Hi Annelise. My uncle Sapper Reginald Charles Spencer and his cousin Lance Corporal Geoffrey William Spencer were posted as Royal Engineers to HK before it fell to the Japanese and both died on the Lisbon Maru. I am aware that Reginald appeared a couple of times at least in the local papers as he won an army boxing competition. I would much appeciate it were you able to search for their names please (1937-1942) and let me have copies of anything you find. Also any more general mentions of the Royal Engineers duringthat period would be interesting. Would that be possible please? Best wishes, Bill Peacock, Surrey, England
I was wondering whether there are any references in the SCMP archives to the surname Bletcher. This would be in the period February 1963 through to June 1968. It's not a common name and if anything did come up, it would likely be for my late father Robert (Bob) Bletcher.
It's probably unlikely you'll find anything but it would be wonderful if something did come up.
I guess you're probably getting lots of requests at the moment, so if you can have a look, please do so whenever it suits you.
Dad was a keen sailor and spent a lot of his spare time at RHKYC. I also recall an article reporting on the merger between Gilman and Haden (there may have been a photo with that one).
Appreciate if could carry out two searches please?
1/Any mention of HMS Carlisle for period June 1923 to end October 1925. Think she had an encounter with Pirates in Dec 1923. She was on China Station during that period so would most likely have also called at Hong Kong.
2/Any mention of 45 Royal Marine Commando from 1945 to end of 1947. 45 RMC was stationed there after WWII.
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1
UNITED SERVICES LEAGUE: H.M.S TAMAR V. H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
UNITED SERVICES LEAGUE: H.M.S TAMAR v. H.M.S. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 07 Dec 1920: 11.
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2
BILLIARDS: HMS. CARLISLE V WILTS SGTS
Historical Newspaper
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BILLIARDS: HMS. CARLISLE v WILTS SGTS
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 28 Sep 1920: 10.
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3
H.M.S. CARLISLE DANCE
Historical Newspaper
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H.M.S. CARLISLE DANCE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 31 Dec 1925: 2.
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4
H.M.S. "CARLISLE" DANCE CLUB
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. "CARLISLE" DANCE CLUB
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 28 Nov 1923: 4.
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5
H.M.S. CARLISLE DESERTERS: CHARGED WITH VAGRANCY
Historical Newspaper
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H.M.S. CARLISLE DESERTERS: CHARGED WITH VAGRANCY
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 05 July 1921: 3.
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6
RIFLE SHOOTING: S.R.A. V. H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
RIFLE SHOOTING: S.R.A. v. H.M.S. Carlisle
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 23 Feb 1927: 12.
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7
H.M.S. CARLISLE BOXERS IN SHANGHAI: SHANGHAI, OCT. 2
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. CARLISLE BOXERS IN SHANGHAI: Shanghai, Oct. 2
(Our Own Correspondent.).
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 03 Oct 1922: 6.
... hitH.M.S...
.... hitCarlisle...
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (11 KB)
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8
A KOREAN BOMB: BRAVERY OF A BLUEJACKET OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
A KOREAN BOMB: BRAVERY OF A BLUEJACKET OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 11 Apr 1922: 7.
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9
STRIKE SITUATION: BETTER CARGOES OVER THE WEEKEND MOVEMENTS OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
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STRIKE SITUATION: BETTER CARGOES OVER THE WEEKEND Movements of H.M.S. Carlisle
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 07 Sep 1925: 13.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (92 KB)
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10
NAVAL FUNERAL: MARINE'S TRAGIC DEATH YESTERDAY H.M.S. CARLISLE'S LOSS
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
NAVAL FUNERAL: Marine's Tragic Death Yesterday H.M.S. CARLISLE'S LOSS
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 10 July 1928: 9.
...hitH.M.S. hitCarlisle, who died in his sleep quite unexpectedly,...
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (102 KB)
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11
THE HONG MOH DISASTER: HOW H.M.S. CARLISLE SAVED OVER TWO HUNDRED BRAVE WORK BY CAPTAIN EVANS, D.S.O. STORY OF AN EYE-WITNESS
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
THE HONG MOH DISASTER: HOW H.M.S. CARLISLE SAVED OVER TWO HUNDRED BRAVE WORK BY CAPTAIN EVANS, D.S.O. Story of an Eye-Witness
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 09 Mar 1921: 7.
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12
RIFLE LEAGUE: H.M.S. ARGUS WINS IN TWO MATCHES POLICE V. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
RIFLE LEAGUE: H.M.S. Argus Wins in Two Matches POLICE v. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 15 Feb 1928: 6.
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Immediately after the war (September 1945) there was a case in the HK Courts regarding stamps that were looted during the Japanese Occupation. It was reported in one or more of the edirions of the SCMP.
