Any idea where the Hay comes from? Henry Victor was born Henry Victor Sandell, emigrated to Australia in 1924, about 10 years later married Agnes Maria Maud Irwin and between those dates seemingly changed his surname to Sandell-Hay.
Copy of research notes:
I'm confident Henry Victor emigrated to Australia and married Agnes Maria Maud Hay. I think they hyphenated their names to Sandell-Hay, but apart from their gravestones, I'm having trouble finding any other Australian records for them. Update… made contact with Colin Sandell-Hay who is the grandson of Henry and Agnes. Agnes’ maiden name was Irwin, no one knows where the “Hay” comes from in Sandell-Hay. Records of Henry Victor Sandell seem to be non-existent between his emigration in 1924 and his marriage to Agnes in 1933.
Colin suspects that Henry was one of the “Barwell Boys” “The Barwell Boys were British lads who came to South Australia in the 1920s to be apprenticed on farms throughout the state. More than 1440 boys, most in their mid to late teens, migrated to South Australia under a scheme instigated in 1922 by the Liberal Premier Sir Henry Barwell as a means to gain young men for agricultural and pastoral work. Barwell aimed to address the loss of 6,000 South Australian men who had been killed in World War I. The general need to bolster the population numbers in Australia, while mindful of the 'White Australia' policy, was also paramount. Workers were required to assist both farmers and soldier settlers who were to develop productive holdings. British support for the program was prompted by the high level of unemployment in the 'Mother country', coupled with desire to reinforce the ties with and strength of the British Empire.
An Apprenticeship Agreement was signed by each boy, assigning him to a farmer for three years. Working and living conditions as well as wages were detailed. South Australian Department of Immigration Director Victor Ryan supervised the scheme, being responsible for the boys' reception, assigned employment, and welfare - he corresponded with the boys and their families.
The Labor Party opposed the scheme, criticising it as a source for cheap labour, declaring that Australian boys should have been preferred, and expressing concern for the welfare and care of the young immigrants.
After arriving at Port Adelaide, 'Barwell boys' were accompanied to the former Destitute Asylum. They were assigned to farmers generally within 48 hours of arrival. For some the culture shock of the harsh environment in rural South Australia was distressing, and the promises of the scheme were not realised for both personal and work reasons. However, many did complete their apprenticeships and remained in the state. This immigration scheme ceased after 1924.” Colin Sandell-Hay
“Not sure what happened when he arrived in Australia. They were supposed to stay in South Australia and take up apprenticeships, but I think he headed to Victoria fairly quickly and then ended up in NSW. I think they ran a pub in Murrurundi - where Nanna Irwin was from.” - Colin Sandell-Hay
“Agnes suffered from Polio and had a noticeable limp” - Colin Sandell-Hay
“This is Australian Military Record Henry Victor Sandell-Hay
in the Australia, World War II Military Service Records, 1939-1945 Saved to: Sandell-Hay, Henry in tree "Sandell-Hay Family Tree" You've saved this record to your shoebox. Australia, World War II Military Service Records, 1939-1945 No Image Text-only collection
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Name: Henry Victor Sandell-Hay Birth Date: 24 May 1904 Birth Place: Drypool England Year Range: 1939-1948 Enlistment Place: Paddington, New South Wales Service Number: NX18980 Next of Kin: Agnes Sandellhay Series Description: B883: Army, 2nd Al F” - Colin Sandell-Hay
Thank you!
