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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
SHARED STORIES
E - L
"Shared Stories" - a combination of both Village and Hospital stories, a mixture
of past and present villagers' memories of their own time in Netley Village and/or those of their ancestors
both at Netley War Hospital and Netley Village, plus updates from some of the sources who contributed
to my book - "Unforgotten Lives at Netley Hospital."
If you have a story to tell and are happy to share, then please
let me know via
Contact Me.
Index of Family Surnames
The featured surnames appear below in this order -
Emerson Erwood Farr Ford Family Foyle French Garrick Lodge Greenwood Henshall Hillman Hobbs/Moorse Holloway Horn Huckle Hulley Isaacs Jacobs
Lane/Orman
Emerson Family
In early March 2021, I met up with Joan Wood outside her home in Netley Abbey.
Her family has lived in and around Netley Abbey and the Royal Victoria Hospital for close on 107 years!
The information and photos Joan has given me are more than enough to make a wonderful book so
please bear with me whilst I do my best to relate as much as I can of their story here.
Grand-Dad passed away in June 1945
Left is Joan's Grand-dad. He joined the Army Medical Corps on 12/02/1904.
He was "Pop" to the family, Jack to his friends. He and his wife, Lily, lived in Married Quarters Hut C1 whilst he was serving at Netley Hospital.
Joan thinks this photo was taken on the day he went "off to war".
They had 8 children between 1913 - 1928:
Lily Margaret (later known as Margaret);
Laura Rosina (Rosie);
Mary Joyce
Patricia Hesketh May
John (Jack)
Marion (Joan's Mum)
Richard (Dick)
Sidney James (Jim)
He was discharged shortly after the end of the Great War and would later become a civilian employee
at the Hospital as a Pay Clerk.
Joan thinks he was also involved in running the Cinema and helping with the football team.
After he left the Army, the family were given, as was custom apparently, a new house,
No 20 Denzil Avenue, Netley Abbey. Later still, he was also a Bus Conductor.
His daughters, Mary, Pat and Marion, lived at Denzil Avenue until they were married.
The three sisters worked in the local aircraft factories - Mary at Supermarine as a Doper and Sprayer,
Pat as a Wages Clerk at Follands and Marion as a Sheet Metal Worker/Riveter also at Follands.
Joan's Parents - Marion Emerson and Tommy Dorothy
Marion met her future husband Thomas whilst he was serving in the RAMC as a Psychiatric Nurse.
Tommy came from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. He was born in 1916.
He arrived at the Royal Victoria Hospital sometime in the mid-late 1930s.
Service No 7263389. He was the Corps Boxing Champ for several years.
Marion and Tommy married at St Patrick's Church Woolston on 21/02/1941.
Marion worked for a short time as an Usherette in the Abbey Cinema. Joan is unsure of when but her Mum left school in 1937 and worked as a Nanny for a little while first. She was then at Follands,
working as a welder by 1943 - 1944 as she was pregnant with Joan while there.
In 1944, the Royal Victoria Hospital was under control of the US Army/Navy and so Joan's Mum
was taken by taxi from No 2 Ellis's Row (2 Victoria Road on her birth certificate) with her sisters Mary
and Pat looking after her to Tregony Maternity Home, Bereweeke Road, Winchester - quite a journey when in labour! This was on 22 April 22 1944; just 6 weeks before D-Day.
Her Dad, Tommy, took part on D-Day continuing on to serve in Holland and Germany.
He was discharged when the War ended but quickly re-enlisted, went on to full service
and was finally discharged in May 1961.
Tommy's last job before retirement was as a Psychiatric Nurse at Coldeast Hospital.
Joan's Aunt Patricia met and married Private Tom Tarr whilst he was serving at the Psychiatric Wing of the
Royal Victoria Hospital. They were married in the Hospital Chapel on 19/10/1940.
Tom had been a miner before enlisting. He came from Worksop. He was an all-round athlete and
particularly good goalie. He served in North Africa and Italy during World War ll.
He retired as a Charge Nurse from Moorgreen Hospital.
Bryan Membery was in the RAMC and stationed at the Hospital in the 1960s.
He met his future wife there - Ann - Pat and Tom Tarr's daughter.
He went to The Falklands as part of the clearing up as something connected with Public Health matters.
Joan's Aunt Rosie met and married Private Joseph Heaney whilst he was serving at Netley Hospital.
Joe took part in the Normandy landings and served in Palestine for which he received his MBE.
Joan remembers living with her Mum in the garden of Oakhurst for a short period whilst Sir Rayner Childe Barker was resident.
[He was there between 1927 - 1944]
Joan thinks Aunt Rosie was for a time working at Oakhurst, possibly as the Housekeeper?
Uncle Jack (John Emerson) was a boy-entrant Bugler in the RAMC.
There is a beautiful large photo of him in the "moving" display in the Royal Chapel.
He went on to become a Captain and spent a long time in Woolwich.
He served in Palestine.
He was attached to the 6th Airborne Division and parachuted in on D-Day.
Uncle Dick (Richard Emmerson) was to become a Marine.
As a Boy-Drummer, he was one of the few survivors from the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous
which was torpedoed by the German Navy on 17/09/1939.
He was recognised by the Mayor of Plymouth in connection with the sinking.
We were amazingly fortunate as a family to have gone through both wars with no loss of life.
I lived at the hospital for a while as a child (Dad was still in the RAMC, he had a brief time in
Civvy Street after the war), in the married quarters and particularly remember sitting on the bank
outside of our house and watching the last train running to the hospital (1955/56?)
and all the transport movement and troops being there by our quarters for Suez.
Aunt Margaret became a Queen Alexandra (QA) Nurse.
She served in Egypt during the War.
Later she became a Health Visitor in the Southampton area and was also a Sister at
Netley Castle Convalescent Home.
Joan continues ...
My brother and I attended the Catholic church there, he as an altar boy and me
as an enthusiastic but very out-of-tune member of the choir!
My own Wedding Reception took place in the YMCA in 1967 with the Serjeants' Mess
acting as our barmen - we ran out of beer, what more can I say?
Auntie Mary and Auntie Pat were staunch members of Netley Methodist Church all their lives.
