Edward HUNTER - Explosives Expert

[bobn]

I am looking for information on an Edward Hunter b 1877, father Walter Lockwood Hunter. On Edwards marriage certificate he is listed as explosives expert. (It is not known if this is mining or military, however, he was working at the Royal Arsenal Woolwich as a civilian at that time). Rumour has it that he obtained a degree at Ediburgh University, for what or when is unknown.

[Peter Goodey]

He was clearly involved in military ordnance if he worked at the Arsenal. What occupation was given on his children's birth certificates? Was there a will?

[Geoffers]

See Peter's reply above, also........

Does he appear in the 1901 or 1911 census at Woolwich? If so does he include in his job description any letters which indicate his qualification(s)? Do census returns highlight whether he was civilian or serving in the army?

[bobn]

Hi Peter and Geoffers
On both marriage and child cert was "explosive expert". I couldn't find him or father on either census. There is no mention of degree status either but this was a thought from a family member. As he worked at the Arsenal at the time of sons birth it is possible that he had retired from the army by then, (IF he was in the army??).
I have looked through all the past census but cannot tell if the father is on one of them as I know very little of his background, no birthplace or marriage dates or to whom etc.

[Geoffers]

One of my gt-grandfathers was an Inspector of Explosives, Danger Buildings, Woolwich Arsenal (sounds like a nice safe job), he had been a Sgt in the RA and following his army service, worked at the Arsenal until his death.

I suggest checking army records - you haven't provided a date for the marriage which is important in suggesting where to try for these.

Some civilian appointments to some positions appear in The London Gazette, it's free to search and view so is worthwhile trying on the offchance (anyway, you have to do something whilst waiting for tea to brew).

Also try other suggestions in postings no.2 and 3.

[Peter Goodey]

He may have been in the Army but not necessarily. The Arsenal was a major employer of civilian labour. My great uncle and his father before him were both civilian employees there.

There are some records of civilian staff among class WO at the National Archives. As you live in London you may find it worthwhile to spend a day at Kew and see if you strike lucky. Follow up the other advice first, though.

[Mutley]

If you care to post the names and dates of his marriage, wife and children, someone may have some luck finding him in the census.

[bobn]

Thanks Guys for your input. Will try the London Gazette and also WO when I can get to Kew.
Cannot find a marriage for Walter or wife's name or place. Edward was married March 1919 to Constance Gaywood.

[Peter Goodey]

Is the basic problem the lack of a birth certificate for Edward?

[Mutley]

I cannot find Edward anywhere, certainly not with a father Walter, I cannot find Walter either.
My first thought was that they were a military family and abroad, therefore not in the census.

Second thought was to attack the problem from a different angle.
Constance May...
There is a possible birth for her registered in 1897 in Woolwich.
There is a census entry in 1901 for a May Gaywood born 1897 in Plumstead, daughter of Richard and Millie and living in Plumstead. RG13/576/103/62. Richard worked for the Royal Arsenal.
(You can confirm this from the marriage certificate).

In 1911 she is possibly with aunt Martha who kept a boarding house in Plumstead.

This all shows that she had the opportunity to meet Edward.

(Census Records copyright TNA)