Genealogy Chat

That's exactly what I thought. I have been trying to find any information on his military record as we know he was in the Kings Regiment Liverpool and in 1917 he went to the Pioneer Corp was sent to France and then stayed.

Hi Robyn

I would wait and see what the marriage certificate to Liviah Smith says and take it from there. Without some kind of paper trail it is going to be difficult to prove one way or the other.

He could quite easily have decided to stay in France and leave his life in England behind.

Gail.

I've just tried the archives, and found nothing. My french cousin says the french marriage showed him as bachelor, but I'm convinced the Liviah Smith marriage is his even though I don't have the cert yet.

My french cousin says when he went to france in the war he just stayed. Could it be he deserted and was presumed dead?

Ideas anyone?

Good news Susan, I am pleased you found that helpful.

Gail.

Thanks for that Gail. Have a similar situation to Robyn's. G grandfather married g grandmother in1889. In 1922 he remarried . I have been told divorce was unusual at this time unless you were very rich which he wasn't. Have always thought he might have been a bigamist. Turns out he wasn't. Followed your insructions and there was the record of his divorce. It's an Open Document at Kew. Thanks.
Susan

Was just about to say look at

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=53

and

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/

Robyn

If you try here

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Then go to 'Search the Archives'

Then click on 'the catalogue'

Then click 'Search the Catalogue'

In the 'word or phrase' put the surname/name of the person - then in the department or series code type in j77

You may get lucky and find a listing.

Gail x

For the period you specify these are not available for the public to search. The search has to be done by the Courts Service.

HMCS (Her Majesty's Court Service)
Principle Registry of the Family Division
Decree Absolute Searches
R 2.03
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP

Tel 020 7947 7016 or 7017

I think the search costs is £25 for each 10year period (yes expensive). If I remember correctly for an extra £1 you can get the Decree Nisi which will give you details i.e. why abandonment, adultery (it may even name names!) etc.

I've found them helpful both on the phone and in person. If you do visit they'll only search two years while you wait. Give them a call.

What details are you hoping to find or do you just want to confirm a couple actually got divorced, they don't contain much info?

I'd go with the advice from Sam - easier and very much cheaper!!

Have you discounted the fact that his first wife may have died?

Sam x

Is there anywhere that lists divorces dating back to about 1904 - 1918.

I think I have a rellie that married in 1904 (not got the cert yet) but I know he married in France after 1918!!!!

Replies will be delayed as I have to go to work now. Message me if you need more details and I will respond tonight.

Thanks again searchers for your help.