Jalsa Salana 2012

I had the good fortune to meet the head of the Ahmadiyya community several times, I met him in his private office and we had a deep conversation about my Great Grandfather Henry Martyn-Clark. I found him deep, sincere and extremely likeable man, very knowledgeable about my family. Great charisma and a worthy leader. Liked him a lot.  My host was anxious about the meeting, for him it was the culmination of research and he must have been desperate for it to go well - It did. I visited the Ahmadiyya community display and was extremely impressed and of course visited the mosque, not once but twice. We were very much aware that our Great Grandfather's were at loggerheads - for me I feel that our respective differences have been truly buried!

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifa-tul Masih V and
Jol Martyn-Clark the Great Grandson of Henry Martyn-Clark

I made a promise to my host that I would speak at Jalsa Salana 2012, about my Great Grandfather - I immediately said yes - then thought what the... Great honour of course. Many thoughts coursed through my mind, most of them help!

I was in the company of very interesting and knowledgble people and an opportunity that would not come again. It was the very last day of the Olymics in London when I caught the train to Alton. Greeted at the station, and transported to Jalsa. Proceedings did not start till later in the day. There were many speeches before mine, all interesting of course. The huge tent filled and I suppose I was left to the very end. His Holiness took the central podium and the air became electric with anticipation - This is not good for the nerves. My host said just read the speech and take your time! (the best advice!) I was called. This is the speech I read:

Your Holiness, my friends,

I am the Great Grandson of Henry Martyn-Clark. He is perhaps infamous in the history of your faith, but I would like to tell you a little more about his background , his character and achievements. Then my perceptions and finally a little about myself and my father.

Henry was adopted by the Reverend Robert Clark and his wife in 1875. It is thought that he was left outside the Reverend Clark’s mission in 1875 in Peshawar. It is believed that Reverend and Mrs Clark has just lost their first born child. He was known to be an Afghan. I suggest that the name Henry Martyn was in acknowledgement and affection for Henry Martyn, the the Priest and Missionary whose life influenced Robert Clarks’s mission. May I point out that the Clarks had eleven children, I think. It is thought from my own family history that some of these were also adopted local children. I am indeed in touch with the grandson of another of Henry’s brothers.

Henry was educated at Edinburgh University and he obtained his Medical Doctors degrees in 1881. At the same time he also passed his divinity qualifications to become a missionary. This was achieved by the age of 24. At the same time he also courted a Scottish girl, Mary Emma Ireland. They married in January 1882.

In February the same year Henry and his new bride of 12 days set off to join his father in Amritsar to work as a Medical Missionary. The same journey that his Father and his new bride took about 30 years previously.

In 1882 his eldest son was born, Walter Martyn-Clark and in 1887 my Grandfather Robert Eric Noel Martyn-Clark was born, he was born on Christmas day. Both sons were born in Amritsar. They became doctors, qualified at Edinburgh University too – there does seem to be a pattern appearing here! I do not know when they qualified or even returned to India. They were caught up in the Great War as Medical men – both returned to Edinburgh on Henry's death in 1916.

Henry had returned to the UK in the years 1892 where he presented a paper on Malaria – he had mentioned the mosquito as the cause, but there was no evidence to support this, I still have the publication as well as letters from Herbert Morton Stanley's wife. Henry had also produced a Punjabi to English dictionary too. He was certainly in London in 1893 to report to a Royal Commission on the use of opium. I must presume that he returned to Amritsar at this time. His father wasn't well.

In 1897 Henry Martyn-Clark filed a complaint against Hudhoor whom he alleged had plotted to murder him. Hudhoor behaved impeccably believing rightly that the truth was above the lies perpetrated towards him.

Robert Clark died in 1900, Henry was present at his death. It is difficult to know when Henry returned to Edinburgh. He did lecture at Edinburgh University on Tropical diseases, He also had an extensive medical practice too. He died buried in the Dean Cemetery. For a man who had a large influence in India and Scotland it really is a little sad and lonely. I did not discover the grave until quite recently -

Henry had dissolved into the mists of time. However I did feel drawn to it by a higher power.

As I was hunting down my late Great Grandfather, little did I realise that my soon to be friend Asif, was also on my trail! I had known that someone had requested a photo of Henry's grave. I had a friend request from him, an email too. Well he's an excellent researcher and also very persuasive. He visited me in Lytham, interviewed me and persuaded me to visit London. I visited the exhibition, also both Mosques, but the highlight was an audience with his Holiness. Very difficult to put in words what I felt. A depth of feeling, warmth and understanding I have never felt before. Here was a good man, a great leader. Sincerity with humility. I was shaken – I still am. I returned for the peace conference. We spoke again. I had the same feelings. As I do now.

