Research Forum

INSURANCE AGENT BECOMES ENGINEER
published by Brian & Pam Airey on Fri, 20/09/2024 - 12:00

Researching my father, Cyril AIREY, 1910-1989, I knew that during WW2 he was a staff Sgt in Royal Engineers, and following demob became an engineer in civilian life working for the army. He was "always" an engineer! Wrong. In a 1934 advertisement in a Preston newspaper I found that he was an estate agent. How did an estate agent suddenly become an engineer? The RE Records can't help and I am awaiting reply from Preston Record Office to see if there were any night classes he could have attended.

Has anyone any thoughts where else I might look please?

Brian

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Sat, 21/09/2024 - 11:03

Is it possible that the training he got in the Royal Engineers would have given him the necessary start for a similar career after the war?

Submitted by LeedsChris on Tue, 24/09/2024 - 13:48

Just a thought. In looking at the Census and public records for my own Great Grandfather (b1832 d1916) he would appear to have had a different trade/profession in almost every census and record I have found for him! Here’s a list:

1851 – Tinner (?) Journeyman

1858 – Plate Layer

1861 – Train Examiner

1861 – Railway Carriage Fitter

1867 – Book-keeper, 5,6,7, Clarence Street, Cheltenham

1869-1871 - Accountant,

1871 – House Decorator

1875 – Confectioner

1881 – Clerk to Highway Inspector

1883 - Confectioner

1884 – Confectioner

1888 – Insurance Agent

1889 – Superintendent, Assurance Company

1891 – Agent, Life Assurance

1899 – Photographer

1901 – Photo Agent

1911 – Old Age Pensioner

1916 – Formerly an Insurance Agent

I think people could move around into different jobs more easily in the past?