Auntie Mary's husband, Pete Parvin was a member of the Home Guard.
He was a Labour Councillor for Netley at the time that Netley had an all-Labour Council.
A Joiner by trade at Thorneycroft's, Uncle Pete built the bar in the lounge of Malmesbury Court,
with which my father and Auntie Margaret (Mrs Quarman) were very involved.
My Grandparents, Jack and Lily; my Parents, Tommy and Marion Dorothy; Aunt Pat and Uncle Tom Tarr;
Aunt Mary and Uncle Pete Parvin; Aunt Rosie, Uncle Jim, Uncle Dick and Auntie Laura, and their only daughter, Joan and her husband, Gerry Conybear are all buried/interred at the Church of St Mary, Hound Churchyard.
Thank you, Joan, for sharing your family's wonderful story
Erwood Family
Back in August 2018, a lady called Gail Erwood contacted me via the website about her family who
back in the 1920s lived in Netley Abbey. She was looking for any additional information about her Hampshire family as she now lives in Australia. She has created a website about her family and it
can be found on https://erwoodfamilyhistory.webs.com/
Many of the details come from Gail's website research and from the book
"The Boys behind Hound War Memorial" by Paul Keast and Maureen Queen.
George was born in Devizes, Wiltshire on 10 January 1847.
His wife, Julia Evelyn (nee Gardiner) was born on 20/03/1865 at Salisbury.
They lived at No 26 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey. George was one of many Village Residents who was employed at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Netley. where he was a
Stationary Engine Driver.
George died on 15 November 1917; Julia on 5 August 1927 at Netley
Their elder son, also called George [Gail's Grandfather] who was born on3 April 1891 at Netley,
left for Australia in 1925 with his wife, Kathleen and daughter, Hilda Cathleen (Cathie).
He never returned to England. He died at Williamstown, Victoria, Australia on 12 July 1962.
Sapper Frederick Morris Erwood
Service No 40847
66th Field Company, Royal Engineers
Freddie, born in 1893 in Hound, was the second son of George and Julia Erwood.
Pre-enlistment, was a house painter. He volunteered to join the Army on 26 August 1914.
He was posted to 66 Company Royal Engineers, part of the 10th (Irish) Division based at
Curragh Camp in Ireland.
After his initial training, he was given leave and returned to Netley on 16 January 1915.
Sadly once home, he developed a cough and a very severe headache.
He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital on 19 January and was diagnosed with meningitis.
He died that same evening, 19 January 1915. He was 21 years old.
He was given a full military funeral and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1661.
William Farr
In February 2020, Ruth Farr contacted me via our Facebook Page to share information on her
father-in-law's childhood in Netley Abbey and as an adult working at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
These are William's memories, narrated by Ruth -
He was born in Chamberlayne Road and attended the Village School, now the Library.
At the age of 5, he was told - "Farr - stop singing. You're putting the class out."
William was employed on the security staff at the Hospital from about 1945 to 1980.
He started by working on gate duty and over the years was promoted to Sergeant
in charge of site security.
During his time, he shared with patients, his own interest in printing
in order to assist with their rehabilitation.
He was awarded both a Certificate of Commendation and the Imperial Service Medal for
his long and faithful service at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
He was asked to stay on after the hospital closed to share his knowledge
whilst the country park was established.
In the 1950s, the family lived in Station Road and opened "London House", a secondhand furniture shop
which supplied people with much needed items which were still hard to buy at that time.
Thank you Ruth and William
-oo0oo-
In early 2021, Sheila Spence got in contact with me -
"I am researching some of my Ford forebears and have found Probate for Francis Robert Ford
who died 4 March 1935, Probate 13th May that year and his given address is
Ishmailia, Butts Lane, Netley Abbey, Hampshire.
I have no idea what this place is and am interested to find out more, wondering if you
have any information please."
Let's meet The Ford Family ...
Francis Robert Ford and his twin brother, Thomas J Ford, were born in 1859 at Newnham, Berkshire
Sadly Thomas died in 1861.
Francis married Miss Sarah Ann Johnson on 20 November 1879
Francis and Sarah Ann had four sons - Richard Henry, Harry, Francis "Frank" Herbert and Arthur John. Richard Henry Ford pre-deceased his parents in 1907
The 1911 Census shows the Family living in Rochester St Margaret, Kent.
Francis's occupation is Jobbing Gardener.
Arthur John Ford also pre-deceased his parents in 1929.
Then Francis's wife, Sarah Ann, passed away in Kent in 1933.
It may be that Francis Robert Ford then moved in with his son Frank Herbert Ford living at
"Ismailia", Butts Road, Netley Abbey where he died.
Ca 1935, there were two sets of semi-detached houses
"Windy-Croft" and "New Aloes" and then next door "Ismalia" and "Wynrose"
The 1939 Register shows Francis Herbert Ford and family still living at "Ismailia".
By then, the houses which had previously been in Butts Road were in the process of being given
House numbers rather than House names and had been "moved" to St Mary's Road.
"Ismailia" had become, we think, No 1 St Mary's Road
Charles Francis Ford and his family were living at No 1 St Mary's Road when he passed away on
28 December 1981 as shown in the Probate Records
Looking at the 1939 Register above, I noticed that Frank Herbert Ford's younger son is called Kenneth A. I asked Maureen Queen of Hound Local History Society to check for me and she has now confirmed that this gentleman is indeed Netley's own Ken Ford,
author of "Netley Abbey Village"!
It was reading his wonderful history of the Village which set me down the path to create
Netley Abbey Matters' website!
I have now been contacted by Roger Ford, one of Ken's sons who has given me more
information to add here. I'm just waiting for a couple of photos.
-oo0oo-
Foyle Family in Netley Abbey
Jim contacted me in December 2022 with his memories of Netley Abbey.
I presented him with a list of "Foyles" and addresses from my Netley Abbey Residents' Register
and what follows is his and his brother, Michael's reply.
1946 - 1964 John Alfred Foyle lived at "Endymion" 103 Station Road.
He is my Uncle Jack. He and his wife Aunty Queenie did indeed live at "Endymion", next door
to Andrews, the butcher's shop.
