FAMILY TREES

NICOD

ALFRED Arthur - HANNAH Cunningham RENWICK

( 13 August 1891 - 1966 ) --- (28 December 1891 - 1991)

(Married 13 Nov 1916)
Hannah was a few days short of her 100th birthday when she died.

ALFRED (1920-2004?)m. Dorothy Nelson - Frances, Claire ROBERT (1922 - )m. Lillian Laverick - Audrey (adopted) VIOLET (1924 - )m. Robert Oley - Denise

ALFRED

Alf and George WW1

He was born in London at 2 Siddons Road on 13th August 1891 but moved to Hebburn in the North East with the family and spent the remainder of his working life there.

In build he was tall, slim, dark-haired, rather protruding brown eyes and well defined lips and a toothy smile. He had a haughty demeanour and generally appeared stand-offish with a deep gravel-sounding voice.

As the eldest son in a traditional family, he was usually given priority over the rest of the family, waited on and served first at the dinner table. The younger members tended to treat him with an air of respect. He expected to be looked-up to but had to put-up with jibes at his thriftiness and solemn attitude.

Very thrifty and distant, he was not one to welcome you indoors and not socially outgoing. This narrowness in outlook does not accord with his earlier life. His 21st birthday party had rumours of notoriety as one of the antics included hanging bow-ties on appendages!

He was a very talented piano player and formed the first dance band in Hebburn. Renowned for his ability in the locality, he played music to accompany the silent films.
He loved opera and classical music and did not take to the popularity of jazz in the thirties.
When he retired to a bungalow in Sunderland, he bought the latest and best record player and played at full blast with speakers in every room.

Alf also enjoyed the game of Bowls and became quite a good player.

He was in the First World War Air Corp (which subsequently became the RAF) and served as an aircrew engineer. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for improving the firing mechanism of the Lewis machine gun in aircraft. (see note below).

During his service in the Royal Flying Corps, Alf was Senior NCO responsible for the maintenance of fighter aircraft engines and air-worthiness of the planes. He was often called upon by Bishop and Ball, two of the leading air-fighter aces of the First World War, to check over their planes. Sometimes this meant a pre-dawn check before the pilots took-off to challenge individually, enemy aircraft over France which had taken-off to carry-out raids in the early morning. On being transferred to No. 56 Squadron, Capt. Ball left his gramaphone records and service cap to Alf as mementos which he admitted to losing during a squadron reshuffle.

Except for his military service, he worked for the engineering firm of A Reyrolle in Hebburn from being a teenage apprentice to Assistant Work Manager at retirement. On retiring, he was awarded a gold watch and scroll to commemorate 50 years service.

Alf smoked from an early age but contrary to popular belief was not a heavy smoker. Circumstances were against him. From his early teens he was employed by Reyrolle in whose workplace smoking was prohibited. Not until the second year of WW2 was this ruling changed by order of the Government aimed at improving worker moral (and to save the many man-hours lost through workers disappearing to the toilets to indulge). Alf bought his cigarettes in packets of ten (hardly the act of a heavy smoker) and smoked from four to six in an evening. At the time his son Alf added that he wished for his father to smoke more as he had a ready market for his 'dumpers' which were more than an inch in length and could be bartered for cigarette cards, marbles and what-ever!

Unquestionably his smoking habit was a contributory factor in his early death. On seeking medical advice over his loss of voice he was diagnosed as having cancer of the throat for which he began a course of radiotherapy and for which a favourable prognosis was given. However, the treatment was discontinued when further tests showed that his lungs were infected.

He died at home some weeks later at the relatively early age of 74 years. A particularly sad aspect of his death was that it came only a few months short of 50 years marriage to Hannah.

(Mainly his son Alf with snippets from Terry, Derrick and Rosemary.)

