Saturday 30 January 2016

Surprise photo

Lately I've been intrigued by the story of Uncle George Keymer and his fiancé Frances (Fanny) Harkin. No one in the family seems to know much about their relationship except that they were engaged to be married. Finding a photo of the couple together was an exciting find. It was great to put a face to her name! 

My mother has been hunting through old family photos and came across another picture of George and Fanny! This picture was taken with my great grandparents, James & Louie Archibald, at their farmhouse in Helensville. The picture was either taken in 1915 or 1916. 

James and Louie Archibald are at the foot of the stairs, while Louie's brother, George Keymer, stands at the top of the stairs with his fiancée, Fanny Harkin. Unknown photographer. 

Sunday 10 January 2016

George Keymer and his fiancée

Prior to going to war, Uncle George Keymer was seeing a young lady called Frances May Harkin (known as Fanny). They were engaged to be married.

The only known photo of the couple together turned up in a pile of pictures today. It was a very special to see them together and think what the story may have turned out like if George had survived the war. 

Wedding of George's sister Louie to James Archibald, 19 April 1915.
The picture above shows the family and friends of my great grandparents, James and Louie Archibald (née Keymer). Fanny Harkin is dressed in white and seated third from the right. George is behind her to her right. This photo was taken at the Keymer home, Birkenhead, on 19 April 1915. 

Frances (Fanny) Harkin is dressed in white, in the middle of this picture.
George Keymer, her fiance, is behind at the right of her. 


Saturday 9 January 2016

Bertie's medal

Last week I received a lovely message from Mr G Rees to say that he has Uncle Bertie's British War Medal in his personal collection! He was kind enough to send me a picture of it. Oneday it would great to see and hold this medal for myself. 


The medal on the left in the above picture belongs to Bert Barnett.