originated in France. I wonder whether there is any evidence in this direction?
Brian Williamson (bdpwill@e3.net.nz), 10 Norah Street, St Albans, Christchurch, New Zealand 8001
I wonder if anyone remembers me from Hatton - born there in 1921, my
father Edwin Morley ran the ironmongers shop & petrol station in
the main street for many years. My name then was Muriel Morley and I
worked during the war in Swinnerton. It would be so nice to hear from
anyone who remembers the shop or can recall me or my family.
Isobel
(isobelm@bigfoot.com)
Is there any way of posting this picture < Click
here to view >, or of
seeing if anyone might know the identity of the people? It would have
been taken in the Uttoxeter area, no later than 1906 and possibly as
early as the mid 1890s. It appears to me as though it could be a
wedding picture. The lady standing toward the left in the back with
the dark hat and the man's hand resting on her shoulder is, I
believe, Elizabeth Warner, daughter of William Edward Warner and Jane
Johnson. Any information?
Eileen Bauer, 210 East Hampton Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-4611
I have was advised to contact you by my aunt Ruby Krosin from
America. I live in Leicester and are searching for my Fradley roots.
I have been told the name Fradley has a link to the canals as they
were barge people, even though the family were farmers. john George
Fradley my grandfather was born in Stafford, His father was John
Fradley, I think his father may have been Thomas. John George had 13
brothers and sisters and I have only a few names, Do you have any
contacts who may be able to help me? John George was born 1897 and
was one of the oldest Regards Valigene
Hubbard (
Valigene@pvhubbard.fsnet.co.uk )
My gggg grandfather was a James Bunting who was born in Uttoxeter in
1775. He married Sarah Bevins March 21 1800. Their son James then
married Edith Lovatt in St mary's C/e, Uttoxeter. One of their
children John Bunting migrated to Australia on the "Istanboul" and
married a Mary McLaren.This is my family line.I would be interested
in hearing from anyone who could give me information about the
Buntings in Uttoxeter or any other information.
Linda Wheeler (eion@austarnet.com.au) Address: 5 Lupin Court,, ANNANDALE, QUEENSLAND 4814, AUSTRALIA
My Great Grandmother was Rebecca Adams, she was the sister of Boyce
Adams the founder of the Boyce Adams grocery shops in the Potteries.
They were actually born in Fleet in Lincolnshire but came to
Uttoxeter in the 1830s. Their father was Ralph Adams who was born in
Church Broughton on the 8th January 1792. For some unknown reason he
went to Fleet in Lincolnshire where he married Lydia Ratcliffe. He
returned to Uttoxeter and in 1834 and had a Maltsters business in
Penfold Street and by 1841 the business had moved to Carter Street.
Rebecca married my Great Grandfather, Robert Berrington in 1850. He
was also involved in the grocery trade in Burslem. Boyce Adams, his
young brother-in-law was indentured to him.
I'm looking for information on the Adams family of Church Broughton and the surrounding area, ideas as to why Ralph would have gone to Fleet (which is near Holbeach), and what happened to the maltsters business. Ralph's son Francis continued the business and in the 1881 census, he and his seven children were still living in Uttoxeter. Brian Berrington (brian_berrington@lineone.net)
My father John Nixon Fox was born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent in1898
his father John fox his mother Elizabeth Griffiths His grandfather
was Thomas Fox. He had a Brother Thomas, Sister Millicent May Fox
Married Harold Brough. His Mother remarried name Elizabeth Leigh My
father left U.K. after the first world war in 1921 coming to New
Zealand . I managed to find my second cousinin Adderley & have
visited him twice. Father's step Sister had three children Avis.
Renee. Payne their Brother Neville was killed in the second war. I
havent been able to trace them I haven't been able to get any
imformation about my Grandfather or where he came from. Hoping
someone can help. June Fox-Shaw-Goodman ( je.ar.goodman@clear.net.nz
) - Christchurch New Zealand
Hi, My maternal grandfather was from Uttoxeter, born in 1840, served
in the British Army in South Africa (won a medal in the 1879 Zulu
War) and was ultimately sent to Canada where he left the service in
the early 1890s as a Regimental Master Sergeant at Fort Henry,
Kingston, Ontario, Canada (where my mother, her sister and brother
were born in 1887, 1889 and 1890, respectively). He died of cirrhosis
of the liver in 1914 (he was a heavy drinker, divorced by my
grandmother and was a "remittance man" from his family -- told to
stay away). His name was Frank Birch, a seventh son apparently. Does
the family name strike any bell?
