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SOLDIER'S MYSTERY WIFE IN ENGLAND

SOLDIER'S MYSTERY WIFE IN ENGLAND

Posted: 21 Jun 2014 5:25AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Riley, Hall, Crook
I've been researching my great great uncle, Pte. William Riley, 5180, and have reason to believe that he remarried while away at war, after his first wife had passed, but I cannot find the name of his second wife. My family and I are curious as to who she was and whether she had any children of his.

William Henry Riley (born 1890) married Emily Crook (born 1891) in New South Wales, in 1911. The pair had two children, Irene (born 1911) and Grace (born 1913).
Emily Crook passed away in 1915 at the age of 23, the coroners report + newspaper records say it was due to poison, possibly administered herself.
William enlisted a few months later, and embarked aboard the SS Makarini in April 1916, leaving his daughters under the care of his mother-in-law.
In November, 1917, William was killed in action in Passchendaele, Belgium.

This was all very clear, but after looking into reports of his death, his obituary in the newspaper and his official war records on the naa site, I began to believe that he had remarried while serving.
One report of his death says that he was a widower, but had remarried while in England.
His obituary reads - RILEY - Killed in Action, Nov 7, 1917. Pte. William Henry Ernest (Son) Riley, 2nd Battalion, aged 28 years. Inserted by his loving wife N??? (England) and children Irene and Grace.
One page of his official war record is a request for his belongings to be forwarded to his children in Australia and there is an address for a Mrs W.H Riley, c/o Mrs Hall (possibly mother?), 14 Shexton Street, Peckham, London S E 15
Also, while serving he was reported absent without leave from Jan - April 1917 (maybe he had remarried during this time?)

I've attached all the relevant records/newspaper clipppings.

I'd be so grateful if anyone can help with this, we're all desperate to know!
Thanks,
Bailey
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Re: SOLDIER'S MYSTERY WIFE IN ENGLAND

Posted: 19 Sep 2014 4:34AM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Bailey,

Not sure if you have seen this document, but It certainly proves one thing, William did marry again in England!

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1050130/
per page

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