1964 P Foyle is at 9 Castle Road; J T Foyle is at 36 Monks Road
Peter and John are my cousins; sons of Jack and Queenie. Both played soccer for Netley.
Peter was a long time goalkeeper.
1964 Stanley Foyle is at 21 Hunt Avenue
Stanley is another Uncle, Jack and Dad's brother. He and his wife Mabel/Aunty May did live there.
They kept chickens and I recall Aunty May giving my mother Dorothy Foyle (nee Munnings) eggs in exchange for the kitchen scraps from my family home at 44 The Crescent.
In the late 1940s and well into the 1950s, one of my siblings or I would take a bucket of potato peelings, bits of cabbage leaf and the like to Aunty May and carefully carry home freshly laid eggs.
1964 S W Foyle is at 24 Monks Road
Stan is another cousin, Stanley and Mabel's son. I can recall he served in the British Army's
Parachute Regiment. They also had a daughter Theresa.
1964 C Foyle is at 44 The Crescent
C Foyle, is my father Christopher and he and my mother Dorothy successfully raised seven children;
in descending order of birth, they are Beryl, Michael, Jill, Mary, Jim, David and Stella.
Prior to WWII, we lived at 42 Hunt Avenue where I was born but the family moved to Devon
in 1940 where David and Stella were born.
We returned to Netley in April 1947 to live at 44 The Crescent but I can recall few occasions
when all nine of us were at home at the same time.
The most recent image below was taken at 44 The Crescent and from the left they are Christopher,
Michael, Dorothy, Jim, Stella, Jill, Beryl, David and Mary.
Stella, Michael, and me are the three surviving.
I lived at 44 The Crescent until 14 June 1960 when I was required for National Service.
Life in the Royal Air Force appealed to me - I had been both a Sea Scout and an Air Cadet in my teens - and I continued to serve until resigning and returning to civilian life on 1 January 1983.
I met my wife Caroline in Cyprus on 14 February 1962, Valentines Day, and she is still my Valentine.
Both in Cyprus and in Sardinia we were lucky to have lived a short walk from the Mediterranean's sandy shore. In the 1960s and early 1970s neither island had much of a tourism industry and their beautiful beaches were only lightly used.
I spent most of my service overseas living in Cyprus, Belgium, Sardinia and The Netherlands,
the latter three accompanied by my wife and our two daughters. During my time in Cyprus visitors were impractical but my parents and one or more of my siblings visited us for a holiday in the other three.
Michael, Jim's only surviving brother adds his memories ...
"In 1939 I went to Netley Infants school aged 5-7, under the Headmistress Miss or Mrs Trott, and
distinctly remember filing into the brick shelter during air raids, where we sang.
I suppose Beryl must also have been there before the war.
We also had shelters at home of course, Morrison indoors, and Anderson outdoors, but these must have been in Devon. Mum crouched in the Morrison with five of us under its steel table-top, and Dad
would be outdoors with tin hat joining other male members of the ARP.
We liked it when we had to use the outdoor one, as there was a special big tin of sweets.
During the 1960s, my work took Margaret and me to live in France and Italy, and later to Moscow in Brezhnev’s time for two years.
I wasn’t around much after Devon, of course, but did play cricket a few times on the Rec.
For cricket, the name Lysandrides comes to mind, also living in the Crescent.
Doing National Service postwar, I recall feeling a bit awkward, walking home from the Station to
44 in uniform, as I had a commission in the Int Corps.
Pre-war, in Hunt Avenue I recall Dougie Chiverton lived next door, and the chap who ran the
Sea Scouts next but one. Other members of ‘our gang’ in Hunt Avenue were Brian Sandham (?)
and Tommy Turner who used to bully me. I was quite a wimp at the time, I regret to say.
--oo0oo--
On the day in December 2022 I first heard from Jim, I also received a website enquiry about
another "Foyle", this time Police Sergeant William Foyle, from a guy called John Greenfield.
I asked John to give me more info but all he did was direct me to a new book he had just published
about his Great Grandfather. I replied that I wasn't going to buy the book. I heard nothing more.
Well, it turns out that Police Sergeant William Foyle is Jim's Grandfather!
Here's what Jim could tell me ...
"He lived in a house in Hound Road not far from the Royal Victoria Hospital's back gate.
This was before my time and I doubt I ever knew the house number but I can recall my father showing
me the house. It was between the main Southampton to Portsmouth rail line and the branch line from Netley leading into the Royal Victoria Hospital.
My Grandfather also served in the police on the Isle of Wight.
I believe my paternal grandparents were living in Stockbridge when my family returned to Netley in 1947. At that time in my life Stockbridge was beyond my walking distance horizon!
I also believe that following my Grandmother's death, my Grandfather lived with one or other of his
children in Hamble and Netley. I can recall him being at 44 The Crescent for a spell.
It was very much an earlier era - 'little children should be seen but not heard' lingered on at the time and my Grandfather was a subscriber, hence my memory of him is at best hazy."
Thank you Jim and Mike!
And just to finish off "joining those dots" - Mike above mentions the name
"Lysandrides" who was one of his fellow cricket players (and also played football
with Jim's Cousin Peter. I have the photos on the website as proof!)
Anne contacted me in June 2023 looking for confirmation that her Grandfather, Herbert Huckle and
her adopted father, Lysandros were in Netley Hospital, Herbert in WW1 and her Dad in WW2.
It turns out that Lysandros's cousin is Jim Lysandrides ...
French Family and Business
55 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
1912 - 2019
In 2012, Ted French, the current owner of Abbey Engineering, 55 Victoria Road spoke to John Lawrence from Hound Local History Society on the occasion of his Family Firm's 100th Anniversary.
John L subsequently published the article in the "Scene" magazine.
On 20 January 2019, Julie and I visited Ted, Joan and John (Storey) at Ted's home in New Road
to be updated about this long-running family business etc.
The family gave us permission not only to reproduce their story here
but also allowed us to share their family photos. [Thank you]
In September 1912, Ted's paternal Grandfather, Ted French and his wife, Edith, with their 6 weeks-old son, Ted, (Nipper) moved to Victoria Road, Netley Abbey where they opened a cycle shop for sales and repairs. The family, Ted, Edith, Nipper and Violet) lived above and at the back of the shop.
