Monthly Archives: November 2016

Wheeler Redux – Australia, Forever Changed

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One-sixth of Australia’s total pre-World War I population of 5 million was killed in action or wounded in the Middle East battles at Egypt or Gallipoli, in France or Belgium at Messines, Polygon Wood, Passchendaele. Survivors of these battles were discharged, repatriated to Australia, expected to take up their lives after what is today acknowledged as the most brutal war in living memory. Some managed to resume their pre-war lives, despite old wounds, amputations, painful memories of loss and sacrifice; … Continue reading

THE IRISH FAMINE OF 1846-1851

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I am sitting at my computer thinking about what to write this time. My research, in the last few months, has seemed aimless and disjointed and going off in all directions as I encounter one frustration after another. So, I asked myself who or what had been preoccupying me most, during that time. I realise that my thoughts keep coming back to Ireland and the Famine of 1846 – 1851.  There is a reason for this. My biggest breakthrough this … Continue reading

Family history revealed through death certificates

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Many researchers consider it important to trace their ancestors from birth through marriage to eventual death and final resting place. My focus has been more on my ancestors’ birth, family, including parentage, and what they did during their life. As long as I have a date of death or burial, I haven’t always bought a death certificate to find out actual cause of death or sought out a final resting place; UK certificates are not as informative as Australian ones. … Continue reading

New Information on English and Welsh Indexes

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The recent announcement (4 November 2016) by the General Register Office of England and Wales of the addition to their index information will make many genealogists rub their hands with glee especially those of us with common surnames. Previously the site has been a bit clunky. We have generally gotten the index information from a variety of places (various pay sites, FreeBMD or even from microfiche or film) and entered them to order our certificates. When I have been in … Continue reading