The first Bexhillian to give his life in the service of his country in this war is Pilot-Officer Gordon Owen Arscott, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen Arscott, of 36, Eversley-road, and a great-nephew of Mr. J. Arscott. His parents received an official telegram on Sunday morning to say that he had been killed.

Pilot Officer Arscott, who was 19½ years of age, had been in the Royal Air Force nearly two years. He learned to fly, and obtained his "A" certificate while still a school boy, and chose the R.A.F. as his profession, qualifying for his "wings"' in December, 1938. He recently spent some time in hospital at Hatfield with eye trouble due to flying strain, and rejoined his unit overseas about six weeks ago. He flew a bomber machine.

An announcement of his death was made at the Sackville-road Methodist Church, with which his family are closely associated. Deceased was a member of the church and was formerly in the Sunday School.

His former school fellows at the County School learned the sad news from the headmaster, Mr. W. L. Lamb. M.A., when they assembled for prayers on Monday morning.

He was very highly regarded at the County School, where he was Mullens' prizewinner for 1935 and captain of cricket in 1938. The Mullens' prize is awarded to the best all-round boy in the school chosen by a vote of his fellows.

Pilot Officer Arscott was engaged to Miss Doreen Carey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. H Carey. His father is an ex-Serviceman, who was badly wounded in the last war while serving with the Tank Corps.

Mr. and Mrs. Arscott and Doreen have been overwhelmed with messages of sympathy. These have been so numerous that it will be impossible to reply to them all individually, but they wish their friends to know they are deeply appreciated.

ARSCOTT Gordon Owen of 36 Eversley-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 4 May 1940 on war service Administration London 29 July to Robert Owen Arscott baker. Effects £140 13s. 3d.

In proud and affectionate memory of Flying Officer Kenneth Arthur Barber, who was missing in a raid over Hanover, September 27/28, 1943." from Mother, Dad and brother John.

Donation to Bexhill Hospital 1947: BARBER In proud and affectionate memory of Flying Officer Kenneth Arthur Barber who was missing in a raid over Hanover September 27th-28th 1943 from Mother, Dad and brother John £1 10s.

BARNES.—In dear memory of Charles, Sgt. C. C. Barnes, R.A.F.V.R.. and of all his pals at Evreux, June 12th. 1944.—Per Ardua ad Astra.—From Mum, Dad, Percy and Douglas, Nanna and Granddad

[Transcribed as BARTHOLEMEW from memorial] Private 6410093, 70th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died as the result of an accident at Caterham 27 June 1943. Aged 20. Born 9 April 1923. Son of John Rudolph and Ethel Mary Bartholomew, of Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1939 Register he was born 9 April 1923, unmarried, a Shop Assistant also assisting on Plumbing & Electrical Work, resident with his parents at Hillcrest, Grange Court Drive, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at St Peter’s School. Employed as a plumber by Bennett and Sons and played in Louis Ford’s football team. Joined the Army in 1941 previously serving with the Home Guard. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division C. Section D. Row G. Grave 23.

Lost his life in a collision with a van at Caterham whilst a dispatch rider.
The 70th Battalion, formed in September 1940, helped to defend vulnerable points in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, and later provided drafts for overseas duty.

Extract from Bexhill-On-Sea Observer - Saturday 29 June 1946, page 4:

On active Service
in Memoriam

BARTHOLOMEW.—In loving remembrance of our dear son and brother, Pte. Eric Bartholomew, Royal Sussex Regiment. who lost his life while on duty at Caterham. June 27th, 1943.
To a beautiful life came a sudden end.
He died as he lived, everyone's friend.
—Mum. Dad, Harold and Elizabeth

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2021

Pilot Officer 33535, 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force (Coastal Command). Flying out of Leuchars, Fife in a Hudson I, serial number N7265, he was killed in action when his aircraft was lost without trace over the North Sea during a patrol, possibly shot down by a Bf110 9 December 1940. Aged 20. Born 22 November 1920. Son of Colonel Alured Charles Lowther O'Shee Bilderbeck, I.M.S., and Josephine Christine Bilderbeck, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 22 November 1920, unmarried, Royal Air Force Flight Cadet., resident with his mother at Columbwood, Richmond Avenue, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Trained at the RAF College Cranwell in 1939. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 7.

Photograph Copyight © Vince Matthews 2015

Lieutenant 256106, Rifle Brigade attached 1st Battalion, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action in Italy 4 February 1944. Aged 20. Born and resident Sussex. Son of John Richard and Josepha Birnie, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Promoted from Cadet 19 Dec 1942 to the Rifle Brigade. Buried in MINTURNO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot III. Row E. Grave 25.

He may have been involved in a German counterattack against Anzio bridgehead.

Lieutenant 160578, 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Died in Italy 4 April 1944. Aged 27. Born and resident Sussex. Son of John and Olive G. Black; husband of Mary Patience Black, of Burton, Hampshire. B.A.(Cantab.). Educated Queens College, Cambridge. Married Mary Patience Potter in 1943 at Bexhill. Buried in BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO, Italy. Plot IX. Row D. Grave 1.

The 2nd Battalion was engaged in operations in the Anzio area.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

BLACK John Kenneth Osborne of Kenwood Terminus-avenue Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 4 April 1944 on war service Probate Llandudno 3 February to The National Bank of India Limited.
Effects £2832 16s. 2d.

[Listed as F P BOLD on memorial] Sergeant (Pilot) 1257611, 38 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (North Africa Command). Flying out of Shallufa, Egypt det Luqa, Malta in a Wellington IC, serial number Z8776, he was killed in action when he was shot down near the target during a raid on Tripoli, Libya, 23 September 1941. Aged 26. Born 1 September 1915. Son of Frederick J. Bold, and of Edith R. Bold, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In the 1939 Register he was born 1 September 1915, unmarried, a Jobber Member of the Stock Exchange Dealer Stocks Shares, resident with Edith Bold (his mother, a widow) in "Highfield Cottage," South Cliff, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Employed as a jobber at the stock exchange and served as an ARP messenger. No known grave. Commemorated on MALTA MEMORIAL, Malta. Panel 1, Column 2. See also Malta Memorial

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946:

BOLD Peter Frederick of Highfield Cottage South Cliff Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died on or since 23 September 1941 on war service Administration Lewes 26 November to Edith Rose Bold widow. Effects £1447 14s. 4d.

Lieutenant 235069, 46th Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C. Killed in action in North Africa 28 February 1943. Aged 24. Born 20 June 1918, and resident, Sussex. Son of Percy Philip and Marguerite Ethel Mary Bruce, of Ninfield, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 20 June 1918, unmarried, an Agricultural Worker & Lorry Driver, resident wth his parents at Park Cottage Russells Green, Ninfield near Battle, Ninfield, Hailsham R.D., Sussex. Educated Bexhill Grammar School. An agricultural worker, he volunteered with St John Ambulance. Buried in BEJA WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot 1. Row O. Grave 10.

On 26 February his unit was attacked by the Germans, as part of their offensive "Operation Ochsenkopf" Alfred was one of two fatalities in the unit on the 28th.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943:

BRUCE Alfred Lediard of Park Cottage Russells Green Ninfield near Battle Sussex died 28 February 1943 on war service Administration Llandudno 27 October to Percy Philip Bruce of no occupation. Effects £68 9s. 11d.

Leading Seaman P/J 104592, H.M.S. Transylvania, Royal Navy. Died at sea when his ship was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-56 10 August 1940. Aged 34. Born 14 February 1906 in Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Walter and Aida Burchett; husband of Queenie Victoria Joan (nee Von Gunton) Burchett, married Juy to September Quarter 1935 in Battle Registration Ditrict, Sussex. Originally enlisted 14 February 1924 for 12 years. Height 5 feet 5 inches, chest 35 inches, brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion. In the 1921 census he was aged 15 years 4 months, born Bexhill, Sussex, in whole-time education at Marine Society Training Establishment, Warspite, Tilbury, Essex. Buried in GREENOCK CEMETERY, Renfrewshire, Scotland. I. Recess. Queen Victoria Ground. Collective grave 41B.