Ted Senior built and repaired bicycles in the rear workshop while Edith managed the shop where all sorts of things relating to cycling were sold.
The business remained open during WW1 albeit at a reduced level. Post-war saw an increase in the number of cars and motorcycles to the village so the business redeveloped into a garage servicing and repairing both. A servicing pit was constructed and petrol pumps were installed at the front on Victoria Road.
Ted's Grandfather started the first bus service between Netley and Woolston in the late 1920s, doing 4 or 5 trips a day. The fare was a few pence.
"Nipper" was becoming involved in the garage business driving taxis in the evenings.
His sister, Violet who had been born in the upstairs accommodation, would sometimes help in the shop.
She was a keen oarswoman and competed in the local regattas.
The Taxi and Charabanc service attracted some competition which overtook the French business
and Ted was sadly forced to discontinue the service.
Despite this setback, the company thrived as a garage during the 1930s, with a small taxi service as a sideline.
"EASTER WEEK WEDDING".
A picturesque wedding was celebrated at St. Edward's Church on Saturday, April 18, the bride being Miss Violet May French. only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. French. 55. Victoria Road. Netley Abbey, and the bridegroom Mr. MacDonald, son of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, 12, St Anne's Road. Woolston.
The bride was given away by her father, and was attired in a gown of heavy oyster satin, draped shirt and short train. Her veil was hand embroidered with silver and a halo of silver leaves and pleated net.
She was attended by one bridesmaid. Miss Winnifred McDonald (sister of bridegroom),
who wore a gown of pink floral chiffon and large crinoline hat, and carried a posy of pink carnations.
The duties of Best Man were carried out by Mr. E. French (brother of the Bride).
The officiating clergyman was the Vicar (the Rev. W. E. Henty Summers).
A merry peal of bells rang out as the happy pair left the church.
A reception was held at the bride's home.
The bride and bridegroom, who subsequently left for the honeymoon (which is being spent at Highcliffe), were the recipients of numerous and useful presents.
Hampshire Telegraph 24/04/1936
During WW2, Ted's father "Nipper" served in the Home Guard and the business was left to "tick over" whilst Nipper worked at Folland's Aircraft in Hamble, helping to build Spitfires.
During this time, he met Ted's mother, Daisy, who was also helping to assemble Spitfires.
They married once the War was over.
Petrol rationing came to an end so the garage business picked up again.
"Nipper" and Daisy lived in Satchell Lane, later moving to Station Road, Netley Abbey where
Ted was born and grew up. At the rear of their garden, the large shed was used
by the Mini-car Racing Club of which Ted is a founder member.
Always looking for a new slant for the business, a paraffin delivery round was offered on Saturdays.
There were two main types of paraffin used in those days - "Esso Blue" and "Shell Pink".
Ted told us that on their delivery van, one side was blue and the other pink!
The paraffin came from Esso at Fawley, pumped under Southampton Water to
the Shell Hamble Depot where the pink dye was added.
In 1955, Austin Motor Company celebrated their 50th Anniversary by building 50 Mini Cars and then organised a national event for children to race one of these cars in a "Junior Grand Prix".
Ted's father, through his motoring contacts, arranged for him to be one of the contestants.
Ted left school in 1963, taking a Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship with his father, attending Southampton Technical College for "off the job" training and achieved a City and Guild's Qualification.
His interest and enthusiasm for making and machining metal parts led him to return to college at Portsmouth Poly Tech to study engineering, from which he qualified as a Professional Engineer in 1971.
Ted married Corinne in 1976, living first in Thornhill, Southampton before moving to Hamble in 1985. Corinne joined the business as Company Secretary but very sadly and unexpectedly passed away in 2001.
The company called "Abbey Engineering" was created in 1966 and remains very firmly
"open for business" today.
-oo0oo-
Following on from a post on our Netley Abbey Matters Facebook Page in December 2021, David Henshall shared the following story about Garrick Lodge where his Grandparents lived -
Garrick Lodge
"At the end of the war, with my Grandfather in increasingly poor health, my Grandparents sub-let
the top of their house, Garrick Lodge, at the end of York Road (opposite the Red Lion pub) to
a Dr Archibald Henderson and his wife, Rose. The Doctor had been working at the Royal Victoria
Hospital which made sense as, during the war my Grandparents had taken other lodgers,
all of whom had worked there.
The Hendersons then moved and promptly vanished but it would not be long until it
became clear that they had suffered a grisly fate.
In 1947, they had fallen in with John Haigh who was showing interest in buying their
house. Instead he murdered them both with Dr Henderson's wartime revolver and
then disposed of their bodies in barrels of acid - giving Haigh the media title of the
"Acid Bath Murderer"
Once he had been caught, his trial was held at Lewes Assizes and my Grandfather
was to be called as a prosecution witness. Sadly his health was not up to the task
so my Grandmother went in his place and gave evidence - a fact that we found
amazing as she was hardly a 'worldly woman' - but she was made of
stronger stuff!
Haigh was convicted and hung and for a while, there had been some media interest in the
Hendersons and their life but that would soon fade.
Garrick Lodge would continue as our family home until the mid 1980s when it
was knocked down to make way for a block of flats."
Thanks, David!
Greenwood Family
The Pines, Station Road, Netley Abbey
1889 - 1953
In November 2022, Anne-Marie contacted Julie and me to share her family's connections to Netley Abbey Village and Hospital. Anne-Marie is pulling together some information about the
family to be shared here but this is what we have so far ...
Samuel Greenwood was born in London in 1844.
In 1873, he was employed as a Messman to the Army Medical Staff at the
Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley
Sadly on 24 November 1874, Samuel and Ann's 5 week old son, Frank Leslie Greenwood, passed
away. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery.
The inscription reads - "Fell asleep in Jesus"
The 1881 Census shows Samuel, Ann and their family are living at the Hospital:
Samuel Greenwood and his wife Ann leased several plots of land from the Chamberlayne family,
including -
By the time of the 1891 Census, the family has moved out of the Hospital and is now living
at Elgin Cottage, Butlocks Heath
By 1901, Ann has passed away and Samuel, Widower and his extended family have moved into
The Pines on Station Road, Netley Abbey
The 1911 census gives details of Samuel and his daughter, Alice Arabella Louisa and 3 Nephews named Rice.
