The following is a list with biographies of the 249 people who attended Malvern College and died due to the Second World War. There is also a corresponding page commemorating the 459 casualties in the First World War.
The fallen are commemorated at Malvern with the statue of St. George, which is inscribed 'To Our Brothers', and the names themselves are written on a marble memorial in the Ante-Chapel.
After the Phoney war had ended, there was not a month from May 1940 to May 1945, that an Old Malvernian did not lose their life, though unlike the First World War there were not major spikes in losses on a particular day or month.
5 were killed in the Battle of Dunkirk at the end of May 1940, and 4 during the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940.
3 OMs lost their lives during the Blitz between September 1940 and May 1941.
21 lost their lives in the Western Desert Campaign between June 1940 to February 1943 with 5 buried at El Alamein War Cemetery and 6 commemorated at the Alamein Memorial.
4 were killed during the Allied invasion of Sicily between July and August 1943, and 5 at the Battle of Monte Cassino between January and May 1944 with 8 commemorated at the Cassino Memorial And Cemetery.
8 were killed after the D-Day landings during Operation Overlord between June and August 1944, and 2 in Operation Market Garden in September 1944.
In South-East Asia, 2 were killed during the Japanese-Thai occupation of Malaya between Dec 1941 and Jan 1942, 4 were killed during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in February 1942, and 7 were killed during the Burma Campaign between 1942 and 1945.
Most (97) OMs served in the R.A.F. with many in Bomber Command. 22 are commemorated at Runnymede Memorial as they have no known grave.
14 served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, 5 in the Royal Navy, 31 in the Royal Artillery, and 4 in the Royal Tank Regiment, with the remainder disbursed among 75 other units.
George Chesterton in the Remembrance Day Service of 2009, having described the lives and loss of five of his friends, reflected:
'Some of these brave men have no known grave, but we must remember them, along with all the tens of thousands of others, who gave their lives for their homelands and their friends. It is thanks to them that all of us sit in this Chapel, from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds and are able to sit together in security and friendship.'
The information below is based on 'The Malvern College Register, Second Supplement, 1949' edited for the Malvernian Society by F. W. Roberts, the 'The Malvernian' school magazine, and 'Malvern College: A 150th Anniversary Portrait' by Roy Allen.
Further information was also obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, the Unit War Diaries held at the National Archives in Kew, and various online commemorative websites whose links have been provided.
Below is a map showing the locations of the 126 cemeteries where Old Malvernians are buried or commemorated in. The markers are coloured yellow for one casualty, orange for between 2 and 4, and red for 5 or more. The name of the cemetery and number of casualties can be seen by hovering over the marker, and the list of names seen by clicking on the marker. Their full biographies can be seen by clicking on 'Further Info'.
The records can be filtered and/or sorted by surname, house, age, regiment, date, place etc by clicking on the appropriate drop down box and then the 'Search' button below the map.
Son of Colonel John L. Adams, and of Hermione Agnes Caroline Adams, of Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
H.M. Trawler Stella Capella.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
'At 02.11 hours on 11 March 1942, HMS Stella Capella was hit by one G7e torpedo from U-701 and sank in 2 minutes 30 seconds about 12 miles southeast of Vattarnes Lighthouse, Iceland. The commander, three officers and 29 ratings were lost. The armed trawler served with the 41st A/S Group based in Iceland and was en route alone to Stornoway in order to carry out urgent repairs to its defective anti-submarine gear.'
uboat.net
Son of Cecil Philip and Violet Marianne Adcock, of Redhill, Surrey.
Mod Lan VI. Hansell French (3) and German (2). Chance Prize (2). School Prefect. Head of House. Football XI.
St John's College, Cambridge.
Husband of Penelope Adcock.
61 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hampden medium bombers and took part in the first bombing raid on Berlin (25/26 August 1940). It converted in July 1941 to Manchesters.
His aircraft, L7494, had taken off at 17.42 from Woolfox Lodge. It was part of a force of 19 aircraft consisting of Manchesters, Wellingtons and Hampdens tasked to attack Boulogne. It was the only aircraft lost. The Avro Manchester aircraft exploded and crashed, cause not recorded, into the sea off Boulogne.
Details of final flight
Son of Malcolm N. Aird and Nellie M. Aird, of Woolton House, Newbury, Berkshire
Senior Chapel Prefect. Cricket XI. Rackets Pair. Ledbury Cap.
Christ Church, Oxford.
In business with Thomas De La Rue & Co.
3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).
Royal Armoured Corps.
The following personal tribute is taken from The Times:- The death of Major I. B. Aird, D.S.O., came as a sad shock to the innumerable friends he had made in the Army. He joined the 4th C.L.Y. (County of London Yeomanry) before the war and had served continuously with the regiment throughout the Desert Campaign, Italy, Normandy, and up to the time of the accident which caused his death. Throughout this time, "Ibi's" only thought was for the regiment and for the well-being of the men in the regiment. By modern standards well over the age for active tank fighting, on two occasions he refused the offer of a less strenuous and hazardous job; and although he well realized that the strain of three years of continuous fighting were having their effect on him, he preferred to stay with the regiment and men he had fought with for so many years. In "Ibi" the C.L.Y. lose a perfect type of regimental officer - absolutely selfless, untiring in his efforts on behalf of others, utterly loyal and completely fearless in battle; with all an acute sense of humour and enjoyment of the simple things of life which made him the vast number of friends who feel that his death will leave a gap impossible to fill.
'On 13 June 1944, Major Aird commanded a squadron of 4 SHARPSHOOTERS when this Regt captured Villers Bocage, map ref 817578. Regt HQ and one Sqn suffered extremely heavy casualties and Major Aird assumed command. The enemy counter attacked and Mark VI tanks entered the town together with infantry. This situation called for the very highest display of leadership, resourcefulness and cool judgment. These qualities were not lacking in Maj Aird and the skill with which he fought his command resulted not only in the destruction of nearly every enemy tank that entered the town but also in the successful defence of the position in cooperation with our infantry. Subsequently when ordered to re-join the Bde this officer covered the withdrawal of the infantry and brought his command out almost without loss.
It is not possible to exaggerate the excellence of Maj Aird’s leadership nor to over-estimate the influence which he personally exercised on this most important operation.
I recommend him for the immediate award of the DSO.
(Signed Brig Wrn Hinde, Comd 22 Armd Bde)'
DSO Citation WO-373_48_11
Son of Lieut. Thomas Arthur Apperson, R.N.R., and Marjorie Apperson, of 24 Roland Gardens, South Kensington, London.
Sci V.
A.M.I.E.E. (Associate Member of Institution of Electrical Engineers)
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Gravestone Inscription at Ancona: “BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD. ST. MATTHEW V.8.”
Son of Capt. Henry M. Appleton and Maud Appleton,
Husband of Yvonne Marjarie Appleton, of Marandellas, Southern Rhodesia.
C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., Croix de Guerre, Czech War Cross.
124 Wing. Royal Air Force.
Inscription: “DEATH IS ONLY AN HORIZON" 77 SQUADRON, 604 SQUADRON, TANGMERE. 322 WING, 124 WING”
'No. 124 Wing RAF was a Hawker Typhoon formation comprising of No. 137 Squadron RAF, No. 181 Squadron RAF, No. 182 Squadron RAF and No. 247 Squadron RAF.
On 10 June 1944 the wing took part in the Attack on Panzer Group West's headquarters at La Caine with 40 rocket-armed Typhoons which attacked in three waves from low altitude.'
Wikipedia
'Air Ministry, 5th August, 1941. ROYAL AIR FORCE. The KING has been graciously
pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in
flying operations against the enemy: — Distinguished Service Order:
Wing
Commander Charles Henry APPLETON, D.F.C. (24139), No. 604 Squadron.
This officer
has commanded the squadron since February, 1941, and by his sound organisation,
drive, energy, and high skill in flying has enabled it to attain a splendid
record in night fighting. Whilst under his inspiring leadership, the squadron
has destroyed at least 45 enemy aircraft at night and damaged many others.. He
has personally destroyed two and damaged two enemy aircraft.'
London Gazette
Combat reports in May 1941 over the South of England and Flintshire
'Group Captain CHARLES HENRY APPLETON was pilot of Hawker Typhoon 1b MN928 'G' of 247 (Royal Air Force) Squadron. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire (flak) near Flers on Saturday the 12th August 1944. He was a Rhodesian pilot and had only one leg'.
Fallenheroesofnormandy.org
Son of the Revd. Hubert Seymour Arkwright, B.A., and Evelyn Arkwright, of Peppard Ho., Peppard, Oxfordshire
Army V. Gale Entomology Prize. School Prefect.
H.M.S. Cornwall. Royal Marines
'On 5 October 1939, a month after the start of World War II, H.M.S. Cornwall was assigned to Force I to hunt for German commerce raiders in the Indian Ocean and spent most of the rest of the year there'.
Extract from Ship's Log of HMS Cornwall:
'7th October 1939.
At anchor, Colombo, Graving Dock.
Richard St Chad Arhwright, 30 yrs 3.5 months, Capt R.M. Nationality, English. Last place of abode, Peppard Ho, Peppard, Oxon.
Died of Heart failure and congestion of the lungs following an operation for acute appendicitis, ashore today.'
A funeral party left the ship to go ashore at 9.15am the day after and the ship's colours were set to half mast.
Ship's Log, National archives: ADM 53/108099
HMS Cornwall - Wikipedia
Son of Percy and Eveleen M. Ashton, 50 Hans Crescent, Chelsea, London.
Husband of Joan Ashton.
2nd Bn. Royal Ulster Rifles
'He went from school to Sandhurst and joined the Royal Ulster Rifles. He was killed in France in January. His Commanding Officer, himself an O.M., wrote "he was a first-rate company commander and a big loss to me."' (Malvernian, July 1940).
Son of William Morton Eden, 5th Baron Auckland, and of Lady Auckland (nee Hutton).
Husband of Lady Auckland (nee Hart).
'Frederick Colvin George Eden (7.12), Sixth Baron Auckland, was killed in an air-raid on London in April, 1941. He was an Associate of the Institution of Naval Architects, an expert on the taming of wild animals and an air pilot. In the last war he served as a flying instructor. At the outbreak of the present war he joined the R.A.F.V.R. and last year was assistant to the Air Attache in Paris.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
'Heavy Casualties and considerable damage were sustained in Wednesday night's air attack on London. The raid, which lasted for almost the whole duration of the hours of darkness, was the most fierce ever delivered on the capital.
The German High Command describes it as a 'reprisal for the British raid on Berlin and Potsdam' last week, and Nazi spokesmen refer to it as of 'hitherto unheard-of dimensions.' The Germans claim that a hundred thousand incendiary bombs were dropped.
Among prominent people killed were Lord Stamp, Chief Economic Adviser, and Lord Auckland, a former Assistant to the British Air Attache in Paris.'
(Dumfries and Galloway Standard, 19 April 1941).
Gravestone photograph
Brookwood military cemetery
Son of Francis William and Ellen Catherine Balston, of Maidstone, Kent.
Math. VI.
Trinity College, Cambridge. B.A. (3rd Cl. Mech. Sci Trip.) 1934.
In business.
Husband of Penelope Balston.
500 Sqdn. Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force)
The squadron was part of RAF Coastal Command flying Anson Mk.Is in general reconnaissance.
'From school he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and later into business in Kent. While at Cambridge he joined the Air Force Reserve and later the Auxiliary Air Force, and so had been flying for about seven years, when he was killed in an accident over the North Sea in April, 1940. In 1934, he stroked the First Trinity "A" Crew, which won the Visitors' Challenge Cup at Henley; he was also interested in ocean racing and took part in many sailing competitions. "No one who knew Peter Balston at all well could have helped loving him, for behind his perpetual high spirits and apparent levity it was easy to see the man of strong purpose, high integrity and great kindliness. A number of letters which I have seen testify to this and to his popularity with all those who worked at Springfield Mills, Maidstone. His was a gay, gallant and most attractive nature." (R.B.P.)' (Malvernian, July 1940).
NB: He is mentioned as being in 500 squadron at CWGC but there is no mention of a Balston in the 500 squadron operational war diaries for March 1940.
Son of T. Barraclough, Seaton Carew, West Hartlepool.
In Shipping Business till 1914, then Farming.
Husband of Marjorie Campbell Barraclough.
Lieutenant (and Quartermaster). General List and Corps of Military Police
'Fought in the last war. Capt. Durham R.G.A- (T.F.) and was mentioned in Despatches. Later was owner and manager of Barry's Hotel, Thomson's Falls, Kenya.' (Malvernian, Dec 1942)
Son of George Ernest Wendover Beeson, and of Doris Emily Beeson, of Middleton-on-Sea, Sussex.
Sixth Form. House Prefect. Athletic Colours. Second Eleven Football. Lance Corporal in O.T.C.
Clare College, Cambridge.
2nd Bn. Scots Guards
Unit war diary extract:
'Area Garet, Heimeimat
19th July 1942
Captain Maxwell led a fighting patrol on to Taqa plateau at about 0500hrs; he destroyed two enemy posts and captured one German officer with three O.R.'s. As there were several other enemy posts the patrol then withdrew with their prisoners. After first light the remainder of Right Flank and the carriers attacked and in the end cleared up the position taking 30 prisoners and four A/Tk guns besides several automatic weapons. Unfortunately this success cost us very serious losses; Major Macrae, Lt Beeson and Sgt Doran were killed.'
Unit War Diary WO 169/4983
Personal story of incident
Son of Ernest and Doris Beeson, Heatherlands, St. George's Hill, Weybridge.
Hist VI. Head of House. Junior Chapel Prefect. XI Football 1935, 1936 (Capt.). XI Cricket, 1936, '37. Rackets Pair, '35, '36, '37. Athletic Colours. Cadet Officer.
Clare College, Cambridge. Cambridge Soccer Blue, and one of the best half-backs the School ever produced.
Husband of Anne Margaret Beeson, of Westminster, London.
Capt. Scots Guards.
The Bishop of Barking writes:- Captain Nigel Wendover Beeson, Scots Guards, who was killed in Normandy recently, was an outstanding example of the product of home influence and public school education. He was a conspicuous figure at Malvern, and at Cambridge he was a double blue. We had been in touch during his school and university days, and our friendship was renewed when he was stationed for a year or so close to Loughton. He honoured me with an invitation to officiate at his wedding 18 months ago, and only in May last at the baptism of his boy. Handsome and innocent in the best sense of the word, and utterly regardless of self, he was just such a character as the country can ill afford to lose. A shell hit his tank and he got out to help his driver. A second shell killed him instantly. He was the second of three brothers to give his life for his country. (Malvernian, Dec 1944)
Son of Reginald Henry and Frances Octavia Bennett, c/o Miller & Co, Moscow
School Prefect.
1914-18. Lieut. R.F.C.
In business in Riga.
Husband of Marjorie Bennett.
In the First World War on 14 February 1917 he was with 2 Squadron RFC on artillery observation at around 1100 when they were jumped by Baron Von Richthofen (the Red Baron) who opened fire at 50m and then fired ‘several hundred’ rounds at his machine BE2 26231, until it crashed in the German trenches near Cite St Auguste. 2nd Lieutenant Herbert Arthur Croft was killed and 2nd Lieutenant Cyril Douglas Bennett was captured but seriously injured.
Airwar19141918
Son of Maj. Robert H. E. Bennett, M.C., and Dorothy M. Bennett, of 77 Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London.
Bus V. House Prefect.
226 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber sqdn)
The squadron used Douglas Havoc, Douglas Boston and North American Mitchell medium bombers, whilst carrying out attacks on German ports and anti-shipping strikes.
On the 7th September 1941, P/O Bennett was acting as Observer in plane Z.7312 along with F/L Haggitt and P/O Ramsay (A/G), along with six other planes led by S/Ldr MacClancy.
They were Up at 11.30 for an attack on a convoy about 4 miles west of The Hague consisting of a heavily laden merchant vessel escorted by three flak ships.
1 flakship of 800 tons was seen to blow up and the merchant vessel enveloped in smoke.
P/O Bennett was reported as missing along with the rest of his crew.
Flight record: AIR-27_1406_38
Son of William Huyshe Yeatman-Biggs and Muriel Barbara Yeatman-Biggs, of Long Hall, Stockton, Wiltshire.
Head of House.
Husband of Katharine Edith Clare Yeatman-Biggs, of Stockton. M.A. (Oxon.).
10th Bn. Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment) attd. 7th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
Served with the Chindits.
Unit war diary extract:
'Burma
13 May 1944
At 0420 hrs Coln attacked in bivouac by Jap patrol with ponies estimated 30 strong. Original intention to stay until first light, and then clean up. Japs, however, made excellent use of cover, and as they were inflicting casualties on men and mules, and it was not known whether they were an advance party of a bigger force moving up behind, it was decided to pull out, Main portion of Coln moved down boulder strewn chaung with precipitous sides. It eventually became necessary to leave the chaung. This necessitated off-loading the mules, and ma-handling loads up the side for some 200ft. Japs failed to follow up, probably due to fact that their officer was killed.
Arrived bivouac chaung 775770. Ref maps Burma Map ref 83 P/NE, 83 P/SE.
Killed officers - two (Major Yeatman-Biggs and Lieut Sutton)
Rank and file - six'
Unit war diary WO 172/4900
Son of Mrs. Bird, c/o Brown, Shipley & Co., 123 Pall Mall.
H.M.S. Exeter. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
Noted Ornitholigist.
Spoke Norwegian and acted as Intelligence Officer during attack on Norway.
Killed in action when H.M.S. Exeter was sunk by Japanese surface craft in the Java sea.
Obituary
Son of Sidney and Edith Florence Blaber., Lyecroft, Devizes
Army I. House Prefect.
Woolwich.
Husband of Diana Marion Blaber, of Hove, Sussex.
Cdg. 133 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
Son of Mrs Blakey, 15 Archibald Rd., Tufnell Park.
Mod. Lan. V.
In business. With Industrial & General Trust Ltd.
1st Bn. Durham Light Infantry
Son of Edward T. Boardman and Florence E. Boardman.
School Prefect. Football XL.
Trinity College, Cambridge. M.A. 1933. Rowed in Trial Eights.
Fruit Grower and Estate Manager.
Husband of Monica Mary Wells Boardman, of Ludham, Norfolk.
5th Bn. Royal Norfolk Regiment
'Stuart Boardman is reported missing, believed to have died of wounds in the Far East. There were few better known figures in their generation at Malvern than the Boardman twins, Humphrey and Stuart, with their fine physique and cheerful equanimity, and the same was true when they passed on to Trinity, Cambridge, and came into prominence as oarsmen both at Cambridge and Henley. Their robust health almost became a legend in the School and it was typical of this that they both passed unscathed through the devastating influenza epidemic of 1918. Stuart did not shine intellectually but by force of his transparent simplicity and good temper never made an enemy and had deservedly a host of friends. Like his brother his interests and hobbies were essentially those of the country and East Anglia, where he lived happily married and proud of his young family. It is sad and strange to think of his losing his life in circumstances so remote from the surroundings that had become a part of his nature. F.S.P.' (Malvernian, March 1942)
Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Bone, 5 Hamilton Mansions, Hove.
St John's College, Cambridge.
Husband of Sheelah Bone, of Chelsea, London.
H.M.S. Victory. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Son of G. Cecil and Margaret Bonner, of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sixth Form. School Prefect.
'Was on the Supervisory Staff of the Central Argentine Railway at Buenos Aires. Returned to join the R.A.F. and was killed on active service earlier this year.' (Malvernian, Dec 1942)
Son of Colonel John Southey Bostock, C.B.E., M.B., Ch.B., formerly of the R.A.M.C., and of Olivia Emslie Bostock (nee Horniman), of Sea View, Isle of Wight.
Sixth Form.
Exeter College, Oxford B.A. (3rd Cl. Hist.) 1932.
Solicitor.
415 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron was part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying Hampden torpedo-bombers and attacking enemy convoys and shipyards.
Born 29 Feb 1896. Son of W. J. Bourne, J.P., The Chantry Ho., Atherstone.
Science I. House Prefect.
Engineer, Technical and Research Dept of Petroleum Co.
1st Gt. War, Capt R.A.F.
2nd Gt War, Capt. Royal Signals.
Service record: AIR-76_47_209
Son of Maurice Syndercombe Bower and Geraldine Bower, of Bagbere, Sturminster Newton, Dorsetshire.
Army V. School Prefect. Football XI. Cricket XXII.
Sandhurst (Assoc. Football Blue).
2nd Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps
Son of William James Bradford and Ethel Bradford, of Birklands, Clifton Lane, Rotherham, Yorkshire.
House Prefect.
Solicitor.
1st Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment
Extract from unit war diary:
'Battle of Tenutella
13 July was the first day the Bn went into action (in Sicily) as a unit.
We advanced past Mellili Bridge towards Villasmundo.