Extract from Bexhill-On-Sea Observer, Saturday 3 August 1935, page 15:

WEDDING AT ST. PETER'S

At the Bexhill Parish Church on Saturday, the Rector officiated at the wedding of Miss Queenie Victoria Joan Von Gunter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Von Gunter, 82, London-road, and Mr. Walter Valentine Burchett, son of Mr. Walter Burchett, 43, Cornwall-road.

Given away by her father, the bride wore a satin dress with tulle veil and a head-dress of orange blossom, and silver shoes, and carried a bouquet of lilies. She was attended by Miss Doris Fox, who was in green flowered georgette, with shoes to match, and a white hat, her bouquet being composed of bronze blooms.

Mr. Edwin Wenham was best man.

A reception was held at 82, London-road, and when the couple left for their honeymoon at Brighton the bride was wearing a navy blue costume with hat to match.

[Listed as Lance Corporal on memorial] Private 14415425, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action 4 October 1944. Aged 19. Born 23 April 1925, and resident, in Sussex. Son of Arthur John and Minnie Jane Burt, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 24 April 1925, a Builders Merchant Assistant, resident with his parents at 23, St James' Avenue, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Employed as a builder’s merchant assistant. Buried in JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY, Gelderland, Netherlands. Plot 4. Row F. Grave 8.

In October 1944, the battalion attacked north of Bemmel, and expanded the bridgehead up to the Wettering Canal. The battalion then went onto the defensive until the end of November.

He and his unit were involved in the fighting north of Bemmel to expand the bridgehead. He was killed on 4 October at bumblebee ditch along Domineesland where the front line lay between the Allies and the German troops.

Private 6404003, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 15 June 1941. Aged 21. Born 10 December 1919. Son of Walter and Rose Matilda Bush, of Sidley, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 10 December 1919, unmarried, a Wood Machinist, resident with his parents at 40, Claremont Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. A wood machinist by trade. Part of the 9th Bexhill [St Andrew’s] Rover Scouts. Buried in TEL EL KEBIR WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 3. Row O. Grave 1.

Leading Aircraftman (Observer) FAA/FX. 80587, H.M.S. Goshawk (S.S. Almeda Star), Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. Killed in action at sea, lost in the SS Almeda Star which was torpedoed by the U-Boat U-96 about 35 miles north of Rockall en route to Trinidad 17 January 1941. Aged 19. Born 31 March 1921 in Montreal, Canada. Son of Harry Neville Cane and Lydia Louise Cane, of Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1939 Register he was born 31 March 1921, single, a Student at Brighton Techincal College, resident with his parents at 28, Colebrooke Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School, later a student at Brighton Technical College. Joined the Fleet Air Arm in July 1940. A proficient swimmer and competitor in swimming races and water polo. No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 2, Panel 1.

HMS Goshawk was the originally the merchant ship the SS Almeda Star. At 07:45 hours, U-96 fired one G7e torpedo at the Almeda Star, which stopped after a hit amidships. As the ship did not sink after being hit in the stern and amidships by two coups de grâce at 08:05 and 09:07 hours, the U-boat surfaced to shell the ship. The Germans observed four lifeboats and still saw people on deck before opening fire from 09:32 to 09:48 hours, hitting with about 15 of 28 incendiary shells. Only small fires were started which soon went out, so another torpedo was fired at 09:55 hours. The torpedo hit the forepart and caused her to sink by the bow within three minutes in 58°40N/13°38W.

Seven destroyers were ordered to search the area, but found no survivors. The master, 136 crew members, 29 gunners and 194 passengers were lost. Among the passengers were 21 officers and 121 ratings of the FAA (749, 750 & 752 FAA Squadrons) en route to RNAS Piarco, Trinidad.

Signalman 2590661, 52nd Division Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. Accidentally killed on service when, as a dispatch rider, his motorcycle came into collision with the rear of a stationary lorry about 300 yards west of the Gyle Bridge, at Glasgow Road Edinburgh, 7 April 1941. Aged 25. Born Sussex, resident Eastbourne. Son of Thomas Alfred and Margaret Chesson, of Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Winifred Maud (nee Winchester) Chesson, of Bexhill-on-Sea, married October to December Quarter 1939 in Eastbourne Registration District, Sussex. Attended Bexhill Grammar School. Married Winifred Winchester in Eastbourne 1939. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division B. Section D. Row F. Grave 24.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941:

CHESSON Kenneth Cyril of 5 Oundle-lane Hadham Hertfordshire died 7 April 1941 on war service Administration Lewes 11 August to Winifred Maud Chesson widow.
Effects £242 16s. 5d.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2021

[Listed as Private on memorial] Driver T/261216, Royal Army Service Corps. Missing believed died at sea, possibly the loss of HMS LCT 8 (LCT 8) during an air attack off Sidi Barani, 29 July 1941. Aged 20. Born 23 April 1921, and resident, Sussex. Son of William Henry and Ivy Chrismas, of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was newborn, born Sussex, son of William Henry and Iva Joyce Chrismas, resident Sadley Boat Stones, Ninfield Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 23 April 1921, unmarried, a Railway Sorter, resident with his parents at Boot Stores, Ninfield Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex,. Employed by Southern Railway as a porter at Collington Halt. Member of the Bexhill Athletic Club and Parkhurst Wednesday Cricket Club. No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 16, Column 2.

Extract from Sussex Express and County Herald - Friday 24 July 1942, page 8:

ON ACTIVE SERVICE
In Memoriam

BARTHOLOMEW.—In loving remembrance of our dear son and brother, Pte. Eric Bartholomew, Royal Sussex Regiment, who lost his life while on duty at Caterham, June 27th, 1943.
To a beautiful life came a sudden end.
He died as he lived, everyone's friend

[Memorial states awarded DSM] Leading Seaman C/JX 170820, H.M.S. Jervis Bay, Royal Navy. Died at sea 5 November 1940. Born 1 March 1908 in Crowborough, Sussex. Enlisted 1 March 1936 for 12 years, occupation Ererand Boy, height 5 feet 5¼ inches, chest 34 inches, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, sallow complexion. In the 1921 census he was aged 13, born Rotherfield, Sussex, son of Robert D and Frances Cole, resident Donnis, Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill, Sussex. He joined the Royal Navy 1 March 1926. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 35, Column 2.v

Photograph Courtesy of from Monsewer Internet

H.M.S. Jervis Bay was a British liner later converted into an armed merchant cruiser. She was sunk in battle on 05 November 1940 by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer in an action which posthumously earned her captain the Victoria Cross. he was the sole escort for the 37 merchant ships of Convoy HX 84 from Bermuda and Halifax to Britain. When the convoy encountered the German warship Admiral Scheer about 755 nautical miles (1,398 km) south-southwest of Reykjavík, the captain of Jervis Bay, Edward Fegen, ordered the convoy to scatter, and set his own ship on a course towards the German warship to draw its fire. Jervis Bay was hopelessly outgunned and outranged by the 28 cm (11inch) guns of the German ship, but it attacked the larger ship with its guns, firing more to distract the German ship from the merchantmen than with hopes of doing any damage. Although the German's shells ravaged Jervis Bay, and Fegen was wounded and many crewmen killed, Fegen and the surviving crew fought on until their ship was sunk.

Able Seaman P/JX 129345, H.M. Submarine H.49., Royal Navy. Died at sea 27 October 1940. Aged 29. Born 17 March 1911 in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Alfred and Elizabeth Coleman, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was newborn, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of Alfred and Elizabeth Coleman, resident 9, Little Common Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 10, born Sussex, son of Alfred and Elizabeth Coleman, resident 9, Little Common Road, Hollington Rural, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 38, Column 2.

Air Fitter (O) FAA/FX 80390, H.M.S. Archer, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. Killed in an accident on board the escort aircraft carrier H.M.S. Archer while at sea 19 June 1942. Aged 22. Born 19 December 1919 in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, son of Charles and Esther Cornelius, resident 10, Parkhurst Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 19 December 1919, unmarried, a Motor Body Fitter, resident 77, Sewall Highway, Coventry, Coventry C.B., Warwickshire. Educated at St Barnabas School and a choir boy at St Andrew’s Church. Member of the Bexhill Athletic Club and an exceptional swimmer. Married Joyce Whiting in 1941 at Bexhill-on-Sea. Employed as a motor engineer by the Humber-Hillman Car Company at Coventry. He joined the Royal Navy in the autumn of 1940. No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 3, Panel 3.

