The Hampshire Family Historian | Volume 50 No.2 | Sept 2023

Local Group Programmes

• From 1939 women were employed as rough painters and fitters, etc. • Fire watchers were appointed during WW2.

• Bombs were constantly aimed at the dockyard, but more damage was sustained outside the dockyard in the surrounding areas. Apparently, the real story was that there was a lot of damage sustained but as the dockyards were more than 95 acres the authorities were able to keep the truth from coming out. • Passes with photos were introduced to keep the dockyards secure. • Pensions and Gratuity became established in 1948. • Wind up tricks were common e.g., go to see the Chief engineer on HMS Victory but there was no engine room on HMS Victory. Bill transferred to Haslar Gunboat Construction Haslar in 1964 and stayed for 10 years. He lived with his wife and family in Elson, Gosport. He retired at 62 with deep vein thrombosis having received the Imperial Service Medal in April 1972. He had a happy retirement. Rob was pleased to have published his book as a record of lost trades, social history of the Docklands, Bill’s life and the support given to the Military by the Dockers. This was a very interesting talk. Many of our members had family members who worked there, remembered the bikes spilling out of the gates at muster time and the noise of the dockyard. (June) Members Evening – Social evening hosted by Rod and Fi. Along with a glass or two members were able to talk about their ongoing Family History Projects. Rob – Is investigating possible family links to Nelson’s solicitor Hamilton and the Suckling family. He described the rumour and explained some of the information he has been finding. E.g. That Mary was registered but without a surname. Kate – Is exploring the military history of her father who had been awarded a military medal for bravery for Warrant Officers and other ranks (including women). She has found a note from his Commanding Officer congratulating him. Whilst gathering this new history of her father she has found out that he was a keen cyclist and philatelist. After the war he advised King George V about philately. David – Since our meeting when we had a speaker talking about the 1939 Register, David has been looking up his families on the Register and expanding Census information too. He is following up by finding, locating, and visiting the properties where they had lived.. Penny – Has been compiling a history of the Gosport ferry. From the Watermen of pre 1840 this crossing across the harbour has been significant to Gosport and Portsmouth. The 1840 floating bridge was in operation for 120 years. Various companies operated the crossing ferries but in 1962 they all merged and run as today. Marilyn – This is a puzzle and a conundrum. Marilyn decided to investigate further the story and history of her Uncle Jack whose father went to Australia when Jack was around 3 years old. When his mother died age 24 his father (now named Percy Fielder) lost touch and stayed in Australia. The outcome was another family in Australia with Jack’s step siblings locating him, some 60 years later. Brian – We all have family splits with families moving away but Brian told us about Joseph Gates, born 1888, in Sway near Lymington, who split from his family in 1901 London, sailed to

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