WC Athol Stanhope Forbes b1912 d 1981

[andygibb]

It is believed Athol was the son of a relative of mine, one Isobel Gibb (who became Isobel Barr then Isobel Forbes). I am currently waiting for Athol's birth certificate coming to me to confirm this.

While there is much information online about Athol's RAF career (particularly as one of "The Few" in the Battle of Britain), I am posting here to see if anyone has any further information on him, for example his life after the war, information on his wife (who I believe to be Lorraine) and of any of his children ( I know he had son called Athol Stuart Forbes born 1939).

I also believe he had a brother Angus, who I also believe may have spent some time in prison.

If anyone knows any information that may help me, then please contact me.

Best wishes

Andy Gibb
Fort William
Scotland

 

[davelambert271]

I am having difficulty tracing the people you mention.

I can find an Athol S Forbes born in Hemel Hempstead Mar qtr 1940, mother Carter. He appeared to marry Jennifer E Moore in Sep qtr 1962 Amersham. They had child Charlotte E.C in Sep qtr 1965.

Athol S father was Athol S Forbes, who married Ernestine M.Y.L. Carter in Jun qtr 1939 London. He had a sister Isobel L born Jun qtr 1951 Hemel Hempstead.

I cannot find an Isobel Gibb, Barr marrying a Forbes

 

[andygibb]

Dave,

Thanks for that.

The family "rumour" is that Athol Stanhope Forbes parents (Isobel Gibb/Barr and Mr Forbes) were never married, which will be confirmed when I get his birth certificate... the fact you cant find details suggests this may be true.
Ernestine M Y L Carter appears to have been known by her last christian name(Lorraine) as she appears to be in two ships passenger records one out of the country in 1946 listed as RAF family with son Master A S Forbes... then back again in 1947 with Master Athol Stuart Forbes.

Thanks so much for the next generation information..and as I say hopefully I will have confirmed that Athol snr is Isobels son from the birth certificate as he is a very interesting relative to have.

Andy

 

[leefer]

http://en.ww2awards.com/person/47928

Wowser,would be very proud of a man like this in my family...good luck for your quest on info in his later life.

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...wBg#v=onepage&q=athol stanhope forbes&f=false

Lee

 

[andygibb]

Just been advised from GRO that there is no record of Athol's birth ANYWHERE in London between 1911 and 1913 even although RAF records and online articles etc about Athol state he was born in London on 4th April 1912.

Anyone got any suggestions as to what I do next.

I have his wedding records coming to me but if I am right ( sorry if I am wrong) then English marriage records only show fathers names (where as Scottish records show both parents).

It is vital, (before I continue to document Athol's life) that I can establish his mother was or was not Isabel Gibb/ Barr

 

[gibbo]

Hi Andy,

These are probably nothing new to you but i have saved the articles so if you would like a copy of them PM me your email and i'll get them to you.

Marriages.
The Times (London, England), Tuesday, May 30, 1939;

FORBES - CARTER ; On May 27 1939 at St James Garlickhythe EC Athol Stanhope Forbes RAF to Ernestine Mary Yvonne Lorraine Carter of " Gadespring" Hamel Hempstead
----------------------------------------------------------------------
R.A.F. Officers Receive Polish "V.C.".
The Times (London, England), Friday, Jan 17, 1941
R.A.F Officers receive Polish "V.C"
Squadron leaders Ronald Gustove Kellet D.S.O ;; D.F.C. John Alexander Kent D.F.C;; AFC. and Athol Stanhope Forbes D.F.C of the R.A.F were each decorated with the Polish V.C yesterday for "deeds of high gallantry as leaders of Polish Squadron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

There is also a obituary type article for him, it has more to do with his career and nothing about his personal life. It would take me forever to type it out on here so i have saved that article as well incase you dont have it.

 

[gibbo]

Andy just a thought but have you a death/funeral notice for Isobel? If one can be found it might mention her children's names.

 

[andygibb]

Hi Andy,

These are probably nothing new to you but i have saved the articles so if you would like a copy of them PM me your email and i'll get them to you.

Marriages.
The Times (London, England), Tuesday, May 30, 1939;

FORBES - CARTER ; On May 27 1939 at St James Garlickhythe EC Athol Stanhope Forbes RAF to Ernestine Mary Yvonne Lorraine Carter of " Gadespring" Hamel Hempstead
----------------------------------------------------------------------
R.A.F. Officers Receive Polish "V.C.".
The Times (London, England), Friday, Jan 17, 1941
R.A.F Officers receive Polish "V.C"
Squadron leaders Ronald Gustove Kellet D.S.O ;; D.F.C. John Alexander Kent D.F.C;; AFC. and Athol Stanhope Forbes D.F.C of the R.A.F were each decorated with the Polish V.C yesterday for "deeds of high gallantry as leaders of Polish Squadron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

There is also a obituary type article for him, it has more to do with his career and nothing about his personal life. It would take me forever to type it out on here so i have saved that article as well incase you dont have it.

