The following is a list of some the people mentioned in Ralph’s Diary. I hope to add more names and details from time to time (last update October 2015, using the Grimsby and Cleethorpes District Directory for 1935–6) – M.B.
Ralph himself was born in Grimsby on 12 September 1916, and died in Stoneleigh (Surrey) on 17 January 2010.
Ada – Ralph’s cousin Ada Grace Kempster, daughter of his mother’s brother Walter Snelson.
Albert – Ralph’s uncle (mother’s brother) Albert Snelson.
Alice – Ralph’s cousin Bertha Alice Snelson, daughter of Albert and Lilian Snelson.
Allen family – Friends of Behrends. “Mr. Allen” and “Norman” (see N) seem to be the same person; Mrs. Allen is his mother.
Amy – Edith Amy Freeman, future wife of Ralph’s brother Harold.
Arthur – Friend or relation of Ralph, living at Bolton.
Mr. Bishop – George Bishop, friend and (judging from the Diary) constant companion of Ralph’s father.
Bob – Ralph’s uncle (father’s brother) George Robert Berran. Changed name from Behrend; in Royal Navy as Berran 1903–25.
Mr. Craze – William John Craze, manager of Christy’s warehouse, where Ralph worked. Also a music teacher; taught Ralph the piano.
Dad – Walter Behrend (1878–1968). Partner in Kiddle & Co., tailors (190 Freeman Street). Lived in Grimsby all his life.
Denis (often “Dennis” in Diary) – Denis Hanlon Watson, Ralph’s oldest friend. Was in the Royal Air Force.
Frank – Son of Ralph’s cousin Ada Kempster.
Mrs. Fulljames – Lizzie May Fulljames (born Hoodless), friend of Ralph’s mother.
George Glover – Ralph’s cousin, son of his father’s sister Olive.
George Kempster – Husband of Ralph’s cousin Ada.
George Lilly (born Cheffins) – Another of Ralph’s cousins, son of his father’s sister Selina.
Harold (1) – Ralph’s brother Harold Walter Behrend (1914–1988).
Harold (2) – Friend or relation of Ralph, living at Bolton.
Johnny – Nickname of Ralph’s colleague Ada B. Richardson. Married John W. Adlard (Diary, 1 February).
Mr. Kiddle – Alfred Thomas Kiddle, business partner of Ralph’s father. They owned Christy’s warehouse (53 Victor Street) in addition to the shop.
Kiddle family – Arthur was Alfred’s brother; Harold’s relationship is not yet traced.
Leslie Snelson – Ralph’s cousin, son of Albert and Lilian Snelson.
Lilian – Ralph’s aunt by marriage, wife of Albert Snelson.
Margaret – Not identified. Exchanged letters with Ralph but does not appear in person.
Mother – Bertha Ann Behrend, born Snelson (1883–1971). Born Long Buckby, Northants. Married Walter Behrend 1910.
Norah – Elder sister of Denis Watson.
Norman – Norman Allen, friend of Ralph. Probably the chemist’s assistant of that name in the 1935–6 directory.
Olive (1) – Ralph’s sister Bertha Olive Behrend (1911–1951).
Olive (2) – Ralph’s aunt (father’s sister). Married George Edwin Glover.
Olive (3) (“little Olive”) – Daughter of Ralph’s cousin Ada Kempster; born 1928.
Ray – Raymond Burman Parton, future husband of Ralph’s sister Olive. Seems to be living with Behrends.
Rea family – Next-door neighbours of Behrends. Henry Rea was a radio and electrical engineer.
Ron – Ron Varley, friend or relation of Ralph, living at Leeds.
Thelma – Younger sister of Ray Parton.