RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Loyo on Friday 26 April 24 17:24 BST (UK)
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As I my mother was adopted I have long been curious to know who our biological family were. I have traced my biological great grandfather John Allen (1868-1927). He was in the 5th battalion, Ardwick Volunteers. I think he may have been a bandsman as he played the trombone. Can any one suggest how I could find out more?
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Hello and welcome to Rootschat.
What kind of information are you looking for - military or family?
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Any information, either family or military would help the search. Each new fact leads to new information.
I am particularly interested in how he came to be a professional musician (trombonist). He was the youngest son of a very large poor family, his father was an illiterate agricultural labourer. Somehow great grandfather John learnt to play an instrument and then his own son went on to play in the LPO, a world leading orchestra! Im interested in this startling example of 20th Century social mobility.
I was wondering whether he learnt the trombone in the army as I can't see his family being able to afford an instrument or access music lessons.
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You might find information via Tameside ‘s museum service
https://www.tameside.gov.uk/LibrariesandLeisure/MuseumsandGalleries/Museum-of-the-Manchester-Regiment
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Loyo, may have found some military records for John. Can you tell me where he was born in 1868,
SS
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Yes, that's what I thought but I can’t spot any records.
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Was he born Blewbury, Berkshire, did he marry a Stella.
SS
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There is this one which fits - 1911
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XWBL-D6H
I was thinking he would be born in the Manchester area when I was looking for military records.
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Yes, that's him! Is there any way of finding out when he joined the 5th Battalion? And whether he was in the military before he moved to Manchester?
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Do you have his marriage certificate with his occupation?
In 1901 911/92/14
He is a boarder in Sussex, with another Professional Musician.
Two lodgers are Circus grooms - perhaps he is with a travelling show.
I can’t see him in 1891.
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Yes, his profession is marked as bandsman on his marriage certificate.
No, I havent been able to find him in 1891 census.
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I am not sure, but I think the Volunteers were like the Territorials - not regulars.
There is a newspaper snippet - February 1898, Manchester Evening Chronicle which mentions the band and the battalion parade.
I recall a while ago, whist searching, that musicians were recruited for the various military bands.
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His wife is with her sister in 1901. I see her family were associated with music - perhaps how they met.