ALFRED ARTHUR NICOD

His elder son Alf writes:

From quite an early age Alf displayed a remarkable talent for the piano. It is possible that had he been given the opportunity of a good musical education he might well have become a musician of the first order. As it was his untutored talent enabled him to achieve the position of theatre pianist, the duties consisting of accompanying the 'silent' (pre-talkie) films with music which provided an 'atmosphere' to the plots as they unfolded. He spoke of his time there. His appointment occurred early in his engineering apprenticeship and because of the restrictive clauses contained in his apprenticeship agreement (his Indentures) it was necessary for him to first obtain Mr Reyrolle's permission before accepting. Agreement was readily given subject to Alf first seeking his Mother's consent. With the extra money coming-in how could she refuse? In those early days of the cinema, as indeed in my time, it was usual to have a short interval between the two feature films during which time live artists would entertain. One of his stories of those times was of him being approached by this 'swell', resplendent in full evening dress. "I say son", he says, "could you spare me the price of a packet of fags (Woodbines, at five for 2d) until pay day"? These 'Turns' as they were called were eventually superseded by the coming of the mighty cinema organ rising out of the floor.

Now, as a young man and caught up in the widespread patriotic fervour following the declaration of war in 1914, Alf 'joined up'. Mother used to enjoy telling of how he and hundreds of other recruits were given a rousing send-off with massed bands and cheering crowds. Late that night there was a knock at the door of her home in Wallsend and on opening it there was Alf . He'd slunk there from Newcastle under cover of darkness after discovering that the authorities had woefully underestimated the number of recruits to be housed and there were no billets for many of them. He was enrolled into the Northumberland Fusiliers and rose rapidly to Sergeant. Some time later there was an appeal from the 'on-high' for skilled engineers to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps. Alf's application was successful and he was posted to No.60 Squadron as Technical Sergeant Major. He was fortunate in his posting. This squadron became one of the most famous in the war with an enviable 'bag' of 274 accredited enemy aircraft shot down and having had three VCs on the strength, although only one, the Canadian 'Billy' Bishop was serving with the squadron at the time of his decoration being awarded. Alf's skill on the piano was soon recognised. It is recorded (see the History of 60 Squadron by AJL Scott) that Sgt. Nicod was part of the squadron orchestra and during a Christmas banquet given for some 'top brass'...'The band, led by him at the piano, performed with gusto. It helped to enliven the evening considerably'.

The war now over and Alf demobbed and in civvy street and setting-up house, a piano was a must. Mother used to delight in telling of him attempting to make a choice of instrument with throngs of people in and around the showroom listening to him playing. I don't think there would be any exaggeration in this tale: there was a magnetism about him when at the keyboard.

He was a good husband and father. Within the constraints of the family budget we lacked for nothing. In early childhood I recall him playing with us and often having us in paroxysms of laughter with Mother chiding him that we were getting too excited and wouldn't sleep that night. As youngsters he used to take brother Bob and me on numerous Sunday outings. The most popular were our visits to Marsden Rock and the highlight a meal in the 'Marsden Grotto' - a caf set into the base of the cliffs. In those days (the late 1920s) the beach could be relied upon never to have more than a handful of people, even on the sunniest day. I suspect this was largely due to its difficulty of access with a 100 or so stairs to negotiate. Going down was something of a hazard: climbing them was a real test of stamina. By the mid 1930s however, an increasing number of families were braving the difficulties. With its increasing popularity, the authorities decided to popularise it more (thereby for ever destroying its peace and serenity) by constructing a lift and giving the 'Grotto' much needed improvements. This lift became widely known for its pricing policy of 1d down and 2d up! After a meal and a few drinks many would have paid much more to go back up!!

He was a strict parent, a product of his time who believed that sparing the rod really did spoil the child, however, I cannot recall any occasion when punishment was not richly deserved. As we grew older so he seemed to distance himself from us. Others have mentioned this trait and of not feeling at ease in his company. Certainly my friends were uncomfortable with him. In attempting to account for his aloofness it is possible that having to shoulder responsibility from an early age he felt the need to distance himself from his work force in order to maintain discipline. And the habit grew. Looking back I realise now it was only with children he was truly at ease. It was a lovely sight to see him and our younger daughter Claire together. They got on wonderfully well.

It has been said of him that he was thrifty. It was never evident to me. He had considerable outgoings: we employed a maid, my sister attended a dancing school, we were both learning the piano and, in addition, there were his hobbies and other interests. He had his moments, however, when he felt that economies were called for. It was comical really; they were largely cosmetic, like cancelling his Book Club subscription or something equally trivial. The only evidence of thrift I recall was his attachment to his evening dress suit and his Raglan overcoat, both purchased either just before or just after the war. In the mid 1930s he looked positively dated in his 'tails'. Mother used to liken him, with some justification, to a down-at-heel waiter. He finally relented and bought a dinner dress suit. However, he had the last laugh. The Raglan style staged a comeback and his overcoat, with its definitive 'cut' and beautiful material, was much admired.

