The Story
During World War 2 thousands of Canadians served in England and mainland Europe to support the British forces. During those times quite naturally there were many relationships between Canadian soldiers and girls in England and Europe and some inevitably lead to wartime babies, and one of these, maybe more, was born in Brocket Hall the family home of Lord Brocket (Arthur) Ronald Nall-Cain, 2nd Baron Brocket.
There is a Canadian who may have no idea his daughter was born in such rich surroundings. We think Jim might be able to help us reunite a father and daughter.
Rosemary
Many years have passed and
everyone has developed a life of their own, any sour feelings that may have once
been felt all those years ago have long been forgotten. But many babies born of
wartime relationships have become interested in their Canadian roots and
Canadian soldiers are trying to discover what may have become of their English
babies. One such baby is Rosemary who was born in the
luxurious Lord Melbourne Suite at Brocket Hall.
Rosemary was born in September 1947 in Brocket Hall and is one of the 8,338 world famous Brocket Babies who were born there when it was used as a Maternity Hospital to allow London’s mothers to have their babies in the peace and tranquillity of the English countryside. Rosemary and her husband David run the Brocket Babies website www.brocketbabies.org.uk that lists the known Brocket Babies (including a few now living in Canada) and various stories for those who may be interested in life in England for the London mothers who gave birth in the same surroundings that Queen Victoria frequently stayed in. So Jim, or anyone who knew you, wherever you are please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Mabel
Rosemary’s mother Mabel
Fuller worked for
the Shell oil company in England and was moved out from central London to
Abingdon in Oxfordshire to protect essential war work from the bombing raids on
London. Mabel lived with eight other girls in “The Grey House” in Abingdon and
were taken daily to another grand English Country house known as Esso House to
carry out their duties.
Jim
Some Canadian soldiers served in southern England to protect important British bases and remained there well after the war ended. This is probably how he met Mabel. There were very popular dances on the river island in Abingdon and Rosemary’s mum Mabel met one of the Canadian soldiers named Jim, they went on trips together and met up for lunches and of course went to the Saturday dances. We believe Jim was a Lorne Scot in the Canadian Army in England until late 1946 and would be able to lead us to Rosemary’s father. Although Mabel has sadly passed away Rosemary in England would love to hear from Jim or anyone who may have known him.
Jim, or anyone who knew you, wherever you are please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.