FROGSMILE Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Brilliant stuff Wendy! The GWF at its best. Great to see what can be done when us old Commonwealth allies stick together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Lets hope it is Andrew William Michelson, I will keep my fingers crossed until Sue has had time to research all the facts. There are a few similarities but also a few question marks with the NZEF service file. It was with the help of the peeps on the Trademe Genealogy boards/forum that it was found. Will be very excited if it is Andrew. Brilliant stuff Wendy! The GWF at its best. Great to see what can be done when us old Commonwealth allies stick together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Lets hope it is Andrew William Michelson, I will keep my fingers crossed until Sue has had time to research all the facts. There are a few similarities but also a few question marks with the NZEF service file. It was with the help of the peeps on the Trademe Genealogy boards/forum that it was found. Will be very excited if it is Andrew. You are way too modest Wendy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Yes it is all looking promising. Looking at the File more closely things are fitting together. The marriage to Rosalie may HUTTON - Grafton, NSW - 13.04.1913 The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Saturday 18 February 1933 p 8 Article ... .) NICHOLSON v NICHOLSON. Rosalie May Nicholson (formerly Hutton) v Andrew William Nicholson. Marriage, April ... IN DIVORCE. (Before the Judge in Divorce, Mr. Justice Boyce.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 IN DIVORCE. (Before the Judge in Divorce, Mr. Justice Boyce.) DECREES ABSOLUTE. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wednesday 13 September 1933 p 8 Article ... , Harold George Henry Williams v Annie Gladys Irene Williams, Rosa-lie May Nicholson (also known as Rose ... Nichol-son) v Andrew William Nicholson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Advertising Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954) Sunday 14 August 1932 p 22 Advertising ... 1932. — BETWEEN ROSALIE MAY NICHOLSON, Petitioner, and ANDREW WILLIAM NICHOLSON. Respondent TO ANDREW ... ROSALIE MAY NICHOLSON has commenced a suit against you In this Honorable Court and Is applying for a ... 210 words Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Discharged due to Senility, things are not good for Andrew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Rosalie's death, a child Ernest Family Notices The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Monday 22 March 1948 p 10 Family Notices ... Maureen Requlcscot In pace NICHOLSON Rosalie May -March 21 1948 at her residence Dean Street Burwood ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 It seems that whatever his other qualities he was a serial deserter of his wives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 17 July , 2015 Share Posted 17 July , 2015 Possible deaths for Andrew William NICHOLSON. Aust Cemetery Search NICHOLSON William Andrew Death notice 09AUG1967 Death late of Gladesville Sydney Morning Herald 11AUG1967 Inscription for Andrew Nicholson Cemetery: Coffs Harbour Historic NSW Inscription Id: 8944746 Surname: Nicholson Given Names: Andrew Birth Date: 1879? Death Date: 9 Oct 1965 Age: 86 Gender: M Portion: Pbn Spouse Name: Amy Emma Other People: Amy Emma Nicholson Remarks: h/Amy Emma; father Nearby graves: Previous Next (may be related) Other Sources Photographed and transcribed by: Stafford, Michelle Cemetery: Coffs Harbour Historic NSW Inscription Id: 8944747 Surname: Nicholson Given Names: Amy Emma Birth Surname: Casson Birth Date: 1898? Death Date: 2 Jul 1974 Age: 76 Gender: F Portion: Pbn Spouse Name: Andrew Other People: Andrew Nicholson Remarks: née Casson; w/Andrew; mother Nearby graves: Previous Next (may be related) Other Sources Photographed and transcribed by: Stafford, Michelle This marriage will need researching, could be a 4th marriage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 18 July , 2015 Share Posted 18 July , 2015 It seems that whatever his other qualities he was a serial deserter of his wives. Lol was thinking that also. My G Grandfather did the exact same thing, left a wife and family in New Zealand after WW1 only to go to Australia and repeat it all twice more. Cant blame him though because I don't know the circumstances. Maybe Andrew forgot he was married (Senility) that's most likely what we call Alzheimer's or dementia these days. I'm looking forward to Sue getting back to us. I ready to crack open a bourbon to celebrate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 18 July , 2015 Share Posted 18 July , 2015 Previous post by M.Michelson looking for Andrew Combined Victoria Australia Genealogical Index search. You might have to buy Annie May Michelson death cert, there may be information on in re: Andrew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9.5mm Posted 18 July , 2015 Share Posted 18 July , 2015 Lol was thinking that also. My G Grandfather did the exact same thing, left a wife and family in New Zealand after WW1 only to go to Australia and repeat it all twice more. Cant blame him though because I don't know the circumstances. Maybe Andrew forgot he was married (Senility) that's most likely what we call Alzheimer's or dementia these days. I'm looking forward to Sue getting back to us. I ready to crack open a bourbon to celebrate. I don't think we are talking about dementia in this case, Wendy (although I would not rule it out). "Senility" was also used to describe physical weakness brought on by old age. If you dig into the record in more depth, chronic rheumatism and pain in the legs and feet are stated. It is also