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This is a photo of Joseph Dinsdale (1872 - 1944) i believe he served in the British Forces from approx 1889 - 1918

Does anyone recognise this uniform & any other details that may help to date the photo.

Thanks in advance, Sharren

Thanks everyone for your replies,

Since my original query, i have discovered the following information which may help others.


11 Belle Vue, Manningham was alternatively known as a refuge, remand, rescue and/or maternity home for unmarried mothers and their children. Sponsored by the church of England and called  St Monica's  Home for Unmarried Mothers until approx. 1969.  St Monica's 'encouraged'  the mothers to baptise their babies at St Mary Magdalene Church, Wood Street, Manningham.  So further information maybe found via the church records.

Some of the women arrived at St Monica's 6 months prior to the birth, whilst some children remained until they were 3 years old.  At that time illegitimacy was looked upon as a sin and almost as a crime. It is probable that mums-to-be  were sent there as it was some distance from their home towns.

The poor expectant mothers were strictly supervised, hardly allowed to leave, their incoming and outgoing mail restricted, opened, read and then censored. They were allowed very few visitors and male visitors were completely forbidden. A nurse recalls her work experience at St. Monica's during the 1940s on page 5 of the following. (Early years in England)

http://www.rijo.homepage.t-online.de/pdf/en_de_ju_sky50132.pdf

If the child's father could be traced the authorities of St Monica's would apply for an affiliation order (Maintenance) against him and would conduct the mother's case on her behalf. Not sure whether these records exist.

The link below states that St. Monica's records are held at WYAS in Bradford Central library, (contact details – page 1) on page 8 it has St Monica's with the following details of records available:

BRADFORD, ST MONICA’S HOME FOR UNMARRIED MOTHERS

• Minutes
• Case books
• Report books
Ref: 13D80
1912 – 1970
1912 – 1970
1932 – 1970
1952 – 1970

http://www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/documents/archives/Collections%20Guide%207.pdf


I haven't searched any of these records myself so cannot comment on their accuracy etc

Regards Sharren

Hi JJ,

many thanks for the lookup. i think youre correct, she dosent appear to be my lady.

regards Sharren

Hi groom,

Yes i must agree with you, however, i dont know much about my aunts early life. but the date of birth is correct, i have her birth & death certs & the birth details tally. my ggrandmother is listed as her foster parent (in her will) & she is left the equivelent of  £10,000 in 1951. my grandmother is left the equivelent of £350,000.

My aunts parental details acc.to her BC look to be legitimate but upon further scrutiny bear no resemblance to the facts.

Sharren

Hi Kiwi,

do you mean on the evacuee ships to canada? i guess thats possible, she would be 16 as groom says but i believe UK school leaving age was 14 then & i think she began training in nursing early on.

Hi Groom,

She would be 23 in 1946 & my grandmother was in touch with her in 1950 (she was pregnant with my mum) but im not sure whether this was by letter or in person.