Dad loved classical music and opera in particular and was devoted to Wagner. At South Drive there was a large cupboard opening off from the living room which was full from floor to ceiling with record albums, mostly of Wagnerian Opera. It is interesting to reflect that that collection could now be contained on 40 or so CDs occupying about 2ft of shelf space. He encouraged me to share in his enthusiasm for music for which I shall be lastingly grateful.

He took me to many of the International Celebrity Concerts which were a feature of pre-WW2 musical life in the principal cities throughout the UK. Some concerts I recall were the great Italian tenor Beniamino Gigli, the pianists Horowitz and Rachmaninov, the Berlin PO under its famous conductor Wilhelm Furtwngler, and the Royal Phil under Sir Thomas Beecham. It's a sad reflection on modern times that these concerts are no longer possible. The fees now being demanded by today's artists are such that promoters are having to stage concerts in football stadiums to enable them to cover their outlay.

And then there was opera, served up by the Carl Rosa Opera Company - cash strapped and playing to half-filled theatres. Abiding memories of this company are not so much the operas but the often near farce which was part and parcel of their productions.

Two incidents come to mind. In the well known scene in Il Trovatore in which the blacksmith is seen striking his anvil, he inadvertently catches the scenery with his hammer and brings it crashing down around his ears much to the alarm of the principals and the amusement of the audience. On another occasion, during the last act of La Boheme, the bed on which Mimi lies dying collapses. Not to be recommended but a sure fire way of resuscitation!

One of Dad's interests was the emergence of radio. In the mid/late 1920s the wireless had advanced from the 'cats whisker' stage which could be built by almost any schoolboy, to commercially available sets, one such being the 'Cossor Melody Maker' which was very popular. Not for Dad. He was conscious of the rapid advances being made in the science and technology of radio and decided he wanted to be part of it. To finance his new hobby he sold his entire record collection. There was no more Wagner until many years later.

The most advanced system at this time was the 'Wireless World Four' appearing in the magazine of the same name and he decided to build it. It took many months to complete because some of the parts, particularly the loud speaker cone and coil, required infinite care in their construction. I remember being roped-in to help in winding the coil. The set-up was a large hand drill mounted horizontally in a vise with the coil former held in the chuck. My function was to wind the handle slowly whilst Dad carefully layered the very thin copper wire onto the former, counting the number of turns all the while. To house this creation required a sturdy three-legged stand some five feet tall consisting of a lower platform on which stood the wireless cabinet and an upper platform to support the heavy loud speaker assembly. To enhance sound reproduction the speaker had a 3ft square by 1in thick oak 'baffle board' bolted to the speaker frame. His brother Ernie was commissioned to make this assembly and a splendid job he made of it. Far from it sticking out like a sore thumb there was an elegance to it which won the admiration of all who came to see and hear this marvellous piece of equipment.

In the early and mid 1930s there was a growing interest by the general public to learn more of the war-time role of the Royal Flying Corps. Biographies began to appear of all the leading air-aces. Also at this time 'Popular Flying' appeared on the book stalls. This was a magazine - the brain child of Capt WE Johns of Biggles fame - which, whilst covering the contemporary aviation scene also included generous helpings of articles devoted to the late war in the air, and for good measure, the occasional Biggles adventure. Dad became a contributor with his articles on 'Memoirs of 60 Squadron' which aroused so much interest from former members that the idea of holding a squadron reunion was mooted. In this he played a major part in making it happen. It proved so successful that it became an annual event until the outbreak of WW2. When talking to former friends he was encouraged to embark on what he was pleased to call a 'Pictorial History of 60 Squadron'.

Over the succeeding months and years he amassed many photographs and much memorabilia. Alas, with the onset of WW2 the public were no longer interested in looking back. The project was abandoned. Some years later he resurrected the data and mounted the photographs in a large album. Each photo was fully documented with names, dates and places. After his death Mother gave me the album for safe keeping. Some years later a bungled servicing of the oil fired central heating boiler caused a major house fire which did a great deal of damage. Fortunately the album was spared. Rather than continuing to have the worry of it I gave it to the OC 60 Squadron for it to be included in the squadron archives.

