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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
SHARED STORIES R - W
"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 Surnames
R - W
Robertson/Salter Rogers/Baptie Ross/Dunnings/Ruthen Sainsbury Sellwood Sharpe
Spackman update Strain Williams Wilson Wright
Robertson Family
Sergeant John McDonald Robertson,
Service No 3177, 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)
was a veteran soldier having served 17 years. He was the proud possessor of
the Queen Victoria Medal and that of the King with six bars gained in the South African War.
When the war was over, he was transferred from his Regiment to the permanent staff at
Hamilton Barracks. Pre-enlistment he was a Butcher.
He was born on 3 January 1869 in Govan, Lanarkshire.
His Parents are John and Margaret Robertson, nee McDonald.
He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Gasson on 17 January 1898 at South Stoneham, Hampshire.
Mary was born in 1880 at Aldershot S Camp. Her Parents are Edward and Elizabeth Gasson
Her Dad was a Corporal in the Army Service Corps.
John and Mary had 4 children - Ivy, Willie, Peggy, and Teddy - all born in Netley Abbey.
Ivy Winifred on 14 July 1898
Willie (John William) in October 1899
Peggy (Margaret) on 1 May 1903
Teddy (Edward Edwin) in the 3rd quarter of 1905
Netley Infants School Register shows that -
Ivy started school on 15 July 1901
Willie started school on 6 July 1903; and
Peggy started school on 25 June 1906.
The Grantham Rail Crash 19 September 1906
Sergeant Robertson, his wife Mary and three of their children had been spending time with
friends in Netley Abbey, Mary's home village. Sergeant Robertson had just been discharged from
Netley Hospital. They were returning home to Hamilton and were
very sadly on the Scotch Express King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley which crashed at
just after 2300h on 19 September 1906 at Grantham North.
Folk waiting to get on the train at Grantham Station reported that the train failed to pull up at the
station and on running over the Harlaxton Road Bridge, the engine, with several coaches,
left the rails and rolled down the steep embankment.
Fire immediately broke out in the wrecked wooden coaches and 14 folk lost their lives.
Western Times 21/09/1906
Mrs Robertson was found unconscious with extensive bodily injuries. Her daughter, Peggy had escaped with a few minor injuries. Both were transported immediately to Grantham Hospital.
Mary remained unconscious all night but in the morning, when she came to, she asked after her
husband and three children. A search of the wreckage took place immediately and crushed, almost beyond recognition, Sergeant Robertson was found dead with a rug wrapped round his legs.
Near him lay his little son, Teddy, and his daughter, Ivy, both terribly mutilated.
Sorrowful Scene at Netley
The final chapter in the grim tragedy of death, which seems to have enveloped the historic village of Netley in a cloud of sorrow, was enacted on Monday, when the bodies of Sergeant John Robertson and his little baby son and daughter were committed to their last rest.
During the early part of the afternoon groups of people were to be seen wending
their way towards the station, and by 2.25 pm when the train carrying the bodies pulled in, the large open square, which immediately fronts the station, the station itself and every available spot of vantage, was occupied by a large crowd, whose presence was itself an eloquent tribute to the memory of the dead.
In the centre of the square were drawn up 40 men of the RAMC under the command of Lieutenant Payne and Sergeant Major Jont, both of the RAMC, also
Quarter Master-Sergeant Turner of the 4th Scottish Rifles and three men, two
from 2nd Scottish Rifles and one from the Regimental Depot and Police Constables French, Barker and Bothwell of the Southampton Borough Police Force, who were at one time members of the 2nd Scottish Rifles to which Sergeant Robertson
originally belonged. The gun carriage and team was provided by the Army Service Corps, the men being under the command of Corporal Frial ASC. There was also a detachment of eight men of the ASC under the command of Staff Sergeant Norman.
After the train had pulled into the station, the carriage containing the bodies was detached and shunted into the sidings. The coffin containing the body of Sergeant Robertson was first removed and reverently replaced upon the waiting gun carriage. An open carriage laden with floral tributes was then drawn up. A number of the wreaths were removed and soon the coffin was almost hidden under its beautiful burden. Following this, eight boys from the village, under the charge of Mr. Thomas, marched up in military formation and bore away the coffins containing the bodies of Sergeant Robertson’s little boy and girl to the Hearse which stood in readiness at a little distance. The Cortege was then formed and moved slowly away.
Throughout all these operations the silence was almost pathetic in its intensity.
The order of the Cortege was as follows -
First the gun carriage with its Mounted Corps, draped with the Union Jack, and upon which lay the flower-covered coffin containing the body of Sergeant Robertson, his military headgear and side arms. This was followed by the village hearse, in which
were the coffins of the two little children, Teddy and Ivy. Next the eight village boys marching four on each side of the Cortege, two coaches containing the principal mourners, and finally the detachment of 40 men of the RAMC with whom was the
Rev F G Wright, Chaplain of Netley Hospital.
