Since it's become obvious lately that several contributors have quite detailed info on Tank Corps personnel, I wonder if anyone has come across my neighbour's father, especially since he had the somewhat unusual name of Cyphus. He seems to have attained the rank of Lieutenant. There's also the possibility that his name was actually a corruption of Seaford or Seaforth.
A long shot, I realise, but one never knows. Any info much appreciated.
An update. This appears to be him, Cyril Edward Cyphus, gazetted Temporary 2nd Lt., February 1918. About halfway down the left-hand column. There might be some other names there that ring a bell with someone.
-- Edited by James H on Monday 7th of December 2009 09:33:05 PM
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
Between the wars he seems to have been a church organist (born 1895 - seems to be him) then Music Master at Palmers School. Before he went to the RNVR (11th Oct. 1943) he (or a namesake) was a 2Lt in the Gloster Regiment (seniority from 24th June 1940 - just weeks after the conclusion of the Dunkirk - Cherbourg and St. Malo evacuations, and just before the final evacuation from St Nazaire).
Thanks, gents. That all ties in. Much appreciated. Shall investigate further.
A bit of self-indulgence: They also lost their house and all belongings in Blackheath in the Blitz. Margaret, his daughter, also v musical, and became music teacher. Married a vicar and moved to grimy Manchester. All going well until I moved in next door.
Church organist and fought in two wars. Reminds me of A. G. Macdonell's conclusion that the English are "a nation of warrior poets". Well, some of us, maybe.
Many thanks, once again, chaps.
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
I'm logging onto the Times archive for the 'day job' so had a quick look for him. Unusual name indeed: specific name for a graptolite I think, and an insect genus. I see it was also an US slave name, probably from the same classical word as the biological names. But yours is maybe indeed a corruption of Seaforth etc.
What must be the same chap is playing the organ at a rather upmarket wedding in St Nicholas's, Guildford - The Times Monday, May 18, 1936; pg. 17; Issue 47377; col B.
But he was luckier than some possible family members.
The Times, Saturday, Jun 24, 1916; pg. 4; Issue 41202; col A - died June 21, Cyphus 4676 J (?) Pvt Royal Warwick Regt.
The Times Friday, May 25, 1900; pg. 10; Issue 36151; col B and The Times Thursday, May 24, 1900; pg. 9; Issue 36150; col B - 3318 LCpl F Cyphus, 2nd South Wales Borderers from 'enteric fever' (typhoid?) at Springfontein, poor devil, May 21.
(Do check in case of errors/misreading of roughly scanned small print on screen).
Church organist and fought in two wars. Reminds me of A. G. Macdonell's conclusion that the English are "a nation of warrior poets". Well, some of us, maybe.
Surely you're not that bad James - or do you play the organ too?