St Michael & All Angels Church War Memorial Tettenhall
The Memorial is situated in the Church grounds, Church Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. WV6 9AJ.
Written on the memorial is the following -
Remember ye with thanksgiving and with honour those men of Tettenhall who went forth in the service of their King and Country during the years of the Great War 1914 -1918 and returned not again. And those that followed during the years of the World War 1939 - 1945.
First World War Roll of Honour.
ADEY CYRIL ARCHIBALD Private 2390
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
LOOS MEMORIAL
Cyril lived with his parents Edwin and Annie at 43 Old Hill in Tettenhall and attended Tettenhall Church School. He had been friends with Harry Arkinstall since childhood, and they did everything together. On leaving school he worked with Harry as a cleaner at the Stafford Road Works in Wolverhampton. Cyril had joined the 6th South Staffords in June 1914, enlisting at the Drill Hall in Wolverhampton. Volunteering for service overseas in August 1914, Cyril landed in France with the 1/6th Battalion on 3 March 1915. Cyril was killed in action 13 October 1915 aged 19 during his battalion’s attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
ARKINSTALL EDWIN HARRY Private 2387
1/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Harry Arkinstall came from Tettenhall and lived with his parents at 58 Limes Road. Harry had attended Tettenhall Church School with his friend Cyril Adey and was employed as a cleaner at the Stafford Road Works in Wolverhampton. He joined the 6th South Staffords in June 1914, enlisting at the Drill Hall in Wolverhampton and arrived in France with the Battalion in March 1915. Private Arkinstall was killed in action on 13 October 1915 aged 18 during the assault on the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
LOOS MEMORIAL
BARRATT WILLIAM THOMAS Corporal 498949
49th Agricultural Coy Labour Corps
Formerly 26696 South Staffordshire Regiment
Died 06/12/1918 Age:32
Husband of Nellie Barrattof 55, King St. Dudley.
Grave/Memorial Reference: South of chancel.
Cemetery: TETTENHALL REGIS (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD
BARRATT THOMAS Private 39923
10th Bn Worcestershire Regiment
Formerly 2167 South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 18/11/1916 Age:19
Son of Alfred and Isabella Barratt of 62 Limes Rd.Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 5 A and 6 C.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
BENT JOHN Stoker 1st Class Royal Navy SS/423
H.M.S. "Good Hope."
Died 01/11/1914 Age:28
Husband of Ada Smith (formerly Bent) of 4 Villa Rd. Handsworth Birmingham.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 4.
Cemetery: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
BOLTON LEONARD Private 40161
7th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 27/07/1917
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 35 and 37.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.
Bowers George Frederick Private 7000
2nd Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
George was born 4th February 1881 in Eccleshall the son of Thomas and Harriet Stringer Bowers. George began attending St Michael's Church of England Primary School 28th November 1887 the family were living at Lower Green Tettenhall. In 1891, the family remained living at Lower Green, Tettenhall, George was living with his parents and older sister Lucy, and younger siblings Jane, Ellen and Arthur.
George's mother Harriet died June 1894 in Wolverhampton aged 42. Thomas married Martha Griffiths June 1895 in Wolverhampton. At the time of George's death he had a brother Thomas who was living15, Gaddesly Road, King's Heath, Birmingham.
George landed in France in September 1914 which indicates that he was a regular soldier.
On 19th July 1916 the second assault on High Wood as part of the Battle of the Somme was launched, led by the 1st Cameronians, 5th Scottish Rifles and 20th Royal Fusiliers, while the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, then in billets at Mametz Wood, moved up at midnight to Flatiron Copse as brigade reserve. They were heavily shelled from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m., and intermittently thereafter, before being ordered forward around midday to High Wood, which they reached at about 2 p.m. The wood had only been partially secured by the assault troops, and the Welshmen were tasked with completing its capture. They succeeded, but only after hard fighting to reach the eastern side, where intense machine-gun fire from the German Switch Line forced them to withdraw and dig a defensive position about 100 yards from the wood’s edge. They held this line for the rest of the day until relieved at 1a.m. on 21st July and returned to Mametz Wood. Casualties were severe: 2 officers killed, 9 wounded; 29 other ranks killed, 180 wounded, and 29 missing.
George was killed in action 20th July 1916.
IV. F. 2. Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, France.
BOWEN GEORGE WILLIAM Stoker 1st Class K/7676
H.M.S. "Hampshire." Royal Navy
Died 05/06/1916
Grave/Memorial Reference: 17.
Cemetery:PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
CASWELL ARTHUR Private 31530
7th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 20/03/1918 Age:20
Son of George and Fanny Caswell of 13 Wadhams Hill Wolverhampton. Native of Shrewsbury,resident of Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. C. 18.
Cemetery: PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY
Sergt Robert Brown*
BUTLER SYDNEY MELVILLE Lance Corporal 2871
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 13/10/1915 Age:22
Son of Alfred Jeremiah and Annie Butler of Church Hill,
Tettenhall.Native of Leeds.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
Pte Henry Beaton*
CORNS EDWARD Lance Serjeant 14501
9th Bn Cheshire Regiment
Killed in Action 09/10/1916 Age:19
Son of Edward Corns, of 6 Stafford Gardens Ellesmere Port,
Birkenhead. Native of Wolverhampton
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 3 C and 4 A.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
COX ALBERT Regimental Serjeant Major 99493
28th Bde. H.Q. Royal Field Artillery
Killed in Action 24/04/1915 Age:40
Awards: DCM
Husband of Adelina M. Cox of Worcester Terrace, Aldersley Rd. Tettenhall. Lambourn Woodlands, Berks.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. C. 15.
Cemetery: YPRES TOWN CEMETERY EXTENSION
CLEMSON JOSEPH ARTHUR Private 21960
2nd Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers
Killed in Action 20/07/1916 Age:30
Son of William Clemsonof Merridale St. Wolverhampton; husband of Gertrude Clemson, of 7 Nursery Walk Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 4 A and 4 D.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
DICKINSON THOMAS ARTHUR Second Lieutenant
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 01/07/1916 Age:22
Son of Thomas William and Sarah Elizabeth Dickinson of Palmer's Cross Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 7 B.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
DUDDELL ARNOLD LESLIE Lieutenant
3rd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Attatched to 6th Bn Yorkshire Regiment
Died of Wounds 27/09/1917 Age:20
Son of Albert and Minnie Duddell of Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. H. 23.