noted that active service has aggravated this pre-existing condition and it is unlikely that a pioneer of his age, with this problem, would be able to discharge his duties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 18 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 18 July , 2015 Wendy - you are phenomenal! I am stunned..................thank you so much! A big thumbs up to GWF and the Commonwealth - even if South Africa is no longer part of it...... This was all too much for me to leave behind in Johannesburg I am afraid - I am in the middle of the bush and have just managed to connect to the Internet via my cell phone so I could check in to the Forum. I am driving everyone mad - I spent hours last night, out in the freezing cold, phoning my brother in Auckland and my cousin Meryl in Johannesburg (the M Michelson above who preciously posted on this forum). I tried but couldn't reach Andrew's brother's granddaughter in Melbourne!!! It is definitely him! too many matches. We have even matched the handwriting with his two other marriage certificates! (very conveniently my husband is a professional Graphologist). I will try and post them after this - if the internet is strong enough. Advertising Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954) Sunday 14 August 1932 p 22 Advertising ... 1932. — BETWEEN ROSALIE MAY NICHOLSON, Petitioner, and ANDREW WILLIAM NICHOLSON. Respondent TO ANDREW ... ROSALIE MAY NICHOLSON has commenced a suit against you In this Honorable Court and Is applying for a ... 210 words Andrew and Rosalie....JPG What an intrigue - At the time of this Divorce above, 1932 , AW had been married to Annie Jane (b Hetherington) for over a year - and is still married to my great Grandmother (Agnes Mary b Herley). Goodness, in 1945 she couldn't get the money her brother left here because she was still married "in community of property" to Andrew William Michelson - according to South African Law (Roman Dutch Law). She was Catholic so never considered divorce. My Mom, Maureen (b Michelson), is here with me. She is taking all this info about her Grandfather all very calmly I must say. Wendy, can you believe my brother, Mike, in Auckland and I looked at this A W Nicholson about 2 years ago, I may still have the info in my file at home. We eventually wrote him off - there was nothing to link him. I am sure I found him on Archway, but I certainly didn't get to these War File Docs. There is a one page that mentions his disability first starting in Maryborough, VIC. His mother was killed in a buggy accident there in 1878 when Andrew was 2 yrs old, he and 2 of his brothers were in the buggy with her and Andrew may have been injured himself. His father left Maryborough soon after and moved to Ballarat. Will try and look into those deaths I don't know whether to me sad or mad with Andrew........... Sue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 18 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 18 July , 2015 Andrew William Michelson..,JPG.JPG Andrew William Michelson..JPG Discharged due to Senility, things are not good for Andrew. Wendy - hope you can see the signatures.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 18 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 18 July , 2015 Wendy - a child Ernest???????????? Oh boy.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 18 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 18 July , 2015 This is the page with his signatures..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 18 July , 2015 Share Posted 18 July , 2015 It is Andrew, signatures are exact. Oh wow that's great news Sue. I am so excited for you, what a buzz. So glad you found the Great War Forum and we could help you. You will now have loads of research to go on with and lots more breakthroughs. That's a wonderful feeling. Ernest maybe a child from a previous marriage but you can check all that, you might have to extend your family tree Here are some other places to look for Pioneer Battalion information and photos Official history of the Maoris in the Great War (Pioneer Bn) You can trace where Andrew was serving. NZECT All official histories digitised online here Electronic Text Centre Please consider submitting Andrews photo for publication in the next Onward Book. Onward Project Two books already on the shelves and the third book nearly ready for publication, thousand of photos of our NZEF soldiers of the Great War. All the men of the Great War must be remembered whether they served on the front or back home in the training camps. You can also add photos and information as a contributor at the New Zealand Cenotaph on Andrews page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 19 July , 2015 Share Posted 19 July , 2015 I don't think we are talking about dementia in this case, Wendy (although I would not rule it out). "Senility" was also used to describe physical weaknessness brought on by old age. If you dig into the record in more depth, chronic rheumatism and pain in the legs and feet are stated. It is also noted that active service has aggravated this pre-existing condition and it is unlikely that a pioneer of his age, with this problem, would be able to discharge his duties. Yes, I agree. That would have been the meaning on Army discharge papers. It is Andrew, signatures are exact. Oh wow that's great news Sue. I am so excited for you, what a buzz. So glad you found the Great War Forum and we could help you. You will now have loads of research to go on with and lots more breakthroughs. That's a wonderful feeling. Ernest maybe a child from a previous marriage but you can check all that, you might have to extend your family tree Here are some other places to look for Pioneer Battalion information and photos