Looking for Norman Smith 1893 - 1950 - Walsall

[Sally4x]

I am looking for Norman Smith. I can't find a trace of him before his marriage in 1918. He married Mary Ann Jacques on 23rd January 1918 at St Nicolas in Kings Norton. His father is named as Henry Smith a music teacher. He dies in Walsall on 26th January 1950 aged 56 and is listed as a cinema proprietor. His daughter Barbara Smith informs on his death. So I am assuming Mary Ann has died before this. Any help with finding him before his marriage would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[mckha489]

What was Norman's occupation at marriage?
How old is he on the marriage certificate?
Who were the witnesses?
Where is he in 1921?  1939?

[Mabel Bagshawe]

1939 he and Mary are in Birmingham. DOB 1 July 1893. I'm struggling before and after the marriage. I note the eldest child is registered as Mary but is on 1939 as Iris M, so I wonder if he's swapping order of forenames.

Given he married during WWI, he could have come from elsewhere and met Mary Ann whilst stationed in the Midlands. I can see 7 Normans registered Q3 1893, none of whom are particularly local

[mckha489]

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/fce10e7d-ab24-469e-acff-ab3d221efd99

His wife wasn't deceased at his death.
Or at least, he had a widow.

[mckha489]

if this is him at Darlaston in 1921

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/c7f0a120-d092-4c3f-b87f-0f25fa8011a9

then perhaps this is too (with a W. )

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/27996c87-e40b-4f7a-acfa-20e24cf325ca

No - there is another Norman SMITH Advertising Manager, employed by Phillips Film Co Ltd, Fil Renters
He can be seen at Brighton in 1921 born 1895 (but indexed on FindMyPast as 1885).

[Sally4x]

What was Norman's occupation at marriage?
How old is he on the marriage certificate?
Who were the witnesses?
Where is he in 1921?  1939?

At his marriage he is an engineer and her is 24. The witnesses were a ? Jacques and an L Caldicott. I haven’t been able to find him in 1921 and 1939.

[Sally4x]

1939 he and Mary are in Birmingham. DOB 1 July 1893. I'm struggling before and after the marriage. I note the eldest child is registered as Mary but is on 1939 as Iris M, so I wonder if he's swapping order of forenames

I saw that and wasn’t sure if it was him. I couldn’t find a birth for Iris Mary in 1918. Yes it could be Mary though!

[mckha489]

just amended reply #4

[Sally4x]

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/fce10e7d-ab24-469e-acff-ab3d221efd99

His wife wasn't deceased at his death.
Or at least, he had a widow.

That’s great thanks! So he had three daughters! I had only found one possibly two.