Cemetery: BARD COTTAGE CEMETERY
Pte. Bertram Edwards*
EDWARDS HARRY Private 40577
7th Bn Norfolk Regiment
Died of Wounds 05/12/1917 Age:21
Son of George Henry and Sarah Jane Edwards of Avon Vale Terrace Aldersley Rd. Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 64.
Cemetery: HONNECHY BRITISH CEMETERY
EVERALL FRANK Private 12343
1st Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
Killed in Action 12/03/1915 Age:20
Son of John and Elizabeth Everall of 25 Stockwell End Tellenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 26 and 27.
Cemetery: LE TOURET MEMORIAL
FARMER THOMAS EDWARD Private 31745
8th Bn King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Killed in Action 08/06/1917
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 47.
Cemetery:YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
FROST HYLTON BROWN Private 6966
3rd Bn Coldstream Guards
Killed in Action 08/09/1914 Age:24
Grave/Memorial Reference: 1. D. 20.
Cemetery: PERREUSE CHATEAU FRANCO BRITISH NATIONAL CEMETERY
GABB JOHN Private 44779
10th Bn Essex Regiment
Formerly 50765 Notts & Derby Regiment
Killed in Action 23/08/1918 Age:18
Son of William Henry and Mary Ann Gabb of 3 Nursery Walk Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 7.
Cemetery: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
GARNER JOHN RATCLIFFE Private 2291
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 13/10/1915 Age:26
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Garner of 3 Limes Rd. Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
GARNER THOMAS MONTAGUE Military Medal
Serjeant 240480
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 21/08/1918 Age:27
Son of Samuel and Mary Garner of Tettenhall;
husband of Mary A. Garner of 80 Aldersley Rd.
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. C. 16.
Cemetery: FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
Sergt. R.E. Garrington*
Pte. John Gittins*
GRAHAM THOMAS ERIC Second Lieutenant
2nd Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
Born September 1898 in Wolverhampton son of John Douglas Graham and Clarice Adeline Graham, grandson of Thomas Graham the founder of the Express & Star. In 1901 Thomas is living with his father and younger sister Beatrice and three servants at 'the Poplar' Compton Road, Wolverhampton. Thomas' father is employed as a journalist and author.
By 1911 Thomas is living with his parents at Mathan Lodge, Stockwell End, Tettenhall, along with his younger siblings Beatrice, Clarice, Mary, and Barbara along with three servants. His father is now a newspaper owner and manager.
Thomas was awarded the Military Cross for an action near Frelinghem, three miles northeast of Armentieres 1st October, 1917. The citation reads for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When sent out on a patrol with three men to examine a river, he found a footbridge, crossed it, and made a thorough reconnaissance. On returning, the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt to cut him off, and he withdrew his patrol under fire without a casualty. On the following night when on patrol he was instrumental in the discovery of a second footbridge and owing to his good leadership his patrol gained most valuable information. On both occasions he showed great determination and sound judgment.
Killed in action 24th March 1918 aged 20.
XVII. K. 17. Serre Road Cemetery No.2, Somme, France.
GROSVENOR THOMAS Lieutenant
57th Sqdn Royal Flying Corps
Formerly 7th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment
Killed in Action 17/09/1917 Age:24 while flying
a DH4 serial number A7492 on a reconnaissance patrol.
Son of John Grosvenor of 44, Victoria Rd.
Bradmore Wolverhampton. Born at Codsall, Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 9.
Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY
HARRISON RICHARD SCORER MOLYNEUX Major
51st Sikhs (Frontier Force)
Attached to 7th Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Died 16/08/1915 Age:30
Only son of the late Rev. A. R. Harrison of The Vicarage Tettenhall Wolverhampton and of Alice M. Harrison.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 263.
Cemetery: HELLES MEMORIAL
HEAFORD HARRY Able Seaman 229535
H.M.S. Royal Sovereign Royal Navy
Died at Home 11/10/1918 Age:32
Son of Charles Heaford and Edith S.Heaford of 58 Aldersley Rd. Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: South of chancel.
Cemetery: TETTENHALL REGIS (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD
Pte James Hill*
HOOK BENJAMIN WILLIAM J.Stoker 1st Class 220009
H.M.S. "Ghurka." Royal Navy
Died 08/02/1917 Age:32
Son of George and Sarah Hook of Alpha Rd. Surbiton Surrey; husband of Fanny Hook. of Holly Cottage Barnhurst Lane Tettenhall Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 26.
Cemetery: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
HUGHES GEORGE Private 5610
2nd Bn Coldstream Guards
Killed in Action 21/10/1914 Age:29
Son of tbe late Edward and Mary Ann Hughes.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
HARRIMAN CHARLES HENRY Second Lieutenant
43rd Sqdn Royal Flying Corps.
Killed in Action 29/10/1917 Age:23
Charles was flying a Sopworth Camel serial number B2357. He left Plouvain-Salome at 9.20am on an offensive patrol,at 10.10pm he went into combat with an enemy aircraft and was shot down South West of Oppy Wood
Son of Frank and Kate Harriman of Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. A. 10.
Cemetery: LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMETERY
HARDWARE JAMES Serjeant 64113
255th Siege Bty Royal Garrison Artillery
Killed in Action 24/04/1918 Age:31
Son of Joseph and Mary Hardware; husband of Hannah Hardware of 3 Carlton Terrace Aldersley Rd. Tettenhall. Native of Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: C. 17.
Cemetery: BOVES WEST COMMUNAL CEMETERY
HICKMAN PHILIP GREGORY Lieutenant
6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Died of Wounds 31/10/1917 Age:20
Son of Victor E. and Ethel M. Hickman of Woodhouse Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. A. 30.
Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY
HANDY ARTHUR JOHN Private 57374
17th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Formerly 98248 Notts & Derby Regiment
Killed in Action 10/09/1918
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. K. 7.
Cemetery: PERTH CEMETERY (CHINA WALL)
HEATH WILLIAM HUTSBY Second Lieutenant
1st/6th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 01/07/1916
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C.
Cemetery:THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pte. James Law*
LEES GERALD OSCAR Captain
13th Bn Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
Died 25/04/1915 Age:37
Son of William and Rosa Lees of Old Ivy House Tettenhall Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
LEWIS CHARLES E. Rifleman 86336
7th Bn West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Died at Home 17/11/1918
Grave/Memorial Reference: South of chancel.
