Reginald James Arthur Swan - A big puzzle!

[Jessica Aldred]

Reginald was born in the UK on 29/10/1903 and soon joined the British Royal Navy.

After being on loan to the New Zealand Navy, he was discharged in New Zealand.

I know that he married Laura Joan Savage in about 1937 and died in August 1985. I have attached his death record.

I would like to know whatever anybody has on Reginald. He is my great-grandfather from his first wife Stella Addison - though we have no records of a divorce.

I also know that in March 1949, Laura and a 'Ronald Swan' came to the UK. However in September 1949, Laura and 'Reginald' Swan returned to New Zealand.

Another thing that is puzzling me is that my grandmothers marriage certificate from December 1950 was signed by a R J Swan - though there is no record he was in the country.

Also, what did he do during WWII?

Really hope somebody has some more information.

Thank you

Jessica

[cath151]

Hi,
Welcome to Rootschat
This might help with his Navy career
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14827260
not sure what details are there .

Cathy

[jorose]

Divorce from Stella took place in NZ:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19390714.2.170&srpos=3&e=-------10--1----0Reginald+Swan--
 - does give some useful information, in that he claims to have separated from Stella in 1929, not seen her since 1931, and came to NZ upon leaving the Navy in 1935.

also he was in trouble! Laura might be the woman mentioned as introduced "as his wife":
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=AS19400916.2.38&srpos=31&e=-------100--1-byDA---0Reginald+Swan--

I don't think his marriage to Laura could have taken place as early as 1937 - the death certificate suggests he married her at ~40 years of age so I would guess they married as soon as the divorce came through, rather than before.

[Lucy2]

I know that he married Laura Joan Savage in about 1937 and died in August 1985. I have attached his death record.

Hi Jessica

Can tell you that the marriage was 12 years after the date you've given above.

   ~  Lu

[Janette]

The divorce file is held at Auckland Archives not open until 2038

Auckland Divorce files
BBAE 4985/Box483    D296/1938       
SWAN Reginald James - Stella Ellaline 1938    Akld

Cheers Janette

[Janette]

Laura's death

2012/696   Swan    Laura Joan    born 7/7/1919   92Y

Cheers Janette

[Janette]

Laura was an entertainer in Auckland and went under the name of Toni Savage

http://www.3news.co.nz/entertainment/toni-savage-farewelled-with-standing-ovation-2012010417#axzz3pbnBqqca

Cheers Janette

[Janette]

There was no mention of Reginald in her death notice

SWAN Toni. OBE; QSM. Peacefully at Crestwood Village on 23 December 2011. 'A Loved and respected entertainer' Toni's last gig will be held at the Central Park Chapel of Davis Funerals, 150 Central Park Drive, Henderson on Wednesday 4th January 2012 at 1.30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the RNZFB Guide Dog Services, Private Bag 94002, Manukau 2241. All communications to Maurice Norton c/- PO Box 56013, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446.

Cheers Janette

[Lucy2]

A little more about Laura (in case it's of interest).

Laura J. SAVAGE - birth registered Leicestershire, ENG - September Quarter - 1919

Daughter of Leslie Gordon SAVAGE and Laura Peel SAVAGE(nee BETTERIDGE) - m. Tamworth, Staffs. 1916.

Came to New Zealand (aged 9 years) with her parents, via the Port of Fremantle, Western Australia, in June, 1929 (per ship "Ormonde" from London) - destination given as Auckland, New Zealand.

   ~  Lu