I am a new member of the society and joined as I helping my Nann search for information about her family from the Isle of Man, particularly her brother and sister who she never met. My Nann is Irene May Bridson, born 12th March 1918 at 24 Chester Street, Douglas. She was told that her parents died when she was a very young baby and was put into the Manx Orphange for Orphans and destitute children, Douglas. She was told that her brother and sister were sent to America. She has never had any contact with them or anyone else from her Isle of Man family.

From my searches so far I have found out that her father was called Edward Bridson, born in 1884. On my Nann's birth certificate his occupation is private, 2nd battn, Loyal North Lancashire regiment. I was lucky enough to find his service record at the Public Record Office which shows that he survived the war and was demobed in 1919. His service record does list an address of Auckland Grove, Douglas.

My Nann's mother did die in October 1918 her name was Sarah Ann Bridson (ne Cowley). Her mother was with her and was called Margaret Cowley.

I have managed to locate the birth certificates of the brother and sister which shows they were called Margaret Trayes Bridson, born 2.11.10, 2 Tynwald Terrace, Douglas and James Edward Bridson, born 24.4.14, 11 Drinkwater Street, Douglas. I have tried to get hold of orphange records but without success and now feel stuck as to where to go from here.

It would be wonderful if I could give my Nann some information about what happened to her brother and sister and any advice, help etc. would be very welcome. Yours with anticipation, Julie Lewis