Cemetery: TETTENHALL REGIS (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD
MANSFIELD BERNARD J. Private 242552
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Died 02/03/1917
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 1.
Cemetery:WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY.
Merrick Frederick William Private 42034
2nd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment.
Formerly 258304 R.A.S.C.
Frederick was born 16th September 1888 in Tettenhall son of William and Mary Ann Merrick; he was Baptised 28th February 1889 at St. Andrews Church, Wolverhampton. In 1901 they were living at 17 Aldersley Lane, Tettenhall along with Fredericks' older sister Ethel and younger siblings James and Edith . By 1911 Frederick was living at 2 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall with his parents, and sisters Ethel and Edith. Frederick was employed as a waggoner.
The 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, were part of the 33rd Division during the German spring offensive of 1918. On 11 April 1918, the battalion was committed to the defence of Neuve Église, a key village on the southern flank of the Messines ridge, as German forces launched Operation Georgette, the Battle of the Lys. Throughout the day the 2nd Worcesters fought a desperate action in and around the village, holding off repeated assaults as the enemy attempted to break through towards Bailleul. It was in this fierce fighting that Frederick Merrick was killed in action 11th April 1918 aged 30.
Panel 5. Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
Staff Sergt Signaller H.Morris *
MARR ARCHIBALD Private 2822
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 13/10/1915 Age: 25
Son of Mrs. Martha Marr of 16 Paget St.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
Pte. Sydney Middleton*
MILLNER WILLIAM Captain
5th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 13/10/1915 Age:38
Son of Henry Deighton Millner and Mary Millner; husband of Ethelwyn Millner of "Home Lea", Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
NICHOLLS HENRY KING Captain
5th Bn attached to the 8th Bn East Surrey Regiment
Killed in Action 04/04/1918 Age:41
Husband of Susannah Nicholls of 1 Balfour Crescent Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 44 and 45.
Cemetery: POZIERES MEMORIAL
Pte. William A.Nicholls*
PHIPPS ROBERT PICKERING Captain
"A" Coy. 2nd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action between 13/11/1916 and 15/11/1916 Age:19
Son of Richard Percy and Edith Louisa Phipps of Stockwell End House Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. C. 11.
Cemetery:SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No.2
POPE WALTER CHARLES Serjeant 1729
1st/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in Action 13/10/1915 Age:20
Son of Charles Alexander and Annie Pope, of Regis Rd. Tettenhall.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 73 to 76.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
PEARSON JAMES DONALD Private 28076
2nd Bn. Grenadier Guards
Died of Wounds 04/09/1918
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. E. 6A.
Cemetery: MONT HUON MILITARY CEMETERY, LE TREPORT
2nd Lt. Raymond C.Page
Rfn. Edward W.Richardson
Gnr F.C.Rogers
SHAW Harold Lee Second Lieutenant
1st/4th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment
Son of John Smith Shaw and Anne Louisa Shaw,
of "The Old Hill," Tettenhall.
Killed in Action 10/6/1916 age 28.
Grave Reference I.B.23
FONCQUEVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY.
Sergt. Walter A. Shotten
Pte. Samuel Snape
Pte. Charles O.Steele
Cpl. George Frederick Sheward
Capt Sidney John Sankey
Pte. Charles Henry Twigg
1st Class P.O. Henry Arnold Tack
Pte. George Taff
L/Cpl. William A.Taylor
Pte. William Taylor
Pte. Robert Taylor
Pte. William Willoch
Cpl. Charles H. Wright
UNDERWOOD GEORGE PARKES Signalman Bristol Z/9153
H.M. Trawler "Repro."
Died 26/04/1917 Age:19
Son of George Richard and Kate Underwood of 74 Wood Rd. Tettenhall Wood Wolverhampton. Born at Bilston, Staffs.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 25.
Cemetery: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
Sub Lieut. Arthur F.Wolfe
Pte. Wilfred Ward
L/Cpl William H.Webb
2nd Lt. Denys S.Webb
Pte. Robert B.Willcock
L/Cpl William Worthington
Pte. William Walker
Second World War Roll of Honour.
Adey, Dennis Lance Corporal 4916693
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Formerly South Staffordshire Regiment.
Born 19th April 1920 in Wolverhampton, son of Edwin and Alice Adey (née Harris), he had a sister Molly who was four years older.
Killed in Action at sea 21st September 1944 aged 24.
Dennis was captured 15 February 1942 at the fall of Singapore and was sent to Malai 1 Japanese Prisoner of War camp in Thailand.
Reported to War Office Casualty Section Casualty List No. 1082 13/3/1943 as missing.
Reported to War Office Casualty Section Casualty List No. 1219 23/8/1943 as a Prisoner of War.
Dennis was aboard the Hofuku Maru a Japanese cargo ship, sailing from Singapore to Miri, Borneo as part of convoy SHIMI-05. The convoy consisted of 10 ships, 5 of which carried, in total, 5,000 POWs, all in appalling conditions.
At Borneo, the Hofuku Maru left the convoy with engine problems, and sailed on to the Philippines, arriving on July 19. She remained in Manila until mid-September while the engines were repaired. The POWs remained on board, suffering terribly from disease, hunger, and thirst.
On September 20, 1944, the Hofuku Maru and 10 other ships formed Convoy MATA-27and sailed from Manila to Japan. The following morning, the convoy was attacked 80 miles north of Corregidor by more than 100 American carrier planes. All eleven ships in the convoy were sunk. Of those on the Hofuku Maru, 1,047 of the 1,289 British and Dutch POWs on board died.
Remembered Column 110. Singapore Memorial, Singapore.
Pte D.N Barber - unable to identify.
Barker James Orpe Serjeant 1991926
25 Bomb Disposal Coy. Royal Engineers.
James was born on 16 February 1916 in Sedgley, the son of William and Helen Ann Barker. In 1921 the family were living at Ettromes, Coton Road, Sedgley, together with James’s older siblings Mary and William; also present in the household was Emily Hetty, a 16-year-old domestic servant. James’s father, William, was employed as a corn and flour miller at Penkridge Mill and is recorded as an employer, indicating that he owned or managed the business. By 1939 the family had moved to 32 High Street, Tettenhall. Mary had left the household, and Emily Hetty had been replaced by another domestic servant, Sarah Addison, aged 23. At this time James was employed as a surveyor and architects’ draughtsman. William senior was now a corn merchant.
