Can anyone make this out?

Post by **Pandabean** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:06 am

If it was RGA the only one that pops into mind is the Royal Garrison Artillery.

I had a look on the NA and found several James W Johnstons but none seem to make any connection.

James W Johnston

I wish I could get my hands on more Birth certs of her sisters and brothers but I have no idea where they would be now.

Post by **AndrewP** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:10 am

One possible solution is for someone to have a look at the birth certificate in New Register House or Park Circus and see if it is any clearer than this extract that Andy has.

Going by the date at the bottom of the extract, it was made at the same time as the birth certificate, so it is almost certainly going to be in the same handwriting, but there may be enough variation between them to make it clearer - got to be worth a try.

All the best,

AndrewP

Post by **Pandabean** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 10:02 am

Yeh it is an idea. The trouble is one of the sisters is still alive and the other two that were born during the war, I have no idea where they have went.

I may try contacting a cousin who may have some info on it.

Andy

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:58 pm

AndrewP wrote:One possible solution is for someone to have a look at the birth certificate in New Register House or Park Circus and see if it is any clearer than this extract that Andy has.

Going by the date at the bottom of the extract, it was made at the same time as the birth certificate, so it is almost certainly going to be in the same handwriting, but there may be enough variation between them to make it clearer - got to be worth a try.

All the best,

AndrewP

Defintututely the next step.

I've been bashing my brains to come up with a Scottish acronym regimental link, with no success, - "RGA" (Royal Garrison Artillery) I could live with, except I have problems with seeing the last character as an "A" ............

David

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:23 pm

Hi Andy
Since this looks like neither a letter or a number it could remain one of life's imponderable mysteries unless some one can come up with :
1. Where was there a military establishment/camp in or near Yester parish? Possible Saltoun/Pencaitland/Bolton area.
2. What military unit was stationed there in 1911?
3. Are there any records still extant for that base?

WWII is easier with e.g. units stationed in Ormiston and the auxiliary aerodrome at Macmerry!

I'm still intrigued by his 'coach driver' occupation. Horse drawn or motorised? That could limit the search a little.

Russell

Post by **Pandabean** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:17 am

When he died in 1940 he was a farm servant. So perhaps coach driver was for the war?

Russell wrote:Hi Andy
Since this looks like neither a letter or a number it could remain one of life's imponderable mysteries unless some one can come up with :
1. Where was there a military establishment/camp in or near Yester parish? Possible Saltoun/Pencaitland/Bolton area.
2. What military unit was stationed there in 1911?
3. Are there any records still extant for that base?

WWII is easier with e.g. units stationed in Ormiston and the auxiliary aerodrome at Macmerry!

I'm still intrigued by his 'coach driver' occupation. Horse drawn or motorised? That could limit the search a little.

Russell

Post by **AndrewP** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:16 am

From the various wartime birth, marriage or death certificates I have seen, where one of the people was on military service, the 'normal' occupation is given, followed by the military information (usually a unit or regiment and the rank).

All the best,

AndrewP