After the Cortege had formed, some little delay was occasioned, as Mr. C. Logan, brother-in-law of Sergeant Robertson, who identified the bodies at Grantham, was arriving by train.
Numbers of people lined the route between the Station and Hound Parish Church and in the Churchyard itself a large concourse of people had gathered.
The Service was conducted by the Rev W A C Chevalier, Vicar of Netley, with that beautiful dignity and simplicity by which he is justly noted.
The first part of the Service was held within the Church and at the conclusion at the graveside, the Vicar gave a brief address with so beautiful an eloquence as to bring tears to the numbers of people who listened to it.
All their hearts went out that day to the sorrowing and the bereaved relatives of the Robertson family in deepest sympathy and sorrow. At the conclusion of the Service the “Last Post” was blown over the open grave by the Bugler of the RAMC.
The principal mourners included Mr C Day (Father-in-law), Mrs Salter (Sister-in-law), Mr C Logan (Brother-in-law), Mrs Hardie, Mr and Mrs Green, and Mr and Mrs Thomas.
Amongst the numerous wreaths, crosses, etc were -
In Loving Memory of a dear Ivy from her loving mother.
From Grandma and Grandpa
From sorrowing relations.
With fondest love from Willie for a dear Daddy, Teddy and Ivy.
To Ivy with deepest sympathy from Daisy
From the Officers of Regimental Districts (Hamilton N.B.)
With deepest sympathy from Captain C Young, 3rd Scottish Rifles
With deepest sympathy from Depot, Highland Light Infantry (Hamilton)
With deepest sympathy from the Sergeant Major and staff of the 4th Lincolns (Grantham)
With sincere sympathy from Freemason’s Lodge 568, Scottish Constitution.
In affectionate memory of Ivy and Edward from the Rector and Sunday School Teachers of St Mary’s, Hamilton.
With deepest sympathy from Colour Sergeant Alexander (Hamilton).
With deepest sympathy from old comrades - A French, C Bothwell and J Barker.
With much sympathy from Colonel the Hon H G L and Lady Emma Crichton.
With deep sympathy from the Sergeants' Mess, Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
With deepest sympathy from Mrs Tucker.
With deepest sympathy from the officers of the 3rd Battalion Scottish Rifles.
In Loving Memory of wee Teddy from his loving mother.
In Loving Memory of Sergeant Robertson from his devoted wife.
With deepest sympathy from members of the Netley Abbey United Football Club (Many of whom attended the Funeral).
The inscription on the coffin, which was of English Oak with Brass mountings read -
“John Robertson, died Sept. 19th 1906 aged 37 years”
Hampshire Chronicle Saturday 29/09/1906
Peggy had quickly recovered at the Hospital but for sometime, Mary lingered on the brink of death.
Becoming convalescent, although by no means physically recovered, she and Peggy were finally discharged from Grantham Hospital on Wednesday 7 November 1906 and both returned to Netley Abbey.
Peggy, however, became seriously ill on her return and she was removed to Southampton Infirmary where an operation for diphtheria was performed. Sadly Peggy passed away on 10 November 1906.
Primary cause of death was diphtheria, secondary cardiac failure. She was 3.5 years old.
Peggy's coffin was taken on Tuesday afternoon, 13 November from Mrs Robertson’s home at
8 Victoria Road, Netley to the Church by several choir boys who wore their cassocks and surplices.
There was a large gathering of relatives and friends at the Graveside and many
beautiful floral tributes were sent.
The coffin was of polished oak with handsome brass mountings.
She was laid to rest in a grave adjoining her Daddy in the Churchyard of St Mary, Hound.
Hampshire Chronicle 17/11/1906
Robertson Memorial Stone
Section C, Row 11, Grave 4
This stone is erected by the Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants of Hamilton Garrison in Loving Memory of our comrade, Sergeant John ROBERTSON of
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), husband of Mary Robertson, killed in
Grantham Railway Disaster, 19th September 1906.
Also, in memory of their two children Ivy and Teddy killed in the same accident and their daughter, Peggy who died 10th November 1906, from injuries and shock sustained at the same time.
Mary had one child remaining, Willie.
On 6 April 1907 at St Denys, Southampton, Mary married Lionel Henry Logan (a relation of
the Logans of Netley Abbey). Mary and Lionel relocated to Princes Town Hotel, Grouville,
Jersey, Channel Islands where their two children were born - Reginald Henry on 13 May 1908 and
Sydney George on 17 September 1909. Lionel was the Hotel Chef.