James joined the Army 12th September 1940 and initially served in 2 Training Battalion Royal Engineers, on 16th January 1941 he joined the 25 Bomb Disposal Company, he landed in France on D-Day.
James was killed in action 1st September 1944 age 28 while clearing minefields at Caen or Ouistreham, Normandy - Schu-mines exploded while clearing casualties, Schu-mines were small, hard to detect, and often laid in clusters. Many detonated when rescuers such as James approached earlier casualties
XXVIII. H. 20. Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy, France.
Brindley Alfred Flight Lieutenant (Air Gnr.) 42969
10 Sqdn. Royal Air Force.
Alfred was born in October 1912 in Wolverhampton, the son of Alice and Alfred Brindley. The family were living on Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, together with Alfred’s older siblings, Reginald and Edna, and his younger brothers and sisters, Marjorie, Clifford, and Elsie. By 1939 Alfred was living at 17 Crane Terrace, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, with his parents and siblings Reginald, Clifford, Elsie, and Leslie, who had been born in 1925. On 26th March 1940 Alfred was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, and on 17th January 1942 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.
Alfred was killed in action 15th October 1942 when his Mark 2 Halifax bomber W1058 based at Melbourne Yorkshire crashed on the outskirts of Bonn after bombing the target at Cologne five of the seven-man crew survived and were captured.
Coll. grave 5. D. 16-17. Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Cowern George Private 14388800
2/5th Bn The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey).
George Cowern was born on 23rd April 1909 in Tettenhall, the son of George and Rebecca Cowern. In 1911 the family were living at 7 Manor Street, Tettenhall, together with George’s younger sister Charlotte, and by 1914 they had been joined by another child, William. George married Lily Rose Devall in Wolverhampton in June 1931, and their daughter, June, was born the following year. The 1939 Register records the family living at 16 Limes Road, Tettenhall, where George was employed as a bricklayer.
By October 1943 the 2/5th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) were stationed in Tunisia, holding positions and conducting patrols in the Medjez-el-Bab and Bou Arada sectors as the battalion reorganised and trained following the heavy fighting earlier in the year. George’s service record notes simply that he “died”, indicating death through illness or accident rather than in a specific engagement. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 14 of the Medjez-el-Bab Memorial, which honours those who fell in Tunisia and whose resting places are unknown.
George died 12th October 1943 aged 34.
___________________________________________________________
Davison Ronald William Flight Sergeant 1204001
214 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Ronald was born 17th July 1920 in West Bromwich son of James Henry and Annie Elizabeth Davison. In 1921 they were living at 21 Rooth Street, Wednesbury, Ronald's father was a Police Officer. By 1939 they had moved to Tettenhall Police station and were joined by a Majorie Smith. Ronald's father was now a Police Superintendent; Ronald was employed as a building society clerk.
Majorie Smith would become Ronald's wife they married in June 1942 in Blackpool where Majorie was born. At the time of Ronald's death their home address was 'Russell' Private Hotel Clifton Drive, Blackpool.
The Stirling bomber in which Ronald was flying took off at 18:45 13th October 1942 from RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk. The aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed at Felde during a raid on Kiel, two of the seven-man crew survived and were captured.
Ronald was killed in action 13th October 1942 aged 22.
Coll. grave 1. C. 4-7. Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Dovey Sidney Private 5246596
1st Bn. Worcestershire Regiment.
Sidney Dovey was born on 13 March 1905 in Tettenhall, the son of John and Elizabeth Matilda Dovey. In 1911 the family were living at 99 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, together with Sidney’s older brothers James, John and William, and his younger sisters Rosa and Phyllis. A further son, Edward, was born in 1913. Sidney’s mother, Elizabeth Matilda, died in March 1922 aged 51.
Sidney’s father, John Dovey, married Ada Hadley in Wolverhampton in December 1926. They had a daughter, Joan, born later that same month. John Dovey died in March 1934 aged 63.
Sidney married Ivy Muriel Lewnes of Tettenhall in September 1934 in Wolverhampton. Their daughter, Margaret, was born in September 1935.
By 1939 Sidney and Ivy were living at 2 College Road, Tettenhall, along with Ivy’s younger sisters, Edna (25) and Lily (23). Sidney himself does not appear in the 1939 Register. Men with service numbers in the 5246xxx range typically enlisted between 1936 and 1939, indicating that Sidney was almost certainly already serving in the Army at the time of the register.
On 20th June 1942, the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was engaged in the desperate defence of Point 187, south-west of Tobruk. Their defensive box came under intense attack from German armour and infantry. Despite determined resistance, the battalion was overrun, suffering heavy casualties. Most of the surviving men were captured, marking the effective destruction of the battalion during the fall of Tobruk; Sidney being one of those men captured.
Sidney was moved to Camp 65 one of the largest British occupied prisoner of war camps in southern Italy during the Second World War. It lay in the countryside between Gravina in Puglia and Altamura. The camp was sometimes referred to by the name Cressina, after a nearby locality, and its postal mark was 3450, which appears on POW mail and Red Cross documentation.
When Italy capitulated on 8th September 1943, Camp 65 entered a period of confusion. German forces moved rapidly to take control of POW camps across the country. Many prisoners attempted to escape into the countryside; others were rounded up by German troops and transported north.
The majority of Camp 65’s population including Sidney were taken over by the Germans and moved by rail through northern Italy and Austria into camps in Germany and occupied Czechoslovakia, this is how Sidney eventually reached Stalag IV-C.
Stalag IV-C, was situated at Bystrice near Dubí in the Ore Mountains of German occupied Czechoslovakia, by December 1944 the camp held several thousand Allied prisoners of war, dispersed between the main compound and numerous labour detachments working in the surrounding industrial region.
On 25th December 1944, the camp was struck during an Allied air raid directed at the nearby industrial complexes. The attack fell with devastating effect on the prisoner of war compound. Several bombs landed within the perimeter, and the flimsy wooden structures ignited almost immediately. The camp possessed no effective fire-fighting equipment, and the flames spread unchecked through the rows of barracks.
Six barracks were completely destroyed, a further four barracks and the camp hospital suffered severe damage, and the remaining huts were all affected to some degree.
