text:
Royal Leamington Spa, War Memorial
Roll of Honour; 1939+
Army / Royal Marine Commandos
Top photograph:
POWELL, Wallace William Alfred, CH/X3243;
Marine, 40 Commando Royal Marines
Killed in action during the Dieppe Raid 'Operation Jubilee' on Wednesday 19th August 1942, Aged: 20.
The son of: Ernest and Elizabeth Powell, of: 40 Clapham Terrace, Leamington Spa.
Wallace was educated at the Clapham Terrace School, Leamington Spa.
Before the War Wallace was employed by Messrs Sidney Flavel, buried at the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-Sur-Mer, Seine-Maritime, France, Ref: D.47
Commemorated on the St Mary's Church Roll of Honour and also the Leamington Navy Association Club where a picture framed memorial hangs (Still awaiting confirmation of Wallace's inclusion on their Roll of Honour).
The full account of 'Operation Jubilee' can be found by going to: www.combinedops.com/Dieppe.htm.
BANNING, George Edward, 5255459;
Private, 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, 29th/36th of Foot.
Killed during an air raid in the UK on Wednesday 9th October 1940, son of: Frank and Mary Banning, of: Leamington Spa, Husband of: Emily Jane Banning (nee: Clever) of: Leamington Spa.
The 8th Battalion saw action with the B.E.F in France in 1940 at Wormhoudt and Dunkirk
After Dunkirk, the Battalion remained in the UK as a Training Battalion until the end of the war.
Buried at: Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa, Section 105 Grave 196
BUCKINGHAM, Victor George, 2181327;
Private, Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps
Killed in action on Monday 17th June 1940, son of: George Buckingham, of: 40 The Market, Leamington Spa.
Educated at: Milverton School and was a chorister of Saint John's Church, Leamington Spa.
At 10.00 hrs on Monday 17th June 1940 as the B.E.F were withdrawing back to the coast by any means available to them at Rennes train station some 60 miles from St Nazaire between four and five trains had stopped at the station.
Among them was one train from the north carrying refugees and others carrying British troops, stores and munitions.
As they waited at the station a French Military ammunition train with the 212th French Artillery Regiment on board pulled alongside.
Without warning three German Bombers appeared flying low from the west heading for the town.
Then as they banked towards the station the first bombs fell hitting the French ammunition train causing a massive explosion and blast which damaged near by houses and set the other trains alongside on fire resulting in munitions carriages to explode in turn for the following 24 hours hampering rescue attempts.
It is believed that 177 British troops were killed including Victor.
78 were unidentifiable such was the ferocity of the resulting blast, who it is believed were from the Artillery train being the nearest to the initial explosion.
The greatest loss of life was from the refugee train which including the British troops, who were heading for the ships of St Nazaire including in ill fated Lancastria, totaled 800 that day and a thousand left wounded.
Victor is buried in the Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, Ille-et-Vilaine, France, alongside the majority of those others killed during the attack on Rennes station.
Grave Ref: Sect: 18, Plot: 1. Row: A, Grave: 9.
COLBOURNE, Jack Herbert, 114147;
Captain, Second in Command (2/IC) 671 General Construction Company, Royal Engineers
Killed in action on Wednesday 29th May 1940, Aged: 31.
The son of: Mr R.G.and Mrs Maud E. Colbourne, Husband of: Nancy Colbourne, of: Leamington Spa.
Educated at: Warwick School
Killed in action during the Dunkirk evacuation;
671 arrived in France on the 10th February 1940 initially tasked with building concrete landing strips for the Royal Air Force up until news of the German breakthrough came through when they moved forward into Belgium.
Later with the remainder of the B.E.F 671 fell back onto the Beaches at Dunkirk.
After 36 hours on the Beaches being machine gunned and bombed by Stuka Dive Bombers they were finally rescued on the 29th May 1940.
An eyewitness and fellow member of 617 later recalled seeing Captain Colbourne in the sea all day on the 29th helping to steady boats while men scrambled in.
Jack managed to get on board HMS Grafton during that night, near by was HMS Wakeful which had picked up and was heading home when she was torpedoed twice, sinking within seconds with the loss of 700 men.
HMS Grafton had slowed down to try and help when she was also torpedoed twice, one hitting the Officers Wardroom killing 35 Army Officers, one of whom was Jack.
On hearing the news of Jacks loss an eyewitness said: "I shed tears".
Also that: "He had been not only a brave man, but thoughtful to his men".
Commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France (Column 20) and on the Warwick School War Memorial
GILKES, John Ernest, 154263;
Lieutenant, 3rd Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers
Died on Wednesday 4th December 1940, Aged: 32.
The son of: James and Phoebe Ann Gilkes, Husband of: Winifred May Gilkes, of: Leamington Spa.
Born: Oxfordshire
On the 3rd December 1940, Grantham had been bombed (B.Marco) and as a result one bomb which had landed near to the railway station but still on LNER property had failed to explode.
John who had been called in to defuse it was killed when it exploded while working on the bomb the following afternoon on the 4th December.
John was brought back to Leamington where he now rests at the Leamington Spa (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Section 109 Grave 222.
GLOVER, Guy Ballin, 44405;
Captain, 8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action on Monday 20th May 1940, during the defence of the Ypres-Comines Canal area Aged: 33
The son of: George Ernest and Dulce Kate Glover, of: 'Thornbank' Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa.
The Husband of: Margaret Isabel Glover, of: Warwick.
Educated at Haileybury College and Birmingham University
Before the war Guy was employed as Director of Heindes Brothers Brush Manufactures Ltd, of: Birmingham.
Guy was also awarded the R.S.P.C.A Sliver award for saving a dog from the River Leam.
Buried in the Calonne Communal Cemetery, Antoing, and Hainaut, Belgium
Grave Ref: Row E Grave 5.
Commemorated on the All Saints Church War Memorial and Haileybury College Roll of Honour
GOSS, Kenneth William George, 5114465;
Private, 8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Killed in action on Tuesday 21st May 1940, Aged: 21.
The son of: William George and Eve Goss, of: 44 Brunswick Street, Leamington Spa.
The Husband of: Jeane Goss, of: Coventry.
By the 16th May 1940 after the Allied front crumbled 8th Battalion who were in Belgium were ordered back to defend the Ypres-Comines Canal Zone (with the threat of the B.E.F being trapped in a pincer movement and cut off)
It is believed that during the withdrawal to the Canal Zone that Kenneth was killed in action.
Before the war Kenneth was employed by Messrs Morris Bodies Ltd, Coventry.
Buried in the Bruyelle War Cemetery, Nord, Antoing, Belgium
Grave Ref: I.B.6.
HOBSON, John Robert Williamson, 118298;
Second Lieutenant, Royal Army Service Corps.
Killed in action on Tuesday 14th May 1940, during the defence of the river Dyle between Louvain and Wavre, Aged: 27
The son of: Robert John and Dorothy Isabel Hobson, Husband of: Phyllis Margaret Hobson, of: Leamington Spa.
John is buried in the Avesnes-le-Comte Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France.
Grave Ref: 2.D.13.
Commemorated on the Holy Trinity Church, War Memorial Leamington Spa
HOLLOWAY, Frederick, 805306;
Gunner, 16th Battery, 1st Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
Killed in action between Friday 31st May - 2nd June 1940, during the defence of Nieuport, Aged: 28.
The son of: Walter and Ethel Maud Holloway, of: Lillington, Leamington Spa.
Commemorated: Dunkirk Memorial, Column 12, Nord, France and on the Lillington War Memorial, St Mary Magdalene Church.
JACKSON, John, 5381838;
Private, 1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wale's).
Nickname: "The Biscuit Boys"
Killed in action on Friday 25th May 1940, Aged: 24, at St Venant(where the fighting continued after the Dunkirk evacuation) as part of the force covering the withdrawal of the B.E.F to Dunkirk.
The son of: Thomas George House (-1934) and Catherine Ellen Kelly Jackson, of: Leamington Spa (Lillington-1962).
Brother of;
Charles Bernard, William Henry, Alfred Samuel Percy, Catherine Lily, Susan Kathleen, Josephine Gertrude M, and;
WOII (SSM) Thomas Henry Jackson, 5377608, Staffordshire Yeomanry, 8th Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division 'Desert Rats'.
Died of wounds on the 16th December 1942, received on the 15th Aged: 36 during an engagement with anti-tank guns at the battle of El Agheila (200 miles south-west of Benghazi) during the Axis withdrawal after the final Battle of El Alamein
Commemorated: El Alamein War Memorial (Column 29), Banbury War Memorial (Centre Panel) and the Royal Armoured Corps Roll of Honour, Bovington (Book 1)
Lance Corporal, Frederick John Jackson, 772704, 1st Battalion, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry (43rd Light Infantry)
Killed in action on Monday 28th May 1940 Aged: 28, during the rear guard action along the Ypres-Comines Canal near to the village of Warneton while covering the withdrawal of the B.E.F towards Dunkirk
Buried: Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery, Belgium, Grave Ref: IV.DD.2.
Commemorated: Banbury War Memorial (Left Panel)
Nephew of: Mr John Taplin, of: Warwick.
John who was originally born in Banbury in Oxfordshire was omitted from the Leamington Spa War Memorial until many years after when at the request of his sisters he was included.
John is buried at St Venant Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
Grave Ref: 4.D.7.
METCALF, Patrick Arthur, 866381;
Gunner, 68th Medium Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
Died on Tuesday 21st May 1940, during the defence of Arras, Aged: 20
The son of: Joseph Damien and Elizabeth Metcalf, of: Leamington Spa.
The 68th Regiment (South Midland) Territorial Army Regiment formed in Birmingham in 1938 and saw action in France in 1940 as part of the 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division (Divisional Troops).
Buried in the Lille Southern Cemetery, Nord, France
Grave Ref: 5.E.35.
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa
POTTS, Edward, 5253577;
Private, 8th Battalion Royal Worcestershire Regiment, 29th/36th of Foot.
Died on Wednesday 29th May 1940, Aged: 21.
Originally based at Ludgershall in Wiltshire (Tidworth area) before moving to Marlborough after being mobilized on the 1st September 1939
The 8th landed in France at "La Havre" on the 16th January 1940 before moving into a concentration area near Tourville and then on to Moncheaux near the Belgium frontier as part of the 144th Brigade.
By the 14th May 1940 the Battalion was in the Dan Hoek area on the outskirts of Brussels coming into reserve of 1st Corps where they would stay for the next fortnight.
