An Unknown Grandfather
In the quiet corners of history, amid the echoes of thundering cannons and the cries of soldiers, lie forgotten stories of men who ventured into the abyss of World War I. These are tales obscured by time, waiting to be unravelled through the wonders of DNA testing, military records, and the fragile threads of family lore. As the Great War unfolded, countless individuals were thrust into the maelstrom, their names etched in letters now faded, their faces lost in the sepia tones of aging photographs. Among these forgotten men, there exists a silent camaraderie that binds them beyond the trenches and barbed wire. It's a brotherhood forged in the crucible of conflict, obscured by the grand narrative of war
Families, generations removed, now seek to unveil these hidden stories, piecing together the mosaic of their ancestry. Here, the marvels of DNA testing come to life, unlocking the secrets encoded in the very fabric of their beings. A simple saliva sample opens a portal to the past, connecting the living to those who walked the same earth a century ago.
Recently, a doctor from England, Dr Emer Forde, reached out to me with a fascinating quest. Through the wonders of DNA testing she had recently discovered that her great grandfather was a man called Maurice Reid, a naval officer from Aghada who sadly passed away at the onset of World War I. Who was this man and where did he come from? Emer’s desire extended beyond mere historical inquiry; she wanted to resurrect a vivid image of life in the parish of Aghada during the era when her great grandfather lived.
"Unveiling the Tapestry: A Journey into Maurice Reid's Past and Aghada's History"
Intriguingly, my connection to Emer weaves through the tapestry of familial ties. My Great Great Grandfather, Michael Rainey, emerges as a pivotal figure in this narrative. He played a crucial role as a witness during Maurice Reid's nuptials, a ceremony that unfolded in the sacred confines of St. Erasmus, Aghada, in the year 1904.
Delving into the historical context, the early 20th century was marked by a confluence of societal, political, and global events. World War I, an unprecedented conflict that reshaped the world, was about to unfold. Against this backdrop, Maurice Reid's life becomes a poignant microcosm of the larger forces at play. As I embark on this journey to unravel the layers of Maurice Reid's existence, I am acutely aware of the challenges posed by the passage of time. The vestiges of history often blur, and the task of recreating a bygone era demands meticulous research and a discerning eye for detail.
St. Erasmus, Aghada, stands as a silent witness to the union of Maurice Reid and his bride in 1904. The quaint parish, with its rustic charm, harbours the echoes of ceremonies and celebrations long past. By retracing the footsteps of those who trod its hallowed grounds, we endeavour to breathe life into the sepia-toned photographs and yellowed documents that preserve the essence of that era. The role of Michael Rainey, my familial ancestor, adds a personal dimension to this historical exploration. As a witness to the union of Maurice Reid, he becomes a bridge between the past and the present, a conduit through which stories are transmitted across generations. The choice to involve Michael Rainey in such a momentous occasion suggests a closeness that transcends the formalities of witnessing a wedding—a connection that binds families and communities together.
Old St. Erasmus Church, Aghada, postcard from 1960s
The quest to uncover the intricacies of Maurice Reid's life extends beyond the archival confines of marriage certificates and official records. It necessitates an immersion into the cultural, social, and economic milieu of Aghada during the early 20th century. Through this exploration, we hope to resurrect not only the image of Maurice Reid but also the vibrant tapestry of everyday life that unfolded against the backdrop of historical upheavals. As we sift through the remnants of the past, we acknowledge the fragility of memory and the gaps that time has etched into the historical record. Yet, in this collaborative endeavour with Emer, there is a shared commitment to breathing life into history, to transform faded photographs into vivid portraits, and to honour the legacy of Maurice Reid and the community of Aghada that he was a part of.
In the intersection of personal and historical narratives, we find a profound resonance that transcends the confines of time. The quest for Maurice Reid's story becomes a testament to the enduring power of familial connections and the collective endeavour to unveil the untold stories that reside within the folds of history.
What is DNA testing?