Captain C Bradford put in an attack with 18 pl. No trace was found afterwards of Capt C Bradford.'
Unit war diary: WO 169/10310
Rotherham war memorial
Son of Matthew Wright Breckenridge and Winifred Agnes Breckenridge, Caldwell, Irvine, Ayrshire.
Mod. V. House Prefect.
Husband of Rae Isobel Breckenridge, of Troon, Ayrshire.
Chartered Accountant with Matthew Wright & Nephew of Irvine, Ayrshire.
130 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
Unit war diary extract:
'Jan 1st 1943 - 494 Fd Bty en route Maungdaw - Indin (Map Sheet 84 D/11 Burma)
5 Jan - Major Brenckenridge O.C. 494 Fd Bty, Captain Watson, and 4. O.R.s killed in action on Mayu Pen.
6 Jan - 494 Bty fired on Laungchang from Kodingauk in support of 5/8 Punjab.'
Unit war diary: WO 172/2304
Son of C. B. Brodigan, Box 3, Breakpan, Transvaal, South Africa.
School Prefect. Head of House. Cricket XXII.
Gold mining in S.A.
South African Armoured Corps attd. 44th (7th Bn., The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regt.) Regt.
Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
Son of Harry and Jessie Bromley, 7 Bedford Av., Bexhill-on-Sea.
School Prefect. Shooting VIII, 1931-33.
Cranwell.
Husband of Betsy Maude Bromley, of South Croydon, Surrey.
169 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Mosquito II night fighters from January 1944 and commenced night intruder operations against German night fighters.
The following appreciation is from The Times, Feb. 1945:— Wing Commander Niel Ballingal Reid Bromley, O.B.E., D.F.C., missing in September last, now officially reported killed, was the younger son of Captain and Mrs. Harry Bromley, of Haldon Priors, Torquay. Born in 1914 in South Africa, he was educated at Malvern. He entered Cranwell as a cadet in 1933 and was commissioned as pilot officer in July, 1935, to No. 32 (Fighter) Squadron. From 1936, however, he served with fighter squadrons in the Fleet Air Arm, and was at sea in the carriers Furious, Home Fleet, and Glorious, Mediterranean. In 1940, he was mentioned in dispatches for services in connexion with the campaign in Norway. He was made an O.B.E. in January, 1944, and the next May was given command of a squadron. The announcement of the award to him of the D.F.C. was made in October, soon after he was reported missing, the citation describing him as "a fine and inspiring leader". He had completed many sorties and had destroyed three enemy aircraft.
He returned from leave on the 3rd September 1944, and 3 days later, on the 6th September, 6 operational sorties took off from Gt. Massingham before midnight, however 'the Commanding Officer, W/Cdr. N.B.R. Bromley, OBE, with his navigator F/L. P. V. Truscott did not return. (Aircraft PZ.230).'
Squadron operation records: AIR-27_1094_33
It seems he was shot down over Northern Germany near Bremen.
Birth: 3 Aug 1914. Son of Major A. Brooke, House of Schiras, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.
Assistant Superintendent Palestine Police, Trinidad.
He lost his life on his way to Trinidad in the ship 'Simon Bolivar' which was sunk by a mine off Harwich on the 18th Nov. 1939.
Details of wreck
Newpaper article
Son of J.L. Brooks, Odiham, Hants.
Matric Class. House Prefect.
Solicitor.
1st Gt War, Capt Manchester Regt., G.S.O.3, D.S.O., M.C.. Groce de Guerra (Italy). Major 1918.
Brigade Major 20th Inf. Bde.
Lieut-Col 4th Hampshire Regt (T.A.).
He is buried in Odiham.
Odiham memorial
Son of John Lytle Bulloch and Agnes Marion Evelyn Bulloch, of Craigavad, Co. Down, and Hill Croft, Holywood, Co. Down.
Army V.
Cranwell.
224 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron used Lockheed Hudsons which was a light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft.
Extract from Operations Record Book:
11th April 1940, 15:15 to 20:15
Hudson N.7305
F/O Bullock, P/O Davis, Cpl Silk, AC Fisher
A/S Patrol Track D from Wick
At 17:20 hrs off Bergen Fjord saw NV Theseus with Swedish colours on funnel and Nazi flag on stern. Flag was hauled down as a/c approached. A/c dropped a stick of three 250lb bombs which missed by 40ft, and then front-gunned the decks. During this attack at 17:35 a D018 was sighted and attacked. During the engagement several bursts were seen to enter the e/a killing the rear gunner. The W/Op of our a/c was hit in the right forearm but continued his duties for the remainder of the patrol.
On the 24th April at 05:00 he took off from Leuchars in Scotland on Hudson N.7283 with a crew of P/O Harmston, LAC Hallam and LAC Lane, but failed to return.
Operations: AIR-27_1385_7
Operations detail: AIR-27_1385_8
Son of William Edward and Dorothy Bulmer, of Starcross, Archer Rd., Penarth, Glamorgan.
School Prefect. Cricket XI. Football XI. Boxing Colours 1935-37 (Capt.). Rackets Vest. Gym Colours. Anderson Medal. Cadet Officer in O.T.C.
Brasenose College, Oxford.
49 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hampden bombers and carried out the attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal on 12 August 1940.
'On leaving School he went up to B.N.C., Oxford, and made his mark in Rugby Football, playing many times for the University and with every likelihood of getting his "blue" if the war had not come.
Alan Bulmer had an engaging personality and his sensible and cheery outlook will be long remembered by his many friends. He was outstanding intellectually and athletically, and was a great asset to his School in every way. If he had been spared, he would most certainly have made his mark in the world. His family has our deep-felt sympathy in their great bereavement. H.D.E.E.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
He was the Pilot in Hampden X.3021 which took off at 23:14 on the 10th November 1940, and was then reported as 'Missing'.
Squadron Operations: AIR-27_480_26
Son of D. V. Burnett, Sherwood House, Salisbury, Rhodesia.
Boxing and Swimming Colours.
Manager of Insurance Co. in Bulawayo. London and Rhodesia Land & Mining Co.
He joined the R.A.F at outbreak of war in Buluwayo. He came home and served here for more than 3 years.
Son of Arnold Hugh and Lettice Edith Butler, Ramsden House, Charlbury, Oxon.
Army V. School Prefect.
Sandhurst (Riding Blue).
Husband of Nancy Butler, of Greens Norton, Northamptonshire.
13th/18th Royal Hussars
Royal Armoured Corps
The following personal tribute is taken from The Times:— The death in action of Major W. F. Butler, Royal Hussars, came as a grievous blow to his many friends both inside and outside the army. "Boy" Butler had an outstandingly beautiful character. Wherever he went he made the particular place in which he happened to be a place worth being in: as a friend summed it up, "happiness came into the room with him." He had strength of character combined with a delightful simplicity and modesty. He was determined, yet gentle, kind, generous, and unselfish, and to all this was added that splendid horsemanship which had made him, possibly, the first all-round horseman of his day. To few is accorded the skill which enabled him on the same afternoon in 1939 to jump two clear rounds on "Big Sweep" in the Prince of Wales' Cup at the International Horse Show, Olympia (thus ensuring England's victory), to be immediately followed by a polo success in the semi-final round of the Champion Cup at Hurlingham, when his team, the Ghosts, beat Adsdean. As a polo player he was one of the most accomplished No. 1s in England at that time. Yet, of all the sports, foxhunting was his favourite, and in its pursuit he showed all those characteristics of determination and quick decision which made him the ideal leader. What a privilege to have known such an upright, splendid, and enthusiastic young man.
Son of J Cowan, 5 Aberdeen Mansions, Kenton St, Russell Sq. WC1
Hist VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Boxing Colours 1937-'39 (Capt.). Swimming Colours '39, House Colours Football. Cadet Officer in Corps.
Hertford College, Oxford.
8th Bn. 10th Baluch Regiment
Son of H.Carson, M.B., 31 St Mary's Rd., Harborne, Birmingham.
Math VI. Senior Chapel Prefect. Sixth Form. XXII Football. President Athletics. Cadet-Officer in O.T.C.
Sidney Sussex, Cambridge.
114 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Blenheim bombers. Its airfield at Vraux was attacked on May 11th 1940 with six of the squadron's Blenheims destroyed, and the rest damaged. During the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, it attacked concentrations of barges in the German-held channel ports and Luftwaffe airfields by night.
'Danny Carson was one of the soundest and most loyal members of the School, which may be justly proud of him. He had an abundance of enthusiasm, pluck, and determination to succeed. Though not naturally clever or athletic he reached a high standard of general efficiency by steady perseverance, and his example was an inspiration and an encouragement to many who knew him. He will be greatly missed and very sincere sympathy is felt for his family. H.D.E.E.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
He took off from Oulton at 08:20 on the 13th August 1940 to attack the aerodrome at Jersey but failed to return.
Squadron operations: AIR-27_882_11_Carson
Son of D. Carvill, White House, Great North Way, Hendon, NW4.
Mod. Lan. VI. Football XI.
56 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hurricanes, and was involved in covering the retreat to Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and in 1941 escorted bombers raiding targets in German-occupied France.
'Reported Missing from attack on an objective in France in June 1941, when he was known to have been compelled to bale out, is now officially presumed to have lost his life.' (Malvernian, March 1942)
While returning from operations over Northern France, Sgt Carvill, reported that his aircraft (Hurricane IIB Z.3329) was damaged after a big air battle with Me 109s and that he was baling out at approx 19.30 on 17/6/41. Extract from German Totenliste, No 50, states that Sgt Carvill crashed on 17/6/41 and was killed near Wimereux in Sea with part of his uniform, but no body, being found.
Missing record: AIR_81_7393
Son of Claude William and Ethel Chadburn of Papplewick Hall, Nottinghamshire.
Mod. Lan. V. House Prefect.
Peterhouse, Cambridge.
426 Bty., 107 (The South Notts. Hussars) Regt.
Royal Horse Artillery
Son of The Revd. Thomas Lionel Chadwick, M.A., and Beryl Mary Chadwick, of Bagendon Rectory, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and 56 Billing Rd., Northampton.
Sci VI. House Prefect. Drawing Prize.
Member of Nat. Soc. Of Painters, Sculptors and Engravers. Winner of 1st Prize at International Exhibition of Lithography and Wood Engraving at Chicago. Elected Member of R. Soc. Of British Artists, 1935.
Joined the 3rd The Kings Own Hussars and won the M.C. in Jan. 1942.
'In all probability he was the best artist which the School has ever produced.' (Malvernian, Jul 1943)
'During the period 10th May to 18th June (1941) Lieutenant Chadwick carried out many difficult patrols in an exemplary manner. His observation and reporting was excellent throughout and much of the information gained was of the highest importance.
On May 14th during an attack on Halfanya Pass and Sollum Lieutenant Chadwick was ordered to lead a party of Light Tanks along the sea shore in order to circumnavigate some enemy anti-tank gun positions at the bottom of Halfanya Pass. This manoeuvre was so successful that one gun was silenced and it lead to the ultimate surrender of the whole position.
On May 15th Lieutenant Chadwick was ordered to do a patrol on the top of Sollum Pass (the force having withdrawn from the top that morning). Although attacked by A.F.V.s and infantry, he managed to extricate his troop and send back much valuable information. '
MC Citation WO-373_18_403
His elder brother Captain Hector George Chadwick, who was also killed at El Alamein just two days before on the 25th October 1942, does not appear to have gone to Malvern. His younger brother, John Hough Chadwick, did go to Malvern and was listed as managing a Poultry Farm after the war.
Son of William Kennedy Chalmers and Jean Chalmers, of Invershin, Sutherlandshire, and of Fern Point, Inverary, Argyll.
H.M.M.T.B. 732 Royal Navy
It was a motor torpedo boat accompanying a convoy, and was sunk by gunfire from the French escort destroyer La Combattante in the English Channel.
Details at wreck site
Son of Thomas Arthur and Frances Mary Chamberlain, of Failand, Somerset, and of Belmont House, Flax Bourton, Nr. Bristol.
Army V. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
6th Bn. Durham Light Infantry
'Alam Nayil, El Mireir. Night 24th/25th October 1942
A Strong patrol went out under Capt. Chamberlain and Lieut A.H.Sandwith. The patrol went West through JARROW Gap, then South along the West edge of the DON minefield. As it was approaching the small minefield leg at 87952662 our patrol was suddenly heavily fired on at short range from the West corner of the small minefield by 2 L.M.Gs. and several Sub Machine Guns — several members of the patrol were at once wounded including Capt. Chamberlain and Lieut. Sandwith. An Italian Officer then rushed forward with two other men shouting "Surrender" in English. He threw a grenade but was then shot down by rifle fire. Our patrol, which was in a very unfavourable position, then had to withdraw, and when a check had been made it was found that there were two members of the patrol missing: the patrol commander Capt. T.ff. Chamberlain, and a Sapper from 505 Fd. Coy. R.E who accompanied the patrol. Several men were slightly wounded, Lieut Sandwith and one O.R. were evacuated to hospital. A strong patrol under Capt. J. H. Chapman was sent out at once to try and find Capt. Chamberlain and the Sapper, and also to contact and destroy the enemy patrol. No sign could however be found of the missing officer and sapper, or of the enemy.'
Unit war diary: WO 169/5007
Son of William and Francis Helen Charles, of Monkton Wyld, Bathford, Somerset.
Bus. V.
33 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hurricanes and was based in the Middle East with the exception of a time from January to May 1941 where it was involved in very heavy fighting trying to resist the invasion of Greece.
'16/12/41
Two formation of four Hurricanes each strafed transport on the road between Ghemines and El Agheila. Heavy casualties were inflicted on lorry borne troops and many vehicles were damaged.
F/O Charles hit a trailer that he was strafing and crashed in flames and was killed.'
33 Squadron record book, Dec 1941: AIR-27_367_15
Son of Harry Speed Clement and Clara Clement. Nevill Lodge, Bognor.
Science Form. O.M. Science Prize. Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Ledbury Cap.
Royal School of Mines, London. Graduate 1920.
1st Gt. War, Capt. Hampshire Regt. And I.A., M.C., Despatches.
Husband of Winifred Clement, of Edlesborough. Buckinghamshire.
Son of J. W. Cochrane, Villa Caprice, Chatsworth Rd, Ealing.
He lived at 5 Medina Avenue, Hinchley Wood, Surrey.
86th Regt. H.A.C. (A.A.).
He died of wounds at Kingston and District Hospital.
Son of Dr. Walter Tyrrell Cooper, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., L.D.S., and Dulcie Elizabeth Cooper, of 44 Cholmeley Park, Highgate, Middlesex.
Army V.
50 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Hampden medium bomber where it attempted to attack German warships off Kristiansand returning from the German invasion of Norway on the 12th April 1940, but with heavy losses daylight raids were abandoned, and it continued operations by night, taking part in the RAF's strategic bombing offensive against the Germans through the remainder of 1940 and 1941.
On the night of the 23rd October 1941, the squadron was on a bombing run to Kiel. One aircraft out of the 16 failed to return.
The operation overall was successful with 13 aircraft being able to locate and bomb the target. A total of 6 x 1,000 lb; 40 x 500 lb; 16 x 250 lb bombs and 1,924 lbs of incendiaries was expended.
Squadron diary: AIR-27_486_18
Born 16 Jan 1899. Son of C. A. Copland., Tavistock Ho., Chelmsford.
Army VI. Heywood Prize.
Woolwich. R.F.A. 1918. 1st Gt. War (overseas). Retired 1921.
Solicitor 1923.
Rejoined Aug. 1939 and was invalided out in Aug. 1943.
He died at Downsway, Seaford, Sussex
Widow: Eva Beatrice May Copeland
Son of Captain Alfred Geoffrey and Evelyn Gladys Corah, of Durfold, Warnham, Horsham, Sussex.
House Prefect.
107 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Blenheim bombers, and was based at Malta in 1941 and received very heavy losses with 90% of all original and replacement crews killed in action. In January 1942, it received US Douglas Boston light bombers and began flying daylight operations again in March 1942 from Great Massingham, Norfolk.
Son of Thomas Edgar and Frances Campbell Corrie, of Heathway, Chobham, Woking, Surrey.
Class VI.
53 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Bristol Blenheim light bomber undertaking anti-submarine and anti-shipping operations. He died just before the Blenheims were replaced by the Lockheed Hudson in July 1941 .
'23/6/41
A/c 'S' on convoy escort duties failed to return to base - Crew P/O Bolten, Sgts Corrie and Kircher.'
Squadron diary, AIR-27_504_11
AIR-27_504_12
He was flying a Blenheim Mark Four V.5647.
The aircraft was ordered for escort duties at 09.00 hours on 23 June 1941, and was reported at 13.00 hours to have crashed in flames in the sea.
Missing Record
Son of G. F. S. Corser (O.M.), Tilstock Hall, Whitchurch, Shropshire.
2nd Gt. War, Capt., R.A. M.C.
He was commissioned into the Shropshire R.H.A. and served with the British Expeditionary Force in France, North Africa, Italy and Germany.
M.C. Citation 'For services on the Italian Front': This officer has throughout the campaign distinguished himself by his courage and tenacity in his duties with forward troops and in his gun areas. He has done duty as forward observation officer in all the major battles of the Fifth Army up to May, and was again forward observation officer during the Cassino battle where he accompanied Canadian infantry in the breaking of the Hitler Line. On more than one occasion he has been responsible for the breaking up of enemy counter-attacks and his manner of handling the fire of the regiment is outstanding in its speed and accuracy. Under fire he invariably displays great coolness and courage which is of utmost value to his men, and he is in all branches of his activities a very outstanding Troop Commander.
MC Citation WO-373_11_231
In late 1945 he contracted an illness which caused him to be invalided home. He never fully recovered and died in May 1949 at Vale of Clwyd Sanatorium, Ruthin; his ashes were interred in the family grave at Bourton-on-the-Water.
Biography at TracesofWar
Son of Frederick Reid Corson and Margaret Corson, St. Lawrence Dene, St. Lawrence, Ventnor, Isle of Wight.
Hist VI. School Prefect. Head of House.
1st Bn. Grenadier Guards
Son of Sir J. L. C., Bt., Kencott, Lechlade, Glos.
44th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
'Sicily 10 July 1943. D Day.
0615 - Tulo party leave HMT Orontes.
0715 - Tulo party receive following casualties by shell fire on landing - Captain Connor MC & Bar & KP Hoare - missing believed killed, Lt HH Gush - wounded, 2 OR's missing believed killed, 3 OR's wounded. (Cotter as a Trooper was presumably one of the ORs - other ranks - missing, believed killed).'
Unit war diary: WO 169/9373
Son of John and Annie Hardman Cowan, of Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire.
Boxing Colours.
Manchester Univ.
150 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command).
The squadron flew Vickers Wellingtons bombers from October 1940 operating from RAF Newton near Nottingham.
'He had taken part in very many raids on Germany.' (Malvernian, Jul 1942)
'27/28.4.42 Executive order for Operations No 81 gave instructions for fourteen main aircraft to attack Cologne. Weather conditions were exceptionally good for this operation, no cloud and good visibility making the location of the target a matter of ease. The bridges across the Rhine could be clearly seen and the detonation of bombs were observed to be well in the target area. Numerous small fires could be seen burning over a widespread area of the town. Anti-aircraft and searchlight activity was intense and extremely accurate and the impression left with our crews was that a large proportion of the Rhur's defences were concentrated on Cologne and the surrounding districts.
Two aircraft and crew are missing from this operation.
Sgt Cowan was listed as one of the Pilots missing in Aircraft X.3288 'H'.'
150 Squadron diary: AIR-27_1010_7
150 Squadron diary: AIR-27_1010_8
Son of William J. Cowan, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., and of Constance M. Cowan, of Kearsley, Lancashire, and of Southwood, Worlsey, Manchester.
Sci VI.
3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)
Royal Armoured Corps
Son of Colonel Hugh Cracroft, R.A.S.C., and of Georgina Cracroft (nee Stevenson), The Garth, Combe Down, Bath.
House Prefect.
Husband of Helen Elizabeth Cracroft, of Shaldon, Devon.
148th (9th Bn. The Loyal Regt. [North Lancashire]) Regt.
Royal Armoured Corps
'By his devotion to duty and gallantry throughout the action on the 21st May 1940, south of ARRAS, he showed a very good example to others. On one occasion, having noticed some German infantry in position in a hollow supported by A.T. guns, he gathered together such ‘I’ Tanks as were available on the spot - 3 in number, and personally led the attack.
He was mounted in a Light Tank which is thin skinned and vulnerable, to A.T Gun fire. With utter disregard to his safety he dashed amongst the enemy, the majority of whom were killed, and their vehicles which included armoured reconnaissance cars, were destroyed. On another occasion, after the remnants of the battalion were in a position of readiness to assist our infantry in the event of a counter attack, he personally organised the attack, successfully resisting an encounter with German Tanks (one at least of which was a heavy type) which resulted with the withdrawal of the enemy.
