Over paid, over sexed and over here! WW2 help, please!

[juliemc72]

Hi,
I'm researching the family history of my Dad who was born at Ridgefields Farm, Biddulph Moor, Staffordshire in December 1945. His mother was Mona Bailey Webb nee Battersby and I believe that his father may have been an American GI (possibly African-American) stationed in Biddulph Moor at the time but I have no idea of the regiment/battalions of any Americans based there.
Could anyone help, please?

Thanks!
Julie
 

[Bill749]

Oh Boy Julie!

Have you got a problem!!     In 20+ years of researching I have come across several similar cases to this in both World Wars and never managed to solve any of them!    Even if you could narrow down which units were stationed nearby 9 months before his birth, you would probably have several hundred candidates for granddad.   

If his father's name is not on his birth certificate, his mother probably took her secret to the grave.

Good luck!!

Regards, Bill

[liverpool annie]

Hi Julie and welcome to RootsChat !! 

It's hard to trace anybody without a name !!  Do you have Dad's birth certificate ? what does it say ? here's a couple of sites that might give you a few ideas! and the only other suggestion would be to Google US bases in Staffordshire in 1945 - check the Resource board too for Armed Forces there are a few American sites on there !

http://www.project-roots.com/williscroftjen.html

http://www.iona.edu/faculty/dwilliams/130/Schomberger.html

Problem is - you don't even have his name and I think you need it for this site

http://www.gitrace.org/about.htm

Annie 

[Gardener]

Well it isn't all that long ago so there must be some chance of a bit of local gossip on the matter 
I found the following link which ties the farm you mention to a pub called the Rose and Crown. Could you drop in for a drink and gossip?

http://www.curiousfox.com/history/staffordshire_3.html
(post titled Plant Biddulph Moor)

PS
And if you live too far away you could try asking if any Rootschatter could oblige with a quick natter over a pint

[juliemc72]

Hi,
Thanks very much Gardener, Annie and Bill for your replies and help, very speedy responses!!
There is no father named on my Dad's birth certificate so I know I've got my work cut out for me!
Thanks for the links Annie, I have previously posted on GItrace but I haven't seen the other two before, so I'll definitely have a look.
Thanks for the Curious Fox link Gardener. I signed up a few weeks ago and funnily enough the lady that submitted the Plant post is married to my Dad's nephew! She was the first family contact I found on my search and said that none of the family knew about my Dad (his mother gave him up for adoption when he was about 5 months old). His birth Mother died in the 80's and as you say Bill may well have taken her secret to the grave. Hopefully, there is still someone in the area who remembers the war time gossip and can tell me what happened! I might have to take a trip from Manchester to Staffs and see if I can loosen lips with a pint!

Thanks very much guys!

Julie
 

[Gardener]

It is certainly worth a go Julie. My Mum went back to the village pub where her family was still remembered - at least her grandmother was still talked of since she used to fetch beer in a jug and when refused service was known to have thrown the jug threw the service window! This lady died in 1925 and it was still being spoken of just before 2000! Small villages have long memories