George Samuel RAMSDALE (1859-1938)

Descendants


Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield Interior of Parish Church Sutton Coldfield



Banns read Sunday 28th March, Sunday 4th and Sunday 11th April 1886, married Monday, 26th April 1886 at the parish church Sutton Coldfield

George Samuel RAMSDALE was born on Thursday, 17th November 1859 at 2 Court, Great Russell Street, Birmingham, in the parish of St. George. On Monday, 26th April 1886 he married Mary Ann HORTON (who was born on Saturday, 28th July 1860 at Myring Place, Sutton Coldfield and baptised on Sunday, 19th August 1860, the daughter of William HORTON and Caroline PERKS) in the parish church of Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire after banns.

At the time of their marriage on Monday, 26th April 1886, George Samuel RAMSDALE (bachelor) and Mary Ann HORTON (spinster) both resided at "Park Road, Soho, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield". George Samuel's rank or profession was described as "wire drawer". The rank or profession of George Samuel's father, Samuel RAMSDALE, was described as "Porter". Mary Ann HORTON was described as a spinster age 25 without rank or profession whose father, William HORTON, was deceased (he had died in 1862). The two witnesses to the marriage were William Henry NEWEY and Eliza GRIFFIN and the marriage was solemnized before W. H. Holland Richards.

 Birmingham Daily Post
Monday, September 1, 1884
Issue 8165, Category: Sports
Football … Walsall Swifts v Wolverhampton Wanderers … friendly match … Swifts … forwards … RAMSDALE and Horton

The Chuckery was a cricket and football ground in the Chuckery area of Walsall, England. It was the home ground of the Walsall Swifts and Walsall Town football clubs until they merged in 1888, after which it was used by the new Walsall Town Swifts club.

The Chuckery was located to the east of Walsall town centre, and had several different pitches which were used by Walsall Swifts and Walsall Town. When the two clubs merged in 1888, they continued playing at the Chuckery on the Town pitch. The Town pitch was chosen as it was located closer to the cricket pavilion, the only facility at the ground.

In 1892 Walsall Town Swifts were elected to the Football League, and the first League match at the ground was played on 3rd September 1892, with Walsall losing 2-1 to Darwen in front of 4,000 spectators, also the highest League crowd recorded at the ground. Following complaints from local residents, the club left the ground to move to West Bromwich Road at the end of the 1892-93 season. However, the first two matches of the 1893-94 season were played at the Oval in Wednesbury as the new ground was not yet ready.

The final League match at the Chuckery was played on 15th April 1893, with 2,000 spectators seeing a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United. The site was later used to build housing.

William and his daughter Mary Ann HORTON lived at Myring Place (SP 13656 96495) which was a hamlet on the south side of Rectory Road in Sutton Coldfield. It is now recalled in Myring Drive. The modern road lies just west of the row of cottages which stood opposite Blakemore Drive.

The hamlet may well take its name from the surname of the landlord who had the cottages built. It appears to be a West Midlands name and is found in the 18th century at Shenstone, a village about 8 miles to the north, and at Coleshill in 1841. The 1861 Census shows this to be a working-class hamlet of five households. Three households were headed by agricultural labourers, the others by a bricklayer and a cordwainer (William HORTON):

1861 Census
Household Number
(Myring Place)		 Given Name Surname Relationship to Head of Family Age Estimated Birth Year Occupation Birth City Birth County
232 Thomas ALLSOP Head 58 about 1803 Bricklayer Tamworth Staffordshire
232 Ann ALLSOP Wife 60 about 1801 Midwife Austrey Warwickshire
232 Benjamin ALLSOP Son 20 about 1841 Bricklayer's Labourer Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
233 John BARRETT Head 64 about 1797 Agricultural Labourer Aston Cantlow Warwickshire
233 Elizabeth BARRETT Wife 71 about 1790   Eccleshall Staffordshire
234 William ARNOLD Head 38 about 1823 Agricultural Labourer Solihull Warwickshire
234 Martha ARNOLD Wife 28 about 1833   Warton Warwickshire
234 Mary ARNOLD Daughter 5 about 1856   Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
234 Emma ARNOLD Daughter 3 about 1858   Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
234 Ann ARNOLD Daughter 6 Mo about 1860   Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
235 John SMITH Head 34 about 1827 Agricultural Labourer Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
235 Esther SMITH Wife 39 about 1822   Lewisham Kent
235 Harry SMITH Son 10 about 1851 Scholar Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
235 Charles SMITH Son 7 about 1854 Scholar Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
235 Robert J SMITH Son 4 about 1857 Scholar Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
235 John SMITH Son 2 about 1859 Scholar Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
236 William HORTON Head 29 about 1832 Cordwainer Handsworth Staffordshire
236 Caroline HORTON Wife 30 about 1831   Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire
236 Mary A HORTON Daughter 8 Mo about 1860   Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire

1841 Census
Surname Forename(s) Sex Age Occupation Where Born
HORTON Thomas M 45 Locksmith Journeyman Warwickshire
HORTON Sarah F 40   Warwickshire
HORTON Maria F 9   Warwickshire
HORTON Charles M 10   Warwickshire
HORTON Alfred M 3   Warwickshire
HORTON Ellen F 8m   Warwickshire
Address:

Upper Trinity Street, Bordesley
Piece: HO107/1148/9
Place: Birmingham - Warwickshire
Enumeration District: 6
Civil Parish: Aston (Deritend)
Ecclesiastical Parish
Folio: 7
Page: 7

Note: No reference in this census return to William HORTON who would have been 9 years of age on Sunday, 6 June 1841 (the day of the 1841 census) having been born on Sunday, 6th May 1832.

