a real needle in a haystack!

[wiccacat]

Hi

this is a long shot but i'm hoping someone can help!

I'm looking for a William Leslie Smith. The only information I know about him is he is listed as the father on the birth cert of * Blake *1946 and worked at the cycle works in Birmingham. Where do i start to try and locate him if possible?

Thanks

wiccacat 

* Moderator's Note: details of possible living person removed

[Redroger]

You could try to see if any records of the company's staff survive. Birmingham City Archives, or BSA themselves or their successors.

[muddy48]

There were 2 or 3 bicycle factories up until 1957, when BSA sold to Raliegh, Hercules
try  www.192.com if you know the area, then menbers of family could still be in area.
................................................................................
lots of sites with memories of the late 40's early 50's


http://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_early_history.htm

http://www.solihull-online.com/m40.htm

The time frame was just after the ww11 ended ..perhaps he was working in the factory making guns, then bikes.?
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Happy+times+at+Hercules+factory%3B+your+MEMORIES.-a0234044876

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/47/a9000947.shtml

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-mail-indepth/birmingham-blitz/blitz-memories/

http://www.hunimex.com/warwick/dudley/memories3.html

http://www.oldladywood.co.uk/memories1.htm

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119811


http://www.ted.rudge.btinternet.co.uk/id24.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxOR0QPq_0c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGgsrBGjXCA&feature=related

[Redroger]

I imagine there are many William Leslie Smith's in Birmingham.

[muddy48]

You have enough information to try getting help from the Birmingham Records office.

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/genealogy

You have a time period which is still fresh ...

try them first.. I'm sure they will help .