Before delving into the past, let’s start with the modern, and the revolution that has taken place within molecular genetics. DNA testing has developed so commercial companies can now analyse an individual's DNA, the genetic material present in cells, to gather information about their genetic makeup. This testing can reveal various aspects, such as ancestry, paternity, predisposition to certain diseases, and other genetic traits. The process typically involves collecting a sample of cells, often obtained through a simple cheek swab or a blood sample. Once the sample is collected, the DNA is extracted and analysed in a laboratory. The analysis can involve different techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or DNA sequencing, depending on the purpose of the test.
There are several types of DNA tests, including:
Ancestry Testing: This type of test examines an individual's DNA to determine their ethnic origins and trace their ancestral roots.
Paternity Testing: Used to determine the biological relationship between a child and an alleged father.
Health and Wellness Testing: Some tests provide information about an individual's genetic predisposition to certain health conditions, potential responses to medications, and lifestyle-related traits.
Genetic Genealogy: Combines DNA testing with traditional genealogy research to help individuals trace their family trees and find relatives.
DNA testing has become increasingly popular due to advancements in technology, affordability, and the growing interest in understanding one's genetic background. However, it's essential to consider the privacy implications and potential emotional impact of the information revealed by these tests. In the pursuit of roots, military records serve as dusty scrolls, preserving the deeds of forgotten heroes. Names like whispers on the wind surface from the archives, revealing the valiant efforts of men who stood against the tide of history. Each record, a testament to sacrifice, carries the weight of a narrative waiting to be resurrected.
A family, driven by an insatiable need to know their biological roots, embarked on a journey through time, guided by the cryptic tales passed down through generations. Stories that survived, often transformed by the passage of time, now find validation in the details uncovered by meticulous research.
Yet, as with any historical quest, the terrain is not always smooth. Gaps persist, shadows loom, and some stories refuse to be fully unveiled. In these moments, family lore becomes both a compass and a puzzle. Elders recount fragments of tales heard in hushed tones, providing clues that become the keys to unlocking the past. The wonders of modern technology intertwine with the tendrils of oral history, creating a synergy that breathes life into forgotten narratives. DNA connects the dots, military records provide the context, and family lore infuses the stories with the warmth of personal connection. As the layers peel away, the once-forgotten men of World War I emerge as individuals with dreams, fears, and hopes. No longer confined to the cold pages of history books, they become flesh and blood, re-joining the living in a dance across time.
In the quiet moments of reflection, families stand at the intersection of the past and present, grateful for the tools that have allowed them to reclaim their heritage. DNA testing, military records, and family lore—each a bridge to a bygone era. Together, they weave a narrative that transcends generations, ensuring that the forgotten men of World War I are remembered not as faceless soldiers, but as the resilient souls who shaped the course of history.
Emer and her family were fuelled by a deep curiosity and need to unravel the enigmatic tapestry of her father's biological roots. Armed with determination and a thirst for knowledge, they delved into the past, tracing the footsteps of generations that came before. Their journey took them across time and borders, unearthing tales of resilience, triumphs, and the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed. From dusty archives to hallowed family gatherings, each discovery added a new layer to the evolving narrative of their lineage.
Their quest wasn't just about uncovering names and dates; it was about understanding the essence of who they were, where they came from, and the forces that shaped their family's story. In the shared moments of revelation and reflection, Emer and her family found not only a deeper understanding of their past but also a profound connection to the present. This story is a testament to the enduring power of family and the timeless allure of discovering one's origins.
An Unknown Grandfather
In Remembrance
of
Petty Officer Maurice Reid 1865-1914
By Dr. Emer Forde
My father was born in Ireland in 1940 and beyond that he knew little about his birth or early life. The true identity of his parents was a mystery and, although his seemingly innocuous birth certificate looked like any other, my father knew it was factitious. Great care had been taken to conceal his true biological roots. In light hearted moments, my father referred to it as a “work of fiction”. Funny, although it has been illegal to falsify a birth certificate in Ireland since 1874.
The journey my father embarked on, first with my mother Elizabeth over 60 years ago, and later with my brother Peter, sister Helen and I was marked by decades of futile encounters with bureaucratic obstacles, apparently lost files, and responses that felt like impenetrable brick walls. But it became a tale of surprises and encounters with wonderful people that finally weaved a narrative across generations. The chief protagonist in this story is Petty Officer Maurice Reid, the first person we found in a series of discoveries that would reshape our family narrative.