I wish to bring the history a little up to date. My father was the male influence in life. I was privileged to know him for 30 years. He spoke little of his parents, he like me had never met Henry. He was educated at boarding school and he and his sister only saw their parents during school holidays. His own father died when he was 7 and his mother when he was 9. He was adopted by his mother's sisters - in Cornwall - they had been nurses in the Punjab too. He was a restless chap, intelligent and articulate – he had started his degree in Horticulture when the Second World War broke out: He signed up immediately – he wanted to go East! And he got his wish! Captured by the Japanese incarcerated with the Ghurkas, most people content to survive, my father had learned their language. It was to become useful. Surviving the war with a gift for languages and immense frustration and a couple of false starts he became a primary school teacher. He loved the job – children loved him but there was always something missing – a deeper need. In the late 50's fuelled by political circumstances, education extended to those with disabilities and difficulties. My father saw this as his vocation. As a remedial teacher he was working in schools in Bury and Manchester. There was tremendous growth in the Asian population at this time. They were astounded and not a little suspicious to find a white man talking in their own language. He was taken to their hearts!

On his early death, the community built a memorial garden in his honour. I together with my mother and wife were guests at the opening. Sadly the school is no longer there.

I have returned to the beginning, Shocked and very pleasantly surprised by the reception I have had. Never dreamed that I would find out so much. The internet is such a fantastic place. So perhaps a few words about myself. Qualified as an engineer, worked for a large electronics company, again like my father became very restless, entered teaching and soon became concerned with those learners with disabilities and difficulties. Wanting to know more, qualified as a Dyslexia teacher from Edinburgh University. Currently working at Blackpool and the Fylde college coordinating support as a Specialist Support Tutor.

I am indebted to you all. Love for all and Hatred for none has been theme in my own family and will continue to be so.

It does indeed feel strange to put this in print - but events overtook me. I suppose that I really wanted to know more about my family and got far more than I bargained for - still coming to terms with it.  Here are pictures of the event:

During the speech

Behind us is sitting the speakers who have spoken,
This is clearer in the lower pictures

On the right, against the wall are the speakers who made speeches
throughout the afternoon. I was one of the later speakers.

It would be good to return, just to soak up the atmosphere. Much of the speech above is contained in the website.

Walter Ireland Foggo Martyn-Clark at Ardentinny

My Picture of Walter as a young boy:
That is Eric on the right

Walter Ireland Martyn-Clark was the elder son of Henry Martyn-Clark. Also a doctor he recieved his medical degrees from Edinburgh University. He was born in Amritsar. He travelled extensively. He became the incumbent doctor at the Mount at Ardentinny in Scotland. I will revise this page when I get time with dates and places.These are the pictures from Ardentinny.

Here is a picture taken of the two brothers in India. Walter is the elder and Eric is to the right.

The reverse of the photo, clearly
shows an Indian adress

Walter was born in Amritsar on the 15th of November 1882. He obtained his degree from Edinburgh Medical school 20th October 1906. Married Mary A Kendall on the 9th of March 1911 on the George the IV in Edinburgh. I know he served out in Africa during the war - He was there at his fathers death. His mother died at Ardentinny.


He died in Luton in 1943, no idea why he was there at all.

As shown on the Photos below he had a daughter Daphne Martyn-Clark - I believe she married a Terence Hicks and lived in Roehampton





They are from a small booklet I have.

Steamer at Ardentinny

Not sure of the view or the location, Perhaps its looking back at the Mount.

Daphne and my Father
Daphne was the only child of Walter and Aunt Nell.

I called this mystery woman, but
as I look at it it seems that it is probably Aunt Nell

Daphne and my father are between the two girls.
I have no idea who they may be - possibly local. There were no close family members of this age.

This throws the above comment into confusion. Daphne was older than my father.
Yet they seem like family members, Why else would they be on the photo - seem like sisters?

Walter and his wife

A family gathering.
Daphne in the middle at front - my father far left.
How old would he be 10 to 12 I guess - make the photo about 1935ish.

A copy of the probate confirming Mary as his widow.
Oddly it mentions Llandudno?

The writing is my mothers. More research needed. Walter Martyn-Clark would be my Great Uncle. Andrew seemed very fond of Daphne - but he never made any attempt to contact her in later years.

