More about Charles Ignatius – After WW1

Following on from his time at the Roads Board (Western Australia) and his service as Asst. Super Intendent of Police in Kenya OR even perhaps during these stints, Charles Ignatius took up his father’s pen name of Michael Storm, writing several books, resurrecting Sexton Blake and other favorite characters.

“Michael Storm (Charles Ignatius Sempill): The mystery of ‘Michael Storm’ continued… who was the author—seemingly related to the mysterious long-dead writer of Sexton Blake—who resurrected his most famous pen name?”

In 1928 – Charles wrote in the Police Journal “The Making of an East African Policeman” First Published October 1, 1928

In 1929 – Charles wrote in the Police Journal “The Criminal in Kenya Colony” First Published October 1, 1929.

In 1929 – The London Gazette of 15^th  Oct.  (6551) states: (Semphill)

From 1929-1932 – Charles served as a Flying Officer then Flight Lieutenant (Jan 1931) in the R. A. F. London.

In 1939 – Census records state.

In 1940 – Charles returned to the R. A. F. for a few months to serve as an AC2.

“Full Name Sempill, Charles Ignatius. Nationality British. Rank Name Flight Lieutenant. Service Royal Air Force. Primary Unit Supplementary List. Seniority Date 1 Jan 1931” (Residence: Sep 29 1939, 55 Hunter Street, St Pancras, London, England. Age: 45 Marital status: Married Occupation: Author & Journalist.)

In 1941 – The Chelsea News (Kensington and Chelsea, London, England · Friday, February 28, 1941) states that Charles was arrested and charged with false pretenses in relation to obtaining goods to the sum of 11 pounds over two occasions ( January and December of 1940) and of being a deserter from the R. A. F. since 17^th Dec. 1940. He said he would not go back to the R. A. F. In his procession were several cheques, a visiting card in his name with a different address and a driver’s license in the name of C. A. V. Smith. Bail was not granted.

 

HERE

Above: the S. S. Balranald 1922 -1937.