1841 Census
Surname Forename(s) Sex Age Occupation Where Born
PERKS Thos. M 35 Agricultural Labourer Warwickshire
PERKS Jane F 30   Warwickshire
PERKS Thos. M 13   Warwickshire
PERKS Caroline F 9   Warwickshire
PERKS Joseph M 7   Warwickshire
Address: White House Common
Piece: HO107/1128/6
Place: Birmingham - Warwickshire
Enumeration District: 6
Civil Parish: Sutton Coldfield
Ecclesiastical Parish
Folio: 21
Page: 2

1851 Census
Name Relation Condition Sex Age Birth Year Occupation Disability Where Born
PERKS, Thomas Head Married M 47 1804 Ag Labourer Sutton, Warwickshire
PERKS, Jane Wife Married F 43 1808   Lear, Warwickshire
PERKS, Richard Son   M 10 1841   Sutton, Warwickshire
PERKS, Charlotte Daughter   F 6 1845   Sutton, Warwickshire
PERKS, James Son   M 2 1849   Sutton, Warwickshire
Address: White House Common, Sutton Coldfield
RG number: HO107
Piece: 2062
Folio: 532
Page: 17
Registration District: Aston
Sub District: Sutton Coldfield
Enumeration District: 4 G
Civil Parish: Sutton Coldfield
County: Warwickshire

Thomas PERKS died on Saturday, 24th June 1854 at Driffold Lunatic Asylum, Sutton Coldfield. The certified cause of death was "drowning whilst in a state of temporary insanity". His occupation at time of death was labourer. The informant was George Bodington, warden and coroner, Driffold Lunatic Asylum, Sutton Coldfield.

Bodington Gardens, Birmingham Road, Maney commemorates the eminent Sutton Coldfield personage George Bodington.

Born in Buckinghamshire in 1799 and educated at Magdalene College, Oxford George Bodington became a physician and GP in Erdington (parish of Aston) Warwickshire. He was also a local politician and served on the Sutton Corporation for forty years (having, as was customary, been appointed for life). His great professional interest was pulmonary disease and in 1836 he acquired the asylum and sanitorium at Driffold House, Maney (now the Empire cinema).

He was a pioneer in his field and was the first to suggest dry frosty air as a cure for tuberculosis. He was not taken seriously by his contemporaries, lost interest in the subject and turned to the treatment of insanity. In 1851 the local census recorded eleven "lunatics" and six staff including the doctor and his family at Driffold House. Records show that the asylum held between 16 and 24 patients at a time, from 1845-1868. They were aged from 18 to 88 and most were female. Five who were noted in the 1851 census were still there a decade later. He died aged 83 in 1882 (cause of death tuberculosis).

Note that Caroline Elizabeth HORTON was born almost five years after the death of William HORTON. The name of her father is omitted from the birth certificate which confirms her mother's name and maiden name as "Caroline HORTON formerly PERKS widow of William HORTON, cordwainer journeyman".

William HORTON died on Monday, 8th September 1862 "near the rectory" (from the parish burial record) at Myring Place, Sutton Coldfield [SP 13671 96499] adjacent to Church Grove Farm and opposite White House Farm (from the death certificate - but see below). William HORTON was described on his certificate of death as a "Cordwainer Journeyman", his cause of death was Phthisis, the old name for Tuberculosis of the lungs (from the Greek, phthinein, to waste away), a disease characterised by the wasting away or atrophy of the body or a part of the body.



Ordnance Survey, Popular Edition, Birmingham 1921

The informant was Jane PERKS (illiterate), possibly his sister-in-law (see 1841 census return above), who was present at the death at Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield (grid reference SP 13632 97227), which name was in use by 1725 and may have referred to Whitehouse Farm [SP 13300 97763] (note the spelling) which stood on Whitehouse Common Road between Ashfurlong Crescent and the Tamworth Road. The area around Whitehouse Common Road covered by the modern district of Whitehouse Common was then known as Whitehouse Enclosure having been enclosed with the rest of Sutton Coldfield's common land in the 1820s.

The informant was Jane PERKS (illiterate), possibly his sister-in-law (see 1841 census return above), who was present at the death at Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield (grid reference SP 13632 97227), which name was in use by 1725 and may have referred to:



(above) Ordnance Survey (1902)



(above) Ordnance Survey (1902)
Whitehouse Common, Myring Place and White House Farm



(above) Sutton Coldfield, 1885: view from the railway at Park Road, Soho where George Samuel RAMSDALE lived the year before he was married to Mary Ann HORTON



(above) High Street, Sutton Coldfield

The area around Whitehouse Common Road covered by the modern district of Whitehouse Common was then known as Whitehouse Enclosure having been enclosed with the rest of Sutton Coldfield's common land in the 1820s.

In the 1891 Census, George Samuel RAMSDALE's address is given as 215 Icknield Street, All Saints Parish, Birmingham, occupied by the following:

1891 Census
Name Surname Relation to Head of Family Marital Status Age Occupation Where Born
George RAMSDALE Head Married 31 Iron Wire Drawer Birmingham
Mary A RAMSDALE Wife Married 30   Sutton, Warwickshire
Frederick RAMSDALE Son   4   Birmingham
Emily RAMSDALE Daughter   2   Birmingham
Address 215 Icknield Street


1891 Census

Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Suburbs (1892) lists George RAMSDALE as being a shopkeeper at the 215 Icknield Street address, his neighbours being Henry HADLEY (coal dealer and shopkeeper at 211-214) and George ALLEN (shopkeeper at 216). The 1896 edition of Kelly's Birmingham Directory continues to list George RAMSDALE as being a shopkeeper at the 215 Icknield Street address with neighbours Henry HADLEY (coal dealer at 211-214) and Joseph UPTON (printer at 230). In the 1888 edition of Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Suburbs the shopkeeper at 215 Icknield Street was William BECK.

In the 1901 Census George Samuel RAMSDALE's address is given as Back 2, 218 Park Road, All Saints Parish, Birmingham. The address is described as having four rooms occupied by the following:

1901 Census
Name Surname Relation to Head of Family Marital Status Age Occupation Where Born
George RAMSDALE Head Widower 41 Iron Wire Drawer Birmingham
Frederick RAMSDALE Son Single 14 Silversmith (Gold) Birmingham
Emily RAMSDALE Daughter Single 12   Birmingham
Charles RAMSDALE Son Single 9   Birmingham
William RAMSDALE Son Single 7   Birmingham
Sidney RAMSDALE Son Single 3   Birmingham
Caroline HORTON Mother-in-Law Widow 70 Housekeeper Sutton Coldfield
RG 13/2850, Folio 113, Page 22

In the 1911 Census George Samuel RAMSDALE's address is given as 3/114 (Back 3, 114) Park Road, Hockley, Birmingham. The address is described as having three (3) rooms occupied by the following:

1911 Census
Name Surname Relation to Head of Family Marital Status Age Occupation Where Born
George RAMSDALE Head Widower 51 Iron Wire Drawer Birmingham
Frederick RAMSDALE Son Single 24 Carter Birmingham
William RAMSDALE Son Single 17 Printer Birmingham
Sydney RAMSDALE Son Single 13 School Birmingham
Caroline HORTON Boarder Widow 80 Housekeeper Sutton Coldfield

Signed by George RAMSDALE.


1911 Census

Charles Samuel Ramsdale, born Friday, 17th July 1891 and age 19 on the date of the census (Sunday, 21st April 1991), was then serving in the South Staffordshire Regiment:


Private Charles Samuel Ramsdale: Infantry 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment

Mary Ann RAMSDALE (née Horton) died on Wednesday, 14th June 1899 in the General Hospital, St. George, Birmingham. Her death certificate records her cause of death as (1) ulcer of leg, (2) pyaemia and (3) exhaustion. A post mortem was carried out. Her address at time of death was Back 218, Park Road, Birmingham. Pyaemia is a type of septicaemia that leads to widespread abscesses of a metastatic nature. It is usually caused by the staphylococcus bacteria by pus-forming organisms in the blood. Apart from the distinctive abscesses, pyaemia exhibits the same symptoms as other forms of septicaemia and was almost universally fatal before the introduction of antibiotics.

George Samuel RAMSDALE died on Tuesday, 23rd August 1938 (age 78) at 81 Alexandra Road, Soho, Birmingham. His cause of death was certified as (1) coronary thrombosis, and (2) arterio sclerosis and he was described as a "retired newsvendor".


1892 Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, George Ramsdale, 215 Icknield Street

Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, 1895
The extract for the section of Icknield Street between
Great Western Terrace and Prescott Street
reads as follows:
Great Western Terrace
210 Mrs Matilda Sarah Young (beer retailer)
211 Henry Hadley (coal dealer)
214 Henry Hadley (shopkeeper)
215 George RAMSDALE (shopkeeper)
216 William Bolt (grocer)
230 Joseph Upton (printer)
Pillar Letter Box
233 Walter Gregory (tailor)
Prescott Street


1895 Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, George Ramsdale 215 Icknield Street


1897 Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, George Ramsdale 215 Icknield Street

George Samuel RAMSDALE had various occupations:

1881 jeweller fancy rings
1886 (iron) wire drawer (journeyman) at Back 34, Hingeston Street
1887 wire drawer at Back 34, Hingeston Street
1889 (iron) wire drawer (journeyman) at 2 Great Western Terrace, Icknield Street
1891 wire drawer journeyman at 215 Icknield Street
1892 shopkeeper at 215 Icknield Street
1893 shopkeeper at 215 Icknield Street
1895 shopkeeper at 215 Icknield Street
1896 shopkeeper at 215 Icknield Street
1897 wire drawer journeyman at 215 Icknield Street
1899 (iron) wire drawer (journeyman)
1901 (iron) wire drawer (journeyman)
1911 (iron) wire drawer (journeyman)
1921 newsvendor
1924 newsvendor
1938 newsvendor

Children

  1. George Frederick RAMSDALE was born on Sunday, 23rd January 1887 at Back 34, Hingeston Street, Birmingham. The birth was registered by his mother "M. A. RAMSDALE" (Mary Ann RAMSDALE née HORTON) on Friday, 25 February 1887. George Frederick married Fanny PULLEN by licence on Thursday, 31st October 1916 in the Birmingham Register Office in the presence of M. Silver and Ann Perry ("the mark of"). On that date George Frederick's age would have been 29 years 9 months and 8 days. Interestingly:

    • George Frederick's age is given as 35 which places his date of birth in the year 1881;
    • his father (George Samuel RAMSDALE) is described as deceased "wire drawer" (yet George Samuel was alive until Tuesday, 23rd August 1938);
    • the couple shared the same address at 4 Back 51 Lennox Street, Birmingham; and
    • George Frederick's condition and occupation were, respectively, bachelor and Private 36796, 12th Battalion, D Company, Devonshire Regiment.

    1904-05 UK Railway Employment Records: George Frederick Ramsdale, date of birth Sunday, 23rd January 1887, occupation "Lorry Boy" at Hockley station at 9 shillings a week from September 1903 until his resignation on Monday, 5th June 1905.

