Genealogy Chat

Hi, thanks to the lovely people in Portsmouth Library, I now have some newspaper articles about William Charles Rose (my gt uncle) who murdered his 2 baby boys in Boxing Day 1918. Really sad case. The verdict was wilful murder, but there is no mention of a sentence. How do I find out what his sentence was and where he served it? The family think it was Broadmoor. Also in the article it claims he was 'one of the Mons heroes' How do I find out about that too? He was a private in the royal army med corps. I have tried National archives and ther are quite a few William Rose's listed who were Privates. Can anyone help? Thanks Mandy

Mandy I remember your request from before, did the articles say why he killed his children? If you google Mons Heroes there are quite a few results. Georgina.

Thanks Georgina Yes, I have tried to find out about this man before, but now I have lots of info from Portsmouth. Just trying to find out what actually happened to him after the trial. No reason for him to kill the children. He had been out at lunchtime on Boxing day to the pub, but was apparantley sober. He came home and the boys aged 2 and 2 months were asleep in the bedroom whilst their mother was in the kitchen. William went into the bedroom and slit both their throats. He then came downstairs and told his wife that she was now free and the babies wouldn't worry her any more. He then left, but was found by the police. He gave a false name, but they found his army book with his name on in his pocket. He was discharged from the army in 1915, due to a 'disease' of the ear, but the report mentions that he had been examined by the relieving officer with regard to his mental state before the murders. I feel desparately sad for the mother, and would also like to know what happened to her afterwards.

Mandy, I also had a great uncle who murdered his wife. While trying to find info last night I came across this site www blacksheepancestors com I didn't find what I was looking for but you might find something usefull. It's very interesting anyway. Good luck. Maureen

Thanks Maureen, I'll check it out MandyXX

The Broadmoor Archives are at Berkshire Records Office. I wrote to them about my gt gt granduncle, who was there 1863-1908 and they replied with the scanty information they had about him - basically when he arrived and when he died. nell