The Postcard Mystery
I am sure most families have postcards and letters whose origins are unknown or at least unclear. This is my postcard mystery.
This postcard was found with my grandmothers things when she died.
As far as I can make out the back of the card has the following details
- It is addressed to
- Mrs J Pitcher
- Pimperne
- Melbury Osmond
- W Dorchester
- Dorset
- It was posted 20th June 1918 in Tooting London
Dear Mother
Just a line hoping you are well.
This is a photo of Will am glad to say he is no worse, but his eyes does not improve much, he is still in Hospital but I daresay he will soon be out now I hope he won't go back to France again, but he thinks he will. Love to all Bers
Now all that this generates is questions
- Who is Will
- Who is Mrs J Pitcher
- Who is Bers
- What is Grandma's connection with them
To answer the questions above I have few clues
- Grandma's Mother in Law's maiden name was "Pitcher"
- My Grandfathers family came from Evershot and Frome St Quinton (not far away)
So my challenge is to track down the information I need. So here it is can anyone out there give me a clue?
Thanks to everyone who has contacted me about my mystery
Here are suggestions John Anderson from Adelaide.
Q: Who is Mrs J Pitcher?
A: Back in those days it was most common for a Wife to be addressed with her Husband's initials, so I suspect Mrs J is the wife of Mr 'J'oseph Pitcher. In fact her existing husband in the census.
Q: Who is Will?
A: He could well be her son William who appears on the census as he would have been old enough for military service by the start of WWI.
Q: Who is Bers?
A: Maybe she is the Wife of William who appears in the photo. She would refer to her Mother-in law as "Mother", people still do today. {can't suggest what Bers is short for :-)}
As a young boy I remember the wounded soldiers (WWII) who were recovering at the hospital in Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, some wore a uniform similar to those shown in the photo. Obviously I can't see the colour but the wide different colour lapels stand out. Was there a hospital near to where the card was posted? I also notice some are wearing slippers so they are not far from the front door of wherever they are living.
Looking for Clues
In the 1881 Census index for Melbury Osmond is the following family.
Dwelling: Cottage
Census Place:Melbury Osmond, Dorset, England
Source: FHL Film 1341512 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 2119 Folio 53 Page 2
| Name | M | Age | Sex | Birthplace | Rel | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph PITCHER | M | 34 | M | Melbury Osmond | Head | General Labourer |
| Charlotte PITCHER | M | 35 | F | Melbury Osmond | Wife | (Labourers Wife) |
| Henry GREEN | U | 16 | M | Melbury Osmond | Stepson | Ag Lab |
| William PITCHER | 12 | M | Melbury Osmond | Son | Scholar | |
| Thomas PITCHER | 10 | M | Melbury Osmond | Son | Scholar | |
| Arthur PITCHER | 8 | M | Melbury Osmond | Son | Scholar | |
| Susan PITCHER | 6 | F | Melbury Osmond | Daur | Scholar | |
| Ann PITCHER | 3 | F | Melbury Osmond | Daur | ||
| Eliza PITCHER | 1 | F | Melbury Osmond | Daur | ||
| John CHILDS | U | 21 | M | Melbury Osmond | Nephew | General Labourer |
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Updated:26 Feb 2008