Lionel was born in July 1881 in Kingston-upon-Hull, East Yorkshire.
His Parents are Henry and Eden S M Logan
He enrolled in No 8th Training Battalion, RAMC on 8 March 1918. His Service No was 128339.
He was posted for duty with the Army School of Cooking at Portslade Camp.
Sadly, tragedy struck the family again when Willie, a Private with the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers,
was killed in action in France on 31 August 1918, aged just 19.
Then on 18 February 1919 at Portslade, Mary's husband Lionel died from Pneumonia/influenza and
cardiac failure, leaving her a widow once more, with two young children.
Serjeant Lionel Henry Logan is buried at Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery, Kensington,
Square 115 Grave 18247.
[There is a note on cwgc.org that the Commission is working to erect a headstone on his grave]
Mary Elizabeth Logan remarried. She died in 1984 aged 104!
Much of the above information came via Tony from Ann J - thank you!
The Salter Family
Tony's Great Great Grandfather, John Salter lived in Ivy Cottage in Butlock's Heath.
He was born in 1830. He was a soldier and after he was discharged in 1877, he worked at
Netley Hospital with the Army Service Corps. He died in June 1891, aged 60.
He and his daughters, Elizabeth Jane and Amelia, are buried in the Churchyard of St Mary's, Hound.
Tony's Uncle Gordon and Doug also lived in Butlock's Heath whilst Uncle John lived in
Denzil Avenue, Netley. Tony's Dad is Maurice. They too are all buried in Hound Churchyard.
Thank you Tony!
In December 2019, Elizabeth Conem contacted me via this website to add her Family's Story here.
The information she has given me and the photos found by her brother, Simon, make interesting reading,
with the added bonus of the connection to the Crook Family story [Shared Village Stories l]
- even before Robert's additions above and below!
Let's meet the Rogers Family ...
"My Nan was Annie Beatrice Crook, the first daughter and I believe possibly the eldest child of John Crook who had nine children.
Annie married Edward Rogers."
On the 1921 Census below, the family was living on Grange Lane, Netley Abbey.
Edward is employed as a Grocer's Assistant at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
"Their son, my father, was called Arthur Rogers.
He and his sister, also Annie Beatrice Rogers who was 7 years older than her brother, were brought
up in the accommodation belonging to the Grocers shop, their parents ran
on the corner of Denzil Avenue, Netley Abbey.
It was called "E Rogers".
The man standing at the door was my Grandfather, Edward Rogers. One of the two children is my Dad, Arthur Rogers. I don't know who the little girl was."
"Photo No 1 below is a bit of a mystery to us. We don't know who the fine chap on the cycle is.
The reverse of this photo is an unwritten Postcard."
Elizabeth is hoping that someone may recognise him.
If you do, please let me know via Contact Me.
Miss Ethel Irene Moore, third daughter of
Mr + Mrs William Moore of Pasadena Cottages, New Road, Netley Abbey was employed for "some time" in Mr Rogers' shop in Denzil Avenue.
She passed away suddenly on 18/08/1931.
There is a house called "Heatherdene" on Station Road, Netley Abbey but not in
Butlock's Heath. Mr Reynolds lived there between 1912 - 1917
"The photo below was taken in 1953.
It is the Wedding photo of my parents - Arthur Rogers and Pamela Mead at Hamble Church.
The couple on the very left of this photo are Edward and Annie Rogers in maturity."
The next photo is from the early 1930s - a lovely off-guard relaxed holiday photo showing the rest of the small family from E Rogers' Shop.
I think they were holidaying in Bournemouth, probably while husband and Dad, Edward Rogers
was back at the shop keeping the business running!"
"Centre - Annie Beatrice Rogers, nee Crook
Left - Arthur David Rogers, aged about 8;
Right - Annie Beatrice Rogers, known as Nancy, aged about 15."
"Edward Rogers died in 1957, aged 81; his wife, Annie Rogers, died in 1974, aged 82.
Both are buried in Hound Church Cemetery."
There is another mystery with which perhaps YOU can help Elizabeth!
She writes -
"There is a family story that my Nan looked after a Swedish princess somewhere in Netley for a while. Apparently the princess took refuge in a big house during the war, presumably WW1, and
Nan used to go there to cook for her. My Mum keeps a bell on her bookcase which apparently the princess used to ring to call for service."
Thank you Elizabeth and your brother, Simon, for sharing your Family Story!
-oo0oo-
In June 2022, Nicky E contacted me from South Africa to share the story of her Netley Abbey family
Ross, Ruthen, Dunnings Family
My maternal Grandmother was Phyllis Marion Dunnings, nee Ruthen.
She was born on 2 January 1911.
Her Parents are Philip and Elizabeth Ruthen.
