Hi, My grandmother was Freda Bickle, second wife of Sidney John Henry Bickle. All I know is that she died in 1946, possibly of a blood clot soon after child birth. They lived in the Kingsbridge area. Sidney was left with 10 children after her death and married again after. I have searched all public records looking for her place of burial as I do not believe Sidney could afford to have her cremated. So far, there has been no record of her burial anywhere. In a separate issue, it was a belief of my late mother that that Freda went into the marriage to Sidney with a son of her own, Michael Rowland. All mum told me was that Michael died at the age of 15 in a motorcycle accident. Again, there is no record of his birth, death or burial in public records that I can access from where I live in Australia. I know he existed as I have a photograph of him, aged about 13-14. Freda was the daughter of Alfred Rowland and his wife Beatrice (nee Horn). She was born around 1909 and lived in and around the Tavistock area. Any help regarding how to find a burial site for with her or Michael would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you
Re: Freda Bickle
Posted by Sally Topliss on 28/8/2024, 3:09 pm, in reply to "Freda Bickle"
The death of Freda Bickle was registered June Q 1946 in Plymouth, Devon. 5b 355. It might pay to obtain the death certificate and see exactly where she died. If you say they lived in Kingsbridge area but she died in Plymouth, perhaps Freda was in hospital there and was buried nearby. Cannot find any trace of a Michael Rowland with certainty. Sally
Re: Freda Bickle
Posted by Wenda Johnston on 29/8/2024, 2:36 am, in reply to "Re: Freda Bickle"
Hi Sally, thank you so much for that information. I never knew my grandmother (obviously), as my mother was only 8 then. She had some vague memories of Michael, but it seems he has simply vanished. I aim to come to the UK next year an spend time in and around the areas I know they lived in and see what I can find. Thank you again for your help. Wena
Re: Freda Bickle
Posted by Sally Topliss on 29/8/2024, 10:24 am, in reply to "Re: Freda Bickle"
Do you have any idea whereabouts they lived in Kingsbridge? I can see last child born in 1945 Kingsbridge. In 1939 they were in Tavistock, and one of their children was born in Newton, Lancashire, so obviously moved about a bit.Sally
Re: Freda Bickle
Posted by Judith on 29/8/2024, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Freda Bickle"
There is a Michael Rowland reg Liverpool in 1931 mother Rowland, which would work. Perhaps there were other Rowland relatives there? Quite possible she was sent away, came back and married Sidney, kept in contact with other relatives and went back later?
Re: Freda Bickle
Posted by Wenda Johnston on 29/8/2024, 10:37 am, in reply to "Re: Freda Bickle"
I never realised that, thank you. Gladys (the Newton baby) died when she was only 12, but mum rarely spoke about her. I never realised they had been in Lancs, I always thought they were in and around the Tavistock/Kingsbridge/Calstock area’s, as that was all mum knew. Of the 18 siblings, only three are left, and I’m only in contact with one, which makes this all the more interesting for me. Thank you so much. I really appreciate the info.
