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TORODE FAMILY OF ST SAVIOUR’S by Brian Torode

My GRANDFATHER George William Torode (1868-1943)

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(?) Les Rouvets

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George William Torode and his first wife, Mary Ann Torode

George William Torode

George William Torode, one of the two surviving children of Nicolas Daniel Torode and Charlotte, nee Allez, was born on 9th July 1868 at Les Rouvets. He was baptised on 2nd August following, when his godparents were his father, his mother and his step- brother Alfred.

In 1871, when 3 years of age he was still living at Les Rouvets with his father, aged 49, Charlotte his mother aged 44, William Allez his step brother aged 13 and Ellen his sister aged 8. Charlotte’s first husband had died in 1856 prior to her marriage to George William’s father Nicolas Daniel Torode but in the meantime she had given birth to an illegitimate son, William who took his mother’s maiden name of Allez. In the 1881 Census the family is still living at Les Rouvets where George William is aged 12. The household, in addition to George William, comprises his father Nicolas Daniel aged 59,

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his mother Charlotte aged 54, sister Ellen aged 17. George William and Ellen were still unmarried. Next door to the family lived George William’s uncle, Nicolas-Daniel’s brother James, still a bachelor. By the time of the 1891 Census George William’s father, Nicolas Daniel, had died – in 1886 –but George William aged 23 was still living in the paternal home at Les Rouvets which he had inherited from his father, with his widowed mother Charlotte (Allez), aged 64, and Alfred Bourgaize an agricultural labourer as lodger. Alfred was single and aged 28. Next door to them at the upper cottage, still lived George William’s uncle James, the bachelor now aged 58 and living with James was his widowed sister Caroline aged 61, George William’s aunt. James Torode and Caroline his sister, are still living in the house in 1901, while in the neighbouring house still lived their nephew George William Torode, son of Nicolas Daniel and Charlotte, who by now, had married.

George William aged 26, had married Mary-Ann Torode, daughter of Nicholas. The marriage took place in St Saviour’s Church on 31st October 1894. Mary Ann was born on 10th May 1872 and was thus nearly four years younger than her husband.

Mary Ann Torode (1872-1904)

Mary Ann (1872-1904) was a daughter of Nicolas Torode (1850-1927), of le Mont Saint where in 1881, both he and his wife Mary Louisa, nee le Cras, (1849-1922) are aged 31, living with their family and Mary le Cras’ mother, also Mary, a widow aged 62. Later, Nicolas and Mary moved to live at Ivyleaf, Grande Rue, St Saviour’s. Nicholas Torode was, in turn, the son of Nicholas (Nico) Torode (1828-1905) and his wife, Rachel Le Poidevin (1820-1882) and they married at St Andrew’s in 1846. This older Nicholas was the son of Nicholas Torode (1757-) and Rachel de le Ree (1759-1826), the Great III Grandparents of Brian Torode. Mary Ann Torode and George William Torode were, therefore, distant cousins.

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Grandfather of Mary Ann Mary Ann Torode had a brother William, a brother Nicolas born 1874, a brother James born 1875, a sister Alice born 1877; another sister Ada born 1878, and a third sister Helen born 1879. William emigrated to Canada; Ada married a Mr Mollett and Helen married on 5th August 1900, Henri Duquemin, a mason and son of Frederick. Henri died on 5th October 1946 aged 67. Helen and Henri Duquemin had three children, Henri who married Ellen Tostevin; William; and Winnifred, who married Amos Duquemin – they had a son Clem(ent).

Helen Torode (1880-1973), Sister of Mary Ann Torode

and wife of Henri Duquemin

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Helen Torode with daughter Winnifred Duquemin

In 1901 George William and Mary Ann were still living at les Rouvets, and were next door to Uncle James and Aunt Caroline. George William is described as an agricultural worker aged 33 and his wife Mary Ann is aged 29. The have a son George aged 5 born at Les Rouvets in September 1895; another son, Wilfred aged 2 born 27th July 1898 and Elsie Maud aged 1, born 25th May 1900, both at Les Rouvets. George William and Mary Ann’s marriage happiness did not last for long. After just ten years, Mary Ann died on 21st September 1904 and was buried on 26th.

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Children of George William Torode and Mary Ann nee Torode (half aunt and half uncles) George Torode, born 1895; died 1960 Wilfred Nicholas Torode, born 1898; died 1967 Elsie Maud Heaume, born 1900

George and Wilfred Torode

1. George Torode was born on 6th September 1895 at Les Rouvets. He married twice – (i) Rheta Enid Duquemin, born 26th November 1899 and who died January 8th 1934. Rheta was the daughter of Steve Duquemin and Hilda Tourtel. Rheta had two sisters, - Olive moved to America, and had three children - and Winnie who moved to Sussex and had one daughter. Hilda Tourtel later moved to Sussex to live with Winne her daughter and it was in Sussex that she died. Steve Duquemin was a rum character. Rumour has it that the three girls mentioned above were only the known children of Steve. He was born in the Catel, and baptised in the Catel Church. In 1901 he was a publican in Cornet Street, the Clarence Hotel and Saloon – now no longer in existence. Apparently it is referred to in the Book of Ebenezer le Page, as the House with the green shutters, where it is accorded the distinction of being a House of Ill repute. He owned lots of island property – Wyndhams Hotel, The Hermitage Hotel, the Channel Hotel, La Grand Mare at Vazon when it was a race course, Lihou Island and L’Eree aerodrome. He eventually paired up with a Mrs Rawlins who added Duquemin to her name, and the family fortune seems to have disappeared. His reputation, passed on by his great granddaughter, suggests that he was an arsonist, entrepreneur and even a pimp! He died in South Africa. Rheta’s uncle Herbert, born 1874 in St Peter Port, her mother’s brother, married in Canterbury, Mary nee Caldwell. Herbert had attended Elizabeth College Guernsey, then University where he established himself as a brilliant scholar. He entered the world of Journalism and later became a senior editorial executive of the Daily Express, in Canterbury. He wrote the earliest Rupert stories in the 1920s which were illustrated by

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his wife, Mary. Herbert died June 16th 1931 aged 57 and Mary 16th March 1948 aged 74.

Both are buried in the Parish Churchyard at Canterbury.

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Steven Duquemin, father of Rheta Duquemin

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Hilda Tourtel, wife of Steven Duquemin,

sister of the author of the Rupert Bear books

George’s wife Rheta nee Duquemin died 8th January 1934 and was buried at Le Foulon Cemetery, leaving George a widower with the two daughters Gwyn and Betty aged 9 and 6. George ran his own grocery business at Ville au Roi, and was assisted when needed by his daughters when they were old enough. George played the pipe in the Drum and Fife Band of the British Legion and was also a St Peter Port Special Constable. He knew what it was to lose a mother at an early age – his own mother had died when he was 9 and he lived with his father and stepmother Marie Louise nee de la Mare (my grandmother and grandfather) until his own marriage in the early 1920s. George’s second marriage took place thirteen years after the death of his first wife Rheta. George married Annie Maisal Baulch at St Martin’s Church on 28th August 1947. George was 52 years of age and Anne was of similar age. Together they ran the grocery business until George’s death on 21st November 1960 and he was buried at Le Foulon Cemetery in his first wife’s grave. Ann continued to live over the shop – the house was named Nowshera - while Gwyndoline ran the business. There was an entry in George’s will that Ann could have right of tenure for her lifetime. She invited her sister Margery to come and live with her and they more or less looked after the domestic side of things while Gwyndoline ran the shop until it closed.