On the 1911 Census, Samuel's daughter Kitty aka Catherine, 29 is employed as a Governess with
the Paisley Family living at "Northlands", Northwood Park, Baring Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The photograph below is believed to have been taken in the rear garden of The Pines.
The young boys in the front row are the Rice children.
The handsome chap with the moustache is Samuel Greenwood.
Anne-Marie is unsure which girl is which but believes that the lady at the centre front
is Edith Ada, her Great Grandmother.
Throughout the Great War, Kitty worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Samuel passed away on 14 December 1915 at "Homelands", Station Road, Netley Abbey
On the 1921 Census, Great Aunt Bella is now Head of the family.
She was born in 1869 at Preston.
Also on the Census is -
her Niece, Ada Elizabeth Rice, born at Greenwich in 1893;
her Nephew, Gordon Rice, born at Netley in 1900 and
her Nephew, Edward Cecil Rice, born at Swaythling in 1903.
Great Aunt Bella died in 1925.
Her sister, Kitty, aka Katherine, returned to The Pines for the remainder of her life.
She passed away at Moorgreen Hospital on 16 January 1953, aged 71.
Thank you Anne-Marie!
Dick and Jackie Henshall
Dick and Jackie Henshall gave me some of their childhood memories relating to H G Ross's Builders premises on Victoria Road, Netley where their Grandfather, Phil Hampton was in charge of the Workshop.
I've moved their story to here as Past Lives and Times of Netley Village l (where it was)
has disappeared as a result of this website's makeover.
Dick's words -
"The building itself was amazing and I can still walk through it in my mind.
You went in the front door and there were offices left and right. Beyond that were the staircases to the upper floor. Next on the left was the plumbing and machine repair room (As a lad I used to call the mechanic Uncle Stan and the truck driver Uncle Alec although they were no relative) and on the other side of the main corridor was the Paint room. I can't remember the painter (Len comes to mind) but I remember him teaching me how to paint and hold a brush correctly.
Ross's had a 3 ton truck and the corridor was wide enough to easily park and load the truck inside.
The back of the building was closed off with fire doors and in the left of the Woodshop was the main machine area and to the right was a closed off area with work benches. All the machines were belt driven from a big electric motor in the corner which I used to be allowed to start. I still remember the 'clack clack clack' of the belts under the floor as they were only covered by wooden panels for easy access.
The upstairs front windows had stained glass and the rest of the floor was just rooms used for storage. Above that was the water tank and access to the clock and the roof."
Jackie's memories -
"I too used to climb over the garden wall to play in the builders yard at the back of Ross's.
Uncle Stan and Uncle Alec moved some of the frames covered in corrugated sheets to make me a den and I remember eating an easter egg there tucked out of sight.
Thank goodness there was no health and safety then!
I remember the smell and the huge - and I mean huge - spider that lived under the sink on the left
as you went through the door. He was like a pet and the guys there used to feed him.
I'm sure that I was told that he ate young children!"
Dick and Jackie's Grandparents lived in No 3 Woodland Terrace, New Road, Netley Abbey but after Phil retired, they moved into the Cottage located in the rear of H G Ross.
"To get to the cottage, you had to go through the black gates at the side of the building."
The Cottage is visible in the above photo.
Thank you, Dick and Jackie for your memories, most appreciated!
David Hillman recounts his memories of playing football at Netley sometime in the early 1960s. He is replying to Angela's 2010 post!
A number of "well-kent" names!
Originally posted online on 29 January 2012
Hobbs and Moorse Families
Jenny Shipway's first message to me back in July 2020 said -
"My grandmother wrote (in 1940s?) reminiscences of playing in the hospital grounds, aged up to
5 years (1918 -1919) at which point her mother runs off with another man, taking my
grandmother with her."
Let's meet Jenny's family ...
Great Great Grandfather - Corporal Alaby Vibert Hobbs
Service No 5073, later 10605
6th Brigade Royal Artillery
He was born in March 1866 at St Owen's, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
His Parents are Alaby and Jane, nee Vibert. Alaby Senior was a Carpenter
They were married on 9 June 1867 in Portsea.
Pre-enlistment Alaby Vibert Hobbs was a Tailor.
He attested as a Trumpeter, 14 years old, at Jersey on 2 October 1880
Great Great Grandmother - Miss Ethel Gertrude Maria Hayes
Ethel was born on 26 March 1874 at Bangalore, India. She was baptised on 6 August 1874.
Her Parents are Esther Elizabeth and John Hill Mccally Hayes
On 14 April 1890 at Holy Trinity Church, Bangalore, Corporal Alaby Vibert Hobbs married
Miss Ethel Gertrude Marie Hayes
Ethel pretends to be from Mauritius as it is more socially acceptable than being Indian at that time.
She is reported as a romantic figure because she had run away from a convent to marry at 16 years old.
Her husband, Alaby was 8 years older.
Ethel and Alaby had 10 children, 8 of whom were born in Jersey.
On 15 July 1897, the Medical Board approved the Discharge of Corporal Alaby from the Service,
having been found "medically unfit for further service" due to suffering with chronic rheumatism
His discharge date was 9 August 1897. He had served 16 years 312 days.
Following Alaby's Army discharge, the family returned to Jersey, Channel Islands
as evidenced by the 1901 Census -
The 1911 Census has Ethel and Alaby and the family living at 2 Mercury Mews, Hamble with Alaby employed as a Storeman within the Barrack Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Alaby Vibert Hobbs passed away on 16 October 1919 and was buried at Netley Military Cemetery
on 20 October 1919.
On her husband's death, Ethel with her sister, Esther, aka Blanche (a lady of severe
aspect and some mystery) returned home to India.
There's a bit more about Ethel later ...
Great Grandmother - Miss Esther (aka Hester) Nora Amelia Hobbs
She was born on 16 April 1891 in Bangalore.
She was baptised at the Holy Trinity Church Bangalore on 14 May 1891
She is the eldest daughter of Alaby and Ethel Hobbs above.
