My grandfather Charles Ceuppens was born in Antwerp in 1907. He died at sea during the second world war 1942. I am trying to find any family history from this side of the family. His father, my great-grandfather, emmigrated to England from about 1912 on. His name was Andreas (Andre) Ceuppens whose father was called Peter. Andre's first marriage was to a Clementine (Charles' mother). Andre moved to England after her death and married a Hilda Whitfield in 1921. He died in 1945 aged 65. This is about all I know about Andre. If any one has any connections I would be interested to hear from them. Does anyone know about obtaining BMD records from Belgium?

Hi,
I am posting a message to the grandchild of Charles Ceuppens, his sister Blanche was my mother, and I have your grandfather's birth certificate, plus some photos of Charles, Blanche and Marie, when they were children in Antwerp.
A friend told me about your research, which I have just read, and I found it incredibly moving.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to talk about the family history as told to me by my mother.
Patricia Hopgood.

Hi,
My mother Blanche was the sister of Charles Ceuppens. A friend told me about the information on this web site. I have your grandfather's birth certificate and some photos of Charles, Blanche and Marie, and their mother, in Antwerp, before her death and before they came to England.

Hello Patricia.
Thanks for your message about Charles Ceuppens. I have heard my mother Sylvia mention her aunties marie and Blanche. I would be most interested to see copies of the birth certificate and the photos. Is It possible to scan them and email them to me? My email address is gandiaship@yahoo.co.uk. Did your mother Blanche have any memories of the Gandia disaster? I think it would be interesting to know a bit more about Andreas Ceuppens as well. My family do not know much about him really. My mother was only six when Charles died and 9 or so when Andreas Died.
Best regards
Jon Travis
www.gandiaship.com

Hi Jon,
Thanks for your reply, my son's mother-in-law is doing a family tree for our grandaughter and came across the information that you had posted.
I'm very new at all this and wondered if you would get my message, as I wasn't sure if I had done it correctly.
I knew that Charlie had died in the lifeboat not long before they were picked up, and that his father never got over it.
My Mum and Dad moved to Norfolk in 1966 when my Dad retired and they went to see Honour in Heathersett, where I understand she had been a piano teacher. Your Mum, Sylvia and my Mum used to exchange Christmas cards, but I don't if she did with David.
I'm afraid that I'm a bit of a pleb and don't know how to scan, but I have a friend that will help me.
I do have quite a lot of background information about how and why the children came to England,but it would take me a while to type it out.
It would be a lot easier if you could phone me on 01843 863210, I live in Broadstairs in Kent, but if you need it typed for your records, I'll give it a go, but it will take me a while as there is quite a lot to tell !!
With very best wishes,
Patricia.