In Cape Town HMS Archer embarked passengers and cargo for the UK, amongst this cargo was three million pounds sterling in gold ingots under armed guard. She sailed from Cape Town on 8 June.

HMS Archer made for Freetown after recovering Swordfish 'A' from her Wide-Awake Island adventure in order to disembark her passengers and the gold. The passage back to Freetown was marred by tragedy on the 19th when armourers were handling a 250lb bomb which exploded in a walkway on the edge of the flight deck, the blast killed eight men and injured eleven more, one of which died from his wounds two days later. A large hole was ripped through the hanger bulkhead starting a fire which activated the fire suppression system; one aircraft was damaged before the fire was extinguished. Those who died at the time of the explosion were buried at sea, the man who died later form his wounds was buried in Freetown.

Private 901591, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Died in Myanmar (Burma) between 1 February 1945 and 2 February 1945. Aged 23. Born Pembrokeshire, resident Wiltshire. Educated at St Barnabas School and later employed by the Collington Stores. He was in the Territorials at the outbreak of war. No known grave. Commemorated on RANGOON MEMORIAL, Myanmar (Burma). Face 4.

On the night of 1 February Private Crane was one of a group of soldiers crossing the Shweli River in Burma when the boat came under enemy machine gun fire and he was lost overboard.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1891269, 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Syerston, Nottinghamshire, in a Avro Lancaster III, serial number JB137, on a night mission to Hanover, he was mortally wounded in an attack by a night-fighter and pushed out of the aircraft by the Bomb Aimer and Navigator before they jumped themselves 23 September 1943. Aged 19. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Frederick William and Dorothy A. M. Cronchey, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Trained at 1 Air Gunners School, Pembury and then 16 Operational Training Unit, Upper Heyford and then 1660 Conversion Unit. Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 20. Row A. Grave 14.

23 September 1943 Lancaster III JB137 of 61 Squadron took off 18:57 from Syerston to attack Mannheim.

Coned for five minutes on the way to the target and attacked by three night fighters. The first attack caused the port outer engine to catch fire and further attacks caused considerable damage to controls. He was the mid-upper gunner and was mortally wounded and pushed out of the aircraft by the Bomb Aimer and Navigator before they jumped themselves. Cronchey was found, already dead, by the German authorities whereas the other two became POWs. Although the aircraft went out of control, control was regained and the order rescinded. The aircraft returned safely. The aircraft went on to the target at 16,000 feet and jettisoned bombs. The pilot, Tony Bird, was awarded an immediate DFC.

[Listed as CROWHURST, N J] Private W/81115, Auxillary Territorial Service. Died in United Kingdom 9 July 1943. Aged 21. Born 9 February 1922, and resident, in Sussex. Daughter of Walter John and Nellie Crowhurst, of Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1939 Register she was born 9 February 1922, unmarried, a Ward Maid Daily, resident with her mother at 2, Sewell Avenue, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division C. Section D. Row H. Grave 23.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2021

Wing Commander (Pilot) 19182, Commanding 21 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (2 Tactical Air Force). Flying out of Thorney Island, Hampshire in a Mosquito FBVI, serial number PZ314, he was killed in action when his aircart crashed west of Aachen during a night intruder sortie 2 February 1945. Aged 39. Born 10 April 1905. Native of Cranbrook, Kent. Son of Horace Easton Dale and Frances Harriet Dale; husband of Norah Louisa Dale, of Cranbrook, Kent. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). In the 1911 census he was aged 5, born Caterham Valley, Surrey, son of Horace Easton Dale and Frances Harriet Dale, resident The Retreat, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. In the 1921 census he was aged 16, born Caterham, Surrey, a Pupil, General Farm Work for W H Joslin (Farmer), resident Loughton Place, Laughton, Sussex. Educated New Road Preparatory School Tunbridge Wells and later The Tonbridge School where he was a Cadet in the Officer Training Corps. Whilst working as a clerk at Barnes & Co Ltd during 1924 he joined the Honourable Artillery Company Infantry, (Territorial Force) as a Private. Joined the Royal Air Force as a Pilot Officer in 1925. Served with 17, 41, 45 and 47 Squadrons in both the UK and Middle East. Married Sarah Louisa Williams in 1934 at the Parish Church, Cranbrook, Kent. He went on to become a test pilot with the Cierva Autogiro Company. Re-joining the RAF in 1939 as a flying instructor. Buried in SITTARD WAR CEMETERY, Limburg, Netherlands. Row B. Grave 16.

In 1940 he survived a mid-air collision. Following a period of rest, he was posted to Canada, but even after return to the UK he was subject to ground duties until 1944 when as a Wing Commander he led 21 Squadron. He was the leader of the (reserve) 3rd wave of the attack on Amiens prison. He also participated in the attack on the Gestapo Headquarters at Aarhus.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation:

W/C Dale began his present tour of operations in February 1943, and has now completed some 42 sorties. His first were against targets at Dunkirk, where he had to belly-land wounded, owing to severe flak damage. He then completed 9 operations with 464 Squadron, leading a flight of Venturas. These bombing sorties included Cherbourg Docks, rail centres and factories in France and Holland, with most successful results.

On 02 February 1944, he took over command of 21 Squadron. His sorties in Mosquitos included low and high-level attacks against Noballs, factories, power stations and aerodromes. He made intruder trips to Holland and Germany, and participated in the successful Amiens Jail-break. On 6th February, 1944, though hit by flak on the way into France, he continued to the target and carried out his attack.

For the last month, W/C Dale has led his Squadron in night-intruder and daylight ‘Oboe’ operations with increasing success. Eager for closer and more frequent contact with the enemy, he has infused his aircrews with an infectious enthusiasm. This, combined with his experience and steady skill has worked wonders with his Squadron, and their present fighting efficiency is due largely to his unremitting efforts.

2 February 1945 21 Squadron Mosquito VI, PZ314 took off from Thorney Island at 21:10 on a night intruder sortie near Ophoven. Crashed west of Aachen during a night intruder sortie. Pilot heard to say that he was bailing out.

DA:E is on the left of the three officers, right background.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

DALE Ivor Gordon Easton of The Old Pump House Cranbrook Kent and of care of Lloyds Bank Limited 6 Pall Mall Westminster died 2 February 1945 on war service Administration (with Will) Llandudno 31 July to Nora Louisa Dale widow.
Effects £3387 1s. 6d.

Captain IA/1216, 2nd Battalion, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles). Died as a Japanese Prisoner of War 8 March 1942. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). Commissioned 5 August 1905, retired 24 November 1934 as Lieutenant-Colonel. Buried in KUALA LUMPUR (CHERAS ROAD) CIVIL CEMETERY, Malaysia. Grave 771.

Guardsman 2617852, Grenadier Guards and 'B' Squadron, 2nd Battalion, Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C. Killed in action 5 October 1943 in the battle for Termoli as part of 'Operation Jonquil' rescuing Allied prisoners-of-war behind enemy lines. Aged 33. Born 21 October 1909 in Eastbourne, resident Sussex. Son of Arthur and Kate Dench; husband of Marjorie Joyce Dench, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, father of Paul. In the 1921 census he was aged 11, born Eastbourne, Sussex, son of Arthur and Kate Dench, resident The Skipson, Catsfield, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Regist3er he was born 21 October 1909, a Nursery Gardener, married to Marjorie Dench, resident 1 Bowrey Place, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. A nursery gardener. Married Marjorie Joyce Fincham in 1933 at Rye. Four children. No known grave. Commemorated on CASSINO MEMORIAL, Italy. Panel 3.

See also Doune - David Stirling and SAS War Memorial

Research by his son, Paul, has established that Arthur was a member of 'B' Squadron 2nd SAS involved in Operation 'Jonquil' when he was killed in the Battle for Termoli.
The Squadron sailed into Termoli harbour at sunset about 16.00 hrs. It had been a relatively quiet day in Termoli the calm before the storm but they were greeted by an enemy dive-bombing attack shortly after arrival. Both groups of 2nd SAS soldiers, now present in Termoli, were there to support the rescue of mass escaped Allied prisoners-of-war behind enemy lines.
There were four fighter-bomber attacks during day. H.Q. Schooner hit about midday. Capt Baillie's batman, Dench was killed as well as two American interpreters, and three Italian crew wounded.
Dad was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, the Italy Star, The Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-45. Mum received a pension of £1 6s 8d, a children's allowance of £1 13s, and remained a widow for the rest of her life.