This measure was carried out during a heavy enemy air attack, which made Captain Cracroft’s task very difficult.'
MC Citation: WO-373_15_16
Personal tribute in The Times:— Many of his friends at home and indeed all those who knew Robert Cracroft's worth must be thinking of him to-day, for his was a personality that stood out head and shoulders among his fellows. His last duty before the present campaign in France began was performed as a G.S.O. instructor at the Staff College. Here he was surrounded by officers, teachers, and students alike, all of them picked out from their fellows as having attainments above the average, but, even in that high company, it is no exaggeration to say that he showed himself a very pattern of the finest type of British regimental officer and one of which the old British Regular Army might well be proud. He combined with great charm of manner a quick brain, a strong character, determination, and ideals. Had he been spared, he might well have gone far in the Army as a leader of men.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Crisp, Moor Close, Binfield, Berks.
Matric. Class. House Prefect.
1st Gt. War, Cadet R.A.F.
Magdalen College, Oxford. B.A. 1922.
Stock Exchange.
Husband of Betty Crisp, of Maidenhead, Berkshire. B.A.(Oxon.).
He was listed as one of the passengers of the ship Dumana which was sunk by the U-boat U-513 on the evening of 24 Dec 1943 near the Ivory Coast.
Uboat.net
Son of Theodore Stuart Crosbie Cronhelm and Mary Helen Cronhelm, of 9 Cravenhill Gardens, Lancaster Gate, Westminster, London.
House Prefect. XI Football and Cricket. Athletic and Boxing Colours. Lance-Corporal in Corps.
Royal Artillery. Accidentally shot, June 1940. (Malvernian, July 1940).
262 Bty., 84 H.A.A. Regt.
Gravestone photo
Son of Frank S. Crossland, and of Florence Crossland, of Hargate Drive, Hale, Cheshire.
House Prefect.
1/8th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
He was listed as 'wounded and missing' in the unit war diary during the evacuation at Dunkirk.
'Men packed like sardines and the sea dotted with all kinds of equipment. Dunkirk was frequently bombed and soon oil tanks and part of the town were ablaze, spreading a huge pall of smoke over the sky.'
Unit war diary: WO 167/781
Son of Tancred D. Cummins and Dora Cummins, Home Green, Church Walks, Llandudno.
With Chloride Elec. Storage Co.
Husband of Margaret E. Cummins, of Haydon Bridge, Northumberland.
8th Bn. Manchester Regiment
M.B.E. for gallantry during air attacks in Malta; fought in France, 1940, Africa and Italy. Died in Military Hospital, Chester.
Son of Lt.-Col. Charles William Brett Davey and Patricia Davey, of Woodmancote, Gloucestershire, and of Brandon, Wetherby, Acomb, Yorks.
7th Bn. Cheshire Regiment
Unit war diary: WO 170/1377
Son of Archibald and Olive Davies, 47 Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2.
In business. Heating Engineer (Graduate).
Husband of Ellen Margrethe Davies, of Westminster, London.
156 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Wellington bombers, and it became one of the original pathfinder squadrons, converting to Lancasters in January 1943.
He was the Pilot on Lancaster plane W4850 which was shot down on a bombing raid to Kiel.
Squadron diary: AIR-27_1041_30
Born 22 Jul 1916. Son of C. St Hugh Dawes. Mrs Johnstone, The Rookery, Waterbeach, Cambridge.
Bus. V. School Prefect. Head of House.
With Colombo Commercial Co.
6 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
During the early part of the war, the squadron flew Westland Lysanders in an army co-operation role in Palestine.
F/L Dawes and Sgt Chantry took off near Mantruh in Lysander L.6877 at 08:50 on 14th Dec 1940 to carry out a reconnaissance of Maddalena but failed to return.
The aircraft was seen to be shot down just over the Libyan border and that the two members of the crew were buried by soldiers where they had fallen. The graves though have not been found.
Http://www.stanwardine.com/malvernww1/ww2/Dawes_record_missing.pdf
Son of Richard William and Alice Grace Deacon, 28 St. George's Sq., Worcester.
Match V. House Prefect. Champion Athlete. Ledbury Cap.
Architect 1924.
Husband of Margaret Marwood Deacon.
He was in the Worcestershire Regiment and then
105 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron was the first to operate the de Havilland Mosquito light bomber, and performed a precision attack against the Gestapo Headquarters in Oslo on 25 September 1942, and a daylight raid on Berlin on 30 January 1943.
'His contemporaries will remember how through a misapprehension of the rules of the Ledbury Run he ran in it when under age and won it, but had to be disqualified, and had the bad luck to be only second the following year.' (Malvernian, Mar 1943)
Gravestone photograph
Son of Lt.-Col. Charles Deakin, O.B.E., The Worcestershire Regt. (died on active service, 8th March, 1944). and Theodora Deakin, of Hordle, Hampshire, and of Brook Grange, Bramley, Nr . Guildford, Surrey.
Army V. House Prefect.
B.A. (Cantab).
'After much operational work, in which his C.O. reports he showed himself a very fine pilot, he was employed as an instructor and again earned high praise. He was killed in an accident in Jan., 1944.' (Malvernian, Mar 1944)
Son of Henry James Dent and Christiana Dent, Perton Ct., Stoke Edith.
House Prefect. Football XXII.
With Agricultural Dept., Imp. Chem. Industries Ltd.
Husband of Kathleen S. Dent, of Hereford.
Cdg. 110 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
'Joined a Territorial Brigade of the R.A. in 1924. Was in action with the B.E.F. in 1940 and evacuated his arm of the Regiment from Dunkirk with the loss of only two men.' (Malvernian, Dec 1944)
'Lt Col O.W.R. Dent TD R.A. Killed by mine at 903319 at approx 0900hrs. Clecy.'
Unit war diary: WO 171/1129
Son of Dr. Thomas Hanson Crossfield Derham and Edith-Hannah Derham, Gasrtang Rd., Preston.
Sci V.
Husband of Margaret Irene Derham, of Clapham Common, London.
64 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
Unit war diary: WO 169/9488
Son of George Nelson Dobie, and Katherine Ivy Dobie, of Half Way, Foley Terrace, Malvern, Worcestershire.
Bus. V.
1 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hurricanes in the Battle of France and Battle of Britain. The squadron then carried out night intruder patrols until July 1942, when it was re-equipped with the Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber and relocated to RAF Acklington, Northumberland where it reverted to daytime operations.
Son of Alfred Edward Drew, and of Margaret Nichols Drew, of Deganwy, Caernarvonshire, and of Baslow Vicarage, Bakewell, Derbyshire.
Sixth Form. Ledbury Cap, 1938, 1939. L/Corporal in Corps.
Downing College, Cambridge for one year.
Commissioned Sherwood Foresters in 1941. Wounded at El Alamein. Attached 6th/12th (Airborne) Bn. Devonshire Regime and killed on 2nd April after the Rhine Crossing.
Son of Arnett Richardson Dunton and Sylvia May Dunton, of Paignton, Devon, and of Sunnyside, Bentick Rd., Altrincham.
Hist VI. Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Sixth Form. Editor of the Malvernian. C.S.M. in Corps.
Exhibitioner of Christ's College, Cambridge.
166 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew regularly night sorties as part of No. 1 Group Bomber Command using Wellingtons before converting to the Avro Lancaster in September 1943.
Presumed killed during a raid on Stettin on the night of 29th August, 1944.
Son of James E. and Carolina Du Vivier, 2 Rue Pycke, Courtrai, Belgium.
Hist. VI. House Prefect. Football XI.
In business.
Husband of Beryl Mary Du Vivier.
229 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Son of John Purnell Purnell-Edwards and of Gwladis Ruth Purnell-Edwards (nee Liddon), of Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
186 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
On 5 October 1944, the squadron was reformed as a Bomber Command Lancaster unit, based at Tuddenham, and William Purnell-Edwards seems to have been killed on one of its first bombing raids.
Son of Edward Christian Elliott and Edith Irene Elliott, of Bessel's Green, Kent, and of Pedro, Nuwara Eliya, Ceylon.
Sci V. House Prefect.
S. E. Agric. College, Wye.
Tea Planting. Assistant Superintendent Nuwara Eliya Estates, Ceylon.
Lance Corp., Ceylon Rifle Brigade. Wounded Dec. 1941 and killed in Libya, 23 July, 1942.
2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade
(No specific mention in this unit war diary)
Unit war diary: WO 169/5055
Son of Leonard Erasmus Ellis and of Evelyn le Hunte Ellis (nee Barnes), of Kloof, Natal, South Africa, and of 13 Northam Gns., Oxford.
House Prefect, Athletic Colours. Shooting VIII. Lance- Sergeant in O.T.C.
Represented Malvern for the Ashburton Shield at Bisley, and in the Public Schools Athletics (Hurdles) at the White City.
'After leaving School he went to South Africa where he was born but returned to take a course in engineering at Loughborough College in Leicestershire. Here he joined the R.A.F.V.R. and later flew at the World's Fair. When war broke out he returned immediately to England and joined up. He was killed in an operational flying accident near Exeter in March 1941. He was a Sergeant Pilot.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
Son of Capt R. H. W. Empson, 119 Piccadilly, London.
Army VI. House Prefect. Sixth Form. Football XXII. Cricket XL. Fives Cols.
R.M.A. Woolwich 1938, '39.
Son of Aidan Oswald Evans and Agnes Annie Dorothy Evans, of Westminster, London, and of Akdar, Shanklin Rd., Southampton.
Army VI. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
4th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment seconded to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Son of Sir Clement Everitt (§ 92) Kt., and of Lady Everitt (nee Croxeter), of Highmoor, Sheringham, Norfolk.
Army V. School Prefect. Athletic Colours. Ledbury Cap. House Colours Football. Sergeant in Corps.
Sandhurst.
2nd Bn. Royal Norfolk Regiment
'We have received the following tribute from a friend of the family:— Lieutenant Everitt—in charge of a party sent out to observe the enemy—was well ahead of his men when he fell under a heavy burst of machine-gun fire. After taking cover, his men made every effort to reach the spot where he fell, but the German fire was so heavy that it was not until dusk that a patrol was able to advance. They found the spot where he had fallen, but the enemy, in the mist, had carried the wounded man back to their lines. From the German side it has now been reported that Lieutenant Everitt, in spite of every medical attention, died of loss of blood two days after, and was buried with full military honours by the enemy.
"The Young—the Beautiful—the Brave." All true, of Tony Everitt. His character was as fine as his physical gifts. No mother ever had a more loving or devoted son: no comrade a truer friend. Always smiling, sympathetic, courteous, he was as brave as a lion; and he radiated happiness round him. He had a deep religious sense, and his sympathy with those in sorrow was wonderful to those whom he helped. His life was clean, happy, fine and generous. How sad that such a lovely promise has been cut short.
From his preparatory school, where he won the Athletic Championship, he went to Malvern. Never brilliant, but always hard working, he entered Sandhurst well up on the list, after having been President of Athletics and winner of the Mile at Malvern. He was a model Junior Under Officer and got his Athletic Blue, and gained his great ambition when gazetted to his own County's Regiment, the Royal Norfolks. He fell facing the enemy, as he wished. "Qui ante diem periit, Sed Miles, sed pro Patria."' (Malvernian, Apr 1940).
Unit war diary: WO 167/794
Son of G. W. Eves (§.90). c/o H. S. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall.
School Prefect. Second Eleven Cricket and Football.
Husband of B. W. Eves, of Montreal, Province of Quebec.
British Overseas Airways Corporation, attached R.A.F. Ferry Command
The following personal tribute is taken from The Times :— A correspondent writes:— Captain Pat Eves, B.O.A.C., attached R.A.F. Ferry Command, who lost his life in an air crash in Newfoundland on February 9, was an Irishman and one of our leading civil pilots. Born in 1910, he was educated at Malvern and started life in the Merchant Navy. Learning to fly at Redhill, he entered Imperial Airways in 1936, flying for them regularly in the Near East and between Karachi and Singapore. In the winter of 1940 he set up a new Atlantic speed record, flying a new type of American bomber, at a time of year in which the Atlantic had never before been flown successfully. He subsequently was the first pilot to fly non-stop from Montreal. His gay and fearless personality and rich sense of humour endeared him to all who knew him. He leaves a widow.
Son of A. W. Farnsworth, Post Office Chambers, Derby.
Sixth Form. Sci V. School Prefect. XI Cricket, 1935, '36. Athletic Colours, '35, '36.
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Son of William Charles Ferris, and of Lilian Sythe Maria Ferris, of Westminster, London; stepson of Lt.-Col. Raymond J. Hartmann, Royal Artillery.
Swimming VIII.
142 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command)
The squadron used Vickers Wellington heavy bombers, flying night bombing missions over Germany
His brother Cecil Frank also died on service.
Son of Robert Alexander Douglas and Ethel Mildred Fleming, Hawley House, Blackwater.
School Prefect.
Husband of Marjorie Ethel Fleming, of Farnborough, Hampshire.
7th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
Major Fleming was killed along with 4 others on Hill 112 near Eterville. 9 Tigers and Panthers knocked out. 8 Churchills k/o.
Unit war diary: WO 171/868
Operation Jupiter - wikipedia
Son of Michael Gloye Foster (M.D.) and Charlotte Shipley Foster, Villa San Giovanni, San Remo.
Lower VI. School Prefect.
Trinity College, Cambridge.
With Messrs. Turner Morrison & Co., Ltd., Calcutta 1922.
1st Gt. War. Capt. Suffolk Regt.
Husband of Franklin Foster (nee Engs). Of Great Glemham. Suffolk.
Son of Frederick Henry Fraser and of Gertrude Eva Fraser (nee Gibson), East Burnham Grove, Farnham Royal, Bucks.
Mod. Lan. VI. School Prefect. Sixth Form. Cadet Officer. Football XI 1932,33 (Capt.).
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Husband of Anita Mary Sherley Fraser (nee Sherley Dale), of East Grinstead, Sussex.
He shot down nine planes in fourteen days, and was awarded the D.F.C. in 1941. Served in N. Africa, Greece, Crete, Sudan and Turkey.
'Air Ministry, 1st April, 1941. ROYAL AIR FORCE. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in
flying operations against the enemy: — Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flight Lieutenant Joseph Frederick FRASER (70229), No. 112 Squadron. This
officer has led a detached flight with great success. He has destroyed at least
10 enemy aircraft, 9 of which he destroyed within a period of 14 days. He has
proved a skilful and courageous fighter pilot.'
London Gazette
Son of Richard and Winifred French, of Torquay, Devon, and of Steaperton Park rd., Clevedon, Somerset.
Hist. VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Football XXII. Cricket XL.
Exhibitioner and State Scholar of Exeter College, Oxford.
73 Anti-Tank Regt. Royal Artillery
'Few boys at Malvern can have had more friends than "George" French, and he never had an enemy in his life. His genial solidity and reliability were obvious at once, but he was what is often called a slow developer, so that it was only gradually that one came to realize how much ability and positive determination lay behind it. For instance he was the last on the list of Scholarship winners when he entered Malvern, but before he left he had not only won an Open Exhibition in History at Exeter College, Oxford, but also a State Scholarship—and these are very hard to get.
At games too, especially football, he seemed at first to be slow and clumsy, but he grew to be good enough to miss a School XI by only a narrow margin, and he did at least as much as more brilliant players to win the Football Cup for his House.
He was the ideal Head of House, combining vigour and enterprise with wisdom and humour in just the right proportions, and spreading round him the atmosphere of his own cheerful enthusiasm.
Such men as he run the greatest risks in war, especially in such fighting as the Libyan Campaign where individual courage and determination count for so much: for one can imagine that a Commanding Officer, called upon to choose a subaltern for a difficult and dangerous task, would naturally turn to him. All who remember him at Malvern would wish to offer their deepest sympathy to his parents in their great loss.' (Malvernian, March 1942)
Unit war diary: WO 166/1645 (Not found in this war diary - 73rd anti-tank regiment at Godalming in Dec 1941)
Son of John and Maria Francesca Fry, of The Mill, Runcton, Chichester.
Cricket XI 1932, 33.
Peterhouse, Cambridge.
"Peter Fry will be remembered by many as a boy at school, as an O.M. at Cambridge and on the Cricket Tour, and as an officer in the R.A.F. His happy, cheerful disposition endeared him to all who knew him." (F.H.H.) (Malvernian, July 1940).
Son of Ernest Alfred and Katherine Sophie Fuller, of Repton, Derbyshire, and of Castle Hill Ho., Tutbury, Staffs.
'Before the war he had joined the Civil Air Guard and soon after volunteered for the R.A.F. but was rejected on account of his eyesight. He then became a Motor Cycle Despatch Rider in the R.A.S.C. and was killed in action in France on June 4th.' (Malvernian, July 1940).
Son of Col. W. A. Gale, R.E.
Army 1. House Prefect. Ledbury Cap.
Woolwich 1900. Ran 2 miles, etc. for Woolwich. Sandhurst 1901-1902.
R.A. 1902. Capt. 1914. Major 1916. Lieut.-Col 1932.
1st Gt. War (overseas),D.S.O. with Bar, Despatches (2).
2nd Gt. War, Brigadier. Died of illness on active service, August 1944.
'ARCHANGEL COMMAND. AWARDED A BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER.
Maj. Henry
John Gordon Gale, D.-S.O., R.A.
Throughout the operations on the Kodish front
between 28th and 30th August, 1919, he showed great gallantry. He carried out
the duties of F.O.O., and, without any regard to his personal safety, remained
near the enemy's wire, so as to be able to ensure the accuracy of the artillery
fire. (D.S.O. gazetted 3rd June, 1918.)'
London Gazette
Edinbugh Gazette
Lived at Ouychas, Netherhampton Road, Salisbury
Widow: Mabel Elizabeth Gale
Biography at Wikipedia
Son of Group Captain Frederick Frank Garraway, O.B.E. (killed on active service, 12th May, 1941), and of Buddug Garraway, of Cockfosters, Barnet, Hertfordshire , and 47 Lancaster Gate, W2.
House Prefect. Athletic and Boxing Colours.
78 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
On the night of 30/31 May 1942, 78 Squadron contributed 22 Halifaxes to Operation Millennium, the first "1,000 bomber" raid against Cologne.
Combat report:
On the night of the 20th April 1944 at 01:26, a red light which approached gave the impression of a navigation light, slightly different from our own, at approximately 1000 yards. Enemy aircraft started a curve of pursuit attack at 450 yards level, fine starboard quarter. Just before reaching this position enemy aircraft opened fire. Gunners immediately gave corkscrew to starboard and opened fire immediately at approximately 400 yards range. Fighter went down and exploded on the ground. Fighter recognised as single engine aircraft probably ME.109.
Sgt Garraway was the Bomb Aimer in Halifax L.V.875 which took off from Breighton at 22:06 on the 26th April 1944 for Villeneuve St George. The aircraft was reported as Missing. The other 21 aircraft managed to return having reached and attacked the target.
Combat reports AIR-50_195_138
Squadron Operations Summary April 1944 AIR-27_661_7
Squadron Operations Detail April 1944 AIR-27_661_8
Son of the Hon. Sir Charles Cyril Gerahty, Kt., K.C., and of Lady Gerahty (nee Murray), of Westminster, London, and of Supreme Court, Trinidad.
3rd Bn. Irish Guards
'21st April 1945.
A strong counter-attack, which was subsequently proved to have been made by the 2 Battalions of 104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment was launched, supported by artillery, mortars and self-propelled guns, on to the area Elsdorf-Wistedt shortly after first light. The situation was serious for a time, as a Platoon and a Troop occupying Wistedt were surrounded and cut off from the main body. Only one tank with the Tank's Commander and the Platoon commander with 4 men managed to get back to the company area.'
Unit war diary: WO 171/5148
Son of Robert and Ruby Lydia Gibbs, of Petra, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Football XL.
Bank Clerk.
467 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Avro Lancaster heavy bombers and formed part of No. 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command. It flew its first operation on 2 January 1943, laying mines off the French coast near Furze. It then conducted raids on Germany, France, Norway, Czechoslovakia, and Italy.
13th July 1943. This was a dark and dismal 13th for the squadron, for we lost 3 valuable crew, namely F/L Gibbs, F/O Mitchell and F/Sgt Chapman. F/L Gibbs was acting as Flight Commander at the time on the raid to Turin.
July 1943 Ops, AIR-27_1930_13
July 1943 Ops Detail AIR-27_1930_14
Son of Mary Henrietta Purkiss-Ginn, of Hornbeams, Bengeo, Hertford, England.
Bus. VI. School Prefect. Head of House.
