Largest family to emigrate at the time Davis

[geebrooks9]

Hi, I am trying to discover when my Uncle and his entire family emigrated to Australia? His name was Bernard John Davis and he was born in 1893 in West ham. He was known as "Jack" His wife's name was Gwendoline (Gwen) Nee Basham. My mum says there were 22 of them, but she may be a little confused.

They were the largest family to set sail for Australia at the time and made the national press . There was a photo of them all lined up on the deck of the ship but what paper? I think it was around the late 1940s early 1950's that they set sail.
Any help would be much appreciated. Best wishes, Sara.

[Peter Goodey]

I am trying to discover when my Uncle and his entire family emigrated to Australia

I would advise you to search the passenger lists that you can find online at findmypast

[Geoffers]

I would advise you to search the passenger lists that you can find online at findmypast

Perhaps looking for the passenger list of the CHITRAL a P&O ship which departed London 29 Dec 1948 bound for Melbourne might be a good idea.
When you search look for Bernard J DAVIS aged 51 (born 1897), or Gwendolyne aged 50

[birdlip]

Try the Australian newspaper site http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/home

The Sydney Morning Herald Sat 8th Jan 1949 has a photograph with information;

'Family of 17 migrating to Australia.
The Davis family of Southend, Essex, England, comprising Mr and Mrs Bernard Davis, their seven daughters, five sons, two sons in law and a grandchild, who are on their way to Australia on the SS Chitral.'

there may be more in the UK papers.

[geebrooks9]

I would like to thank everyone who has helped, especially "birdlip" Amazed you found the photo, thank you. Sara.

[missymoo]

Hello Sara,
My name isMichelle White (nee Gorman). I live in Australia. Bernard John Davis and Gwen where my grandparents. Their eldest daughter Joyce Winifred Gorman (nee davis) is my mother. She will be 90 in December. Yes they were the largest family to emigrate. My mum has the article with picture from the newspaper. This is very exciting to see your query on here. I was justgoogling 'Chitral' (the ship) and Davis, and your enquiry came up, couldn't believe it!!! You say Bernard was you uncle, I'm not quite understanding this, as I'm 47, and he was my Grandfather!! Anyway, I'd love to hear from you. I realise it has been a couple of years since you wrote this, and may not even look at this anymore, or even have changed your email address. So hopefully thiswill get to you,
Cheers Michelle

[Colin Rowledge]

Welcome Michelle to the site

Sara was online this morning and may have seen your message.