Rollin Fry (nillor@texas.net) , 101 Peach Blossom Circle, Georgetown, TX 78628-4733 USA
First I need to correct the info. that was given to you by a friend
that lives in the area . My fathers name was John George Fradley and
he was born in 1893 and died in 1967. His parents lived at Hot Hill
and I spent most of my growing up years there with my
grandparents.....I do not know where my father was born, but he had
brothers and sisters..... of the ones that I know are his brothers .
Ernest, he was the youngest . Thomas and Albun.. then there were 2
sisters that I knew very well. Elizabeth and Hilda. I do not know my
grand parents christian names . But I will be in the UK for about 6
weeks starting the end of May and will be paying a visit to the area.
where I may be able to get more information I would like to find a
copy of my fathers birth certificate if that is possible .and I am
sure that I have a cousin still alive named Lucy, the daughter of
albun. However the first info. brought a whole lot of information to
me by the e.mail even from Canada. even from a man that lives in the
area and used to be the postman . I am sure this is going to bring
more . I am trying to get my family tree together
it is a lot of work but I am enjoying it . My niece lives in the Leicester area and she is also working on it . Once again thank you and I hope that this will correct the other information that was given to you...and I hope that we will be able to meet when I visit . .Thank you again. sincerely . Ruby Fradley (rubyfk@earthlink.net). Florida, USA
Hi, I was born at Hot Hill Farm, The Leighs, near Uttoxeter. My
fathers name was JOHN GEORGE FRADLEY and I am interested in any
information relating to my genealogy and other local information.
Many Thanks, Ruby Fradley (rubyfk@earthlink.net).
Florida, USA
Hello. My grandmother and her family came from Uttoxeter and I wonder
if anyone who could be related is still living in the area. My
grandmother was Elizabeth Warner, born in Uttoxeter on 21 June 1878.
She had three sisters, Sarah Ellen, Anne, and Jane. Their parents
were William Edward Warner, born 3 June 1850, died 23 January 1927 in
Uttoxeter, and Jane Johnson, born 3 October 1849 in Uttoxeter, and
died 12 February 1930 in Salt Lake city, Utah. In 1906 Jane (the
mother) sold the family home to pay for passage to America, sailing
with two of the girls(Jane, called Jenny). her husband Alfred Press,
and Elizabeth. Sarah Ellen had left some years earlier to marry Lewis
Hunsaker who was a Mormon Missionary and who baptized the family.
Anne married Albert Edward Press, Alfred's brother, and left the area
about 1898.
Jane Johnson's parents were James Johnson, born 3 Feb 1813, in Uttoxeter, and died 20 February 1854 in Uttoxeter, and Sarah Cope, born 8 November 1817 in Uttoxeter and died 1 November 1892 in Uttoxeter. Sarah was the daughter of William Cope, born 1 November 1769, died 5 October 1864 , and Sarah Clark born 18 December 1774. The family story is that Jane Johnson had inherited the family home from her mother, Sarah, who had inherited it from her father, William. He in turn may have inherited it from his father.
On the census records it is listed as being On The Heath.
Are there any relatives still in the area? Does anyone know anything of these people? I would assume that after all this time their home would no longer be standing. Any information at all would be very much appreciated. Eileen Bauer, (meanqueeneileen@cs.com)
I am told that Thomas Kynnersley's tomb of alabaster in Uttoxeter
parish church shows him in armour as he would have worn during the
War of the Roses which ended with the Battle of Bosworth Field in
1485 and the beginning of the Tudor Reign with Henry VII. He was my
13X G Grandfather and I would dearly love a photograph of the tomb
for my family history files. Is it possible to obtain such a
photograph? Brian
Bramhall
(brian@gortonian.com) on Tuesday, September 19, 2000
Editors note : We have sent one of our staff around to take a digital photograph for you.
My grandmother, Alice Louise, born in 1903 in Uttoxeter, was one of
Herbert Wood's children; he was born in 1868 and lived on Cheadle
Road. His father was also Herbert Wood, born in 1831...any
information about any Woods connected to these would be very
gratefully received !!
Julie Twamley (jtwamley@jtwamley.screaming.net) submitted on Friday, September 8, 2000
Tis a while since I last visited the site.What can I say........I
am very impressed with the new additions for history/family tree
research. Well done to all!!!. As my previous letter shows most of my
mother's family hailed from Kingstone/Loxley and Uttoxeter, so I will
be watching the site with great interest for any snippets to add to
my tree.Will send your URL to the Staffordshire family history list
hosted by Rootsweb, so that all with Uttoxeter connections can see
for themselves what a brilliant site you have. Keep up the Good work
Ann
Furber
I am searching the names WOOLLEY, TWIGG and OAKEY/OAKLEY I
believe some of them may have lived in the Uttoxeter or surrounding
areas. Regards Ellen
Oakley.
My GG Grandmother, Mary Ann Ladbrooke (nee Fox), who was born
about 1804, may be buried at Uttoxeter because my GG Grandfather,
William Ladbrooke (sometimes without the 'e' at the end) lived, as a
widower and a retired butler, at Park Place, Uttoxeter (1881 Census),
and, in his Will, witnessed in 1885 by Burton Henry Philips, Lt. 2/B
W. Fusiliers, The Heath House, Tean, Stoke on Trent, and James Jones,
The Heath House, Tean, Stoke on Trent, Butler (my guess is William's
former employer and his successor as butler at Heath House), he asked
for a funeral like that of his deceased wife. William Ladbrooke
himself actually died in 1886 and is buried in London, but Uttoxeter,
or possibly Checkley, seems likely to be the burial place of Mary
Ann, particularly as I have information that William's unmarried
daughter, Frances Anne Fox (Fanny) Ladbrooke, was buried at Uttoxeter
on the 16th of January 1871. I have looked at Checkley churchyard and
burial records, with no success, though the Fox in-laws are buried
there. Also, was Park Place a street, or an area of the town? And
does it still exist. Any help would be much appreciated.
My immediate family come from the Wolstanton area, but the Quarter
Sessions for Uttoxeter (sometimes Vttexer) rolls show a John Clare
being licensed as an Alekeeper and victualler from 1594 to 1605 and
in 1608 as a carrier. Can anyone suggest sources where I could follow
this line up please. John
Clare
I have recently found out I have family that lived at Croxden
Abbey c1840-1860. The names I have are Richard and Ellen Walker (nee
Carrington).Their daughter Maryanne (sometimes known as Marian),
moved to New Zealand after marrying Thomas Baker in 1885. Thomas was
christened in Bramshall in 1861, his parents being William and
Tabitha Baker, (nee Deaville). I would appreciate any information
regarding these families or on their residence at the abbey.
Jill
Harrigan
(M.AND.L.DINE@xtra.co.nz) Address: 31 Princess Street, Dannevirke
5491, NEW ZEALAND
I am from South Carolina, USA and am researching my family tree.
I would appreciate anyone with surname CORKER to please contact me by
e-mail. I have traced my family back to a Thomas Corker dob 1763 from
Uttoxeter and would very much like any additional information. Please
contact Joe
Fuzia at jfuzia457@cs.com or
phone: 864-297-9972
Hi, what a great forum for people to view and add comments. Well
done! I'm currently researching a family history for my my
brother-in-law who's 40 in September and am compiling a journal of
his forebears, the Blurtons who in the period 1820 to 1875 lived in
Uttoxeter. Charles Blurton became a master stonemason and moved in
1875 to Lichfield where his talents were used to build the sculptures
on the cathedral there. If anyone has any info on the Blurtons,
Hodgkinson or Chatfields from 1750-1875 living in Doveridge or
Uttoxeter, I would be extremely grateful. I can provide details on
these and also the Gilberts of Lichfield. Keep up this interesting
site! Dave
Grainger
I should like to make contact with anyone interested in the family
history of the following families, in the Uttoxeter, Checkley, Tean,
Alton, Kingsley and Ipstones areas: Davis/Davies, Bailey, Shaw,
Hawley, Finnikin, Sanders/Saunders, Holmes, Pegg
I should be interested also to make contact with any of the present day descendants of these families. Marigold Cleeve, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University
I found this site last spring while looking for info to surprise my
mother on her birthday. She is from Uttoxeter, Ida Mellor of 19
Hockley Road. (Parents Albert John & Elsie) We were there last in
1964, and so I was trying to update Mom. It was amazing to find this
site for Mom's little town in this big wide world, so I copied
everything I could (esp. the "Introducing Uttoxeter" and "Walkaround"
which are now suspended) to give to her in a special book. Desmond
Hulme and Anita Burnett were very helpful answering questions for me.