'He was in the Vlth Form, a School Prefect and Head of House. In 1934 he was involved in a serious motor accident which left him with a head injury. This prevented his joining the Royal Air Force as he had intended. The war, however, enabled him to realise his ambition. He was accepted in the Royal Air Force and was sent to Canada to train under the Empire Air Training Scheme. ' (Malvernian, Dec 1941).
Son of Charles Algernon and Eva Mary Godwin, of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
House Prefect. Cricket XXII. Football XL.
H.M.S. Quebec. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
'Reported missing from Commando raid, Norway, May, 1943. Captured by Germans; interned Concentration Camp till February 2nd, 1945, when he and others were taken out and shot, "because he was English and the English were winning the war." (This news is from his twin brother Peter, Lieutenant Royal Tank Corps, who lost one leg and had the other badly smashed in action in N. Africa in '42, but is recovered and now ranching in S. America.) ' (Malvernian, Mar 1946).
Son of A. C. Goodall, Dalesbrook, Solihull.
Hist V. House Prefect. Gym. Colours. Swimming team.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
Barrister. In Business. Director, A. Goodall & Co. Ltd (Birmingham).
420 (R.C.A.F.) Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Manchester, Hampden, Wellington, Halifax, and Lancaster aircraft on strategic and tactical bombing operations.
On the night of May 27/28 1944, 27 aircraft were detailed to target Bourg-Leopold military camp in Belgium with the raid considered successful. A heavy ground fog prevented all aircraft from returning to base and were dispersed over many stations. One aircraft was considered damaged due to enemy fighter opposition, and one Halifax Bomber failed to return from operations and is presumed missing with 'B' Flight Commander S/L C.S. Beal and crew including that of P/O Goodall.
420 Squadron operation records book, May 1944: AIR 27_1826_7
Detail of operations: AIR 27_1826_8
Son of Gerald E. and Hikla C. O. Goodbody, of Lisnagry, Co. Limerick.
Hist V.
Actg. Leading Naval Airman.
H.M.S. Sea Born II. Royal Navy
Son of John David Power Goodwin and Marion Goodwin, Beggar's Bush, South Brent, Devon.
Army I. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
Husband of Dulce Beatrix Goodwin, of South Brent. Devon.
Welch Regiment. Cdg. 6th /10th Bn. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Bn.
The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
Son of Ian Barnett Gow (5. 09-12) and of Muriel Gow (nee Teacher), of Moffat, Dumfriesshire, and The Garth, Longdown Rd., Guildford.
Mod. Lan. VI. Sixth Form. XI Football.
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
2nd Bn. Scots Guards
He was killed by the blast of a shell in Kuhnen.
Unit war diary: WO 171/5149
Son of Herbert Stanley and Marion Grant, St Anthony, 15 Lathbury Rd, Oxford.
Hist VI. Martin History Prize. School Prefect.
Trinity College, Oxford.
Husband of Kathleen De Angelis Grant, of Tooting, Surrey.
10 O.T.U. Royal Air Force
Bomber training unit
Son of Dr H. Gray, Yew Tree, West Malling, Kent.
Sci VI.
University College, Oxford, B.A.
63 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew North American Mustangs.
Catterick. October 4th 1942
Squadron employed in Air Support Role in 11 Tank Bde exercise. Squadron Leader Gray was killed in a flying accident whilst taking part.
63 Squadron operation records: AIR 27_587_1
Son of Ferdinand Cecil and Alys Bertie Greatrex, of Lower Bourne, Surrey, and 72 Lissenden Mansions, Highgate Rd, NW5.
Mod. Lan VI. School Prefect. Head of House.
Trained with R.A.F. in Buluwayo. P/O.
Killed in Middle East on Dec. 15, 1943, when his Spitfire hit high-tension cable.
Son of Horace B. and Florence Greey, of Beoley, Worcestershire, England, and 41 St Agnes Rd., Moseley, Birmingham.
Mod Lan. V. House Prefect.
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers.
Reported Missing Aug. 1941; now known to have been killed with all his crew.
Wellington W.5656, with a crew of six, took off from Elsham at 22:15 on 5th August 1941 for operations over Frankfurt. A last W/T communication stating mission completed at 01:13 was received at 02:20 on the 6th. Six other aircraft from the Squadron successfully attacked the same target. There were no reports of other than the normal amount of flak and searchlight activity over enemy territory.
Telegrams from the International Red Cross state that all six members of the crew (Sergeant D M Greey - Captain, Sergeant J P Taylor (RCAF) - 2nd Pilot, Sergeant J Moules - Navigator, Sergeant F W Alleway - 1st W/T Operator, Sergeant R G G Griffin - 2nd W/T Operator, Sergeant C Deges - Air Gunner) were killed.
The aircraft crashed in the midst of a windstorm at 'Moscou' in the communue of Tardinghen. According to the proprietor of the farm, the aircraft exploded on touching the ground, and the wreckage was thrown over a considerable area.
This was Sgt Greey's fourteenth sortie as Captain with this crew, he had previously completed a further nine sorties as 2nd pilot.
Missing report: AIR 81/8104
Squadron operation records: AIR 27_813_41
Detailed records: AIR 27_813_42
Son of Henry Herbert Russell Gresham and of Gladys Elizabeth Gresham (nee Smethurst), c/o Falkland Islands Co., 61 Gracechurch St. Nephew of Irene Dunnett, of Boscombe, Bournemouth, Hampshire.
House Prefect. Swimming Team.
148 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers.
Missing as a result of air operations in Tobruk Harbour.
He was the 2nd Pilot in Wellington HD 947 with P/O S.C Pearson as the 1st Pilot, Sgt A.H. Threfall as the Navigator, F/Sgt D.D. Miller as the WO/AG, F/Sgt D.A. Miller as the F/Gnr and Sgt R.M.G. Banbury as the R/Gnr.
The aircraft set off at 22.35 for operations on Tobruk but failed to return.
Squadron operations, June 1942: AIR 27_994_37
Detailed operations: AIR 27_994_38
Son of Norman and Dorothy Hall, of Cold Ash, Berkshire, and Woodleigh, Bryan Rd., Edgerton, Huddersfield.
Football XI 1929,1930.
Artificial Silk Manufacturer.
Husband of Marigold Hall, of Filey, Yorkshire.
196 Bty., 65 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
'He was a Yorkshireman by birth, who might have appeared at first to strangers as shy and unforthcoming, but behind this apparent diffidence there was a real strength of character and a keen almost anxious enthusiasm: to his intimates he gave a simple, loyal and disinterested friendship. As a leading member of the School Football team for two years, particularly of the 1930 team with its brilliantly successful record, he was given a prominence which never in the least affected his natural modesty. He left School at seventeen and started at once on a successful business career in the North. Always a good son and a good brother, he had married recently and it was his ambition that his young son should follow him to his old School. F.S.P.' (Malvernian, March 1942)
Son of Edwin Richard and Eveline Hallifax, of The Warren, Mayfield, Sussex.
Army VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Cricket XL.
Cranwell.
Son of H. E. Hamon. 180 Newmarket Rd, Norwich, Norfolk
Mod. Lan. VI. Hansell French. Senior Prefect. Cadet Officer
Killed on active service in Norwich, May 1941
Son of Robin Percy and Margaret E. Hamp, of Forest Row, Sussex, and 19 Russell Rd, W14. Solicitor.
Hist VI. Burke Military Prize. School Prefect. Head of House. Cadet Officer. Cricket XI. Boxing Colours '33, '34 (Capt.). Ledbury Cap.
3 H.A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
Previously reported P.O.W., Malaya, now reported died.
'On two separate occasions, at BATU PAHAT (in Malaysia) on 15 Jan 1942 and at AYER HITAM from 6 - 21 Jan, this officer displayed outstanding leadership in keeping his four gun section in action under heavy bombing and machine gun attacks by hostile aircraft. Later his section on its final position at ANSON ROAD sustained repeated heavy and accurate bombing attacks, which caused casualties to both men and equipment. Lt. Hamp kept his guns in action and firing accurately up to the last moment,
The high morale of this section was due in very large measure to the example of courage and steadiness under fire shown by this officer.'
MC Citation WO-373_47_185
Son of H. F. Hampshire, Caixa 10, Santos, Brazil.
In business (Exporting) with E. Johnston & Co.
Returned from Brazil.
141 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew on long range intruder operations with Beaufighters over occupied Europe, using the Serrate radar detector, while based at RAF West Raynham in Norfolk.
He took off at 23:19 on the 27th June 1944 in Mosquito FII HJ941 (X) together with W/O AAW Melrose to go on Serrate patrol to Northern France on his first sortie with the squadron and did not return.
141 Squadron operations, June 1944: AIR 27_971_11
Detailed operations: AIR 27_971_12
Son of Major Charles Chetwode Hardy, and of Edith Georgina Hardy (nee Potter), 21 Armour Hill, Tilehurst, Nr Reading.
Army VI. School Prefect.
Cranwell.
Husband of H. Margaret Hardy, of Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire.
A.D.C. to H.M. King George VI from 1st October 1944.
The following appreciation is taken from The Times:— To those who knew Air Commodore S. H. Hardy, C.B.E., who was appointed Commandant of the Officers' Advanced Training School at Cranwell in March, 1944, the news of his untimely death at the Royal Air Force Hospital, Rauceby, on 9 April, after an illness lasting several weeks, will have come as a great shock.
During his 21 years' service Stephen Hardy, with his huge stature, became well known in the service, and wherever he went his pleasant personality endeared him to all. He had great faith in the future of the Royal Air Force, and his high ideals and personal example were always an inspiration to those who served with him.
His good work during his last year at Cranwell had already made itself felt, and it came as no surprise to those who knew him when his ability and personal integrity were recognized by his appointment in October, 1944, as an additional Air Aide-de- Camp to the King.
Stephen Hardy never spared himself where duty was concerned. It is true to say that but for his determination to carry on his important work at Cranwell, in spite of the fact that he knew he was a sick man, he might well have been alive to-day. Courteous, sincere, and charming, Stephen Hardy was a fine friend and an able officer whom the service could ill afford to lose at this time. His early death while still in his prime is a great loss to the Royal Air Force and to the many friends that he leaves behind.
Son of Kenneth J. and Ruth Harper, of Ballacolla, Co. Leix, Irish Republic, and Ozleworth Pk., Wotton-under-Edge, Glos.
School Prefect. XI Football. Ledbury Cap. Athletic Colours. L.-Sergt. In O.T.C.
2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars
Royal Armoured Corps
His Major writes: "The squadron had to stand up to some 150 enemy tanks and we had to take some heavy punishment. John as usual was right up at the front and giving them everything he had got until he was killed instantaneously by a small-arms bullet. He was far and away my best Troop Leader and his wonderful keenness and complete fearlessness was a grand example and inspiration to all." Those of us who knew John Harper at School would have expected nothing less. (Malvernian, March 1942)
Son of Edward Key Harvey (O.M.) and Nina Jessie Harvey, 88 Colemere Ct. SW5.
Merchant in Singapore.
Husband of Constance Ermentrude Harvey, of Critchmere, Surrey.
1st (Singapore Volunteer Corps) Bn. Straits Settlements Volunteer Force
Son of Mr. Justice A. A. R. Hathorn and V. G. Hathorn, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa, and 9 Northumberland Avenue WC2.
Hist V. House Prefect. Athletic Colours.
Sidney Sussex, Cambridge, whence he returned to his home in Pietermaritzburg.
The 1st Royal Natal Carbineers, S.A. Forces
Son of the Hon. Mr Justice K H Hathorn and Agnes E Hathorn, of Pietermaritzburg; husband of Alice R Hathorn, of Pietermaritzburg. M.A. (Cantab.). LL.B. (South Africa).
Matric. Class. School Prefect. Shooting VIII 1909-12 (Capt. 1911, 1912). Football XXII. Cadet Officer.
Gonville and Caius, Cambridge. B.A., LL.B. (S. Africa).
Advocate of South African Supreme Court.
Royal Natal Carbineers, S.A. Forces
attd. 5th. S.A Bde.
Mentioned in Despatches
'Served in the last war 1914-19. Lieut. 6th Dragoon Guards. Despatches. Was serving in this war in N. Africa and died whilst on leave.' (Malvernian, Dec 1943)
Son of G. H. Simpson-Hayward (1.94) and Mrs. M. Simpson-Hayward of Kemerton, Worcestershire, and Icomb Place, Stow-on-the-Wold, Glos.
Sci V. Gale Entomology Prize. School Prefect. Cricket XXII. Football XXII.
'He was a School Prefect and in the XXII both at Cricket and Football. He inherited his father's interest in Natural History and won the Gale Entomology Prize. After leaving school he became a Tea Planter in Ceylon and returned home to join the R.A.F.' (Malvernian, Dec 1941).
Son of Lt.-Col. Henry Hemsted and Muriel Hope Hemsted, of Naivasha, Kenya and Hilton Park, Wolverhampton.
Hist. VI. School Prefect. Cricket XL.
18 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Blenheim bombers and from 1943–45 supported the allied advance through Italy.
He was the pilot in Boston 'K' Z.2234. He took off from Pomigliano at 03:30 on the night of the 17/18th January 1944 but crashed shortly after take-off with all four member of the crew killed. (F/L R.H.R. Hemsted, F/S H.F. Tolliday, P/O R. Hepworth, F/S T. Campbell).
18 Squadron operation records: AIR 27_245_1
Detailed records: AIR 27_245_2
Son of Frank and Agnes Maud Henshall, of Prestatyn, Flintshire.
Army VI.
Sandhurst 1939.
Accidentally drowned on active service in Austria.
'On the night of the 23/24th (October 1944?) Capt Henshall was commanding D Coy 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers during the attack on Pt 380 and M. Spaduro, when almost on Pt 380, on the capture of which depended the success of the whole operation, D Coy, leading coy, came under heavy MG fire at 20 yds range. At once the leading Pl Comd and 5 men were hit and the attack faltered. At once Capt Henshall appreciated the position and armed only with a pistol rushed to the head of his coy and led a furious charge onto the objective sweeping aside all opposition. Shortly afterwards the coy was counter-attacked. Capt Henshall personally organised the defence from a most exposed position continually shouting orders and encouragement to his men. The posn was held. The coy remained on the posn for a further five days continually subjected to enemy shelling and mortar fire and in most appalling weather conditions.
Throughout Capt Henshall showed great energy and initiative directing operations from most exposed positions and continually harassing the enemy with every means at his disposal.
By his complete disregard for his own safety and his unfailing initiative, energy and cheerfulness in the most difficult conditions this officer contributed greatly to the success of the Bn operation and was an unfailing example and source of inspiration.'
MC Citation WO-373_11_440
Son of L. J. Hicks (9.02), The Nook, 13 Audley End, Folkestone
Math. VI.
22 Squadron, RAF.
22 Squadron moved to RAF North Coates in Lincolnshire on 8 April 1940, flying its first operational sorties from that base on 15 April when nine Beauforts set out to lay mines off the mouth of the River Elbe. In this role, the unit flew sorties over the North Sea from North Coates, Thorney Island, St Eval and Portreath.
Flying Officer R L Hicks: killed; Sergeant R E Cree, Flight Sergeant J A Faill, Flight Sergeant W Mitchell: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from operational flight over English Channel, Beaufort N1147, 22 Squadron, 6 April 1941.
Missing report: AIR 81/5710
Wikipedia
Son of Robert P. Holland and Flora D. Holland, of Whitemere, Grange Rd., Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire.
In business (Dept. Manager).
Capt. 6th Cheshire Regt.
'On leaving Malvern he spent 18 months in Germany, studying the language and German business methods. After his return he took up a business appointment in Manchester. After his return to England John Holland took a prominent part in the athletic life of the Manchester district, playing Rugby Football, Lacrosse, Tennis and Squash. He joined a Territorial Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment before the War, in which he served with characteristic cheerfulness and enthusiasm. He died while on Active Service, somewhere in the South of England.' (Malvernian, Dec 1941).
Unit war diary: WO 166/4195
Son of Buckley Holmes and of Ethel Maud Holmes (nee Wensley), Cannock Park, Deganwy, North Wales.
Hits. VI. School Prefect.
The Queen's College, Oxford (1st Class Jurisprudence).
Civil Servant in Northern Ireland Government.
Husband of Dorothy Margaret Probert Holmes (nee Newman), of Belfast. B.A.
502 Sqdn. Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force)
The squadron flew patrols in the Atlantic off the Irish Coast with Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys.
'Behind an attractive diffidence of manner, he concealed a strong determination and this enabled him to take a good position in both House and School and claim the respect of his contemporaries. He had good abilities as shown by his first class at Oxford and his career was full of promise. Though no athlete, he had a good physique and some years ago took up flying as a member of the R.A.F. Reserve. While he was always content with a small circle of friends, it is certain that at Malvern he never had an enemy. F.S.P. ' (Malvernian, Mar 1941).
Whitley aircraft P.5041 took off from Aldergrove on 23rd January 1941 for Escort Duty, HG 50, and crashed near Campbletown, Mull of Kintyre on return from escort duty.
All the crew were killed and consisted of Captain F/Lt P.L. Billing , 2nd Pilot P/O A.P.B Holmes, Navigator Sgt A.R. Booker, W.T. Sgt H Pilling, A.G Sgt D.J.P. Bradley.
Squadron operation records, Jan 1941: AIR 27_1958_1
Detailed records: AIR 27_1958_2
Son of Geoffrey Wyville Home and Ethel Constance Home, Fig Street House, Sevenoaks, Kent.
House Prefect.
445 Bty., 65 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
Born 26 Mar 1906, Sydney, Australia. Son of Anthony Shubra Hordern & Edith Hordern, Holmwood Lo., Dorking, and 8 Wimbledon Close, SW19.
House Prefect
Stock Exchange
prev. exp. 740 hrs on "Henley, Hart, Demon, Phoenix, Wellington, Harrow, Percival Q.6"
RAFVR 31 Jan 1940 - 27 Jun 1942 (Flt-Lt, 214 Sqn)
ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) 29 Jan 1943 to 7 Apr 1943
He died as a result of a car accident.
Cremation at Woking on Sat Dec 16th 1944.
Memorial photo
References:
Thanks to Terry Mace, via email in Nov 2022, for supplying more details such as his time in the ATA and the cause of his death. Further information on his website.
www.ata-ferry-pilots.org
Son of Ernest Joseph and Emma Hubbard, of Stoneygate, Leicester, and Stoughton Lodge, Stoughton Rd., Leicester.
Football XL.
115 Field Regt. Royal Artillery.
He was listed as being in 134 I.B.G.H (Hospital) in February and May 1945.
Unit war diary: WO 172/7416
Son of Ernest Joseph and Emma Hubbard, of Stoughton Lodge, Stoughton Rd., Leicester.
Football XL.
106 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hampdens in a training role.
A Hampden X.3154 from RAF Finningley at 20:45 (dark) on 21/12/1940 flew into hillside and caught fire near Castleton Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. P/O M Hubbard, Sgt Smith, Sgt Perkins, Sgt Davey - all dead. Complete wreck. Cause of low flying unknown.
Accident report
Squadron Operation records, Dec 1940: AIR 27_831_31
Detailed records
Son of Arthur Mitchell Hughes, and of Emily Hughes, of Hale, Cheshire, and Holmside, St. Margaret's Rd., Bowdon, Cheshire.
House Prefect.
With Manchester Ship Canal Co.
3. H.A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
Captured by Japanese, November, 1942. Died in hospital in Rangoon after being released from P.O.W. camp.
Son of Cdr. J. F. Hutchings, D.S.O., R.N., Wake's House, Havant, Hants.
Mod. Lan. V.
'Jim Hutchings had that lively disposition which gets the best out of life, and into his short career he had crammed a variety of enterprise and experience.
Coming to Malvern as an Exhibitioner in 1931, he left early to take advantage of a Scholarship for a year's study at Pomfret School, Connecticut, where he thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the kindness and hospitality with which he was everywhere received. But he was equally pleased, on his return to England, to start in business with a firm of Optical and Naval Instrument Manufacturers, which brought him in touch with the sea. For one of his main interests had always been the Royal Navy, in which his father had served; and in 1938, appreciating the drift towards war, he joined the R.N.V.R.
At the outbreak of war he was called up to complete his training, and then posted to H.M.S. Gurkha, in which he was serving in April, 1940, when she was sunk by enemy air attack in the Kattegat.
It was a tragically short career in the Service, for with his enthusiasm and efficiency there can be no doubt that he had the makings of a first-rate Naval Officer; and all his friends will join us in the deepest sympathy for his parents and his family in their loss. ' (Malvernian, July 1940).
Son of Sir Charles Igglesden, D.L., J.P., F.S.A., F.J.I., and of Lady Igglesden (nee Swatman), of Heathfield, Ashford, Kent.
House Prefect. Cricket XL. Football XL.
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Husband of Muriel Dorothy Ethel Igglesden, of Liverpool.
South Staffordshire Regiment.
He served in the same regiment with the same rank, 1914-18.
