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Mother and baby homes for army personnel in Southport WW2

Posted: 23 Mar 2016 12:17
by MaureenC
I was born in1945 at The Red House, on the promenade at Southport. Prior to that and for a few weeks afterwards my mother was in a mother and baby home at 69 The Promenade. I have been told that these places were used for army personnel, but I have never been able to ascertain this,nor to discover if and where their records were kept. I tried army records some years ago, but they were unable to help. As I was privately adopted there are no adoption society records either and the court records were destroyed in a fire many years before I began my search. I know it's a long shot, but just wondered if anyone there had any ideas.

Re: Mother and baby homes for army personnel in Southport WW

Posted: 23 Mar 2016 16:25
by MaryA
Hi and welcome to the forum. We have some forum members who live and know the area better than I do and I hope they may be able to make some suggestions.

Re: Mother and baby homes for army personnel in Southport WW

Posted: 24 Mar 2016 10:24
by luxor
Someone else was asking that question - it might be worth contacting her to see if she discovered anything:

http://nmfhssouthport.myfreeforum.org/v ... 06&start=0

Re: Mother and baby homes for army personnel in Southport WW

Posted: 24 Mar 2016 14:28
by Hilary
I had a look at the 1939 directory for Southport today and 69 Promenade was empty at that time 69a was occupied. 68 Promenade was and is Byng House now a British Legion Holiday House and then Liverpool ex service men's holiday home.

The next available directory is 1951 which lists 69 as a private residence. However I'm fairly certain there is an electoral roll for 1945 and will investigate.

I also found the other post referred to above which indicates that the Red House was at Shore Road Ainsdale. Please could you clarify the exact address.

Re: Mother and baby homes for army personnel in Southport WW

Posted: 24 Mar 2016 15:18
by luxor
Education Officer wrote:I had a look at the 1939 directory for Southport today and 69 Promenade was empty at that time 69a was occupied.
Newspapers in April 1940 carried adverts for the yearly rental of No 69a following the death of Ida Annie Belcher. Wording was 'House and Goodwill of the Business of Private Apartment-house Keeper'.