Hugh Baird appears on the 1891 census aged 5 living with his family in Golftyn Lane, Connah’s Quay. The family consisted of father,  James Baird aged 48, a foreman shipwright born in Flints. His wife was Jane 46 and the children were Frank 14, a clerk, Arthur 12, William 10, Kate E 8, Hugh 5, and Lucy 3. Living with them was mother in law Mary Roberts an 84 year old widow who had been born in Llanfair, Denbighshire.

Ten years later in the 1901 census the family is still in Golftyn Lane. The father James, now 58 was still a foreman shipwright. Jane was 56 and still at home were Kate18  mother’s help, Hugh now 15 and an Engine fitter/apprentice and Lucy M 13.

It has proved impossible to find Hugh in the 1911 census. It is possible that he was already living in Canada by then but the occupation that he gives on his attestation papers in Canada, is sailor, so he could have been anywhere in that year.

I found journeys to Canada in 1905 and 1908, but on the latter sailing Hugh was married with a child and as he said on his Attestation papers, he said he was single in 1915.   Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Brother Frank’s Flintshire WW1 Index Card Connah’s Quay L12 ( He survived) – Baird, Frank, 13, Church Street, Connah’s Quay 240007 5th R.W.F.  Mobilized August 1917   Rank on Demob:- R.Q.M Sergt.   Still serving., Daranelles.   Card signed by W.M.Fitzpatrick, no date

Canadian Library and Archives Canada have his Attestation Paper. He signed up in August 1915 in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. His Attestation papers say that his date of birth was August 30th 1890 ( This is five years later than on other sources). He says his place of birth was Chester England (other sources place his birth in Flintshire). His next of kin is given as James Baird father, of Connah’s Quay near Chester.The form tells us he was not married. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall and his 36 inch chest expanded by 3 1/2 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes blue and his hair brown. He had two vaccination scars on his left arm. He was pronounced fit to serve by the medical officer.

North Wall 3, Vimy MemoriaL- Photo taken on 12th April 2015 by Mavis Williams

Hugh is remembered on the Vimy Memorial, North Wall 3, please click on the link to look at his name.   Also click on the link to read about the battle and the tunnels and stories from the men.

Hugh Baird is commemorated on a family gravestone in Connah’s Quay Cemetery.

In loving memory of Mary Elizabeth Topham nee Baird who died Dec 1st 1903 aged 34 years.  

Also Hugh Baird who fell in France in ……. serving with the ………Force Aged ?0 years.   

Also Jane Baird of Golftyn Cottage, Connah’s Quay, Mother of the above named who died

on April 1st 1923 aged 78 years.   

And her Husband James Baird of Connah’s Quay Shipbuilder who died May 12th 1932 in his 90th year.  

And their Son William BAIRD (Late Royal Scots Greys) Died May 14th 1932 aged 52 years.   

Partly erected by her son QM Sert. B.J. Topham D & M Canadian Force.

Connah’s Quay Monumental Inscriptions Volume 1 – Page 18 JR2 – 42,43. Double Plot.