Son of N. H. Illingworth, Middle Hill, Hook Heath, Woking, Surrey.
Sci. V. House Prefect. Rackets Pair.
Stockjobber.
1st Air landing Sqd. Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
Prisoner of War, Calais, June 1940.
Eldest son of Frederick Bernard Jacomb (§ 01) and Mary E. G. Jacomb, of Eastbury Manor, Hallow, Worcester.
House Prefect.
Solictor's Articled Clerk.
19th Field Regt. Royal Artillery
'After leaving school he became articled to a solicitor and joined the 6th South Midland Brigade of Territorial Artillery, in which he proved himself a keen and efficient officer.' (Malvernian, July 1940).
Died from illness contracted during service in France
Son of Frank and Marion James, 17 Amhurst Pl, Stamford Hill.
School Prefect. F. XI.
Jesus, Camb.
Barrister, Inner Temple.
Assistant Master at Seabrook Lo., Hythe.
Planter, F.M.S.
1st Great War, Capt., Middlesex Regt., M.C. with Bar.;
Husband of Juliet James, of Dalkeith, Western Australia.
Negri Sembilan Local Defence Corps
Only son of Howard Frederick and Madeleine Hall Jeavons, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, and 62 Cotton Lane, Moseley, Birmingham.
Bus VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Cricket XXII.
Queen's College, Cambridge.
77 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery attd. 7th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment
He was killed during the attack on the village of Dawete in Burma along with 2 other officers and 15 men.
Unit war diary: WO 172/7676
Son of the Hon. Mr. Justice Mirza A.A. Khan, and of Gertrude Harriet Mirza Khan, of Headington, Oxford and Alexandra House, Ballard Estate, Bombay.
Foundation Scholar St Pauls School, London.
Manson Scholar, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
86 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Coastal Command. Captain of a Beaufort Torpedo Bomber.
He was the P/O of a Beaufort II 'A' AW.253, with crew members of Sgt Denham, Sgt, McLaty, and Sgt Turnbull. He took off at 16:54 from St Eval in Cornwall on the 2nd February 1942 for a Strike with two other aircraft in his squadron, 'G' and 'Q'. A/C G/86 flew in formation with 'A' and 'Q'. In position 4558 (STE/06/2/2 and PL/G8/2/2) a tanker estimated 5000 tons escorted by 2 armed trawlers was sighted approx 4 miles ahead on Westerly course at 3 knots. A/C continued formation for 30 secs then broke and attacked. A/C 'G' released torpedo from 70 ft, 900 yards from target and took avoiding action from Red Flak, all ships having opened up just prior to attack. A/C 'Q' was observed by rear gunner to fall into sea in flames. 'A' was last seen on Northerly course far ahead of 'G' flying normally.
A/C 'G' landed at base at 18.55.
A/C 'A' and 'Q' failed to return and crew are missing.
86 Squadron operation records, Feb 1942: AIR-27-708-20
Detailed records: AIR-27-708-21
He does not seem to appear in operations for the previous two months, so it could have been his first mission.
c/o Mrs Price, Cartref, 69 Gresham Rd, Staines.
5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards
Royal Armoured Corps
Only son of John Christopher Laidlay (§.08) and Maud Laidlay, Lindores, Newburgh, Fife and of Perth.
254 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Bristol Blenheims, part of Coastal Command, patrolling the North Sea, convoy escort work, and reconnaissance.
'At school he was chiefly remarkable for his initiative and spirit of adventure, an ideal temperament for a Pilot Officer.' (Malvernian, Dec 1940).
The aircraft Blenheim IV N.3608 piloted by P/O Laidlay collided with Blenheim N.3529 in the air at 2000-3000 feet, caught fire and dived into the ground vertically when it is presumed the petrol tanks exploded as parts of the aircraft are scattered over a radius of 50 yards. The main part of the fuselage and engines are buried about 8 feet deep, and it continued to burn until extinguished by a spring of water burst by the aircraft. Nothing left to salvage, except scrap.
There was apparently no attempt to use parachutes and all occupants were killed.
From eye witness accounts the aircraft were practising attacks approximately 8 miles north of Dyce aerodrome in Aberdeenshire. The wing fell off one machine and the other aircraft caught fire, and crashed 1 mile apart.
The pilots concerned were recent arrivals at the Squadron and were being trained for operational duties. They had previously carried out attacks both single and in formation.
Accident report
Son of William Gilchrist Fletcher Laurie and Clarissa Mary Laurie, Uplands, Swakeley's Rd., Ickenham, Middlesex.
Bus. VI. School Prefect. Swimming VIII '39, '40 (Capt.). Sergt. in Corps.
H.M.S. Condor. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (Fleet Air Arm).
Temporary Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A) A F Laurie, RNVR and Temporary Sub-Lieutenant (A) G C Morrison, RNVR: report of deaths in an aircraft accident.
Ref: ADM 358/744
Son of Ernest Louis and Agnes Mary Lee, Moor Park Farm House, Rickmansworth.
Army I. Heywood Prize, School Prefect, Head of House. Cricket XL. Football XL. Cadet Officer.
Woolwich.
R.G.A 1913. Captain 1917. Major 1932.
Husband of Barbara A. A. Lee, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
'Brig. E. A. Lee, C.C.M.A. Anzac Corps. This officer commanded the Amyntaion Detachment during its early stages. He also commanded the Domokos Detachment which held a very important rearguard position during the withdrawal to the Thermopylae Line. No sooner was this task finished, than he was appointed Commander Peloponnese and finally he found himself organising yet another rearguard at Monemvasia under cover of which the final evacuation was successfully carried out.
To all these tasks he addressed himself with untiring energy and his cool judgment under heavy air and occasional ground attack was largely responsible for the success of the operations he was engaged in.'
DSO Citation WO-373_27_385
Son of Henry Bevington Legge and Edith Blythne Legge, 59 Carlisle Mansions, Carlisle Pl., SW1.
Mod. V. School Prefect. Head of House. Cricket XI, 1921, 22 (Captain).
Brasenose College Oxford. B.A., 1926. Played for Oxford at Cricket, 1925, 26 (Captain). Kent County C.C. Captain, 1928-30. M.C.C. Team, South Africa, 1926. New Zealand, 1929.
In his first year as Captain, when he was the youngest Captain in first class cricket, Kent were second in the County Championship.
Director of H. B. Legge & Sons, Paper Agents (Cannon St.).
Husband of Rosemary Katharine Legge, of Cranbrook, Kent.
H.M.S. Vulture. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
The following personal tribute appeared in The Times:
May I be allowed to add a few words to your notice of Geoffrey Legge? There is little need to say more about his cricket (which owed much to Frank Woolley) except that he went to South Africa with Stanyforth's M.C.C. XI in 1927-28 and to New Zealand and Australia with the M.C.C. XI under Harold Gilligan in 1929-30, and that on that tour he made a brilliant 196 in the Test Match at Auckland. While he was at Brasenose he was a keen motorist. He was indeed selected to represent Oxford against Cambridge in the motor races and was in consequence almost prevented owing to an accident from leading Oxford against Cambridge at Lord's in 1926. When he abandoned the cricket fields for business, Legge became an ardent airman, bought his own aeroplane, secured his own aerodrome, and made many business flights over Europe. The knowledge of Europe which he acquired from the air and his own personal experience he placed at the disposal of the Government at the time of the crisis in 1938, and in 1939 he immediately joined the Fleet Air Arm. Six days before his death he was promoted Lieutenant-Commander. In 1939 he married Rosemary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Frost—the happiest event of a happy life.
But his friends will remember him first and foremost not for his cricket or for his airmanship but for his personality. Though probably not technically good-looking, there was something about his presence which arrested attention—slim, debonair, invariably neat, and with a merry twinkle in his eye, he lent grace to any society in which he found himself. He was of equable temperament, but always knew his own mind and had the strength of character to act upon his own judgment. Quiet and undemonstrative, he never revealed so much of his inner self but that you wanted to know more. His silences were more companionable than the loquaciousness of most other men. He never wore his heart on his sleeve. He did not make friends easily or lightly, but I doubt whether he ever lost a friend once he had made one. Punctilious in keeping all his engagements, loyalty was the keynote of his character. After he had served some months with the Fleet Air Arm he declared: "The Navy are 100 per cent fine men." The Navy on their part must have welcomed Geoffrey to their fellowship as a recruit who would uphold the highest traditions of their Service. But his loss will be most sorely felt by those who knew him longest.
(Malvernian, Dec 1940).
Son of Melling and Beatrice Lever, of Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, Caernarvonshire, and Copleydene, Ebberston Rd., Colwyn Bay.
116 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches
'He had been detailed to give close support to an Infantry Battalion engaged in clearing the town of Hertogenbosh, and after three days of very successful fighting he was killed by machine-gun fire. His Colonel writes:— "A more gallant death could not be imagined . . . And his work in those last few days was outstandingly brilliant."
Killed on Oct. 30th, 1944, while commanding a troop of Light A.A. Battery in Holland.' (Malvernian, Mar 1945)
Unit war diary: WO 171/1133
Son of Sidney John and Clara Lister, of Formby, Merseyside, and Sandycroft, Freshfield, nr Liverpool.
School Prefect. XI Football and Cricket.
Husband of Elsie M. Lister.
Son of E. Liversidge, Lynwood, Oxford Rd, Dewsbury.
Math VI. School Prefect. F. XXII.
Scholar, Trinity, Camb. 1st Cl. Math. Trip.
Husband of Joan Liversidge, of Marylebone, London. B.A. (Cantab.).
405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
(Converted from Wellington bombers to the Handley Page Halifax in April 1942, taking part in the historic 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne on the night of 30/31 May 1942.)
F/Lt Liversidge was the Captain of a Halifax II ('H') with Sgts Bradbrook (Navigator), Alcazar (Observer), Dearlove (Wireless Operator), Foot (A/G), Druommond (A/G) and McFee (A/G).
He took off at 23:04 on the 29th June 1942 from RCAF Pocklington in Yorkshire for a bombing attack on Bremen along with 9 other aircraft in his squadron. His aircraft was one of three that did not return.
Operation records, June 1942: AIR 27_1787_25
Detailed records: AIR 27_1787_26
Son of Algernon Knight Lofts, and of Ethelind Minnie Lofts, of Warminster, Wiltshire, and Broxbornebury, Broxbourne, Herts.
Sci. V.
Estate Agent (Articled).
Husband of Alma Lofts, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
2nd Bn. Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
He is mentioned in the list of officers on the 28 Aug and 25 Sep but not the 6th Nov 1943.
Unit war diary: WO 169/10175
Son of Alexander Graham Low and Annie Low, 9 Holland Park.
Husband of Susan Mary Low, of Farnham, Surrey.
57 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers from November 1940.
He was the Air Gunner in a Wellington III X.3653 together with Captain W/C P-Smith, Observer F/O Hodson, 1st W/T Sgt Moses, and 2nd W/T Sgt Drysdale. The aircraft took off at 15:30 on the 27th July 1942 for a bombing raid over Bremen but failed to return.
57 Squadron Operation records, July 1942
Detailed records
Son of R. C. MacDougall, Enborne Grange, Newbury, Berks.
Army I. School Prefect. C.XL. Boxing Cols.
Sandhurst (Boxing Capt.).
Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
British Isles Pentathlon at Los Angeles 1932. Army officers (India) L. Weight (33), Feather-Weight (34) Champion.
Husband of J. M. McDougall, of Newbury, Berkshire.
2nd Gt. War, W/Cdr., R.A.F. D.F.C.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following
awards, in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the
enemy:— Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Squadron Leader Jeffrey
McDougall (25059), No. 110 Squadron.
In 1939, 110 Squadron was posted to Wattisham and on 4 September 1939 Nos. 110
and 107 Squadron led the first RAF raid of the war against Wilhelmshaven. The
squadron flew Bristol Blenheim bombers and was mainly involved in anti-shipping
strikes during the early part of the war, before being posted to India in March
1942.
Wikipedia
Dec 1942 Operations AIR-27_858_32
Son of David James Mackay, and of Lucy Mackay (nee Thompson).
Science I. School Prefect. Shooting VIII.
Wadham College, Oxford.
Great War 1914-18 (overseas), Private R.E. Major, Queen Victoria's Rifles.
Husband of Lucie Mackay (nee Sarazin).
Fl./Lt. R.A.F.V.R. Died at British Military Hospital, Delhi, Oct. 1944.
Son of Mrs Maclean, Heybridge, Prestbury, Macclesfield.
Math V. House Prefect. Cricket XI 1935-36. XL Football.
38 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
The squadron flew Wellington Bombers.
Missing believed killed, the other members of the crew being prisoners of war.
Missing report:
The Wellington Mark IC Q, R. 3219, with a bomb load of nine 230 lb N.D.T, one small bomb container with sixty 4lb incendiary bombs and one 5.5. flare left base at 1904 hours for target A.77 on the 30th September 1940.
'Gerald Hipping, the Navigator, stated:
Our machine, containing P/O Maclean crashed and exploded somewhere along a position line joining Osnabruck and
Diepholg.
After capture I was taken to Diepholg aerodrome and there met the Hun who had shot me down. His name was Streib and he received the
Iron Cross for his achievement of shooting down four British machines in quick succession on the same night - 30/9/40.'
The crew were 1st Pilot - P/O Maclean, 2nd Pilot - Sgt S Williams, Navigator - Sgt G Tipping, W/Operator - Sgt V. F. Gammon, Tail Gunner - P/O Mathieson, Front Gunner - Sgt J Hamilton.
P/O Maclean was still in the aircraft when Sgt Gammon, who was the last of the crew, safely went out. The aircraft blew up a second later in the air.
Missing Report: Air 81/3568
Son of Lt-Cdr. A. D. L. Macpherson, The Rabbits. Cottesbrooke, Northampton.
Ledbury Cap.
No. 40 R.M. Commando. Royal Marines
On the 24th September 1944, 40 Commando arrived from Monopoli in Italy to Sugar Beach near Sarande as part of 'Houndforce' which had orders to attack and capture the port of Sarande in Albania. The weather conditions were appalling with 2 weeks of torrential rain.
On the 4th October 1944, Captain MacPherson was in charge of a patrol which resulted in the successful attack of a German enemy patrol near Yoke beach.
On the 9th October 1944, Captain Macpherson was the officer commanding Q Troop which was ordered to attack Pt 261 just before Sarande. He was killed at 07.55. Sarande was subsequently captured that day.
Account of action by George Samuel Slim:
'On returning to 507, Q Troop were ordered to take 261 with one officer — Captain McPherson. We moved under the cover of darkness and attacked. We encountered bullets, tracer armour-piercing stick grenades. Our Captain was killed along with Marine St Ange, others were wounded.'
BBC People's War
40 Commando Unit war diary Oct 1944: ADM 202/87
Details and Map showing Sugar and Yoke Beach
Son of Leonard and Adele Mager, of Hoxne, Suffolk, and of Tilehurst, Furze Hill, Purley, Surrey.
Baldwin Geog. Prize. House. Prefect. Swimming Cols. F.XL
Insurance Broker (Lloyds).
Husband of Meriel Townshend Mager, of Tiverton, Devon.
165 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
He was killed in a traffic accident along with a fellow officer when their Scout car overturned near Castiglione in Sicily.
Unit war diary: WO 170/975
Son of Robert Pentland Mahaffy, and of the Hon. Mrs. Mahaffy, of Greatash, Chislehurst, Kent
Class. VI. Warrington Exhib. Senior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Cadet Officer. Fielder Exhib. For Greek,
Exhibitioner of King's College, Cambridge.
1st Bn. Irish Guards
'Tuesday 27th April 1943
The Battalion took part in the attack on the hills to the East of Djebel Bou Aoukaz, the objectives being Pts 212, 214 with zero hour at 16:00.
The Bn was subjected to continuous fire from shells, M/Gs, mortars, and, peculiarly unpleasant, six-barrel mortars. The Bn advanced in broad daylight, across an open yellow cornfield and finally reached an Olive Grove. This grove gave little shelter, and was in addition, a German registered mortar task.
19:00. By now the Coys were very weak - the cornfield and olive groves were strewn with wounded men.'
Unit war diary: WO 175/488
Son of Harry Montague Mann and Dorothy Fleming Mann, c/o Arnold & Co., Shanghai.
Husband of Dorothy Mary Mann, of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty.
In business in China.
Killed near Long Stop Hill, N. Africa.
'Chassart
30th April 1943. 12:15. A Mk IV with a 75mm gun appeared round right-hand side of Pt 177 and knocked out tank commanded by Sjt Elliott, also holed Lieut Mann's tank. Crew of former tank evacuated and went to ground but crew of latter stayed put and co-driver drove tank back out of action but unfortunately it overturned in oued at the bottom of the hill.
Casualties during the day: Killed: Lieut R.P.M. Mann and two O.Rs.'
Unit war diary: WO 175/294
Son of John Scott Marshall and Florence Jane Marshall. c/o Miss Wagstaff, Fieldways, Claverton Down, Bath.
Math. V.
King's College, London and Cambourne School of Mines.
Son of H. Marston, Blue Border, Mudeford, Hants.
House Prefect. Ledbury Cap.
H.M.S. Poulmic. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
'He was for some years in India with the Burma Shell Company and later in business in England. His most conspicuous activity at school was swimming, for which he also won several prizes in India. Always fond of the sea, at the outbreak of War he joined up as A.B. on a minesweeper, was promoted to Lieutenant and was in charge of several sweepers when his boat was sunk.' (Malvernian, Mar 1941).
Son of Richard de Kirklavington Maynard (O.M.) and Susan B. Maynard, of The Quarry, Ebberston, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
Hist VI. House Prefect. Sixth Form.
185 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Fighter squadron in the Mediterranean from May 1941. Converted from Hurricanes to Spitfires in May 1942.
P/O Maynard took off on 22nd November at 06.10 in Spitfire EP696 as the leader of two aircraft on an Ante 'E' Boat Patrol off the coast of Sicily. Whilst returning to base, flying at sea level, he crashed into the sea about 6 miles south west of Pachino. No trace of pilot or wreckage found.
185 Squadron Operational record, Nov 1942
Detail AIR-27_1140_22
Son of Sidney Alfred and Florence Medwin, of Cookham, Berkshire, and Rosedene, Abbotswood, Guildford.
Son of R. Mills, 29 Liverpool Rd., Chester.
House Prefect. Football XXII. Cricket XL.
Son of Ralph and Gwendoline Milnes, The Old Bank House, Worksop, Notts.
Senior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Cadet Officer. Football XL
Exeter College, Oxford. (2nd Cl., Jurisprudence). Solicitor to Essex County Council.
Husband of Cynthia Milnes, of Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire. B.A.(Oxon.).
9th Queen's Royal Lancers Royal Armoured Corps
'2nd November 1942.
The regiment deployed just before first light under heavy shell-fire. It was soon obvious that 9th Brigade were having a terrific battle - A.P. tracer and burning Sherman and Grant Tanks all along the skyline. We pushed on up to them, and they withdrew through us. The rest of the day was quite undoubtedly the most unpleasant we have ever spent. The track from Aqqaqir to Sidi Abd El Rahman was the line held by the German A/Tank Guns, with a strong backing of tanks. Being leading regiment we were fired at continually by 88mm and 105mm guns from S.W., West and N.W., R.H.Q. appearing to be at the apex of all three lines of fire. It was not safe to even look out of the top of a tank, let alone get out: and we were compelled to sit indoors all day with no food or brew-ups.
'B' and 'C' Squadrons repulsed no less than six enemy tank attacks during the day, and the regiment finished with a score of 31, of which 21 were set alight, 5 A/Tank Guns (including one 88mm) and one Boche who had the impudence to ride a motor-cycle across the front of 'A' Squadron.
The officer casualties started early: Major C.D. Meyrick was slightly wounded in the head; 2/Lt J.T. Milne was also hit and evacuated.'
Unit war diary: WO 169/4481
Son of L. S. Milward (2.78-84), of Stoberry, Malvern.
Math V. House Prefect.
Surveyor with Berks and Radnor C.C.
Farmer in Argentine.
Sapper, R.E. Served in France, N. Africa, Syria and Palestine. Invalided.
Son of Trevor Llewelyn Mort and Ethel Mary Mort, Fernhill, Treherbert, Glamorgan.
Hist V. House Prefect.
Selwyn College, Cambridge. B.A. (Law Tripos) 1935.
Husband of Pamela Evelyn Beatrix Mort, of Sketty, Swansea.
23 Field Regt. Royal Artillery. Mentioned in Despatches.
He was in charge of 90 Bty and was killed in action when the forward area near Thala in Tunisia was shelled.
Unit war diary: WO 175/329
Son of William Henry and Rose Winifred Moss, of Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Rackets Pair. Cricket XI 1928- (Capt. '29, '30).
Trinity College, Oxford, B.A. (2nd Cl. Mod. History). Golf Blue, 1931-34 (Capt. '33).