Come WW2 Dad renewed his association with the RFC/RAF by becoming the commanding officer of the local Air Training Corps. The war fortunately ended before most of the cadets became liable for war service. I know that Dad felt for those parents whose boys became of age and had elected for the glamour of air crew, for it was no longer possible to disguise the fact that losses, particularly in bomber squadrons, were heavy. It gave Dad enormous pleasure to receive a photograph from a former cadet who had become a bomber pilot. This lad was less than average height and the photograph showed him standing alongside his Stirling bomber. The thing was HUGE ! I understand he survived the war.

Again, as previously mentioned, Capt. Albert Ball was a fighter ace who served with 60 Squadron. He and Dad had much in common, not least their love of music. It was during a County bowls game at Nottingham that Dad took the opportunity to call on Capt. Ball's father, who enjoyed the reminiscences of his son's time with the squadron, and was most grateful that the memory of his son continued to live on in the minds of his former colleagues.

As has been mentioned earlier, Dad enjoyed the game of bowls. He was very good at it and was a regular player at County level. He was one of the four members of the Reyrolle team which won the 'News Chronicle All England Rink Championship'. They won against all the odds, trailing 12-18 at one stage. They rallied and the game became a cliff-hanger with the score at 20-20. The excitement at the last 'end' was such that a spectator had to have medical attention for a suspected heart attack. This was the last time the event was staged: first because of WW2 and later by the demise of the News Chronicle.

It has been said that Dad was invited to tour New Zealand as a member of the England team. The sting in the tail of the invitation was that players were required to pay their own expenses - a figure of 800 was mentioned, a considerable amount in those days, the outlay of which couldn't be entertained. A classic example of how talent in the amateur sports takes second place to the depth of one's pocket.

It was the love of the game which prompted him retiring to Sunderland - a mile or so away from the indoor bowling green in the Alexandra Hotel. It was during his time in Sunderland that he began to build up his gramophone collection again which became quite extensive. It was by now the LP era with longer playing times, better recording quality and a great saving in storage space over the old 78s.

I first became aware of Dad's illness following a letter from my brother-in-law pointing out the seriousness of it. At the first opportunity I hastened to Sunderland. It was an emotional time. I particularly recall our sitting together listening to his latest record purchase - a much acclaimed version of Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto played by Leon Fleisher. (Odd how this artist's name should continue to stick in the memory). We sat hand-in-hand, our first such contact since childhood. Later he spoke of Mother's love, both as wife and mother and of her unstinting care of him during his illness. He spoke also of the pleasure his children had given him. He died some weeks later. Mother bequeathed his record collection to me.

EXTRACT FROM 'BLOODY APRIL'

The Heroic Stories of Fliers in World War 1 by Alan Morris. Published by Arrow Books Limited, London.

Sgt.-Major A A Nicod was among the truly practical engineers. 'His' pilots in 60 Squadron had been troubled by No.1 stoppages of their Lewis guns and now in his wind-shaken hut he was assembling the cure. Behind the trigger grip he attached a small handle. When this was pulled it caused, as he claimed, 'a sharp decisive withdrawal of the bolt which clears the stoppage, the piston of the device instantaneously returning by means of the spring without (the pilot) touching the gun'. Soon the 13th (Army) Wing Commander, Lieut. Colonel C F Pretyman, would approve the gadget for all his Nieuports.

60 SQUADRON REUNION LETTERS 1935

Alf organised a reunion of 60 Squadron in 1935. Here are some letters he sent to a comrade Henry Henshall.

'Valkyrie'
Victoria Road West
Hebburn-on-Tyne
Co. Durham
2nd April 1935
Henry Henshall Esq.

Dear Sir,

Are you the late Flight Sergeant of 'C' Flight to 60 Squadron RFC 1916-1918? If not I humbly apologise for having bothered you, but if you are I tender you hearty greetings and best wishes from one of your old comrades of 60 Squadron.
I have been two months trying to trace you and I earnestly hope and trust I have succeeded.
Will you therefore please confirm identity and I will write again and tell you all the news.
An early reply will be very welcome.

