Station Master Millbay, Plymouth GRIFFITHS

[CaliforniaResearcher]

Trying to find out more about Mr. Griffiths, Christian name? who was reputed to be the Station Master of Millbay Station, in 1921.  Census isn't available for that year.  Kelly's directory for 1919 does not have him listed as Station Master, can't even find out what his given name was.  1911 Census has a William Griffiths as Platform Inspector....but is that the right man?  Any information would be appreciated.  Many thanks.

[hanes teulu]

First, a very warm welcome to Rootschat.
Checking newspaper reports -

Western Morning News
24 Jan 1918
"In June (1917) Mr Albert G Hitchcock was appointed stationmaster at Millbay station, Plymouth ..."

11 Feb 1921
" Mr E P Jones, stationmaster at Millbay ..."

19 Oct 1922
"Stationmasters attending ... E P James, Millbay, ..."

27 Apr 1929
"The forthcoming retirement of Millbay stationmaster Edward Percival James ..."

[mazi]

Platform inspector helped passengers get on the correct train,or correct portion of the train, also made sure the porters loaded the right luggage/ mails into the right part of the train, so had a visible
presence at the station.

It is my thought that it would be easy for family to think of him as stationmaster, but I am a little surprised to find one at a quite small station like Millbay although maybe it was a bit hectic at times due to the navy presence.

Mike

[mazi]

Just looked at a map, and the proximity to the royal marine barracks, I think millbay might need a platform inspector. 

Mike

Welcome to rootschat from me.

[CaliforniaResearcher]

Thanks for the Welcome!
The info that I gathered was from 1911 Census: William Griffiths, Chief Platform Inspector (likely relayed to the Census man, by William himself?) living at 1 Eton Ave., Plymouth.
It was handed down memories that put him at Millbay Station, which was also the Station connected with the Mail Train to London.  The Ocean Liners stopped briefly in the Harbor and were reached by tenders who brought in the mail and a few passengers.  The mail was sent on a non-stop train to London.  This was in 1921 and 1926. 
Just wondered if there is anything else to be researched that could put William Griffiths in Plymouth in the 20s? 
Thanks for your help.

[hanes teulu]

Western Daily Mercury, 13 May 1912
TO BE SOLD OR LET, 1 Eton Avenue, Plymouth; 5 rooms and bathroom, every convenience - Apply 41 Glendower Road, Peverel

[mazi]

He would very likely be hoping for a promotion to stationmaster, this would almost never be to the station he was working at, but would always be with the same railway company
Mike

[StintonLomas]

Hi
You might like to try contacting Swindon Library, they have posted on a different forum that:
 "here at the Local Studies and Family History Collection, at Swindon Central Library, we have a full bound run of the GWR staff magazine (1891-1947), plus the British Rail Western Region magazine that followed it (1947-).

(We also have a complete run of The Railway Magazine from 1897)

They can be VERY good for obituaries, promotions, appointments, accidents and retirements within the company. Many entries feature photographs. While not comprehensive, we have often managed to find results. Please feel free to contact us directly"

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20026/libraries/524/contact_library_services

[CaliforniaResearcher]

Thank you all for your kind suggestions.  We also know that he aided our traveler at the Newton Abbot Station, where the Mail train stopped to add/delete an engine...so maybe he worked at Newton Abbot Station in 1920, but we know that he was back in Plymouth in 1926.

Have taken up the suggestionand sent a direct inquiry to the Swindon Library.

All excellent and very helpful.

Many thanks.  CR