    The marriage certificate stated Fanny's age to be 42 and her condition and occupation were recorded respectively, as "widow" and "Dairy Company's Kitchen Hand". Fanny PULLEN's father's name was John THORNTON (deceased) whose occupation was "Gardener's Labourer". Since her surname (PULLEN) differs to that of her father (THORNTON) it is clear that she retained her deceased husband's surname (PULLEN). The two witnesses to the marriage were M. SILVER and Ann PERRY (illiterate).


    1920 Electoral Roll, St Paul's Ward, 4 Back of 51 Lennox Street, George Frederick and Fanny Ramsdale


    1925 Electoral Roll, St Paul's Ward, 4 Back of 51 Lennox Street, George Frederick and Fanny Ramsdale


    1927 Electoral Roll, St Paul's Ward, 4 Back of 51 Lennox Street, George Frederick and Fanny Ramsdale

    According to the 1911 census, Fanny THORNTON, born 1873 in Handborough, Oxfordshire was married to George Henry PULLEN, born 1871 also in Handborough, Oxfordshire. Fanny and George Henry PULLEN (respectively aged 37 and 40 at the time of the 1911 census) had the following two children:

    • Winifred Fanny PULLEN, born 1904 in Handborough, Oxfordshire
    • Sidney George PULLEN, born 1907 in Birmingham

    George Henry PULLEN's occupation in 1911 was "Packer General Merchant". Fanny PULLEN's occupation, if any, is not recorded in the 1911 census. The PULLEN family lived at 60 Lennox Street, Birmingham. Two other boarders are recorded at these premises:

    • Bernard PULLEN, single and aged 29, a bricklayer born in Birmingham
    • Robert GLOVER, single and aged 50, a porter born in Birmingham

    It is believed that:

    • Fanny THORNTON and George Henry PULLEN were married in Birmingham in December 1901 (Volume 6d, page 111)
    • on a date unknown between Sunday, 2nd April 1911 (the date of the 1911 census) and Tuesday, 31st October 1916 (the date of marriage of Fanny PULLEN and George Frederick RAMSDALE) George Henry PULLEN died.

    Presumably, following this marriage the two children of Fanny and George Henry PULLEN lived with their mother and her new husband George Frederick RAMSDALE. As appears from the certificate of death of Fanny PULLEN, her son Sidney George PULLEN retained his natural father's surname.

    Fanny PULLEN died of carcinoma of sigmoid at 4 Back Street, Lennox Street, Birmingham on Wednesday, 19th February 1936. The informant was S. G. Pullen (Sidney George PULLEN), son, living at 2 Back 107, Berners Street, Lozells, Birmingham.


    1939 Census: Frederick George RAMSDALE, widower, carter (builders) residing at Back 51 Lennox Street.
    Note (1) forenames reversed and (2) correct date of birth.

    George Frederick RAMSDALE died in The General Hospital, Birmingham of cerebral thrombosis (post mortem) on Saturday, 25th April 1942. On his death certificate his occupation is recorded as "house carter … of no fixed abode". The informant was W. F. Bates, his step daughter (presumably the married name of Winifred Fanny PULLEN), of 375 Farm Street, Birmingham 19. His age stated on the death certificate was "61" which is incorrect (he was 55 years of age but 61 was consistent with his age (35) stated on the marriage certificate). The GRO Birth Registers have only one George Frederick RAMSDALE born in England and Wales between 1870 and 1890 - if correct (unlikely), George Frederick RAMSDALE was born in 1881 for which there is no official birth or baptism record. George Frederick RAMSDALE was actually born on Wednesday, 23rd February 1887 and was 55 when he died. One explanation is that "1881" and "1887" look similar if handwritten.

  2. Caroline Emily (Sissie) RAMSDALE was born on Sunday, 10th February 1889 at 2 Great Western Terrace, Icknield Street, Birmingham. Caroline Emily RAMSDALE (age 22) was residing at the home of her aunt, Emily Eliza WYATT (née Emma Eliza RAMSDALE age 37), at the time of the 1911 census.

    3. Caroline Emily married Emmanuel DYSON in St James Parish Church, Handsworth, Staffordshire on Saturday, 31st May 1924. Caroline's age was 35 and her condition and residence were spinster (no occupation) of 81 Alexandra Road whilst Emmanuel resided at 11 Alexandra Avenue, Alexandra Road. He was 30 years of age having been born on Saturday, 6th October 1894 at Ombursley, Worcestershire and his condition and occupation were, respectively, bachelor and tram conductor. His father's name was Richard Andrew DYSON (labourer). Caroline's father's name and occupation were stated to be 'George RAMSDALE' and 'newsagent'. The two witnesses were Charles Samuel RAMSDALE and Edith May DYSON. Caroline Emily DYSON (née RAMSDALE) died on Thursday, 14th January 1943 aged 52 at 77 Dudley Road (her residence being 81 Alexandra Road, Birmingham 21) and Emmanuel DYSON, also of 81 Alexandra Road, Birmingham 21 a 'Corporation Omnibus Conductor (retired)' died at 48 Lyndon, West Bromwich on Saturday, 20th July 1974 age 80. The informant was his daughter, Joan MILLERCHIP, of 21 Hylda Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B20. The cause of his death was recorded as carcinoma of head and pancreas.

  3. Charles Samuel Ramsdale was born on Friday, 17th July 1891 at 215 Icknield Street, Birmingham and was baptised on Sunday, 21st April 1901 at All Saints, Hockley, Birmingham.