It would be a kindness if you could find them and provide details, if possible the complete articles.
Thanks for this, sorry my late response. My email is dmwalford@hotmail.com. Do you have a suggested date and time - am in the U.K. had clocks forward an hour last night so think now 7 hr difference to H.K.
Meanwhile not sure how the search pages works on SCMP - but might be able to reduce the amount of hits.
Re HMS Carlisle - if search also using name "Stopher" - I would not expect to get any hits as was a signalman but good to rule it out.. Then after that - not really interested in likes of sporting events and dances etc - more details re the vessels movements at that period of time.
Re 45 Royal Marine Commando - search using the name "O'Sullivan" - as was a Lance Corporal again would not expect to get any hits. But then the Commando in general what they were doing and where they were etc.
Thank you for your offer of help. I am searching for anything on the Helbling family. My grandfather, James Helbling and his brother, Lewis Helbling were both merchants in China from the 1890s until the 1940s. My grandmother was Barbara Helbling. By 1903 there is probably no trace of the family company - Helbling & Co or J C Helbling - but any references would be helpful. Also my father, Alan Helbling, wrote a letter on 9 Augusut 1963 sending a cutting from the South China Morning Post about the departure of my mum and I from Hong Kong. I have the letter but not the cutting and would love to see it, if at all possible... Many thanks.
There are over 100 Helbling references. Starting with a wedding announcement in 1907 in Foochow. Send me your email via David and we can do a zoom call and search together.
Remote access seems to be gone again. I've tried accessing it from home a few times over the past week or so but no luck. (Yes, I have a library card.)
That's good news - thanks for
That's good news - thanks for letting us know.
For readers with their own library card, you can access the SCMP archive by clicking on "ProQuest Historical Newspapers: South China Morning Post" at https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/e-resources/e-databases/tag/SCMP/all/1
Spencer cousins
Hi Annelise. My uncle Sapper Reginald Charles Spencer and his cousin Lance Corporal Geoffrey William Spencer were posted as Royal Engineers to HK before it fell to the Japanese and both died on the Lisbon Maru. I am aware that Reginald appeared a couple of times at least in the local papers as he won an army boxing competition. I would much appeciate it were you able to search for their names please (1937-1942) and let me have copies of anything you find. Also any more general mentions of the Royal Engineers duringthat period would be interesting. Would that be possible please? Best wishes, Bill Peacock, Surrey, England
SCMP Research
Hi, Annelise
I was wondering whether there are any references in the SCMP archives to the surname Bletcher. This would be in the period February 1963 through to June 1968. It's not a common name and if anything did come up, it would likely be for my late father Robert (Bob) Bletcher.
It's probably unlikely you'll find anything but it would be wonderful if something did come up.
I guess you're probably getting lots of requests at the moment, so if you can have a look, please do so whenever it suits you.
Kind regards
Bill Bletcher
Bletcher
Many yachting references, a few Gilman Motors ones, and one British General Electric one. I'll ask David to put us in touch.
SCMP Archives
Hi, Annelise
Thanks ever so much!
Dad was a keen sailor and spent a lot of his spare time at RHKYC. I also recall an article reporting on the merger between Gilman and Haden (there may have been a photo with that one).
I really appreciate you doing this
My email address is khatru57@gmail.com
Kind regards
Bill
SCMP searches
Good day Annelise,
Appreciate if could carry out two searches please?
1/Any mention of HMS Carlisle for period June 1923 to end October 1925. Think she had an encounter with Pirates in Dec 1923. She was on China Station during that period so would most likely have also called at Hong Kong.
2/Any mention of 45 Royal Marine Commando from 1945 to end of 1947. 45 RMC was stationed there after WWII.
Thanks very much
Derek
HMS CARLISLE
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1
UNITED SERVICES LEAGUE: H.M.S TAMAR V. H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
UNITED SERVICES LEAGUE: H.M.S TAMAR v. H.M.S. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 07 Dec 1920: 11.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (80 KB)
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2
BILLIARDS: HMS. CARLISLE V WILTS SGTS
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
BILLIARDS: HMS. CARLISLE v WILTS SGTS
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 28 Sep 1920: 10.
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3
H.M.S. CARLISLE DANCE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. CARLISLE DANCE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 31 Dec 1925: 2.
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4
H.M.S. "CARLISLE" DANCE CLUB
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. "CARLISLE" DANCE CLUB
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 28 Nov 1923: 4.
Details Full text - PDF (33 KB)
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5
H.M.S. CARLISLE DESERTERS: CHARGED WITH VAGRANCY
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. CARLISLE DESERTERS: CHARGED WITH VAGRANCY
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 05 July 1921: 3.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (23 KB)
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6
RIFLE SHOOTING: S.R.A. V. H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
RIFLE SHOOTING: S.R.A. v. H.M.S. Carlisle
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 23 Feb 1927: 12.