Yours very sincerely

Alfred A Nicod
Late Flt Sgt 'B' Flight
Later Sgt Major 60 and 79 Sqdn
RFC 1916-1918

Dear Henry,
You cannot imagine my delight on receiving your letter this morning. I have been trying to find you since January and the enclosed circular will explain why. I am delighted to learn you are quite well, married, family etc. and a comfortable job.
Many thanks for photo. No you have not altered. Should be able to pick you out of a crowd. Just a brief line about myself. Married, family, 2 boys, 1 girl, youngest 10 and a half years, my own house and a staff appointment since 1918 with A.Reynolds & Co., Electrical Engineers, where I worked before the war. At present in charge of Jig and Tool room and Tool design. Quite a good job as jobs are nowadays.
I wrote in December and January, 2 articles in 'Popular Flying' entitled 'Memories of 60 Squadron RFC. 1916-1918. The result is a reunion in London. With no information only memory we have done wonderfully well. Have traced all the Sgts Mess at Filescamp Farm, Isel le Hamean 1917 with the exception of Dale, Waple and Dean.Cavalier and Aspinall have passed on and I believe Dale aswell.
The following names will stir your memory. Flt Sgts Morton, Henderson, Sharp, Rogers and Sgts Day, Palmer, Gamin, Hoskins, Harden, Linden, Bullock, Scammell, Charrington, Taylor, Billam, Fitzhugh, Worsfold. Sgts Major Smyth and Donner. Your good self and your humble.
We also traced about 50 of the men and I have traced about 20 Officers, amongst the following are: Colonel Smith Barry, Major Moore, Air Commodore Portal, Major Claude Ridley, Capt. Balfour, Capt Amant, Sqdn Ldr Foden, Sqdn Ldr Pope, Capt Rodern Hill, Sqdn Ldr Vincent and others. You will remember Capt F.O Foden and Pope.
Well Henry, I will not be able to put on paper all I have to tell you, but I do sincerely hope and trust you will make every possible effort you can to attend. There will be an excursion from Manchester. Much time has been expended by Vivian, Day and myself on this effort. The reunion would not be complete without you.
Best wishes to Mrs Henshall and family

Yours very sincerely

Alfred A Nicod

14-4-35

Dear Henry,
Many thanks for your kind and welcome letter. I must apologise for not having answered before and also for my somewhat disjointed letter sent in a great hurry and written in a state of shall we say 'boyish' excitement. I am more than delighted to know you are coming to the dinner. Such enthusiastic support is very gratifying to the organisers of this memorable gathering, and I am certain when the role is called on April 27th we shall have every reason to be proud of our achievement.
I assure you a stupendous task but from the latest information from Vivian ( received yesterday) there has been a magnificent response, and I am looking forward to this meeting with feelings indescribable.
Received a beautiful letter from Col. Smith Barry and a handsome donation towards the re-union funds which we are forming. A most magnanimous action. Sqdn Ldr Vincent is in England from Iraq, you will remember him being in charge of the orchestra at Savy. He hopes to be present on the 27th.
Sir Albert Ball, Cpl Ball's father has expressed a desire to be present. I have sent him a complementary ticket. This occurred trying to trace Cyril Bull, a member of the Squadron also in 1918 (taken prisoner).
Well Henry, I will make no attempt to revive old times in this letter, the joy of relating them in person is my sincere wish.
Now, to deal with your suggestion you kindly mentioned in your letter. At the time of writing I do not know of anyone actually travelling from Manchester, there may be, but I will let you know later. Will find out from Vivian for you. I shall be writing to him on Monday.
As to other arrangements depends entirely as to whether you are going to the cup final. If you are your time will be fully occupied particularly as you have to be back in London by 7pm (or before I hope).
My personal arrangements provisionally are as follows.
I leave Newcastle at 12 midnight on Friday night and arrive in London 7am Saturday and return 12.30 midnight on Saturday to Newcastle. Fine excursion this one. I am taking Mrs Nicod with me and we shall in all probability spend the time sightseeing until about 4pm when I have suggested to Vivian that I meet J.Day, Major Ridley and himself, have a quiet cup of tea and arrange a few important events for the evening. I am at present awaiting confirmation of my suggestion.
Mrs Nicod, at about 4pm is going to spend the evening with a relative and I will meet her again at Kings Cross at midnight for the return. These are my suggested arrangements at the moment, subject of course to the reply I receive from Vivian.
Well Henry, are you coming yourself or will you be fetching your good lady with you. If you are, I can assure you we will be more than delighted to have your company if of course you will be travelling overnight, and arrive in London on the Saturday morning. Alternatively, I shall be delighted to have your company even if you are by yourself and that you are not going to the Cup Final. My wife is looking forward with eager anticipation to the 27th and is almost as excited as myself.

