Missing Great Grandfather - 1921 Census Help

[lillian66]

Morning All

Bit of a long shot but can anyone help or point me in the right direction to find my great grandfather on the 1921 census. 

Here's what I know:

Walter Smith born 3/11/1893 in Birstall, Batley

Married Clara Porritt 28/7/1915 in Birstall, Batley

Lilian Smith born 30/11/1915 (my gran) in Heckmondwike

Clifford Smith born 13/4/1919 in Heckmondwike

Walter was conscripted in WW1 and was discharged 24/11/2019 - Army Ordnance Corps private 025537

The 1920 electoral roll shows both Walter and Clare at 36 Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike which is where Clara is on the 1921 census.

Parents Thomas Dixon Smith and Elizabeth (Robinson).

On searching the 1921 he is not with either his wife and children or his parents.  This does fit with the family story that when he returned from WW1 he didn't come back to his wife.

Realise this is a long shot with the name SMITH but any help or suggestions greatfully appreciated.

Thanks for reading

[PaulineJ]

Suggested tactics

Forget the surname Smith. Try his mother's maiden namefor example.
Did he have a job , or a particular skill which might narrow down an occupation?

Was he noted as dead on his kids' marriage?
Found in 1939?
A known or inferred date ofdeath/ last known sighting?

Pauline

[lillian66]

Hi Pauline

Thanks for your post.

He was a grocers assistant on his marriage certificate and by 1939 a driver

He is on the 1939 register with his new family but she was with her first husband on 1921 census

Thanks

[heywood]

Was his second marriage a local one?

[lillian66]

They never married as he never divorced his first wife Clara

[heywood]

I was wondering if he stayed in the same area.

[AngelaR]

I am following this with great interest - not that I can contribute much - but I can't find my great grandfather either. He's not with his wife, nor with his new lady and their children. I hope you find yours Liliian66!

Pauline - just wondering - what are your thoughts about his mother's maiden name? Do you think he might have used it as an alias?

[lillian66]

Yes he remained in the same area until his death

[PaulineJ]

AngelaR,

We'll, if you're going to use an alias, make sure that it's one you can remember.!

Pauline