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George, ‘uncle George’ to me, was a little man, with a prominent hunched back and a narrow pointed nose. He shuffled when he walked and was a night bird – often sitting up, smoking and having a tot of something until the early hours of the morning. He would then retire to bed and it was an enormous effort to get him to rise before eleven a.m, at which point he would have his wash and shave, trot downstairs into the shop stock room and sit by the fire while aunty Ann brought him his breakfast. If travellers came with orders or to take orders, he would make them wait or tell his shop assistant – usually me or one of the daughters – to deal with it. How he made any profit is anyone’s guess- he helped himself to stock without putting anything into the till and so did aunt Anne. By mid afternoon he would expect the grocery orders to be packed and checked ready for delivery to the country parishes customers and I used to help stack them into the van. About 6 pm we would set off after having had tea and we’d drive out to St Saviour’s, St Pierre du Bois and Torteval, and probably made eight or nine deliveries before 10 pm. At each house, the customer checked the delivery against the order, and then ages would be spent in gossiping in French about olden times, neighbours, etc while I sat and listened and stuffed myself with home grown figs, apples, peaches, strawberries and gache. We drove back – often uncle George a little the worse for wear, - and arrived at Ville au Roi about midnight. Then bed, and I was the one up early after aunty Anne next morning, to open the shop and start the day’s business. This was of course, only a school holidays employment, but I loved it. Annie Maysal Baulch ‘Aunty Anne’ died at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital on 12th December 2002. She had been resident t La Grande Lande Residential Home St Saviour’s, for a few years and at the time of her death she was aged 95 years. Her death announcement says that she was: Widow of George, much loved aunt of Patrick, Jean, Tom and Angela, dear stepmother of Gwyn and Betty and grandmother of Dianne, Steven and a loved great grandma and great aunt. Sister of the late Marjorie and Edith.

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George and Rheta had issue (half cousins to Brian):

Gwyndoline Eileen Rheta born 27 May 1925. Gwyndoline returned to Guernsey, in 1960 working for her father in the family grocery business until his death, then continuing the business until ill health forced her to retire. The Guernsey Weekly Press of 21st June 1985 reported the closure of the business after more than 100 years: ‘A corner shop which has been open for more than 100 years is closing down. It is the Ville au Roi Stores, operated by Miss Gwyn Torode and she has decided to put up the shutters. Miss Torode recalled that the shop originally sold only groceries but she has expanded the range of goods to include clothing, plants, cards and a range of DIY articles. Her father was running the store when she first worked there for a year on leaving school. After the Second World War Miss Torode travelled widely going as far as Australia. She returned to the island in 1960 and took over the management of the store on her father’s death. For the last few weeks she has been reducing stock ready for close down. Miss Torode says that people have come to her store from all over the island as they like the personal service she gave. ‘People have been very loyal to me’ she said. Miss Torode says she has sold a bit of everything and she remembers when she could sell cotton for 4d a reel. Now she is charging 29p. For the past 13 years she has run the shop unaided preferring not to engage staff. However she says that customers have been very helpful in moving heavy packages about. Miss Torode recalls that she has always given children of her regular customers sweets on their birthdays. Often as they grow older, they come into the shop to remind me that their birthday is coming up. Customers have pleasantly added their tributes to the way Miss Torode has served them. Mrs Jean Mauger says that Miss Torode has been more of a friend than a shop keeper. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her, and she always remembered children on their birthdays. Mrs Rose Weston is very sad about Miss Torode’s retirement. She was always obliging and donated happily, prizes to nearby Oberlands House for various events. Miss Anne Phillips says that Miss Torode has always been prepared to sponsor people who approached her and Mrs Perkins says that the corner shop will be missed. Mrs Mary Martin says she has always found Miss Torode good-tempered and considerate to others. She has always been prepared to listen intently to other people’s problems. Mrs R Mauger says that Miss Torode helped many people in need and organised raffles for St John Ambulance, giving them the proceeds. She was always prepared to give loyal customers credit. Years of trading in a humanitarian way is now drawing to a close as Miss Torode prepares to shut her shop door for the last time.

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The staff of Ruettes Braye Garage say they will miss the corner shop. They appreciated the good service she always gave them. There was another expression of thanks when Miss Helene Mauger who was celebrating her birthday, presented Miss Torode with a bouquet on behalf of all the loyal customers.’ (Photograph in newspaper)

Betty Ann Minnie, Gwyn’s sister, was born on 3rd January 1928.

Left to right: Uncle George with a grandchild, Gwyndoline and Betty Torode, Betty Torode

1. Wilfred Nicholas Torode, George’s brother and second son of George William Torode

and Mary Ann Torode, was born at Les Rouvets on 27th July 1878. His birth certificate adds ‘Nicholas’ as a second name. He was very much a loner and yet later, he was dearly loved by his stepmother Marie Louise nee de la Mare. The 1911 Census shows that he was living with his father and stepmother, his brother George, and his half sister Mildred and Florence at Le Moulin, at Saviour’s.

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1911: Les Moulins – 4 males, 3 females, in 3 rooms George William Torode head, aged 42, married 1 year. Labourer worker. B St Saviours Marie Louise de la Mare 35 married 1 year, housekeeper B St S George, son 15 single, driver B St S Wilfred, son 12 single B St S Mildred dtr 1 B St S Florrey dtr 4 B St S Joseph Denil, border from France. Where was Elsie Maud? The same Census for 1911 lists Elsie staying at the home of her grandfather, her mother Mary Anne’s father. It must be remembered that in the above Census George and Wilfred – and also Elsie Maud- are the children of George William by his first marriage to Mary Ann Torode fille Nicholas: 1911: Greenleaf Cottage, St Saviours, 4 rooms. Nicolas Torode, Head aged 61. Married 39 years. 11 children – 6 living 5 dead. Born St Saviours. House carpenter self employed. Mary T, wife aged 61, married 39 years. Elsie, grandchild, aged 10, scholar. Born St Saviours. This Nicholas’ father, also named Nicholas was the son of Nicholas Torode and Rachel de le Ree. Wilfred served in the Royal Artillery during WWI and on demobilisation, he did not return permanently to Guernsey but worked in Worcestershire as a gardener. Eventually he went into digs with a Mrs Lewis at Winterbourne near Bromyard and Worcester. Mrs Lewis had been blinded during WWII while she was in service in one of the royal London households. They lived in a little cottage on the side of the main road, a cottage with no mod cons, but they were extremely happy and self sufficient. Wilfred died in Worcester Hospital on 19th February 1967 and was cremated in Worcester. I took Mrs Lewis to the service – only four or five of us there, and on leaving the crematorium, she touched his coffin and said ‘Wilfred, I’ve always loved you, Goodbye and God bless’ and I then said my farewells to her and she

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went off with her son. I visited her on two further occasions, but on the third visit, she had moved from the cottage and her whereabouts were unknown.

Army Records give the following information about this somewhat rebellious and undisciplined member of the family:

Wilfred joined up in the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry in 1917 at the age of 18 years 9 months, and his address at the time was Victoria Terrace, St Peter Port. He had previously served in the Royal Guernsey Militia as a driver and had been discharged in December 1916. His 1917 signing up papers are dated 10th April 1917. He is described as being 5feet 6 inches in height with a chest girth of 34 inches with 3 inches expansion. On entry his weight is given as 126 lbs and he is fair haired and bears a vaccination mark. His next of kin is given as Mr George William Torode, his father, of L’Escelle, St Saviour’s, Guernsey. He was posted to France on 24th October 1917 and disembarked at Le Harvre the following day, 25th October. On 26th October 1917, just six months after enlisting, Private Wilfred Torode, was apprehended in ‘town’ – Rouen - without documents and one week later was sentenced to 7 days Confined to Barracks. He had joined the 46th Infantry Base Depot only the previous

day. On 9th October the following year – 1918 – he was accused of being ‘Deficient of Iron Rations lost in the Field’ and for this he was deprived of pay for 7 days. Corporal S M Seally was the chief witness. The following year, 1919, on 25th February he embarked for the UK on the Jan Breydel and the next day, February 26th 1919, he returned from overseas where he had been with the British Expeditionary Force in France and was immediately admitted to hospital in England, seemingly with tonsillitis. On 3rd March he was transferred to Newton Abbot and on, 28th

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March, 1919, we find Wilfred of the RGLI ‘A Corps’, ex WOW, at hospital in Exeter. By 7th April he had been transferred to Plymouth General Hospital – Private Torode, Wilfred No 1424. In May that same year, he was back in Guernsey having been granted furlough with an address of 59 Mount Durand. He did sign a statement stating ‘I do not claim to be suffering disability due to military service.’ However, he absented himself without permission for one day, and was confined to Barracks for 5 days with the loss of one day’s pay. On 24th May following, he broke out of barracks and remained at liberty until 26th May. Private Torode of A Company, 2nd Regiment of the RGLI was sentenced to 8 days confined to barracks and fined 2 day’s pay. On 2nd June he was missing between the hours of 2pm and 5.30pm for which he was deprived of pay for 3 days and confined to barracks for 8 days.

