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It would seem there was no family connection for Dorothy and Winifred so you may never know why she was entrusted with you after you were born,

In those days a mum was in hospital for 14 days after a birth so would seem when Dorothy came out of the hospital she handed you over to Winifred to be looked after. Dorothy was probably in the position of not being to have a baby at her digs or on base if she lived in.

Again maybe Winifred husband objected to her having you and him providing so she left him.

Its all supposition and unless you can find someone who knew the
circumstances then don't think you will get to the bottom of it.

May also be Shirley baby had to be kept a secret from Mr Fletcher or a compromise had to be met.....baby or husband.?

Sounds like it could have been the first as any intent to an adoption then Mr Fletchers agreement and signature was needed even though he may not have been the father,because they were married it was presume he was.

After searching through records I have come up with a Winifred Miller who married a Samuel J Brearley in the district of Rother Vale in l938. This date would seem to be about right so does anybody out there know a Winifred Miller nee Brearley I have no date of birth but would think it would be in the region of 1915 give or take a year or two

Hello Pauline,

Have you been in touch with a Giles Brearley ?

He is / was a member of GR (just go to top right corner --on "Search" drop down menue to "Search all trees" put his name in the search box and send him a message, I advise you delete the Auto message in the message box and write a message of your own)

He is a great Historian for the South Yorkshire district ---Swnton, Mexborough, Rotherham etc. and has many books published --and films made of these places.
(If you "Google" his name a lot of things come up for Giles)


I am not saying he will know anything about Winifred --but it is worth a try, and although a very busy man, he is very nice and I am sure will help you if he can.

Hope this helps a little and good luck in your search

Barbara x