Just managed to get hold of the death certificate of my G-Grandfather, James Smith, who died Warwick in 1981.
His place of is given as something I cannot quite read!! It's stated as being in Hereford and Worcester and the place name *looks* like "Farmdebigg" or "Fardsbigg" or perhaps even "Yardsbigg". The more I look at it the more confused I get.n All I can say is that it definitely ends in "bigg".
His father was a Farmer named Reuben. Drawing a bit of a blank at the moment!
Any help appreciated! :excitement:
Hi Carrumba,
I know its been a while since your last post. James Smith is also my Great Grandfather, Ron Smith (Ronald) is my grandad. Would you be on Alf's or Brian's side? (brothers of Ron) James was in the RAF, i too am finding it difficult to find his service details, however i have recently restored his WW2 medals, he has the 1935-1945 star, the WW2 medal, the Africa Star with a rose on the bar which could indicate he was working with the 1st or the 8th Army, he also has the Italy star, he spend quite a lot of time abroad during WW2. There was apparently a photo of him with Field Marshal Montgomery (8th Army??), however i have been told all photos were unfortunately destroyed in a loft leak up in Alf's loft. It was also known that he did a few stints as a rear gunner on the Lancaster Bombers, and also the anti Aircraft in Africa. I actually have a couple of pictures of James.
He, as you mentioned enjoyed growing his own veg, had pigs and chickens in his back yard. He also was an avid wearer of the flat cap, he had to buy a new winter cap and summer cap each year and would give his old hat to my mother (Debbie).
James had Alopecia, i was told, falling off a ladder was the cause of this.
James Married Ethel May Clark in 1931, her mum, i have been told used to mingle a lot with the west end theatrical stars, as was a very good singer. Ethel, was quite a funny great grandmother, she was well known to give us sloppy wet goodbye kisses. She was born jan 3rd 1911 and died on her birthday in 1997.
My Grandad would be over the moon to learn of new relatives!
I hope this paints a better picture for you.
All the best
Kate