What a record, but there is more! By 3rd July 1919, he had been transferred to the Reserve. A short time later, he signed a certificate stating that he had received an advance of £2 from the pay office in Guernsey. His address was given as 57 Victoria Terrace, Guernsey in the Theatre of War, His date of birth is also given again - 1898 - and his medical category is BN – British National. Place of enquiry in case of emergency – Guernsey.

A Casualty Form, Active Service gives a summary of his Career: Enlisted 10.4.1917, for duration of the war – Transport driver- Private. Embarked Guernsey 24th October 1917 His next entry reads – Place of casualty, Guernsey – but no further detail is given. Posted to France 24th October 1917 Disembarked at le Harvre 25.10.1917 Joined 46th Infantry Base Depot on 27th October 1917 He was at Rouen 26th October 1917 and lost 3 days of pay. Rejoined his Unit 3rd May 1918. Hospital – tonsillitis 1919 Embarked for UK 25.2.1919 Posted 28 2.1919 Transferred to Reserve 3. 7 .1919 Awarded British Medal and Victory Medal Not a very glorious time of service and Wilfred was always known as a wanderer, an unsettled rover. He did not settle in Guernsey and this was always a source of regret to his stepmother, Marie Louise. Aunty Millie, Wilfred’s half sister by his father and his father’s second wife, Marie Louise Bourgaize, nee de la Mare, wrote to Wilfred immediately after the death of Marie Louise in 1961.

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Dear Wilfred, thank you for your letter and words of sympathy. Also for the money. As you know since Wednesday this has been a very sad house and today was the worst of all. But mother is better off. We would not wish to see her back as we have seen her the last few weeks, getting thinner and thinner and weaker and weaker, but she has not given us a ha’peth of trouble. She was so very patient, never asked for anything not even a drink if she thought we were busy doing something else. He would wait, but I must admit that I was always up and down the stairs to make sure that she was alright. Flo has been living here for a while and we have been staying up nights with mother, for a long time. I managed well on my own but the time came when I could not turn mother on my own, so Flo lived here so that mother always had company night or day. We have cried and cried for mother because we miss her so much but we have nursed her through her illness and have been kindness itself to her. Nothing was too much trouble so we have a clear conscience, and what’s more, mother appreciated it very much. We have done our duty to her during her illness. As she used to say, many children put their parents in hospital but I am lucky to have good children.

She took to her bed about six weeks ago, and she went the same way as poor George-no food so she could not possibly last like that. But thank God she had no pain, or at least she said she had none, but she had bed sores which made her uncomfortable. Poor old soul but she did not complain. She started slipping into a coma on Tuesday and by Wednesday dinner time she was not conscious of people around her or so the doctor told me. He said she would probably last four to eight hours but she lasted until 10.50 that night. At four o clock I had hoped she would breathe her last. I walked up and down her room saying Please God, take my mother now but He was not ready to take her until 10 t 11 that night. I had never seen anyone die or dying before and I pray God I never will again. We ordered a wreath from you before we had your letter and we were going to pay for it for you, but since you sent the money I suppose you would rather we paid for the wreath and then you will know that it was really from you. The only thing we did not put Mrs Lewis name on it as we did not expect her to send any money as she did not know mother. So we put on the wreath, In loving memory of my dear step mother from Wilfred (Worcester). However, I will leave you to sort that out as far as Mrs Lewis is concerned. I must say it was very kind of her and the wreath did cost £1 and so did ours and Flo’s.

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We are sorry you are not very well – only the Good Lord can help you Wilfred and we hope he will. Flo went back home to live last night so apart from missing mother I miss Flo as well. But she has been kindness itself to mother and to me and so has Eddie. You have the consolation of knowing that you made mother very happy by being with us last October. She loved having you and never got tired of saying so. It’s a very good thing that you came over. I hate going to bed at night Wilfred. I have to pass mother’s door as you know and there is no one there, no light, and no one to say good night to. It is awful but I will have to get used to it but it will take time.

Flo and I slept in the basement living room on Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday and Saturday but I went up to my own room last night. Brian is here for a fortnight. We are all glad that he came over the week before last for a few days because mother was able to recognise him and speak to him. If we had waited until term finished last Thursday it would have been too late as Brian could not get here until Friday morning, and he had a shock when he was told the news. He has taken it very hard. Cliff had to support him in church and Esmee‘s husband had to take him away from the grave. He loved his old granny and she loved him, he knows that. Mother grieved when he went away and he thinks he was the cause of her death although we have talked to him and begged him not to think that. It is no fault of his at all. Anyway he is young and when he gets back among his friends it will wear off a bit. Please give all lour love to Mrs Lewis and accept same for yourself. Hope you will improve as the fine weather comes. Flo is going to write to you soon. Eddie Brian and Alice, Flo and Ivor send their love, not forgetting Cliff, and Your sister Millie xxxxxxx PS: Have you heard from Elsie yet?

2. Elsie Maud Heaume sister of George and Wilfred was born at Les Rouvets on 25th May 1900.

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She ‘married well’, her husband being a grower from the upper parishes, Wilfred Heaume. They were married at the Forest Church.

Wilfred was three years younger than Elsie. He was the second son of Clarissa nee Best and Albert Heaume. His brother was also named Albert Ernest. Clarissa died 26th June 1947 in Guernsey but her will was registered for administration in London on 27th September in the name of Albert Edward Heaume, (her husband or son?) fruit grower, to the value of £68.11.4 in England. Wilfred and Elsie married and had two sons, Ernest Henry born 19th November 1927 who married a Mabel Jane Brehaut. Their only child was a son Peter Ernest, born 4th January 1947.

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Elsie is standing on the left

Ernest and Mabel

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Elise and Wilfred’s second son was Eric William, born 24th November 1934. Both boys gained scholarships to Vauxbelets College (not that they were RCs). During the second world war, Elsie and family were evacuated to Manchester and the Vauxbelets College was evacuated to Hale in Cheshire. A 1941 photograph is reproduced in the Guernsey Evening Press ‘Weekender’ of 18th May 1985 which shows Eric Heaume there with his school mates and clerical staff.

During the evacuation period, the address to which forwarded mail was sent was RCMB ( Red Cross Message Bureau) 751, Gaddum House, 16, Queen Street, Manchester 2 and on 11th October 1941, her father George, sent Elsie a German Red Cross letter from her brother’s shop/house at Ville au Roi through the Red Cross Bureau, Guernsey. The letter read as follows (typed) Dear Elsie, Awaiting anxiously for news. We are well, hope you are same. Are you in contact with Millie? Eddie Baby son (Brian). Dad, family. His signature G Torode is added at the bottom. The letter was not received until 10th November 1941. On 5th Jan 1942 Elsie replied in her own hand, on the back of the same Red Cross Letter, as follows: Dad & family, Glad to hear from you, we are all well. Not heard from Milly. Where is Flo? All children well clothed and cared for. Elsie and undersigned E M Heaume. This letter was received in Guernsey on 16th February 1942. For a while, after returning to Guernsey Elsie, Wilfred and the boys lived at the lower end of Hauteville in a rather grand apartment before emigrating to Australia. Before they did so, I was given quite a lot of their grandson Peter Ernest’s toys, clothes and school ‘equipment’ – most of it of little use to me because of the difference in our ages. The reason they emigrated was, according to Betty Plumley, on account of money matters involving poor old uncle Sam Best who died soon after arriving in Australia.

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Eric and Mabel Brehaut

In Australia, the Heaume family lived near Cronulla and became very involved with the Billy Graham Crusade and were in fact the local organisers for his movement for many years. Uncle Wilfred Heaume died in Australia on 3rd January 1981, having made a return trip to Guernsey some years previously. He is buried in Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland NSW. Aunty Elsie remained in Australia with the boys and their families but ended her days in care a victim to Alzheimers Disease. Before she died, I did speak to her on the phone when I was living in Kew Place, Cheltenham and she asked me round to tea the following Sunday. When I explained I was in England she assured me that that did not matter, as she would pay for the taxi!

