Louisa Hulme

[chez60]

I am trying to find out about my grandmother's service in WW1. Her name was Louisa Hulme. She was born in Salford in 1890. I believe she is on the front row of this photo. Her sister Alice is possibly also on the photo. The back says Chadderton Camp. I have checked with W.F.A. and the national Archives, but can not find a record of her service. Having said that most of the records were damaged or lost in the blitz in WW2. I was told by my mother that my nan and her sister served in Abbeyville in France. I am not sure if that is true. Anyone got any ideas?

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[shred]

Chez,

I was told by my mother that my nan and her sister served in Abbeyville in France. I am not sure if that is true.

This may be half true. I say this as there is a medal card for Alice Hulme showing on the National Archives here

I cannot find a medal card for Louisa which would seem to indicate that she did not serve abroad during the qualifying period.

[shred]

Were Louisa and Alice still living in Salford before they served? If so, which area did they live in? I ask as we sometimes visit the Salford Local History library and may be able to find some information in a local paper.

[chez60]

Alice was definately living in Salford, before the war. Their mother died in 1909 I believe and the family split up,with younger children moving in with their older sisters and brothers. I believe Alice moved in with her sister Sarah and her husband Arthur(also Hulme) Their father William Henry moved to Chorlton. I cannot find any trace of Louisa on the 1911 census. The family story is that Louisa, Elizabeth and Frederick moved to Belfast. I know Frederick did as he enlisted there. The fact there is no medal card for Louisa confirms another family members story that Louisa had a leg problem and wouldn't have been fit to go abroad. In the photo(3rd from right front row) she is wearing long boots.

[shred]

Chez,

We will keep a look out for any information on Louisa and Alice and will make contact if any is found. Thanks for posting such a wonderful picture those ladies made a heck of a difference to our lads.

[prospectroad]

Abbeville was a major hospital centre during the war so it is likely that any nurses serving n the Western front would have spent time here.

From the CWGC:

"For much of the First World War, Abbeville was headquarters of the Commonwealth lines of communication and No.3 BRCS, No.5 and No.2 Stationary Hospitals were stationed there variously from October 1914 to January 1920."

Hope this helps
Pete

[chez60]

Thanks everyone. I am happy to receive any infomation about my gran or her sister. I am am trying to fill the gap I have in her story between 1901 and her marriage in 1918. I know she lost 3 of her 4 brothers in The great War.

[Spitfire]

What a great photo

Hopefully some more info will come to light for you x

[ned]

Hello chez,
I don't think enough thought , admiration, and credit, is paid to the women from all walks of life for their vital input and in many cases downright heroism in the service of our country.

[chez60]

Thanks for that Ned. I agree with you. I think its sad that so many of their records were distroyed in WW2 that many womens service will never be known.