2025 Week 23:Wedding Bells #52Ancestorsin52Weeks

My mum, Helen Young Anderson, and dad, John McAra, got married on the 17th of October 1940 at 17 Netherton Road, Wishaw, Helen's parents' house and her home at that time. This was, of course, during World War 2. John, being a civil engineer, was in a 'reserved occupation' and as such was exempt from military service. However, at the time of their marriage, John was working away from his hometown of Cleland, Lanarkshire and living in 'digs' in Hayes, Middlesex. Helen joined him there after their marriage. After the war ended they returned to Wishaw.

Marriage certificate of John and Helen

The photo below shows the wedding party - bride and groom, best man and bridesmaid. The best man was John's brother, George McAra and the bridesmaid was Helen's younger sister Ann Anderson. When you think of weddings taking place in wartime, you don't imagine the wedding party being dressed up. But as you can see, they all were very smartly dressed. Note the men even had white gloves! The ladies had beautiful bouquets.

My mum and dad's wedding. Source: family photo

My dad was no stranger to wedding parties. It seems he took on the role of best man a number of times. A few months previous to his own wedding, he had been best man to his 'cousin' (actually a first cousin once removed) Jimmy Connor - and from the photograph below, it looks as if he was wearing the same suit and tie! No surprise given that this was during the war and at a time when a 'good suit' was for life!

My dad as a best man, June 1940.

My dad died in 1984. He and my mum had been married for 44 years.

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