St Joseph's Orphanage School, Orpington

[James Kellard]

He was my grandfather.
 At the age of 2 he was in the Southwark workhouse and was sent to Canada (Nova Scotia I believe).  Unfortunately he got into trouble there and was given corporal punishment in public for fighting with a local lad.

He returned to the UK became a bricklayer and got married to a lady called Evelyn Gladys Jones from Uxbridge.  They had four children Peter (my father) born in 1934, then Patrick, Kay and Jenny.

During the war he served in the Royal Navy and after the family moved to Bournemouth. He died in 1983 of cancer to the brain resulting from his war injuries.  He had nine grandchildren including myself and my sister.  He was much loved but a troubled man who spoke rarely about his life before    the war, he served on Motor Torpedo Boats.  He was also a hard man, I think looking back on it he probably had PTSD but back then they just used to call it "the war", but very gentle with his wife.  I think if he had known his sister had survived and had been able to make contact with her it would have given him a great peace of mind.  BTW he was also an amazing chess player.

[J.J.]

Apologies, James, for not seeing this & welcoming you to Rootschat sooner!
 Just found this request & sadly I cannot help you with much more...as you likely already found this.
   Apparently not in Canada very long.  James F Kellard b. 1905  age 16. Sadly no shipping info...   
Home Children Inspection Report- imm. yr. 1921. Sending party: Catholic Emigration Assoc.  Southwark Union
  He actually was sent to Quebec, so may have entered from that port & have been slated to move on to another receiving home in Canada, as he was "detained" there.
  The lad was sent back to England on The S.S. Melita Aug. 26 1921. I'll post more if I find anything.
https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_t15423/2260

Perhaps he dodged a worse life here, as although some did well & were treated like family, some were simply used as cheap labour, and others neglected & abused as well. Poppy for his war years!
Happy he had a good family life back in Eng. & that you got to meet him!  J.J.

[J.J.]

Not that it helps much but did find the shipping info.
I hope that it helps to round out the timeline for you.
James Fitzpatrick Kellard DOB Oct. 9 1905.
sending party: Southwark Guardians   In the charge of Mr. King
ship Minnedosa left port Liverpool July 22nd 1921   Arrival port Quebec:  July 30 1921
He was to be sent to Catholic Emigration Society, 1153 Wellington St. Ottawa.
 
Someone had to meet him on his return to England!
Perhaps they might have some information re: the receiving home
*Note: also look for his surname as "Fitzpatrick" as errors do happen.

*Adding- Found this!
Noted as being returned for medical reasons. A severe eye condition.
Fortunately he must have had some very good care once back in England!
Glad he was able to enjoy his games of chess!
https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c7834/887

Also a heart for his service ❤ as I write this on Remembrance Day
and a link to the previous post as well, locked & linked to this one.
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=660193.msg5058520