In the narrow streets that form the old town of Portsmouth, are the Colewort Barracks. At the back of the barracks, in 1839, the church of St. Mary was built. Colewort Barracks is where my great-grandmother, Maud Mary Mattock was born on 5 Feb 1870 according to her birth certificate. From birth certificate Her father,... Continue Reading →
Beware when opportunity presents itself
Sometimes you make a bad decision. Tempted by opportunity, knowing what is right and wrong, you nevertheless are swayed by the dark side and do the wrong. This is what happened to my uncle Harry who died on this day 3 Feb 2001. Harry Arthur Young The Dover Express of 18 Apr 1914 tells his... Continue Reading →
Another Crimean veteran has passed to his last rest
30 Jan 1922 Yet another Crimean veteran has passed to his last rest. Ex-Gunner Henry Mattocks, who was interred in Chardstock Churchyard last week, was a nonagenarian, and had resided in the parish for many years since leaving the Royal Artillery on pension. He was accorded a military funeral, a section of Axminster Territorials, Scouts,... Continue Reading →