Post by Matt James on Apr 16, 2009 17:14:20 GMT
Following a look at your website, I wonder if you can help me or point me in the right direction.
My Grandad, Reginald (Reg) Barnfield started work at the GPO as a Telegram Boy when he was 14 yrs old in Birmingham. I know he worked for the GPO for 40 years as I have his Imperial Service Medal which was also presented in B'ham. I assume he started working at the GPO in approx 1928/9. I am led to believe he worked on the MDFs during WWII. (A MDF is a main distribution frame - BT jargon)
I have attached the only photo I have of my grandad as a telegram boy - I think the person who took it was either on a slope or was worse for wear !!! Grandad was about 14 when the photo was taken. At the other extreme I have attached photos of him receiving the ISM - I don't know who the man is who presented it to him.
I have checked with Mom and Grandad definately worked on the Telecon side - working as an exchange engineer (MDF!). He worked all over the Birmingham area - Erdington, Edgbaston, main Brum, Solihull etc etc. She believes his headquarters was in Newhall St but is not definate about that.
Mom also confirms the staunch union link but she does not recollect the 2 names you put mentioned in an earlier email. She does remember the ISM being published in the Birmingham Mail and the GPO mag at the time but I don't know if BT or PO keep records of these.
Thanks again for trying to help
Pauline Broughton (Grandaughter)
My Grandad, Reginald (Reg) Barnfield started work at the GPO as a Telegram Boy when he was 14 yrs old in Birmingham. I know he worked for the GPO for 40 years as I have his Imperial Service Medal which was also presented in B'ham. I assume he started working at the GPO in approx 1928/9. I am led to believe he worked on the MDFs during WWII. (A MDF is a main distribution frame - BT jargon)
I have attached the only photo I have of my grandad as a telegram boy - I think the person who took it was either on a slope or was worse for wear !!! Grandad was about 14 when the photo was taken. At the other extreme I have attached photos of him receiving the ISM - I don't know who the man is who presented it to him.
I have checked with Mom and Grandad definately worked on the Telecon side - working as an exchange engineer (MDF!). He worked all over the Birmingham area - Erdington, Edgbaston, main Brum, Solihull etc etc. She believes his headquarters was in Newhall St but is not definate about that.
Mom also confirms the staunch union link but she does not recollect the 2 names you put mentioned in an earlier email. She does remember the ISM being published in the Birmingham Mail and the GPO mag at the time but I don't know if BT or PO keep records of these.
Thanks again for trying to help
Pauline Broughton (Grandaughter)