This is brilliant. I have some of this but not all.

 

[gibbo]

Isobel Gibb (who became Isobel Barr then Isobel Forbes).

Did Isabel marry a Barr? If so do you have any details of when and where?
Also do you have a death for Isobel?

I've still been looking but having trouble finding stuff.

 

[Kirsten Forbes]

Hello

I am Athol Stanhope Forbes' granddaughter.

My grandfather died when I was six, he was married to Lorraine. He had two children my auntie Isobel and my father Athol Stuart Forbes (sadly he passed away 5 years ago).

Can I help you in anyway?

Regards

Kirsten Louise Forbes

 

[andygibb]

Kirsteen,

Great to hear from you.

My great grandfather, James Gibb, was the father of Isabella Gibb (who became Isabella Barr) who was Athol and Angus's mother from William Dick Forbes.

I am extensively researching Angus, Athol and Andrew( her son to AG Barr) and have been in contact with members of Andrew's family and also one of Angus' daughters.

With regards to Athol I obviously have been able to trace his war record and have many books where stories of his flight history are told.

I have information on Angus' childhood, schooling etc etc, and quite a coplex history of his life but I have little information on Athol's pre war life other than what was written in a 1959 letter, written by Angus when in hospital.

I would be very grateful if we could communicate by email and if you are interested I will share all I have on Isabella (Athol's mother) and the Gibb line, as well as what I have on Angus.

Really delighted you got in touch and please message me your email and I will relate all that I know there.

Best wishes

Andy Gibb

 

[LouiseP]

Hello, Kirsten,
I have just joined this site as I am so pleased I have found a descendant of Athol Stanhope Forbes. He fought with the famous Polish 303 Squadron alongside my Father Squadron Leader Ronald G Kellett. I wanted to find his family members as we are having a special service in Kent on 30/08/2014 for the Squadron. If you are interested in attending I can tell you more. I am not sure how we contact each other privately, but will doubtless find out in due course.
Best wishes
Louise

Hi Louise
You both have to have made 3 posts then wait till your user name turns green. You can then make contact with other members by private message
dave

 

[Kirsten Forbes]

Hello Andy and Louise

I am happy to share my email address with you both but I am not sure about just posting it on here for all to see!!

Andy - I would love to answer any questions you have and my mother and auntie are interested in helping too! We have a lot of my grandfathers diaries, photographs etc!

Louise- I would love to come to the service, it would be an honour!

How do I get my email address to you both?

Kind regards

Kirsten

 

[Kirsten Forbes]

Making my third post so I can use private messages

 

[LouiseP]

Kirsten, thanks for responding - so pleased you will be able to come to the service. I know that Johnny Kent's daughter will also be thrilled to meet you - she was also trying to work out how to find Athol's family.
I will make a third post shortly so that we can make contact. All the best

Louise

 

[LouiseP]

Andy, I know that you will hear from Kirsten with regard to Athol's post war work. When I was looking for the family a couple of years back I found that an A. S. Forbes was working for Cameroons Air Transport Ltd as their Operations Manager. The company was set up in March 1962. I assumed at that time that he and possibly his family had abroad.
Kirsten, it would be lovely when we can contact each other if you have some BofB photos of your grandfathers and any significant extracts from his diary. I am compiling a commemorative booklet for the occasion.
Have you read Richard's King book on the 303 (Polish) Squadron "Battle of Britain Diary"?
Looking forward to being in contact with you.

Louise

 

[Kirsten Forbes]

Hi Louise

Yes we have photos and diaries from the training missions and the Battle of Britain (currently in my Auntie Isobel's possession but we all live within three miles of each other). As soon as you can private message I will send you my email address. My grandfather was stationed in India and the Middle East after the war.

Regards

Kirsten

 

[leefer]

Brilliant....what this forum is all about.

 

[andygibb]

This has been a great advert for this site. Thanks everyone

Andy

 

[ianto73]

Whilst not being able to offer any information, this thread is, as Lee as said, what this site is all about. To bring people together in this fashion is so magical, I can only applaud every one involved. Good luck and best wishes.
Brian.