Now I am wondering if anyone there remembers Mom who married an
American GI in 1945? Also if any of her relatives or my cousins are
online now? Not sure of cousins' married names but are the children
of Bill and Rita Wagstaff of Denstone (Shirley, June, Dilys, and
Wendy). I am hopeful for news, as I often wonder how things are now.
Shirley
Jones,
ewjones@wesnet.com
Can you help? We are currently studying at Staffordshire University, as part of our course we have to undertake a community profile of Uttoxeter. We would be grateful if you could e-mail any relevant information to us. This would include population of Uttoxeter, health facilities, entertainment etc We would be very grateful if you could give as much information as possible thank you. Susanne Wood and Lynette Rowlands (wj813235@stmail.staffs.ac.uk)
HISTORY OF UTTOXETER CANAL - I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT ANY OLD MAPS OR IMFORMATION REGARDING THE OLD UTTOXETER CANAL AND ANY SURROUNDING BUILDINGS. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS SOMEONE WHO RECENTLY GAVE A TALK ON THE SUBJECT, DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS? THANKS. STEVE BULL. (STEVE@niblo.freeserve.co.uk)
Hello - HI I JUST FOUND THIS PAGE AND I'M REALLY IMPRESSED I LEFT ENGLAND FOR CANADA NEARLY SIX YEARS AGO I LIVED AT LEY HILL FARM IN DOVERIDGE AND ATTENDED THOMAS ALLEYNES HIGH SCHOOL. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY HI AND I WOULD TO HEAR FROM WHO KNEW ME THEN. HAYLEY (POYSER) - hayley (poyser) clark (www.strawman@telusplanet.ca)
This is for Carol Powell (nee Jones) I am Jean Edmonds (nee Finch) eldest daughter Rebecca. My Mum told me to look on this page for you and I found your letter! I understand you write to my Mum alot anyway. I thought I would also say Hello!!! Bye for now. Rebecca (muzza@aol.com)
My Bennett family occupied properties at the head of Bennets Lane, Little Bramshall from 1803 until 1854. The family then continued their presence in Dagdale until circa 1925. Samuel Richardson Bennett then farmed in Wood Lane, Uttoxeter (now the Gold Club) until retirement in 1956. Our family were married with the Buckleys of the area in the 1830s. I would share my findings with any intested parties. Does anybody know Fishers Avenue of the early 1930s? Peter Bennett <me@peter-bennet.freeserve.co.uk>
Greetings from North Carolina, USA - I too, am from Uttoxeter, my name, Carol Ann Bettany (nee Symcox). I moved to NC in 1968 along with my husband, Michael Bettany from Rocester. I have visited this site several times, but this time I recognized names and places amongst letters posted here to which I have e-mailed information.
I am trying to trace Dorothy Anne Ashmore, known as Anne. We were very good friends during school but lost contact as we appraoched marriage and of course, our leaving the country.
We are also interested in renewing contact with any and all others of our friends from Oldfields Hall school and the Youth Club which used to be held at that location. I wonder too, if there are any sites of Oldfields Hall School for Girls and the Oldfields Secondary Mondern School for Boys, and or any reunions of such planned.
