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Funny where life takes you…

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Category: First World War

Endurance Through War and Change

Catherine Dibben (1850–1934) faced significant personal and social challenges during WWI, managing her boarding house while mourning deeply for her family and navigating economic hardships

Natalie Mayhew England, First World War, Women's Lives December 18, 2024June 24, 2026 4 Minutes

The mysterious disappearance of Arthur Earle

Arthur Earle (1896-1977) a soldier in WW1, later disappeared and started a new life in England, leaving a tale of resilience and transformation.

Natalie Mayhew 🌐 Migration & Emigration, 👥 Beyond the Family Tree, 🔍 Mysteries & Brick Walls, England, First World War, Ireland May 31, 2024June 24, 2026 8 Minutes

One of the lucky ones

Black and white postcard photo by JH Hall of 88 Kingswood Road, Fulham, Swan Athletic Football Team, 1909-1910 showing 11 young men posing as a team in football gear. Ted Mayhew is L/H side back row.

Ted Mayhew (1890-1971): A journey of service from volunteering in 1914 to returning home

Natalie Mayhew England, First World War, France August 9, 2023June 24, 2026 18 Minutes

Just a soldier

John Eric Bovill (1894-1916) another young life lost through war

Natalie Mayhew England, First World War, France March 26, 2023June 24, 2026 15 Minutes

Gone without a trace

Edward Henry 'Teddy' Bovill (1887-1916) just one of the many thousands of 'Missing of the Somme'

Natalie Mayhew Business, Trades & Professions, England, First World War, France November 12, 2022June 24, 2026 9 Minutes

He Answered the Call

Alfred John Payne (1899-1916) He was a son, a brother, and an underage soldier of WW1

Natalie Mayhew Childhood & Family Life, Continental Europe, 👥 Beyond the Family Tree, England, First World War July 16, 2022June 24, 2026 8 Minutes

From the Goal Line to the Front Line

The story of Chelsea goalkeeper William Krug who joined the 17th Middlesex (1st Football) Battalion at the start of the Great War.

Natalie Mayhew Art, Sport & Performance, 👥 Beyond the Family Tree, England, First World War, France May 23, 2022June 24, 2026 8 Minutes

Funny Where Life Took Them
Some of the surnames on this site — click one to find stories behind it

Bailey Baker Banfield Banfield aka Wackrill Barrett Baynes Booth Bovill Bowes-Lyon Brevoort Bristow Brock Carson Chaldecott Collingwood Conway-Gordon Coolidge Cooper Cotton Courtauld Daley Dibben Dowman Down Earle Finch Fitzgerald Gordon Hall Harvey Hill Irving Kirby Krug Lane? Levens Mayhew Mayo Napier Obee Payne Poulton Rose Saumarez Sheldrake Todd Twohey Wackrill Whetten

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