Schoolmaster at St David's Reigate and Radley College.
61 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Bomber squadron. Flew Lancasters from May 1942.
The Warden of Radley (Mr. J. C. Vaughan Wilkes) wrote the following for The Times: — 'Squadron Leader E. H. Moss, D.F.C., whose death was recently reported, was killed in March of last year at the age of 32. He was educated at Hawtreys', at Malvern, and at Trinity College, Oxford; and was a master at Radley College from 1936 until war broke out, when he joined The Wiltshire Regiment. He was promoted captain in 1940, but in 1941 transferred to the R.A.F. After being trained as a pilot, he was for some time an instructor, and then flew a number of operational flights in Lancasters. He was awarded the D.F.C. shortly before his death. At Malvern Jimmy Moss was in the cricket XI for four years, captain of cricket his last two years, and in the rackets pair.
At Oxford he narrowly missed his cricket "blue"—many people would agree that he amply deserved it. He was a beautiful bat and a rapid scorer. He played four years for the University at golf, and was captain his last two years—and a very good player he was. He came "down" with a good degree in history and became a schoolmaster—an extraordinarily good one, beloved by all who knew him, boys and masters. His capacity for seeing always the best in other people, his modesty, his high sense of duty, won instant admiration and affection. He was always natural, genuine, and sincere, giving himself heart and soul to whatever he had to do, and surprised if others seemed grateful for services which he regarded as obvious and simple duties.
The high standard he set himself was infectious and inspiring, so that it was natural for all who knew him to respond with the best they had to give. Many who heard him talk of Bomber Command will remember how moving was his enthusiasm for his service, his admiration of his brother airmen from all parts of the Empire and America, his warm appreciation of the ground crews that served him—in fact, his whole love of humanity and humble thankfulness to God.'
'Air Ministry, 24th March, 1944. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve
the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy — Distinguished Flying Cross:
Acting Squadron Leader, Edward Henry Moss (106228), Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve, No. 61 Squadron. This officer has completed very many sorties, and
on 5 occasions has attacked Berlin. - On one of these sorties, when returning
from the German capital, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The front
and mid-upper turrets were damaged, the flaps and the tail trim were rendered
unserviceable and a tyre on one of the landing wheels was punctured but Squadron
Leader Moss brought his aircraft safely back to an airfield and effected a safe
landing. This officer has displayed great leadership, skill and courage, setting a fine example to all.'
The Gazette
Combat report AIR-50_191_77
Son of William Hall Moxey and Margaret Lawrence Moxey, 111 Gresham House, Old Broad St.
Husband of Mary Arthur Moxey, of Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. His son, Nigel Hall Moxey, also died on service.
Director of the Moxey Conveyor and Transport Co., Ltd.
'He served throughout the last war as a Captain in the 12th Bn. York and Lancashire Regt., and in the R.F.C. In March, 1939, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve, and served at home and in France, from where being on a special mission in the neighbourhood of Paris at the time of the collapse of the French Armies he escaped only with great difficulty. He was also a recognised expert in dealing with unexploded bombs and was constantly called upon for this hazardous work in the succeeding months. It was in this way that he lost his life in August. Full of life and energy in all he did, Eric Moxey was also one of the most loyal of Malvernians, and had four sons at the School. To his wife and to them we offer our deep sympathy in the loss of so gallant a husband and father.' (Malvernian, Dec 1940).
Citation, London Gazette of 17th Dec 1940:
'On 27th August, 1940, it was reported that two unexploded bombs were embedded in an aerodrome. Squadron- Leader Moxey, a technical intelligence officer employed at the aerodrome, immediately volunteered to remove them, although fully aware of the risk entailed. One of the bombs exploded, causing his death. On many occasions Squadron Leader Moxey has exhibited similar complete disregard for his personal safety.'
Son of Sqdn. Ldr. Eric Lawrence Moxey, G.C., R.A.F. (killed in action 27th August, 1940), and of Mary Arthur Moxey, of Walton-on-Thames, Surrey,
and 249 Hagley Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham.
House Prefect.
Son of Frank Arthur and Eleanor Mary Mumby, Kent Lo., Foxley Lane, Purley.
Husband of Margaret Mumby, of Ley Hill, Buckinghamshire.
Served in Norway and Iceland. Lost at sea on active service whilst acting as ship's adjutant.
Memorial panel inscription photo
WW2 Memorial at Brookwood photo
Son of H. N. Murray, Elcot, 7 Derby Rd., Caversham, Oxon.
Boxing Cols.
214 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Killed while Captain of a Wellington Bomber over Germany.
April 1942 operations AIR-27_1321_7
Detail AIR-27_1321_8
Son of Joseph Louis and Betty Nathan, 15 Edensor Rd., Eastbourne.
House Prefect.
1st Gt War, Cadet Bn.
Managing Director, J. Halley & Co., Ltd., Calcutta.
Husband of Betty Nathan, of Braunton, Devon.
Indian Canteen Corps
'Died March 30, 1945, in British Military Hospital, Poona, after service in Assam and Burma.' (Malvernian, Mar 1946).
Son of Spencer John and Mabel Newey, 62 Wake Green Rd., Moseley, Birmingham
House Prefect.
Husband of Anne Newey, of Bassett, Hampshire.
Assoc. Auctioneers and Surveyors Insts.
179 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Wellington bombers.
27th December 1942. F/O Newey and crew in 'M' took off at 08:36 on a patrol sweep westward.
At midday an S.O.S. was received from aircraft 'M' referring to engine trouble in position 3620N 1240W. The aircraft and crew failed to return to base.
Dec 1942 Operations AIR-27_1126_7
Detail AIR-27_1126_8
Son of Lt-Col William and M. L. Nichol, Feltham Ho., Loughton, Essex.
Mod. Remove. House Prefect.
London University.
Bank of England.
Husband of Nancy B. Nichol (nee Riviere), of Finchley, Middlesex.
4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)
Royal Armoured Corps
'He was Squadron Leader of a squadron he had himself formed, for he had been an officer in the Regiment for many years. One of his officers wrote: "He was killed doing one of the most gallant things that have been done out here. He went in himself on an aerodrome that we were defending three times to get out wounded men under terrific fire. The third time he was killed. A magnificent Squadron-Leader."' (Malvernian, March 1942)
Son of Sydney and Ethel Nicholls, of Lugano, Powell Rd, Buckhurst Hill.
In business.
Husband of Renee S. Nicholls, of Epsom Downs, Surrey.
H.M.S. Patia. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Son of W. E. N., Arden, Coldharbour Lane, Bushey, Herts.
Math. VI. Milward Math. Prize. Math. Essay. Warrington Exhibn. Scholar.
St John's College, Cambridge.
Son of K.W.Owen, Upper Maze Hill, St. Leonards.
Sixth Form.
Christ Church Oxford, B.A. 1911. Trial Eights 1909, 1910.
Assistant Master and Secretary to the Strand School, London. Imperial Life Assurance of Canada.
Author of Modern Bridge.
2nd Lieut., Royal Sussex Regt (Special Reserve) June 1914.
1st Gt. War (overseas) A/ Major, Despatches.
2nd Gt. War, Major, General List.
Address: 1 Camley Gardens, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Killed by enemy action in London, 1941. Died at Brooke's Market, Brooke's Court, Holborn.
Detailed biography at Christ Church, Oxford
Son of Christopher and Phyllis Clare Owen, of Lustleigh, Devon, and Annfield, Dickoya, Ceylon.
106 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Lancaster bombers with W/Cmd Guy Gibson being with the squadron for a year whose last sortie was on the 11th March 1943, before being put in charge of 617 Squadron and being awarded the Victoria Cross for the Dam-Busters raid on 16–17 May 1943. On 16 January 1943, Gibson took the BBC's war correspondent, Richard Dimbleby on a sortie to Berlin.
Sgt Owen was killed on a bombing raid on Essen on the 12th March 1943 with F/Sgt McDonald as the Pilot. The other 11 aircraft in the squadron managed to return and the operation was deemed a success with accurate bombing in the 'face of very fierce opposition'.
March 1943 Operations AIR 27/833/5
and AIR 27/833/6
Combat report
Richard Dimbleby
Son of Edmund Robertson Page and Christabel Mary Page, of Pitlochry, Perthshire.
House Prefect. Sixth Form. Boxing Colours, '41, '42 (Capt.). Ledbury Cap. He won the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst in 1944.
2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards
Died in Bangalore, S. India, as result of an illness contracted on active service in Italy.
Son of Donald Ashford Palmer and Mabel Beatrice Palmer, of Sale Hill Ho., Sheffield.
Hist VI. House Prefect. Swimming Colours 1939. Sergeant in Corps.
York and Lancaster Regiment and No. 1 Commando
Unit war diary: DEFE 2/48
Son of Alfred Henry Parry and of Beatrice Elizabeth Parry (nee Fairbairn), Parasia P.O., Central Provinces, India.
Sci. V.
In business (Anglo-Iranian Oil Co.).
Husband of Margery Cunningham Parry (nee Work), of Ashtead, Surrey.
254 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The unit operated Bristol Blenheims, and in 1941 introduced torpedos and primarily operated in an anti-shipping role.
'The aircraft, F.B. Blenheim N.3609 with Pilot Officer J.A. Parry as pilot, took off from RAF Sumburgh, Shetlands, on a Day Patrol at 12.45 on the 9th April 1941 to gain experience with another aircraft Blenheim V.5736 in carrying out a reconnaissance of the Norwegian coast. The two aircraft after completing the reconnaissance, set course for base and were about four miles from the Norwegian Coast when three Me 110s appeared, closing rapidly from astern. Both aircraft took evasive action; Blenheim N.3609 passed the other and disappeared into cloud, Blenheim V.5736 also resorted to cloud cover. When Blenheim V.5736 appeared a few minutes later, there was no aircraft visible, so continued on course to base. At 15.35 hours, approximately 50 miles from base, Blenheim V.5736 heard Blenheim N.3609 calling base. Blenheim V.5736 landed at 16.00 hours.
When Blenheim N.3609 was two hours overdue, five Blenheims were despatched on organised parallel search for approximately 90 miles along track between base and point of leaving Norwegian coast. Speedboat from Lerwick co-operated. Nothing was sighted.
The crew of the missing aircraft was P/O J.A. Parry - Pilot, P/O C.G. Gibson - Observer, Sgt R.K. West - W/Op/A.G.'
Missing report: Air 81/5780
April 1941 Operations AIR-27_1514_25
Son of James Herbert and Ethel May Paton, Lethangie, Kinross.
Printer.
Husband of Jane Donnan Paton, of Glasgow.
418 Bty., 56 Searchlight Regt. Royal Artillery
Son of Dr. Dufrig Hughes Pennant and Rachel Pennant, Penydre, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.
Husband of Elizabeth Thomson Pennant.
137 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hurricane Mk.IV fighter-bombers from June 1943 until February 1944 when the Hurricane was exchanged for the Hawker Typhoon.
On the 14th April 1945, F/S Pennant was the leader of four Typhoon aircraft which took off at 17.01 from Helmond in Holland and were directed by Yalelock to houses near Verden (a town 10 miles to the east of Bremen in Germany). A factory among the houses was hit and damaged. F/S Pennant was hit by flak and crashed, the aircraft exploding on the ground. The remaining aircraft returned at 17.56.
137 Squadron Operation records, April 1945: Air 27/954/86
Summary AIR-27_954_85
Combat report AIR-50_59_7
Son of R. G. P.(O.M.), Boxcroft, Langley Park Rd., Sutton, Surrey.
Serv. V. S. Prefect. Shooting Cols.
2nd Gt. War, F/O., R.A.F.
Killed due to flying accident in Gutersloh, Germany, March 1949.
Son of G. H. Pearson-Perry (O.M.), Portland Ho., Pedmore, Stourbridge.
Head of House. School Prefect.
Engineer M.I.M.E. Director of Mobberly & Derry.
Lieut. 7th Bn. Worcestershire Regt.
605 Sqdn.Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force)
Fighter squadron with Hawker Hurricanes.
'Humorous, high-spirited but essentially level-headed, George Perry threw himself with energy into all that he undertook. At school his most outstanding talent was his marksmanship. He had long been interested in Flying and several years before the War was a Flight-Lieutenant in the Auxiliary Air Force. He was the son of G. H. Pearson-Perry (§.87) and was married to Ruth, third daughter of Charles Toppin. ' (Malvernian, Mar 1941).
Combat report:
'S/Ldr Perry, 605 Squadron, 22.5.40
As ‘B’ Flight Leader after losing contact with ‘A’ Flight at 1200 hours owing to cloud, and patrolling S.W. of Arras for 10 minutes, I turned to engage a small formation of doubtful aircraft. I lost sight of them until B.3 forged ahead pointing the way. The Section followed up on his attack but ‘glycol’ was seen to be coming from his machine as he broke away. The two HE:111s then separated and the starboard one was shot down finally by Green Section while Cooper-Slipper and myself engaged the port E/A. Two of the crew escaped by parachute and the enemy aircraft crashed after my final burst of fire. It has sustained previous damage to the tail unit and I think the starboard engine. Ammunition being expended and the flight split up all aircraft was ordered to return to base. I encountered 4 ME.109 on my return but evaded them in cloud and pancaked at 13.15 hours.'
Operation Records:
Hawkinge. 27th May 1940, Red 1 (S/Ldr Perry flying Hurricane P.3423) took off at 14:35, and followed by Red Section attacked 3 Dorniers. After encounter, ammunition mainly expended and on breakaway encountered 15 Messerschmitt 109s five miles S.W. Dunkirk. Six aircraft returned to base 15.55. S/Ldr Perry, F/O Danielson missing.
Combat report at National Archives AIR-50_169_114
May 1940 Ops AIR-27_2088_9
Detail AIR-27_2088_10
Son of G.H. Peters (O.M.), 6 Sylvan Way, Bognor.
Math V.
Solicitor.
79 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
'He was articled to his father, G. H. B. Peters (6.98) and qualified as a Solicitor in July, 1936. During that time he was a Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion (Territorial) of the Royal Sussex Regt. He joined the R.A.F. at the end of 1937. He was killed in a fight over the Irish Sea on September 29th. A list of his victories supplied by his Squadron Intelligence Officer shows that he had destroyed three enemy aircraft certainly, and had to his credit two more probables and other possibles; he also broke up a formation of thirty bombers over Kent on August 31st by making a "head on" attack. He was at first with a bomber squadron but changed to the fighter squadron of which he was a very popular member.' (Malvernian, Dec 1940).
Gravestone Inscription:
“KILLED IN ACTION BATTLE OF BRITAIN”
Son of Herbert and A. M. Phillips, of Arden, Kingswood, Surrey and West Worthing, Sussex.
Swimming Colours.
Chartered Accountant in India.
1st Bn. 13th Frontier Force Rifles
Mentioned in Despatches
Son of Arnold and Ursula Phillips, of Godalming, Surrey, and 25 Coal Exchange, London EC4.
With Prudential Assur. Co., Ltd.
Joined R.A.F.V.R. before the war. Instructor 1940. F/L Malta Squadron.
Son of A. J. F. Platt and Norah Platt, Barnby Manor, Newark.
House Prefect.
3rd King's Own Hussars. Lieutenant 1931.
2nd Gt. War, Major.
Husband of Daphne Victoria Platt, of Muirhouselaw, Roxburghshire.
Killed in Middle East, February 1943.
Inscription:
“DEAR HUSBAND OF DAPHNE, ONLY SON OF A.J.F.& N. PLATT. "HIS WAYS WERE WAYS OF GENTLENESS." R.I.P.”
Extract from Frank Wallbank's diary - a fitter in the regiment, February 1942
'On Wednesday the Aleppo-Pererat train had a head-on collision 80km out. 27 soldiers, including 3 officers and 4 men of ours being killed. Today, Sunday has been the big military funeral, each coffin on a 15cwt truck, travelling through the town, to the French cemetery. Five more fellows and myself were bearers to 'Stuka' King, the squadron's favourite. Among the killed was Major Platt, our squadron leader. Beside the grave a firing party of 21 men fired a volley and Joe Peters played 'The Last Post' reveille. A very good service all through.'
Son of Sidney Harold and Mabel Porter, of Sandwell, Handsworth Wood Rd., Birmingham.
H.M.S. Safeguard, Royal Navy.
'Ordinary Signalman H.M.S. Royal Arthur. At the time of the evacuation from Dunkirk he was due for leave, but apparently volunteered with three local fishermen to help in their fishing boats. A letter from the Captain commanding to his parents says: "They had saved 1,000 lives and were being towed by another boat when they struck a mine and were blown up. Your boy had always done well and as their commanding officer I have seen what these boys have done and I am proud of them." Being blessed with neither good health nor outstanding ability he made no great mark at school, and it is said that he was over-sensitive about his apparent lack of success; but all will allow that when his chance came he took it and that his name stands high on our "Roll of Honour".' (Malvernian, July 1940).
Son of Horace Lionel Potter, and of Florence Jane Potter, of Penn, Oatlands Chase, Weybridge, Surrey.
Bus V.
Clerk in N. Y. K. Line.
Wireless Operator.
115 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
His squadron, in August 1941, undertook the initial Service trials of Gee, the first of the great radar navigational and bombing aids. (Gee was developed on the grounds of Malvern College as Malvern relocated to Blenheim Palace and then Harrow during the war). As a result of its subsequent report on these trials Gee was put into large-scale production for RAF Bomber Command.
Lancaster bombers replaced the Wellingtons in March 1943.
Son of V. J. Radbone, Crown Ho., Crown Ho., Aldwych.
Swimming Cols. (Capt.).
Emmanuel College, Cambridge. B.A.
Aeronautical Engineer.
'Killed in an accident on August 4th when flying on active service. After leaving School, where he was Captain of Swimming, he went up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and later became an Aeronautical Engineer Flying Officer, Reserve of R.A.F.' (Malvernian, Dec 1940).
Son of Albert and Richie Raymond, c/o E. D. Sassoon & Co., Bombay.
Mod. Lan. VI.
Exchange Broker 1927.
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Son of Charles Knowles Rayson and of Linda Knowles Rayson, of Norton Hall, Worcester and of Westminster, London. B.A. (Cantab.).
Math. V. House Prefect. Fives Pair.
Clare College, Cambridge. B.A. 1926
Morgan Engineering.
Gravestone photo
Son of John (O.M.)and Gladys Rew, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Bucks.
Army V. House Prefect. Boxing Colours. Ledbury Cap.
Husband of Felicity Mary Rew, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
"B" Sqn. 16th/5th Lancers Royal Armoured Corps
Cdg. "A" Sqdn. North Irish Horse Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
'4 Mar 1943. 15:00 - Major J Rew O.C. 'B' Sqn, killed instantaneously by enemy mortar fire at Beja.'
Unit war diary: WO 175/294
Son of Frank Branson Richards and of Harriet Louise Richards (nee Bowman), of San Francisco, California, U.S.A, and Merlins Mead, Riversdale, Bourne End, Bucks.
Army VI. House Prefect. Boxing and Athletic Colours.
Sandhurst.
Royal Berkshire Regiment and No. 7 Commando.
Mentioned in Despatches.
'Captured at Bardia, April, 1941, after blowing up ammunition on our retreat. Killed whilst trying to escape at the time of the fall of Italy.' (Malvernian, Jul 1944)
His brother John Edward also fell.
Son of Frank Branson Richards and of Harriett Louise Richards (nee Bowman), of San Francisco, California, U.S.A, and Merlins Mead, Riversdale, Bourne End, Bucks.61 Sqdn.
Math V. Football XXII.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 61 Sqdn
Beginning operations with Hampdens, the squadron converted in July 1941 to the more modern Manchesters and later (spring 1942), Lancaster bombers.
His brother Branson also died on service.
Son of James and Mabel Richmond, of Huntingdon, and Linkside, Copthorne, Sussex.
Mod. Lan VI. House Prefect.
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment
Unit war diary: WO 172/887
Son of Thomas Millett Rickards (O.M.) and Mary Leburn Rickards, of Wentworth, Surrey, and Lockside, West Byfleet, Surrey.
Sci VI. School Prefect. XL Football. Sergt. in O.T.C.
H.M.S. "Xmas" Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
'On leaving School he joined the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co., and the R.N.V.R., in which he received a commission when war was declared. He saw service in the Mediterranean and was killed in action in Feb. 1942. ' (Malvernian, March 1942)
Son of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Ringer, 7 Oura, Nagasaki, Japan.
Boxing Cols.
Husband of P. E. Ringer, of Pickering, Yorkshire.
5th Bn. 14th Punjab Regiment
'Was cut off with some of his regiment in July '43 and is reported to have died in Malaya in January, 1945.' (Malvernian, Dec 1945). NB CWGC says he died in Jan 1942.
Son of Arthur Edward and Evelyn Winifred Stokes-Roberts, of Red Walls, Stratford-on-Avon.
