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Messages - Tim W

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1
Other Countries / India / Malta - John Rice, Elusive traveller..
« on: Tuesday 22 March 16 18:51 GMT (UK)  »
Looking for a knowledgeable travel/immigration person... I'm researching my Gt Uncle John Rice (1892-1974) of Kilbourn, Derby and have hit a wall.
I know he was discharged from the Royal Sussex Reg. in 1917 and lived back in Belper, Derbyshire.
Then, by Dec. 1920 he is apparently "in India" - no details.
In Dec 1923 he marries Vincenza "Jessie "Amaira (Amarja) in St Julians, Malta, and lives in Malta until after his wifes death in 1942. Then returns to UK late '40s. Died in 1974 estranged from his family.

thing is I cant find how, where or why he travels. Doesn't seem to be on passenger lists, immigration lists or employment lists. Pre war he is a Grocer, by '23 he is an Engineer.  Looking for any info as to how or why he was in India or Malta
(most doc's he's listed as John, occasionally Jack and once or twice Giovani)
any help or suggestions appreciated

2
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Any Help would be greatfully received !!!!
« on: Wednesday 07 September 11 13:18 BST (UK)  »
First one is 1920's, studio pic, looks a bit "Theatrical". second one later, but not much.
 - I'd say it was the same person...

3
Europe / Re: Cottonera hospital malta
« on: Tuesday 06 September 11 19:08 BST (UK)  »
Hi Luzzu,
- thats amazing! could even be the same house!
Letter duly written and posted. It would be some coincidence if there was no relationship... I'm going to wait for the response before  I write to the paper.

I found an online map, looks like there could be a few possibilities for Christian Brother's Street. I saw somewhere else on line where someone contacted the
Tourist dept. about the old street names and they found out exactly, so I'm going to try that as well.
 - Will let you know how I get on.


4
Europe / Re: Cottonera hospital malta
« on: Sunday 04 September 11 20:17 BST (UK)  »
Hi Luzzu,
If triq il Flotta is that close to San Albert we must be right -
my money is on De La Salle being Christian Brothers street. ..
can't see it on google maps though - do you know of any other online street maps of Malta? Photo's would be amazing!!

Good idea about a letter to the Times, hadn't thought of that. Wonder if there's anyone still alive who might remember them personally? - can only hope!! John's live seems to be such a mystery. guess that's part of the appeal.

I had another thought, if the children were theirs, then presumably they had the surname Rice - and there can't be that many people called "Neno Rice", or even "arthur Rice" for that matter - do you know of any directories from the 30's/40's? or voters lists etc?
Tim

5
World War Two / Re: Ideas Please
« on: Sunday 04 September 11 19:52 BST (UK)  »
If it was army (the RAF and Navy had their own DR's) then he would have been with the Royal Corps of Signals, or "Royal Signals"
 they have a museum with a good archive and reserch section, mught be worth contacting them -

http://www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk/WebSite/index.php/archives

" They initially enlisted for eight years with the colours and a further four years with the reserve. They trained at the Signal Training Centre at Catterick Camp. All personnel were taught to ride.
Throughout World War II, members of the Corps served in every theatre of war. By the end of the war the strength of the Corps was 8,518 officers and 142,472 men."

Good luck!

Tim

6
Europe / Re: Cottonera hospital malta
« on: Saturday 03 September 11 22:23 BST (UK)  »
Hi Luzzu,

 Yes I have a photo of the memorial, found it on the Malta Family History site. Not sure where it is exactly though.
 (there's a picture of My Gt Aunt and uncle there too - have a look for "Rice" on this page - http://website.lineone.net/~stephaniebidmead/BritishResidents1900-1979.htm ).
I also have their marriage and death certificates too.
I have tried contacting the priest but have not had a reply yet - but I'm patient and optimistic though - it was about 3 months for the cemetery people to reply!!

I think I have an idea about Christian Brothers Street - "Christian Brothers" refers to De La Salle Brothers who ran Christian schools for homeless/poor children. They're now known as La Sallian institute, and they have 3 in Malta, including 1 in Gzira - the Stella Maris College, on St Albert Street. I'd guess St Albert Street is or is close to Christian Brothers street, and I'll bet Fleet Street isn't far away either...
More digging to do I think..


Back to the children - attached is athe photo I found , it was sent to his eldest sister, on the back it states "to Ethel, the children Arthur, Neno and Mary"- Especially as his father was called Arthur ...
 -

7
World War Two / Re: Ideas Please
« on: Friday 02 September 11 20:50 BST (UK)  »
Hi Coppernob,
DR would imply army connections - does he or any of his family have his commission medals? - if so his service number should be on them - then all you need is for him or surviving family (ww2 records are not yet in public domain and are only released to personel or direct descendants) to request his record.
Unfortunately I'm betting it won't be as simple as this...
tim w

8
Europe / Re: Cottonera hospital malta
« on: Friday 02 September 11 12:33 BST (UK)  »
Hi Luzzu,

Christian Brothers Street is/was in Gzira in the early 1940's.

My Gt.Aunt Vincenza "Jessie" Rice was killed in 1942 by an exploding bomb.
 - her death certificate states "in Fleet street", family stories say she was at home. From what i can find it was just a single bomb dropped in the area on 28 October 1942.
Her home address was "Annie", Christian Brothers Street, Gzira - stated on CWGC. I'd love to find a photo or even just locate it.

My interest in St Julians is baptisms, again concerning the same family.
 -  I know my Gt Uncle John "Jack" Rice married Vincenza (nee Amaira)
at St Julians in 1923, (and have been in contact with her family who confirm St Julians
was the family church).  The twist is that (our) family believed they were childless, however I have uncovered a photo that seems to suggest otherwise...

and so I wondered if I could check recorded baptisms...

9
Europe / Re: Cottonera hospital malta
« on: Friday 02 September 11 00:26 BST (UK)  »
Hi Postylady, Luzzo

I've been looking for WW1 hospital records from Malta, there doesn't
seem to be any surviving, even at Kew. General word is that they were
returned to the UK, but never archived.

I also find research in Malta isn't easy, but it is possible, just don't believe the first person who says "No/cant do it/not for public viewing"
 - if you need a B/M/D certificate but don't know the exact date -
apply online - they will search for 3 years around the date, unfortunately if it falls outside those 3 yrs they still keep your money!
Similarly, cemetery records,  I eventually got a result by emailing the cemetery manager directly, even though the records "weren't  currently available".

Still having trouble getting records from St.Julians though, and finding Christian Brothers Street... Anyone?!?



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