218793 Helen Johnson Munitions Worker from:Naseby Road, Reddish, Stockport. Helen Johnson nee Sullivan is my paternal grandmother, whilst I have found a lot of information out about her, the one thing I cannot find out is the father of her child (an American Serviceman I believe). Sadly, Helen perished in January 1946 in a tragic accident when she was only 20. Indeed, only the week before her death, she had given my father up for adoption. The last year of her life must have been fraught with anxieties and difficulties. I know that Helen was married in 1943 to a Francis Bernard Johnson (Gunner 995899 R.A. 23rd Field Regiment)and was still married to him at the time of her death. I also know that FBJ was not the father of her child, I don't know if he even knew about the birth as he was away serving in the Central Mediterranean I believe. He went on to marry Helen's sister, Kathleen, in 1953 and they had 3 children together.
I am trying to find anyone who knew Helen around 1945 (or before). She lived on Naseby Road in Reddish with her parents and was a filer at a 'Munitions Works' (I presume locally). I am clinging to the hope that she may have confided in someone about her predicament and divulged some info about the mysterious American GI.
My father is still alive and nearing his 70th year - what a wonderful birthday present it would be to present him with his fathers details. Optimistic I know, but you have to have hope.
I appreciate that there are a lot of these stories out there, but surely, every child has a right to know who its parents are?
Also, if anybody knows any of the American Airbases that were stationed around Reddish, Stockport c.1945, I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you in anticipation.
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