On the 26th May the Battalion staggered back to defensive positions around the area of Avelin where news arrived that a German Tank formation was moving up from the South -East and the 8th with the Brigade was to be sent to meet them around the area of Wormhoudt.
By the 26th May the Brigade was concentrated within the area along with the Warwick's and Cheshire's.
On the 27th May orders were given for the Brigade to hold as long as possible in their present positions to give those now withdrawing back to Dunkirk (including the French) time to do so and then to fall back again to other defensive positions and to repeat this action until they themselves would arrive at Dunkirk.
The night of the 28th May was broken by a tremendous thunderstorm which restricted Tank movement allowing the 8th to withdraw to new positions around Wylder at 2100hrs.
On the 29th May the 8th Battalion was to fight a rear guard action worthy of the finest traditions of the Regiment around Bambecque, and it was here that Edward was killed in action.
Edward is buried in the West Chapel Churchyard, Nord, France.
Grave Ref: A.12.
Commemorated on the St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Leamington Spa
PROVETT, Stanley Reginald, 5726047;
Private, 2nd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment.
Died whilst a prisoner of war on Thursday 29th August 1940, Aged: 20, after being taken prisoner (possibly Stalag XXA) during the Dunkirk evacuation
Unfortunately after contacting the Regiment's Museum they can not shed any light on the circumstances of Stanley's capture as he does not appear on the Regiments POW Roll, except that they believe he was captured during the Battalions retreat to Dunkirk.
The 2nd Dorset's arrived in France on the 23rd September 1939 and we believe that Stanley enlisted in 1938.
Buried in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland
Grave Ref: 7.B.4.
Commemorated on the Dorset's Regiments Roll of Honour
REDHEAD, Thomas, 5109641;
Private, 7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Killed in action on Tuesday 21st May 1940, Aged: 20, while defending the River Scheldt.
The River Scheldt was the first line of defence as the B.E.F withdrew after the Dutch High Command capitulated on the 15th May.
With the B.E.F the 1st French Army withdrew, out of the nine British Divisions defending the river seven where heavily engaged defending it.
Buried in the Esquelmes War Cemetery, Pecq, and Hainaut, Belgium
Grave Ref: V.A.32.
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa
ROBINSON, Neil Surgey, 75666;
Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps
Died on Monday 20th May 1940, Aged: 39.
The son of: James Luther Clara Robinson, of: Leamington Spa
Born: Birmingham
At the time of Neil's death he was attached as the Doctor to the 8th Battalion the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Died with the Battalion while defending the Ypres-Comines Canal area
Buried in the Calonne Communal Cemetery, Antoing, Belgium
Grave Ref: E.4.
Commemorated at the Birmingham Hall of Memory
SHEPPARD, Wilfred John, 5111618;
Private, 1/7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Killed in action on Monday 27th May 1940, Aged: 20.
1/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment with the 2nd and 8th Battalions were part of the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France and Belgium in May 1940 and like so many other units had to fight their way back to the beaches at Dunkirk.
On the 16th May 1940 with the entire front crumbling under the German advance and with the lack of French support, they were ordered to withdraw to defend the Ypres-Comines Canal zone.
If successfully held, this action would save many thousands of lives of 2nd Corps, and no one can tell how many lives of those who were picked up from the beaches of Dunkirk, many of whom would return on the 6th June 1944 and retake the ground where so many of their comrades sacrificed their lives.
During the 27th / 28th May 1940 they threw back three German assaults by three Divisions and it was during one of the assaults on the 27th May 1940 that this young man was killed in action.
The son of: John William and Mary Ann Shephard, of: Leamington Spa.
Commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France, Column 41.
Also on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa
THOMAS, Sidney, 5114130;
Private, 7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Died on Friday 10th May 1940, on the first day of the German invasion of France and the low countries, Aged: 20
The son of: David Llewellyn and Rose Thomas, of: Leamington Spa.
Buried in the Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery, Heuvelland, and West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Grave Ref: IV.DD.8.
TIMS, William Norman, 2190240;
Private, 48th Company, Auxiliary Military Pioneer Company
Born: 19th December 1905
William enlisted in the Royal Engineers on the 9th October 1939 transferring into the Pioneer Corps on the 1st December 1939 after the Corps was formed on the 17th October 1939.
48 Coy arrived in France with the B.E.F 16th October 1939 serving initially in Doullens
Died on Monday 20th May 1940, Aged: 34.
The son of: Sarah Ann Tims
Commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France, Column 154
(Courtesy of the Royal Engineers Museum, Kent & the Royal Pioneer Association)
TOON, Leon Owen, 2182447;
Private, 115th Company, Auxiliary Military Pioneer Company
Leon who was born on the 11th August 1913 enlisted into the Royal Engineers on the 7th September 1939, transferring into the Pioneer Corps on the 1st December 1939.
During the period from the 7th May to 19th May the Company was at "Fouillard" working on the construction of the railway.
Died on Monday 17th June 1940, Aged: 26.
The son of: Arthur and Emmie Toon, of: 109 Radford Road, Leamington Spa.
Leon had two younger Brothers who served in the RAF.
Contrary to what Leon's family was told about the circumstance of Leon's death the truth has now been discovered;
The truth is that Leon was infact on board 'HMT Lancastria' which was sunk on the 17th June 1940 by German aircraft just off the French Port of St Nazaire during 'Operation Ariel' with the greatest loss of life in one single sinking in history and more than both the Titanic and Lusitania combined.
The news of her sinking was suppressed (D-Notice) by the British Government until it was published in the New York Times and the Scotsman the following month.
Shamefully even today the British Ministry of Defence and the present British Coalition Government refuses to recognize or even acknowledge those souls who were lost that day!
Leon rests at the Pornic War Cemetery, Loire-Atlantique France.
Grave Ref: 1.J.14.
Commemorated on the St Mary's Church, War Memorial, Leamington Spa
The Lancastria Association Roll of Honour (Washed ashore but not recorded as being on board)
Also Commemorated on the Clyde, Scotland and on the National Arboretum, Staffordshire
(The full story of the Lancastria is also on this web-site as a separate item).
Courtesy of and my gratitude goes out to; Mr & Mrs Anthony / Violet Toon, the Royal Engineers Museum Kent, the Royal Pioneer Association and Mr Mark Hirst of the Lancastria Association of Scotland.
BASKOTT, Walter Edward, 544100;
Trooper, 4th Queen's Own Hussars.
Died of wounds on or shortly after Saturday 26th April 1941, Aged: 36
The son of: Owen and Alice Minnie Baskott, Husband of: Eva May Baskott, of: 7 Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa.
At the time of Walter's death the 4th Q.O.H had arrived in Greece on the 10th March 1941 on board HMS Gloucester after leaving Alexandria at 11.45 hrs the previous morning.
On the 13th April the Regiment moved into its battle positions coming into contact with the enemy leading elements later that day resulting in the loss of four Tanks to enemy action, this type of action would continue until the Regiment returned to Alexandria the following month.
It is unclear from the war diary when Walter was wounded as the diary only confirms numbers of Other Ranks either killed or wounded.
Born: 9th January 1904
Buried at 'Corinth'(W.3040), commemorated on the Athens Memorial, Face 1. Greece and also on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, Leamington Spa
BOLT, George Henry, 13044127;
Private, 13th Platoon, 'C' Company, 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 12th Independent Infantry Brigade-11th Independent Infantry Division
Died while in action on Wednesday 17th December 1941, Aged: 28 during a 'Rear Guard' action in the 'Tanjong Rambutan' area of Malaya, after collapsing while going up a steep slope , the Platoon having lost two men earlier in the operation to Malaria.
The son of: Harry and Eva Bolt, Husband of: Nellie Louise Bolt, of: New Cross, London.
Uncle of: Mr Tony Bolt, of: Lillington, Leamington Spa.
Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Kranji, Singapore, Column: 81
(Courtesy of and my gratitude to: Mr Tony Bolt, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum "Moon over Malaya" (a tale of Argyll's and Marines).
COOPER, Cuthbert Malcolm, 1706347;
Gunner, 94th Battery, 20th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
Killed in a road traffic accident on Thursday 2nd October 1941, Aged: 35
The son of: Cuthbert and Alice May Cooper, of: Leamington Spa.
The Husband of: Elizabeth Cooper, of: 52 Brook Street, Leamington Spa.
Buried in the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa, Section 109, Grave 217
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa
GEORGE, Stanley Gordon, 1596140;
Gunner 204th Battery, 95th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
Killed at Weybourne on Saturday 10th May 1941, Aged: 26.
The son of: Frank and Alice George, Husband of: Martha Sarah George, of: 3 Neilson Street, Leamington Spa.
Stanley who was born in Worcestershire was employed as a railway wagon repairer before the war.
Buried in the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa, Section 109, Grave 219
LOVELL, Aubrey William, 781421;
Lance Bombardier, 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.
The 2nd Regiment was raised in Newport in 1938 seeing action in France in 1940 with the 1st Armoured Division and was evacuated from Dunkirk before being sent to Egypt in 1941as part of the 2nd Armoured Division before being sent to Greece with again the 1st Armoured Division with H, I and L Batteries.
It later serving with the 7th Armoured Division during 'Operation Crusader' in November 1941, returning to the 1st Armoured Division in April 1942
Died on Tuesday 15th April 1941, Aged: 30.
The son of: Thomas William and Miriam Annie Lovell, Husband of: Violet Winifred Lovell, of: Newport, Monmouthshire.
Aubrey and Violet were married for just over a year at the time of his death.
Daughter: Jacqueline M Lovell, 1940-Warwickshire.
Aubrey who was born in Northampton is commemorated on the Athens Memorial, Greece, Face 1.
MALEIN, Ernest Keith, 7914170;
Trooper, 6th Royal Tank Regiment
Motto: "Fear Naught".
Shoulder Flash Colour: Red / Yellow
Killed in action on Sunday 23rd November 1941, Aged: 21, during an attack by the 7th British Armoured Division 'Desert Rats' on the Sidi Rezegh Ridge;
By midday on the 20th November 6RTR swept down from the Ridge towards "El Duda" and ran straight into four hidden 88mm Flak 36 guns of the 15th Panzer Division, resulting in 6RTR loosing all its Cruiser tanks.
On the 23rd November Rommel began his counter-attack which pushed the 7th Armoured Division away from Tobruk as far as the Egyptian border.