    4. Charles Samuel Ramsdale baptised 21 April 1901 at All Saints, Hockley, Birmingham

    Charles Samuel RAMSDALE married Millicent Anne ASHBOLT (born Tuesday, 26th September 1893 in Burton) by licence in St James Parish Church, Handsworth, Staffordshire on Wednesday, 5th December 1917. Charles' age was 26 and his condition and occupation were, respectively, bachelor and "Fitter". His residence was Central Workshops, Tank Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France. Charles' father's name and occupation were given as George Samuel RAMSDALE 'labourer'. Millicent was 24 years of age, no occupation, of 117 Queens Head Road. Her father was Martin ASHBOLT ("watchman"). The four witnesses to the marriage were (1) James WYATT, (2) Henry Walter HOWES, (3) Jessie Greaves ASHBOLT and (4) Caroline Emily RAMSDALE.


    Marriage Certificate: Charles Samuel Ramsdale and Millicient Anne Ashbolt, 5 December 1917


    1920 Electoral Roll: 12 Milestone Lane, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1922 Electoral Roll: 12 Milestone Lane, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1925 Electoral Roll: 12 Milestone Lane, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1927 Electoral Roll: 12 Milestone Lane, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1930 Electoral Roll, 63 Boulton Road, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1935 Electoral Roll, 63 Boulton Road, Handsworth Division, Soho Ward


    1939 Census: Charles Samuel RAMSDALE (17th July 1891) Printer's cutter (?) and maintenance fitter and Air Warden
    and Millicent (26th September 1893) "unpaid D.D." (domestic duties)

    Charles Samuel RAMSDALE died on Wednesday, 8th March 1972 at 3 Conway Close, Shirley, Solihull of (1) coronary thrombosis (2) coronary arteriosclerosis and (3) chronic bronchitis.

    Millicent Anne RAMSDALE (née ASHBOLT) died at Swallows Meadow Home, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands age 87 on Tuesday, 23rd December 1980. The causes of death were (1a) cerebral thrombosis and (b) generalised arteriosclerosis. Her usual address was Swallows Meadow Home and the informant was Jessie Dorothy HINDE, daughter of Millicent, of 15 Highters Road, Birmingham 14.

  4. William James RAMSDALE was born on Thursday, 21st September 1893 above the shop at 215 Icknield Street, Hockley, Birmingham. William James RAMSDALE married Elsie MASON in St Silas Parish Church, Lozells, Birmingham on Sunday, 31st July 1921 in the presence of George A (her only brother) and Nellie MASON (her younger twin sister). Elsie MASON was born at 10am on Sunday, 27th September 1896 at Back 116, Heaton Street, Birmingham. At the time of their marriage William resided at 81 Alexandra Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.

    Elsie RAMSDALE (née MASON) died in the East Birmingham Hospital, Bordsley Green, Birmingham on Saturday, 15th May 1975. Her cause of death was (1) bronchopneumonia due to recumbency following fractured left femur, (2) fall at home, (3) accidental death: "Certificate received from G. Billington, Coroner for Birmingham District. Inquest held on Monday, 19th May 1975." William died in Birmingham on Saturday, 16th January 1982. Their last home was 46 Sheppey Drive, Chelmsley Wood, West Midlands.

  5. Sidney Joseph RAMSDALE was born on Saturday, 17th April 1897 at 215 Icknield Street, Birmingham. The informant is described on the certificate of birth as Mary Ann RAMSDALE (née HORTON), mother, of Back 218 Park Road.

    6. Sidney Joseph RAMSDALE married Dorothy Mary DONOGHUE WYATT (born Tuesday, 17th May 1898) in St James Parish Church, Handsworth, Staffordshire on Saturday, 6th September 1924. Sidney Joseph's age, condition and occupation were, respectively, 26, bachelor and 'press worker' and his residence was 81 Alexandra Road. His father's name and occupation were George Samuel RAMSDALE and 'news vendor'. Dorothy's condition, occupation and residence were stated to be spinster (no occupation) and 12 Milestone Lane. Her (step) father's name and occupation are stated to be James WYATT 'motorman'. James WYATT and Ellen HARRIS witnessed the marriage.

    Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Suburbs (1939, 1943 and 1950 editions) lists Sidney's address as 92 Teddington Grove, Perry Barr 22. Sidney died at 92 Teddington Grove, Birmingham 22 on Sunday, 19th November 1967 of (1) general carcinomatosis and (2) carcinoma of the pancreas.

    His widow, Dorothy Mary RAMSDALE (formerly WYATT née DONOGHUE), is listed as still residing at this address in Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Suburbs (1971-2).

    Dorothy Mary RAMSDALE (formerly WYATT née DONOGHUE), widow of Sidney Joseph RAMSDALE, (retired security guard), died on Wednesday, 17th July 1991 age 93 at Dudley Road Hospital, Winson Green, Birmingham. Her usual address was 92 Teddington Grove, Birmingham 42. The causes of death were (1a) septicaemia, (b) gangrene of right leg and (c) peripheral vascular disease. The informant was Ian James HOPPER, grandson of Dorothy.



St James parish church, Handsworth

George Frederick RAMSDALE: Notes



(above) George Frederick RAMSDALE Medal Card

The Regimental Medal Roll shows that "Private RAMSDALE, George F" of the Tank Corps, regimental numbers 8669 and 77079 was


(below) Paragraph 392 of King's Regulations 1912 (XVIA)





(above) Private George F. RAMSDALE, Labour Corps, regimental number 247400, Medal Card (Victory and British War medals)



(above) Private G. RAMSDALE BEF 1914 Disembarkation Card

The British Expeditionary Force 1914 Card shows that private G. RAMSDALE, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire, regimental numbers 8669 and 77079 (Machine Gun Corps), disembarked for France on Sunday, 4th October 1914

Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC)

In November 1916 the eight companies then in existence were each expanded to form battalions still lettered A through H; another seven battalions, I through O, were formed by January 1918, when they all were converted to numbered units. On Saturday, 28th July 1917 the Heavy Branch was by Royal Warrant separated from the rest of the MGC and given official status as the Tank Corps, meaning that by the beginning of 1918 the fifteen units were changed from letters to numbers as 1st Battalion to 15th Battalion, Tank Corps. More battalions continued to be formed, and by December 1918, 26 had been created. (At this time there were only 25 tank battalions, however; the 17th had converted to using armoured cars in April 1918). The first commander of the Tank Corps was Hugh Elles.

The Corps saw heavy action through 1917 and 1918, with special note being given to the Battle of Cambrai (1917), which the regiment continues to commemorate annually. During the war, four members of the Corps were awarded the Victoria Cross. However, heavy losses and recurrent mechanical difficulties reduced the effectiveness of the Corps, leading the Bovington Tank School to adopt a doctrine that emphasised caution and high standards of maintenance in equal measure.

The first experimental machine was completed in December 1915 and in March 1916 the headquarters of what was to be known as the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps was established at Bisley under the command of Col. Swinton. Later this section was moved to Elveden Camp, where six companies of tanks were raised.

On Sunday, 13th August 1916 four of these companies began to embark for France, but the Headquarters of the Heavy Section and its commander remained in England. The supply of machines was the responsibility of the "Mechanical Warfare Supply Department" of the Ministry of Munitions, which was controlled by Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Stern.

Tanks were used for the first time in action on the battlefield of the Somme on Friday, 15th September 1916. 36 Mark 1 tanks of C and D Companies arrived on the start line for the renewal of the Somme offensive: this action was later designated as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Arguments continue as to whether it would have been better to wait until much larger numbers of tanks were available before they were used in battle. The Heavy Section MGC was redesignated as the Heavy Branch MGC in November 1916.

Tank organisation

The Tank Corps was formed from the Heavy Branch MGC on Friday, 27th July 1917 and the Battalions adopted numbering rather than letter designations (although tank names followed the same lettering: for example, 7th Battalion tanks were all named with a letter G, like Grouse, Grumble, etc.) Each Tank Battalion had a complement of 32 officers amd 374 men.

On Army Form B265 - Short Service (All Arms) - "7 years with the Colours and 5 years in the reserve, or, if the man completes his 7 years' service with the Colours while beyond the seas, then for a further period, not exceeding one year, with the Colours, and the remainder of the 12 years in the reserve)" - the attestation of George Frederick RAMSDALE (number 8669 deleted and 77079 inserted and "S. Stafford Regt" deleted and M.G.C. (H) (Machine Gun Corps) inserted and dated Friday, 3rd December 1909 provides the following information:
1 What is your name ? George Frederick RAMSDALE
2 In or near what parish or town were you born ? In the parish of All Saints near the town of Birmingham in the county of Warwickshire
3 Are you a British subject ? Yes
4 What is your age ? 18 years 4 months
5 What is your trade or calling ? Carter
6 Have you ever resided out of your father's house for three years continuously in the same place … No
7 Are you, or have you been, an apprentice ? If so … No
8 Are you married ? No
9 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the civil power ? No
10 Do you now belong to the Army, the Marines, the Militia, the Militia Reserve, the Territorial Force, the Royal Navy, the Army Reserve (Regular or Special), or any Naval Reserve Force ? If so, to what Corps ? Yes, "4th Bn So Stafford Reg & Reserves"
11 Have you ever served in the Army, the Marines, the Militia, the Militia Reserve, the Imperial Yeomanry, the Territorial Force, the Royal Navy, the Volunteers, the Army Reserve (Regular or Special), or any Naval Reserve Force ? If so, state which and cause of discharge No, except as above, still serving
12 Have you truly stated the whole, if any, of your previous service ? Yes
13 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the Military or Naval Forces of the Crown ? If so, on what grounds ? No
14 Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated ? Yes
15 For what Corps are you willing to be enlisted, or are you willing to be enlisted for General Service ? "South Stafford Reg"
16 (deleted)  
17 Do you understand that, notwithstanding you enlist for a dismounted Corps, you are liable to be trained and employed in such mounted duties as may be required ? Yes
18 Did you receive a Notice, and do you understand its meaning, and who gave it to you ? "Yes, Sgt A Share of 3 S. S. Rgt"
19 Are you willing to serve upon the following conditions provided His Majesty should so long require your service ? Yes
(a) For the term of twelve years, for the first seven years in Army Service and for the remaining five years in the Army Reserve. If at the termination of such period of Army Service you are serving beyond the seas then for a further period in Army Service of one year, or such lesser period as may be determined after which you will be sent home with all convenient speed to complete the remaining portion of such period of 12 years in the Army Reserve.
(b) If, at the expiration of the above-mentioned term of Army Service a state of War exists, then, if so directed by the Competent Military Authority, to serve in Army Services for a further period not exceeding 12 months.
(c) If, at the expiration of the above-mentioned term of Army Service, you are so required by a Proclamation from His Majesty in case of incumbent national danger or great emergency, then to serve in Army Services so as to complete your term of 12 years and for a further period not exceeding 12 months.
(d) If the above-mentioned term of 12 years expires while you are on service with the Regular Forces (i) beyond the seas or (ii) while a state of war exists with a Foreign Power, or (iii) while Soldiers in the Reserves are required by proclamation to continue in, or  re-enter upon, Army Service, and you (…) then to serve for a further period (…)

I, George Frederick RAMSDALE, do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true (…) George Frederick RAMSDALE (Signature of Recruit)

… Lichfield Friday, 3rd December 1909

The answer to question 4 gives the age of George Frederick RAMSDALE as 18 years and 4 months i.e. a date of birth of circa July 1891, notwithstanding that his actual date of birth was Sunday, 23rd January 1887 (i.e. his actual age was 22 years 11 months and 14 days). His brother, Charles Samuel, was born on Friday, 17th July 1891 and it would therefore appear that George Frederick gave Charles Samuel's date of birth as his own.