Air-raid precautions had been established: in the event of an alarm, prisoners were permitted to leave the camp and take shelter in the heated cellar at the Zentrumschacht mine complex, a ten-minute walk away. On Christmas Day, however, not all prisoners reached the shelter in time. Some remained in the camp when the bombs fell, and it was these men who bore the brunt of the explosions and the fires that followed.
The official inspection report recorded that nine British prisoners of war were killed and twelve severely wounded, sadly Sidney was one of those men killed.
Sidney was killed 25th December 1944 aged 39.
I. E. 5. Prague War Cemetery, Czech Republic.
Grey Robin Hamilton Gerrard Lieutenant (A)
H.M.S. "Glorious" Royal Navy.
Robin was born in December 1916 in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton son of Rupert Hamilton Grey and Winifred Eva Grey. In 1921 they were living at 3 Church Place, Swindon along with Robin's younger sisters Diane and Annie. Robin's father Rupert was employed as a mechanical engineer, assistant manager.
On the 6th of January 1937 Robin became a Pilot officer, then 6th September 1938 a Lieutenant in the Fleet Air arm
Robin married Janet Naomi Llewellyn in 1939 in Egypt. Their son Robin Llewellyn Grey was born on 21 October 1940 in Iver, Buckinghamshire.
Robin served as a Swordfish pilot with 825 Squadron during the desperate fighting in May 1940. On the 29th of May, eleven Swordfish of the squadron took off from RAF Detling in Kent, operating under the administrative authority of H.M.S. Glorious. Their mission was to attack a German artillery battery threatening the Dunkirk perimeter.
The Swordfish were meant to rendezvous with a substantial RAF fighter escort, but due to a misunderstanding the fighters never arrived. Despite this, the Swordfish pressed on alone, flying low-level daylight attacks against German positions near the Albert Canal, a key route for the German advance.
They were intercepted by Messerschmitt Bf 109s of JG 54, and five Swordfish were shot down. Robin's aircraft was among those lost. His Swordfish was hit during the attack and forced down near the Albert Canal. He survived the crash but was captured by German forces and became a prisoner of war, his telegraphist-air gunner Leonard Percy Gardner was killed in the attack.
Robin was held in captivity for more than a year, his health deteriorated, and Robin died of cancer on 29th August 1941, aged 24, while still a POW.
Grave Reference: 3. A. 8. Malbork Commonwealth War Cemetery, Poland.
Hale Richard Albert Lance Corporal 4928765
6th Bn Durham Light Infantry.
Richard was born on 16 November 1920 in Cannock, the son of Frank and Gladys Hale. By 1921 he was living with his parents, who were then boarding at Bushbury Lane, Bushbury, in the household of Mrs Dina Porter. Richard’s younger brother, Ernest, was born in March 1927.
By 1939, Richard was residing with his parents and brother at 1 Crossland Crescent, Tettenhall, and was employed as an apprentice gas fitter.
Richard married Lillian Irene Bood in June 1942 in Wolverhampton.
On the14th June 1944 the Battalion war diary records '6th Bn Durham Light Infantry given objective of village of Verrieres and woods to be cleared of enemy. Battalion advanced supported by bombing and strafing of Verrieres by the Air Force and a creeping barrage by Divisional Artillery. 1000 Air Force bombing began and lasted for 15 minutes. 10:15 Battalion left start line East and West Of track junction 811712. Crossed open country, supported by tanks, in open formation. "C" and "D" Companies forward: "B" and "A" in reserve. On reaching open ground the leading companies came under heavy machine gun fire from the line of trees running North-East and South-west along track North of Verrieres. Companies unable to move forward. Artillery and tank support called for, and the advance went very slowly. Casualties again heavy. A ditch running across the front had been turned into a strong point by the enemy and was very strongly held. Reserve Companies pushed in to attack, and this ditch had been secured by 16:00 hours. Captain A.H.Sandwith took over command of "D" Company and with "B" Company pushed in to the village Or Verrieres. Enemy had made hasty retreat from ditch and guns and ammunition left behind were used by advanced companies. More sniping in the village but forward companies pushed on and crossed streams. As country was thick and casualties had been heavy, Major Wood, withdrew all companies to line of track North of Verrieres and dug in. Casualties: Killed - 23 Other Ranks.'
Sadly, Richard was one of these casualties, he was killed in action 14th June 1944.
XV. G. 15. Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy, France.
Harrison Noel Percy Private 4918401
3rd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment.
Noel was born on 25th December 1918 in Brackley, Northamptonshire, the son of John Percy and Rose Harrison. By 1921, Noel, his parents, and his older brother Arthur were living with Rose’s parents, John and Sarah Fieldhouse, at 148 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall. Noel was employed as a carpenter and joiner.
By mid-February 1945, the 3rd Monmouthshires were fighting in the opening phases of Operation VERITABLE, the British and Canadian assault through the Reichswald aimed at breaking German defensive lines and clearing the approaches to the Rhine. The battalion was heavily involved in forest fighting, clearing entrenched German positions, and supporting armour in difficult, waterlogged terrain.
Noel died of wounds 16th February 1945 aged 26.
X. 28. 9. Brussels Town Cemetery.
Heayes John Henry Driver 1876422
17 Field Coy Royal Engineers.
John was born in September 1916 in Wolverhampton, the son of George and Mary Catherine Heayes. By 1921, the family were living at 15 Manor Street, Tettenhall, together with John’s older brother, James. George died in December 1939 aged 53.
The family home remained at 15 Manor Street, Tettenhall, where Mary later received John’s war medals in April 1950.
John was killed in action 1st June 1940 while aboard a ship evacuating Dunkirk which was attacked and sunk. The 1st June 1940 was one of the deadliest days of the Dunkirk evacuation, with multiple ships sunk and very high casualties.
John's body was never recovered he is remembered on Column 29. Dunkirk Memorial, France.
Holmes George Edward Pilot Officer (Pilot) 151133
7 Flying Instructors School, Flying Training Command
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
George was born on 9 August 1911 in Leeds, the son of John and Edith Alice Holmes. In 1921 the family were living at 108 Bayswater Road, Leeds. He was educated at Leeds Grammar School and subsequently attended Leeds University, where in 1934 he achieved a BSc First Class Honours. His thesis, “Studies relating to the desulphurisation of flue gases.”