Son of: Ernest George and Mary Ann Malein, of: 65 Clarence Street, Leamington Spa (W.3040 records address as being 65 Clarendon Street)
Born: 31st May 1920
Ernest was educated at the Central School, Leamington Spa.
Before his enlistment in June 1940 Ernest was employed at the Midland Electrical Light Company.
Commemorated on the El Alamein War Memorial, Egypt, Column 23
"From mud, through blood, to the green fields beyond"
MARCHANT, George Frederick, 2648591;
Company Sergeant Major, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards.
Killed in action on Tuesday 27th May 1941, Aged: 39.
The eldest son of: Mr and Mrs J Marchant, of: Warwick Road, Kineton Warwickshire.
The Husband of: Mrs E.A.Marchant, of: Oxhey, Hertfordshire.
Nickname: 'Lilywhites'
Motto: 'Nulli Secundus' (Second to None)
The 3rd Battalion had served during the Jewish / Arab unrest in Palestine in 1936-1939 afterwards having evaded capture at Tobruk 'Operation Brevity' 22nd Guards Brigade (motorized) finally escaped to Egypt where they formed part of 24th Infantry Brigade later functioning as an Independent Brigade Group in Italy on the 13th March 1944, before returning to "Palestine" 1945 to 1948.
By the 26th May 1941 the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards as part of an all arms group had been holding the Halfaya Pass for nine days when the enemy attacked and retook the Pass with a loss of 12 tanks artillery and 173 casualties, it is believed that it was during this attack that CSM Marchant was killed in action.
Commemorated on the El Alamein War Memorial, Egypt, Column 53
(The CWGC have recorded George's surname incorrectly, omitting the 'T', i have informed the CWGC and they are going to correct this)
ROTHERHAM, Raymond Ancil, 5616705;
Corporal, 15th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Died on Friday 8th August 1941 Aged? At the Launceston Hospital
Raymond was born in Oxfordshire and was buried at the Launceston Cemetery, Cornwall on Tuesday 12th August 1941 Plot: HH158.
COWLEY, Arthur Thomas, 5118567;
Private, 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment.
Arthur passed course 14(No1 Parachute Training School at Ringway near Manchester for his Parachute Training (25.5.42-4.6.42)
He completed two descents from a balloon and five from Whitley aircraft at Tatton Park, for which Soldiers were paid 2 Shillings per day.
Arthur transferred from the Warwickshire Regiment.
Killed in action in Tunisia, North Africa on Tuesday 24th November 1942, and Aged: 22
In November 1942 the Battalion sailed to North Africa as part of the 1st Parachute Brigade.
Their first mission was to capture and hold the important road crossing at Beja on the Souk el Khemis plain by parachute, ahead of the advancing 1st Army which was successfully completed.
It was during this period that the Parachute Regiment earned the nickname 'Red Devils' from their German opponents.
The son of: John Thomas and Mary Cowley, Husband of: Violet Ellen Cowley, of: Croydon. Surrey
Arthur who was born in Warwickshire is now buried in the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Grave Ref: 8.B.17.
DALTON, Percy Gordon, 5111309;
Gunner, 91st Battery, 44th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Died on Saturday 5th December 1942, Aged: 20.
The son of: Alfred and Ellen Dalton, of: Leamington Spa.
Percy who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Kirkee War Cemetery, India.
Grave Ref: 4.B.2.
DOUGHTY, William Arthur, 909682;
Gunner, 111th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, 50th Northumberland Infantry Division
Killed in action during the second and final Battle of El Alamein 'Operation Supercharge' on Saturday 24th October 1942, Aged: 24.
The son of: William Arthur and Harriet Doughty, of: Leamington Spa.
William who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the El Alamein Cemetery, Egypt.
Grave Ref: XXXIX.C.18.
GREENWAY, Henry Joffre Victor, 1904604;
Sapper, 679 Artisan Works Company, Royal Engineers
Killed in action on Thursday 27th August 1942, Aged: 27.
The son of: John and Emily Elizabeth Greenway, of: Leamington Spa.
Henry who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria.
Grave Ref: Q.16.
KENNAN (MBE) Lionel Williams, 66657;
Major, Royal Army Service Corps
Died on Saturday 26th December 1942, Aged: 28.
The son of: John Joseph and Ethel Marion Kennan.
The Husband of: Dorothy Renes Kennan (nee: Heslop) of: Thorpe, Norwich.
Lionel who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.
Grave Ref: 13.B.12.
Commemorated on the Lillington War Memorial and on the All Saints Parish Church War Memorial, Leamington Spa
LILLEY, Hugh Michael, ABRO/100;
Major, Burma Rifles
Killed in action on Sunday 1st February 1942, Aged: 26.
The son of: Mr and Mrs A.E.V.Lilley, of: Leamington Spa.
Hugh was promoted to the rank of Major from Captain, acting as Assistant Superintendent of Police when he was killed in action against the Japanese near the Sittang River.
Commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar (Face 111) and on the Burma Star Association web-site
LINDON, William, 7903944;
Trooper, 3rd Royal Tank Regiment
Motto: "Fear Naught"
Shoulder Flash Colour: Green.
Initially serving in France in 1940 defending Calais during the four-day siege which resulted in the Regiment loosing all of its Tanks and many men who were either killed , captured or were evacuated from Dunkirk the Regiment or what was left was reformed back in the UK.
In 1941 with the 3rd Armoured Brigade it was shipped to the Middle East serving in Greece.
In 1942 it formed part of 8th Armoured Brigade and in July 1942 was involved in the First Battle of Alamein when as part of the 1st Armoured Division was engaged by 26 German Tanks with the loss of 39 of their own.
Killed in action on Friday 3rd July 1942, Aged: 21 in North Africa.
The son of: Thomas and Elizabeth Lindon, of: Leamington Spa.
William is buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
Grave Ref: XII.F.13.
Commemorated in the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour
"From mud, through the blood to the green fields beyond"
LlOYD, Dennis Raymond, 793159;
Corporal, Corps of Military Police
Killed in action as the result of Artillery fire and Air bombardment (one of a party of four, the three others were all wounded) whilst signing a route through a minefield for the 7th Armoured Division's 'Desert Rats' tanks to exploit through, on the first day of the second and final Battle of El Alamein on Saturday 24th October 1942, Aged: 31.
Dennis was brought up in Clarence Street Leamington Spa.
The son of: Evan Charles and Edith Emily Lloyd, Husband of: Violet Gladys Lloyd, of: Warwick.
After marrying Violet they moved to Warwick.
Father of: Norman (4) and Dennis (6) Lloyd
Eleven months after Dennis's loss, Dennis's younger Brother: Able Seaman Derek Gordon Lloyd was lost at sea after his ship: HMS Puckeridge was sunk by the German U- Boat 617 just off Gibraltar on 6th September 1943
Dennis now rests at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
Grave Ref: IX.B.6.
Commemorated on the St Paul's Church Memorial, Warwick and on the Warwick Town Memorial
Derek is also commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, Panel 75, Column 1.
LOCK, Stephen Richard, 778712;
Sergeant, 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own)
Regimental Nicknames: 'Bakers Light Bobs', 'the Chainy 10th', 'the Shiny 10th'.
Motto: "Ich Dien" (I Serve)
The 10th had been sent to North Africa in the November of 1941 with the British 2nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division 'Desert Rats' equipped with Crusader Tanks.
Killed in action in Libya on Friday 29th May 1942, Aged: 38 during the Battle of Gazala and the Cauldon North of the Knightsbridge Box, South West of Rigel Ridge.
The husband of: Mrs S Lock, of: 54 Bury Road, Leamington Spa.
Stephen who was born in Warwickshire and enlisted into the 'Shinners' in 1927 is buried at the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.
Grave Ref: 4.C.19.
Commemorated on the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour
NEWINGTON, Richard Thomas John, 1870427;
Lance Sergeant, 22 Fortress Company, Royal Engineers, Hong Kong Garrison.
Died whilst a Japanese prisoner of war on Thursday 1st October 1942, Aged: 26, after the Japanese invaded "Hong Kong" on the 8th December 1941 and subsequent surrender the Company were taken captive on Christmas Day 1941
The son of: Eric Richard and Beatrice Helena Newington, of: Leamington Spa.
On the 27th September 1942, 1816 prisoners were chosen to be sent back to Japan as forced labour, embarking on the SS Lisbon Maru (Hell Ship).
During day light on the 1st October 1942 the SS Lisbon Maru was hit by a torpedo from the US submarine Grouper which after believing they had sunk her, slipped away leaving her still afloat.
The panicking Japanese guards on board locked the prisoners in the hold while trying to decide what to do next.
During the night many prisoners escaped and attempted to swim ashore to a nearby Island, it is believed that it was during this escape that Richard died.
Richard who was born in Kent is commemorated on the Sai War Memorial, Hong Kong, on Column 7.
TIMMIS, Norman Henry, 180764;
Second Lieutenant, Warwickshire Yeomanry.
Killed in action in Burma on Thursday 16th April 1942, Aged: 25
The son of: Francis Harry Howard and Ellen Timmis, Husband of: Betty Kathleen Timmis, of: 6 Ranelegh Terrace, Leamington Spa.
Norman who was born in Birmingham enlisted in Warwickshire and at the time of his death was attached to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.
Commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar (Face 1), and in the Royal Armoured Corps Roll of Honour.
BEDFORD, William James Riland, 9440;
Lieutenant Colonel, 152nd (The Ayrshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, - 6th Armoured Division
The 152nd was duplicated from the 151st Field Regiment in April 1940 based in "Lanark".
Died on Thursday 22nd April 1943, Aged: 45.
The son of: Reverend Canon W.C.R and Mrs Bedford, of: Bishopstone, Salisbury.
William who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Grave Ref: 16.F.20.
CAPERS, Victor Frederick, 872279;
Lance Bombardier, 315th Battery- 5th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery
Died on Friday 5th March 1943, Aged? Whilst a Japanese prisoner of war after being captured on Sunday 15th February 1942.
The son of: George William and Lucy Capers, of: Leamington Spa
The incident in which Victor was killed is better known as the "Ballale Massacre" Solomon's.
Interned at Changi Camp until October 1942 when the Japanese told them that 600 men mostly Royal Artillery and attached personnel (including 126 Officers) were to be moved to another Camp in Japan.
The 600 men under command of Lt Col John Bassett were taken to Singapore Docks where they were boarded on the ship Masta Maru where the conditions were recorded as horrendous.
