1945 wedding – Tommie Childers & Joan Hall

Many US servicemen met their wives on overseas service during WW2.  This photo is of the marriage of Private 1st class US Army, Tommie Earl Childers (1918-1984), aged 26, and Joan Mary Hall, aged 19, at St James’ Church, Badsey on Thursday 14th June 1945.  The vicar was Charles James, Vicar of Evesham.

• From the left, are the groom and bride.
• At the rear, standing behind, Private Frank E Belcher US Army, the best man.
• Next to the bride is bridesmaid Elsie Mary Gould and next to her is Pauline Sorrell; the small bridesmaid is Marion Jelfs.
• Behind the bridesmaids are the bride's parents, William and Gladys Hall.

Joan Hall grew up in Badsey.  She was the daughter of William Charles Hall and his wife, Gladys (née Pratt, previously Howitt).  The Hall family had lived in Badsey for several generations.

After marrying, Tommie and Joan lived in America, mostly in the southern states, making occasional visits back to Badsey.  Their two daughters have also visited Badsey.

This picture was kindly lent to us by Robert Hall.