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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

William Bainbridge Kelly RFA


ralphjd

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My mate is compiling a book on past Manchester City football players and the subject as named Wm B Kelly did so between 1911 and 1913, I have a suspicion that he was 95175 Wm B Kelly of the RFA , a death is registered in 1920 in Newcastle to a man of this name, if it is him he could be the subject of an IFTC Project, does any pal have access to death registers/details for the Newcastle area that could be of help. ? Regards Ralph.

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have you looked for service papers that may tell you his profession ?

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Thanks for the replies folks, maybe have to send for his death cert, 'tis only a guess it's the same man, could be totally wrong (and totally out of pocket) Ralph.

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  • 5 years later...

Hi there I was just wondering if you managed to find out the information about William Bainbridge Kelly? I know it has been a fair few years since this has been posted and it's probably likely that you have. I have only just came across this thread as I'm researching my family tree, I am a relative of his and can confirm that he died in Newcastle Upon Tyne on the 19th April 1920. He played for Watford, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Blyth Spartans and Rochdale throughout his career, I have yet to make any links to military though. I would be very grateful to find out if you did though. 

 

Kind Regards

Louise

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There is a .W.B Kelly ( known as Geordie Bill Kelly ) mentioned in the book To the Glory of God - Newcastle United and the Great War “ by Paul Joanne ( ISBN- 978- o-95-681562-0)  on page 162.( cost £16.99) 

 

its a small mention but the discussion is about employment in the War and the choice of war service available was usually Armed Services or working in Munitions/ heavy War industry.

It states :-

“Elsewhere in England Geordie Bill Kelly , with the Magpies ( Newcastle United  ) during 1911 and at Rochdale , as War started was described as in Manchester on “Government Work “ no doubt some essential service, probably munitions”.

No mention of playing for Manchester City.

Apologies, Typo the author should be Paul Joannou , he is a well know author/ Historian on Newcastle United.

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Thanks very much for your reply, that's very helpful I'll be sure to check the book out! Apparently he didn't make much of an impact at Manchester City. 

 

Thanks again Louise

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A quick check with the English National Football Association  website( enfa.co.uk) records his football history as having played for Benwell Adelaide, Newcastle Balmoral, Blaydon, North Shields Athletic, ( teams all local To Newcastle area) then Watford, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Blyth Spartans( Newcastle area) and Rochdale.

played from 1907/8 season until 1914/15 season .

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louise, glad I could help. 

I don’t know if he served in WW1 do you? 
 

I have found a photograph of his grave stone on a family tree on ancestry.co.uk which states he is buried in St Nicholas Graveyard in Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne.
 

There is a little note added to the family tree from Paul Joannou( He is the official Newcastle United Historian and author ) which notes he made 6 appearances for Newcastle United.
 

Hence why he may have only been mentioned fleetingly in the book I quoted in previous posts.
 

Best of luck with your research/ family tree .

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As of yet I am not sure, I'm told my great great granny used to have his picture in her house and that's how we know about him. 

 

I have only really started researching him over the past few days and we have a couple of photo's which is a great start. 

 

I would love to find out if he did serve in WW1, I'm from a military family so that kind of stuff intrigues me.

 

Thanks again for all of your help and hopefully a little bit more digging might bring up some more info. 

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