As the journey progressed it became clear that the ship wasn't heading for Japan but was heading south.
On the 5th November the ship docked at Rabaul, Papua New Guinea where they were unloaded.
In late November 517 men out of the 600 were selected as the fittest and told that they were going to work on building an airstrip for the Japanese and after a two day trip on another "Hell Ship" they arrived on the Island of Ballale where they were going to build the air strip.
Shortly after arriving the Japanese guards received word that the allies were closing in and the order was issued that "Prisoners of war were to be disposed of by whatever means was available"!
So it was on the 5th March 1943 that those who were still hanging on to life by an act of cowdice were murdered in cold blood.
The "Ballale Massacre" story came to light when the Australian Forces re-occupied Ballale some time after and recorded local natives' statements.
In 1946 438 remains of British Servicemen were recovered on Ballale and were interned in graves at the Bomana Commonwealth War Cemetery at Port Moresby where they are attended to by the Australian War Graves Commission, the remainder was never found.
Out of the 600 men only 18 survived (out of those who were classed as unfit and were left behind), and as with every other "Japanese War Crime" committed, the enquiry into the incident was as usual sabotaged by General McArthur's HQ staff in 1948!
At the time of these men's deaths the War Office issued Form: 100 B-2 to their families, stating that they had died when the ship they were on was sunk.
Today the British Government is still in denial!
Victor is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore, and Column 9.
(Courtesy of Mr David Kent, Tasmania Australia)
CASTLE, Anthony Harry, 14301451;
Private, 5th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.
Killed in action in Sicily on Sunday 8th August 1943, Aged: 19.
The son of: Harry Ernest and Anna Castle, of: Leamington Spa.
Anthony is buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy.
Grave Ref: IV.J.9.
Commemorated in the Memorial Book, Memorial Room, Military Gallery, Abington Park Museum Northamptonshire
COLLETT, Cecil Ernest, PLY/X101104;
Sergeant, Commando, Group: Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation.2 (M.N.B.D.O) Royal Marines.
Killed in action on Saturday 13th March 1943, Aged: 27.
The son of: Albert Ernest and Kate Millicent Collett, of: 14 Wathen Road, Leamington Spa.
The M.N.B.D.O's 1 & 2 were formed early on in the war as defence forces for naval bases manning guns including Anti-Aircraft and as well as providing an infantry Battalion for defence.
M.N.B.D.O 2 deployed to Egypt in early 1943, with some units being involved in the Sicily landings which took place on the 10 July 1943.
Cecil was educated at the Leamington College for Boys afterwards enlisting in September 1940.
Cecil was posted as missing presumed killed.
The incident which lead to Cecil's death also lead to two other Sergeants.
Cecil is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial Panel 83, Column 3 (Malta Campaign) Devon, England and also on the Leamington Spa College for Boys War Memorial.
(Courtesy of Mr Edwin Sparrow, Colchester & Mr Eddie Andrews "Once a Marine-Always a Marine")
De COURCEY, Michael, 7046911;
Corporal, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, 38th Irish Brigade
Died on Thursday 25th February 1943, Aged: 22.
The 1st Battalion arrived in France on October 3rd 1939 and on the 18th May was the last to move forward into Belgium.
As they advanced they were met by the Brigade rearguard in retreat and continued then on to fight a rear guard action until what was left of the Battalion departed from Dunkirk.
Re-formed in 1940 when it was sent to North Africa as part of 38th Irish Brigade, fighting its way through Sicily and Italy where it remained until the end of the war.
Even though Michael's death is recorded as being on the 25th Feb it is believed that he was killed in action during the massive German attack on the Irish Brigade the day after (26th Feb) on the Bou Arada plain.
Michael who was born in Ireland is buried at the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Grave Ref: 11.A.11.
HARRISON (MM) Stephen, 402213;
Sergeant, 40th Royal Tank Regiment (Previously of the Queen's Bays)
Motto: "Fear Naught"
Shoulder Flash Colour: Blue with vertical Red stripe (Kings Regimental Colours)
Nickname: "Monty's Foxhounds"
Formed from by converting the 7th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool) Regiment, a Territorial Army Infantry Battalion that recruited mainly in the Bootle area, to a Tank unit in 1938
Equipped with the Vickers Valentine Tank the Regiment served with the 23rd British Armoured Brigade in North Africa fighting at El Alamein and then through Egypt, Libya and Tunisia later serving in Italy and in Greece during the Greek Civil War.
Born: 17th April 1910
Died of wounds on Tuesday 6th April 1943, Aged: 31.
The son of: Alfred and Teresa Harrison.
Husband of: Irene E Harrison, of: Gipsyville, Hull (W.3040= 22 Paddington Street, London, W1)
Stephen who was born in Herefordshire is buried at the Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Grave Ref: XIV.D.10.
Commemorated on the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour
"From mud, through blood to the green fields beyond"
HITCHCOX, Percy, 319795;
Trooper, 3rd King's Own Hussars, 9th Armoured Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division
Stationed: Aleppo, Syria
Died on Sunday 9th May 1943, Aged?
During the second and final Battle of El Alamein in October 1942 in which the Division had lost 102 out of it's 128 tanks, the 3rd Hussars losing 47 out of their 51 tanks.
The Brigade was then withdrawn to Syria in January 1943 to regroup and undertake internal security duties.
Then to Haifa in the August before moving into Lebanon
Percy who was born in Warwickshire and resided in Coventry is buried at the Aleppo War Cemetery, Syria.
Grave Ref: 1.A.2.
Commemorated on the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour
HITCHMAN, Frederick John Victor, 328155;
Trooper, 3rd King's Own Hussars, 9th Armoured Brigade.
Stationed: Haifa / Lebanon
Died on Monday 23rd August 1943, Aged: 24.
The son of: Mrs N.K.Hitchman, Husband of: Mrs E.M.Hitchman, of: Leamington Spa.
Frederick is buried at the Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Israel; Grave Ref: C.G.7 and is commemorated on the Radford Semele War Memorial and in the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour.
JACKSON, John Alexander, 6030158;
Private, 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, 1st Parachute Brigade
John passed Course 35 at Ringway for his Parachuting Training from 29th October 1942 to 7th November 1942.
A number of men did not complete this course as there were two fatal accidents during this course due partly to fog, the losses impacting on the men's willingness to jump.
John transferred from the Essex Regiment.
At the time of Johns death "2Para" were in North Africa under the command of Major J.D.Frost (Arnham) having been dropped at Depienne on the 29th November 1942.
Their objective was Oudna nine miles from Tunis.
The objective was achieved only briefly but due to heavy German resistance the planned link up with the advancing 1st Army wasn't established, leaving 2 Para completely isolated and 56 miles behind enemy lines.
Major Frost then began a fighting withdrawal with the intent of regaining the Allied lines, a withdrawal under constant enemy aircraft and armour attacks would result in the loss of 16 Officers and 250 men.
Died on Monday 8th march 1943, Aged: 19.
The son of: John and Violet Jackson, of: Warwickshire.
John is buried at the Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Grave Ref: 1.B.9.
JONES, Gilbert Frederick, 1549918;
Gunner, 149 Battery, 27th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery 12th July 1943, Aged: 26.
40mm Bofor Guns
Died on Monday 12th July 1943, Aged: 26.
The son of: Harry Charles and Lizzie Jones, of: Leamington Spa.
Gilbert is buried at the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
Grave Ref: 5.A.6.
MANTLE, Peter Roy, 7612302;
Private, Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Died on Saturday 21st August 1943, Aged: 24.
The son of: Ernest and Eva Mantle, Husband of: Irene Sarah Elizaberth Mantle, of: Grateley, Hampshire.
Peter who was born in Staffordshire now lies at St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, Lillington and is commemorated on the Lillington War Memorial, Leamington Spa.
MAXWELL, Horace Edgar, 7639667;
Craftsman, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 14th June 1943, Aged: 23.
Died on Monday 14th June 1943, as a Japanese P.O.W having worked as forced labour on the Burma- Siam Railway, Aged: 23.
Horace who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.
Grave Ref: 9.M.4.
MITCHELL, Eric, 7047802;
Rifleman, 2nd Battalion the London Irish Rifles
Died on Tuesday 5th October 1943, Aged: 20.
The son of: Harry John Edward and Florence Mitchell, of: Leamington Spa.
Eric is buried at the Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref: VIII.B.26.
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial now located at the Art Gallery & Museum, Leamington Spa
MONAGHAN, Joseph, 1810617;
Gunner, 3rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, Malaya Anti-Aircraft Brigade
Died whilst a Japanese prisoner of war on Tuesday 14th September 1943, Aged: 39, after being captured on Sunday 15th February 1942 when Singapore fell to the Japanese, the surrender being signed at 20.30 hrs
It is believed that Joseph was one of the 13,000 prisoners of war who died while being forced to work on the notorious Burma-Siam Railway who had been buried along the Railway line.
Those who had died while working on the Southern section from Bangkok to Nieke where held at the Kanburi Camp(which is a short distance from Kanchanaburi War Cemetery) where all buried at the Cemetery including 5,084 Commonwealth casualties, 1,896 Dutch graves, the ashes of 300 men who were cremated after a outbreak of Cholera in May / June 1943 and 11 graves of Indians, after being buried in Muslim Cemeteries in Thailand where their graves couldn't be maintained there and were moved here.
Joseph rests in Grave: 2.E.30.
ORANGE, Eric Aubrey, 1115605;
Gunner, 102nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
40mm Bofor Guns
Killed in action in Southern Tunisia on Tuesday 6th April 1943, Aged: 21
The son of: Arnold Henry William and Sarah Ann Orange, of: 22a Clarendon Square, Leamington Spa.
Eric who was born in Warwickshire now rest at the Sfax War Cemetery: Plot: II.E.9, Tunisia.
ARCHER, George Eric, 14228049;
Private, 8th Battalion Border Regiment, 13th May 1944, Aged: 20.
Died on Saturday 13th May 1944, Aged: 20.
George who was born in Warwickshire is buried at the Imphal War Cemetery, India.
Grave Ref: 5.E.19.
BEDFORD, David Francis, 885760;
Private Army Catering Corps
Killed in a Road traffic accident on Wednesday 15th May 1944, Aged: 30.
David resided at 6 Chesham Terrace, educated at the Rugby Road School, after he was employed at the Daimler Car Company, Coventry.
At the time of David's death he was attached to the Royal Artillery.