The 1911 Census has the family living at No 2 Dart Villas, Station Road, Netley Abbey
Phyllis married John W Dunnings in 1934
John passed away in 1941 when their daughter, Valerie Ann was only 5.
In 1964, Phyllis was living at 58A Grange Road, Netley Abbey.
My Mum was Valerie Ann Dunnings, an only child. She was born on 9 August 1936.
My Dad was Anthony John Edward Ross.
His Parents are Robin David Genge Ross and Violet Estelle Ross, nee Budd.
They were married in August 1929. He was born on 21 July 1933
His Grandparents were Henry Genge and Francesca Henrietta Cecilia Ross
My Parents, Valerie Ann and Anthony John Edward became engaged
They were married at St Edward the Confessor Church, Netley Abbey on 27 July 1957
I, Nicola Ann, was born on 7 August 1958
We lived at Penshurst on Abbey Hill until we emigrated to South Africa in 1959.
After her retirement, my Grandmother, Phyllis Dunnings also emigrated to South Africa
Anthony and Valerie resided in Pietermaritzburg, Natal (now known at KwaZulu-Natal)
the greater majority of their lives.
I married Duonne Matthew Erasmus on 21 May 1988.
He was born on 7 March 1959.
We have 2 children -
Matthew John, born 7 June 1991, married Christen Renee Lahner on 12 June 2020; and
Emma Jane, born 17 January 1994.
My Sister, Sally-Ann Jane and my brother, Jonathan Anthony Genge, aka Jonty, were both born in South Africa.
Sally-Ann, born 27/01/1967, first married Guy Brandon King in 1993. They had two daughters -
Laurie Jane and Tayla Joan - and divorced in the early 2000s.
Sally-Ann then married Brett Miller in October 2003. They have a son, Liam.
Guy passed away in 2021.
Jonty, born 17/04/1970, married Dana Allanson in March 1997.
They have a son, Callum Andrews Ross and a daughter, Grace Isabella Ross.
Being the avid sportsman that he was, Dad quickly joined a local football club named Savages.
There are newspaper cuttings about him joining the club. There was quite a bit of hoo-ha about this Englishman joining their club!!
Below - the Savages Football Club win
the Winners' Cup in 1959
My maternal Grandmother, Mrs Phyllis Marion Dunnings passed away on 29 March 2001,
aged 90 years. Later that same year, my Mum, Valerie Ann Ross passed away on
23 October 2001 at 65 years of age.
My Dad, Anthony John Edward Ross passed away on 26 March 2017, aged 83.
My paternal Grandparents are Robin David Genge and Violette Estelle Ross.
They had 4 children. They later divorced after which my Grandmother, Violette,
left the UK for the USA.
David Robin Genge Ross
He emigrated, I think in the 1950s, to Vancouver, British Columbia. I have recently linked
with his daughter via Facebook but I don't know much about the family yet.
Anne Estelle Ross
She sadly passed away in the UK quite young. I don't know too much about her; she has 2 sons.
Elizabeth Mary Ross - aka "Boo"
Elizabeth emigrated to the USA. She has 2 children from her first marriage.
I am often in touch with Amy Markland who is Elizabeth's daughter from her second marriage.
Amy is in constant contact with her half-siblings.
and of course, my Dad - Anthony John Edward Ross - whom you've already met!
Thank you, Nicky and Duonne, for sharing both the photos and stories of your family!
Dear Reader - I heard from both Nicky Ann and Simon on the same day in early June 2022 via this website. Neither knew about each other despite both being the Great Grandchildren of Henry and Francesca Ross.
Simon's Dad, Malcolm, has fond memories of his cousin, Elizabeth.
As kids, they used to play together in Netley Village.
One time when she was feeling poorly, he wrote her a story to cheer her up.
The story was eventually made into a book called "Boo's Goose".
Malcolm very kindly sent me and Amy (Markland) a copy.
Thank you Malcolm
-oo0oo-
Past memories of Mr Frank Sainsbury
[Extracted from Oral History Interviews done in the 1970s by the then RVCP Team]
"I was born in Netley in the year 1890. I went to school in Netley and worked in Netley doing farm work with the horses, long hours from six in the morning to five at night. Then I went in the fields to work; then I went carting coal around the village and around Netley Hospital.
In 1939, I took over as Verger of the Royal Victoria Hospital Church, Netley. The congregation was good, we had a good choir and anthems morning and evening.
About thirty years I was Verger there.
I enjoyed every day and I am hoping to do it for many years to come."
Sellwood Family via a "War-time Postcard"
In early 2020, a lady called Hannah contacted me via this website to tell me a lovely story
surrounding a war-time Postcard which she had recently purchased at an Antiques Fair.
