Other details that I have:
Rejoined military in 1920 - probably RAF
Married Jessimond SOUTHERN (b1909 d 2001) in Liverpool, March 1929
Stationed at Shorncliff in Kent and daughter Elizabeth Mary smith born there 23 Sep 1930 (registered at Elham)
Second daughter Anna Christina Smith born at same place 24 Sep 1931 and then they are en route on the Dorsetshire destination India when the baby dies at sea (location I have found co-ordinates is near Jeddah in the Red Sea). I can't find them on conventional passenger lists but found the document on Find My Past on the British Armed Forces records of Overseas Deaths and Burials). These also corroborate the family anecdotal evidence.
They must return from India soon after as twins are born and die in 1934 back at Shorncliffe. I then lose track of him until he pops up again enlisting at Leeds 5 Dec 1939 with the Royal Engineers and a new service number of 1887915. He is discharged in 1941.
It is here that things are hazy. He appears to desert his wife and daughter but is in touch with his mother Mary Ann (not sure of maiden name) who is living in Moseley, Birmingham area. He apparently contacted her to ask to borrow money to set up a woodworking business. He may or may not be living nearby.
And that is the last that any of the (living) family know! All are keen to find out what became of him. He may have died but I cannot find records. His wife may have done something legal to end the marriage as she re-marries in 1967 to Ernest Frederick Gillam.
Any further help or hints to track him down and to find out his mother's maiden name would be welcomed.
Thank you