David now rests at the Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel.
Grave Ref: 5.A.14.
BISHOP (DSO) Bernard, 160649;
Captain, 4th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
Died of injuries received in a traffic accident in Selkirk, Hawick, Rowburghshire, Scotland on Monday 3rd April 1944, Aged: 28
While traveling in a car with two other soldiers they were in a collision with another car driven by another soldier 175 yards south of Greenhill Road end, Selkirk, who was charged with driving without due care and attention and tried at the Sheriff Court (Southern Reporter: 13th April 1944).
Bernard died later in Hospital from his injuries while his passengers also injured survived the collision.
The son of: Bernard Victor and Amelia Kate Bishop, of: Leamington Spa.
The Husband of: Joan Audrey Bishop, of: 49 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa.
The 4th Regiment fired the opening shots of the North African campaign in December 1940 against the Italians at Sidi Barrani, serving throughout the campaign: Bardia-Tobruk-Gazala-El Alamein-Tunisia equipped with the 25 pdr MK1 guns towed by the 4X4 Quad and Limber.
In November 1943 the Regiment returned home to England to train for the forthcoming invasion of Europe.
Bernard returned home for the final time being buried at the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Section 83 Grave 115 and is commemorated on the Warwick School Memorial and the Holy Trinity Church War Memorial, Leamington Spa.
(Courtesy of and my gratitude to Selkirk Library and the Heritage Hub, Kirkstile)
CHAMPION, Dennis Alfred Bernard, 14578116;
Sapper, No 1 Electrical and Mechanical Section, Royal Engineers
Killed in action in France on Tuesday 8th August 1944, Aged: 21.
The son of: James Alfred Barnard and Susan Eveline Champion, of: 30 Llewellyn Road, Leamington Spa.
The Husband of: Irene Dorothy Champion, of: Leamington Spa.
Dennis was educated at the Central School, Leamington Spa; afterwards Dennis was employed at Rootes Coventry, before enlisting in 1943.
Dennis is buried at the La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres, Calvados, Plot: VI.H.9, France.
COMPTON, Edward Cyril, 14565377;
Private, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action near Caen, France on Saturday 8th July 1944, Aged: 19.
The son of: Joseph Edward and Olive Compton, of: 6 Gunnery Terrace, Leamington Spa.
The 2nd Battalion landed in Normandy on 'Queen Beach' a sub division of 'Sword Beach' on the 6th June 1944.
Their first engagement was on the 8th July 1944 in capturing the village of
'St Contest' near 'Cean' from the defending the 25th SS Panzer Grenadiers, by 6.30 pm they had achieved their objective but at a cost of 26 killed and 96 wounded.
It is believed that Edward was killed in action during this hard fought and costly engagement.
Edward was educated at Milverton and Campion Terrace Schools, Leamington Spa; after Edward was employed by Armstrong Whitworth.
Edward is buried in the La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres, Calvados France.
Grave Ref X.A.3
CORLEY, Stephen, 5059221;
Private, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, 77th Independent Infantry Brigade-Chindit Division
Killed in action on Tuesday 4th April 1944, Aged: 21.
The son of: Mr and Mrs S Corley, of: 29 Holy Walk, Leamington Spa.
Stephen joined the South Staffordshire Regiment on the 8th August 1942 from the North Staffordshire Regiment.
The 1st Battalion in India had completed their 'Chindit Operation' training in late February 1942 and moved to Lalaghat in Assem within the concentration area of the Chindit Division.
The plan for the forthcoming operation was to be for the Division to occupy the area around Indaw (150 miles north of Mandalay in Burma) in between the advancing British 4th Corps and the two Chinese Divisions led by the US.
From within their area which was behind enemy lines, the Chindits would disrupt communications of the enemy from their rear to their front allowing the advancing Divisions total surprise and a more rapid advance.
The Division was flown out in Dakotas (DC10) and Gliders on D+1 (6th March).
Once landed the Division split up into two columns 38 and 80, the 77th Independent Infantry Brigade (1st Staffs) would take and hold the Mandalay-Myitkyina railway near the Town of Henu.
The Brigade finally reached the area on the 12th March and after a series of battles ejected the Japanese from "Henu".
During this phase the Battalion lost 23 men killed and 64 wounded amongst those wounded to die of his wounds was Lt George Cairns VC.
For the next three weeks the Battalion would hold out against constant counter-attacks, it was during the defence against one of these counter-attacks that Stephen was killed in action.
Shortly after the 23rd June the Battalion was finally flown out, out of those who had flown in on the 6th March only 70 stood, the Battalion had suffered horrendous casualties and testament to the Battalions courage and finest traditions; 154 killed in actions, 252 wounded and 180 had been evacuated sick.
The 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment had won 1 x VC, 1 x DSO, 7 x MC's, 3 x DCM's and 7 x MM's and the Battle Honour's 'Chindits 1944' 'Burma 1944' which today still are carried on the Colours.
(Courtesy of the Staffordshire Museum, Lichfield)
Stephen prior to enlisting was employed as an apprentice to George Bradford & Son Builders.
Stephen is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar(Face 14).
DEEMING, George Leslie, 1778652;
Private, 5th Battalion the Buffs East Kent Regiment-3rd of Foot, 5th November 1944, Aged: 36.
Motto: "Veteri Frondescit Honore"
(It's Ancient Honour Flourishes; its Ancient Honour is Ever Green)
Nickname: "Howards Buffs" "The Old Buffs".
Killed in action on Sunday 5th November 1944, Aged: 36.
The son of: Mr and Mrs Deeming, of: The Althorpe Arms, Public House, Leamington Spa.
Employed at the Lockheed Brake Company
The Historical Records of the Buffs records: the month of November passed in a series of tours of duty in the area of Carre, Casetta and Acqua della Salata, in improving the recently gained positions, and in a succession of patrols which resulted in minor clashes here and there, with inevitable casualties adding to the steady toll taken by enemy shell fire, sickness and exposure.
During the November -December period the Battalion lost 70 men killed or wounded.
George is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy(Panel 4) and the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa.
(Courtesy of the National Army Museum, Chelsea London & the CWGC)
DOCHERTY, Matthew, 5256990;
Trooper, 61st Regiment, Recce Corps, 50th Infantry Division-21st Army Group (Previously of the Worcestershire Regiment)
Died on Tuesday 20th June 1944, Aged: 31, Brother of: Mrs Kennedy, of: 5 Westmarch, Paisley, Scotland.
The 61st was one of two Armoured Recce Regiments within the 50th Infantry Division as they landed on Gold Beach during the D-Day landings on the 6th June 1944.
Gold Beach being the centre beach between Arromanches and Ver-sur-Mer.
Born: Paisley, 12th September 1912, Scotland
Resided in Warwickshire
Matthew now rests at the Ellon Churchyard, Calvados France.
Grave Ref 2
Commemorated on the Royal Armoured Corps, Roll of Honour, The Tank Museum, Bovington and the Scottish National War Memorial
EMENEY, William John, 5114443;
Private The King's Shropshire Light Infantry-3rd Division-21st Army Group, 9th November 1944, Aged: 25.
Killed in action on Thursday 9th November 1944, Aged: 25.
The son of: William Henry and Jane B.C. Emeney, of: Leamington Spa.
It is still unclear which Battalion William served in, the 1st Battalion was in Italy, the 2nd Battalion landed in Normandy 6th June on Queen Beach near La Breche.
The 4th (Territorial) Battalion landed in Normandy on 14th June and the 6th Battalion converted to Artillery becoming the 181st Field Regiment also serving during the Normandy landings, while the 8th and 20th Battalions were holding / training Battalions.
William who was educated at Bath Place School was employed at the Standard Motor Company; Coventry before enlisting, William is buried at Mierlo War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
Grave Ref VIII.C.6
FANTHAM, Maurice, PO/X114817;
Marine, 40 Royal Marine Commando, 3rd Commando Brigade RM
Garrisoned: Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, Somerset
Motto: "Per Mare Per Terram"(By Sea By Land)
Regiment Nickname: "Sunshine Commando".
Died of wounds on Friday 13th October 1944, Aged: 23.
The son of: Henry Harold and Jane Fantham, of: Leamington Spa.
Maurice who resided at: 16 East Grove, Leamington Spa was educated at Warwick School, later being employed at the Warwickshire Constabulary as a civilian clerk now rests at the Bari War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref XI.D.2
FAULKNER, William Alfred, 5886662;
Sergeant, 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment
Killed while serving with the 8th Army in North Africa-Italy on 3rd June 1944, Aged: 28
The son of: Arthur Herbert and Agnes Faulkner, of: 64 New Street, Leamington Spa.
William who was educated at Campion Central School was employed as a clerk at the Lockheed Brake Company before enlisting in 1939.
He is buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anizo, Italy.
Grave Ref III.C.2
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa, and in the Memorial Book, Memorial Room, Military Gallery at Abington Park Museum, Northamptonshire
GODFREY, Geoffrey Roland, 14535287;
Private, 6th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, 10th September 1944, Aged: 21.
Killed in action in Italy on Sunday 10th September 1944, Aged: 21.
The son of: James John and Nora Godfrey, of: Leamington Spa.
The Battalion was formed the March of 1939 becoming part of the 44th (Home Counties) Division.
Embarking for North Africa in 1942 were it took part in the Battles of Alam Halfa and El Alamein after which the 44th Division was disbanded, the Battalion then becoming the (MG) Machine Gun Battalion to the 56th (London) Infantry Division, with whom it fought at "Enfidaville" and Tahouna in Iraq .
In September 1943 the 6th with the 56th Division took part in the Salerno landings and then through Italy including actions at Ulipelli, Volturno, Montanaro, Monte Carnino, Garigliano, Anzio and from the Gothic Line to the River Po.
To demonstrate the intensity of the 6th's fighting and involvement in the Italian campaign the Battalion between September 1943 and March 1944 expended 3,683,700 Machine Gun rounds of ammunition and 32,757 4.2 inch Mortar rounds (292.5 tonnes); by the end of the war the 6th expanded a total of in excess of 5,402,900 MG rounds in Italy.
Geoffrey who was educated at St Peter's Roman Catholic School was employed by Messrs L.C.M. Regent Street; he was previously a Merchant Marine.
Geoffrey now rests at the Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref IV.E.11
GREGORY, Thomas William, 5116258;
Private 4th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh's)-43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division-21st Army Group
Motto: "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense"
Nickname: "The Springers" "The Moonrakers" "The Splashers".