The Elusive Quest
The story begins with my father's persistent efforts to pry open the doors of information about his origins. A litany of discouragements, from files lost in fires to libraries consumed by dry rot, met our every inquiry. The Chief Executive of an institution who could have helped us likened our search to finding a needle in a haystack. At the end of our conversation, my father, undeterred, parted with a simple yet resolute statement: "I hope we find that needle." The Chief Executive looked doubtful and our hope faded once more in the corridors of bureaucracy.
The Genetic Blueprint
Determination emerged as our loyal companion, driving us through the maze of lost documents and unanswered questions and, when we felt we had exhausted all lines of enquiry in traditional paper archives, we turned to the one database no-one could conceal from us: the genetic blueprint of our past that had quite literally been at our fingertips all along. Of course, we had doubts about giving our most personal information to a company because who knows how businesses, insurers, doctors and politicians will use our DNA in the future, but we had run out of options. In 2022, we submitted our DNA to a global database, casting our lot into the vast sea of information contained within the intricate strands of our chromosomes.
Hope flickered in our hearts and finally on May 16, 2022, that hope took tangible form. On this pivotal day, a new chapter unfolded in our lives when our DNA results came in. My father had eighteen close DNA matches, potential first or second cousins. Armed with this newfound knowledge, we delved into the digital realms, where Google, Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter became our allies, shedding light on the names coming up on our elusive ancestry, and leading us to the first significant clue - Petty Officer Maurice Reid of the British Royal Navy must have been my father’s grandfather.
The Naval Odyssey of Maurice Reid
Maurice Reid, a name previously unknown to us. We discovered he was born in a quaint Irish fishing village of Whitegate, County Cork in 1865. His entry into the navy at the tender age of 15 marked the commencement of a journey that would span the seas and traverse the ranks. He was just over 5ft when he joined, with dark hazel eyes, black hair and freckles, the scar beneath the right side of his chin recorded as his only distinctive feature in his military record. His naval career evolved from Able Seaman to Petty Officer and eventually ascended to the position of Gun Captain, tasked with training others in the intricacies of firearms and swords. His career took him far from home to America and the exotic backdrop of the China seas.
The curtain on Maurice's naval service fell in 1910 with his retirement, providing a respite that was short-lived. The outbreak of World War I summoned him back into active duty as a reservist. Tragically, his journey aboard HMS Illustrious was cut short on August 23, 1914. The ship's logbook chronicled his sudden illness and subsequent confusion, leading to his death within a few hours. A coroner's report revealed the cause, 'haemorrhage by extensive tuberculosis'. Not surprising in an era when tuberculosis claimed over 10,000 lives annually in Ireland.
Resting in Peace at Ford Park Cemetery
Ford Park Cemetery in Plymouth became the final resting place for Maurice Reid on August 27, 1914. Initially laid to rest in a common grave, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission intervened in 1923, purchasing the plot and erecting a headstone. For a century, the grave received meticulous care, a testament to the enduring gratitude of a nation for the sacrifices made by individuals like Maurice. When my family visited for the first time, we discovered Maurice Reid, aged 44, resting alongside fellow WWI personnel. His shared headstone with a 16-year-old named Frederick felt poignant as I stood there with my own sons, aged only 20 and 21, looking at row after row of symmetrical grey slate stones marking the final resting places of so many young lives sacrificed to war. A stark reminder of the human cost of conflict.
A Newfound Connection and Reflection
On Remembrance Sunday, a day bathed in the solemnity of memory, my family and I will visit Maurice Reid's grave. Adorned with poppies worn with newfound pride, we will stand before the headstone and give thanks for our newfound grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. In reflecting on the sacrifices made by individuals like Maurice Reid, who gave their tomorrows for our peace today, we will honour not only a family legacy but also the broader tapestry of those who shaped the course of history. Maurice Reid will be remembered by us as a poignant symbol of determination, hope, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family to transcend the boundaries of time.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”
“For the Fallen” Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
Dr. Emer Forde at the graveside of Maurice Reid,
"It was the first time anyone in our family had ever been"