WARBRIDES-L Archives

From: Patricia Tanner <>
Subject: [WARBRIDES] War Brides Associations
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:35:47 +0000 (GMT)

Whilst researching family history in the library yesterday, I came across two newspaper articles re GI and Canadian Warbrides, dated 1949 and 1955, which diverted my attention.

I am interested to hear from anyone who remembers the Bermondsey and district branch of the U.S and Canadian War Brides Association (South East London). Upon reading the article it appears that the association was formed by the parents of GI and Canadian Warbrides who regularly met and raised funds for trips to visit their daughters.

1949 was the first birthday of the Bermondsey and district branch, and it was celebrated by hosting at party for more than 350 relatives of warbrides from the Home Counties and London, in its Rotherhithe branch. To mark the celebration the warbrides whose parents were linked to this association were sent a piece of the celebration birthday cake, which was cut by the local MP, Bob Mellish.

In the 1949 article there is mention of a Mrs Hand stating that she was going to visit her daughter Mrs Jean Schade who was living in New Jersey. The party of mothers were going to travel on the Queen Mary.

Six years later, in 1955, the article states that the mothers of warbrides were to receive a £35 allowance towards their visit to their GI or Canadian warbride daughters.

Do any of the warbrides remember their parents being part of this celebration, or indeed a member of such an organisation here in the UK. Did you receive a piece of the celebration birthday cake? I would be interested to hear from you.

I can send a copy of the two newspaper cuttings by request.

Tricia

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