I have outlined my intentions, but before making any definite arrangements, you must let me know exactly what you are going to do and also the time you will arrive in London. I shall await your reply with interest.
Mrs Nicod is of course not compelled to visit her relative should any of the wives of the other members come with them. They could have a splendid evening by themselves, I can assure you there is plenty to see in London. Please convey my kindest regards to Mrs Henshall and family and accept the same.

From yours most sincerely

Alfred A. Nicod

23-4-35

Dear Henry,
Your welcome letter safe to hand this morning, written apparently under certain excitement and emotional stress. I have just about reached that stage aswell, however, I am writing this short letter to inform you that I shall be free in London after 1 o'clock. Therefore if you are not fortunate enough to rescue a ticket I will meet you in the City as follows.
You arrive at Wembley at 12.35 noon. Come straight to the City and I will meet you at 2o'clock at:

THE RIALTO PICTURE HOUSE
COVENTRY STREET
PICCADILLY. 2 O'CLOCK

Sgt Day has already arranged to meet some of the boys at this place and I am sure we will have a memorable afternoon. Don't you think so? We can then have a quiet cup of tea somewhere and then for the grand parade at Dartmouth Street.
How will this arrangement suit you.
Well Henry you must drop a card to say if you are going to the Final or not. If you are will see you at Dartmouth Street as early as you can get from Wembley.
If not, shall be delighted to wait for you at the aforementioned rendezvous.
Kindest regards to Mrs Henshall and family.
Cheerio till our happy meeting on Saturday

Yours very Sincerely

Alfred Nicod

HANNAH

A very smart attractive lady. She was very hard of hearing which limited conversation. Pleasant, friendly and retiring she lived to be nearly 100 years.
They were married in November 1916 and by the year 1917, Alf was serving abroad in France. Losses were high, both in the field and in the air. Hannah was one of many thousands of upset young wives and sweethearts who longed for the return of their loved ones.

Mother, at my instigation, asked Alf to make some notes. The following is a transcript of the notes he made in neat stylish handwriting. (Terry):

Mother and Dad were married on Aug 5th 1888 from 283 Wick Road Hackney at St Augustines Church in Victoria Park Road. Mother was living at this address with her parents and worked at the Xylonite factory in Hackney Wick. Her parents had a boot and shoe repair shop and Grandfather F.Knapp used to travel every night with his violin and lead the orchestra at the Camden Town Music Hall.

Rosina Clara was born here and died May 24th 1891

Mother & Dad then moved to No 2 Siddons Road Tottenham where I was born on Aug 13th 1891. I have my birth certificate

They then moved to No 21 Durrington Road, High Street, Homerton where Bill was born on May 1893. Dad was taken to hospital with Typhoid fever from here and I have a letter from Mr Reyrolle to Mother dated Sept 8th 1893 sending her a 10/- postal order etc.

From here they moved to No 16 Church Road, Homerton, and lived next door to a dairy. Their close friends Mr & Mrs O'Connor lived opposite and Mr & Mrs Phillips at the bottom of Church Road. They were builders and property repairers. Nan was born here on July 24th 1894.

Mother had a photo taken in a landau with the O'Connors with Dad and she is holding Nan in her arms. I don't know where that photo went. We were definitely living in Church Road on Feb 9th 1896 because Mother's sister died (Aunt Clara ) and was buried from here. An event I remember quite well. Therefore as George was born on Nov 12th 1895 he was therefore born at No 16 Church Road, which incidentally was a turning off Wick Road.

We then moved round the corner about 200 yds to 189 Wick Road almost apposite the police station ( Bill will remember the police station ) Our neighbours on the right were called Williams, and on the left Fairburn. We moved here in the early summer of 1897. Lottie was born on Aug 28th 1897 and Fred on Nov 15th 1898 - 15 months later.

Dad took me to see Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee from here on June 20th 1899. (60 years Queen ).