George and Sarah O’Hanlon had a son, Kevin O’Hanlon, born in June 1930. George and Sarah later married in Leeds in July 1937. That same year, in September, George’s father John died at the age of 59.
By 1939 George and his family were living at 44 Limes Road, Tettenhall, where he was employed as an H.M. Inspector of Factories, a senior position within the Ministry of Labour.
George and Sarah had a son Michael Holmes born 6th December 1941 in Tettenhall.
George joined the RAF 2nd December 1941. Promoted to Pilot Officer 6th February 1943.
George was killed 16th July 1943 aged 31 when his aircraft (an Airspeed Oxford II, serial X7255) spun into the ground near Collingbourne Ducis Wiltshire, due to a steep turn soon shortly after take-off from RAF Upavon during a training exercise. RAF accident investigations repeatedly warned against steep climbing turns immediately after departure. At low altitude, a steep turn increases stall speed and the risk of entering a spin. George was instructing Sergeant Clifford Eugene Blanchette, RNZAF, aged 21, whose twenty first birthday had been the previous day; Blanchette was also killed in the crash.
George was buried 21st July 1943 Sec. 4. Grave 15860. Leeds (Burmantofts) Cemetery. Sarah remained living at 44 Limes Road, Tettenhall.
Hudson Leonard Able Seaman D/J 93804
H.M.S. Westward Ho Royal Navy.
Leonard was born 5th August 1903 in Compton, Wolverhampton son of John and Emma Hudson. In 1911 they were living at Somerford, Brewood, Staffordshire along with Leonard's older siblings Elizabeth, Paul and Robert. John Hudson was employed as a blacksmith, Leonard's mother died in 1918.
Leonard married Minnie Amelia Holford June 1928 in Wolverhampton, they had a son Roy born in June 1932. By 1939 the family home was 163 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton; Minnie as the head of the household lived there with Roy her brother-in-law Paul and his wife May.
Leonard joined the Royal Navy 11th January 1929, before joining he was employed as a fitters mate.
Leonard was fatally injured 10th March 1940 aged 36 by the ship’s minesweeping equipment while HMS Westward Ho was conducting minesweeping operations.
Plot C. of E. Div. 1. Old portion. Grave 2420. Stafford Cemetery.
Hughes Henry Arthur
Civilian War Dead.
Henry was born on 16 October 1891 in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the son of Henry James and Isabella Hughes. He was baptised on 30 January 1893 at St Luke’s Church, Birmingham. By 1911 the family were living at Church Lane, Water Orton, Birmingham, together with Henry’s aunt, Helen Hughes, and a resident servant, Ethel May Miller. At this time Henry was employed as a draughtsman.
In September 1928 he married Ethel Mary Delves at St Faith’s, Norfolk. His mother died in September 1932, aged 66. By 1939 Henry and Ethel were living at Westfield, Keepers Lane, The Wergs, Wolverhampton, where Henry was working as a chief aircraft designer.
On 6th November 1940 Henry sailed from Liverpool aboard the transatlantic liner SS Samaria, arriving in New York on 19th November. The vessel was not sailing in convoy; she made the crossing independently. Given Henry’s senior role as a chief aircraft designer, it is reasonable to conclude that his journey to the United States related to his professional duties. Tragically, his return voyage three months later ended with his death.
At 21.19 hours on 17 February 1941, the unescorted Motor Merchant ship Siamese Prince travelling from New York - Liverpool came under attack from U-69 while sailing approximately 150 miles north-northwest of Rockall. The U-boat had been shadowing the vessel for more than five hours before finally closing to strike, its first torpedo hitting the port bow. Despite the damage, the ship remained afloat long enough for a second torpedo to be fired at 21.41 hours, again striking the port side.
Still refusing to sink, the Siamese Prince lingered until 22.12 hours, when a third torpedo struck amidships on the starboard side. This final blow proved fatal: the vessel went down by the bow within five minutes. German observers reported that the crew had taken to the lifeboats, but no trace of them was ever found. The master, 56 crew members, two gunners, and nine passengers were lost with the ship. Henry was one of the passengers killed, his body was never recovered, Henry was 49 years old.
__________________________________________________________________________
Lockley Thomas Charles John Private 4919234
3rd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment
Thomas was born 6th October 1919 in Wolverhampton son of Charles and Martha Lockley; in 1921 they were living at Aldersley Road Tettenhall. By 1939 they were living at 226 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall and had been joined by another son Ronald born in 1929. Thomas was employed as a general labourer.
Thomas was killed in action 27th October 1944 aged 25 during the battalion’s hard fighting in the Battle of Hertogenbosch, part of Operation PHEASANT, as 159 Brigade advanced through the German defensive positions on the approaches to the city.
III. D. 1. Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Lythgoe Leslie George Sergeant 1129954
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
432 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Leslie was born 23rd October 1910 in Birmingham son of Harry and Sally Lythgoe, baptised 21st December 1910. In 1911 they were living at 67 Lea House Road, Stirchley along with Leslie's older siblings Emily, Agnes, Ivy and Albert and his paternal grandmother Margaret Lythgoe aged 69. By 1921 they had moved to Sandy Lane Tettenhall joined by Ruby born 1913 and Joan born 1916 both in Wolverhampton; Leslie's grandmother was no longer living with them. Leslie's brother Albert died 23rd May 1928.
Leslie married Ellen May Ford of Tettenhall September 1934 in Wolverhampton and had a daughter Janet born in March 1939. In 1939 they were living at 34 Aldersley Avenue, Wolverhampton, Leslie was employed as a high service operator - a skilled factory floor operative working in a Royal Ordnance Factory.
Leslie enlisted into the RAF at Padgate, Warrington between September 1939 and February 1940.
The Wellington bomber in which Leslie was flying took off at 23:33 hours 2nd August 1943 from RAF Skipton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter into the North Sea off Erlengrund near Busum during a raid on Hamburg.
Leslie was killed in action 3rd August 1943 aged 32
Remembered on Panel 157. Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.
Marklew Cyril Lance Bombardier 4040577
181 Field Regt Royal Artillery.
Cyril was born on 5 February 1910 in Streetly, the son of Walter and Sarah Marklew. In 1911 the family was living on Hardwick Road, Streetly, together with Cyril’s older siblings Eveline and Walter; their father was serving as a Police Officer.
