My grandfather is James Philip BRIDGEMAN. Even though he spelt it this way he often said that there should be no "e" in the name.
He did not share much of his family history with his children. He came to New Zealand from co. Limerick, Ireland supposedly with his father Michael BRIDGMAN leaving his mother Anastasia nee AMBROSE and other siblings behind. They may have come via Australia before 1915 as James joined up with the NZ Army from 1915 to 1917 as a private. His unit was the Otago Infantry Battalion. He was shipped to Suez Aug 1915 but hospitalised shortly after with debility. After seven months he rejoined his unit and was sent to France. While he was there he was wounded in action by being shot in the upper arm. He was sent to England for treatment and convalescence. He returned to NZ January 1917 and discharged in Jume 1917. He was awarded the following medals; 1914-15 star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
His family in Ireland lived in Finnoe Townland at the 1901 census but had gone by 1911.
James siblings were Thomas J, Robert J, Mary Ann, Bridget who may have married a man with the surname of PASSOTTI, and Edward.
James was born 24 May 1895, married Olive Clarice WILSON 17 Aug 1927, Waipukarau, Wairarapa, New Zealand and had five children.