One or two interesting events happened in Wick Road.

We lived here until early in 1901. The Boar War was raging then ( 1899 - 1901 ). Bill and I went to Berger Road Board School. On the night of the relief of Mafeking May 17th 1900 Mother and Dad went out to join in the festivities and I was left to look after the family.

I even went to Lot's cot and as she was so quite and peaceful I put a looking glass over her face to see if she was breathing. Strange how you remember these incidents since 1900. I can distinctly remember our Fred got a fish bone lodged in his throat and Dad turned him upside down and rushed along Wick Road to a chemist's shop Theopholis Nichols who lived at the corner of Church Road and Wick Road and Fred coughed up the bone. George ( he would be about 4 1/2 - 5 years ) and myself were taken away with Scarlet Fever and sent to Winchmore Hill for convalescence.

Queen Victoria died while we lived here Jan 22nd 1901 and was succeeded by King Albert Edward V11.

We then moved back again to Tottenham early 1901 and lived at Dawlish Road, Bruce Grove. Uncle Joe and Aunt Alice lived just behind us in Devonshire Road. King Edward's coronation was fixed for June 1901 and as Ted was born on May 1st 1901 he was christened after the new King Albert Edward.I remember why he was named A.E.

As I was passing the police station in High St Tottenham I vividly recall the paper boy shouting Illness of King. He had very suddenly contracted appendicitis and the coronation was postponed until Aug 1901. There was a terrible outbreak of smallpox when we lived in Dawlish Road. We were all vaccinated and had to wear a red ribbon round our left arm. We went to Sterling Road board school. Bruce Grove.

After the small pox outbreak had subsided we moved again to Welbourne Road, High Cross, Tottenham a turning off High St about 1/4 mile from Dawlish Road and just over a mile to the Spurs football ground. I used to go and see them play as a boy.

We definitely left Welbourne Road ( either No 26 or 46 ) to come North to Hebburn. I remember so well Aunt Lottie & Uncle Charlie ( J Turner's parents ) Grandmother & Grandfather Knapp coming to see us the Sunday evening before we left Tottenham for Hebburn about May 1903. As you were a baby in arms ( you came up later with Mother ) you must have been born in Welbourne Road as your birthday shows April 1903.

We all landed in Hebburn and were temporarily lodged with a Mr & Mrs Todd in Railway St Hebburn Colliery.

When the furniture and Mother with you arrived we took a house No 144 Argyle St Hebburn opposite Charlton's general shop. His son in law named Mills bought the bungalow in Ronald Gardens.
From there we moved to Roehope Street and it was here that Ernie was born Oct 13th 1904. Mother's brother Uncle George Knapp was living with us here as I slept with him.

On Sept 14th 1905 after leaving the higher grade school Jarrow I commenced my apprenticeship with Reyrolles. My indentures were signed by Mr Reyrolle & Dad later ( after serving a probationary period ) They are dated Jan 19th 1906 and the address 5 Garabaldi Terrace South Shields, so we must have moved from Roehope St late in 1905 or early in 1906. To South Shields. Uncle George was still with us as he, Dad & I travelled by train to work.

We moved from Shields to No 10 Hall Road, Hebburn. I can't remember the date and I am not quite sure where Alex was actually born. I think it was Hall Road Nov 24th 1907 as near as I can remember.

We moved from there as you know to Victoria Road West. We were definitely there in June 1910 as I remember going to Gilsland with G. Nilstead during the race week. King Edward had passed on and the Coronation celebrations were for King George V which were celebrated on the hill overlooking the Gilsland house; so I would say the date of Harold's birth March 27th 1910 more or less proves he was born in Victoria Road West. I admit I am somewhat hazy about this 1906 - 1911 period as there is practically 6 years between Ernie's birthday and Harolds.

Nellie of course was definitely born there Nov 6th 1911 and Mother's Mother stayed with us until she died.

I don't suppose you will remember my 21st birthday party in Victoria Road Aug 13th 1912. I still have the photo. I was of course married on Nov 13th 1916 when I lived at Victoria Road and as you know after the war you all moved to South Drive. I think that sums up rather briefly the short account of our family. There are of course numerous other early incidents I can remember in the 1895 - 1903 period and of course I may have made a mistake or two as it is a long time to go back.

Alf

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