Two further children followed, Douglas in 1916 and Edith in 1921. By the time of the 1921 Census the family had moved to 59 Limes Road, Tettenhall, where Walter senior was now employed as a Police Serjeant.
Cyril married Florence Elizabeth Phillips of Tettenhall in June 1936 at Wolverhampton. By 1939 the couple were living at 72 Blackburn Avenue, Wolverhampton. Cyril was employed in the dyeing department of an art-silk factory and undertook duties with Air Raid Precautions through the St John Ambulance.
181 Field Regiment went into action on 19 October for Operation Pheasant to support 51st (Highland) Division, which was attacking Hertogenbosch. After 15th (Scottish) liberated Tilburg on 28 October, the Germans put in a heavy counterattack against 7th US Armored Division at Asten. The 15th (Scottish) Division's troops were rushed across to help stop the attack up the Asten–Meijel road. 181 Field Regiment supporting the Division was engaged for six days under heavy German bombardment, enduring both shellfire and bombing as the enemy attempted to silence the supporting artillery. During this period Cyril was killed in action 17th November 1944 age 34.
II. E. 3. Nederweert War Cemetery, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Moreton Robert Rifleman 14265923
2nd Bn Rifle Brigade.
Robert Moreton was born on 23rd February 1923 in Wolverhampton, the son of Tom and Eliza Hannah Moreton. By 1939 the family were living at 27 Upper Street, Tettenhall, together with Robert’s older brother Fred and his younger sisters Beryl and Kathleen. Several of his older siblings Ruby, Tom, Donald and Vera were living elsewhere by this time. Robert was employed as a delivery driver for a local greengrocer.
In the winter of 1944 Robert's battalion was committed to one of the most punishing phases of the Italian Campaign, the bitter river-line battles east of Faenza, where the Eighth Army fought to break the German winter positions along the Lamone River where they encountered serious resistance. Despite the harsh conditions and the presence of German forces, the Allies continued to advance, with key battles such as the Battle of Cassino and the Battle of Anzio occurring during this period.
On 13 December 1944, during this grinding advance through mud, cold, and relentless enemy fire, Robert was killed in action. The fighting was close and unforgiving dykes, orchards, farmsteads and riverbanks turned into small fortresses, defended by German infantry supported by mortars, machine guns, and self-propelled guns. The Rifle Brigade’s companies were repeatedly called forward to seize and hold these positions, often under heavy shelling and counterattack.
Robert was killed in action 13th December 1944 aged 21
His body was never recovered he is remembered on Panel 11. Cassino Memorial, Italy.
Morrell Fred Sergeant (Flt. Engr.) 938106
106 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Fred was born 2nd April 1918 in Wolverhampton son of Frederick John and Dora Morrell. In 1921 they were living at 43 Leicester Street Wolverhampton along with an older brother Percy. By 1939 Fred was living with his parents at 159 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, he was employed as a railway clerk.
On the night of 21 December 1942, 106 Squadron was engaged in deep penetration bombing operations against targets in Germany. Aircraft losses during this period were heavy, with crews facing intense flak, night fighter interception, and hazardous winter flying conditions. The Lancaster bomber in which Fred was flying took off a16:50 hours 21st December 1942 from RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire.
The aircraft was shot down outward bound by a night fighter at Beaufort-En-Argonne 20 Miles Northwest of Verdun during a raid on Munich, the Navigator Pilot Officer P. B. C. Moore survived and was captured.
Fred and the other crew members were recovered and laid to rest in the small communal churchyard at Beaufort-en-Argonne.
Fred was killed in action 21st December 1942 aged 24.
Grave 4. Beaufort-en-Argonne Churchyard, France.
Morris Harold William Fireman and Trimmer
S.S. Empire Lakeland (South Shields) Merchant Navy.
Harold Morris was born on 1 April 1923, the son of John William and Alice Maud Morris. In 1939 the family were living at 13 Davenport Road, Tettenhall, together with Harold’s older sister Ethel and his younger sisters Barbara and Jean. His older siblings had already left home. Harold was employed as an electric arc welder, and at the time of his death his recorded home address was 58 Regis Road, Tettenhall.
On 11 March 1943, at 21.55 hours, the merchant vessel S.S. Empire Lakeland was torpedoed and sunk by U-190, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Max Wintermeyer. The attack took place approximately 280 miles west of the Isle of Lewis while the ship was on passage from New York to Glasgow carrying general cargo. Empire Lakeland had fallen behind Convoy SC-121 and was reported missing after becoming a straggler. The master, fifty-five crew members, and eight defensively equipped merchant ship gunners were lost. Harold, serving as one of the crew, was killed in action on 11th March 1943, aged just nineteen.
He is commemorated on Panel 43 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours members of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have no known grave but the sea.
Salter Robert Corporal 615741
Royal Air Force.
Robert Salter was born on 20th January 1921 in Wolverhampton, the son of Horace George and Isobel Catherine Salter. In 1921 the family were living at 18 Wood Road, Tettenhall, together with Robert’s older siblings Albert, Rosa, Annie, Mary, Emma and Margaret. By 1939 the family home had moved to 28 Clifton Road, Tettenhall, and Robert now had two younger siblings, Henry and Joan.
Robert married Florence Bland in December 1941 at Preston, and the couple were subsequently recorded as living in Tettenhall. He joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft hand sometime after March 1938. Robert died on 15 February 1945, aged twenty-four, and is buried in Tettenhall Regis (St Michael) Churchyard.
Steward Derek Basil Lieutenant 174311
Worcestershire Regiment seconded to King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster).
Derek was born on 25th May 1920 in Wolverhampton, the son of Frederick Leopold and Olive Eliza Steward. In 1939 the family were living at 24 Danescourt Road, together with Derek’s older brother Edward and Edith Sneyd, the household’s domestic servant. Derek was recorded as an undergraduate B.A. (Oxon.) and a member of the Army Reserve.
He was commissioned on 3rd March 1941. That same year, Derek’s brother Edward was killed on 12th May 1941 during the battle of El Alamein.
On 24th May 1941, the Evening Dispatch, a Wolverhampton evening newspaper, announced the engagement of Second Lieutenant Derek B. Steward, Worcestershire Regiment, youngest son of Mr F. L. Steward of Tettenhall, to Jean E. Kemp, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Cecil Kemp of Burnhill Green, Wolverhampton. No record exists of the marriage ever taking place.