Extended the page on Henry Martyn-Clark

Couple of things to discuss

1. I have added pictures and an interpretation of Henry's farewell Scroll when he left India to return to Edinburgh. This has always been in the family and it feels extremely odd that it is now being published on the internet. (Feels that something that was private has now become public - secret).

It is however not for sale or loan. There is a possibility that it will be preserved. As a historical document it is hugely interesting. I will take better pictures of it but a larger file is available should anyone like a copy. Please email.

2. Thanks for the hits people - there seems to be an increase of interest in this history. I am rather perplexed by the Wikipedia page that has suddenly appeared - I really would like to thank Dr Muhammad Ali (Drali1954) for putting this page up. As he is a member of the Ahmadiyya community it's possible we have met. I am sure we could have an interesting time together - perhaps to meet?

3. Decided to show the photos of Henry's grave here together with my comments. Seems a little appropriate because the page on Henry is about him as a doctor, working and in fact very much alive.

I have visited 3 times. The first time I was on a works trip to the Glasgow and Edinburgh. This was OK. I knew the grave was in the Dean's cemetery but I had no clue where it was. My feet were drawn almost unerringly to the grave. It is quite a long walk to the Deans from where we were parked in the City Centre. Very oddly I got lost approaching the hill on the other side of the main bridge that led there.

The only way to the cemetery was across a locked private park, I would have had to walk round otherwise. There was no time for anything other than a quick recce if I did this.  At that moment an elderly gent appeared asked me my business in a quiet Scottish voice, I quickly explained and he led me through. I crossed the road to the main gates straight on and to the right I was standing in front of the grave. Not especially a believer in divine providence, but convinced I was helped that day! I took some pictures on the old digital I had. These are not the ones.

As I put my hand on the gravestone whispered the thanks and the other things you say at moments like this I felt a distinct tingling in my body. It seemed to say thanks for coming - can't explain it. The times I have revisited done the same thing - but the tingling's gone.

There are no clues on the stone.
I expected some more information,
it seems a little strange to have no other inscription on the stone.
It almost expects it be there.

Henry's wife (Mary Eliza (Emma) Ireland lived on for quite a while longer.
I believe she moved in with her eldest son in Ardentinny and died there ion the 29th of January 1935

Not to far from the path

Quite insignificant, How did I find it?

This view is from just of the path.
The main gates are behind me.

I will revisit, something makes me. My colleague from the Ahmadiyya Community found the grave shortly before me. But he is a better researcher than me!

Got to continue with my research. I will continue posting in any of the blogs.

The Animals

My mother was a local secretary of the local RSPCA - the Bury branch. Many of her friends and the people who visited were local animal mad people. The local vet Peter and Hazel Nutt ( Yes I know... P.Nutt and Hazel Nutt)became firm family friends. This page may develop links that develop, but at the moment, just about the animals that were special to me... especially Wyn. Her full name was Blodwyn, a Welsh white Border Collie. Beautiful dog, wonderful temperament and she was with us all the way through my childhood and even until I went to college. I suspect she must have been about 16 - 18 when she died. She had to be put to sleep on a Christmas eve... Epileptic fit that she never came out of.

Wyn - on a beach, probably Cornwall

 However her's was a long and happy life. She was there when I returned from school to Whitelegge street in Woolfold. Tom had something to do with her appearance. She was just a very tiny puppy in a basket in front of the gas fire in the dining room. The floors were covered in newspaper. Puddles everywhere.  I really don't recall any other times at Woolfold with her. The family were on the move to Brookhouse.

Wyn, quite young at the back at Brookhouse. That's my Grandmother Jane Lomax and our hero.
The date on the back says 1961 - makes me 11. Wyn will have been about 5. My Dad built the wall.

On a beach with my mother, I guess about the same time as above.
The dog was horribly carsick, I remember her vomiting down the back of his neck.
We used to drive all the way down to Cornwall with the windows open.

It's a sheep, - called Fred. He was found as a lamb at the side of a road with very injuries that appeared to be a fox attack. He was patched up by the vet with little hope of survival. My mother spent nights giving him bottles and keeping him warm. Survived, completely comical followed my mother everywhere (Mary had a little....). He had some very odd traits in the house, Vertical jumping, leaping off furniture, butting everything, Wyn seemed to have weighed him up, but the cat and my Aunt were never quite the same. A 5 stone sheep hurtling of a 3 foot settee is indeed quite scary.

He was a star, and became the club mascot at Derby County FC.
We drove down and we presented the Ram to the club, slap up meal and watched the match from the directors box. Met Brian Clough - seemed a nice chap. I thought the Baseball Ground was very enclosed.Fred the sheep was castrated on the field behind the house by the vet (same vet!)... He just cut off his testicles and threw them to a couple of watching magpies... who ate them as magpies do! I still wince.

Frequently fell asleep with her paw behind her ear, strangely she must have exuded such a gentle aura that even the cat felt quite content to fall asleep with her. I think those are Aunt Irene's legs, definitely taken at Brookhouse.

We tramped miles together, never really saw her tired, one glorious day we walked past Pilgrims Cross, beyond the Grane and close to Burnley before heading home again. She was a really loyal dog and loved every one. The will be more added about the animals in my life later.

Jimmy Cosgrove

Jimmy Cosgrove was my Aunt Irene's husband, can't recall anyone having a bad word to say about him. A short man but huge in heart and generous to a fault. He'd served his time in the army. He was a chauffeur for the Co-op, took a great deal of pride in his job and his appearance and actually died on the job. My one enduring remembrance is his corgi motorbike, I seem to recall that it took an awful lot of stripping down and rebuilding just to keep going. Perhaps I get my somewhat ready ability to get covered in oil from Jim. He seemed to like my company though and occasionally gave me money to help...

I have included the conversation from Ancestry - My family tree is public there. I have deleted Paul's email address from the conversation. Any one with any interest can work through me.

I will be adding to this file when I get chance. It was only by chance that I stumbled on these pictures. His death cast a huge gloom over Brookhouse. It most definitely wasn't the end of an era. But it felt like it to an 8 year old. My Aunt went back to work the day after his death. I doubt that she took the full day off for his funeral. A lot of her reasons to be, had gone with his death.

1911 Census from Ardwick

Jim as a young man - must have been pre-war

The reverse has "Scotland" written on the back.
Possible honeymoon?

The official wedding photo

Leaving the church at Tottington.

Jim and Irene again.
Who are the people in the background?

This is curious, because this looks extremely like South Pier in Blackpool.
The turreted house in the background gives it away.
45 years later I was working at the very same place!

Francis Cosgrove 1891 Census

Jim with the author "fixing" something, this was at Brookhouse.
Jim seemed to spend a lot of time in the cellar.
When I had a motorbike I spent a lot of time in the cellar too!
Seemed to spend a lot of time wearing girly hats too. Not Jim me...

It's a "no idea" picture, seems to suggest that this is the works car.
These may well be relatives. Daren't sit on any part of the car now!

This is the transcript of the Ancestry conversation.

• prd651
• Nov 30 5:37 PM GMT

Hi, I'm related to the Cosgrove family & noticed that you have Francis Cosgrove & a few others in your tree.

I do have some info that may be useful to you.

Please could you let me know the link to you & the Cosgrove's?

Kind regards

Paul

Message in Inbox

• jolmartyn1
• Dec 1 12:35 AM GMT

Hi, An Update.
My Great Grandfather had 2 Children Tom Lomax, who was my Grandfather, and his sister Irene Lomax. My Great Aunt. I knew both well we all lived together in Tottington and My Grandfather moved in with me in Lytham. Irene married James(Jim) Cosgrove(B. 23 Sept 1897). She was a Further Education teacher at Bury Tech. Jim was a chauffeur for the COOP. I knew Jim too, he lived at Tottington with us. He died on the job when I was about 8 I think. I have to admit that I haven't investigated this side of the family. His father was Francis (1864) and mother Harriet Burns(1864) I believe they came from Ardwick in Manchester. Presumably Irish stock! Links conveniently with my fathers side eventually! Jim was an inveterate tinkerer, he had a motorbike that he always had in a million bits. I was his helper! or was it the florin that he managed to produce out of thin air! I recall he was short. I have photographs of the pair of them. He was not much taller than Aunt Irene. There were no children. I recall they married quite late in life. I have the MC. I will update my Public Tree when I get chance. I think Jim may have had a brother. My mother Pat Lomax was extremely fond of Irene, but she did not concentrate on the Cosgroves. There are always corners in the tree that seem to be overlooked. Hopefully that fills in my link for you.
Happy to do scans and stuff. email or snail mail. Good Hunting! Any info greatfully recieved!
Jol Martyn-Clark - Freezin' St Annes.

Message in Sent

• jolmartyn1
• Dec 1 12:14 PM GMT

Hi Paul,
Uploaded some Docs to Jim's profile. They are quite low qual. I have scanned them at huge megs fr my own files, I will upload some photos of Jim and Irene when I can find them. (already scanned but on other PC)

Message in Sent

• prd651
• Dec 2 12:23 AM GMT

Hi Jol,

It was great to hear back from you - Cosgrove is my wifes family - My father in law (Joe Cosgrove) sounds a lot like James (Jim) - when I say a lot I mean a scary amount!

I have quite a lot of info - census docs,a few parish records, plus a map showing where Shores building and the rubber works were in Ardwick.

Jim was the brother of Francis William Cosgrove b circa 1888.- he is the line to us. I can confirm that FW's parents were Francis & Harriett. Francis seniors parents were called Thomas & Mary Ann Cosgrove who came over from Roscommon - I have census info for the family from 1861 so assume they came over around the time of the potato famine

Rather than attach these docs to the online profile I'd be happy to send you copies along with a report from Family Tree Maker that gives you the line info.

I can't wait to tell Joe (& his twin brother Jeff!?!) that I've got some more info.

my email address is @live.com, if you could let me have yours I will fire some info over to you.

Kind regards
Paul

Another touch of irony: The librarian where I work comes from Roscommon. He says there are many Cosgroves still there. He suspects it a bit like the Lomax's in Bury. Everyone thinks they are related but unable to figure it out!

Do actually feel that I can upload the maps of Ardwick to the Blog at some point as well as a screen grab of this side of the family. I will be emailing Paul with the web address.

As mentioned these are the records of Jimmy's war service,

The 40th Division in 1914-1918

The history of 40th Division

This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of some bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. The Divisional staff assembled at Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, early in September 1915 and by December the various units had concentrated at nearby Blackdown, Pirbright and Woking.

The Division moved to France between 2 and 6 June 1916 and by 9 June had concentrated near Lillers. It then served between June and late October 1916 on the front near Loos. The 40th Division remained on the Western Front throughout the rest of the war and took part in the following engagements:

1916
The Battle of the Ancre (a phase of the Battles of the Somme 1916)

1917
The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line (March)
The capture of Fifteen Ravine, Villers Plouich, Beaucamp and La Vacquerie (April and early May)
The Cambrai Operations, in which the Division participated in the capture of Bourlon Wood (November)
1918
The Battle of St Quentin*
The Battle of Bapaume** the battles marked * are phases of the First Battles of the Somme 1918
The Battle of Estaires+
The Battle of Hazebrouck++ the battles marked + are phases of the Battles of the Lys

After suffering heavy losses during the Battles of the Lys a decision was taken to reduce the Division down to a cadre. This took place from 2 May. Divisional HQ moved to St Omer to 4 June, then went to Lederzeele and Renescure (from 23 June). By the middle of the month all training cadres had left. A number of Garrison Guard Battalions joined during June and were converted to fighting units. Orders were received to reorganise the Division and this was completed by mid July 1918. From 18 July the Division once again took part in active operations.

1918
The Final Advance in Flanders, including the Battle of Ypres

On the night 10/11 November the Division was relieved and Divisional HQ moved to Lannoy.

The Division moved to Roubaix on 25 November. Demobilisation proceeded and by mid May 1919 the Division ceased to exist.

The Great War cost 40th Division 19179 men killed, wounded or missing.

What was a bantam, or a bantam unit?

The bantam is a fighting cock; small but hardy and aggressive.

The formation of the bantams

In 1914 the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead, Alfred Bigland, pressed the War Office for permission to form a battalion of men who were under regulation size but otherwise fit for service. A few days later, some 3,000 men had volunteered, many of whom had previously been rejected as being under height.

The original men were formed into the 1st and 2nd Birkenhead Battalions of the Cheshire Regiment (later redesignated the 15th and 16th Bns). Other regiments began to recruit similarly: the Lancashire Fusiliers, West Yorkshires, Royal Scots, and Highland Light Infantry most notably. Many of the recruits were miners. Eventually these units were formed into the 35th Division.

Another Division, the 40th, had a mixture of bantam and regulation units, although it is generally recognised as a bantam formation.

Allied Victory Medal (Victory Medal) was awarded for service in any operational theatre between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. It was issued to individuals who received the 1914 and 1914-15 Stars and to most individuals who were issued the British War Medal. The medal was also awarded for service in Russia (1919-1920) and post-war mine clearance in the North Sea (1918-1919).

British War Medal was awarded to both servicemen and civilians that either served in a theatre of war, or rendered service overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. It was also awarded for service in Russia, and post-war mine clearance in the Baltic, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea between 1919 and 1920.