Serv. V. House Prefect.
6th Bn. Grenadier Guards
'During the advance to Battipaglia on 10 Sept 43 this officer’s company was ordered to attack an enemy position. He led his platoon with outstanding dash and leadership and successfully captured his objective destroying a A.Tk gun and capturing PWs. Three half tracked armed vehicles then appeared which he engaged with small arms fire and forced to retire. The position had not been finally reorganised when the enemy attacked with tanks. Again this officer showed complete disregard for his own personal safety moving about in the open organising the withdrawal of his platoon which was accomplished in good order to a position already assigned to him. During the whole action he showed leadership of the highest order and exceptional devotion to duty.'
MC Citation WO-373_4_238
He was killed by a Mortar Bomb near Trimonsuoli.
Unit war diary: WO 170/1351
Son of William Stuart Robertson and Margaret Robertson, of Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, and Uplands, Brocton, Stafford.
Class VI.
106 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Manchester, and then Lancaster bombers, taking part in the 1,000-bomber raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen, and in 1942 in the first "shuttle-bombing" raids of Friedrichshafen and Spezia, and the attack on Peenemunde.
He was Captain on Lancaster DV182 which took off at 19.50 on 5th Sept 1943 to bomb Manheim. 'Nothing was heard from this aircraft after takeoff'.
106 sqdr operations in Sep 1943
Detail AIR-27_833_18
Combat report
Son of Colonel Thomas Leslie Rogers, O.B.E., and Dorothy Frazer Rogers, of Rusholme, Manchester, and Glenarthur, Netley St., Farnborough, Hants.
Army VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Cricket XI 1934-36. Football XXII. Fives Cols.
Woolwich.
Royal Artillery attd. 51 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
Accidentally killed whilst flying on duty, March 1942.
'Contemporaries of F. L. Rogers will mourn the loss of a staunch friend and cheery companion. From his early days at Malvern he showed promise as a cricketer and was in the XI in his second year while still a junior. A useful bowler, a bat to send in when the game needed pulling round, it was in the field that he made his mark, where—as first slip—he combined an appearance of sleepy boredom with the ability to connect with any ball within reach. But his ability was not limited to cricket, and in addition to three successive years in the XI, he was Head of House, College Prefect, a C.S.M. in the Corps, and gained his XXII at Football and a Fives Colour. From Malvern he went on to Woolwich and was gazetted (R.A.) in 1938.
He was in France in the first month of the War and remained there until his safe return from Dunkirk. "Thereafter he became interested in the bearing of air observation upon artillery, and it was while engaged on this specialised work that he met his death accidentally while flying. So ends a career of promise, and so departs one whose quiet good humour and sound common sense endeared him to his many friends. To his parents and sister we would extend our deepest sympathy.' (Malvernian, Jul 1942)
Son of Capt. Arthur J. Ross and Baroness de Ros, of Old Court, Strangford, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.
H.M.S. Liverpool, Royal Navy.
The following personal tribute from Viscount Bangor is taken from The Times:
'No one who knew Peter Ross can have read the notice of his having given his life in the service of his country without feelings of the deepest regret. He had such a friendly and lovable disposition, and was beloved universally. Few men can have been so popular among people of all classes. He was especially popular among those of his old home in Ireland, who all adored him. Ross was educated at Malvern College, and then he entered the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham. He had a good share of foreign service in the Mediterranean and China and also at Bermuda and on the Pacific Coast of North America. His last ship was H.M.S. Liverpool, and he took an active part in her fitting out on the Clyde before proceeding in her to the East Indian Station, and subsequently to the Mediterranean.
Peter Ross enjoyed his life to the full, and his enthusiasm for that branch of his profession in which he served was unbounded. He was never happier than when tuning up motor engines for racing, and he was a very fine mechanic. At the same time he was quite at home in a sailing boat, and had a good share of success racing in the smaller classes. He was very clever at drawing and sketching, and his work showed that he must have spent many hours of study to obtain so high a standard. Whatever his hand found to do he did with all his might, but his profession came first, and it may be safely said that he would rather have lost his life doing his duty for his King and country than in any other way. Peter Ross was in many respects unique. His loss will leave a blank in the lives of his many friends who knew and loved him.'
Son of N. W. R., Sedgwick, 126 Fog Lane, Didsbury, Manchester.
Hist. VI. School Prefect.
Styring School. (Hist.).
Queen's College, Oxford.
1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers.
Distinguished Service Order for gallantry in Burma. Killed in action, May, 1944.
'Donbaik, Burma. 18th March 1943.
14 Pl. ‘C’ Coy. Under comd. of Lt Rostron, was ordered to attack an enemy strong point, S 16.
Lt Rostron reached his objective, suffering heavy casualties in his advance, only five of his Pl. arriving on the objective with him, the remainder having fallen to heavy mortar and machine gun fire.
The objective itself was found to be unoccupied by the enemy and Lt Rostron pushed further on toward his Coy. objective. When continuous enemy mortar and M.G. fire made further advance impossible, he commenced to dig in. During the whole of the day his position was subjected to frequent mortaring and M.G. fire. Enemy snipers killed two of his party.
Toward the end of the day, Lt. Rostron succeeded in contacting elements of D Coy. who had reached their objective, M 16. Lt Rostron took command of this party, and though isolated by enemy fire from any source of reinforcements, continued to hold his position throughout the remainder of the day until 0430 hrs, on 19th March, when he was ordered by loudspeaker to withdraw.
Lt Rostron then organised the withdrawal of the whole party, including several wounded and making his way round an enemy M.G. post eventually reached our lines.
Throughout the day and night this officer had set a magnificent example of leadership and devotion to duty.'
(Awarded D.S.O. – London Gazette 1-6-43).
DSO Citation WO-373_30_1
Speaking after the War, Field Marshal Sir William Slim said of this last attack on Donbaik:¬“It was a battle which should never have been fought, It is a hard thing to say but it is so .... The last and final assault.... were led by the Royal Welch Fusiliers and on that day they showed valour which I think has rarely been surpassed. They stormed the position, they took it and were on top of those bunkers but they could not get inside them. They stood there until, I am afraid, most of them had been knocked out by the machine guns and artillery. As a piece of sheer courage, I do not think it has ever been surpassed…”
Battle of Donbaik at burmastar
The following is an extract form the unit war diary a year later in April 1944:
Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 22 Apr 1944 – 1100hrs. Earlier this morning D Company, led by Capt John Rostron DSO were ordered to move forward and take up a position on the ridge line at Gr 471667. They are now under enemy fire. 2 x enemy reported killed.
1130hrs. Capt John Rostron DSO killed by sniper.
RWF forum
Son of Professor Sidney Russ, C.B.E., and Mary Russ, Foxella, Matfield, Kent.
Mod. Lan VI. House Prefect. Hansell French. Hansell German. Chance Prize.
New College, Oxford.
Husband of Rosamund Ursula Mary Russ, of Matfield, Kent. M.A.
H.M S. Rajaliya, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Son of A. E. R., Kenholme, Avenue Rd., Malvern.
Matric Class. Head of House.
Husband of Violet Mary Ruthven, of Yelverton, Devon.
2nd. Lieut. 8th (H.D.) Bn. Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
Son of Maj. Malcolm J. Sandeman, and of Helen M. Sandeman, of 8 Wear Bay Cres., Folkestone.
Stock Exchange 1934.
Royal Air Force Ferry Command.
He brought U.S. aircraft across from Bermuda.
Son of R.H. Sandon, 6 Half Moon St., Piccadilly
Mod. Lan. V. White Medal.
142 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew night bombing missions over Germany and occupied western Europe in the Vickers Wellington heavy bomber.
P/O Sandon took off from Grimsby on aircraft BJ915 with a crew of 4 on the 16th Sept 1942 at 20:22 with a bomb load of 810 x 4lb Incendiaries to attack Essen. The aircraft failed to return with no news after take-off. Seven aircraft from his Squadron were involved in the raid with 3 failing to return.
142 Sqdn. Sep 1942 Operations Detail, AIR-27-973-18
142 Sqdn. Sep 1942 Operations Summary, AIR-27-973-18
Son of Sir Edwin Savill, and Lady Savill, Howe Green, Hertford.
Woolwich.
R.F.A. 1915. R.H.A. 1918.
Chartered Surveyor.
Husband of Rene Savill, of Windsor, Berkshire.
116 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
The following notice is taken from The Times:— Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Cecil Savill, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Artillery, who died at Windsor on September 17, gained high distinction in the field both in this war and in the last. At the age of 19 he was reputed to be the youngest major in the British Army and during the years he served in France he won the M.C. and bar and was three times mentioned in despatches. In the present war he was again mentioned in despatches and was awarded the D.S.O. for his gallantry in the retreat to Dunkirk. The youngest son of Sir Edwin and Lady Savill, he was born on December 22, 1897, and was educated at Malvern and at Woolwich. In April, 1915, he obtained his commission in the Royal Field Artillery and went to France a few months later. His progress was rapid. In December of the same year he became adjutant to the 122nd Brigade; by the end of 1917 he had been promoted to be acting-major; in 1918 he commanded his battery.
He was wounded in France. After the armistice he was awarded his "jacket" and on his retirement was placed on the reserve with the rank of brevet major. He then qualified as a chartered surveyor, and during the whole of the inter-war period he practised as a member of his father's firm, Messrs. Alfred Savill and Sons, in which capacity he advised many City companies. In June, 1939, he returned to the Army and became attached to the 30th Field Regiment, R.A., and went to France during the first few days of the war. In July, 1940, after Dunkirk, he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel on taking command of the 53rd (Worcester Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment. Finally, he was given command of the 116th Field Regiment, which he held until a few weeks before his death.
He married in 1921 Irene Dawson, by whom he had a son and two daughters.
A correspondent writes:—"Alfred Savill had many qualities, but outstanding was that of leadership. He had an almost uncanny power of inspiring with his own superb confidence those who worked at his side. If ever there was a 'born soldier' it was he. And to him in his heart the years between the wars were but the interval between the two great acts of his life: acts in which he was called to play so great a part and thus, with every ounce of his energy and strength, to serve the country that he loved so well."
Son of Theodore Horace and Helen Mabel Savory, of Wentworth House, Priory Rd., Malvern.
Sci V. House Prefect.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Son of Henry and Mary Scard, 30 Hamilton Terr., Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
Husband of Marguerite L. Scard, of Llandaff, Cardiff.
Royal Institute of British Architects. Archibald Dawnay Scholarship (Welsh Sch of Architecture, Cardiff).
37 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers in the Middle East from November 1940.
P/O Scard took off at 20:05 on the 9th May 1942 in Wellington B.8987 and was detailed to attack shipping at Benghazi, but no news was heard of the aircraft after take off, and was reported missing.
37 Sqdn. Operation records, May 1942 AIR 27/390/9
Detail AIR 27/390/10
Son of N. M. Scholfield, 75 South Croxted Rd., Dulwich.
Hist. VI. Moore-Bayley, Lea Shakespeare Prizes. Junior Chapel Prefect.
St Edmund Hall, Oxford.
H.M.S. Hurworth, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
H.M.S. Hurworth was lost to a mine in the Aegean Sea. The explosion split the ship in two. Both halves sank within 15 minutes. 113 men died, there were 85 survivors. Hurworth lies in 102 metres (335 ft) of water at 36.59N 27.06E in Greek territorial waters.
Wikipedia
Son of Major Thomas Richard Barter Seigne, formerly Royal Field Artillery, and of Anna Eliza Seigne, of St. Anns Hill, Co Cork, Ireland.
Boxing Cols.
149 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers and then, in November 1941, the Short Stirling, taking part in the first 1,000 bomber raid.
Combat report:
On the night of October 15/16th 1942, Captain Sgt Siwak was at 2053 hours about 5 miles west of the Cologne area, flying at a height of 12,000 feet and on a heading of 120 degrees. The I.A.S. was 150mph and bombs had not been dropped. An ME 110 approached from port quarter and just above to 400 yards. Mid upper Gunner, P/O Seigne fired one short burst. E/A passed over our aircraft, stall turned and approached from starboard quarter. As he came in to 100 yards, Mid Upper Gunner P/O Seigne and Rear Gunner Sgt Taylor each fired a short burst. E/A passed close over our aircraft and was lost to port. No. I.F.F. and no moon. The E/A was lit up by the light of flares. E/A did not open fire.
On 7th November 1942 P/O Seigne was the Mid Upper Gunner on a Stirling bomber with Genoa (Ansalds Works) as the target.
He is not mentioned in the operational records of the 10th November.
Combat report AIR-50_219_30
November 1942 Operations AIR-27-1002-21
November 1942 Operations AIR-27-1002-22 Detail
Son of John and Florence S. Shaw, of 36 Armorial Road Coventry.
Math. V. Ledbury Cap. School Prefect. Swimming Cols.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Son of Frank and Emily Shippam, Potwell Copse Ho., Walberton, Arundel, Sussex.
Hist V. House Prefect. Shooting VIII. Cricket XXII.
Peterhouse, Cambridge.
Husband of Elizabeth Mary Shippam, of Bighton, Hampshire.
Royal Sussex Regiment attd. 1/7th Bn. Middlesex Regiment.
Mentioned in Despatches.
At 16:00 on the 9th July 1944 he was wounded by a mine whilst making a recce in a jeep near Colville. The next day the unit war diary stated that 'Report received on death of Captain Shippam from pneumonia brought on by shock, a very sad loss.'
Unit war diary: WO 171/1345
Son of Harold Alexander Sloan and Mabel Fitzgerald Sloan, of Bray, Co. Wicklow, and 7 Iona Pk., Glasnevin, Dublin.
Dublin University (School of Physics and Dentistry). (Hockey and Tennis Cols.). B.A. 1936, M.B., B.Ch.(Dublin).
Sir Patrick Dun's Hosp.
H.M.S. Javelin, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
'Leaving Malvern young he went to Dublin University (School of Physics and Dentistry). Hockey and Tennis Colours. Later he worked at Sir Patrick Davis' Hospital.
Posted as "Missing, Presumed killed."' (Malvernian, Mar 1941).
At the end of November 1940 the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, consisting of HMS Jupiter, Javelin, Jackal, Jersey, and Kashmir, under Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten, was operating off Plymouth. The flotilla engaged the German destroyers Hans Lody, Richard Beitzen, and Karl Galster. Javelin was badly damaged by torpedo and artillery hits from the German destroyers and lost both her bow and her stern. Only 155 feet (47 m) of Javelin's original 353 ft (108 m) length remained afloat and she was towed back to harbour.
Wikipedia
Son of Oscar Henry and Grace Evelyn Smalley, of The Elms, St. Andrew's Rd., Malvern.
Math. VI. House Prefect.
H.M.S. Sparrowhawk, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Son of Edward Leaf Smeeton and of Charlotte Mildred Smeeton (nee Leighton), Barklye Wood, Heathfield, Sussex.
School Prefect. Shooting VIII, 1925-26. Special Entry R.N.
Cadets Engineering, Devonport and Greenwich.
Husband of Enid Mona Smeeton (nee Brockman), of Ivybridge, Devon.
He was on H.M.S Glorious, which was an aircraft carrier, carrying Swordfish, and was sunk by the Scharnhorst at approximately 6.10pm on the 8th June 1940 off Norway.
Map
Detailed Wikpedia article
Son of Dr Alfred Hayes Smith and May Hayes Smith, 2 Blenheim Rd., Bradford, and Manningham, Bradford.
C-in-C's Certificate for gallantry.
7th Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Son of Capt Rowland Holroyd-Smyth and Alice Holroyd Smyth, of Ballynatray, Youghal, Co. Cork, Irish Republic.
Planter.
66 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery
'Killed in action at Athens, 13th Dec., 1944, shortly after a single-handed act of gallantry, which "had prevented enemy forces from getting close enough to H.Q. to use dynamite." (Malvernian, Mar 1946).
Unit war diary: WO 170/1239
Son of Charles Inman Smyth and Jessie Smyth, Wood Leys, Finchfield, Wolverhampton.
Army VI. School Prefect. Head of House.
Husband of Elspeth Elizabeth Geddes Smyth, of Farnham, Surrey.
South Wales Borderers Cdg. 10th Bn. The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
Died of wounds, Apeldoorn Hospital, Holland.
OBE citation:
'Lt—Col Kenneth Bowes Inman SMYTH, South Wales Borderers, held the position of GSO.I, Airborne Forces, GHQ MEF from 23 Mar 42 until assuming Command of 10 Bn.; the Parachute Regt on 6 Dec 1942. During that time, with painstaking care and much foresight, he did almost unaided the preliminary work necessary for the formation of 4 Parachute Bde in Jan 1943. This involved not, only care and forethought in the planning for the provision of equipment, whether from U.K. or manufactured locally, but much experimental work on the modification of aircraft and existing equipment. When experiments on live dropping were in progress, Lt-Col SMYTH usually made the first jumps himself. It would have been scarce possible to constitute a parachute formation in the Middle East with such speed without the devoted preliminary work of Lt—Col SMYTH. '
OBE Citation WO-373_77_81
Unit war diary for 1944 (except October): WO 171/1243
Son of William Knight Smyth and Ann Smyth, of Roehampton, London, and Boroadmead, Station Rd., Tring, Herts.
Hist V.
"C" Sqn. 7th Queen's Own Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps
With 'Daily Telegraph'.
Son of A. J. H. Snushall, Cotsford, Solihull.
Sci. V. House Prefect
1st Wing The Glider Pilot Regiment, A.A.C.
Wounded and missing at Arnhem.
Died Between 18/09/1944 and 25/09/1944
Son of Harry and Catherine Isabella Sopper, of Bayhorne, Horley, Surrey.
Stock Exchange.
1st Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry
He was killed by a sniper bullet near Tebourba.
Unit war diary: WO 175/511
Son of Sir (Hippolyte) Louis (Wiehe du Coudray) Souchon, C.B.E., and Lady Souchon (nee Rouillard), Fen Pl., Turner's Hill, Sussex
Army I. Grey French 1913, 1914. House Prefect.
Sandhurst. 15th Hussars 1914.
15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps
Served in the last war with the 15th Hussars and won the M.C. He retired as Captain in 1922, but rejoined his old regiment with the same rank and died of wounds in May 1940.
He died of wounds as part of the 'Belgian Mission'.
Unit war diary: WO 167/454
Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Stainton, of Glengorse, Battle, Sussex.
Army VI. House Prefect.
16 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
Unit war diary: WO 172/4642
Son of William Glen Stares and Gertrude Grace Stares, Manor House, Upham, Hants.
House Prefect.
3 Field Regt. Royal Artillery
'16th June 1942. El Adem. Enemy shelling early fairly heavy. CO - Lieut Col P.H. Teesdale wounded but refuses to leave.
15:00 - Brigade is to hold the box to the last man and the last round.
21:30 - Orders received to evacuate at 15 minutes notice. No preparations had been made and transport is fatally short.
17th June - Regiment re-assembled at Kennels East of Libyan Frontier. 5 guns only saved.
Captains G.R.D. Stares and another officer believed killed, with 4 officers believed P.O.W.'
Unit war diary: WO 169/4574
Son of Alfred William Gamble Stranack and Constance Maud Stranack, 178 Hurst Grove, Bedford.
Army I. House Prefect.
Woolwich.
Husband of Edith Ann Stranack, of Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey.
Killed in an accident on duty in England
Son of Robert and Agatha Mary Sykes, 3 Gloucester Row, Clifton, Bristol.
Sixth. School Prefect.
Head of House. Editor of 'The Malvernian'.
Gonville and Caius, Cambridge. B.A. 1921.
Diploma in Forestry 1922.
Colonial Forest Service, Nigeria, 1922.
Husband of Joye Sykes, of Hopedale, Langford, Bristol.
Civilian War Dead.
'Whilst on leave in 1940 was an official fire-fighter in the Battle of London and was killed by a direct hit on a convoy on his way back to Africa.' (Malvernian, Dec 1943)
On 11 July 1943 when about 300 miles west of Vigo, Spain, the convoy that SS California was part of was attacked by three Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of Kampfgeschwader 40 from Merignac near Bordeaux which left Duchess of York and California in flames. The attack cost the lives of 46 servicemen and crew, and both ships were abandoned. It was feared the flames from the ships would attract U-boats, so in the early hours of 12 July they were sunk by Royal Navy torpedoes in position 41°15'N 5°24'.
Wikipedia
Son of Thomas Bailey Tate, C.S.I. (5.01), and Decima Tate, of Alnmouth, Northumberland, and Eglingham Lea, Eglingham, Northumberland.
Sci. V.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
83 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Handley Page Hampden bombers with raids against German naval and coastal targets, including against concentrations of Invasion shipping in the Channel Ports in the late summer/autumn of 1940, with a raid on Antwerp on the night of 15 September 1940.