Esther also has an illegitimate child from before her marriage, whom my grandmother believes
at this time to be her auntie (and who despises her).
This is Lena Doris Fry Hobbs, born 12 February 1909 (Esther would have been 18 years old).
Lena's father, CB Fry, is a Fry's chocolate scion; my grandmother speculates that the Fry family did not
want him to marry Esther due to her Indian colouring.
On 1 September 1913 at South Stoneham, Esther married my ...
Great Grandfather - Serjeant Francis Edward Moorse
Service No 25245
Royal Army Medical Corps
He was born at St Mary Bourne on 12 October 1888.
[some documents show his birth year as 1886. others 1888]
He is living with his Uncle and Aunt, Harry and Elizabeth Sedgewick
on the 1891 Census at Ivy Cottage, Hamble;
and also on the 1901 Census but at The Bugle Inn, Hamble.
On the 1911 Census, Francis is a Boarder staying with others in the home of Mrs Eliza Williams, Widow,
at The Quay, Hamble
The two references below are the only ones we have found regarding his Army career
Serjeant F E Moorse
Mentioned in Despatches on 9 March 1919
Gazette No 31728 Page 530
"Brought to notice for gallant conduct and distinguished services" by General Sir G F Milne, KCB, KCMG, DSO, Commander-in-Chief, British Salonika Force
Forces War Records
According to newspaper reports of his death (see further down) ...
in 1917 whilst serving with the British Salonika Force in Greece, Francis was injured when a shell
exploded close to him. He was invalided back to his Home Base at Netley Hospital.
Meanwhile, Esther is working full time as a Clerk at Netley Hospital between 1916 to 1919.
She is living at 112 B Square Married Quarters at the Hospital.
Francis's sister Edith Alice Moorse is also working full time as a Storekeeper at Netley Hospital in 1917.
Her address is given as "Riverside", St Mary Bourne, Hampshire which is the Moorse family home.
By 1921 Census, Francis has been discharged from the Army and is living with his family at
"Chalons Villa", Station Road, Netley Abbey. He is employed at Netley Hospital as a Dental Clerk.
Sometime in 1926, my Great Grandfather, Francis was admitted as a Patient to the Star + Garter
Home for Disabled Sailors and Soldiers in Richmond, Surrey. He is incapacitated.
The 1939 Register shows he is still there. He is now widowed as Ethel had died in 1931.
Francis passed away at the Star + Garter Home in August 1944.
The Inquest held at Kingston-on-Thames on Thursday, upheld that death was due to an
injury he received when serving in the last war in Greece in 1917.
The Pathologist said death was due to kidney trouble following degeneration of the
spinal cord. In his opinion, a shell burst was sufficient to start degeneration.
The Coroner recorded a verdict of "death from war injury"
Richmond Herald 19/08/1944
My Grandmother - Emma Myrtle Nora Eva Moorse
Born in Hamble in 1914. Her Parents are Francis and Esther Nora Amelia Moorse.
My Grandmother, Myrtle aka Moya wrote her reminiscences of her childhood playing in the Hospital
Grounds. She recounts moving to the hospital so was old enough at that point to
make an impression at least. I also see that she is remembering "25 years ago" which would mean she was just 30 years old when writing, ie in 1944.
"My Grandmother [Ethel] was a very young Grannie being only 41 when I was born. We
eventually went to live with her because of the advent of the war in which my father served.
We moved to a big red brick house in the next village. We were now the centre of much activity,
living as we did beside a large military hospital whose grounds were ever open for exploration by any
of the children of the vicinity; it was Sherwood Forest, it was the Sahara or Treasure Island ..."
"My Mother was a lovely, high-spirited creature ... and so very naturally, I was left to the care of my Grannie whilst Mother went off to "do her bit" in the Hospital where she was a VAD of some authority and
popularity. I was proud of her gaiety and remember mostly that she seemed to play endless
games of tennis with rather handsome young men."
"The water which lapped the Hospital grounds was a never-ending source of delight; we paddled,
we bathed in it, we sought out sea beasts and collected seaweed, we fished in it for minute specimens
which were taken home to Grannie to cook. And we watched the great big liners, their funnels
streaming black smoke behind them."
My Great Grandmother, Esther ran off with another man, taking my Grandmother, Moya with her
whom she dumped on an "auntie" in Edinburgh for a year.
I feel rather sorry for poor Francis having married a fallen woman and then being abandoned
like that at only 30 years old.
Thank you Jenny for sharing this amazing story!
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Post-Book Update!
Chris Horn contacted me in December 2019 asking if there was any information on the Netley Hospital Names' database for his Great Grandfather - Serjeant-Major Arthur Horn.
I subsequently pulled together the story of his Great Grand-dad and his two sons, Arthur John, born 13/05/1904 and Herbert Charles, born 12/11/1910. I displayed their story on this website under Shared Hospital Stories, until it was transferred over to my book "Unforgotten Lives at Netley Hospital" in May 2024.
Whilst chatting via email to Chris about my book, he offered to send me a photo of his Grandfather,
Herbert Charles Horn and some information about the Horn family who continued to live in Netley Village
for many years.
Let's meet Chris's Grandfather again and continue the family's story in Netley Village
Herbert Charles Horn
Service No 313442
Royal Army Medical Corps
Based at Netley Hospital
Herbert married Caroline Hillman sometime in the 1st Quarter of 1935.
He left for India shortly after.
On 7 January 1944, he was promoted to become Acting Quarter-Master Sergeant
Supplement to London Gazette 31/03/1944 No 1486; 36446
Whilst Herbert was away, Caroline lived at Victoria Cottage on Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
with her Father and Chris's Dad as a small boy.
Caroline was In Service working for a Colonel Ahern.
Chris's Dad, David served in the Grenadier Guards.
Herbert passed away on 22 May 1959. He lived in Winchester. He was buried on 26 May 1959 at Magdalen Hill Cemetery, Section C Con; Grave No 01/96; Internment No 722. He was 49.
Thank you Chris for updating the story!
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Post-Book Update!
