1921 census?

[HarrysMum]

Got them. They have his early years but in 1938 it all stops with wording that he declined re-engagement. Not sure if that means they asked him to stay and he said no………or if the family story that he jumped ship around Singapore somewhere is more correct.

The writing is a bit hard to decipher in places but I can’t see AWOL anywhere.

[kiterunner]

Declined re-engagement would mean he was asked and said no.

[HarrysMum]

I thought so. His last child was born in 1941. That was during the war so I’ve presumed he must have either been injured ( didn’t see anything about that in his records) or working in one of the industries that were exempt from going to war. Can’t see that after his navy experience. His wife, Edith née Bartlett, is easy to find, and I think I have her childrens’ marriages, but no sign of old Les.

[HarrysMum]

Is there a record anywhere of deserters? From WW2.

[Phoenix]

If he was discharged in Singapore in 1938, how did he get back to Plymouth to father a child in 1941?

If he was indeed the father, and tales of his being a merchant seaman are true, then he presumably was on a merchant ship, possibly travelling between Singapore and England. He may have felt, with a European war on the horizon, it was a safer bet. He was over thirty, so I don't imagine he would automatically have been called up. Merchant seamen would have been equally valued. If he had happened to be in Singapore in 1942, he may well have died when it fell.

[HarrysMum]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

If he was discharged in Singapore in 1938, how did he get back to Plymouth to father a child in 1941?

If he was indeed the father, and tales of his being a merchant seaman are true, then he presumably was on a merchant ship, possibly travelling between Singapore and England. He may have felt, with a European war on the horizon, it was a safer bet. He was over thirty, so I don't imagine he would automatically have been called up. Merchant seamen would have been equally valued. If he had happened to be in Singapore in 1942, he may well have died when it fell.

That has been out thought, but impossible to prove.

[HarrysMum]

Why is a name closed on the 1939 register? Leslie’s wife, Edith and son Leslie CS are there but the one under is closed. No idea who it is of course, but wondering.

[Merry]

The child they had in 1938?

(maybe this child wasn't his? (not examined any date though) Might have caused an issue!)

[kiterunner]

Originally Posted by HarrysMum

Why is a name closed on the 1939 register? Leslie’s wife, Edith and son Leslie CS are there but the one under is closed. No idea who it is of course, but wondering.

It will be somebody who was born less than 100 years ago and who they didn't match to a death record.

[Phoenix]

Middle child was around in the same registration district until at least 1970, so it seems odd that they aren't mentioned by the family.