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Have received the PDF of Raymond Shepherd Corke's birth certificate and as you can see he was indeed born on 2nd August 1921 at Southend on Sea, Essex, illegitimate son of Ada Hannah Corke (who later lived as Ada H Shepherd, widow although she never actually married).

One can only speculate as to what Raymond was told by his mother.   Did he know he was actually born illegitimate or was he told his father was a Mr. B. Shepherd and believed he was dead since his mother lived as a widow?  Who can say.

At least we have his correct birth details now.

Annette

I googled and found:

A lap upholsterer refers to a skilled craftsman who specializes in the art of upholsterering............where luxurious padded chairs and cushions were a mark of class.

Annette

Hello again David

I found Ada on 1921 census as Ada H. Corke   single   Tailor's Stitcher (out of work)  born Yarmouth, Norfolk - she's a boarder at a Boarding house run by a Beatrice Fortescue at 20 Richmond Street, Southend on Sea, Essex (Rochford registration district) and her age is even further out, this time given as 28 years 6 months ie.bc.1893.   1921 census was on 19th June and her age should have been 37 years 5 months!!!!

I then looked at the GRO index which lists full christian names and the illegitimate birth of a Raymond S Corke in Sept.qtr 1921 Rochford (which I mentioned before) was indeed for a Raymond Shepherd Corke.  I have ordered a PDF copy of certificate and will post the outcome in due course (will be around 4 days).

His entry on 1939 register with mother Ada is no longer redacted and he appears as Raymond Shepherd with a birthdate of 2nd August 1921.  His occupation given as 'Shoe and Slipper Clicker'.  Hopefully this will agree with birthdate on the birth certificate. 

As to Mr. B. Shepherd - I have no doubt that someone with such a name was Raymond's father but can find no likely candidate in the Yarmouth or Southend on Sea areas whose Christian name began with a B.   I fear he will forever remain an enigma.

Annette 

Quote from: Ratty2 on Saturday 30 August 25 08:46 BST (UK)

Thanks for all this help, very grateful

We know the marriage was 31 July 1954 to Kathleen, which means: CARR,  Allan    REDFEARN   Manchester    10e   855       Sep 1954.
He signed his name with double LL in Allen.
and I would guess and then buy the GRO birth of Carr, Alan     Mar 1932 at Manchester South  
but NOT the Allan T one.

What was his father James occupation?
Were the witnesses related ?

Edit - Please let us know how you get on when you receive the digital birth image and do you know when and where his wife Kathleen died?

I feel I should mention that it's not possible to get a PDF of Alan Carrs birth in 1932 - it's certificate only.

A Newspaper Obituary Index on Ancestry states he died 11/1/1975.


Annette