Forum...I have a problem

[Steve121]

Hi Guys.

I’m not sure where I should post this but “Chit Chat” seems to be a good starting point.

I have a problem and with a bit of luck one of you good people may be able to help me out. The problem is I’m trying to trace some family history. Not hard I hear you say, but....my family tree has no branches and I have no surviving (or known) family to help me out. Before reading this I would advise having a cup tea nearby as things can get a bit confusing. Having the name “Smith” does not help me much at all for a start, along with a convoluted family lineage. I envy some of you people who have a proper family tree to trace.

I apologise for this in advance, but here we go....are you ready?

My dad (Syd. Born 1916) died a few years ago but was always reluctant to discuss his past owing to having an unknown father, his mother would only tell him his father was a Canadian soldier doing his pre war training in Hythe Kent. She was also known to have said with pride “But, he was an officer”, so that side of the family ends right there, with an unknown Canadian away from home and out for a good time!

Dad also had a brother and sister (Tom. Born 1914 & Christine. Born 1912) by a different father. This one I do have a name for (along with 1 medal, a Queens South Africa with 2 bars: Wittenbergen & Cape Colony). This medal gives his details as 4243 Pte. W Smith (W = Walter). 2nd Royal West Kent Rgt. I was told by dad that there were other medals but these were sold at a later date, by his sister’s husband to raise cash. That is all I know about him though. Grandmother took the surname of Smith from this man although she remained unmarried and her surname was Wright (I said it was confusing). I never knew Granny Smith, as she died in her 70’s in 1954 before I was born. There was also a rumour that he had another son (George) by another woman at some time according to family gossip, but I won’t even go there.

So basically where do I start do sort this mess out? This man is the nearest thing I have to a Grandfather and I know little or nothing about him, apart from rumours and the QSA. What I would like is some information as to whether the other medals did exist and if so what were they and did Pte W Smith have any first war history before his death? I don’t even know how old he was or when he died. He can’t have been that old if he could have a son in 1914, but he must have been getting on a bit if he served in South Africa. I presume he must have been of a suitable age for GW service, (unless he was medically unfit). I also recall some vague mention of him working at the School of Infantry/Musketry at Hythe so he may have been there in some position or other at this time.

Thanks in advance

Steve Smith. Perhaps I should change my username to “The Mongrel”!

[ypres1418]

Steve,

I really do hope that someone will be able to help you, Have you tried the local papers? Sifting through a lot of microfih would keep yopu off the streets, for a long time i'm sure!!!! Did your grandmother change her name by deed poll? Registrar of deaths may have othe info about her which gives you extra for your cause.

Best wishes, sorry i cant be of more help.

Mandy

[Michael Johnson]

As a Johnson, I can sympathize.

There were many South African War veterans who reinlisted in 1914, or in some cases were recalled reservists. The other medals could very well have been Great War medals. Several Walter Smiths served in the Royal West Kents according to the Medal Index. None have that number, but he probably received a new one on enlistment.

You'd have to check for soldier's papers. They would surely exist for his Boer War service, which would give you some more personal information. His First War papers might be available if you can find the right Walter.

[Steve121]

Thanks for the info so far it's much apppreciated. I have an older sister by 8 years, I asked her about Granny Smith but her only memory of the old girl was the aroma she carried around with her , I'll leave you to work that one out.

I really wouldnt know how to go about locating his soldiers papers etc , can anybody tell to where I can find these?

Mandy. I doubt if she even knew about deed poll, let alone go through the process of changing her name. It seems to me granny was (to quote my mother) a bit of a good time girl.

All advice welcome.

Steve (AKA - Mongrel )

[Essexboy68]

Steve

I wish you luck in your quest, even I cannot be of any real help......

Maybe you could start by looking at the 1901 census for your grandmother, & I would imagine that the RWK museum (I think it's in Canterbury) may be able to help with Walter, as they would at least have a copy of the Boer War medal rolls if nothing else.

Are you going to trace your mother's family?

Good Luck

Mark

[Steve121]

Are you going to trace your mother's family?

Err, maybe one day

Mothers maiden name was "Watts" and she came from London. Mum died a few ago in her 80's as well and I didn't have the interest then that I do now. Thus I never asked enough questions of her to know where to start. I recall her saying that her father was bus driver during the great war and poss too old for war service. What with "Smith" and "Watts" as a pedigree what chance do I stand? One family member that does come to mind is the comedy actress Queenie Watts was a 2nd cousin of my mother or so I have been led to believe.