In June 2023, Anne contacted me to enquire about her natural Grandfather and her adopted Father who were both at Netley Hospital at different times. Let's meet her Grandfather again -
Herbert Huckle
Service No 9152 - Corporal
2nd Bn Bedfordshire + Hertfordshire Regiment
Service No 5946152 - Company Sergeant Major
5th Bn Bedfordshire + Hertfordshire Regiment
Herbert was born in 1889 at Stotfold, Bedfordshire.
His Parents are William and Mary Anne (nee Reynolds) Huckle.
William was born in 1858; Mary Anne in 1854. She died in 1914.
He enlisted in the Regular Army on 30 July 1907.
The 1911 Census has Herbert in Bermuda with his Regiment. He is single, aged 22.
His documents show that he served in France from 04/10/1914 to 08/11/1914 and having been wounded in action, was returned to England and admitted to Netley Hospital with gunshot wounds.
His Army Pension record says he had gunshot wounds to his legs but he told his sister that
he was hit in the chest.
They had two children -
Phyllis Lilla born on 20/10/1919
Dennis Herbert on 05/06/1922
Herbert mentions above that he was due to leave Netley Hospital to "recruit my health".
One of his Army documents shows he was admitted to Lady Cairn's Convalescent Home at Romsey.
There are documents online showing an apparent mix up involving a Separation Allowance Claim made against Herbert by a lady claiming to be his (separated) wife. However, at the time of the marriage to this lady, Herbert was in South Africa with his Regiment and was a single man.
The Registrar at Netley Hospital forwarded to Army Records Office, a Statement dated 17/11/1914
made by Herbert to this effect.
He married Miss Henrietta Lilla Hawkins on 20 December 1918 at the Parish Church, Hitchin.
Herbert was discharged on 23 May 1919 on completion of 12 years' service.
At the time of his discharge, the family were living at 7 Old Park Road, Hitchin, Herts.
He re-enlisted on 9 June 1925 with the 5th Battalion of Bedfordshire + Hertfordshire Regiment.
At the time of his second Discharge on 7 May 1932, he had attained the rank of
Company Sergeant Major
His total service was 18 years 10 months.
Left - Herbert in front of a DH60 plane ca 1925 onwards, fore-runner of a Tiger Moth?
Dennis is Anne's natural father. She was born in September 1946.
His marriage to Anne's Mum did not last long and he left the family home.
Anne and her Mum lived with her Mum's parents who ran a fruit shop.
Anne started to search for Dennis Huckle in the late 1990s and eventually, in ca 2000, was put
in touch with her Aunt Phyllis. Although Phyllis was also estranged from her brother, she was
able to tell Anne that Dennis had died in the previous 6 months.
Anne has a photo of a Coronation tea party photo taken in College Road featuring Phyllis and
her mother, Henrietta Lilla and Phyllis's son Christopher.
Phyllis was widowed in 1945. She became a founder member of the War Widows Association and was awarded the MBE for her charity work. Anne's Mum and Phyllis used to be good friends so at least they met again and then they both died within 5 weeks of each other.
At Phyllis's funeral in 2015, there was British Legion Standard and a War Widows Standard.
Her ashes are in Venray Cemetery, Netherlands beside her husband's remains.
Anne keeps in contact with Phyllis's son Christopher.
Anne's story doesn't stop there! Click on Shared Hospital Stories I - M to read about
her adopted Dad - Lysandros Michael Lysandrides.
Thank you Anne!
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In February 2020, Mark Wood posted the photo left with the information below. He kindly gave me permission to share both on my website. Thank you.
Lieutenant Arthur Henry Boothe Hulley
He served in the Natal Light Horse during the Natal Rebellion in 1906.
During the Great War, he was in the Royal Field Artillery arriving in France in November 1915.
He died of disease at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 4 December 1918, aged 35. He is buried in the Officers' section in Netley Military Cemetery.
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In November 2020. a gentleman called Victor Isaacs contacted me to share his memories of Netley Hospital where he met his wife-to-be, Miss Brenda Whitlock.
"In 1968, as a Corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps, I was transferred after a period in Germany, Cyprus and Tidworth to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Netley as a trained medical orderly.
I was based in D Block, Victoria House caring for psychiatric military personnel.
I served there for 2 years till October 1970 when I left the army.
The canteen as far as I can remember was a Nissan style hut, and it is there I have
my most fondest memories.
A young girl called Brenda (a civilian) was working in the kitchens and served the food
with others to the staff. After a while we became good friends and I invited her to a Christmas dance
at the Pier in Southampton in 1969.
Brenda was a cheery, bubbly person and we got on really well,
so well that in April 1969 I proposed to her and she accepted.
As a civilian now after 8 years service, despite coming from Blackpool in Lancashire,
Brenda was nervous about leaving her mother and moving North.
I too had no real ambition to do so either.
On 24 April 1971 we were married in the registry office and set up home in
West End, part of Southampton.
Brenda and I had two wonderful children - Richard who is now 47 and Rachael 38.
My life took a different path from being a medic to find my love of cricket and statistics,
I joined Hampshire County Cricket Club in 1975 and became their scorer and public address announcer.
It meant I was away from home for periods during the season, but when the children were old enough, Brenda would come to the various areas around the country where Hampshire would be playing.
She loved this.
When I retired from Hampshire after 31 years, I became involved in Army cricket and now run
the Army cricket website, something that keeps my brain active, but I still miss the love of my life and enjoyed the extra portions she put on my plate in the canteen.
We were married for 48 wonderful years until the dreadful dementia took her
from me and the family in May 2019.
Following this after 6 months, I looked to move from the bungalow as I was old (75) and partially disabled to a place more suited for my needs and moved to Moore Crescent, Netley Abbey.
It was the first time I had returned as a resident to the village since those days fore-mentioned.
In the current climate of self isolation, I wonder how dear Brenda would have handled the situation but I found the community of Netley has risen to this and been extremely helpful and caring."
Thank you, Victor
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Jacobs Family
In March 2022 I was contacted by James who was happy to share his Family's story.
Let's meet -
Great Great Grandparents - George Edwin and Julia Milvena Jacobs (nee Bale)
He was born in 1855 on the Isle of Wight; she was born in 1863
They were married on 23 August 1890,
Kelly's Directory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight 1898 shows George as the Landlord of
The Sportsman's Rest, Porchfield, Isle of Wight.
