Hello all,

I am trying to learn where my brother – John Donald Foley – lived from the time he was born in St. John’s – November 2, 1943, until he and my mother moved to Southern Ontario in March 1946. My parents met when my father was stationed in St. John’s during the war. They were not married. My mother gave birth after he and his regiment left for overseas.

My mother – Mary Earle (or Earles) -lived in St. John’s East. My brother’s birth certificate says he was born in Quidi Vidi. We have photos that show my mother visiting with him outdoors, circa 1944, at what might have been the General Hospital. There are women present dressed in nursing uniforms. Was there an orphanage or home for children at the hospital? The 1945 Newfoundland Census did show a D. Foley at the General Hospital Annex, but the name was crossed out.

The 1945 Census shows my mother and her sister living in their family home at 18 Allen Square, along with renters and their three year old daughter, but no mention is made of my brother, who would have been two. However, when my mother left St. John’s for southern Ontario she took my brother with him.

Thanks for any information you may be able to offer.

Sharon Reilly