Help? Disappearance?

[scottcharles]

That's true. I don't know if he did military service, but it's worth looking into. Thanks for the idea.

[JenClark]

Just had a thought...what is the exact date on the birth cert in 1901? Presumably he would have to be in the country to apply for a birth cert? I wonder what prompted ordering the certificate? Do you need it for military service, as it is a little too early for his wedding in 1903 I think, unless they were engaged for a long time 

Had a look at the other topic too, interesting theory, hope for your sake it is not true 

I think the middle name "Davies" as you say may be Clara giving us a clue though.

Jenny

[scottcharles]

The certificate was ordered on the 6th December 1901.

He was born on May 3rd 1879 and the birth was registered May 28th 1879 in the district of Kennington 1st in the County of Surrey (Lambeth).



Hope everyone doesn't mind me asking for advice on this :S I get a bit conscious about making posts but having someone elses' eyes to look over things has helped thus far

[JenClark]

So way past census time, so presumably if he did need it for military service he wouldn't have left till after Dec 1901, and therefore would be on the census earlier in the year 

Maybe he travelled? I have lots of missing rellies on census returns but alas they are all mariners!!

He has me stumped!

Jenny

[avm228]

I'd be surprised if birth certificates were required for military service at that time - there are countless examples of young men lying about their age when enlisting for WW1.  And, as you say, the timing doesn't fit.

I'd be more inclined to think that upon turning 21 he wanted to find out about his real mother - it took him a little while to order the certificate, but perhaps he was out of the country or otherwise indisposed at the time.  Pure speculation of course...

Anna

[JenClark]

Good point, maybe he was in hospital or something...they have a terrible knack of just recording initials or have very scant detail......

A thought at least

[scottcharles]

That's completely possible, it's just quite strange. His foster mother knew who his mother was (presumably) as his real name is on the 1881 census. She is still alive in 1901, so I'd think he could have asked her for at least a little information.
It is very odd alright.

I thought it could have been for a passport, but considering he was only a boot finisher when he got married and the foster family weren't exactly minted, I don't think he would have had a lot of money to travel for luxury purposes.

Grr he's got me confused, there are so many mysteries surrounding this man! We'll dig them up yet!

It would be worth having a look at hospital records. I'll have a look and see which hospitals were in the vicinity at the time

[scottcharles]

There's King's College Hospital, Lambeth Hospital and St. Thomas' Hospital, Guy's Hospital by the looks of it, more info to come....

[JenClark]

Had a quick glance thru the 1901 for CDM or CM but none seem to fit, age wise or location wise in the hospitals and lynatic assylums, same when I looked for CG or CDG.... the plot thickens!