Rebeccca Clarke will be taking about the research of HMS india and the tracing of Arnold Clark's letters while he was in Norway. All are welcome to attend the meeting at The Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley at 7.30. Wednesday 2nd April 2025
Rebecca says:
'In April 1915, Arnold Clarke joined HMS India as an Engine Room Artificer. Four months later he was fighting for survival in the Norwegian Sea and consequently found himself, with around 100 of his shipmates, interned in Norway for the remainder of the war. This little known and little told story is brought to life with extracts from Arnold’s letters and photographs from the scrapbook he compiled upon his return. Arnold’s story is complimented by the stories of other men in the camp – stories of escape, love, loneliness and survival.
As a Family History Group, she hopes we will be interested in not only the story of Arnold's time in the internment camp and his letters to his sister, but also in the methods she used to research this for a book. From primary source materials to genealogy sites to archives (both in the UK and abroad) and to setting up connections with descendants of other men onboard the ship. Rebecca’s direct connection to the story, Arnold was her grandfather-in-law, makes the presentation on HMS India, Jorstadmoen and the men who were interned there a personal and absorbing one. The PowerPoint presentation is accompanied by original letters, photos and ephemera for audience members to peruse at their leisure at the conclusion of the talk.'
I hope to see a good number of you especially now the evenings are a bit warmer. Hope to see you all there.
The meeting will start at 7.30 pm and will be free for members, any non members who may wish to attend will be charged £2. Teas and Coffees will be available after the meeting. We would love to see folk back together again and look forward to seeing you all at
BFHS Northern Group
The Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley
For a map see Northern Branch