Bridgeman, County Limerick, Ireland
grrl
My grandfather is James Philip BRIDGEMAN. Even though he spelt it this way he often said that there should be no "e" in the name.
He did not share much of his family history with his children. He came to New Zealand from co. Limerick, Ireland supposedly with his father Michael BRIDGMAN leaving his mother Anastasia nee AMBROSE and other siblings behind. They may have come via Australia before 1915 as James joined up with the NZ Army from 1915 to 1917 as a private. His unit was the Otago Infantry Battalion. He was shipped to Suez Aug 1915 but hospitalised shortly after with debility. After seven months he rejoined his unit and was sent to France. While he was there he was wounded in action by being shot in the upper arm. He was sent to England for treatment and convalescence. He returned to NZ January 1917 and discharged in Jume 1917. He was awarded the following medals; 1914-15 star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
His family in Ireland lived in Finnoe Townland at the 1901 census but had gone by 1911.
James siblings were Thomas J, Robert J, Mary Ann, Bridget who may have married a man with the surname of PASSOTTI, and Edward.
James was born 24 May 1895, married Olive Clarice WILSON 17 Aug 1927, Waipukarau, Wairarapa, New Zealand and had five children.
Comments
grrl on 2008-02-29 16:13:10I have since discovered that Bridget often called Bridie did indeed marry an Italian with the surname of Passotti. They ran a hotel together. Any further information would be very much appreciated
LB_MAN on 2009-06-27 00:16:29Hi there, i'm really glad i came upn this site. Have been thinking about my Dad's history and where abouts in Ireland his Dad, my Grandad came from. I have now found out as your grandfather is my grandfather also. Have just got off the phone to my Dad,(to confirm that i've found the right information) and he said that James was also bayonetted at some stage during the war.
Diarmuid on 2011-03-22 17:25:21Hi, I am Diarmuid Bridgeman, from the cork - limerick border in Ireland.
My grand father, Jeremiah Thomas came from Cork city (he was in World war 1 as well). He settled in Charleville in North Cork. His father, William Thomas, was originally from Dublin. Both were listed in the 1901 ande 1911 censi as coach makers and coach painter.
I do not believe that they were close relations of your grandfather, however there is a Dermot Bridgeman from Foynes co limerick, an accountant and your grandfather may be related to him.
Dermot M Bridgeman & Company
Category: Professional Services Professional Services [Edit]
Main Street
Foynes, Co. Limerick
Tel : 003536965326
PS My family taugyht me that Bridgman (without e) were protestant and with e were catholic.
Regards,
Diarmuid Bridgeman