lucybella
RootsChat Member
Posts: 112
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Hello
I know this is a long shot, but my grandfather's brother Thomas Rodgers from Belfast Northern Ireland, went missing in September 1941 from Hay NSW Australia. He had enlisted in the army in May 41. He was a veteran of WW1, and service in India also.
I just thought there may be a chance he went to New Zealand. He was born in 1898, and would have been around 43 at the time of his disappearance.
There are some Thomas Rodgers listed in the death index, but no dates of death, so I cannot judge the age of the person. There is a phone number, but as I am in Ireland it would be difficult to phone.
Any help would be appreciated
Lucy
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lucybella
RootsChat Member
Posts: 112
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Thank you all so much for your replies!
I did not notice the year of death was in the first column, on the death index.
I have been searching for Thomas Rodgers for the best part of a year now - it was a family mystery often mentioned when I was young.
I found his army records in Hay - and it seems he went missing in Sept 1941, according to the records, even though his name appeared in 1946 on the army list. It struck me that he could have travelled to New Zealand.
His actual date of birth is 13/2/1898. This is transcribed on the army records as 1896 which could be a mistake in the transcription between the 8 and 6, or a deliberate misinformation by Thomas. The death of a 70yr old in 1966 is very close, though, and I am definitely going to purchase the certificate to find out more!
I am wondering if there are any other searchable sources, electoral rolls etc, during the years 1941 to 1966 in New Zealand?
If anybody could think of anything else I would be most grateful.
Lucy
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lucybella
RootsChat Member
Posts: 112
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Thanks Lucy 2
We have posted at the same time, posts crossed.
The marriage is a bit disappointing, my hopes were up! I am not able to pinpoint where Thomas was in 1925. He recieved a 'Malabar' medal (India) in 1925 but these may have been issued after service ended - not sure..
I was hoping the middle name Alphonsis was one perhaps taken up at 'confirmation' as he was baptised in the catholic church.
It just made sense that if he left the army illegally he may have gone to New Zealand. I thought I was on track for finding long lost cousins....
Thanks again
Lucy
ps Spelling Rodgers as Rogers there are more possibilities, but it's 1am here now, so have to leave it until tomorrow.
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Lucy2
RootsChat Marquessate
Posts: 3264
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Sorry Lucy ... a little further checking, tells me also that Thomas Alphonsus RODGERS was born in New Zealand.
Lu
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lucybella
RootsChat Member
Posts: 112
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Thanks everyone for the replies.
Yes, he may well have changed his name, anything is possible. All I can do is search for the name I know, in the hopes of finding a death certificate somewhere...
Lucy2 Could I ask you how to do the 'further check' (place of birth, marriage year,) as I would like to do it on the results for the name 'Rogers' on some of the possibilities that come up with that spelling.
It just might turn up something...
with thanks again
Lucy
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