Bernard William

Attended Wellington Terrace boys school. The playground backed on to the house in 51 Killigrew St. where Rae lived and they know each other as children because his father knew her grandmother. D156 is a souvenir programme for Coronation of George V1th presented by The Odeon to members of their Children's Circle May 12th 1937.

Joined the Royal Artillery as a "boy" Redruth, 15th May 1945 (civil occupation baker's assistant) on an 8 year contract, changed to 22 years 4/6/56. Recorded as 5ft 2 ins with fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. Number 1157600 NI number LT570761A. PE has two paybooks and a discharge book D147. They record a series of educational passes and promotions until he left "at his own request on payment" 3rd October 1961, with an "exemplary" record as a battery clerk. Baptised Emmanuel Baptist Church, Falmouth, 10/4/1949 (Cert D155).

Created his first son in a field above St Mawes, marrying the mother (RJM) a few months later, 5th June 1949. D34 is a receipt for the engarement ring. He returned the day after to Warminster Camp from which, a few days later, he set sail on Empire Trouper for Hong Kong. His wife was going to join him in married quarters (see D35) but they were only available for soldiers over 21. He served here for 2 years and 9 months, 9 months of which were in hospital with sprue. D36 is a postcard sent as he sailed home on the HMT Empire Orwell.D157 contains photographs, badges, currency from Hongkong, a photo in civvies in the door of Boslowick Close, a photo from a later period with stripes and a motorised bicycle, a group photo with signatures, a soldier presumed to be a friend in HK sat on a gun and a letter from a a friend (Tony / James??) working in Poole 1956.

Returning to Warminster, he was then posted to Plymouth and obtained married quarters at Granby Barracks, Devonport. The next address had slightly more room (separate bathroom) at 2 Picquet House, Cumberland Gardens, Devonport.

1955 moved to 3/1 F Block, Royal Citadel, Plymouth Hoe, was posted to Wales for a few months and then in 1957 to 13, D Block, Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow West. After a few weeks, moved to a larger place at 9, D Block.

In around 1961/2 (PE was in the first year of secondary school at Spring Grove) he left the army becaue of Rae's health and moved first, for a few months, to a room in a hostel at Highgrove House, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex but then to a large council house at 4 Harrow View, Harrow.

Army life was spent as a clerk, leaving with the rank of bombadier - army records and discharge book at D147. Post-army jobs included omlette chef at Heathrow airport, sales with Bettaware, bus condutor and postman. Whilst at Harrow (as PHG) he also found work for PE as a postman, and both were on strike with Tom Jackson (we lost). Sometimes known as as 'sarge', for his ill-fated attempts to import military discipline into domestic settings - see D135 for postcard 1964.

After separation, he moved to 4 Apsley Close, North Harrow, with Clive and (briefly) Mariella and her son. On marrying Pam, he moved to 14 Kingslee Court, Worcester Rd., Sutton, Surrey, where he managed a scheme for the Post Office, taking apprentices on outward bound courses, and ran a narrow boat from Richmond.

Taking early retirement at 60, he and Pam moved to Trenowath, 1 Dunstan Close, Truro Lane, Penryn. The first heart attack, age 62, was dealt with efficiently by air ambulance, giving time for visits before the second. Newspaper articles - "Back from the dead - twice" - D46 and D46b/c. Invoice for wills D57.

There are many more photos and videos avalable. See RJM biog for some joint or group photos, but also gallery and the link to Neil's site.

D62 is a letter from Hughie Green 3/7/1961 addressed to Sgt Eustice. He was once promoted that far but it is said he got into a fight and was demoted again. D 63 is a 'poem' by hand unknown but clealry a soldier from a class he used to address occasionally. D64 is a uniform patch. D67 and D68 poems about him. D134 letter to Rae from hospital April 1992. Photos and documents not on this site include: D 148 photos various; D149 associated with membership of freemasons (Pinner Lodge No 3423 initiated 18th November 1985, passed 19/5/86 and raised 17/11/86. Resigned 28/11/90 and joined St Budoc's) Includes undated but early photo that shows what is probably membership sash of the earlier group known as the "Buffaloes"; D150 photos and letters associated with boating (Richmond Yaucht Club, trips, VHF radio cert) - note old flags held by Shelley; D151 documents, badges and letters associated with teaching First Aid/St John's Ambulance and with charity work (NSPCC, Boys' Clubs) including letter of condolence from sponsoired Nigerian; D150B associated with the Post Office (including two valued service medals from PO Ambulance Centre, appointment to Postal Exec D 4/5/1977 on salary scale £3170-£3452); D152 photos on holiday and 2 poems from Pam.