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Addresses in Electoral Roll returns are as follows: 1954; Earlwood, Lang, NSW 1958: Cronjulla, Hughes, NSW 1963: Cronulla, Hughes, NSW 1968: Cronulla, North Hughes 1980: North Cronulla Cook, NSW. Census Returns: 1954: Elsie Heaume, 20 Wanburton Parade, Home Duties Wilfred Heaume, Gardener. 1958: Elsie Heaume, No 66 Kurnell Road. NHome duties. Eric Heaume, No 66 Kurnell Road, Compositor Ernest Heaume, No 33, Smarts Crescent. Civil Servant. Mabel Jane No 33, Smarts Crescent, Home Duties Wilfred Ernest, gardener. 1963: Mabel Jane Heaume, 33 Smarts Crescent. Wilfred, 66 Kurnell Road, Gardener. Elsie Maud 66, Kurnell Road, Home Duties. Ernest henry, 33 Smarts Crescent. 1968: Elsie Mary Heaume 66 Kurnell Road Wilfred Ernest It would appear the children had by then left Cronulla. 1980: Elsie Mary, 10/20 Burke Road, Cronulla Wilfred Ernest, 10/20 Burke Road Cronulla, no occupation.

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My GRANDMOTHER Marie Louise Bourgaize nee de la Mare

After the death of his wife Mary Ann in 1904, George William continued to live at Les Rouvets and on 16th March 1910, married a widow, Marie Louise Bourgaize, nee de la Mare.

Her parents' wedding

Marie Louise de la Mare was born on 9th September 1876 at St Saviour’s. Her parents were Abraham de la Mare and Marthe – pet name Patty – le Cras. She was baptised at St Saviour’s Church on 24th September: Her baptism entry reads – (original in French): Marie Louise, daughter of Abraham de la Mare and Patty le Cras his wife, born 9th September 1876, was baptised privately on 24th and then presented at church 8th October following. Her godparents were Abraham de la Mare (her grandfather) Patty le Cras, (her mother) and Mary Mahy (her mother’s mother, ie her grandmother). The Register entry is signed, J

Girard. Rector.

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Marie had two brothers and one sister none of whom survived infancy: Abraham, born 2nd May 1872 who died seven months later on 25th December; Joseph born 5th December 1880 and who died twenty-four days later on 29th December; Alice Mary born 23 July 1874 who died four months later on 28th November 1874.

Marie Louise de la Mare’s first marriage to Edmund Bourgaize. Marie first married in 1894 – or lived at St Pierre du Bois at La Pomare with - Edmund Alfred Bourgaize, born 12th December 1871 and who died 18th December 1904. Edmund Bourgaize was the son of Alfred and Marie (Mary) Bourgaize nee Brehaut of L’Eclet. She was the daughter of Pierre Brehaut and Marthe de Jersey. Edmund had two brothers and two sisters, all born in St P du Bois. The 1881 Census records: Salene Road, Rocque Balan: Alfred Bourgaize, Head, 26, married, Agricultural Labourer, born St Pierre du Bois Maria Mary Bourgaize, Wife, 32, married Marie Louise Bourgaize, Daughter, 12, Scholar Alice Elizabeth Bourgaize, Daughter, 11, Scholar Edmund Alfred Bourgaize, Son, 9, Scholar Walter Bourgaize, Son, 6, Scholar Alfred Peter Bourgaize, Son, 2

The 1891 Census gives the address as Roque Poisson and the other details are the same apart from ages of course and the addition of

Margaret Bourgaize, Daughter, 9 Edward Bourgaize, Son, 7 William Bourgaize, Son, 5 Elsie Bourgaize, Daughter, 3 Wilfred Bourgaize, Son, 6 months Marie Louise now 22 and Alice Elizabeth now 21 have obviously left home or died.

The 1901 Census record is as follows, showing that Edmund has also left home and is married to my grandmother Marie Louise de la Mare and they have one son, John Cecil Bourgaize. 2 rooms, Ebenezer La Pomare: Edmund A Bourgaize, Head, married, 29, Farmer – employer, born St Pierre du Bois Marie Louise Bourgaize, Wife, married, 24, Farmer’s Wife, born St Saviour John C Bourgaize, Son, unmarried, 1, born St Saviour Walter Bourgaize, Boarder, unmarried, 25, Agricultural Labourer, born St Pierre du Bois

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The Walter Bourgaize is brother of Edmund. Edmund and Marie Louise also had a son, Edmund, born 2nd May 1897 who had died aged 10 weeks (see below) It must be remembered that for Census purposes, the number of rooms does not include kitchen, toilet, scullery etc, only living rooms and bedrooms. Even so, two rooms were barely adequate for a family yet alone a family with a lodger. Interestingly enough, in the same house also living in two rooms were Marie Louise’s parents: Abraham de la Mare, Head, married, 63, Agricultural Labourer worker, born St Pierre du Bois Patty de la Mare, Wife, married, 53, born St Saviour William Guilbert, Boarder, unmarried, 14, Agricultural Labourer, born St Saviour Edmund Bourgaize was addicted to alcohol and was found dead in a shed at St Pierre du Bois on Sunday 18th December 1904. The Guernsey Evening Press gave a full report of the subsequent inquest on 22nd December 1904. This day, before Sir H. A. Giffard, KC, Bailiff and Jurats H le Coq, F. B. Mainguy, E. C. Ozanne and Julius Bishop, INQUEST. DEATH FROM ALCOHOLIC POISONING. An enquiry was held as to the cause of death of Edmund Alfred Bourgaize aged about 32, who was found dead in a shed at St Peter’s about midnight on Sunday. Mr Walter Robin, Constable of St Peter’s said he was called at 1.45 on Monday morning by two of the witnesses. He found deceased on his back on a bed in a packing shed at L’Eclet. The body was still warm. Witness at once telephoned for Dr Benson, who arrived shortly afterwards. Deceased who lived at Sous l’Eglise, St Saviour’s was addicted to drink. Mr Pierre le Cras lived in the same house as deceased who had appeared quite well of late. After dinner on Sunday, deceased went out about 2 o’clock. He was quite sober and had only drunk about half a pint of cider. Witness did not see deceased again. Mrs le Cras gave corroborative evidence. Mr Jean Tostevin who resides at L’Eclet saw deceased about 4 pm on Sunday and gave him a glass of gin. Deceased had evidently been drinking and he remained at witness’s house during the evening. Eventually he was placed on a bed in the packing shed. He was then sufficiently sober to walk. Witness saw deceased between 10 and 11 o’clock and shook him but obtained no response. At first witness thought he was drunk but on realising that he was dead informed the Constable. Corroborative evidence was given by several other witnesses who were in the company of the deceased and Jean Tostevin at L’Eclet on Sunday evening. All stated that Bourgaize drank

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his gin (Old Tom) without water. Mr Jean de la Mare who lives at Le Douit, near L’Eclet, was called about midnight on Sunday by the Tostevins to see Bourgaize. He at once realised that the man was dead. Dr D’A Benson, was called about 2 am on Monday to see deceased. Witness had known the man for years and did not remember having ever seen him sober. Witness was of the opinion that death was the result of acute alcoholic poisoning. There were no marks of violence on the body. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. The Inquest - Levee de corps - page 307, December 1904 Greffe Records. In French – the following is a translation from the original: The Court having been informed that Edmund Alfred Bourgaize aged about 32 died in a building situated at L’Eclet in the parish of St Peter in the Wood, during the night of 18-19 December 1904 and the Procureur du Roi having called for a doctor, (Dr Benson) and other witnesses sworn on oath to discover how he came to his end. The Court after having heard the said witness on oath, listening to the conclusions given by the Procureur du Roi, gave permission to those to whom it belonged, to bury the body of the said Bourgaize, the which was addicted to drink, having passed part of the afternoon of Sunday 18th December with Mr Jean Tostevin at L’Eclet; being drunk was put to bed on a feather bed in the said premises between seven and eight in the evening; he was visited during the night and towards two in the morning the Constable and Dr Benson were sent for. There were no marks of violence on the body. He had died about midnight and his death was caused by alcoholism. I gather from what my father told me that Marie was very cruelly treated by Edmund her husband, due to his drink problem and many a time she and the two boys slept in fields or in hay ricks to escape his violence.

Marie Louise and Edmund Bourgaize had three issue:

1. Edmund born 2nd May 1897 who died aged 10 weeks. He was baptised privately on 12th May 1897 at St Pierre du Bois, and presented at church on 30th of the month. His godparents were Jean le Bras, Abraham de la Mare his maternal grandfather and Ada Batiste.

2. John Cecil born 1900, at Beauregarde, the Forest. He was baptised 21 Jan 1900,

godparents John Bourgaize, Abraham de la Mare his maternal grandfather and Marguerite Bourgaize. He died 4th July 1977.

John worked as a farm labourer up to the time he enlisted with the RGLI 5th December 1917. He had been recruited and passed by the Medical Board Category A in Guernsey. On enlisting he was given the Service Number 3500 Second Battalion GLI. He is described as aged 18, not married, a farm labourer with no previous military service. He took the oath then joined up on 5th April 1918, aged 18 years 8 months as Private 3514747 in the Royal

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Pioneer Corps. By 18th April he was injured and was returned home until 29th October 1919. His term of service was for the duration of the war. His Army Records describe him on en listing as having a chest of 37 inches expanding by 4 inches. His physical development is ‘fair’. His height was 5 feet 5 inches. He had been vaccinated in infancy in the left arm, and his vision in both eyes was 6. He was not willing to be vaccinated again but willing to be enlisted for the General Forces. He was having dental treatment and was still unmarried His next of kin is given as his father E Bourgaize, of Beauregard. On demobilization, 20the October 1919, he was transferred to Class 2 Army Reserve. The Demobilization Statement stated that he was a Private aged 19 the previous birthday who had first joined up in 5th April 1918 in Guernsey. This statement he signed on 30th September 1919, adding that he did not claim to be suffering from any disability due to his time in the Forces. There is nothing on his Regimental Conduct Sheet apart from the fact that he had joined up on 5th April 1918. His military service was reckoned from 5th April 1918 when he had enlisted and joined the RGLI at Fort George on the 12th. His service was therefore 1 year and 188 days. His records include the following: The British War Medal Riband is enclosed. The actual Medal which you are entitled to wear will be sent to you as soon as it is issued, which may be some considerable time. It must be understood that the issue of the Riband is no guarantee of the award of the Medal being approved. Also included in his record, is a Protection and Certificate of Identity: John Cecil Bourgaize, Regimental Number 3500, Private, Dispersal Unit 1st October 1919. Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, Pay Office Guernsey. “I have received an advance of £2. J C Bourgaize, Beauregard, Forest. The above soldier is granted 28 days furlough from the date hereon, after which the uniform will not be worn. Dated 1st October 1919.” There is one punishment on record: John Cecil Bourgaize, Private; enlisted 5th April 1918. Offence took place 21st November 1918 – not complying with an order given by an NCO. Witness Sgt Priaulx. Punishment 4 days confined to Barracks from 24th November 1918. In the Medical history of J C Bourgaize, one illness record survives when he had influenza from 14th July 1918. He was treated and discharged as fit to join the Unit on the 18th of July. On 7th November 1939 John was in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps (embodied TA)

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John Bourgaize married Hilda Vidamour on 6th July 1922 at St Saviour’s Church. He is described as a 22-year-old bachelor, address St Saviours. His father, Edmund Bourgaize is deceased. John Cecil was a farm labourer at the time of his marriage. Hilda, born 1876, was a spinster living in St Saviours and her father George Vidamour was a carpenter. John died 2nd July 1977 and Hilda died in 1961. John turned out very much like his father – loved a drink, but loved it too much. Towards the end of their lives John and Hilda lived in the Rohais, St Peter Port.

Hilda and John had issue:

Gwendoline Hilda: born 1923. Gwendoline Hilda Queripel, nee Bourgaize, died at her home, 14th October 1986. She married Sydney Queripel, by which marriage they had issue.

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Hilda and Gwen

Lionel was in the Services. Died Guernsey. He had remained a bachelor.

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Gordon, born 20th December 1925 in St Peter Port. Joined up 12th September 1945 aged 19. On 12th September Gordon was at Barnwood, Gloucester with the RAF as 2nd Class Airman. Service number 2359424. His record says his overall conduct is very good. He married Doreen Fennell (1926-1998) in 1954. He drowned on 30th May 1992.

Ronald Cecil was born on 17th January 1932 at Le Variouf. Ronald remained a bachelor.

3. Alfred born 25th June 1901 at La Pomare, St Saviour’s, and who died about 1964/65. Alfred made good and lived in his own terraced house at the Mont Saint, St Saviour’s with his wife Annie Brehaut – (‘Cuckoo Annie’ we called her.) They died childless. Alfred was Marie’s favourite son of this marriage and she maintained her visits to him and Annie right to the end of her life. I used to walk with her from town to the Mont Saint, where we had tea or sometimes lunch. There I loved to use the outside lavatory – the thunder house as uncle Alfred called it. Before leaving, Marie always had her basket filled with vegetables from the garden and I was always given sixpence with the command – ‘Not to spend all at once mon petit.’ Then we’d walk back to town.

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Alfred Bourgaize

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The Marriage of George William Torode and Marie Louise Bourgaize, nee de la Mare.

After the death of her husband, Edmund Bourgaize, Marie Louise veuve, married George William Torode widower.

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Marie Louise and George William Torode may have been living together when Florence was born, as Marie was a widow and George a widower. However, before George and Marie Louise were married they had a further two children – twins John Clifford and Clifford John, born on 29th March 1909. When on 16th March 1910 George William Torode and Marie Louise de la Mare were married by Licence at the Greffe his address is then given as Rue a l’Or St Saviour’s and hers as La Cache, St Peter in the Wood. (The Rue a l’Or home was one of the houses which is now at the bottom of the Reservoir.) The details on the marriage certificate state that George’s father was Nicolas Daniel Torode and Marie Louise’s father was Abraham de la Mare. George is described as a widower and Marie Louise a widow so there must have been a marriage to Edmund Bourgaize but I have not been able to trace one so far. Both George William and Marie Louise signed their own names, but the witnesses – Marie Louise’s father Abraham, and Julie le Cras - a cousin of Marie Louise, could only put their mark with a X. It is interesting that there is a sworn statement included on the Certificate as follows: We the undersigned, George William Torode and Marie Louise de la Mare hereby acknowledge Florence de la Mare, natural child of Marie Louise de la Mare, born on 17th March 1907 at Les Rouvets in the parish of St Saviour in the Island of Guernsey, to be our child. George William died in 1943 and his death certificate reads as follows: Island of Guernsey, Certified copy made 7th April 1961) of an entry of Death in the parish of Saint Peter Port, in the Island of Guernsey. No 41 1943 March 7th 4 am. George William Torode, aged 74 Father: Nicolas Torode, mother, Charlotte Allez. Died 29 George Street, gardener born Guernsey. Cause of death, senility. Dr Rose. Death registered 1943 March 8th The announcement in the Guernsey Star on 9th March 1943 is as follows:

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Died at his residence, 29 George Street, St Peter Port, George William Torode, beloved husband of Marie Louise de la Mare, passed peacefully away aged 74 years and 8 months. Deeply regretted. Funeral at Bordage Mission Hall, Wednesday March 10th 1943 at 3 pm. Relatives and friends please accept this intimation. Funeral arrangements were undertaken by F Beckford, 21 Victoria Road, and the invoice contained the following information: To furnishing Funeral for the late G W Torode: To coffin £8.15.0 Foulon Fees 17.6 Gratuities 8.6 Press and Star advert 7.0 Hearse £2.00.0 2 carriages £2.10.0 Braugham 12.6 Attendance and cartage £1.10.0 Funeral requisites 5.0 Bearers £1.08.0 Sub Total £18.13.6 Sales Tax on coffin 14.7 Total £19.18.1 This account was sent on 1st April and paid on April 5th 1943 by son George of Ville au Roi.

Brian Torode with his beloved Granny

George William’s wife Marie Louise had purchased a grave at Le Foulon the day after his death:

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States of Guernsey, General Cemetery, Foulon Vale. In consideration of the sum of seven pounds and ten shillings, received from Mrs G W Torode, 29, George Street St Peter Port, Guernsey, the exclusive right of burial in grave space Section DD/BB No 18, in the General Cemetery, Foulon Vale, is reserved to the aforesaid Mrs G W Torode and her heirs in perpetuity. The same to be held subject to the Regulations herein endorsed and to such regulations as may hereafter be adopted with respect to interments in the said Cemetery. Harold Brache, Supervisors asst secretary. States Office, March 8th 1943.

Marie herself died 22nd March 1961 and was buried on 25th from Salem Chapel in Vauvert. The Evening Press announcement of Marie Louise’s death on 25th March 1961 reads as follows: On March 23rd 1961, Marie Louise, nee de la Mare, widow of George William Torode, at 93 Victoria Road, in her 85th year after a long illness patiently born. Deeply mourned. Funeral will meet at Salem Methodist Chapel on Saturday at 2 pm. Relatives and friends please accept this intimation. Marie’s death certificate records cause of death as carcinoma of the left ovary. 93 Victoria Road was where Marie was living with her daughter Mildred. Both George William and Marie were buried in the same grave at Foulon Cemetery – no tombstone at present. The Guernsey Press Reported the funeral as follows: The funeral service for Mrs Marie Louise Torode, nee de la Mare, widow of Mr George Torode, who died at her home, 93, Victoria Road, in her 85th year, was held in Salem Methodist Church where she worshipped faithfully until illness prevented her. Of cheerful disposition, and blessed with a sense of humour, Mrs Torode bore her illness with courage and patience. The service was conducted by Rev W Horton. At the organ, Miss Hetty Abbott played music which included Handel’s Largo and O Rest in the Lord.

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Hymns sung were The Lord’s my Shepherd and Love Divine, all loves excelling. Mr Horton’s appropriate address was from the text – And who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Mourners were Mr EJ Torode, Mr Mrs A Bourgaize, Mr J Bourgaize, son and daughter in law; Mr Mrs Ivor Ward, Mr Mrs C Shilvock sons in law and daughters; Mrs G Torode, daughter in law; Mr Brian Torode, Mr Mrs D Ward, Mr Mrs D Donovan, Mr J Plumley; all grandchildren; Mr J Selous nephew, Mrs A Renouf cousin. Friends present included Mrs C Le Huray, Mrs A le Huray, Mrs Gladys Falla, Mrs Brehaut, Mr W le Lievre, Mr John Falla, Mrs E Tostevin, Mrs W Samson, Mrs Wearing, Mr Rouget, Mrs R Falla, Mrs J Way, Mrs Castell, Mrs B Tozer, Mrs Simon, Mrs N de la Mare. Interment was in the Foulon Cemetery. The lovely wreaths were inscribed: Happy memories of a dear kind mum, from Millie and Cliff; Your broken hearted daughter Flo, and Ivor; Loving memories of a dear mum, Eddie and Alice; In loving memory of dear mum, Alfred and Annie; John Gordon, Doreen and children; Dear stepmother, from Wilfred, Worcester; Dear Ma from Ann; To mother and grandmother, from Hilda, Lionel and Ronnie; Gran, from Brian; Esmee Don and Shelagh; Margaret, Dennis and children; Gran from Shirley and Don, Basingstoke; Gran, from Betty, Joe Dianne and Steven; Gran, from Gwyn; Aunt, from Arthur and Win; John and Nora Selous; Cecile and Ivy; Gladys and Bill; Eva and family; Members and friends, Salem Methodist Church; Mr Mrs A Le Huray and family; Alice, Bill and all at 11, Victoria Terrace; Mr Mrs Roberts; Billy and Richard; Eve and Vic; Mr Mrs Ian Young; Ivy and George; Mr Mrs Wearing and Carey; all at Carfin; Archie and Unie; Doris and Ernie Dodd and family. The funeral arrangements were undertaken by James Way, Beckfords, of Fermoy, Bosq Lane and 21, Victoria Road. The Invoice was addressed to her daughter Mrs Shilvock (Mildred) at 93 Victoria Road. March 23rd To furnishing funeral for the late Mrs Marie Louise Torode: Polished Elm coffin, complete with 3 prs handles, nameplate and linings £14.14.0 Delivery of coffin and removal to Salem £ 1.05.0 Hearse for funeral £ 3 12.6 Two cars Mourners at 30/- each, one car at 20/- £ 4 00.0 All attendance £ 3 00 0 Cash payments Salem caretaker 10/- Minister 10/- Organist 21/- £ 2.01 0 Press advertisement twice £ 1.03.6 Fouylon Cemetery Fees £03.12.6 4 Bearers £01.00.0 5 gratuities to rivers at cemetery 12.6 Total £38.04.0

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Children of George William Torode and Marie Louise Bourgaize, nee de la Mare. (Aunts and uncles)

Florence, born 1907; married 1925; died 1982 John Clifford, born & baptised 1909; died 1909 Clifford John, born & baptised 1909; died 1909 Mildred Marie, born & baptised 1910; married 1929; died 1991. Edward John, born & baptised 1913; married 1941; died 1993.

The 1911 Census lists the family which was living at the time, at Le Moulin, St Saviour’s. 4 males, three females lived in 3 rooms: George William, Head, aged 42. married 1 year. Six children: four alive, two dead. Labourer, born St Saviour’s, father born St Saviour’s. Marie Louise de la Mare, wife, aged 35 married 1 year. Housekeeper, born St Saviour’s, father born St Saviour’s. (in same Census, her father’s birth place is given as St Pierre.) George Torode, son, 15, single, driver born St Saviour, father born St Saviour. Wilfred, son aged 12 single, born St Saviour, Father born St Saviour. (These two sons were children of George William’s first marriage.) Florry daughter aged 4 born St Saviour’s father born St Saviour’s. Mildred daughter aged 1, birth details as Florry. Joseph Denil, border aged 39 single, labourer, born France, father born France. Florence nee de la Mare Florence was born on 17th March 1907 at Les Rouvets, St Saviour’s. Les Rouvets was the Torode family home for generations, and at the time of Florence’s birth it was owned and occupied by George William Torode. He had been born in the house on 9th July 1868 and baptised at St Saviour’s Church on 2nd August 1868. He was a market gardener, a property owner (his own house) and the country parishes’ agent for the Guernsey Evening Press. At the time of Florence’s birth, her mother, Marie Louise, nee de la Mare, was the widow of Edmund Alfred Bourgaize who had died from alcoholic poisoning on 18th December 1904. (see above)

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Florence married in 1925, at the age of 18, Ivor Ward a Taxi proprietor, and they had two children – Dennis and Esmee. Florence died 5th January 1983 at Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Guernsey.

Her death announcement in the Guernsey Evening press was as follows: WARD – on January 5th 1983 at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Florence (nee Torode) of 19 Saumarez Street, St Peter Port, widow of Ivor, beloved mother of Esmee and Dennis. After a long illness bravely born.

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Ivor had pre-deceased her, having died in 1982. Both were buried at the Foulon Cemetery, Guernsey. Children of Florence and Ivor Ward:

Esmee Everlina, born 1926 died Tuesday 3rd July 2012, buried 10th July 2012.

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Dennis: Esmee’s brother, was born in 1933 Dennis was evacuated with St Joseph’s School to Glasgow during the war. One Red Cross Letter exists from Esmee to her brother, dated 7th Jan or Jun 1942. The letter is addressed to Dennis Ward St Joseph’s School, Church, 41 Dixon Rd GLASGOW. Esmee wrote: Dennis, All well here hoping you’re same Do you see Mrs ……, Aunt Millie, Shirley. Are you growing? Wishing news also reunion. Love Esmee Mummy. The letter is signed E Ward.

Dennis replied on May 15th 1942: Sister Patricia says to tell you darling Mummy, daddy, Esmee That I am very big-school daily. Play cowboys. Dig Garden. Spruce, Millie, Shirley visited. Dennis Ward May 15th 1942. John Clifford and Clifford John twins baptised immediately and privately at St Saviour’s 29th March 1909, dying respectively 1st April 1909 and 30th March 1909 at Fort le Crocq, Richmond, Catel. Family legend has it that the twins were bewitched by someone who wanted to marry George William and resented his relationship with Marie Louise.

