Elusive William Plank Allen b.1882/5 Broadstone

[rosie99]

possible death reg?

William P Allen 47 march qtr 1934 Poole vol 2b pg 1023

Well done 
ALLEN, WILLIAM  PLANK     age 47 
GRO Reference: 1934  M Quarter in BOURNEMOUTH  Volume 02B  Page 1023
 

[RosieJ]

Ah you absolute superstars! 🌟 This is fantastic and gives me so much to go on. Thanks very much for all your time and effort 

I've got his children but there's no info on marriage witnesses or living with parents in the 1939 register. My 'to buy' list of certificates is ever growing!

If he passed away in 1934, it's interesting that he's not on the electoral roll along with Flora in 1930 or 1931....

[osprey]

Indeed! Perhaps they were living apart.

 

[rosie99]

He could have been in an institution (hospital) the death certificate may give a clue. 

[RosieJ]

Good point - another idea to follow up.

I received his marriage certificate in the post today - married 20th May 1905 at Poole Register Office age 21. His father's name is down as William Plank (deceased), who was a general labourer. Address is listed as Delph Cottage, Broadstone, Canford Magna. He was a bricklayer's labourer which was very common for the area, and also the trade of his wife's family. The witnesses were John Freeborn and Mary Scott.

So, I wonder if his parents weren't married when he was born, hence the Allen surname. I've had a very quick search and can't easily locate a William Plank's b/m/d but will keep hunting. Will also order the birth certificate to see what that can reveal!

[rosie99]

As the birth was registered in the surname Allen and mothers maiden name was also Allen as per the GRO index then I suspect that his parents were not married.  I doubt the birth certificate will name the father unless he was an 'Allen'

ADDED Did you download the service record mentioned in reply 1.  They are free at the moment if you are registered on TNA website (also free)

[osprey]

oh, the old same name for father and he's deceased! I looked for Planks in the area and timeframe at the time of your post and the only one that was obvious was the Edward Plank aged 46 buried in Great Canford 5 Sept 1885.

[RosieJ]

oh, the old same name for father and he's deceased! I looked for Planks in the area and timeframe at the time of your post and the only one that was obvious was the Edward Plank aged 46 buried in Great Canford 5 Sept 1885.

Yep, that old chestnut! Edward was the only one I could find too.

rosie99, I do have his service record.

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated!