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Post by susie1066 on Aug 23, 2020 20:58:27 GMT
Hello everyone. I am one of Geraldine’s sisters and we have only just discovered that her death is considered an unsolved murder! My mother told us all different versions regarding her death so we are shocked at the report from the local newspaper. We are trying to find more information ie the inquest and.or police reports but don’t have a clue where to start. Does anyone here know anything please to help us move forward. I understand that we are not allowed to comment on my mothers role but it is a bit confusing to say the least. My father would leave the room if Geraldine’s name came up. Am I allowed to say that. Anyway any help would be appreciated. Susan Coussens
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Post by Admin on Aug 23, 2020 21:31:46 GMT
Its not considered an unsolved murder. An open verdict was returned. That menas that no one knows what happened. www.unsolved-murders.co.uk/murder-content.php?key=6298&termRef=Geraldine%20Mary%20CoussensEssentially its a bit of a mystery. I dont think there will be too many places to find more other than the newspapers. The Coroners records are probably all destroyed other than some tabulated reference or statistic in a list. You might find more at your local library if they have old newspapers, but I suspect that what you can get in the British Newspaper Archives is about it. This is the thing with history at this level, there isn't really a formal record, and it does highlight the significance of newspapers in recording that. I thik that all you will ever be able to do is speculate. Regarding what you can say, essentially no names etc or anything that incriminates. I only use what is in the public domain and so your parents reactions etc are not something I would delve into like an 'investigative' sort of researcher. But if you researched it all and put it in a blog it might prove interesting. Maybe your newspaper might be interested in the case, especially if you have information that sheds another light on things. I think you could specualte anything really, and I would not like to do that, but in most instances I think the most obvious is usually the most likeley. |
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Post by matthewspicer on Aug 23, 2020 21:49:05 GMT
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Post by susie1066 on Aug 23, 2020 22:24:18 GMT
Thank you for responding. And the information. Yes I can see it was an open verdict and not murder so that’s something. It’s pretty tragic really. We ... the other children who came after Geraldine... were also allowed to play in that wood yard.. Bones.... And the old bus station. Just FYI I used to play jump the corner in the bombed bus station... felll . And was lucky not to damage my spine.. so thanks for info. It’s appreciated. Susan
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Post by liferreilly on Aug 23, 2020 23:18:49 GMT
Hi Susan
Sorry to hear about your sister. This is only my armchair analysis and opinion, going from the information on the link
above.
There doesn't seem to be a big time frame from when your Mother last saw Geraldine, until the time
the news was reported to your Mother, that your sister had been in an accident. So it would suggest there
was little opportunity for a third party to commit foul play. So I personally wouldn't think it was a murder
case. More a very tragic accident by the sound of it.
Maybe your Mother told you different versions, as she was always grieving, and felt guilty for not taking your sister
straight back home and she didn't know how to deal with it?
The same with your father walking out of the room, when her name was mentioned. Could just be stoicism.
Men were told to show stiff upper lips and maybe he didn't want to show his feelings to the rest of the family?
It was also an open verdict. Which just means that there wasn't conclusive proof of what happened. It was 1946,
just after ww2. I would imagine resources and time would be extremely limited; Coroners would be extremely busy
and sadly there are probably a lot of open verdict cases from around that time.
I'm not so sure, with whatever records are left, any information would bring you any new answers or closure. But could
bring you some frustration and upset.
Anyhow, just thought i'd give my speculative opinion for what it's worth. Best wishes with whatever you decide to do.
LR
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Post by susie1066 on Aug 24, 2020 16:32:45 GMT
My sister - she’s the baby quoted in the article - and I knew nothing of the 3 year old boy also quoted. And still don’t. Also the article is a bit sketchy about where Geraldine was when our mother went to the park which is quite a long way from no 1 earl street which is where I was born as was my other younger sister. Presumably the unknown boy (my brother) and my sister played and came home. Where was Geraldine and why wasn’t she missed. These are the reasons we wanted more info but my guess is we will never know. My mother died in 1991 and my wonderful dad aged 52 in 1971 of war wounds. I really appreciate your comments and info. The familly history is extraordinary even without this. I will come back here if I find anything that can update this really sad story of a tiny 2 year old. Thanks. Susan
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