Official history of the Maoris in the Great War (Pioneer Bn) You can trace where Andrew was serving. NZECT All official histories digitised online here Electronic Text Centre Please consider submitting Andrews photo for publication in the next Onward Book. Onward Project Two books already on the shelves and the third book nearly ready for publication, thousand of photos of our NZEF soldiers of the Great War. All the men of the Great War must be remembered whether they served on the front or back home in the training camps. Onward.jpg You can also add photos and information as a contributor at the New Zealand Cenotaph on Andrews page. Cenotaph.JPG That's a truly remarkable piece of research Wendy. Kudos to you. Brilliantly done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 19 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 19 July , 2015 I think the medal ribbon may be the QSA for Boer War service. Craig Craig - I want to thank you especially for this bit of information. You have no idea how long we took to ID it - largely due to inexperience. We spent months considering the French Police Medaille d'Honneur because the colours, or lack thereof, seemed to match.....Eventually I got hold of an ex-SA Airforce researcher who told us about the sepia colours being inverted. Great to have it confirmed. Rgds Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 19 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 19 July , 2015 Yes, I agree. That would have been the meaning on Army discharge papers. That's a truly remarkable piece of research Wendy. Kudos to you. Brilliantly done! Wendy I wholeheartedly agree with the above. I couldn't have said it better. You have given a number of Andrew William's descendants around the world an unforgettable weekend. Grateful thanks - from all the living Michelsons As a result we are going to have many hours of enjoyment researching, writing up and yes, extending the Family Tree. A last word - My brother noticed out that our GGrandfather was eligible for the Victory Medal but never received it. With reference to the following..................... (In the above example)................ you will see that on the left side of the History Sheet there is a stamp that reads “Medal Action Complete” this has been amended with a pencilled “IN”, making the word incomplete, to indicate the medals have still not been issued up to the date 04 march 1924. If on reviewing the digitised copy of the service file from Archives NZ you believe there are either medals or the Gallipoli Medallion that has not been issued please complete the posthumous NZ and foreign medals and awards application (Form No.2) which you can download from the NZDF Medals website. http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/info/forms.html#forms ...................... we going to apply for the medal on his behalf. Thank you GWF members Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 19 July , 2015 Share Posted 19 July , 2015 I love a story like this, that despite some sadness in the past, ends happily. Its made my weekend too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Macpherson Posted 19 July , 2015 Share Posted 19 July , 2015 Good morning all. Thanks you for your kind words Sue and frogsmile. Sue The NZDF most likely couldn't trace Andrew because of his movements after the war. 99.99% of soldiers received their medals, and those who didn't the families claimed post war time. However I agree Andrew never received his medals or the form would have been complete in later years. NZDF no longer issue WW1 medals unfortunately they only issued WW1 medals while the soldiers was alive. Gallipoli medallion and WW2 medals are available posthumous to families or living soldiers, but not applicable. You will have to buy a replica Victory and British War replica set. Andrew was entitled to both. While you are at it get at QSM to make the group. You can buy silver BWM and QSM, they look beautiful and like the real thing. Don't get cheap replicas as they look bad. Perhaps frogsmile can recommend a seller from England who has good stock. I also note missing from the service file is a blue form notifying the NZDF that Andrew had died. Also his attestation sheet with all personal information and that includes military and employment history and a medical exam. With the Anglo Boar War information you have dose it state what campaigns Andrew was with, he will be entitled to bars on his QSM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 20 July , 2015 Share Posted 20 July , 2015 I will be happy to help in any way that I can with suggested suppliers of WW1 medals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Pietersma Posted 20 July , 2015 Author Share Posted 20 July , 2015 Wendy - I thought as much when I later read through the application form for the medal. Thanks for the advice re replicas. I wonder if it would be possible to find out if his attestation sheet is still in the file. In the Anglo Boer War Andrew was really in service rolls - as a stretcher Bearer in the Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 3 months, that would be at Colenso, Spionkop, the relief of Ladysmith etc. Other than that he was a Conductor in the remounts in the Army Service Corps - who I am told don't have records as they mainly had civilians. He was apparently entitled to the Kings SA Medal as well - which he didn't seem to receive either........ Lots to investigate. I will be happy to help in any way that I can with suggested suppliers of WW1 medals. Thank you Frogsmile! Do you know anyone in South Africa - or failing that, New Zealand? Pity, I was in England recently! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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