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Mildred Shilvock Mildred’s mother, Marie Louise, was eight months pregnant at the time of her marriage and Mildred (Shirley’s mother) was born on 7th April 1910, at Rue a l’Or, just three weeks after George William and Marie Louise had tied the knot. Mildred was baptised at St Saviour’s on 20th April 1910. Mildred married Clifford Shilvock, (born 1905, died 1978) in 1929.

Clifford was with the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry (DCLI) stationed on the Island at the time. Mildred was in domestic service. He came to Guernsey with a Detachment of the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry (DCLI) probably about 1920, and I have in my possession three cups awarded to him for his athletic prowess;

Millie and Don 1923 Medal : Machine Gun Competition Rifle Army Association Cup i bearing the DCLI Monogram, two handled silver, London Assay. Guernsey 1926 Pole Jump Open Winner Pte C Shilvock

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Cup ii 2nd Btn DSCLI Regimental Sports Guernsey 1927. Pole Jump Team 1st. Cup iii “2nd Btn. DCLI Regimental Sports Guernsey 1927 Pole Jump Individual 1st. Medal : 1927: Inter Platoon Cross Country Run. Guernsey Winner 1927

There are also several medals and badges relating to the Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes of which Clifford was member: 1936: 1st Degree 15th July 1936 Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes; 1937: Commemoration of the Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth Queen Mary Lodge, 5469 1938: 27th April 1938 Presented to Bro C Shilvock by Queen Mary Lodge No 5469. Raised on 27th April 1938 PRIMO. Bar K O M 2nd Deg 27th April 1938 21 August 1946: Bro Clifford Shilvock Queen Mary Lodge No 5469. Exalted 21st August 1946.

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In the 1911 Census, Clifford Shilvock, aged 5, was living with his grandfather Charles Shilvock aged 57 and grandmother Elizabeth, nee Badger, aged 61 in four rooms in Hagley, Worcestershire. They (his grandparents) had been married 30 years. Charles born in Hagley, is described as a gardener. Elizabeth was born in Stourbridge. The 1911 Census states that Clifford was born in Malvern. Research by other interested parties in the Shilvock research suggests that Clifford was born at Upton on Severn in the Malvern Registration District, - the Civil Register for the last Quarter of 1905 give: Clifford Shilvock, born Upton on Severn. Charles and Elizabeth Shilvock had three children – Alfred, Harry and Minnie. Minnie was born in 1886. Census research shows that in 1901 Minnie was living in Gloucester aged 15 in Park Road in the home of George Kent, Conservative political agent. When Clifford was born in 1905 she would have been 19. In the 1911 Census she was still unmarried aged 25 and unemployed, and living in a Boarding House run by a Mrs Eliza Gibson in St Pancras, London. Clifford was living with his grandparents at the time. No record of Minnie’s marriage during this period has been found although other researchers say that she married one, Alexander Gibson son of Caroline. Could Caroline be the relative of the Eliza Gibson mentioned above? This suggestion that Minnie was Clifford’s mother and that he was illegitimate was verified in 2013 when employed official genealogists researched the Shilvock Family Tree prior to authorising the distribution of the late Shirley’s estate. The full family tree is included in the Torode Trees. Millie and Clifford could not have children of their own and in 1939, they decided to adopt a little girl, Shirley Marriette, born July 3rd 1935 in the Island’s Town Hospital. Her birth certificate states: July 3rd 1935, Shirley, feminine, Natural child of Alice Marriette wife of James Connelley, born at Town Hospital, father not given, registered 4th July 1935.

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During WWii Clifford was serving in the army – and Mildred worked in ammunitions factory in Stourbridge. A letter to Millie was sent by her sister Florence on 11th October 1941. Florence and her husband Ivor were living at 19 Saumarez Street, St Peter Port. The Red Cross Letter from the Guernsey Bureau wasn’t actually sent until 10th November to Mrs C Shilvock 19, Francis Road, High Park Estate, Wollaston, nr Stourbridge WORCESTERSHIRE ENGLAND. The letter reads as follows: Dear Millie, awaiting anxiously for news. Are you in contact with Dennis Family. All well. Hoping you are same. Alice baby son “Brian”. Flo and family. Millie’s reply (undated) was: Dear all, spent this week with Dennis, Nell and J… Visited Elsie took Dennis with us. Toute est Bien. A La Prochaine. Keep smiling Millie

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On 30th January 1942, Millie sent a Red Cross Message through the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and Order of St John, posted at the Red Cross Message Bureau, 692, 7, Market Street, Stourbridge, to Mr Mrs G Torode (her parents) addressed to 8, Upper Mansell Street but redirected to 19, Saumarez Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel isles. The letter says: Dear All, were delighted with baby Brian. Hope Eddy and Alice are well. John (?) and Wilfred fine. Dennis sends love to all. Millie 12th Jan 1942. The letter is stamped with the Deutches Rotes Kreuz and the Comite International de la Croix Rouge, Geneve. On the reverse is the reply- date illegible. Dear Millie, received news. Daddy delighted with news of Wilfred. Glad you communicate Dennis. All well here. Baby fine. Waiting reunion. Heaps of love. Filo. Signed Mrs I Ward On 1st August 1942, Mildred’s father, George, now living at 29 George Street, St Peter Port, sent a Red Cross Letter thorough the Red Cross Bureau, Guernsey, to Mildred. Mrs C Shilvock, 19, France Road, High Park Estate, Wallaston, nr Stourbridge, WORCESTERSHIRE ENGLAND. (25 words maximum) Millie, Hope your well, Cliff, Shirley. Seen Elsie, Wilfred Mother, I and rest family well. Anxious news from you. Seen Dennis, longing reunion Love Dad. The letter is signed by Millie’s sister Florence: F Ward pp (and in his own hand), G Torode The letter was received in October 1942 Another letters was sent by Millie on 14th August 1942 to her mother and father – George and Marie Louise Torode. In it she writes: Dear All, Thanks for message. Glad Brian Well. How is Mrs Ozanne. Am working with Cliff. Wilfred living near us. All well here. Love Millie. The letter was received in Guernsey 1st September 1942 and the reply on 21st December was Milly, myself not well. Dad pleased about Wilfred. Ozanne been ill. Anxious about Shirley. Carry on good work. Wishing had been altogether Xmas. Mother Dad. ` Millie replied on reverse of same Red Cross Letter, which was received on 25th Jan 1943, as follows: DEAR ALL. ALL WELL. SHIRLEY, DENNIS GROWING FAST.DENNIS THRILLED WITH FLORRIE’S MESSAGE. HOW IS ESMEE AND BABY BRIAN. LOVE TO FAMILY, GEORGE, HILDA, CHILDREN. MILLIE.

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Dennis is Florence and Ivor Ward’s son, Esmee’s brother, who had also been evacuated as had Shirley with her mother Millie. George is the half brother of Millie and Florence, and Hilda is the sister in law of Millie and Florence, wife of John Bourgaize’s, John being the son of Marie Louise de la Mare by her first marriage to Edmund Bourgaize.

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On 28th January 1944 Millie’s brother Edward, Brian’s father, wrote from 2, Emma Place, Victoria Road, St Peter Port to Millie at 19, Francis Road, High Park Estate, Wollaston, near Stourbridge, Worcs. England. Dear Millie, Cliff, Shirley, Hoping all is well. Everything here okay. Brian very big. Hoping Shirley, Dennis same. Love from all. Longing to see all. The letter was received 8 June 1944. The letter was a Deutches Rotes Kreuz letter sent through the Red Cross Bureau in Guernsey, and stamped number 95682. It has the blue ‘hidden message’ search marking from top to bottom and is signed p.p. E J Torode (ERM) This must have been because Edward had forgotten to sign it as he was extremely literate. Other Red Cross Letters were sent but dates uncertain as most are almost illegible, After the war Millie and Cliff returned to Guernsey. Clifford had been born in 1905 and died in 1978. He was buried at Le Foulon Cemetery.