[Listed as Sherwood Rangers on memorial] Captain 170611, 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps attached to Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps. Killed in action in North West Europe 9 June 1944. Aged 24. Born 24 January 1920 in Kent, resident Sussex. Son of Keith Sholto Douglas and Marie Josephine Douglas, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. A noted War Poet. Exhibitioner of Merton College, Oxford, where he was a student of Edmund Blunden. In the 1939 Register he was born 24 January 1920, unmarried, a Student, resident Stokers Farm, Reeds Lane, Southwater, Horsham R.D., Sussex. Brought up by his mother from the age of eight. Educated at Christ’s Hospital and Merton College, Oxford. A noted War Poet. Exhibitioner of Merton College, Oxford, where he was a student of Edmund Blunden. He wrote of his experiences in the book Alamein to Zem Zem. He wrote another book Collected Poems. Following training at Sandhurst he sailed for the Middle East in 1941, he was wounded 15 January 1943, Libya. Buried in TILLY-SUR-SEULLES WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 2.

On 9 June Douglas's armoured unit was pinned down on high ground overlooking Tilly-sur-Seulles. Concerned by the lack of progress, Douglas dismounted his tank to undertake a personal reconnaissance during which he was killed by a German mortar. The regimental chaplain Captain Leslie Skinner buried him by a hedge, close to where he had died on "forward slopes point 102". Shortly after the war his remains were reburied at Tilly-sur-Seulles War Cemetery.

The Bexhill address has not been found.

Rifleman 6924085, 10th (2nd Battalion, Tower Hamlets Rifles) Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action in Italy between 13 December 1944 and 14 December 1944. Aged 23. Born 13 November 1921, and resident, in Sussex. Son of Sidney John and Elizabeth Duncan, of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 13 November 1921, unmarried, a Grocer's Shop Assistant, resident with his parents at 16, Preston Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex,. Employed as a grocer’s assistant. Joined the Army in February 1942. He sailed to the Middle East in February 1944 and went on to Italy in September 1944. His four brothers also served in the armed Forces. See separate entry for Charles Alfred Duncan (below). Buried in FAENZA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot V. Row C. Grave 18.

The front inched forward as far as Ravenna in the Adriatic sector, but with divisions transferred to support the new offensive in France, and the Germans dug in to a number of key defensive positions, the advance stalled as winter 1944 set in.

Private 6287023, 4th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. Killed when he purposedly fell on a live genade in order to save comrades 10 July 1943. Aged 23. Born and resident Sussex. Son of Sidney John and Elizabeth Duncan, of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Awarded the George Cross (G.C.). In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, son of Sidney John and Elizabeth Duncan, resident 16, Preston Road, Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. Educated at St Peter’s School and worked for a time at Wickens and Sons, grocers. He joined The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) at the age of 16. He served earlier in the war in France and Belgium and was evacuated at Dunkirk.Buried in ENFIDAVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Tuinisia. Plot III. Row B. Grave 28.

On 10 July 1943, in M'Saken, Tunisia, his squad had been removing the fuses from their grenades in a confined area after the postponement of a parachute operation in Sicily when a live device was dropped on the ground. Duncan retrieved it, found the pin was out and the fuse burning and dropped on the grenade to shield his fellows from the inevitable blast. Duncan was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the self-sacrifice he showed by throwing himself on a grenade. The award was received by his parents from the King at an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

His medals including his GC, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with “1st Army” clasp, Defence Medal 1939-45 and War Medal 1939-45 were presented to the Airborne Forces Museum in Aldershot in 1972. His four brothers also served in the armed Forces. See separate entry for Albert Francis Duncan.

George Cross Details:

The London Gazette of 9 November, 1943, states that the award of the George Cross was made "in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner." Private Duncan was serving at M'Saken in North Africa when a live grenade fell amongst a group of his comrades. Realising that it was on the point of exploding he threw himself upon it and gave his life to save theirs.

Gunner 6098982, 11 (Honourable Artillery Company) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. Listed as Prisoner of War in Middle East 29 June 1942, died while a prisoner in Italian hands 14 November 1942. Aged 22. Born 19 May 1919. Son of Rose Elizabeth Errey, of Battle, Sussex. A plasterer by trade. In the 1939 Register he was born 19 May 1919, unmarried, a Plasterers Improver, resident with his parenst, William T and Rose Errey, at 49 Sidley Street, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 14.

The unit embarked on 26 September 1941, riding for a week in the Mersey Channel whilst the convoy assembled, then stopped in Aden for a while and finally disembarked in Egypt on 06 December 1941. Died as a prisoner of war in Italian hands between 31 October and 14 November 1942. The dates approximate the Battle of Alamein.

Leading Airman (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) FAA/FX. 82879, 820 Squadron, H.M.S. Formidable, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. Killed in action at sea flying in an Albacore I, serial number BF766, when his aicraft was lost during a night ASR patrol in bad visibility, the observer was rescued after several days in a dinghy, 5 April 1943. Aged 22. Born 2 November 1920 in Hackney, London. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Lauris Annie Mabel Evett, of Sidley, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 2 November 1920, unmarried, a Wet Cleaner for a Cleaners and Dyers, resident with his parents, Ernest W J and Lauris W M Evett, at 83 Buxton Drive, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 4, Panel 3.

Private 5784091, 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in North West Europe 8 July 1944. Aged 25. Born 11 January 1920, and resident, in Sussex. Son of Charles and Elizabeth Faulkner, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 11 January 1920, unmarried, an Apprentice Carpenter, resident with his parents at 15, Bowrey Place, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at the Down school. Became an apprentice carpenter with Strange and Sons. He played football for Louis Ford’s XI. Buried in CAMBES-EN-PLAINE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Row H. Grave 19.

He was killed during Operation Charnwood, the attack on the town of Caen. The objective of Charnwood was to clear Caen of its defenders up to the Orne River and if possible, to secure bridgeheads in southern Caen.

Second Officer (Wireless Operator), S.S. Henri Mory (Swansea), Merchant Navy. Died at sea, supposed drowned, when his ship was sunk by a torpedo from an enemy submarine 26 April 1941. Aged 21. Born Bexhill, Sussex. Resident 10, Claremont Road, Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Sussex, son of Charles E and Ellen L Flint, resident 43, Sackville Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Educated Bexhill Grammar School. Played the piano and violin. Married Betty West in 1940 at Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 56.

At 01:30 hours on 27 April 1941 the unescorted Henri Mory (Master Joseph Havard) was hit on the starboard side in the after end of the engine room by one torpedo from U-110 while steaming on a non-evasive course at 4 knots in fine and clear weather about 330 miles west-northwest of Blasket Islands, Ireland. The ship had been dispersed from convoy SL-68 on 21 March, went to Bermuda and then proceeded independently to the UK because the vessel was too slow to join a transatlantic convoy, barely able to make 6 knots and later further reduced due to troubles with its boiler tubes. The crew of 30 men and two gunners (the ship was armed with two 90mm and three machine guns) began to abandon ship in the lifeboats, but had difficulties to so in the very dark night and a heavy swell caused the port lifeboat to drift away unoccupied. Henri Mory sank in less than four minutes and only a few survivors managed to escape the suction of the sinking ship. The master, 25 crew members and two gunners were lost.

Photograph Courtesy of from Monsewer Internet

Lieutenant (A)(Pilot), 817 Squadron, H.M.S. Victorious, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Killed while flying an Albacore I, serial nuber N4358, he flew into the sea during a dummy Aerial Light Torpedo attack on H.M.S. Victorious 12 October 1941. Aged 25. Born 18 May 1916. Son of Harold Jack and Marion Edith Flowers. B.A. (London). In the 1939 Register he was born 18 May 1916, unmarried, a School Master, resident with his mother at Linden Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. He was a schoolmaster. No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 2, Panel 6.