He was a Hound Parish Councillor in 1907
On the 1911 Census, he is the Inn-keeper of The Plough Inn, Portsmouth Road, Old Netley
The 1921 Census shows George Edwin Jacobs (senior) and his family are living at 69 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
[Sadly despite my best efforts, the Census Entry is virtually illegible so here's the transcript.
It's only got spelling errors and possibly George Jnr's birth year wrong?]
By 1933, he, his wife, son and 2 daughters were living at No 1 Ellis's Row, Victoria Road,
which is where he passed away in late June of that year as a result of failing health.
His son, James's Great Grand-dad was also George Edwin Jacobs, well-known in the Village as "Ted". He was born on 7 September 1892.
In 1924, he married Edith Joan Place who had been a Nurse at the Royal Victoria Military Hospital.
Ted and the family lived in 1927 at "Belmont" on Station Road; it's believed that he
ran his haulage business from a lock-up behind what is now the Estate Agents
(previously the Launderette, then a Florist)
Sadly Ted's wife, Edith died young at 33/34 years, causing James's Grandfather and Great Uncle
to split their upbringings, his Grand-Dad, Peter Vernon Jacobs, remaining in Netley Abbey.
"The wife of Mr T Jacobs, Coal Merchant, Station Road who had influenza, contracted
pneumonia and was taken to the Royal South Hants + Southampton Hospital
where she passed away on Sunday afternoon.
She leaves 2 small children.”
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 13/01/1933
We've now established that around 1936/37, Ted built House Nos 90, 92 and 94 Station Road.
[We are now quite confident that No 90 became "Rowiana" and No 92, "Penrhyn"]
Following on from the death of his first wife, Edith, Ted had married Miss Dorcas Mary Perry.
He and his family moved into No 94 naming it "Perryville" after Dorcas's maiden name.
The 1939 Register shows -
The family moved from "Perryville", ca 1946 to "Avonmore", further down Station Road
[Another "Lost Property", knocked down to build Avon Court flats off Latelie Close]
The family were still at "Avonmore" when Ted passed away on 7 April 1965.
"There used to be a swing on the large oak tree in the back garden, The tree is apparently still there today."
Ted's brother, Robert James Jacob died in the Great War and is remembered on
Hound Church War Memorial. [Ongoing research]
Ted's sister, Ethel married Arthur Willoughby Weeks.
Ken Ford’s book, Netley Abbey Village, contains many pictures of the Jacobs Family.
Great Grandfather Ted and Grand-Dad, Pete are in the cricket teams and
3 of James's Aunties and his Mum are in the School photos.
James's other set of Great Grandparents were Fred and Nellie Scard.
They were living in Denzil Avenue when their daughter Joyce was born.
Fred was apparently involved in drawing up the plans for the building of the British Legion.
Nellie was living at No 8 Denzil Avenue when she passed away in 1980.
Their daughter Joyce married James's Grand-dad Peter Vernon Jacobs,
His Mum, Gillian, was born at 26 Queens View and attended Netley Infants in 1966.
By the way ...
James's sister's Nan is Pat Hailstone, wife of Stan, leader of the Hailstone Band.
Stanley Ralph Hailstone passed away in 2006.
Pat still lives at No 94 Station Road aka Berkswell House aka Perryville!
and Great Grandfather George's second daughter married into the Holt family.
and there is a family called "Dines" who live in Culver on Ingleside related to the Scard Family
James concludes -
"I’ve lived at the The Crescent, Moore Crescent, New Road, Priory Road and Newbridge,
but the final ending of 100+ (possibly continuous) years of Hound Parish residence
from my direct Jacobs family finally ended with me, when the part of Old Netley
I now live in was decided to be moved to Bursledon
- I wonder what George Jacobs Snr would have made of that on the 1907 Council!"
Thank you, James!
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In January 2020, John and Tim Lane contacted me to share their memories of growing up in Netley Village
and their -
Lane/Orman Family
Our Great Grandfather, ie our mother's Grandfather was Walter Orman.
He and his wife, Harriet had 5 sons - Bert, Fred, Frank, Les and Harold - and 2 daughters -
Gertie and Milsie.
I found the Original of this in a box in the History Room at Netley Station a year or two ago!
In 1907, Walter and his family were living at 65 Victoria Road, Netley
Frank Reginald Orman owned the garage on Station Road, opposite the Lankester + Crook store.
He became a JP and Parish Councillor. His brother Bert was also a Councillor.
Fred ran the Hairdressers a few doors away, down Station Road. He had something wrong with one of his legs. John recollects he wore a leg brace and was cruelly called "Oppy", or similar.
His sister, Milsie ran the Sweet Shop in Victoria Road, next to where the Cinema was.
The two maiden aunts, Gertie and Milsie Orman lived in a house directly opposite Netley Court
Care Home. Their new home was built in the garden of the old house, the front rooms of which were letout to a Bank - Union of London and Smiths Bank, at 54 Victoria Road.
Tim recalls the garden of the old house had an Anderson shelter.
Our Grandfather Frank R Orman and his wife, Lena lived at Milton Lodge on the corner of Station Road and Gashouse Hill. It was quite a large house with a bowling green in the garden.
[Milton Lodge, 104 Station Road, has been replaced by two bungalows]
John says he was a pupil at Netley Infants around 1952.
Whilst he was there, the school suffered a minor burglary - a fountain pen was stolen!
Tim and John's Parents are Ted and Phyllis Lane, nee Orman.
Their father Ted ended up as Director and General Manager of Folland Aircraft, based
on the Earl of Harwood's Estate just the other side of the Hospital.
Tim and John were in the Sea Scouts at Netley. Tim remembers the St George's Day parades
to the Abbey Ruins where there would be a massed service - all the uniformed services - for
which Grandfather Frank R provided the PA system.
John says "that these days, it is nice to get into the Royal Victoria Country Park legally as when I was young, we had to cycle through and hope we could avoid the guards on the gate when it was
still an active hospital to get to/from Hamble cliffs."
John and Tim's Mum, Phyllis, was a resident in Netley Court Care Home when the guys first
shared the above memories in January/February 2020.