Anyone recognizing our names or having information to our queries, please feel free to e-mail us, would love to hear from you all.. -Carol Ann Bettany (1512lad@wave-net.net)
I am researching my family tree and am looking for anybody with the surname Udale or Small. My grandmother came from Stramshall, she was born in 1872, her father was a publican, she married James Udale - Jean Garner (jean.garner@redhotant.com)
MANY THANKS FOR INCLUDING OUR BUSINESS IN YOUR PAGES. anything that promotes Uttoxeter is good. If any old friends read this please e-mail me, my married name is LEEDHAM. I was known as Judith Wright at school but my family name is Derry. I was born in Kingstone at Manor Farm and had 7 sisters. I am doing a family tree and would like to hear from anyone with the surname Derry - many thanks.
In answer to Carole's letter regarding people who went to St. Joseph's R.C. School. I attended from 1953 until 1964 and remember all the people you mentioned! Seemed strange to read those names from the past. My name in school was Heafield (Sue) it's now Horner. Do you remember Lynn Minott, Ann Tildesley, Jane Lavin, Yvonne Mellor, Tina Dronsek, Judy Tipper, Pauline Danks, Catherine Fee, Shirley Wilson -- do you also remember Daddy Durkin (teacher in class 6?) -- how about Mrs. Mosely (oh, dread her class!). I am also in Canada (have been for 25 years) -- would love to hear from some of my old friends -- don't get to visit the old country very often. Feel free to e-mail me -- love to hear how you're all doing!! sueandron@home.com).
Greetings from Canada: How pleasant to find that this small sleepy town has it's own delightful web page.
I was born in the village of Kingstone and went to school in Uttoxeter. I would like to trace some of the people who attended St. Joseph's R.C. from the mid 1950's to around 1963. If anyone knows of the Peaty family who lived at 5 Bentley Road, I would like to get in touch with Rosemary. Other former pupils who come to mind are: Jean Finch, Maria Pressner?, Shirley Peaty (cousin to Rosemary). I also attended Oldfields Hall when the new Catholic school was built at I believe Cheadle.
My mother was a Downes (Stella) and was born and raised in Uttoxeter. She used to live down by the railway station at Brookside. Unfortunately last time I visited the UK the house had been torn down. I have quite a few relatives, uncles, aunts and many cousins who still reside in the town.
If any cousins are on line and have visited this site please e.mail me, I would really love to hear from you. Carole Powell nee Jones
Hello, I would be very grateful for any assistance in gathering information about a Thomas Stanley Lawrence who was a Sgt in the RAF during WW2. He suppossedly lived near to a bakery in uttoxeter. He had a son called David who would be about 60 by now.
I was searching the Web for Doveridge and came across your web site where I felt I might get help. I am an amateur family historian researching the name of Toovey My grandmother, Mary Elizabeth, age 28, born and bred in Watlington, Oxfordshire, appears in the 1881 Census as a cook at The Hall, Doveridge, Derby. Only the eight members of staff are listed so the family were not in residence. I am now trying to find out who were the owers of The Hall in 1881. My grandfather was a butler to Gustavus Basset of Tehidy House, Redruth, Cornwall and in 1886 married my grandmother in May Fair, London while being with the Bassets at their town house in Charles Street. I am wondering if the Bassets had any connection with The Hall. Any information or suggestions of where I might get such information would be very greatfully received. Dr. Douglas Jopling, Harrow, England
I am most pleased to find this web page, I am born and breed of Uttoxeter. My family are still living in the town and like to visit Florida as often as they can. I am now married to a American, and live in Boca Raton, Florida. Thanks very much, I now have somewhere to visit when I get home sick. Black Swan rules, "You can't have to much Bass !". Jayne Lynch (formerly Weir).
Hi, I'm restoring an old Bamfords mowing / reaping machine No. 7R. Therefore I'm looking for information about this machine. I'm thinking about books, pictures, spareparts, history... Also places where I can buy this information are welcome. At this moment I'm desperately looking for info about how to make the "Bamfords" text and how to place it on the machine. Thank you very much.
E-mail : marc.horemans@philips.com, Fax.+32-14-262283
Found the site by accident and was thrilled. I am researching my family history and have found that both sets of my Great Grandparents hailed from Kingstone. The Fisher family of Burndhurst Mill and the Bull family of Leese Hill farm. I am desperate for information on John Bull, my Great Grandmothers brother who took over the lease of Leese Hill farm after their father William Bull died. He vanished when the Loxley estate and farm were sold after World War 1. Can anyone help with info on either family also the Chiltons of Stowe/Gayton. Thanks to all.
