Brenda Reis was born on 13 November 1913, in Alexandria, Egypt, the daughter of Arthur Montagu and Fanny (Cruwys) Reis. She married Vivian Henry Hadkinson on 18 July 1935 at the British Consulate in Nice, France.

Vivian was the son of Robert Hadkinson (1840–1924) and Henrietta Von Lochner.

Brenda and Vivian had one son: James Vincent Anthony Hadkinson. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on 31 December 1939.

Brenda divorced Vivian Hadkinson and next married Hilton John Nicholas on 28 April 1951 at the Registry Office, Westminster, London.

After Brenda moved to Australia, after her divorce from Vivian Hadkinson and subsequent marriage, in 1951, to Hilton Nicholas, her son James adopted the surname of Nicholas for convenience.  James died in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 21 October 2011. He was divorced from his former wife, Eleanor Mary Cecilia Dooley, and did not leave any children. 

After his divorce from Brenda, Vivian Hadkinson married Yvette Savinien-Caprais (1920-2016). Yvette had been married to Georges Hochapfel (1915-1957).

Notes: On their marriage certificate Brenda and Vivian Hadkinson give their address as Cros de Cagnes, France. Arthur Montagu Reis is present as a witness and his profession is given as ‘independent means’. Vivian is described as a ‘manufacturer’. His father is Percival Hadkinson ‘mine owner’.

On the marriage certificate of Brenda and Hilton Nicholas, his address is given as 16 Berkley Street and his profession as ‘company director’. Likewise, his father, George Richard Nicholas, is a ‘company director’. Brenda’s address is 6 Pinewood Close, Iver Heath, Bucks.

Brenda died at Melbourne on 25th April 1985.

Brenda’s son James died in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 21 October 2011. He was divorced from his former wife, Eleanor Mary Cecilia Dooley, and did not leave any children.  These particulars are confirmed by his Death Certificate, Registration Number 44575/2011, Victoria.

NOTE: Georges Hochapfel (1915-1957) fought at the battle of Bir Hakeim alongside Roger Seferian (1915-1942), a World War II hero, who died of his wounds at Bir Hakeim.

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