Where to start looking......

[Mrs G]

Hello, I am in need of advice, where do I begin looking for an Uncle of mine. I have his name and birthdate, place of birth, [Manchester UK] his parents names, marriage date, his wife's name, children's names and birth dates.
He lived in Durban after serving in the British Army during the first world war, he worked on "The Blue Train" [I think that was the name] He died in South Africa, I do not have place or date
  I have looked on the FamilySearch site, RootsWeb site and many other South African sites without any luck.
Is there a "one stop shop" I can go to online.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Mrs G.

[craizi daizi]

Hi Mrs G

Have you tried the National Archive site

http://www.national.archsrch.gov.za/sm300cv/smws/sm300dl

Daizi

[Mrs G]

Hi Daizi, Yes I have looked through the whole data base and did not find anything about my Uncle. Thanks for the thought
Bye Mrs G

[Danchaslyn]

 

Hello Mrs G

Did you know that 'THE  BLUE  TRAIN' was, and possibly still is, South Africa's premier, most luxurious, ***** silver service train, similar to the world famous, Orient Express.   

Have you thought of approaching the South Africa Railways HQ HR Dept for info, seeing that your uncle worked for the SAR, as they were known.   

The Blue Train used to run the 1000 miles between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and of  course do the return trip, and as Durban is no where near either, wonder if he lived there after he retired?     

Do you know where in Durban he lived?      

Cheers

Danchaslyn

 

[Mrs G]

Hello Danchaslyn, thank you for that information about the Blue Train, I had no Idea.
I have now sent an e-mail to an on-line site dealing with the history of the Blue Train, asking if he has any ideas about any listings of ex employees.
Best wishes, Mrs G

[Danchaslyn]

 

Hello Mrs G

So glad, and do hope that you will find your uncle's info from this Blue Train source, fingers crossed!   

I feel every little bit of local info helps and may lead in the direction of answers!   

Please keep me posted if you can, I'm very curious and as I've spent years living in and around Durban in the not to distant past, may be able to help out with your uncle's info there.   

Cheers

Danchaslyn
 

[Mrs G]

Thank you for all your help,  The names of towns, and places in South Africa are  new to me and leaves me floundering a bit, the Google Earth site comes in handy.
The other idea of getting in touch with the Transnet company came to a brick wall.
 Do you know of a Durban Telephone site which lists residential address, I have cousins living in South Africa, I thought I may send a letter to some Millward's hoping to make a connection that way.
Bye for now, and many thanks, Mrs G

[Danchaslyn]

 

Hello Mrs G

I'll personal message you with the email address of the Blue Train itself and would recommend you email them with your request.   

I've found the White Pages South Africa, or South Africa White Pages very, very helpful for finding residential phone numbers of folk in South Africa.     

Just bear in mind though, that if you can't find who you are looking for, it doesn't mean they aren't there.  Lotsa people there choose to be ex-directory, .i.e. keep their phone numbers and addresses secret.     

Perhaps if you tell me in personal messaging, or obviously post it here, if you like, who it is in Durban, you wish to write to, I could ask my family there for help?     

I know SA like the back of my hand, so anything you wish to know, don't hesitate to ask! 

Good luck

Danchaslyn

 

[Mrs G]

Hi Danchaslyn, thanks for both messages, I shall have another go at the Blue Train site
I know my uncle had children, but I have no idea where they live in Durban or elsewhere in the world.
I was only thinking of sending a few letters to some Millward families oliving in the Durban area in the off chance I might make a connection, any way, we shall see what happens.
Best wishes and thanks for your intrest. Mrs G