In October 1941, decrypted German Enigma signals indicated a break-out into the Atlantic by the German warships Scheer and Tirpitz. Victorious was deployed with the Home Fleet for their interception; this included a patrol in the Denmark Strait with battleships HMS King George V, USS Idaho, and USS Mississippi, and cruisers USS Wichita and USS Tuscaloosa. This joint Anglo-American operation pre-dated the formal state of war between the United States and Germany. This operation continued until mid-November, when Hitler cancelled the German operation.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942:

FLOWERS Jack Guiscard Rouse of 18 Linden-road Bexhill Sussex died 12 October 1941 on war service Administration Lewes 19 May to Marion Edith Flowers (wife of Harold Jack Flowers).
Effects £210 5s. 11d.

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Lieutenant (A)(Pilot), 784 Squadron, H.M.S. Daedalus, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Killed while flying a Firefly FI, serial number Z2053, out of Donibristle, Fife, when he baled out after the engine failed during a night flying exercise, not found, 1 January 1945. Aged 23. Born 4 October 1921. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Harry George and Eileen Elva Kate French, of Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1939 Register he was born 4 October 1921, unmarried, a Clerk Part-Time studying for exam as Naval Cadet, resident with his parents at Feroline, Wrestwood Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. Awarded prize in 1938 for Pitman’s shorthand theory. Employed by the Unemployment Assistance Board as an Investigating Clerk. Trained at 31 Service Flying Training School, Kingston, Ontario, Canada and graduated 15 September 1941. 784 Squadron was a night fighter training unit stationed, in January 1945, at HMS Nighthawk (RAF Drem). No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 6, Panel 3.

Private 6401925, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 22 November 1941. Aged 22. Born 11 April 1919. Son of Henry James Fuller and Annie Elizabeth Fuller, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Barnet, Hertfordshire, resident with his parents at 15, Havelock Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 11 April 1919, unmarried, a Timber Yard Employed Timber Feller, resident with his mother at 11, Bayen Court N, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at St Peter’s School. Tree feller and lumber yard worker at E J Bowles and Sons Limited. Was the Company Quartermaster Sergeant of the St Peter’s Company, Church Lads Brigade. Joined the Army in 1939. Buried in HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 6. Row G. Grave 9.

The regiment played an important rôle in the fighting at Sidi Omar in November 1941. On 22 November, General Scobie ordered the position at Sidi Rezegh to be consolidated and the corridor widened in the hope that the Eighth Army would link up. The 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment with tank support took the strongpoint Tiger and left a 7,000-yard (6,400 m) gap between the corridor and Ed Duda, but efforts to clear the Tugun and Dalby Square strong points were repelled. In the fighting on the 22nd, the Tugun's defenders brought down devastating fire and reduced the strength in one attacking British company to merely 33 all ranks.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1804809, 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Path Finder - Bomber Command). Flying out of Oakington, Cambridgeshire, in a Lancaster III, serial number ND443, he was killed when his aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Ober-Moos 15 miles southwest of Fulda when outbound on a raid on Nuremberg 31 March 1944. Aged 20. Born 5 May 1923. Native of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Harold Walter and Ina Margery Fuller, of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 5 May 1923, unmarried, a Builder's Estimating Clerk, resident with his parents at Buckholt Cottages, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 6. Row E. Grave 1.

Sergeant, Royal Corps of Signals. Army. He is on the town memorial but no further details currently. A Bexhill connection has not been found.

[Listed as L/Sergeant on memorial] Sergeant 1118911, 3 Company Light A.A. Battery, Royal Artillery. Killed in action in Western Europe 29 March 1945. Aged 39. Born 2 July 1906 Walsall, Staffordshire, resident Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Alfred William and Rose Green; husband of Gwendoline Marion (nee Dennett) Green, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married October to December Quarter 1935 in Battle Registration District, Sussex. Joined Light A.A. Battery 12 June 1942. In the 1939 Register he was born 2 July 1906, a Handicraft Instructor, married to Gwendolie M Green, resident 58, Western Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Came to Bexhill in 1928 and employed by Messrs J L French and Company. Living Western Road, he joined the County School for Boys in 1931 as a workshop instructor and ran a model engineers club. A sportsman an oarsman and a long-distance cyclist. Served originally in the Local Defence Volunteers he joined the Army in 1941 and joined a Light Anti-Aircraft unit in 1942. Buried in PIHEN-LES-GUINES WAR CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot 2. Row C. Grave 1.

The unit provided support to the 21st Army Group during the campaign in North West Europe in 1944–45. This included Operation Plunder (The crossing of the Rhine) on 23 March 1945. The location of Harry’s burial at Calais suggests that he died of wounds there.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

GREEN Harry of 58 Western-road Bexhill Sussex died 29 March 1945 on war service Administration Lewes 24 September to Gwendoline Marian Green widow.
Effects £380 6s. 8d.

[Listed as Sapper on memorial] Lance Corporal 1878045, Royal Engineers. Killed by enemy bombing at Plaza Cinema, Robertson Street, Hastings, while on leave 30 September 1940. Aged 17. Born Sussex, resident Eastbourne. Son of Kenneth William and Ethel Maud Green, of 15, York Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. He was killed whilst on leave from the Army Technical School when a single bomber dropped a High Explosive (HE) bomb that hit the Plaza Cinema on Robertson Street, Hastings. Thirteen other people were killed and thirty-five injured, twelve seriously. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division C. Section D. Row C. Grave 23.

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Steward LT/LX 27667, H.M.S. Sotra, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Died at sea when H.M.S. Sotra, a Minesweeper Trawler, was torpedoed by German Submarine U-431 and sank 29 January 1942. Aged 20. Born 20 October 1921 in Lindfield, Sussex or Ninfield, Sussex. Son of David and Kate Gurr, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Formerly Merchant Seaman No. 9780, Bexhill-on-Sea, hazel eyes, fair hair, fair complexion. Sailed on Winchester Castle as 162489. In the 1939 Register he was born 20 October 1921, unmarried, a Labourer in Dye House, resident with his parents at 10, Buckhurst Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Employed as a labourer in a dye house. No known grave. Commemorated on LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL, Suffolk. Panel 10. Column 3.

At 21:46 hours on 29 Jan 1942, U-431 attacked convoy TA-21 off Bardia and hit HMS Sotra with one torpedo. The vessel exploded and sank with the loss of the crew.

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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 137293, Pathfinder Navigation Training Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Warboys, Huntingdonshire in a de Havilland Mosquito IV, serial number DK313, on a Training-night cross-country exercise, crashed while preparing to land at Warboys when control was lost in bad weather while returning from a night cross-country exercise 19 February 1945. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Dorset, son of James William and Florence Maude Haley, resident 2, Amherst Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Married Heather C Carter in the July to September Quarter 1943 in Battle Registration District, Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. The family donated a sports cup to the school in the early post war years. They lived in Amherst Road. In 1939 he was an insurance clerk living in Paddington. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Divisuion B. Section C. Row G. Grave 27.

On 10 October 1941 whilst serving with 218 Squadron, at Marham, as Sergeant 1251661, he was the pilot of Wellington R1151 HA- L participating on an attack on oil tanks north of Bordeaux. The starboard propeller came off and the crew bailed out. Victor came down near a farm at Le Pizou and once recovered – fed and watered by a farmer - set off south and crossed the demarcation line into the Zone Libre (Free Zone – Vichy France). He was taken in for 9 weeks and shielded from the authorities at St Remy by an Englishman, Malcolm Cockerell, who informed the Red Cross, taught Victor rudimentary French and arranged a journey to the Spanish border by train and taxi. Via Madrid he arrived at Gibraltar 4 March 1942.

Military Medal citation:

This airman was a member of the crew of an aircraft which crashed returning from an attack on Bordeaux. Evading capture on baling out, he showed great resource in journeying across France and, after overcoming many obstacles, he finally made his way without a guide over the Pyrenees into Spain from where, after a period of detention, he was repatriated.

By March 1942 he was back in service in the UK.