She lives in Cheshire; somehow the Postcard had made its way up to there.
Hannah decided to do some research and here's what she found out ...
"The Postcard is addressed to a Miss Rose Sellwood at Hartfield Cottage, Grange Road,
Netley Abbey.
I know that it is a World War 1 postcard as it mentions the Dardanelles.
It is also signed by a "Reg" although that doesn't yield many clues."
"Rose was actually called Elsie Rosa Sellwood and is Joseph Sellwood’s daughter.
The man who wrote to her, “Reg”, was Reginald Lewis Sellwood, her brother who was in the Royal Army Medical Corps. [See front of postcard photo below]
Elsie Rosa Sellwood went on to marry an Edward Skinner, and I think that their daughter Rosemary Skinner went on to become a Ruthen?
Ben Miles, mentioned on the Postcard, was Benjamin Parker Miles who lived in Netley and went off to war at the same time as Reginald."
The 1911 Census below shows the Sellwood Family living at Hartfield Cottages,
Grange Lane, Netley Abbey.
The Text in the margin at the back of the postcard reads -
This is the picture on the front of the postcard.
RAMC Mess Hall - but which one is Reg?
Mr A E Sharp was a Resident in Netley Abbey
between 1910 and 1985
He contacted Ken Ford in the late 1970s to give his Memories of the Village
Did any of the above "ring a bell" with you?
Please let me know via Contact Me on the left!
Post-Book Update!
The Spackman Family
In November 2020, Nigel G contacted me about an article he had read on my Facebook Page in which his Grandmother's sister, Eileen Spackman featured.
Eileen was one of the daughters of Lt (Charles) Harry and Kathleen Spackman.
Harry Spackman was born on 3 February 1862 at what was then the South Kensington Museum
(now the V + A) as his father, Benjamin Louis Spackman was serving with the Royal Engineers.
His Mother is Penelope Caroline Phillips, nee Hay.
He married Miss Kathleen Delany/Delaney in Dublin North on 4 August 1880.
Kathleen was born in Co Carlow in 1862.
[Both the 1891 Ireland Census and the 1901 Army Census below agree this year]
Kathleen and Harry's children were -
Benjamin Louis born in Ireland in 1881
Henry born in Ireland in 1882
Charles William born in Ireland in 1884
Arthur Patrick born in Gibraltar in 1886
Kathleen M born in Gibraltar in 1889
May born in Gibraltar in 1890
Twins Florence Rose and Eileen Annie born in Aldershot in 1891
Thomas Bertram born in Maryhill, Ross-shire in 1892
Ethel Penelope born in Dublin in 1895
Josephine born in Dublin in 1896
and (Gertrude) Violet born in Dublin in 1899
The 1891 Census below shows the family living at South Camp Aldershot.
By then Harry held the rank of Staff Sergeant. He is listed elsewhere with the other members of his Corps.
On 29 February 1896, Benjamin Louis Spackman Jnr followed in his Grandfather's footsteps and enlisted
in the Royal Engineers. His Service No was 18049.
He was discharged from the Regiment on 28 February 1908 on completion of his first period of
service of 12 years. He did though re-enlist for a further 7 years.
His 1896 Army Records show that his Father Harry is in Bloemfontein, South Africa and his
Mother, Kathleen, presumably with his siblings, is living at "Heathfield", Station Road, Netley Abbey.
On the 1901 Ireland Census below, Kathleen and the family are in Dublin.
Records show that Harry was serving with the Army Medical Corps in the South African War
of 1899 - 1902.
Harry's wife Kathleen died on 10 April 1906 from cancer at the Royal South Hants + Southampton Hospital.
Following Kathleen's death, the family were told that when Harry was next posted abroad, arrangements had been made for the children to go to an orphanage in Holland.
The entries below from the Dutch Orphanage show Grandmother Violet and her sisters, Florence Rose,
Ethel and Josephine arrived there on 4 April 1907.
William and Louisa Diggins, living by then at "Stanleigh", Station Road, Netley Abbey offered to
take the younger children to live with them. William was ex-RAMC, a Retired Colonel.
One of the twins, Eileen Annie was living at "Stanleigh" in 1908 when she had a "run-in with the law" when
she had "pleaded guilty to a summons for riding a bicycle in Above Bar and did not keep to the left or
near side of the road."
Southern Echo 27/11/1908
Nigel says that William Diggins was his Grandmother Violet's Guardian.
Whilst serving in Cape Town, Harry met Annie Thornton, a Nurse whom he married in 1907 at
Cape Town Cathedral. Sadly she wanted nothing to do with Harry's children in Netley.
On the day, the 1911 Census was recorded, Eileen Annie Spackman, 20, was a Visitor to the Diggins' house at"Stanleigh", Station Road, Netley. Her employment was an "Apprentice in Linen Drapers."
