South Yorkshire Times, April 11th 1953
Little Conisbro’ Traveller Bound For Malta
An eighteen-months-old Conisbrough-born child may soon be flying alone to Malta to rejoin parents whom he has not seen since he was a few months old.
His father is Cpl. Kenneth Douglas, formerly of 33 Chambers Avenue, Conanby, now serving with the Army in Malta; l; his mother is a Maltese girl who met and married CPI. Douglas in Benghazi.
18 Months Old
The child, Michael Douglas, is at present living with his grandmother, Mrs. J. Anderson, in Chambers Avenue, Conanby. It was at his grandmother’s home that Michael was born 18 months ago, while Cpl. Douglas was stationed in England. Soon after the baby was born Mrs. Douglas suffered a breakdown, and was advised by her doctor to return to Malta, where she was joined a few months later by her husband.
Mrs. Douglas is now well again and anxious to see her child. If possible, Cpl. Douglas will come over to England to fetch Michael. If not, Michael will fly back alone.
Mrs. Anderson told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter yesterday that she was awaiting a letter from her son, telling her whether or not he would be able to collect Michael. “If not we shall have to take him to Croydon and put him on the ‘plane,” she said.
Mrs. Anderson felt sure that someone could, in that eventuality, be found to take care of the child on the journey.
Before joining the Army some six years ago, Cpl. Douglas worked on a Northern Dairies’ milk round. His first three years with the Army were spent in the Middle East, and it was at a dance in Benghazi that he was introduced to his future wife.
Cpl. Anderson, who is 23, is expecting to be demobilised in February, and is hoping to return to England with his wife and son to live in Southampton.
Coronation Duty
A brother, Sapper Brian Douglas (21), who recently returned to England after 17 months Korean service, has been allocated a standing place on the route of the Coronation procession in London. He is stationed at Andover, but is at present enjoying leave in Conanby.
Mrs. Anderson s youngest son, Raymond, served for nearly two years with the Army in Malaya.