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Aunty Millie wrote to Brian on 2nd January 1985; Dear Brian, here is the photo as promised. I am 3rd in second row, third from the left (not a smile). I suppose that was because I hated school. I thought I was the cat‘s whiskers in that little brown velvet dress with the motif in the neck. Suppose my mum had to scrape and save to get it for me. It is only when you get older that you realize how hour parents had to struggle to get things for you. How I would love to have my mum and dad back to do things for them. No doubt you are on the high seas now, hope you arrive home nice and early. I shall go out presently but if I don’t I will phone Barbara Phillips to ask about your mum. If she is OK I shall make the effort to go up tomorrow. I may still go up today if I don’t find it too cold. I have not put my nose out yet. So sorry to hear of your stinking cold, take care, wrap up and keep warm. It was lovely having you with us at Christmas and hope to see you in the summer. Just came across another photo of uncle Wilfred (small one) if you would like it. All for now, love from aunty Millie. Mildred died in December 1991. Her death certificate gives the following information: No 586, 1991, December 6th 5.30 pm. Mildred Marie Torode, widow of Clifford Shilvock aged 81, daughter of George William Torode and Marie Louise de la Mare, died at Princess Elizabeth Hospital, St Martin’s. Address: Flat 2, 5, Union Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey. Born at St Saviour’s Guernsey. Cause: 1a) Cardiogenic shock;1b) Acute Myocordial Ischaemia; 1c) Mitral Valve Disease. Signed Dr N P Byrlom. Date registered 1991 December 11th. The Guernsey Weekly Press of 13th December recorded the death as follows: Millie Mildred nee Torode widow of Clifford of Flat 2, Union Street, St Peter Port, most dearly loved mother of Shirley and son in law Don, died December 6th 1991 at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, aged 81 years.

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The Guernsey Evening Press reported on Millie’s funeral as follows: The funeral service for Mildred Shilvock, nee Torode aged 81, of Flat 2, 5 Union Street, St Peter Port, who died at the PEH was held at Salem Methodist Church and was conducted by her minister Rev Geoffrey Boxer. Shirley donated a small font in memory of her mother, carved in Guernsey by Guernsey Woodcarvers of Les Issues, St Saviours. It was completed by July 1992 at a cost of £100. The Church Steward and the Minister of Salem Methodist Church wrote a Thank You letter to Shirley on 31st July 1992: Dear Mrs Rowley, I am pleased to inform you that the font is now finished and is on the table in our church. The members and Minister of Salem thank you once again for this kind gift in memory of your mother, a very loyal and loved member of the church. It has been engraved as follows: In grateful memory of Mrs M. Shilvock. Our best wishes to you, yours faithfully, Delma le Poidevin, Church Steward. Geoff Boxer, Minister. Shirley married Donald Rowley in Guernsey and Esmee Donovan’s husband Don, was best man, Shelagh Donovan and Ann Rowley, Don’s sister, were bridesmaids and Brian Torode was one of the ushers. Marriage solemnized in Salem Chapel in the Parish of Saint Peter Port: No 180 of 26th August 1954 Donald Rowley aged 22, bachelor, van porter of No 93 Victoria Road, St Peter Port, son of Thomas William Rowley, gardener and Shirley Shilvock aged 19, Spinster, bookbinder of No 93 Victoria Road, t Peter Port, daughter of Clifford Shilvock, painter. Married in Salem Chapel in accordance with the Rites and Ceremonies of the Methodist Church by Certificate by me McAulay W Powell, in the presence of C S Shilvock and J Allen. Copy Certificate dated 25th July 1955. Shirley died in Care, in Poole, Dorset, on 3rd May 2012 having been predeceased by Donald some six months.

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Edward John Torode Brian’s father, was born 11th November 1913 at Les Dunes, Catel. His copy Birth Certificate reads as follows: Island of Guernsey. Certified copy of an entry of birth in the Parish of Castel, in the Island of Guernsey: No 70; 1913, November 21st. Edward John Torode, mas, father George William Torode, mother’s name before marriage Mary Louise de la Mare. Born Les Dunes, father’s occupation, labourer. Registered December 15th 1913. This copy was made 30th day of July 1937 - 4 years before his marriage. I wonder for what reason? Edward was baptised at St Saviour’s on 7th December 1913. He married at the Greffe, on February 14th 1941, Alice Beatrice nee Salmon. The marriage certificate records the occasion: Island of Guernsey. Marriage solemnized in the Registrar’s Office, in the Parish of St Peter Port. 1941 February 8th. Edward John Torode aged 27 bachelor motor driver of No 19, Saumarez Street, St Peter Port, Father George William Torode, gardener. Alice Beatrice Salmon, aged 35, spinster, shop assistant of No 9, Saumarez Street, St Peter Port, Father Jean Desire Baptiste Salmon (deceased), mason. Married in the Registrar’s Office in accordance with the Law, by Licence by me Peter J Mauger, Duty Registrar General.

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Signed Edward John Torode, Alice Beatrice Salmon in the presence of Arthur James Salmon and George W Torode.

Alice was born on 25th September 1903 and baptised at the Town Church on 1st November of that year. She attended Notre Dame du Rosaire School from 1st December 1908 to 26th March 1915. She worked as a florist for Falla’s in the Market and the Arcade, and ran her own small business before marrying. Edward and Alice had one child only – Brian Edward Torode, born 4th July 1941, and baptised at The Town Church, St Peter Port on 20th of that month.

Edward died on 15th January 1981. His death certificate records the following details:

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No 26. 1981 January 15th 12.05 am. Edward John Torode aged 67. Father George William Torode, Mother Marie Louise de la Mare. Died at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, St Martins; Interior decorator retired of 2, Emma Place, Victoria Road, St Peter Port, Guernsey. Born Castel, Guernsey. Cause of death; Ia Carcinomatosis and Ib Transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. Dr B P Webber. Registered 1981 January 16th. His obituary in the Guernsey Evening Press on 17th January 1981 reads: TORODE Edward John – on January 15th 1981 at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital aged 67 years, of 2 Emma Place, Vistoria Road, St Peter Port, dearly loved husband of Alice and father of Brian.

Alice, Millie, Shirley and Don ALICE BEATRICE TORODE, my Mother Alice Beatrice Salmon was the youngest child and second daughter of Desire Jean and Emelie Salmon. She was born on 25th September 1903 at 10, Hauteville, St Peter Port. (Greffe Folio 127 No 318) She was baptised at the Town Church by the Curate A B Crane, on 1st November 1903, and her godparents were John William Salmon, Alice Beatrice Druce and Lily England Salmon. Her mother was forty-two-years-old at the time of her birth and her father, John Senateur Salmon, was fifty-three. Alice attended Notre Dame du Rosaire School from 1st December 1908 until 26th March 1915 when she left to go to Vauvert. She started work at Falla’s, the Florist, and in 1941 she married Edward John Torode at the Greffe, on 8th February, at the age of thirty-eight years. They had only one child – Brian Edward Torode who was born on 4th July 1941. Edward and Alice lived variously at 19 Saumarez Street with Edward’s sister Florence; at Uxbridge, Les Croutes, just below St Stephen’s Church; and at 2, Emma Place, Victoria Road, St Peter Port from where Edward died and Alice moved to her Nursing home at Les Capelles.

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Alice died peacefully on 22nd January 1993 at Coolderry House. The only child of Edward and Alice Torode nee Salmon was Brian Edward Torode, son of Edward John and Alice nee Salmon. Born 4th July 1941 at the Catel Hospital. His Copy ( 1963) Certificate of Birth reads: Certified copy of an entry of birth in the parish of Castel, in the Island of Guernsey. No 119; 1941 July 4th. Brian Edward, masc. Father Edward John Torode, mother’s name before marriage, Alice Beatrice Salmon. Born at Emergency Hospital, Father’s rank, motor driver. Birth Registered July 17th 1941. Brian was Baptised on 20th July 1941 at Parish Church, (Town Church) St Peter Port. At the time, Edward and Alice were living at 19 Saumarez Street, a large Georgian Terraced house, owned by the father of Ivor Ward, husband of Edward’s sister Florence. Ivor and Florence were also living there at the time. Edward’s job is given on the baptism certificate as Motor Driver and Alice is unemployed. Godparents of Brian were Florence Ward, his aunt; Arthur Salmon his uncle and Edward John Torode his father. The baptism was administered by Agnew W G Giffard, the Rector of St Peter Port.

Brian Torode