'"Nicky" was captain and navigator of a bomber, which made a forced landing off Holland on the return journey from Germany, and is presumed to have been killed then. His death will be keenly felt by all his contemporaries and many friends.' (Malvernian, Dec 1941).
The following is an extract from the report on the fate of the crash:
Hampden AD.835 with crew of four took off from Scampton at 22.05 on 25.7.1941 for an attack on Hanover, but failed to return. A telegram from the International Red Cross states that the pilot Sgt Draper was taken prisoner and Sgts Tate, Marsden and Ireson were killed.
Sgt Tate was acting as the Navigator. The aircraft was attacked by a German Night Fighter just off the coast of Schiermonnikoog.
The pilot states: 'There was first one burst of cannon fire fired at us from a fighter. The gunners never saw him and I presume both of them to have been killed in the attack. The starboard inner fuel tank was hit and in due course exploded. It contained 160 gallons of petrol which burnt very rapidly owing to the wind fanning it. Myself and Nicky (Tate) were unhurt so I gave orders to abandon the machine before the other fuel tanks blew up. I then presume Nicky baled out through his emergency exit and I proceeded to leave. At this stage my feet were trapped inside the machine whilst I was outside. I could do nothing until another fuel tank exploded and blew me clear. I then came down by parachute and was very fortunate in first landing on the beach. Owing to the fact that I was very near the ground when my parachute opened the wind did not make me drift very far. I presume what happened to Nicky was that he came out much before I did and much higher, and the wind took him out to sea.'
The aircraft Hampden AD 835 took off at 22:00 on the 25th July 1941 to bomb Hanover, and crashed at 23:55 on the foreshore of Schiermonnikoog on the north coast of the Netherlands near KM Pole 8 N. It seems that Sgt Tate's body was washed up from the sea and that Marsden and Draper were still in the aircraft.
Report at National Archives: AIR 81/7885
July 1941 Ops AIR-27_686_37
July 1941 Ops Detail AIR-27_686_38
Son of Edmund Collins Taylor and Evelyn Mary Dorlisa Taylor, of 4 Eddisbury Rd., West Kirby, Cheshire.
Army VI.
Served for 2 years in a Battleship, volunteered for submarines.
H.M. Submarine P.222, Royal Navy
Most likely sunk off Capri, 12 December 1942 by Italian torpedo boat.
Wikipedia
Son of Frederick John and Alice Winifred Taylor, of St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, and Oakwood, Briton Ferry, South Wales.
House Prefect.
Stockbroker (J. H. Rowland & Co., Swansea).
Husband of Pattie Eugenie Taylor.
Royal Army Service Corps
Died in Baragwanath Military Hospital, S.A.
Son of Arthur Joseph and Helena Taylor, of Formby, Lancashire, and The Crossways, Freshfield, Lancs.
Unit war diary: WO 166/6886
Son of Lt.-Col. Charles Mytton Thornycroft, C.B.E., D.S.O., and of Vida Maude Thornycroft, of Erway, Shropshire., and Wyecliffe Ho., Breinton, Hereford.
Army V.
Sandhurst.
Capt. Beds, and Herts. Regt., attached Monmouthshire Regt.
His brother, Charles Grey Mytton Thornycroft also fell.
Son of J. M. Tucker, 5 Paper Buildings, Temple, E.C.4.
Sci. V.
78 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Armstrong Whitworth Whitley night bombers, and in February 1941, flying from Malta, were used to drop paratroops over southern Italy for Operation Colossus, the first British paratroop operation of the Second World War.
Aircraft Whitley V Z.6754 was airborne from Middleton-St-George at 23.06 on 16th Aug 1941. It was shot down and crashed near Roermond, Holland.
The crew were Sergeant J H Malet-Warden, Sergeant J C Beardmore, Sergeant A J R Millard-Tucker, Sergeant G H Buchanan (RCAF), Flight Sergeant A Brown.
Aug 1941 Operations AIR-27-660-27
Aug 1941 Operations AIR-27-660-27 Detail:
Missing report: AIR 81/8369
Son of Edward Ellis Turner, C.S.I., I.P., and Jannette Fisher Turner, of Newton Abbot, Devon, and 26 Bishopsgate, EC2.
School Prefect. Football XI.
6th Bn. Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
He had just joined the battalion and was fatally injured by stepping on a mine while on a recce near to his company area near Casoli.
Unit war diary: WO 170/1421
Son of Brigadier William Arthur Scales Turner, M.C., and Elsie April Turner, of 13 Catharine St., Westminster, London.
Army VI. House Prefect. House Football Colours. Corporal in O.T.C.
Woolwich.
11 Bty., 1 Field Regt. Royal Artillery.
Son of Cedric Percy and Dorothy Type, of Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, and 2 Oxford Rd., Moseley, Birmingham.
Army VI. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, Royal Armoured Corps
Unit war diary: WO 171/838
Son of Vincent Rawson Scott Vickers and Gwyneth Howard Vickers, of Yew Trees, Wye, Kent.
Mod. Lan. V. Cricket XL.
Diploma in Estate Management, Wye College A.L.A.S.
Asiatic Petroleum Co.
104 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Bristol Blenheim before converting to the Vickers Wellington bomber in 1941.
F/O D.R. Vickers was on Aircraft V.LN386 which took off from Oudna in Tunisia at 16.42 on 24th November 1943 for a bombing raid on the ball bearing factory at Turin. The aircraft was reported as Missing. Many of the 14 other aircraft reported very bad weather and poor visibility and none managed to locate the factory.
Nov 1943 Operations Detail AIR-27-821-70
Nov 1943 Operations Summary AIR-27-821-69
Son of Norman Duguid Walker and Ada Walker, of The Grove, Ryton-on-Tyne, Co. Durham.
Math. VI. House Prefect.
Trinity College, Cambridge. (2nd Cl. Mech. Sci Trip. 1936).
H.M.S. Bluebell, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
'He served with much distinction with the R.N.V.R. and received the D.S.C. after some operations in Norway earlier in the war. The corvette, Bluebell, which he commanded, was sunk with only one survivor when acting as escort to an important convoy on 17th Feb., 1945, but "the convoy got through". In civil life he was a very successful turbine designer.' (Malvernian, July 19145).
H.M.S. Bluebell was torpedoed and sunk by U-711 under the command of Hans-Günther Lange in the Kola Inlet on 17 February 1945 while escorting the convoy RA-64 from Murmansk. She sank in less than 30 seconds at 69°24'N 33°42'E. From her crew of 86 ratings and officers there was only one survivor.
Wikipedia
Son of L. A. P. Warner, Yew Tree, Poplar Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead.
School Prefect. Swimming Colours (1935-37). Sergt. In Corps.
610 Sqdn. Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force)
The squadron flew Spitfires, and was based at RAF Biggin Hill, taking part in the Battle of Britain, and being one of the units that bore the brunt of German attacks.
'He was in the R.A.F. Reserve as qualified pilot before the War and was called up at once. He took part in the first heavy week's fighting in the Channel off Dover and was shot down over the sea on August 16th. On the previous day his squadron, under his leadership, had destroyed ten of the enemy in the morning and three in the afternoon. Naturally modest and with an unfailing spirit of cheerfulness, his steadiness and equanimity made him as popular with his Squadron as in his House at Malvern. (F.S.P.) ' (Malvernian, Dec 1940).
Combat report:
Date: 27.5.40. Time: 19:05. Flight A. Sqdn: 610. South of Dunkirk
One HE 111 was attacked by three aircraft and when I attacked it, it was pouring out smoke from both engines. I gave a short burst of about 2 seconds, and had to break away owing to the e/a going too slowly. He used no evasive tactics. After that we were attacked by ME 110’s and we broke up and selected our own targets. I attacked one formation and then saw one on my own tail. I turned and got a deflection shot in at another and broke away. Another came on my tail and followed me down to about 15,000 feet when I got away in the smoke which was coming from Dunkerque and returned to base. My a/c was hit twice once at the root end of the airscrew and once through the tip of the port main–plane.
Date: 29.5.40. Time: 17:30. Flight A. Sqdn: 610. South of Dunkirk. Aircraft: Spitfire
I attacked 1 ME 109 near Dunkirk and gave it about an eight second burst. This aircraft seemed to dive very steeply and a plume of smoke came from it. The aircraft may possibly have been damaged. I broke off that engagement and attacked another and finished my remaining ammunition. I then set course for base. Half way over the channel, an E.A. Me 109 attacked me twice and shot a hole in my petrol tank at the bottom and another in the radiator. I force landed the aircraft N.E. of Dover.
After the first attack on my return journey, I climbed into a cloud, and the E.A. must have followed me, as when I came out he delivered another attack and shot my glycol radiator. On landing I inspected the aircraft and found sixteen holes, three of which I presumed to be cannon. The control wires of the starboard aileron had also been cut in two.
Squadron Operations:
15th August 1940. Biggin Hill.
8 aircraft ordered to intercept E/A approaching Biggin Hill about 10 miles to the S.E. They met about 25 D.O.215s escorted by many M.E.109s. The bombers flying at 14,000ft and the fighters at 16,000ft. F/Lt Warner, flying Spitfire Z. R.6808, attacked a M.E.109, gave it 3 long burst, smoke came from the fuselage & it dived down vertically.
16th August 1940. Red, Blue, Green & Yellow sections took off from Hawkinge to intercept raid in Dungeness. They encountered 50 J.U.88s escorted by 12 M.E.109s at 25,000 ft. Enemy casualties: Probable 1 M.E.109. Damaged 1 JU88, 1 ME109. Our Casualties: 1 Pilot missing (F/Lt Warner - Spitfire Z. R.6808).
Combat reports
Landing accident with Hurricane in 1939
Aug 1940 Squadron Ops AIR-27_2106_17
Aug 1940 Squadron Ops Detail AIR-27_2106_18
Son of Dr. Alfred Castle Warren and Sabina Warren, of Crowthorne, Berkshire, and 41 Lansdowne Rd., W11.
Army I. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
10th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment
He was killed in severe hand to hand fighting at 04:30 on 28 Feb 1944 at Anzio La Cogna.
Unit war diary: WO 170/1365
Son of George Herbert (O.M. No 6. 1896) and Constance Gifford Watson, of Briar Cottage, Blackwell, Darlington, Co. Durham.
Army VI. House Prefect. L.-Corporal in O.T.C.
Cranwell.
Husband of Mary Watson, of Farnborough, Hampshire.
82 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Blenheim light bombers with anti-shipping missions over the North Sea, including sinking a U-boat in March 1940.
On 17 May 1940, it suffered very heavy losses with 11 out of 12 Blenheims shot down by Messerschmitt 109s over Belgium.
From early 1941, the squadron played a prominent part in No. 2 Group's offensive against shipping in the English Channel and North Sea.
A detachment was sent to Malta in May 1941, with the rest of the Squadron following in June. It flew against enemy shipping and ports through into July, but extremely heavy losses lead to it being withdrawn, back to the UK at the end of the month.
'From Malvern he went on to Cranwell and his promotion was rapid for he was a Pilot Officer before he was 21 and a Squadron Leader at 23.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
On the 6th May 1941, S/Ldr Watson discovered 2 ships North of Borkum and attacked a 2000 ton tanker.
On the 8th May 1941, 9 aircraft carried out a night raid on the docks at Bremerhaven. S/Ldr Watson saw two of his bombs bursting throwing up debris. His aircraft was hit in the port wing by flak.
On the 11th June 1941, Squadron Leader M L Watson, Pilot Officer N C Alers-Hankey, Sergeant K Poole: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from operational flight, Blenheim K6426, 82 Squadron.
May 1941 Operations AIR-27-681-38
June 1941 Operations AIR-27-681-39
Missing report: AIR 81/6839
Son of Philip Greville Hugh and Dorothy Constance Way, of Hinton St. George, Somerset, and Merriott House, Merriott, Somerset.
Army VI. School Prefect. Shooting VIII 1934-36 (Capt.)
Cranwell.
54 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Spitfires providing air cover for the evacuation of Dunkirk, and fought in the Battle of Britain. It was based at RAF Hornchurch and used RAF Manston as a forward operating base.
'Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of Basil Way was his unobtrusiveness. His manner was as quiet as his voice and his slow smile, and at first one might well fail to realise the thoroughness and efficiency which were also part of him.
When he came to Malvern in 1931 he was in the Lower School and so lightly built as to appear frail, so that he seemed unlikely to make much of a mark here :- but by the time he left he was in the Sixth, a School Prefect, and Captain of the Shooting Eight. He was also an exceptionally good slow bowler, and if he had not given so much of his time to shooting, he might well have been in the Cricket XI; while at Football he played an important part in the team which brought the House Cup to No. 7 after a gap of 30 years.
But his heart was set on Flying, and perhaps his happiest years were spent at Cranwell, where in 1938 he won the Groves Memorial Prize for all round efficiency. He showed an exceptional aptitude and skill in handling aircraft, and at the end of his training he achieved his great ambition and was posted to a Fighter squadron. He was equally good under service conditions, and it was while leading a flight of Spitfires over the Thames Estuary last June that he was lost in pushing home a bold attack with his small command against overwhelming odds. R.T.C.' (Malvernian, Mar 1941).
Combat report. 24th July 1940.
I was leading the Squadron on patrol off Deal and N. Foreland. Sighted formation of Bombers to North heading up Thames Estuary. After approaching to within about 5 miles of Bombers, I discovered the presence of numerous escorting fighters, which we were forced to engage.
A general dog-fight ensued during which I got in good bursts at close range, at two ME 109s. The first did a half-roll and vertical dive into cloud, emitting glycol from radiators. The second emitted black smoke and Assumption; stalled and spun into cloud. Later gave short burst and finished ammunition on a third. Result unknown as I had to avoid another on my tail.
The following day on the 25th July 1940, flying Spitfire R 6707, he took off at 14:30 and was seen by P/O Gribble pursuing a Me 109 and that the pilot of the e/a baled out. He was then reported as missing.
Squadron Operations:
Hornchurch, 25th July 1940. Black Thursday. The Squadron on two occasions bore the brunt of heavy enemy attacks.
14:32. 100 plus plotted on convoys between Deal and Dover. 'B' Flight encountered 'hordes of JU 87s' with the usual escort of Me109s. Red section were despatched to assist 'B' Flight, but no other friendly aircraft were seen until we were leaving the scene of action. 1 Me109 destroyed, confirmed (F/Lt Way), 1 Me109 probably destroyed (P.O. Gray) and 1 Me109 damaged (S/Ldr Leathart) was claimed. The loss of F/Lt Way (missing) in this section was a great tragedy. That he accounted for an enemy aircraft before meeting his unknown fate is typical of his keenness and great courage in the face of odds large or small.
Combat reports, Feb, May 1940: AIR-50-21-74_1
July 1940: AIR-50-21-74_2
Squadron Operations July 1940 AIR-27_511_22
Squadron Operations July 1940 Detail AIR-27_511_23
Son of Maj. S. N. C. Webb, M.C., and Mary Webb, Knocktoron House, Knocklong, Co. Limerick.
Army V. House Prefect.
Sandhurst.
Husband of Rosemary Adele McNair Webb, of Thornhill, Stirlingshire.
Son of Harry Lucas Webb and Florence Julia Webb, of Hutchins Barn, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Math. V. House Prefect.
Clare College, Cambridge.
635 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Lancaster bombers from RAF Downham Market in Norfolk.
F/L H.J.L. Webb was Captain of 1 of 14 aircraft detailed to attack Nurnberg on the 30th March 1944, and was 1 of 3 that did not return.
March 1944 Ops AIR-27_2155_1
March 1944 Ops Detail AIR-27_2155_2
Son of W. Whately, 170 Church Rd., Upper Norwood.
Math VI, School Prefect. Football XI.
With L.N.E. Railway.
Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
Major, R.A.O.C.
Son of Sir Harold Beckwith Whitehouse (O.M.), and of Lady Whitehouse (nee Griffith), of West Brompton, London, and Grey Friars, 7 Pritchatt's Rd, Edgbaston.
Sci VI. School Prefect.
St John's College, Oxford.
Royal Engineers and No. 2 Commando
Killed during the capture of Sarande in Albania.
Details of No 2 Commando and Capture of Sarande: CommandoVeterans.org
Unit war diary: WO 218/64
Son of Charles Kell Wicksteed and Mary Louise Wicksteed, of Larchcroft, Ilkley, Yorkshire.
Mod. Lan. VI. House Prefect. Shooting VIII (Capt) 1932-4.
University of Grenoble. Leeds University.
1st East Riding Yeomanry Royal Armoured Corps attd. Indian Armoured Corps
Son of Herbert John West Wildbore and Lilian Wildbore, of Effingham Lodge, Copthorne Bank, Sussex.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Wilkinson, The Hurst, Mottingham, SE9.
Husband of Denise Ludlow Wilkinson, of Farnborough, Kent.
Son of Albert Reginald and Nora Margaret Willson, of Queen's Bank, Hertford.
House Prefect.
Inns of Court, 1940.
50th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
Served in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy. Killed in Athens, Dec. 1944.
He was shot through the back whilst on the steps of a hospital which was in enemy hands.
Unit war diary: WO 170/864
Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Wilson, of Colchester, c/o Mrs Dudley Day, 49 Lexden Rd., Colchester.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
Son of John and Eveline Maud Wilson, of Richmond Ho., Elms Rd., Leicester.
Mod. Lan. V.
102 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers.
He was an Observer and killed in a bombing raid over Cologne.
Feb 1943 Ops AIR-27_809_3
Feb 1943 Ops Detail AIR-27_809_4
Son of Charles Rupert Peter and Adeline Margaret Winser, of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, and Butts Green, Chadlington, Oxon.
Hist VI. House Prefect. Fives Cols. Cricket and Football XXII. Fives Cols.
13th (2/4th Bn. The South Lancashire Regt.) Bn.
The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
Son of Robert Withycombe, O.B.E., and Gladys Withycombe, of Darjani, Dunster, Somerset.
Mod. Lan. VI. School Prefect. Head of House.
Pembroke College, Cambridge (3rd Cl. Med. and Mod. Lan. Trip.) M.A.
124 Field Regt. Royal Artillery.
Mentioned in Despatches.
'Fought at Sidi Barani and Karen; was wounded; rejoined and fought from El Alamein onwards till he was killed in Sicily in July.' (Malvernian, Dec 1943).
He was killed in an explosion on a recce near Carlentini.
Unit war diary: WO 169/9515
Son of Richard Aubrey and Ada Constance Wood.
House Prefect.
London University.
Husband of Peggy Wood, of Saffron Walden, Essex.
In business in Birmingham. Journalist abroad. Proprietor of the Talbot Press.
1st Gt War, Private, Middlesex Regt. Capt., M.G.C.
2nd Gt War, Capt., 263 Gen. Transport Coy. Royal Army Service Corps
Son of Samuel and Alice Woolf, White House, Ashley, Market Drayton.
House Prefect. Cricket XI.
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Cotton Co., Sudan.
Husband of Elizabeth Daintry Woolf, of Stone, Staffordshire.
Royal Artillery attd. Royal Air Force.
Mentioned in Despatches.
Son of Capt. Marwood Yeatman, and of Mary Yeatman, of Knocklong, Co. Limerick, Irish Republic ,and Holwell Manor, Dorset.
Army V. House Prefect. Ledbury Cap.
Woolwich R.A.
12 Coast Regt. Royal Artillery
Son of F. E. Young (O.M.), Maybury Lodge, Reigate.
Bus. VI. Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Football XI. Ledbury Cap (winner, 1941).
6th Bn. 5th Mahratta Light Infantry
Son of Edward and Ethel Mary Young, of Westminster, London, and Burgess Wood Cottage, Stratton Rd., Beaconsfield, Bucks.
Swimming VIII.
In business.
7th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
'After a few years in business he enlisted in the London Scottish and later obtained a Commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a company of which he was commanding when he was killed in action in Sicily.' (Malvernian, Dec 1943)
He was killed in the Battle of Gerbini along with many other officers and men.
Unit war diary: WO 169/10173
Son of Colonel Stuart R. Moss-Vernon and Eugenie Moss-Vernon, of Selsfield, Sussex.
Sergeant in 99 Sqdn, R.A.F.
Service Number: 1670858
He was a Beam Gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber flying from Dhubalia, India to the railway station at Nong Pladuk in Thailand, and was killed due to a collision with another plane off the southern Burmese coast in the Andaman Sea.. The squadron had just transferred from Wellington bombers.
Nong Pladuk was the start of the 'Death Railway', which ended at Thanbyuzayat in Burma.
References:
99 Squadron operation records: AIR-27-794 and AIR-27-791-19, National Archives, Kew
Details of collision: rafcommands.com
and at: aviationmuseumwa.org.au
Nong Pladuk: Wikipedia
NB: Thanks to Paul Godsland who discovered in Oct 2022 that David Keith Moss-Vernon should also be added to those who have fallen.