Derek was serving on secondment with the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) during the Eighth Army’s winter operations of November 1943. The battalion was committed to the hard fighting north of the River Sangro, Italy where the Eighth Army sought to break the German Winter Line positions dominating the Adriatic flank.
Between 13 and 16 November 1943, the King’s Own were engaged in a series of difficult attacks and forward probes in the Arielli–Fossacesia sector. The fighting was marked by heavy rain, deep mud, flooded riverbeds and determined German resistance from well-prepared defensive positions. Lieutenant Steward was killed during this phase of the advance. His body was never recovered, and he is therefore commemorated on Face 6 of the Athens Memorial, which honours those who fell in the Mediterranean theatre and have no known grave.
Steward Edward John Gunner 961447
'B' Bty., 4 Regt Royal Horse Artillery.
Edward was born 25th April 1914 in Hendon, Middlesex son of Frederick and Olive Eliza Steward. In 1921 they were living at 241 Tettenhall Rd, Wolverhampton along with Edward's younger sister Doreen and Ada Hill a domestic servant aged 53. Edward's father Frederick was employed as a solicitor, he was self-employed, his place of work being 100 & 102 Darlington St, Wolverhampton.
By 1939 the family were living at 24 Danescourt Road, together with Edward's younger brother Derek and Edith Sneyd, the household’s domestic servant. At this time Edward was a law student.
Edward married Dora Swingewood December 1939 at Rowley Regis, his will records they were living at St. David's Barnett-lane Wordsley.
Edward's brother Derek was killed in action between 13 and 16 November 1943 in Italy.
Edward was killed in action 12th May 1941 aged 27 during the mobile desert fighting west of the Libya–Egypt border, when ‘B’ Battery was supporting 7th Armoured Division’s screen against German armour.
Remembered on Column 10. Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
Swanson James Alan Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 49624
2 Sqdn. 2 Tactical Air Force, Royal Air Force.
James was born in June 1920 in Wolverhampton, the son of John Leslie and Frances Mary Swanson of Wergs Hall, Wolverhampton. In 1921, the family were living at 157 Compton Road, Wolverhampton, together with James’s older brother John, and three domestic servants: Mary Wardle, aged 69; Lilian Parkes, aged 24; and Stelle Kite, aged 16.
James’s father, John Leslie Swanson, served as secretary and company-chartered accountant to Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries Ltd. He was appointed Sheriff of Staffordshire in March 1941 and retired in 1958 after forty-four years with the company. He also served as a magistrate. James’s younger sister, Frances, was born in December 1923.
By 1939 James and the family were living at Wergs Hall, Wergs Hall Road, Wolverhampton, together with four domestic servants.
James entered the Royal Air Force during the war and was appointed Pilot Officer on 22 September 1942. He later joined No. 2 Squadron, part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, flying North American P-51 Mustangs on hazardous low-level tactical reconnaissance operations in support of the Allied advance through the Netherlands.
On 10 November 1944, James took off at 14:27 hrs from Air Base B.70 Deurne, Belgium, on a tactical reconnaissance mission. While flying at low altitude near Rijkerswoerd, just south of Arnhem, his Mustang was struck by German flak and he was killed in action, aged 24.
24. C. 8. Bergen-op-zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Thompson, William Howard Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1484375
75 (R.N.Z.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
William was born 15th August 1921 in Wolverhampton, son of William Henry and Ellen Thompson of Tettenhall. In 1939 they were living at 38 Limes Road, Tettenhall along with William's younger brothers Ernest and Edward. William was employed as a nurseryman van driver. In June 1941 William married Mary Armitage in Wolverhampton.
William enlisted into the RAF at Padgate, Warrington sometime after April 1941.
The Stirling bomber in which William was flying took off at 23:14 hours 2nd August 1943 from RAF Mepal, Cambridge. It was shot down by a night fighter flown by Hans-Joachim Jabs into the North Sea 15 miles northwest of Terschelling, Netherlands during a raid on Hamburg.
William was killed in action 3rd August 1943 aged 21 years.
He is remembered on Panel 167. Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.
Wootton Thomas Cyril Driver 2009337
553 Field Company Royal Engineers.
Thomas was born 19th December 1920 in Wolverhampton son of Thomas George and Isabella Wootton. In 1939 Thomas was living with his mother, older sister Helen and a boarder Alfred Williamson at 28 Sweetman Street; he was employed as a wood saw operator.
Thomas served with 553 Field Company, Royal Engineers, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division during the final advance into Germany in 1945. By early May 1945, 553 Field Company were operating in north-west Germany, supporting the division’s occupation duties.
Thomas was almost certainly operating in the Lüneburg–Hamburg sector of north-west Germany on 7th May 1945, engaged in mine-clearance or route-opening duties with 553 Field Company, Royal Engineers.
Although Thomas was wounded and died in the Lüneburg–Hamburg sector, he was later re-interred in Becklingen War Cemetery. Becklingen was established after the war as a concentration cemetery for all British casualties from north-west Germany, and men were moved from temporary battlefield graves to this permanent site.
Thomas died of wounds received on the 7th of May 1945 aged 24.
7. K. 10. Becklingen War Cemetery.
Yates Thomas Sydney Joiner 4TH Class P/MX 68058
H.M.S. Hecla Royal Navy.
Thomas was born 22nd September 1910 in Tettenhall son of Thomas Edward and Charlotte Phoebe Yates. In 1911 they were living at 33 Limes Road, Tettenhall, Thomas senior was employed as a general builder. By 1921 they had moved down the road to 84 Limes Road, Tettenhall. In 1939 they had moved to Saint Ives Showell Lane, Seisdon. Thomas was employed as a foremen builder and his father a building contractor.
Thomas married Margeret Anne Bishop in December 1940 in Bilston.
On 15th May 1942, while rounding the Cape of False Bay on the South Africa Cape Peninsula’s eastern flank, H.M.S. Hecla struck a mine at 15.59 hours. The explosion killed 24 men and wounded 116.
The explosion occurred under her huge workshops and storerooms where Thomas would have been working. Hecla was seriously damaged, but managed to reach Simonstown, South Africa towed by the cruiser H.M.S. Gambia.
Thomas was killed in action 15th May 1942 aged 32
He is remembered on Panel 69, Column 2. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