His death was the result of a flying accident. On 19th February 1945 he was on a night exercise flying a Mosquito of the Pathfinder Force Navigation Training Unit at RAF Warboys in Cambridgeshire. The accident report states that ‘Pilot allowed his speed to drop and as result he sideslipped and crashed’. The other occupant was also killed.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946:

HALEY Victor George M.M. of Avon Pear Tree-lane Bexhill Sussex died 19 February 1945 at Warboys Railway Station Huntingdon Administration Lewes 4 January to Heather Constance Haley widow. Effects £473 8s. 1d.

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Ordinary Seaman P/SSX 30654, H.M.S. Boreas, Royal Navy. Died at sea 25 July 1940. Aged 18. Born 30 February 1921 in Bwexhill, Sussex. Son of James Henry and Evelyn Hall, of Brierfield, Lancashire. Buried in DOVER (ST. JAMES'S) CEMETERY, Kent. Row A. Joint grave 4.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 3 August 1940, page 6:

BEXHILL SAILOR KILLED IN ACTION

An official telegram was received on Saturday morning by Mr. and Mrs. J. Hall, 28, Bancroft-road, informing them that their 18-year-old son, Ivan Frank Hall, R.N., had been killed in action on the previous day.

Ivan was on the destroyer Boreas when it was bombed.

Mr and Mrs. Hall's other son Cecil, died as the result of a cycle accident m Windsor-road on October 20th, 1938.

Sub-Lieutenant (A), Fleet Air Arm, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was killed in a Martlet of 805 Squadron from Dekheila airfield, when taking off during an enemy air raid at night the aircraft went into a spin at the southwest side of Sidi Barrani North 15 September 1941. Aged 23. Son of Leslie Franklin Thomas Harper and Clarice Monica Harper, of Hove, Sussex. Following education at Bexhill Grammar School he went to the Brighton School of Architecture and passed the RIBA intermediate examination. He was on the staff of the Daily Mail and designed some of the pavilions for the Ideal Home Exhibition. He was finally employed by the Brighton architects Messrs Clayton and Black. Prior to posting to the Middle East at Dekheila airfield (HMS Grebe) as a fighter pilot he was an extra in a flying sequence in the film Ships with Wings. Originally buried uin Sidi Barrani War Cemetery, re-buried 23 Decmber 1943 in HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 8. Row G. Grave 4.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941 (note name discrepancy):

HARPER Leslie Kenneth of Appledore Summerhill-lane Haywards Heath Sussex died 15 September 1941 on war service Administration Lewes 28 November to Leslie Franklin Thomas Harper sales manager. Effects £572 18s. 5d.

Gunner 888569, 934 Battery, 8 Defence Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died as the result of an accident in the United Kingdom 21 February 1941. Born 25 May 1922 in Battle, Sussex, resident Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 25 May 1922, unmarried, an Errand Boy, son of James W and Esther E Harris, resident 2 Quebec Road, Hastings, Hastings C.B., Sussex. Educated at the Down Council School. Married Elsie Kemp in 1939 at Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division C. Section D. Ro D. Grave 23.

He was evacuated at Dunkirk slightly wounded and later became a dispatch rider. On the day of his death in the Driffield, East Yorkshire area, he apparently came off of his motorcycle, being found by a fellow dispatch rider.

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Sergeant (Pilot) 741419, Glider Pilots' Exercise Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Fighter Command). Flying out of Netheravon, Wiltshire in a Tiger Moth II, serial number DE527, the aircraft dived into the ground 2 miles north of at Stockbridge, Hants during a training flight 5 December 1942. Aged 30. Native of Marhamchurch, Cornwall. Son of Reginald Robert and Louisa Lydia Jane Harrison, of Marhamchurch, Cornwall; husband of Enid Yvonne (nee Evans) Harrison, of Bexhill-on-Sea, married July to September Quarter 1940 in Battale Registration District, Sussex. Educated at Woodford House School, Birchington. Had a merchant seaman’s ticket in 1930. He was involved with testing Henri Mignet’s Pou Du Ciel (Flying Flea) at Brooklands where he also engaged in motorcycle speed tests. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1936 for a short engagement and signed on again at the outbreak of war. Married Enid Yvonne Evans at Sackville Road Methodist Church in 1940. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division B. Section C. Row C. Grave 39.

5 December 1942 Tiger Moth II DE527 Glider Pilot Exercise Unit took off from Netheravon on a practice flight. Aircraft dived into the ground Houghton Down, 2 miles SW of Stockbridge, Hampshire. Form 1180 describes as incident as a practice flight with unauthorised passenger. Comment is made on the health of the passenger and its possible bearing on the accident.

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[Listed as Royal Hampshire Regiment on memorial] Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class II) 5493527, 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 8 July 1944. Aged 37. Born Portsmouth, resident Hampshire. Son of William Fred and Elizabeth Hutchins; husband of Constance Eileen (nee Marshall) Hutchins, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married July to September Quarter 1940 in Surrey Mid Eastern Registration District, Surrey. In the 1921 census he was aged 13, born Portsmouth, Hampshire, son of William and Ethel Hutchins, resident 36, Mary Street, Landport, Portsmouth, Hampshire. Married Constance Marshall in Surrey 1940. Previously serving as a private with the 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment he was awarded an India General Service Medal. As a Sergeant with the Hampshire Regiment attached to an Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps depot in June 1940, he was reported as missing. Buried in RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calavdos, France. Plot II. Row B. Grave 15.

Gunner 544197, 1 Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Artillery. Killed in action in Egypt (possibly died in a Stuka attack on trucks.) 30 May 1942. Aged 36. Born St. Peter's, Bexhill, Sussex, resident Bexhill, Sussex. Husband of Florence V. Hutchinson, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married January to March Quarter 1940 in Battle Registration District, Sussex. Employed by E Warburton & Sons. Married Florence Victoria Sarjeant at Battle in 1940. One child. Fined 5s for riding a bicycle in Pear tree Lane without lights and later that year 10s for riding a bicycle in Little Common Road without lights. Enlisted in the Royal Tank Corps for 6 years in 1924 serving with the 10th and 4th hussars, discharged in 1936. Was involved with the evacuation at Dunkirk and went to the Middle East in August 1941. Buried in KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA, Libya. Plot 11. Row H. Collective grave 18.

Lieutenant 303865, 10th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Died as a Prisoner of War in German Hands in Italy 26 February 1944. Aged 21. Born 5 October 1922 in Surrey, resident Sussex. Son of Pierre Henri and Julie Mabel Jensen, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 5 October 1922, unmarried, seeking work, resident with his parents at 74, Sea Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Originally a Cadet in the Royal Sussex Regiment. Originally buried Campo Verano Cemetery, Rome re-buried, reburied 22 January 1945 in ROME WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot II. Row A. Grave 9.

During February, the 10th Battalion was in the Anzio area. From 20th to 25th January the 10th Berks suffered 130 other ranks and 6 Officer casualties while in the line but It is not known when Julien was taken prisoner.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

JENSEN Julian Henry of 3 Cantelupe Court Marina Bexhill Sussex died on or since 26 February 1944 on war service Administration Llandudno 8 November to Pierre Henri Jensen retired company director. Effects £148 0s. 4d.

Sergeant 1126499, 500 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Coastal Command). Flying out of Bircham Newton, Norfolk in a Hudson III, serial number T9390, he was presumed killed in action when his aircraft was lost without trace 12 March 1942. Birth registered in the July to September Quarter 1919 in Battle Registration District, Sussex, mothers maiden name Bassett. Assisted father on his flower stall in Devonshire Square. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 87.