Details Full text - PDF (15 KB)
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7
H.M.S. CARLISLE BOXERS IN SHANGHAI: SHANGHAI, OCT. 2
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
H.M.S. CARLISLE BOXERS IN SHANGHAI: Shanghai, Oct. 2
(Our Own Correspondent.).
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 03 Oct 1922: 6.
... hitH.M.S...
.... hitCarlisle...
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (11 KB)
Show Abstract
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8
A KOREAN BOMB: BRAVERY OF A BLUEJACKET OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
A KOREAN BOMB: BRAVERY OF A BLUEJACKET OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 11 Apr 1922: 7.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (52 KB)
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9
STRIKE SITUATION: BETTER CARGOES OVER THE WEEKEND MOVEMENTS OF H.M.S. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
STRIKE SITUATION: BETTER CARGOES OVER THE WEEKEND Movements of H.M.S. Carlisle
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 07 Sep 1925: 13.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (92 KB)
Show Abstract
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10
NAVAL FUNERAL: MARINE'S TRAGIC DEATH YESTERDAY H.M.S. CARLISLE'S LOSS
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
NAVAL FUNERAL: Marine's Tragic Death Yesterday H.M.S. CARLISLE'S LOSS
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 10 July 1928: 9.
...hitH.M.S. hitCarlisle, who died in his sleep quite unexpectedly,...
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (102 KB)
Show Abstract
Select result item
11
THE HONG MOH DISASTER: HOW H.M.S. CARLISLE SAVED OVER TWO HUNDRED BRAVE WORK BY CAPTAIN EVANS, D.S.O. STORY OF AN EYE-WITNESS
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
THE HONG MOH DISASTER: HOW H.M.S. CARLISLE SAVED OVER TWO HUNDRED BRAVE WORK BY CAPTAIN EVANS, D.S.O. Story of an Eye-Witness
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 09 Mar 1921: 7.
Abstract/Details Full text - PDF (334 KB)
Show Abstract
Select result item
12
RIFLE LEAGUE: H.M.S. ARGUS WINS IN TWO MATCHES POLICE V. CARLISLE
Historical Newspaper
Full Text
RIFLE LEAGUE: H.M.S. Argus Wins in Two Matches POLICE v. CARLISLE
South China Morning Post (1903-1941); Hong Kong [Hong Kong]. 15 Feb 1928: 6.
Details Full text - PDF (35 KB)
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SCMP re HMS Carlisle
Thanks very much Annelise
Regards
Derek
There is more …
We can make a zoom date and you can search using share screen.
Many thanks Analise
Many thanks Analise
Immediately after the war (September 1945) there was a case in the HK Courts regarding stamps that were looted during the Japanese Occupation. It was reported in one or more of the edirions of the SCMP.
It would be a kindness if you could find them and provide details, if possible the complete articles.
Appreciated
SCMP online - HMS Carlisle and 45 RMC
Hi Annelise,
Thanks for this, sorry my late response. My email is dmwalford@hotmail.com. Do you have a suggested date and time - am in the U.K. had clocks forward an hour last night so think now 7 hr difference to H.K.
Meanwhile not sure how the search pages works on SCMP - but might be able to reduce the amount of hits.
Re HMS Carlisle - if search also using name "Stopher" - I would not expect to get any hits as was a signalman but good to rule it out.. Then after that - not really interested in likes of sporting events and dances etc - more details re the vessels movements at that period of time.
Re 45 Royal Marine Commando - search using the name "O'Sullivan" - as was a Lance Corporal again would not expect to get any hits. But then the Commando in general what they were doing and where they were etc.
Thanks and regards
Derek
Helbling
Good Morning Annelise
Thank you for your offer of help. I am searching for anything on the Helbling family. My grandfather, James Helbling and his brother, Lewis Helbling were both merchants in China from the 1890s until the 1940s. My grandmother was Barbara Helbling. By 1903 there is probably no trace of the family company - Helbling & Co or J C Helbling - but any references would be helpful. Also my father, Alan Helbling, wrote a letter on 9 Augusut 1963 sending a cutting from the South China Morning Post about the departure of my mum and I from Hong Kong. I have the letter but not the cutting and would love to see it, if at all possible... Many thanks.
There are over 100 Helbling
There are over 100 Helbling references. Starting with a wedding announcement in 1907 in Foochow. Send me your email via David and we can do a zoom call and search together.
Btw The vast majority of
Btw The vast majority of listings are passenger arrivals
Remote access
Remote access seems to be gone again. I've tried accessing it from home a few times over the past week or so but no luck. (Yes, I have a library card.)
Yes, the libraries are open
Yes, the libraries are open again so the remote access is turned off. I’m heading there right now.