At some point, Eileen and Ethel moved to South Africa.
My Netley Residents' Register has (Gertrude) Violet Spackman working with the Voluntary
Aid Detachment at Netley Hospital between 1916 and 1919.
Violet married Arthur Henry Thornback on 16 October 1920.
On the 1921 Census, Arthur and Violet are living at "Sunnyhurst", Shirley Avenue, Southampton.
They had a Visitor on the day the Census was recorded - Violet's sister, Ethel Penelope Meaghan
Arthur was a Solicitor. He was born in Southampton on 15 July 1879.
His Parents are Charles and Sarah. He had two sisters, Catherine and Florence. His father was a Butcher.
Arthur died on 20 May 1937
The 1939 Register has Violet (and 2 closed records) living at 4 Glebe Court, Southampton.
Nigel's Mum, Margaret and her sister, Pat are the surviving children of Arthur and Violet
Thornback, nee Spackman. Their only son, Norman Arthur, sadly died only 5 days old in 1921.
Lt (Charles) Harry Spackman passed away on 18 January 1937 at Exmouth, Devon.
After the Second World War, Violet went to sea with Cunard and then the Union Castle Line which gave her the opportunity to see her sisters regularly.
Violet passed away at 43 Dimond Road, Southampton on 7 February 1967.
The burial plot for Arthur, Voilet and Norman at Hollybrook Cemetery.
Rosemarie S shared a memory on Facebook in August 2023; I commented and this led to her agreeing to give us more ...
"As you can imagine my memories of the Royal Victoria Hospital are more personal than historic.
However, I can tell you a few snippets.
I met Sergeant Ian MacKay Strain, Royal Army Medical Corps in 1959.
He had worked in "P" Wing at the end of the 1950s, about 1958 - 59.
After we married in 1960, we were allocated 15 Married Quarters.
The Sergeants' Mess was great fun and I remember going on a Treasure Hunt; Ian and I on his
motorcycle and all the others in their cars. We won and received a "silver" cup.
Great evenings in the YMCA Hut as well.
In October 1960, Ian was posted to BMH Nairobi just after we married and then after a posting in Buckeburg and Catterick (a very short stay as RVH wanted him for their football team!),
he was posted back to RVH as Regimental Sergeant Major.
We lived in a house next to P Wing and I was advised not to put underwear on the washing line
as the patients would read messages into it.
My two sons went to the local school (there was no school at RVH) and my daughter went to
the local kindergarten. I used to take her there on my bike!
The children also visited the cinema next door.
I helped the C.O.s wife (sorry I cannot remember her name but I think she was French) with
the Wives’ Club. I was also at the “digging up” of the memory box under the old hospital in 1967.
Oh and we bought a parrot from the pet shop in Netley and he only died about 3 years ago,
so he was well over 50 years old!
Ian was commissioned in 1971 and posted to Germany.
In 1990, we both went to Buckingham Palace on the wonderful occasion of Ian being presented with his OBE by the Queen. So proud.
Sadly, Ian is no longer with us to give more information.
Thank you Rosemarie for sharing your memories!
-oo0oo-
Betty Wilkinson's Memories of her Childhood Home + Family
No 2 Sea View, Abbey Hill
Correspondence, dated February 1989, was found in Hound Local History Society's Archives from Mrs Betty Wilkinson to Councillor Neale. At the time of her writing, Mrs Wilkinson lived in New Road, Netley Abbey.
[I have been given permission from HLHS to reproduce Mrs Wilkinson's memories.]
Here is her story ...
"This information has been passed to me by my mother and grandfather who lived at the bottom of Abbey Hill in the house known as No 2 Sea View."
"My Mother lived there in 1896 when her own mother, Mrs Harriet Bran, died in childbirth and her elder sister, Lily, aged 13, was left to look after the 4 other remaining children, ie my mother, 2 years old and the other 3 ranging from 4 years to 11 years.
Aunt Lily had to leave school but luckily the Misses Pennington who lived just above, next door, at the Lake House (now demolished) offered to give her lessons in the afternoons."
"My Grandfather, known as Captain Bran, was Skipper of Sir Harry Crichton's yacht and was often
away at sea.
No 1 next door was occupied by the Crichton's Coachman and later Chauffeur.
There were no driveways to either of our houses. We each had single small gates.
My Grandmother and her baby were buried in Weston Churchyard, as was my Aunt Beatrice who,
at the age of 9, fell down the stairs at "Sea View" and broke her neck."
[See below for the article in the Hampshire Advertiser on 08/07/1899]
"At first, there was no mains water. All water was from an internal pump over a well under the kitchen.
