THE daughter of an American GI based at Burtonwood airbase during the war is bidding to trace his lost love and her namesake Pamela, on a “ring and prayer!”
Pamela who now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, is attempting to trace her namesake, who would now be aged in her 90s or members of her family.
Her dad George Thomas Storey, who died in 1977, was based at Burtonwood from 1943-45 and although she doesn’t know if they were just friends or lovers, he was given a ring which he kept for the rest of his life.
Having only recently discovered the story behind the ring (pictured below) Pamela, who she now knows was named after her namesake, is keen to trace her, or members of her family.
She said: “Who among you remembers the “friendly Invasion” during WW2? Or dinner table tales of when the Yanks came to town? Some of your ladies became GI Brides. Others may have been left behind with only a memory of love that was secretly stored away to cherish forever.
Pamela added: “For anyone that would be willing to assist with the search for Pamela and help us piece together the story of dad’s life while he lived in England, this background information might help.
“George Thomas Storey was born in April 1916 and lived his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the early 1930’s he was a soldier at Selfridge AFB is Mt. Clemons Michigan. In 1936 he married his first wife Elizabeth, and my brother Jimmy was born in 1938. Sometime during 1940 he divorced Elizabeth but maintained custody of Jimmy. At this time, he was a Captain in the Grand Rapids Fire Department.
“After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was accepted and graduated from the Army Air Corp Officer program as a Bombardier. (Servicemember Number 6725246). We know for certain he was with the Mighty 8th aboard a B17 Flying Fortress in central or southern England.
“Sometime during 1944 or 1945 he was diagnosed with diabetes and was re-assigned to the Supply Division at RAF Burtonwood as a Corporal. This unit did exactly what its name implies; which was to supply anything and everything to the base and satellite units. We know this as we have documentation dated June 25, 1945 where he was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. And we have copies of letters George mailed to his son Jimmy from RAF Burtonwood showing he lived in Section 43.
“All Americans had left the UK by June 1946, and George went back to the U.S. He married my mother Doris, also from Grand Rapids Michigan. They had custody of Jimmy, and had three daughters Pamela, Paula and Patrice (Patti). George died on August 8th, 1977.
“As far we know George and Pamela didn’t remain in contact with each other, but maybe Pamela might have told a close friend, or family member about him? We would be interested in any information whatsoever. If your mother, grandmother, auntie or friend is named Pamela pass this on.”
If anyone thinks they know the Pamela from Warrington or members of her family they are asked to contact Burtonwood founder and lifetime President Aldon Ferguson at [email protected].
All contacts will be acknowledged and the information with be shared with the Storey family.
Via the Burtonwood Association she has shared a letter written to her namesake ( see below) in the hope that it will help trace her or members of her family.
The ring which George Thomas Storey received from Pamela
“Dearest Pamela”
Over 70 years has passed, yet the memory of you remains. I am your namesake, the daughter of George Thomas Storey who was stationed in England from 1943 – 1945.
Pamela, we wish to know more about you! You were married to a British Officer when you met my dad, and he shared a story of having dinner with your family. Is that how you met? Or were you also working at RAF Burtonwood?
He was 6’2, with a head of dark brown/black wavy hair and sky-blue eyes. He had a very outgoing personality, with a quick wit and dry sense of humor. He loved to dance and had an unusual way of asking.” Can you bounce”? Yes, he loved to jitter bug.
We do not know if you were just friends, or romantically involved, but we do know that he loved you. Before dad left England, you gave him a ring. He kept it for the remainder of his life, and only recently did I discover the story behind the ring, and why I was named Pamela.
I realize with so many years gone by, it will be impossible to find you or your family members. But maybe, with a ring and a prayer, we will discover some details to assist us with our search.
From the daughter of the man that loved us both,
Pamela
