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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Jcutting on Monday 22 September 25 18:42 BST (UK)
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Can someone tell me if when a death is presumed, is it still included on the GRO index for deaths.
Or is there a separate list for presumed deaths.
I'm talking 1940-1942 . No later .
Many thanks 😊
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A presumed death certificate isn't a standard document; instead, a court grants a Declaration of Presumed Death, which then allows a General Registry Office (or equivalent) to issue a certificate similar to a standard death certificate. This Declaration is granted when a person is missing for a long period, such as seven years, or for a shorter period if circumstances strongly indicate their death (like a plane crash), allowing their affairs to be administered legally.
See: https://www.gov.uk/get-declaration-presumed-death
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Thank you for the information 🙏
I'm aware of the 7 year thingy, and read up on the process on how to get a declaration.
But what I can't get an answer to is would the presumed death date be included on the GRO death index ,although no death certificate as such,like a standard one.
Or am I being incredibly daft 🤔
What I mean is, how can I find out if a death was presumed.
Sorry if I'm not explaining it properly 😅
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Recent legislation
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2387/made
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/13/schedules/enacted/data.html
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The period you are talking about was during WW2 so I imagine the process may be different to peace time.
As for your question about the GRO Index, the best place to ask is through the GRO website .l
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Thank you .
Yes, I thought I’d ring them in the morning.
Thanks again.
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Although a good deal earlier than the period you are talking about, I have a GG Uncle who disappeared in the Philippines sometime after 1867.
In 1895 the family applies to the Court to have him presumed dead.
He does not appear in the GRO death indices for either 1867 (date of presumed death) or 1895 (date of declaration)
I do not know if this is because his death was abroad or if it was a policy to not include presumed deaths
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There are thousands of items in the online papers re presumed death. I took a couple of dozen yesterday and tried to find a death registration. Restricted myself to unusual names and limited period of "missing". The loss of the Stella, 1899, furnished a couple. These were instances where a family member had gone down with the ship where others survived.
Found 2 death registrations under FindMyPast's "Overseas deaths" and one other. Found about a dozen probate records which included "... died on or since ......" (or similar wording) and where eg. " ... at sea ...".
The earliest legislation relating to a Register of presumed Deaths I spotted was 2013/14. I noted a bill to introduce such a register in Scotland in 1888 was proposed but couldn't discover if it became law.
I imagine the GRO has a list/register but not available to the public?
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Thank you. It’s just a subject I’ve never looked into before.
I’ll let you know what the GRO say.
There are thousands of items in the online papers re presumed death. I took a couple of dozen yesterday and tried to find a death registration. Restricted myself to unusual names and limited period of "missing". The loss of the Stella, 1899, furnished a couple. These were instances where a family member had gone down with the ship where others survived.
Found 2 death registrations under FindMyPast's "Overseas deaths" but no others. Found about a dozen probate records which included "... died on or since ......" (or similar wording) and where eg. " ... at sea ...".
The earliest legislation relating to a Register of presumed Deaths I spotted was 2013/14. I noted a bill to introduce such a register in Scotland in 1888 was proposed but couldn't discover if it became law.
I imagine the GRO has a list/register but not available to the public?
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One example of a death registration was George Henry Eldridge on the Stella. The presumed death was granted 2 May 1899 and there was a probate record "... died on or since 30 March 1899 ...". But his body was later found off Dieppe, brought to Southampton and buried there June Qtr 1899.
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Thanks for the update offer.
This is a post I've chased in various directions. Like you, all new to me but intriguing.
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The information about presumed deaths isn’t clear , but it’s very interesting , and an area I’ve never had reason to look into . Until now lol. I’ll let you know what the GRO say when I ring them later . 👍
Although a good deal earlier than the period you are talking about, I have a GG Uncle who disappeared in the Philippines sometime after 1867.
In 1895 the family applies to the Court to have him presumed dead.
He does not appear in the GRO death indices for either 1867 (date of presumed death) or 1895 (date of declaration)
I do not know if this is because his death was abroad or if it was a policy to not include presumed deaths
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Much appreciate being kept informed - as you say "very interesting"
Scotland introduced a "Presumption of Death Act" in 1977 and Northen Ireland a 2009 Act.
This is an extract from the '77 Act re. registration -