The Crippen - Crippin Connection - In memory of my family

The CRIPPEN - CRIPPIN Connection - Contents

Some pieces of personal history

On the event of my father’s birthday – 18^th March 1949. I was all of 9 months old!

My father, Henry CRIPPEN, was known as Harry at home, or Peter at work (because of his hair). A family photograph is shown below.

Both my father and grandfather, Arthur Albert CRIPPEN worked for the General Post Office. My father, Henry CRIPPEN was appointed as Sorter in 1920 and died in service in April 1953, aged 51, as a Postal & Telegraph Officer. At some occasion during this period he worked with Blue-liners (those who dealt with Registered Mail).

Grandfather started as a Temporary Postman on 5^th February 1894 earning weekly wages of 18/- (Eighteen shillings; now 90 pence). On 16 July 1894 his position was made permanent and he entered the Postman’s Scale of 18/- to 34/- a week (Thirty four shillings; now £1.70 – One GB pound & 70 pence). On 5 February 1933 he became Overseer, on a salary scale of £220 to £260 a year. He retired having completed 42 years service at the age of 60 in February 1936. Below is what I assume to be his long service medal, engraved on the edge with his name.

I am indebted to the Post Office Archives (now Consignia Heritage Collection) for most of the above information.

And who is that happy little soul with his Mum & Dad.….yes it’s me!

Completely revised December 2001, this page was last updated Saturday, January 05, 2002.

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