By then gas had come via very sparse lighting on Abbey Hill but no electricity whilst we were
there in the 1920s. I remember "Ginger" Rowe on his bicycle lighting the oil lamps with a taper.
There was no mains drainage at the edge of the road. In my mother's time, Hound stretched over all of Weston Shore promenade area, over the Weston housing estate and on into Woolston."
"The pond and woodland surrounding the house including the bluebell wood on the 'Lake House' side,
was fenced off from the woods going on up to Weston.
There were double gates, sometimes locked, with a rustic seat alongside, to rest awhile.
Often the gates were unlocked, especially if there was a "shoot" in progress, I was very fortunate
to have the sun of the lower copse to myself (my grandfather being an employee).
I was sufficiently in awe of my surroundings to take care - not to fall in the pond and get drowned;
not to go near the shooting when in season; and not to damage the flowers etc.
"Sea View" was built about 1883 and the name of the first owner of the Lake House (not proprietor
of the Abbey Hotel, as it was previously known in 1883) is engraved on the foundation
stone of our old house - L J Mould, London, Builder in 1880.
DISTRESSING ACCIDENT AT NETLEY
A terribly sad fatality occurred on Tuesday night. A little girl, aged nine years, daughter of the skipper of the Hon. Col. Crichton's yacht, was walking in her sleep, about midnight,
when she fell downstairs. Her father, hearing a noise, jumped out of bed, and ran downstairs, and, to his horror, found his daughter dead, her neck having been broken.
The sad event has evoked the greatest sympathy for the bereaved parents.
The inquest on the body of the deceased was held on Thursday, before Mr. Bernard Harfield, the County Coroner. Dr. Brown, of Woolston, was first called, and deposed that he assisted
Dr. Stephenson in the post-mortem examination, and found a small fracture of the base of the skull, and some blood, diffused on the surface of the brain.
The fracture might have been caused by a fall.
Lily Bran, sister of the deceased, stated that about ten minutes past 12 on Wednesday morning,
she heard the deceased’s call, and almost immediately heard a fall.
The witness went out of her room, and found her sister lying at the bottom of the stairs, consisting of seven. The deceased had walked in her sleep.
Frederick Bran, father of the deceased, stated that he, too, heard his daughter fall, and when he came out of his room, he found the deceased with her sister.
The Witness sent for a doctor, but the deceased did not live many seconds after.
Witness took her into his room.
The deceased had not walked in her sleep for the last 12 months, but before that she did so frequently.
The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."
Hampshire Advertiser 08/07/1899
Past Residents of "Sea View", Abbey Hill, Netley Abbey , so far ...
No 1 -
1891 - William Gillard, age 60, Yacht Captain; wife Mary
1901 - James H ? Coachman
1907 - William Henry Dalton
1911 - 1935 Sydney + Emily Maud Armitage
1964 - Percy Palmer
No 2 -
1891 - William Smeeth, age 31, Coachman from Alton, Hants; wife Lucy, 29
1896 - 1925 Captain Frederick Bran, Col Crichton's Yacht Skipper, and family (see above)
1927 - George Gilbert
1937 - George Charles Leavey
Connecting the pieces ...
The more research I do about Netley Abbey Village,
the more connections I'm finding.
The history of this Village is fascinating! By sharing your stories here, hopefully we can keep those memories going!
If you have any old photos of the Village, please let me know. I'll take a copy and you keep the original.
In October 2022, Steve asked me if I had any info on his family at Netley Hospital.
This is what we found out between us.
Private John Williams
Service No 2055
3rd East Kent Regiment of Foot, the Buffs
John was born in Ireland. He married Miss Fanny Morton at Carrick-0n-Suir on 12 September 1848.
Fanny was born in Clonmel, Ireland. She was a wood ranger's daughter.
John was a veteran of the Crimean War. He was recognised for his bravery at the Battle of the Great Redan where he was badly wounded. In 1861, John and Fanny were living in Deal, Kent.
He relocated with his wife Fanny to Hound/RVH Netley after leaving the military sometime around 1866.
The 1871 Census has John Williams as a Domestic Servant at the Royal Victoria Military Hospital Netley
with his wife Fanny and unmarried daughter Sarah Ann, presumably in Married Quarters
within the grounds.
Sarah marries Sergeant Edward Marshall, Army Hospital Corps at some time within the last
3 months of 1871 at Netley/South Stoneham.
Their daughter, Fanny Alma Georgie Moreton Marshall was born on 30 November 1872.
The 1881 Census has John and Fanny Williams still at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but now with their
Grand-daughter Fanny, aged 8. There is no mention of Fanny's parents and the thought is that
Sarah Ann has accompanied her husband, Edward to whatever location he has been posted.