Died of wounds in "Normandy" on Saturday 5th August 1944, Aged: 28.
The son of: Mr and Mrs J Gregory, of: 'Scotland Place' Leamington Spa.
Thomas, who was born in Hunningham previously served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
The 4th (Territorial) Battalion landed in Normandy on D-Day + 8 (14th June 1944).
Thomas was wounded while attacking an enemy machine gun position.
Before the war Thomas was employed by Lockheed Brake Company.
Thomas now rests at the St Charles De Percy War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
Grave Ref II.A.5
Commemorated on the Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa
GUY, John Percy Hugh, 117637;
Lieutenant, 8th-1st Battalion Royal Leicestershire Regiment "The Royal Tigers" 29th September 1944, Aged: 25.
Died on Friday 29th September 1944, Aged: 25
The son of: John Percy and Stella Anita Guy, of: Leamington Spa.
The 8th Battalion was formed in 1940 in Leicestershire but changed to the 1st Battalion in 1942 to replace the previous 1st Battalion which was lost at the fall of Singapore.
The newly designated 1st Battalion landed in Normandy on 1st July 1944.
John who was born in Hastings is buried at the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Limburg, Belgium Grave Ref: V.D.1.
HOLT, Baden Levisca, 5059236;
Corporal, 1st Corps Troop Workshop, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Died of wounds received in Normandy on Sunday 13th August 1944, Aged: 22.
The son of: Edward and Elizabeth Holt, of: 69 Ranelegh Terrace, Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Gladys Mabel Holt, of: Leamington Spa.
Baden who was educated at the Central School was employed by the Leamington Priors Gas Company; he now rests at the La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres Calvados, France.
Grave Ref III.B.5
Commemorated on the All Saints Church, War Memorial, Leamington Spa
HORLEY, George, 5106747;
Private, 4th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh's)
Died on Saturday 5th August 1944, Aged: 31.
Motto: "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense"
Nickname: "The Springers" "The Moonrakers" "The Splashers".
The 4th Battalion arrived in Normandy around the 23rd June 1944 as part of the 129 Brigade of the 43rd Wessex Division seeing action at St Manview-Cheux,Hill112,Chateau Fontaine,Maltot and Mount Pincon before the crossing of the River Seine at Vernon.
It was during the latter that George was killed in action.
The Battalion was to support the airborne landings at Arnhem.
George who was born in Warwickshire is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, Calvados, France.
Panel 16, Column 3
JUDD, James Henry, 5108316;
Private, 5th Battalion Black Watch, 51st Highland Division (HD) 11th July 1944, Aged: 28.
At 0100 hrs on the 11th July 1944 the Highland Division was ordered to attack Colombelles village, a factory suburb which lay two miles North-East of Cean.
The order of March was to be 1st Gordon's on the right, 5th Black Watch on the left with the 7th Black Watch following through, but by 0810 they were all withdrawn after taking heavy casualties due to the fact that the Germans were ready and waiting for them with dug in Infantry, Armour and Artillery support.
James who was born in Warwickshire and was employed at the Lockheed Brake Company is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial Calvados, France.
Panel 16, Column 1
The Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa and the Scottish National War Memorial.
KING, Horace Victor, 783184;
Sergeant, 2nd Marine Regiment, Royal Artillery
Lost at sea on Tuesday 22nd February 1944, Aged: 33.
The husband of: Christina Mary King, of: 13 Alverston Place, Leamington Spa.
On the 22nd February 1944 the British Tanker; British Chivalry no: 161198 was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-37 (Nakagawa) south-west of Addu Atoll in the Indian Ocean, position: 00.50S-68.00E.
As the survivors took to the rafts and the ships boats the submarines crew opened fire on them while in the sea with machine guns.
Finally after being a drift for 37 days, 29 crew and 9 gunners were rescued.
15 crew and 5 gunners were lost including Horace.
Horace was educated at Campion School before being employed by Messr Field & Sons.
Horace enlisted in 1939 from the Territorial's.
Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire England
Panel 88, Column 3
LANCASTER, Frederick Walter, 7046381;
Corporal, 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles
Killed in action in Italy on Thursday 2nd March 1944, Aged: 32, during the Battalions defence of the Anzio Bridgehead
During the six week period the Battalion spent at Anzio they suffered 32 Officers and 550 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.
The son of: Frederick George and Ethel Lancaster, Husband of: Muriel Joan Lancaster, of: Wolston, Warwickshire.
Frederick who was born in Birmingham is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy
Panel 11
Also on the AP Lockheed War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa and the All Saint's Church War Memorial, St Margaret's Parish Church Roll of Honour, Whitnash, Leamington Spa
LEE, Edward James, CH/X114366;
Marine, 45(Pronounced: Four-Five) Commando Royal Marines, 1 Special Service Brigade
Killed in action on Sunday 11th June 1944, Aged?
The son of: Mrs T Lee, of: John Street, Leamington Spa.
In August 1943 '45' Commando Royal Marines was formed with 400 all ranks
November 1943 '45' was in training in the Argyllshire mountain terrain before in March 1944 moving to Eastbourne were training continued in amphibious landings and river crossings as well as going over photographs of their as yet still unknown objectives.
On the 5th June '45' moved to Warsash at the Solent entrance where they were loaded on to five Landing Craft Infantry (LCI)
At 17.00hrs they slipped quietly out into the Solent to join the Armada and at 09.10 hrs the 6th June their mission was revealed, they would be landing on Queen Red (Sword) beach some two miles west of Ouistreham in Normandy.
Under cover of offshore artillery support '45' approach to the beach was unanswered until about one mile away when enemy artillery began landing in and around the flotilla resulting in several LCI's being hit and casualties taken.
As they hit the mined beach enemy anti-tank guns opened up as well as mortars and heavy guns, a hundred yards in they passed through the 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment (Assault Battalion) on to their first objectives the bridges over the river "Orne" and "Cean Canal" but word filtered through that they had already been captured by the Parachute Regiment.
Next was the Merville Battery and so began '45' Commando D-Day.
Edward who was educated at St Peter's Roman Catholic School, Leamington Spa was employed by Bradshaw's the Builders and is buried at the Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
Grave Ref: IVA.C.16.
LEES, Peter John, 14316578;
Trooper, 53rd Recce Corps, Royal Armoured Corps
The 53rd was formed on the 1st January 1941 out of the Brigade Ant-Tank Companies within the Welsh 53rd Division at the time based in Northern Ireland.
Peter was born on the 13th April 1924
Killed in action in Belgium on Tuesday 19th September 1944, Aged: 20.
The son of: Sydney Owen and Anne Marlon Lees, of: 7 Albany Terrace, Leamington Spa
Peter now lies at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave Ref II.AA.4
LOVELL, Henry R, 1884760;
Corporal, 719 Artisan Works Company, (Demolition and Rescue) Lost at sea on Saturday 29th July 1944, Aged: 28.
The son of: Harry and Amy Elizabeth Lovell, of: 8 Vincent Street, Leamington Spa and the Husband of: Connie E Lovell, of: Acton, Middlesex
Believed to have been on board HMS Prince Leopold, pennant number: LSI (S)-4251;
HMS Prince Leopold was built in 1930 as a Belgian Ferry (Steamer) in Antwerp for the Ostende to Dover route, requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1940.
Converted to a Landing Ship Infantry (LSI) at Devonport Docks in the December of 1941
At 07.10 hrs 29th July 1944 the Leopold was torpedoed by U-621(Hermann Stuckmann) at position 50.19N / 00.53W-Grid BF 3533 on route from Portland (24th July) to Cherbourg carrying troops and vehicles.
Leopold was hit on the port side amidships, capsized and sunk, resulting in 17 killed, 6 seriously wounded and 7 slightly wounded.
Commemorated on the Bayeux War Memorial, Calvados, France
MAYCOCK, William Richard, 2653600;
Guardsman, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards-1st Infantry Brigade
Died of wounds on Tuesday 25th April 1944, Aged: 34.
Nickname: "Lilywhites"
Motto: "Nulli Secundas"
The son of: William Frederick and May Louis Maycock, of: Leamington Spa.
After contacting the Battalions researcher: Adam; we believe that William could have been wounded on either the 20th or 21st April at Monte Cassino.
On the 20th the Battalion was shelled with Mortars and Rockets resulting in 5 Guardsmen wounded.
On the 21st with 'S' Company of the Scots Guards attached to the Battalion they were attacked by a German patrol amongst the rubble of the Monastery resulting in one Guardsman killed and 6 wounded.
The supporting enemy artillery killed a further 2 Guardsman.
However it is unclear at this stage which was Coldstream or Scots Guardsman killed.
Before the war William was employed at the Ford Motor Company, Leamington Spa.
William is buried in the Naples War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref II.L.10
Commemorated on the Ford Motor Company, War Memorial now located at the Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa.
(My gratitude to Adam for his help)
NEAL, Robert Charles Derick, 2665698;
Guardsman, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards-1st Infantry Brigade
Died of Wounds (Previously believed as killed in action) on his 19th Birthday on Monday 21st February 1944, Aged: 19.
Nickname: "Lilywhites"
Motto: "Nulli Secundas"
The son of: Frederick Harry and Ellen Neal, of: Leamington Spa
The Nephew and ward of: Charles William Neal, of: Leamington Spa.
The 2nd Battalion having served in France in 1940 through North Africa and the Middle East, serving in Italy with the 1st Infantry Brigade until August 1945 then with the 24th Infantry (Guards) Brigade
During the 20th and 21st February 1943 the 2nd Battalion were atop of Mont Ornito when the Battalion was attacked by the 2nd/3rd Battalions of the German 129th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion of the 104th German Infantry Regiment as well as heavy artillery support, but regardless of the heavy fighting in some occasions hand to hand the 2nd Battalion held the line.
Robert was educated at Campion Central School before being employed at the C.M.D Works Warwick prior to enlisting on 8th February 1943.
Robert rests now at the Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref: VII.J.1.
Commemorated on the Lillington War Memorial, Leamington Spa
(Once again my gratitude to Adam for his help)
READING, George, CH/X107278;
Marine, Royal Marines
Killed in action on Saturday 17th June 1944, Aged: 21, after the landing craft HMLCF 15, ex: LCT 406, he was on was hit and sunk during 'Operation Neptune' off Normandy.
The son of: Mr G.F and Mrs T Reading of: 46 Waterloo Street, Leamington Spa.
