Wilson–Malbry Jane

5th May 2015 Susan Morris Leave a Comment

Eileen Joyce Emptage

What did you do in the war, Mummy?

Leaving school just a few months before the start of World War 2, Eileen became a telephone operator in the Civil Service and was one of thousands who worked to keep communications going throughout the country. They worked shifts to maintain the service 24 hours a day, often sleeping on camp beds at the telephone exchanges. They stayed at their switchboards in the midst of bombing raids. They were the unsung heroes.

But was there even more to Eileen Joyce Emptage?

4th May 2015 David Emptage Leave a Comment

Edward Lindsey Emptage 1892 – 1966

Edward’s twin brother died in World War 1 but Edward survived. He was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre in the process but at what cost to himself and to his family?

His son David begins to understand his father’s emotional distance.

25th January 2015 David Emptage Leave a Comment

Alfred Burnett Emptage

Alfred’s father and grandfather were mariners, as were his six brothers. Together with three of his brothers, he took part in saving the crew of the Northern Belle. They were considered heroes and received a medals. But Alfred was to die a difficult death, aged just 45, in a mental asylum.

15th November 2013 Susan Morris 4 Comments

Emptage Men Who Gave Their Life in WW1 and WW2

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”

22nd June 2013 Susan Morris Leave a Comment

Henry Thomas Emptage

There is a well used but nevertheless very apt saying in family history research, that it raises more questions than it answers.

And that is so true of the story of two brothers, three women and seventeen children.

24th May 2013 Susan Morris Leave a Comment

Pure Luck

We normally trace our ancestors by following the names and details on the birth, marriage and death certificates and confirming the details with reference to the censuses and it is generally fairly easy.

Well, it is as long as our ancestors behave normally, appear where you expect them to be, and have normal family relationships. However, if their lives were complicated, the research becomes rather more difficult.