The 1891 Census has John and Fanny Williams still at Netley Hospital with their Grand-daughter Fanny,
now aged 18.
Grand-daughter Fanny AGM Marshall went on to marry Private James Edwin Landon of 20 Company
Royal Army Medical Corps at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley in July 1892 and had
3 children all born in Netley - James Allan 1893, Marjorie Alma 1894 and Edwin Johnston 1897.
Fanny Alma George Moreton Landon died in 1901.
On 1901 Census, Fanny Williams is a Boarder living with Mrs Mary A Barnes, Coniston Villa, New Road
Mrs Barnes was the Caretaker at the Mission Hall also on New Road, Netley Abbey.
On the 1911 Census, Fanny Williams, widowed aged 85 is now sharing a home with Louisa Ann Young
at No 7 Wilton Cottages, New Road, Netley Abbey.
The Wilson Family at Netley Cliff
"Tug" Wilson contacted me in January 2022 to share his memories of Netley Abbey -
"We lived at Netley Cliff house in Victoria Road from 1958 to 1960 maybe 1961.
My Dad - 7265181 E W M Wilson - was RSM at the Hospital. After that he was posted to Solihull.
I had 5 sisters and 1 brother. I am the oldest brother. Hazel was the eldest.
She is the one wearing the beret below
At the time I worked at Herbert Ferryman & Edwin Jones in Kitchen furniture.
One of Dad's jobs was replenishing stores on the Hospital Ships "Nevasa", "Dilwara"
and "Oxfordshire" that I remember.
The Hospital was busy with shell shock cases caused by the Eoka terrorists in Cyprus.
Terry Dene was there as a patient he was a Pop star and got a medical discharge.
The last film I saw in Netley was Debbie Reynolds in Tammy with a supporting film Bambi.
Still remember the girl [I think he means his 'date'] She worked in the Coop in Station Road Netley.
My Mum was a bit of an Author and wrote an article entitled
"The Esso Fawley Fairy Tale" - all about the Fawley flame and the refinery.
Two of my sisters were in the Hospital church choir as was my brother.
The Oak Tree in the grounds of Netley Cliff house we called our Family Tree."
Nigel's sister, Hazel has recently contacted me to share her memories of living at the house and her
childhood, growing up in Netley -
I remember Netley Cliff house; its gardens were an amazing playground for us kids. It had loads of bushes to hide in by the road and a garden that went down to the beach but the track through the shrubs was best. We used to slide down on our bums to the beach and sea.
Mum taught us five to swim then said I was in charge of all the little ones.
We used to find all sorts of rubbish on the beach from the boats. My brother and I got told off
for blowing up all the "balloons" we found ... Mum said they were dirty but didn't tell us why.
Once we grew up, we found out why.
Mum would sometimes have a sandwich ready for lunch when got home from school which we would eat it on the way down the track for a swim before going back to school. I once swam in winter when there was ice in the sea. Once my Mum decided she would swim across the Solent but she got picked up in the shipping lane, warmed up and sent back! She hadn't realise it wasn't allowed.
We had an old shelter with a massive heavy lid on the roof with a ladder going down; there was also a walkway to the underground. It was, of course, forbidden but inviting territory. It wasn't until I was grown up that I realise that the big heavy door could have killed us kids if we got trapped if it fell.
The whole place was an amazing happy playground for us kids. Sometimes I went to school on the
steam train to Hamble Secondary. The hospital was huge and we used to get into its massive corridors and play. We used to see the Queen Elizabeth and Mary coming in and out.
I still love the sea. I used to collect jelly fish in a bucket and bring them back home; they amazed me.
Thank you Tug and Hazel!
-oo0oo-
Michael (Mikey) Wright contacted me recently via this website to give his memories of
living in Netley Abbey
"My Father was Daniel Wright (Danny) and my Mother Hilder, nee Davey.
My maternal Grandparents lived in Wales. I was born in 1941 at No 47 Sea View Estate.
I have two elder brothers - Tony who was over 3 years old and David who was 2 in 1941.
We lived there until about 1945 when we moved to an ex-Army Camp (about 30 huts) in
Southampton, maybe because of the War.
Did any of the others from Sea View Estate go there?
[Please let me know if you did - thank you.]
My Father was an Aircraft fitter in Hamble. I remember going there and seeing flying boats
and ducks (crafts for land and sea).
Strange it may be at age 11/12, I was sent to Netley [Court] school, a school for low grade children.
(I was bullied at school so fell behind with my lessons.)
The school was on the cliffs over looking Southampton water.
We would stop lessons to go outside to watch the Queen Mary and the United States Ships go by.
I would get on the bus in Southampton which would pick-up other children on the way.
Maybe someone from the village remembers seeing the bus arriving at the school each day?
Thank you Mike!