Lieutenant 262104, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Killed with his runner while charging a machine-gun post in Italy 25 September 1943. Aged 19. Born 6 November 1923 in Shanghai, China, resident Sussex. Only son of Henry Jory, and of Olive Jory, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 6 November 1923, single, pupil at Charterhouse School, resident Public House, Boder Frith Hill Road, Farncombe, Godalming M.B., Surrey. Attested 7 August 1942 in Brighton, posted to Depot 8 August 1942 as a Private, posted to 161st O.C.T.U. 9 October 1942. Duischarged 4 February 1943 Para 390 (xvii), King's Regulations 1940, and appointed to commission. Hazel eyes, auburn hair, fresh complexion, religious denomination Church of England. Born in Shanghai, he came to the UK in 1932. Educated at St Cyprian’s preparatory school, Eastbourne, he went to Charterhouse and was head monitor in Bodeites house. As a student he travelled to the USA in 1939. He joined the Army in August 1942 and at Sandhurst passed out with a Sam Browne of Merit which was presented by the Duke of Gloucester. He was one of two Coldstream Guards officers specially invited to Princess Elizabeth’s birthday party. Buried in SALERNO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot III. Row E. Grave 6. See also Charterhouse School WW2 Memorial

The Coldstream Guards were brought up to Hill 270 to attack at midday on 25 September 1943, their plan was to reach the bottom of the hill by infiltrating from the left and using the thick trees as cover. No.1 Company were to lead followed by No.3 Company, both from the 3rd Battalion. The slopes were covered in thick vegetation concealing machine guns and fortifications. They planned to move in single file in a wide semicircle across the German front. At 11:40 hours the attack began with No.1 Company on the left and No.3 Company on the right, an action in which numerous guardsmen became casualties, many to snipers, mortars, and shelling. Machine guns tore through the attacks, and shelling ignited fires which quickly caught in the dry scrub. At least 120 killed or wounded in the action. He was killed with his runner while charging a machine-gun post.

Corporal 6397065, 4th Battalion, Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Died on service in United Kingdom 31 March 1944. Aged 33. Born Kent, resident Sussex. Son of George and Alice Kearns; husband of Dorothy May (nee Pescod) Kearns, of Bexhill-on-Sea, married January to March Quarter 1937 in Hailsham Registration District, Sussex. One child. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division B. Section C. Row E. Grave 48.

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Lieutenant, 815 Squadron, H.M.S. Illustrious, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. Killed in the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Illustrious which was damaged during an enemy air raid when escorting a convoy east of Sicily 10 January 1941. Aged 30. Born 14 July 1910. Son of Sir Norman Wright Kemp, Kt., and Lady Kemp; husband of Diana Kemp (nee Moyle), of Stalbridge, Dorsetshire, married Diana Moyle in 1938 at Stalbridge.. R.U.S.I. Educated at Ancaster House whilst his parents were in India. Graduated from Dartmouth College in 1924. Served in home waters and the East Indies. Qualified as a pilot in 1932 and served on the aircraft carriers Courageous, Furious, Glorious and Illustrious. Royal United Service Institution Gold Medallist in the annual essayist competition, 1931 and 1937. Admiralty Silver Medal for Naval History, 1933. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.). In the 1939 Register he was born 14 July 1910. a Lieutenant in Royal Navy not assigned a ship, married to Diana Kemp, resident Church Hill House Barton, Stalbridge, Sturminster R.D., Dorset. He survived the torpedoing of HMS Courageous in 1939. No known grave. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 1, Panel 6. See also Little Common

Serving with 815 Squadron Fleet Air Arm he took part in the raid on Taranto, attacking the Italian battleship Littorio. The hit from his aeroplane on the starboard side had blown out a 49 by 32ft hole inside the anti-torpedo bulge alongside No.1 6in turret. It penetrated both the hull and the inner torpedo bulkhead, producing extensive flooding. Returning to the carrier Kemp, piloting L4K, rolled forward too quickly when his arrester hook was released, and his Swordfish crashed into the back of the aircraft in front of him.

10 January 1941 on arrival south of Malta HMS Illustrious took passage with Force A to meet a military convoy on passage from Gibraltar to Alexandria (Operation EXCESS). Under sustained air attack 60 miles west of Malta by Ju87 dive bombers the vessel sustained major damage from direct hits causing many casualties.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941:

KEMP Neil McIntyre of Church Hill House Stalbridge Sturminster Newton Dorsetshire died 10 January 1941 on war service Probate Llandudno 28 April to Diana Kemp widow.
Effects £933 10s. 4d.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 20 February 1932, page 6:

Congratulations to Sub.-Lieut. Neil M. T. Kemp, R.N., son of Sir Norman and Lady Kemp, Dixgate, Cooden, on winnig the R.N.S.T. gold medal Essay competition for 1931, and the first Trench Gascoigne prize (30 guineas). This is the first occasion since the competition was started in 1874 that it has been won by an officer of sub-lieutenant rank, The list of winners includes such well-known naval gold medallists as Noel, Colomb, Fremantle, Sturdee and Domvile, all of whom attained flag rank.

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS © IWM (FL 2425)

Trooper 6459471, 46th (The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)) Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C. Killed in action in North Africa 8 March 1943. Aged 22. Born Sussex, resident Kent. Son of Albert and Beatrice King, of The Post Office, Bexhill; husband of Laura Ellen King, of Stamnore, Middlesex. In the 1921 census he was newborn, born Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, son of Albert and Beatrice King, resident 30, Preston Road, Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. Joined the army in 1938. He served in Norway in 1940 with the Royal Fusiliers. Married Laura Ellen Pavey in 1941 at Hendon. Reburied 29 June 1943 in BEJA WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot 1. Row A. Grave 10.

[Listed on memorial Sergeant, Royal Air Force.] Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner U/T) 1292547, 47 Air School (South African Air Force), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flying in an Anson I out of Queenstown he was killed when his aircraft flew into the ground at Ystervarkfontein 9 miles southwest of Smithfield when descending through cloud 16 December 1942. Aged 22. Son of Harold Percy and Ann Elizabeth King, of Sedlescombe, Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. A member of the 9th Bexhill (St Andrew’s) Scout Group and was a server at St Barnabas Church. In 1938 passed entrance examination to Post Office as a clerk. Joined the Royal Air Force in 1940. Buried in QUEENSTOWN CEMETERY, EASTERN CAPE, South Africa. Section K. Grave 8.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941:

KING John Keith of 57 South-street Taunton died 16 December 1942 on war service Probate Exeter 27 September to Harold Percy King billeting officer. Effects £315 3s. 5d.

Gunner 905505, 58 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Killed in action 21 May 1940. Age 21. Born All Saints, Bexhill, Sussex, resident Bexhill, Sussex. Son of John Stanley King and Mildred Rich King, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in OOIKE CHURCHYARD, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave 5.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 15 June 1940, page 5:

DEATHS

KING.—Killed in action on May 21st in Belgium, Gunner S. King, aged 21 years, only son of the late Mr. J. King, of Singapore, and Mrs. M. King, of Ben Rinnes,” Turkey-road.

GUNNER KILLED IN ACTION

A telegram was received by Mrs. M King, of "Ben Rinnes,” Turkey-road, on Monday evening informing her that her only son, Gunner Stanley King, R.A., had been killed in action omn May 21st while serving with the B.E.F. in Flanders.

Gunner King, who was aged 21, was educated at the Royal Masonic Schoolm, Bushey, Hertfordshire. He worked as a driver-mechanic at the Bexhill Motors, London-road, where he remained until the outbreak of war.

Extract from Word War Two Memories of Gunner EJL Nichols, Royal Artillery edited by Diana L Nichols;

CHAPTER 2. The BEF Advance, Retreat, and Dunkirk

We were mobilised on September 2nd 1939 when War was declared. The Unit was moved first to Eastbourne and then to Bridport, Dorset to continue training. Soon after, we were ordered to Southampton for embarkation to take part in an operation in Norway. This operation was called off at the last moment when our troops had to withdraw. In March 1940 the orders came for us once again to go to Southampton for embarkation, this time to France, to join the British Expeditionary Force. We boarded R.M.S.Fenella a passenger steamer build in 1936 by Vickers Armstrong for service with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. She was requisitioned in the first week of the war as a personnel carrier. She was sunk by air attack during the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940 and arrived at Cherbourg in the early evening where we prepared camp for a few days. On the 5th April we collected vehicles and our guns and left Cherbourg to make our way to the village of Merris, about 1½ miles from Baillieu near the Belgium border, where we prepared defensive positions…

On 9th May 1940, orders came for us to move over the border, one of the first British Regiments to enter Belgium. Our progress was very difficult because of the constant strafing by German Aircraft. The route we took was complicated and so difficult to remember, but we did pass through Courtrai and Tournai.

Eventually we stopped in a village called Ooike. The billet I was given was a pigsty adjacent to the farm house, which was being set up as the Battery Office. Stan King and Arthur Balcombe shared the accommodation with me.

