The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 7:49 pm Post subject: Robina O'Connor

While us Gallovidians were looking for information for the Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society, Mike Morley turned up a lady listed on the WW2 section of the Stranraer Burgh War Memorial - ROBINA O'CONNOR.
However neither Mike, Paul, Stuart or I can find this lady listed by CWGC, SNWM or the AFM.

There is a Robina O'Connor who died of TB in the County Hospital, Forfar on 2nd January 1946. She is shown as aged 25 and a "Private in Womens Auxiliary Territorial Service", but no service number.
Her Usual Residence is 12 Nile Street, Greenock.
Both parents are deceased and the death was registered by an Assistant Undertaker of Brechin.

So far there is no identified link with Stranraer.

Anyone run across this lady and might she be a non-com?????
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Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:01 pm Post subject:

Robina's mother, Mary Elizabeth O'Connor (m.s. Burns) died on 8 June 1936 at Dalrymple Street, Inch, Stranraer. Her death was registered by her mother, Elizabeth Molloy (formerly Burns m.s. Campbell) of 12 Nile Street, Greenock.
So the link is made. Smile

_________________
Ken

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Ken

Can you forward me a copy of the DC? Are you by chance in touch with any of her family?
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Ken

The DC gives a very precise timing for her illness. You would need to check local papers to see what can be found out about her death. It may well be she did serve in the ATS and was discharged due to another cause.
I think it unlikely, but not impossible, that she was in the ATS at her death.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jim - will keep looking.
As I said in my message, there's something odd about this case. I would have expected someone from the military to have been involved with the documentation of her death, but then why give her occupation as an ATS Private?
And why was she in Forfar? I know that Whitehills was an infectious diseases hospital but she could have been closer to home.
One day we'll get to the bottom of this. (I hope)
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Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 11:46 am Post subject:

A pal at the D&G Family History Society has found a death notice for Robina in the Wigtownshire Free Press, however it just adds to the puzzle. Confused

At Forfar Fever Hospital, Wren Robina [Ruby] O,Connor, niece of Susan O,Connor, 34 John Simpson Drive, Stranraer.
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Ken

DelBoy · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 3:09 pm Post subject:

I looked into O'Connor this time last year.

As there was no GRO entry more evidence of service, other than the D.C. was needed.

Good luck this time!

Derek.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 4:18 pm Post subject:

Derek what prompted your enquiry?
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Ken

DelBoy · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:11 pm Post subject:

As far as i recall i saw her name on the memorial.

A real stumbling block is access to military records for WW2 as only n.o.k. may get copies currently.

Derek.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:35 pm Post subject:

Cheers Derek. I was hoping that you had found her the Forfar area!
She's not on the Greenock WW2 RoH that you have just posted either.
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Ken

DelBoy · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:05 pm Post subject:

yeah that was my mind confusing me!

All i had was he d.c.

Derek.

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

She is not buried in the Angus area.

As stated before I think it unlikely, but not impossible, that she was in the Services at her death or that she contracted TB whilst serving.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Tonym · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 224 Location: East Sussex

Sorry Ken no info. Soffy for delay in reply but have been in hospital for awhile

Tony
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Pte. W. BROWN, Middlesex Regiment, K.I.A Battle of The Somme.
Sgt. J. V. MURPHY, The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, D.O.W Monte Cassino, Italy.