I am on the search for relatives of the late Mr Robert James Hillis who departed the Port of London 26th June 1950, aged 26 years, labourer of 25 Parkgate Gardens, Connswater, Belfast, bound for Sydney, Australia. - 17 days after I was born.

I saw an old photo of him years later, with his new Australian family, but unfortunately never met him face to face.

He was a brother of my mother and 4 other sisters, namely, Elizabeth (Lily), my mum, Meta, Ruby,Daisy, Violet, and brother Herbie and his mum Elizabeth.

He moved a few times for one reason or another, but passed thru Queensland, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth. He worked, I believe, on a sheep station, then eventually he took ill and was dying, and asked to come home to his family in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

My cousin, Maureen Turner, went to Australia to bring him home and they unfortunately could only get a tramp steamer, name unknown, and he died and was buried at sea - somewhere near or around the Panama canal zone !! The year was 1969 when we read about his death in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper.

A padre also helped them alot and for this I am truly thankful - I wonder who he was??

I would like to hear from his wife Ellen and 2 daughters Susan and Sue-Ellen ?? (I think the names are correct).

I just want some details on his life so I can add them to the family tree, and let him know that he may be gone, but he is definately not forgotten.

Thanking you in advance for reading this short request. All help or advice, no matter how small or insignificent would be most welcome and greatfully received.

Kindest regards,

Brian Adams (Bobby's sister, Elizabeth Adams' (nee Hillis) eldest son)

Coleraine, on the north coast of Northern Ireland.