(above) 1918 'Absent Voters' List'
William James RAMSDALE 94210, Sergeant, 158 Co., Lab. Coy.
Charles Samuel RAMSDALE 77079, Private, Cen. Wks., Tank C.
81 Alexandra Avenue, Handsworth

In the 1918 'Absent Voters' List' for Handsworth Division, Soho Ward, the residence of William James RAMSDALE and Charles Samuel RAMSDALE is given as 81 Alexandra Avenue. Note that Charles Samuel RAMSDALE is identified as '77079, Private, Central Works, Tank Corps' which is George Frederick RAMSDALE's regiment and regimental number. William James RAMSDALE is a sergeant in the 158th Labour Corps.



(above) 1918 'Absent Voters' List'
George Frederick RAMSDALE 247400, 3rd Devons.
4 Back of 51 Lennox Street, St Paul's Ward, West Birmingham Division

In the 1918 'Absent Voters' List' for St Paul's Ward, West Birmingham Division, the residence of George Frederick RAMSDALE is given as 4 Back of 51 Lennox Street and his service details are stated to be "247400 3rd Devons, Labour Corps".



(above) Spring 1919 'Absent Voters List'
William James RAMSDALE 94210, Sergeant, 158 Co., Lab. Coy.
Charles Samuel RAMSDALE
81 Alexandra Avenue, Handsworth

Note deleted military service details for Charles Samuel RAMSDALE.



(above) Spring 1919 'Absent Voters' List' for St Paul's Ward, West Birmingham Division
George Frederick RAMSDALE
247400, 3rd Devons, Labour Corps
4 Back of 51 Lennox Street, St Paul's Ward

In the 1919 'Absent Voters' List' for St Paul's Ward, West Birmingham Division, the residence of George Frederick RAMSDALE is given as 4 Back of 51 Lennox Street and his service details are stated to be "247400, 3rd Devons, Labour Corps".

George Frederick RAMSDALE

United Kingdom, World War I Service Records, 1914-1920

https://www.familysearch.org/

Name: George Frederick RAMSDALE
Event Type: Military Service
Event Year: 1919
Residence Place: Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Age: 27
Military Company/Regiment: Tank Corps
Military Regiment: 77079
Military Battalion: Central Workshops
Birth Year (Estimated): 1892
Birthplace: All Saints, Warwickshire, England

Name: George Frederick RAMSDALE
Event Type: Military Service
Event Year: 1909
Residence Place: Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Age: 18
Military Company/Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Military Regiment: 8669
Military Battalion: 3rd Battalion
Birth Year (Estimated): 1891
Birthplace: All Saints, Warwickshire, England

Name: George Frederick RAMSDALE
Event Type: Military Service
Residence Place: Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Military Company/Regiment: Machine Gun Corps
Military Regiment: 77079
Military Battalion: Heavy Battery
Birthplace: All Saints, Warwickshire, England

Name George Frederick RAMSDALE
Event Type Birth Registration
Registration Quarter Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration Year 1887
Registration District Birmingham
County Warwickshire
Event Place Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Volume 6D
Page 184
Line Number 168

Citing this Record

"England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2X56-VTF: 1 October 2014), George Frederick RAMSDALE, 1887; from "England & Wales Births, 1837-2006," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com: 2012); citing Birth Registration, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.

Record Details for C RAMSDALE (South Staffordshire Regiment)
First Name C (incorrect forename initial as the service number 8669 indicates this is George Frederick RAMSDALE (see below).
Surname RAMSDALE
Report Date

 Tuesday, 8th December 1914
Information Listed as "wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office from Tuesday, 8th December 1914.
Further Information This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming on this list.
Rank Private
Service Number 8669
Duty Location France and Flanders
Service British Army
Primary Unit South Staffordshire Regiment
Archive Reference DT30011915

Name RAMSDALE, Charles Samuel
Year of birth: circa 1892
Place of birth:

 Birmingham, Warwick
Location in 1911: Gibraltar
Regimental No: (not given)
Rank Private
Regiment South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion

South Staffordshire Regiment during WW1

The Regiment raised a total of 18 battalions and was awarded 66 battle honours, 3 Victoria Crosses and lost 6,357 men during the course of the war. However, only the 1st and 2nd battalions were engaged in France/Flanders in December 1914 when George Frederick RAMSDALE (or Charles Samuel RAMSDALE) was wounded.

1st Battalion

Charles Samuel RAMSDALE (and possibly also George Frederick RAMSDALE's battalion according to medal card "1 S. Staff. R. 8669 Pte" but 3rd battalion is also mentioned):

2nd Battalion

3rd (Reserve) Battalion

WW1 Medals

The 1914 Star was instituted in 1917 for service ashore in France and Flanders between 5 August and 22 November 1914. In 1919 a clasp bearing the above dates was authorised and given to those individuals who had actually been under fire between the prescribed dates, popularly known as the 'Mons star' there were 378,000 awarded in total.

1914 Star: the 1914/15 Star was instituted in 1918 and awarded to those individuals who saw service in France and Flanders from 23 November 1914 to 31 December 1915, and to those individuals who saw service in any other operational theatre from 5 August 1914 to 31 December 1915.  A person who served during the period of 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915 would have been awarded one or the other of the 'stars' (ie either the 1914 star which has '1914' on the scroll OR the 1914-15 star which has '1914-15' on the scroll, NOT both. 2,366,000 awarded in total.

Victory Medal: with the information in 'C' RAMSDALE's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred. Eligibility for this award consisted of having been mobilised, fighting, having served in any of the theatres of operations, or at sea, between midnight 4th/5th August, 1914, and midnight, 11th/12th November, 1918. Women who served in any of the various military organisations in a theatre of operations were also eligible.

British War Medal: with the information in 'C' RAMSDALE's record, it is likely that he was entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.

William James RAMSDALE (1893 to 1982)

William James RAMSDALE was a printer by trade and on Sunday, 31st July 1921 married Elsie MASON, born at 10:00 on Sunday, 27th September 1896 at Back 116, Heaton Street, Birmingham, one of twin daughters born to George MASON and Sophia NEWMAN in St. Silas Parish Church, Lozells, Birmingham. The witnesses to the marriage were Elsie's brother George and twin sister Nellie. At the time of their marriage William James RAMSDALE resided at 81 Alexandra Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.

Elsie RAMSDALE (née MASON) died on Thursday, 15th May 1975 at East Birmingham Hospital, Bordsley Green, Birmingham of (1) bronchopneumonia due to recumbency following fractured left femur (2) fall at home and (3) accidental death: "Certificate received from G. Billington, Coroner for Birmingham District. Inquest held Monday, 19th May 1975."

William James RAMSDALE also died of bronchopneumonia at East Birmingham Hospital on Friday, 15th January 1982. Their last home was 46 Sheppey Drive, Chelmsley Wood, West Midlands.

Outward clinical symptoms of bronchopneumonia can include fever, coughing, chest pain, chest congestion, chills, difficulty with breathing and blood-streaked mucus that is coughed up. Upon diagnosis, most people will be treated at home with antibiotics. If the patient has a severe case of bronchopneumonia, he or she may be treated in the hospital where the illness can be more closely monitored. With appropriate treatment, most people recover fully within a couple of weeks. Bronchopneumonia is more common in elderly people who can die from bronchopneumonia if they do not get appropriate treatment.

Children

  1. Mabel Elsie RAMSDALE, born on Saturday, 6th December 1924
  2. Robert William RAMSDALE, born on Monday, 3rd December 1928

Mabel Elsie RAMSDALE, born on Saturday, 6th December 1924, married Horace BRIDGES on Saturday, 12th June 1948.

Children

  1. Helen BRIDGES, born on Saturday, 5th March 1955, married Richard HUGHES on Saturday, 19th July 1975

Robert William RAMSDALE (1928 to 2011)

Robert William RAMSDALE was born on Monday, 3rd December 1928 in Birmingham. He was a mechanical engineer by profession and was awarded the OBE in 1986 for services to CATSA (Confectionery and Allied Trades Association charity). On Saturday, 8th August 1953 he married Mary Thornton ARTHUR (born on Saturday, 22nd November 1930 at 15 Rookwood Gardens, Greenside, Ryton-on-Tyne, Durham, the daughter of George ARTHUR and Isabella SHRIGLEY). Mary's occupation was dental hygienist and primary school teacher.

Mary Thornton ARTHUR died on Saturday, 20th August 2005 at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Wonford, Exeter. The cause of her death was (a) bilateral bronchopneumonia and (b) left sided rib fractures (natural causes). Robert William RAMSDALE died on Tuesday, 25th January 2011 at "Winkfield", Swan Hill Road, Colyford near Colyton, Devon. The cause of his death was (a) bronchopneumonia and (b) chronic kidney disease.

Children

  1. David Robert RAMSDALE, born Thursday, 6th May 1954 at Wendover, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, was baptised on Sunday, 6th May 1956 in the Church of the Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley HA9 9QL
  2. Alison Jane RAMSDALE born Wednesday, 7th December 1955, also baptised on Sunday, 6th May 1956

At the time of his baptism, David's parents lived at 263a Preston Road, Wembley in Middlesex. The Godparents were George SERMAN, John and Eileen BUTLER. He was a barrister (now retired) and was married (and divorced) twice:

  1. to Susan Joy COOPER (born on Monday, 28th September 1953) on Thursday, 23rd September 1976 at Ranmoor parish church, Sheffield in south Yorkshire and divorced 1986 (Harlow); and
  2. on Saturday, 12th October 1991, in Honiton, Devon, to Maria Eugenia Rojas PEREIRA, occupation artist (born Saturday, 4th April 1959 in Cochabamba, Cercado, Bolivia, the daughter of Mario Alfredo Rojas DUARTE and Maria Eugenia Pereira DURAN) and divorced in 1999.



Ranmoor Parish Church

Notes: Charles Samuel RAMSDALE




(above) Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of All Saints, in the County of Birmingham, in the year (1901)
Charles Samuel RAMSDALE born Friday, 17th July 1891
Baptised Sunday, April 21st 1901
parents George Samuel RAMSDALE (wire drawer) and Mary Ann RAMSDALE of 2 Back 118 Park Road


(above) 1939 National Register for Birmingham QCGI 384/1 (Friday, 29th September 1939)
Charles S. RAMSDALE (printers cutter and maintenance fitter (Air Raid Warden)
Millicent A. RAMSDALE (unpaid domestic duties)



(above) 1911 England Census for Private Charles Samuel RAMSDALE
Military, Infantry, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
no trade or occupation, single, age 19

Electoral Registers (below)
Abbreviation Meaning
D (Dw) Spouse's occupational qualification
HO Husband's occupational qualification
O (Ow) Occupational qualification (women)
R (Rw) Residential qualification (women)



(above) 1925 Midlands Electoral Register
Charles Samuel, Sidney Joseph and Millicent Annie RAMSDALE
12 Miletone Lane



(above) 1935 & 1939 Midlands Electoral Register
Charles Samuel and Millicent Annie RAMSDALE
63 Boulton Road
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