S04EP05 - 'The Lucky' with Paul Roberts Artwork

The Family Histories Podcast

The Family Histories Podcast is a show that celebrates those of us sat in archives, libraries, and spare bedrooms all around the world, tirelessly piecing together our collective social and family history.

Join author and family historian Andrew Martin as he interviews a fellow genealogy addict about how they got hooked; listen to his guest tell the life story of their most fascinatingly good, bad, or plain ugly relative; and then it's time to face 'The Brick Wall' - where it's over to the listeners to see if they can help solve their family history puzzle.

As a parting gift, Andrew offers each guest a surprise that no family history fan could possibly turn down.... a trip in his secret time machine.

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The Family Histories Podcast

S04EP05 - 'The Lucky' with Paul Roberts

November 29, 2022 • Season 4 • Episode 5

In this episode from Series Four, host Andrew Martin meets author and former journalist Paul Roberts to find out how he got hooked on researching his family's history. He'll find out how Paul's early research skills helped his work as a journalist, and how he managed to write a book about 30 men who fought in the First World War.

Life Story - Sam Roberts
Paul has chosen to share the life story of his 1st Cousin, 2x Removed, Sam Roberts.

Sam was born in 1895 in Teignmouth, Devon, England, and he joined the Devonshire Regiment when The Great War broke out. He soon found himself on the front lines, and along with most of the regiment, was shot by enemy forces as they went 'over the top' into No Man's Land. By a stroke of luck, Sam survived, despite being shot in the chest. This earned him the nickname 'Lucky Sam'.

After a long recovery period, Sam returned as a Corporal to the trenches of The Somme, and sadly it was here that his luck would run out.

The Brick Wall - James Arscott and Eliza Mitchell
We're on the trail of a retired Battle of Trafalgar veteran James Arscott who dies in Teignmouth, Devon in 1816. Despite knowing his date of death, Paul has been unable to locate his burial location.

In addition, in James' Will, a ring is bequeathed to an Eliza Mitchell who 'hailed from Teignmouth'... but her identity remains a mystery. Can you help?

If you think you can help Paul with a research idea or clue, then you can contact him at his website, or alternatively head over to our contact form, and we'll pass your message on to him.

In the meanwhile, Andrew offers Paul some help, but he's not quite sure it's genuine...

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Episode Credits -
Series Four, Episode Four: