William HC Craddock 1924-44 married in the Forest 11/04/1944 (General)

by terina, Saturday, March 14, 2020, 10:45 (1716 days ago) @ Bonny Hale

Hi

This is so strange isn't it. I grew up knowing about Bill because he was my Grandmother's half brother who she adored and every Remembrance Day she would talk about him.

My Grandmother was Nellie Alice Craddock born in 1902 although she changed her name later to Margaret Ellenor and her father was Sidney Herbert Craddock.

Gran was born in the pub he ran - The Chequers - in Duke Street St James' in Picadilly in London. He was also a provider of wines and Gran said he used to provide wine to the Palace but we aren't sure if that is true. The pub is still there behind Fortnum and Masons.

Her mother died when she was 2 so she went to live with an aunt but was still close to Sidney. He remarried to Nellie Thomas who worked as a maid or cleaner but came from the Forest of Dean, and according to Gran she already had a daughter called Joan who Gran referred to as her step sister.
Apparently according to Gran, Joan married a Russian or German and there seems to be some connection to Heidelberg but I'm not sure how.
Nellie returned to the Forest with Bill and Gran used to visit. Nellie herself came from a huge family.

My gran married but the marriage was difficult and my grandparents separated so Gran moved to this area to be nearer to Bill and Nellie who was always kind to my Gran, with her children. Although separated she and grandpa continued to have children - 6 in total. Grandpa was a very strict man and lived near Manchester but visited frequently.

My dad was the third child and eldest boy. He remembers Uncle Bill and playing cricket with him before he went to war. Dad also remembers Sidney Herbert very well as does my uncle. My Gran had 2 girls followed by 4 boys and the boys used to get sent to London to visit their Grandfather ( Sidney) and he used to make them memorise the names of the statues. He at this stage lived in Hammersmith where he died. I think my Aunt Barbara had met Joan.

I hope this is of interest to you. Bill meant a lot to Gran - she was so proud of him and used to get very emotional when she spoke of him. One of her sons was named after him and my Dad's middle name is Charles too. I think my great grandfather - Sidney_ was devastated by his death. I remember Gran saying how much it meant to him to visit his grave and my dad has that photo.

I will try and get a copy of it to you. If you would like some photos other photos I can scan them in and get them to you if you would like. My Dad and one of his younger brothers are all that remain of Gran's children and my father is now terminally ill. I have told him about your email and he was a bit blown away, he was born locally ( all 4 boys were ) and they all knew about Uncle Bill as he is known in this branch of the family.
My email
Best wishes
Terina