Before the war George was employed by Messrs H.J.Dawson the Undertakers, of: Leamington Spa.
George is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, Ref: Panel 79 Column 2 and at St Mary's Church, Roll of Honour, Leamington Spa.
(Courtesy of Mr Eddie Andrews "Once a Marine-Always a Marine")
REASON, Sydney George Eric, 2653255;
WOII, (Drill Sgt) 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards-32nd (Guards) Infantry Brigade
Killed in action in Normandy on Thursday 14th September 1944, Aged: 37.
Nickname: "Lilywhites"
Motto: "Nulli Secundas"
The son of: Sydney and Charlotte Reason, of: Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Hilda Reason (Waite) of: 3 Douglas House, Connaught Rd, Brookwood, Surrey (Married at St Luke's Parish Church, Chelsea London on the 10th October 1936).
Sydney joined the Battalion on the 19th August 1927, enlisting at Warwick at the age of 22.
Promoted to acting Lance Corporal on the 27th October 1930, paid on the 1st August 1930, acting Lance Sergeant on the 13th April 1936, Sergeant on the 7th May 1937 and WOII on the 14th March 1940
Sydney had attended a Special Air Service (S.A.S) Course between 14th October and the 20th December 1935, and then back again on an Instructors Course between 31st August and 23rd September 1939, qualifying as a Q1.
The 5th Battalion landed on the beaches of Normandy on the 25th June 1944 as part of the 32nd Infantry (Guards) Brigade.
During Sydney's 17 years and 27 days service he had served with every Coldstream Battalion, being awarded the 1939-45 Star and Defence Medal, the Clasp to the Star Medal being awarded on the 19th October 1949.
Born in Warwickshire Sydney was employed as a confectioner with Mr Thomas, of: The Parade, Leamington Spa.
Buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Leopoldsburg, Limburg, Belgium
Grave Ref: IV.E.2.
(Courtesy of and my gratitude to Guardsman M.Hughes, Regimental Archivist, Regimental Archives Section Coldstream Guards)
RIMAN, William Charles, 5116640;
WOII, 7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action in Normandy on Monday 17th July 1944, Aged: 25.
The son of: Arthur Robert and Ethel Riman, the husband of: Margaret Riman (nee: Gardiner) of: Coventry.
The Battalion arrived in Normandy on the 29th June 1944; their first engagement was on the 8th July alongside her sister the 8th Battalion at 'St Contest' near 'Cean'.
On the 31st August 1944 the 7th were disbanded.
William now rest at the Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery, Calvados France.
Grave Ref XV.E.29
ROE, Arthur William Clifford, 14733291;
Private, 5th or 6th Battalion Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
It was previously believed that Arthur was serving in the 2nd Battalion in 1944 but the 2nd were serving in Italy at the time of his death.
Both the 5th and 6th Battalions were fighting in Holland at the time, landing in Belgium in the October of 1944, the first action being the capture of the Dutch town of Walcheren thereafter it fought throughout southern Holland and into Germany ending in the capture of Bremen.
Killed in action in Holland on Monday 30th October 1944, Aged: 19.
The son of: Mrs W. Roe, of: 40 Offa Road, Leamington Spa.
Educated at the Clapham Terrace School, Leamington Spa Arthur was employed at Flavel's, Leamington Spa.
Arthur is buried at the Mierlo War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Grave Ref VII.E.7
Commemorated on the Roll of Honour at St Mary's Church Leamington Spa
ROSE, Eric Charles, 305973;
Corporal, 2nd Royal Horse Guards 'The Blues' 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment (2HCR) Guards Armoured Division.
Nickname: The Blues
Motto: Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame upon him who thinks evil upon it)
Now as the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry
(Contrary to what is incorrectly recorded on page 182 in the 'County of Warwickshire Roll of Honour 1914-2005', as serving in the 2nd Field Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery)
The 2HCR an Armoured Car Regiment landed in Normandy at Graye-Sur-Mer over the 12th and 13th June 1944.
Killed in action in Holland between Sunday 29th October and Monday 30th October 1944, Aged: 22.
The village of Mook was entered into by men of the 82nd U.S Airborne Division on 17th September 1944 during Operation Market Garden (as told in the film 'A Bridge To Far') and held on until the Guards Armoured Division, XXX Corps arrived, fighting continued until the end of October 1944, it was here that it is believed that Eric was killed in action.
The son of: Henry Richard and Ruby Elizabeth Florence Rose, of: 1 Clarence Mansions, Leamington Spa and Warwick.
Eric was educated at Campion School before being employed at W.H.Smith's in Bedford Street, before enlisting in 1941.
Buried at the Mook War Cemetery, Limburg Netherlands (11 kms south east of Nijmegen)
Grave Ref: II.B.15.
Commemorated: Land Forces WWII Roll of Honour, Vol 1 Page 3
SHAKESPEARE, Neville Frederick, 7941501;
Trooper, 46th Royal Tank Regiment (Previously of the 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry)
4th February 1944, Aged: 22.
Motto: "Fear Naught"
Shoulder Flash Colour: Green with a Red Welsh Dragon
Died of wounds in Italy on Friday 4th February 1944, son of: Mr and Mrs A Shakespeare, of: 21 Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa.
Neville who was born on 20th October 1921 was educated at the Clapham Terrace School and later employed at Messrs Flower's and Sons is buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy
Grave Ref XI.E.3
Commemorated on the Liberal Club War Memorial, Leamington Spa and the Royal Armoured Corps Roll of Honour, The Tank Museum, Bovington
"From mud, through blood, to the green fields beyond"
SHORT, Arthur Frank, T/287207(R.A.F Ground Staff);
Driver (Royal Army Service Corps) 5th February 1944, Aged: 22.
Died of wounds at Romford Hospital, Essex on Saturday 5th February 1944, Aged: 22
The son of: Walter Frank and Kate Short, of: Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Mabel May Short, of: 43 Waterloo Street, Leamington Spa.
Arthur is buried at the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa.
SMITH, William Frederick, 4926964;
Sapper, 654 Artisan Works Company, Royal Engineers (Demolition and Rescue)
Died of wounds in Normandy on Sunday 24th September 1944, Aged: 33.
The son of: Mr and Mrs F Smith, of: 41 Tachbrook Street, Husband of: Zoë Smith, of: 12 Clarence Street, Leamington Spa.
William was educated at both Shrubland Street and Bath Street Schools, before being employed by the Leamington Corporation Building Department.
William had previously served in the South Staffordshire Regiment before transferring to the Corps Rescue and Demolition Squad, Royal Engineers.
Buried at the Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France
STACEY, William Alfred, 3956997;
Private, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh's) 13th Infantry Brigade
Motto: "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense"
Nickname: "The Springers" "The Moonrakers" "The Splashers".
Died on Saturday 8th April 1944, Aged: 32.
The son of: William and Hester Stacey, husband of: Irene Gertrude Stacey, of: Leamington Spa.
After returning from Dunkirk with the BEF as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division the 2nd Battalion were involved with the capture of Madagascar before being sent out to the Middle East.
During early 1943 the Battalion served in Persia, Iraq and Syria before being involved in 'Operation Husky' the invasion of the Italian mainland in late 1943, taking part and winning Battle Honours for Garigliano River Crossing, Moro River Campaign, Anizo and the Capture of Rome.
William is buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.
Grave Ref X.H.7
WALTON, Victor Charles, 293733;
Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 143 Infantry Brigade
Killed in action on Wednesday 7th June 1944, Aged: 30, the day after the Battalion landed on 'Queen Beach' a sub division of 'Sword Beach' Normandy.
The son of: Victor George and Agnes Edith Walton, of: 8 Trinity Street, Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Peggy Dorothy Walton, of: 40 Heath Terrace, Leamington Spa.
Educated at Campion Central School, and Leamington Spa College, before being employed by Burgis and Bullock Accountants
Victor now rests at the La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres Calvados, France.
Grave Ref VII.C.8
Commemorated on the Holy Trinity Church War Memorial and on the Leamington College for Boys War Memorial, now located at the North Leamington School, Leamington Spa
WEISS, Oliver Sydney, 175774;
Captain, Royal Engineers
Died on Sunday 24th September 1944, Aged: 35.
The son of: Henry Gillot and Rose Bailey Weiss, of: Leamington Spa.
Oliver is buried at the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq.
Grave Ref 22.K.16
WHITE, Norman Victor, 1444442;
Private, Army Catering Corps
Accidentally drowned in the Scheldt Estuary on Monday 13th November 1944, Aged: 25.
The son of: James Charles and Annie Elizabeth White, of: 26 Greatheed Road, Leamington Spa.
Employed at Martins of: Kenilworth, Norman who was attached to the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers at the time of his death
Norman is buried at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Maldegem, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Midway between Brugge (17kms) and Gent (26kms).
Grave Ref: VI.E.1.
WOODFIELD, William Victor, 4036769;
Private, 2nd Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action in Holland on Friday 13th October 1944, Aged: 24.
The son of: Mr and Mrs W. Woodfield, of: 27 Satchwell Street, Leamington Spa.
The 2nd Battalion was originally based in Lockerbie in Scotland before being moved to Chailey in Sussex where training for Normandy continued until May 1944 when they arrived at a sealed camp prior to the invasion.
On the 2nd of June the Battalion moved down to New Haven Harbor and loaded onto LCA's (Landing Craft Assault) following a few postponements they finally slipped out of Harbor into the Channel, landing in Normandy Queen Beach at 9am 6th June 1944 as part of the 185 Brigade, 79th Armoured Division.
William was killed during the Battalions advance from Antwerp to Overloon, Holland.
William was educated at the National School before being employed by Messrs Sykes, Fruit Stall, Spencer Street Leamington Spa before enlisting in 1939.
William now rests at the Overloon War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
Grave Ref II.C.1
ADCOCK, Leonard Donald, 14340329;
Driver, 82nd Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers-1st Assault Brigade-21st Army Group
Died on Tuesday 24th April 1945, Aged?
The 82nd landed in Normandy at 07.10 hrs 6th June 1944 on Gold Beach with their Crocodile (Flame Thrower) Churchill Tanks.
Their job was to clear Beach obstacles such as pill boxes and enemy before moving off the Beach inland at 12.30 hrs arriving at Bayeux at 07.30 hrs the following morning from there on to the town of Ryes.
Leonard who was born in Bradford Yorkshire, resided in Warwickshire is buried at the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany.