Ann Furber nee Chilton Great Haywood
I am looking for any information on Rocester, especially a house named The Rookery ( aka the haunted house.), located above the South lake owned by J.C Bamford. Can anyone help ? Great site!
Old Last Century records
Hi, I am researching my family history, and have found that one of my 4xgreat uncles lived in Uttoxeter in the 1850's I was wondering if someone ther might be able to tell me where I might find marriage and burial records for this area. The surnames that I am interested in for this area are STOKES and WALTHO. My email address is jules@lynx.net.au - I would like to find either email or snail mail addresses, as I am in Australia, and can't get there to look for myself.
I collect antique farm equipment as does my friend Dusty Erickson, he just bought a No. 1 Rapid grinder made by Henry Bamford & sons. We are looking for more information on the years of manufacture and if their are operators manuals or copies avalible. The information on your town's home page has been helpful, but no date as to when the company went out of business are listed.
Thanks, James Ashcraft
We are trying to find out about the history of a property in Uttoxeter. We have a copy of an ordnance survey map,dated 1879/81 and the house appears on there. The property address is Copes Park Farm, 9 Lightfoot Road, Uttoxeter.
We know the local authority bought the property in the early 1950's and developed most of the land that was sold with it.This now forms the housing around Lightfoot Road, Copes Way and Pennycroft Road. We understand the property to have stood empty for the last 9/10 years. If anyone has any information please e mail me at Steve@sidwell38.freeserve.co.uk
I have been a researching a number of W.W.II Royal Australian Navy gallantry issues. and possibly one of the least known about concerns a LCDR John Morrel Band , RANR(S) who was awarded a posthumous gallantry medal by the US Navy after he had been killed in New Guinea in 1943.
He most likely spent his boyhood at Church Leigh; his mother's address is given as there, and I have been told his name appears on a war memorial there.
Sometime ago I wrote to the Uttoxeter Echo on this matter but never received a reply. If you think it would be of local interest l would be happy to forward further particulars.
I, myself, am English-born and spent some time at Longdon Hall, not far from Lichfield in my teen school years.
John Bradford (johnbradford@picknowl.com.au)
Hi , Your prompt response was most welcome!
There are three interestings points to note about how Band's posthumous gallantry was assessed by the US Navy - Australian Naval Board (ANB).
1. The US does not permit foreign armed forces personnel to receive their highest award - the Medal of Honor (see
www.smh.com.au/daily/content/9.70816/national/national2:html ). This a Sydney Morning Herald account.
2. In WWII the British/Imperial awards system did not permit foreign posthumous awards to be granted British/Empire forces personnel -nonetheless with General MacArthur around they happened from time to time.
3. In WWII, should a recommended posthumous VC not be approved at the highest levels there was no alternative but to award the only other posthumous award available: a Mention in Despatches (MID) - a 4th category award. This could - and did - on occasion, result in a lot of ill feeling on the part of the n.o.k and men.
So how did Band come to receive his posthumous US Navy Cross - a 2nd category award? Well, when the ANB received the request from the US they took the decision to turn a blind eye to the 'no foreign awards' regulation and accepted the Navy Cross instead on the basis that if a case were made for the VC, only to be later rejected by the Admiralty, then Band would only receive the MID.
I have to say the ANB were pretty weak in the action they took, I believe a strong case could have been made for the VC but obviously they were not prepared to run the risk of it being turned down. In my view - and that of others - there were 5 instances where RAN personnel serving in the South West Pacific Area should have been recommended for VCs - no one ever was.
Not a good track record really. Well that's enough for now!
Bands did live in Leigh, they lived at Church Farm Church Leigh, it
was before my time , but by all accounts it was a very modern sort of
a farm for that time, I don't know why but it was sold up and bought
by E.J. Knobbs, and the land is still owned by them today, And the
farmhouse is still there but converted in to 2 semis, the farm
buildings were knocked down about 10 years ago and new bungalows
built in their place.
A Miss Band still lived in Withington till about 1965, I presume she was the sister of the man you are talking about. I am afraid I don't know anymore but I will ask around.
Charlie Kirk