Grave Ref: 7.H.12.
BUSWELL, Percy John, 5331492;
Private, 8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died in the Warneford Hospital, Leamington Spa on Wednesday 28th March 1945, Aged: 42.
The son of: Mr and Mrs Alexander Edwin Buswell, of: Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Kathleen Mary Buswell, of: 3 Garden View, Leam Terrace, Leamington Spa.
Percy is buried at the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa, Section 49 Grave 45 and commemorated at St Mary's Church, Roll of Honour, Leamington Spa.
DOWDING, Dennis Sydney, 5127790;
Lance Corporal, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died of wounds in Germany on Thursday 12th April 1945, Aged: 22.
The son of: Sydney Alfred and Eleanor Dowding, of: 1 Swadling Street, Leamington Spa.
The husband of: Rennie May Dowding, of: Leamington Spa.
Dennis was educated at Clapham Terrace School, Leamington Spa before being employed as a Telegram Boy and by the L.M.S as a Fireman.
Buried at the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium
Grave Ref X.21.7
FOSTER, Charles William, 1427661;
Trooper, 12th (Prince of Wales's) Royal Lancers
Motto: "Ich Dien" (I Serve)
Killed in action on Wednesday 28th February 1945, Aged: 22.
The son of: Mr and Mrs D.J.Foster, of: 30 Park Street, Leamington Spa.
Charles was born on 20th January 1923 in Warwickshire, educated at the Saint Peter's Roman Catholic School, before being employed at the Flavel's Eagle Foundry, Leamington Spa.
This young Lancer is now at rest in the Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy.
Grave Ref I.A.3
Commemorated on the Royal Armoured Corps Roll of Honour, Bovington Dorset
GALLEMORE, Trevor (Sam) G, 948171;
Gunner, "B" Troop, 383 Battery, 142 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
Killed in action in Northern Italy, on Thursday 12th April 1945, Aged: 25
The son of: William and Louise Gallemore, of: 55 Offa Road, Leamington Spa.
On the 12th April "B" Troop suffered heavy Tank Artillery fire, one shell hit Trevor's Self-Propelled Gun killing him and Gunner Jefferey Bowden and wounding several others.
Before the war Trevor was employed by Norman Engineering, of: Warwick.
This young Gunner is buried at the Faenza War Cemetery, Italy and is commemorated on the Cubbington War Memorial.
(Courtesy of Mr Simon Westall, of: Island Rare Books, Devon).
GASCOYNE, Dennis J, 14730510;
Lance Corporal, 7th Battalion the Scottish Rifles
Killed in action on Wednesday 4th April 1945, Aged: 20.
The son of: William Thomas and Lousie Charlotte Gascoyne, of: Chosham, Hampshire.
The husband of: Betty Gascoyne, of: Leamington Spa.
Dennis who was born in Portsmouth was educated at the Leamington College for Boys was employed at the Lockheed Brake Company before the war.
Buried at the Reichsweld Forest War Cemetery, Westfalen, Germany and is commemorated on the Leamington College for Boys, Lockheed Brake Company War Memorial, now located at the Art Gallery & Museum and the All Saint's Parish Church War Memorial, Leamington Spa.
Grave Ref: 49.D.12.
HEATH, John, S/14822246;
Private, Royal Army Service Corps
Died at Warneford Hospital, Leamington Spa, on Thursday 10th May 1945, Aged: 33.
The son of: Albert and Florence Lilly Heath, of: 1 Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa.
John, who was born in Birmingham, is buried at the Leamington (Whitnash Road) Cemetery, Leamington Spa, Section 99 Grave 193.
Commemorated at the Birmingham Hall of Memory
HOBBS, James George, 13021700;
Private, 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) 19th Indian Division 'Dagger Division'
Died on Thursday 26th April 1945, Aged?
The Division was formed in 1941 in Madras, the Battalion with the Division moved to Nasik (Bombay area) before moving to Imphal from there into Burma concentrating in the Tamu area where James was killed in action.
James who was born in Northampton is buried at the Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.
Grave Ref: 2.E.5.
PORTER, Cyril, 14771825;
Rifleman, 9th Battalion the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Killed in action on Sunday 24th March 1945, Aged: 18.
The son of: Cyril and Betty Porter, of: 36 High Street, Leamington Spa.
Cyril was educated at Campion Central School.
Cyril now rests at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Westfalen, Germany. Grave Ref: 58.A.12.
PUGH, Arthur Frederick, 1130536;
Private, Army Catering Corps
Killed in action in Burma on Saturday 28th April 1945, Aged: 25.
The son of: Frederick and Ethel Pugh, of: 11 Maple Road, Leamington Spa.
At the time of Arthur's death he was attached to the Royal Artillery and is buried at the Madras War Cemetery, Chennal, India.
Grave Ref: 8.E.5.
TYLER, Leonard, 1626155;
Private, 1st Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 71st Bridge-53rd (Welch) Infantry Division- 21st Army Group
Died on Saturday 24th February 1945, Aged: 34.
The son of: Harry and Ann Tyler, of: Leamington Spa.
The husband of Vera Tyler, of: Leamington Spa.
The Division was fighting in the Weeze sector at the time of Leonard's death where it took heavy casualties (24th Feb-2nd Mar).
Leonard who was born in Birmingham is buried in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery, Westfalen, Germany.
Grave Ref: 51.K.11.
Commemorated at the Birmingham Hall of Memory
1951: Korean War;
ASTELL, Robert A, 22517732;
Private, A Company, Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action on Monday 5th November 1951, Aged: 19.
The son of: Hubert Arthur William and Sarah Alice Astell, of: 19 Portland Row, Leamington Spa.
Born 6th June 1932, Robert was called to National service in 1950 initially with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment before being posted to the Leicestershire Regiment to serve in Korea.
Robert is buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Korea, and commemorated at the National Arboretum, Staffordshire.
KING, Denis W, 14436972;
Private, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action during the Battle of the Imjin River on 25th April 1953, Aged: 23.
The son of: Mrs Priest (formerly: King) of: Bells Yard, Leamington Spa.
At the time of Dennis's death he was attached to the Royal Ulster Rifles.
Dennis is buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Korea, and commemorated at the National Arboretum, Staffordshire.
O'GARA Michael, 22461469;
Private, A Company, 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action as the result of enemy shellfire on Monday 5th November 1951, Aged: 19.
The son of: Michael and Kate O'Gara (nee: Beech) of: 13 Buchanan Street, Leamington Spa.
Michael who was born in Leamington Spa on the 21st September 1932 was educated at St Peter's Boy's School, employed by Bradford's Builders, of: Leamington Spa.
Before Michael was called up for National Service in 1950 Michael had trails at Birmingham City, Coventry City and Aston Villa Football Clubs.
At the time of Michael's death he was with the Leicestershire Regiment after being posted from the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Michael has no known Grave, but is commemorated at the National Arboretum, Staffordshire.
1979: Northern Ireland;
WRIGHT, Paul Anthony;
Private, 3rd Battalion Royal Anglican Regiment
Paul was murdered by the I.R.A at 4pm on Monday 8th October 1979, Aged: 21, during a terrorist ambush at the junction of Whiterock Road and the Falls Road, West Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The son of: Charles Leonard and June Wright, of: Lillington Leamington Spa, Brother of: Jacqueline.
Paul was born in North London on the 14th March 1958; he enlisted at Leicester recruiting office in 1977, passing out from basic training at The Queen's Division Depot on the 30th June 1978.
At the time of Paul's death he was working with the Intelligence Section, dressed in civilian clothing in an unmarked car.
Paul was the 320th British Soldier Murdered in Northern Ireland.
Paul's name was added to the Leamington Spa War Memorial which was unveiled during a Civic Ceremony on Thursday 16th March 2000.
Paul now rests at the Leamington Spa Cemetery, and is commemorated at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
"May your glory ever shine! May your laurels never fade"!
Last Up-Dated 28/02/2011.
1 21 year-old man charged with murder
2 Pervert taxi driver remanded
3 Murder investigation launched after man found stabbed in Hatton Park
Royal Leamington Spa, War Memorial's Roll of Honour:
THE following are the headstones of soldiers buried
Royal Leamington Spa, War Memorial's Roll of Honour:
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A former professional player with the National Football League, Tony Covington understands the meaning of "the power of sports"--on and off the playing field. He told us about the difference he sees in Special Olympics athletes and how his own worldview has been transformed.
Tony Covington's worldview has been transformed after meeting Special Olympics athletes.
Tony Covington's introduction to nonprofits came while he played professional sports, with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Remembering the impact of his own role models when he was growing up, Tony sought out opportunities to be involved and speak to kids in the community. When someone suggested looking at nonprofit work as a professional path, it just went from there. Today he calls himself 'a lifer' - "I've been hooked every since, feeling like I am changing lives and affecting change." That path led him to come on board full time with Special Olympics, to help raise awareness and build programs in schools and the local community.
Although Tony always understood the power of sports to transform, everything changed when he met Special Olympics athletes. It was the height of local summer games. At an aquatics event, Tony saw a young girl in the pool, swimming, trying to get to the finish line. Her fellow swimmers were all already out of the water and cheering her on.
This was a defining moment. A competitive player, Tony always believed that those who say "it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game" have never played themselves. He recalls watching in awe -- the girl in the water and the cheering crowd -- and having an 'aha' moment. He then realized that it is not about winning or losing, but having a chance to compete, push your own boundaries, and cross the finish line.
"Sports teach you life skills, team work, and about working hard. The competition brings out self-confidence. To be the best you can be, you have to work hard at it – and it's not just about sport, it's about your life being shaped by what you learn from sports."
Beyond athletics, Special Olympics is about raising awareness and helping people with intellectual disabilities belong and thrive. "We have significant concerns about acceptance and inclusion in school systems," he says "our athletes go through a lot of health disparities."
"When talking to the athletes they tell me about being excluded, feeling like they are not a part of society. Special Olympics helps them gain self-confidence, feel included, and realize they are not alone. Beyond the sports field, they gain confidence to hold jobs, take college courses, to belong."
For Tony Covington the course is clear – getting the message out; raising awareness; promoting inclusion and acceptance for Special Olympics athletes; and letting the world know that Special Olympics is a vehicle for change.
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Today, the Templeton Foundation gave its most prestigious award to my hero, Jean Vanier. For Linda and our children and me, he has also been our retreat leader, our teacher of humility, our guide.
Posted on 2015-03-11 by Tim
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