The German advance to the canal continued in spite of their heavy losses in casualties inflicted by our guns, but we were also having a bad time from enemy fire in their effort to silence our guns. Those of us in H.Q. troop not actively engaged in the offensive were put to work digging a huge trench behind battery office in the orchard as a shelter. Stan King was killed today, 21st May 1940. He received a fatal wound from a shell hitting a rooftop. This was our first loss and now we all knew that this War was no joke… Stan King was laid on the altar in the church by his comrades and the villagers later buried him in the churchyard.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1382212, 149 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Killed in action when the Stirling I, serial number R9321 he was flying in out of Lakenheath, Suffolk, was shot down by a night fighter at Wanheimerort near Duisburg during a raid on Essen 6 June 1942. Aged 19. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Henry Somers Kortright and Primrose Margaret Kortright, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was listed as Kartright', born 7 July 1922, unmarried, helping on farm, resident 37 De La Warr Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 9. Row F. Grave 2.

6 June 1942 Stirling R9321 OJ-R of 149 Squadron took off from Lakenheath at 23:22 hours for an operation against the steel-producing town of Essen. The aircraft was coned by searchlights and hit by heavy flak and crashed at Wanheim-Angerhausen.

Pilot Officer (Pilot) 41432, 30 Squadron, Royal Air Force (North Africa Command). Flying out of Ikingi, Egypt in a Blenheim IF, serial number K7181, he was killed when shot down by return fire from an Italian AF S79 which was intercepted when attacking RN warships about 160 miles off Mersa Matruh 13 July 1940. Aged 22. Born 7 April 1918 in Nairobi, Kenya., son of Leslie and Edith Mary Lea. Native of St Leonard's-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Leslie and Edith Mary Lea, of St. Leonards-on-sea, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 239.

13 July 1940 Blenheim IF K7181 VT-X of 30 Squadron took off from Ikingi Mariut to fly a defensive patrol over the British Mediterranean Fleet. Crashed at sea north west of Mersa Matruh, Egypt

Three Bristol Blenheims of 30 Squadron were tasked to fly a defensive patrol over the British Mediterranean Fleet which had been under regular attack from the Italians for several days. As soon as the fleet was located, three Italian SM79 bombers were sighted and engaged by the 30 Squadron Blenheims. According to the pilot in the third Blenheim, Flight Lieutenant Alfred Bocking, Pilot Officer Lea was seen to bail out successfully but so great was the submarine menace that the convoy just sailed past him. Credit for the shot down Blenheim went to Aviere Scelto Armiere Ornani of the 20a Squadriglia, 46o Gruppo.

Sergeant (Navigator) 1323750, 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Wickenby, Lincolnshire, in a Lancaster III, serial number DV185, he was killed when his aircraft crashed at Toppel near Zerbst about 20 miles southeast of Magdeburg during a raid on Berlin 1 September 1943. Aged 22. Born 26 February 1921. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Frank and Emily May Naomi Lennard, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was newborn, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of Frank and Emily Lennard, boarding at 8, Havelock Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 26 February 1921, unmarried, a General Clerk Bexhill Corporation (Surveyors Office), resident with his parents at 44, Beaconsfield Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Employed as a clerk in the Town Hall surveyor’s office and volunteered with Team A of the ARP Report Centre. Served with 1170 (Bexhill) Squadron Air Training Corps. During training he served with 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit prior to posting to 12 Squadron in August 1943. Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY, Berlin, Germany. Plot 5. Row C. Grave 24.

1 September 1943 Lancaster III DV185 PH-D of 12 Squadron took off 20:15 hours 31 Aug 1943 from Wickenby to attack Berlin. Crashed near Töppel, North West Zerbst. The force comprised 331 Lancasters, 176 Halifaxes, 106 Stirlings and 9 Mosquitoes. 47 aircraft were lost: 10 Lancasters, 20 Halifaxes and 17 Stirlings.

Squadron Leader (Pilot) 76588, 140 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. flying out of B 58/Melsbroek, Belgium, in a Mosquito PRXVI, serial numbr NS523, he was killed in action when his aicraft was shot down in error by a USAAF P-47 near Louvain during a photo recce sortie to Krefield and Duisburg 2 October 1944. Aged 24. Born 4 February 1919. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Walter Thomas Longley and Frances Edith Longley, of Bexhill, Sussex. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). In the 1939 Register he was born 4 February 18919, unmarried, an Aeronautical Engineer, resident with his parents at 21, Sutherland Avenue, Cranston Court, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Trained pre-war as an aeronautical engineer and held a pilot’s licence. He joined the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of war. Completed a two-year operational tour with Coastal Command for which he was Mentioned in Despatches in January 1942. From January 1942 to October 1943, he was British Navigational Liaison Officer in the USA, including a posting at Pensacola, Florida, USA. Gave a lecture with a Squadron mate to the Bexhill Rotary Club in October 1943. Buried in BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY, Brussels, Belgium. Plot X. Row 23. Grave 16.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

LONGLEY Charles Douglas Nye of 21 Sutherland-avenue Bexhill Sussex died 2 October 1944 on war service Administration Llandudno 20 February to Walter Thomas Longley company director. Effects £399 17s. 4d.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation:

A long and distinguished tour of operations during which he has displayed leadership, skill and determination of a high order. He has participated in many photographic sorties and low-level penetrations in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Squadron Leader Longley has commanded his Flight for seven months with notable success which is reflected in the high standard of results achieved.

2 October 1944 Mosquito PRXVI NS523 of 140 Squadron took off at 08:15 hrs from Melsbroeck, on a sortie to Krefeld - Duisburg. However, the aircraft was intercepted by a P-47 of IX USAAF, shooting it down near Louvain, Belgium.

Sapper 2090114, 256 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 18 May 1940. Aged 19. Born 16 July 1920 in Burma, baptised 31 July 1920 in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar), son of Frederick William and Clara Lunt, resident Sussex. Son of Frederick William and Clara Bertha Lunt, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. Enlisted 08 May 1939 at Hastings and posted to 208 Company. Transferred to 256 Field Park Company 7 September 1939. Buried in ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot 9. Row A. Grave 6.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 20 July 1940, page 5:

Reported missing at Dunkirk on May 18th is Sapper Frederick George Lunt, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Lunt, of "Kelvedon," Collington-avenue, Bexhill,

Age 19, he was formerly at the Bexhill County School.

Private 780149, Cavalry Mobile Veterinary Section, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Missing at sea 12 September 1942; Bexhill Observer states that he was lost at sea returning to the UK. Aged 30. Born Sussex, resident Eastbourne. Son of Walter and Jesse Mantle, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Joined the Army in 1930.No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 20. Column 2.

The only allied shipping loss involving passengers [as opposed to the crew] on 12 September 1942 was the Laconia a troopship, carrying British and Polish troops, civilians and Italian prisoners of war, it was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic near Ascension Island (at 5°05'S 11°38'W) by U-156. Of those on board, 1,658 were killed and 1,083 rescued.

Captain EC/6412, 3rd Battalion, 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force). Killed in action on the Tamu-road 10 June 1944. Aged 23. Son of Charles James Martin and Annie Martin, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. In the 1921 census he was newborn, born Sevenoaks, Kent, son of Charles James and Annie Martin, resident Tubs Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent. Educated at Sevenoaks School. A fine all-round sportsman. Upon leaving school joined the Rifle Brigade. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) for distinguished service in Burma [London Gazette: 5 October 1944]. Buried in IMPHAL WAR CEMETERY, India, Plot 5. Row E. Grave 17. Also commemorated on The Punjab Frontier Force Memorial, Chapel and Sanctum of St Luke, Sydney Street, Chelsea.

Recommended for an immediate D.S.O. by CO 3/5th R.G.R., 21 March 1944. DSO citation:

In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma. On the 15th March 1944 at MS 100 in the Chin Hills. It was essential to put in an immediate attack in order to restore the position. There was only a short time to recce the attack against unknown enemy opposition. The first assault was checked by intense LMG & Mortar fire. Captain Martin although embarrassed by wounds in the face and shoulder led a second assault, which drove the enemy from their trenches. The enemy who fled left 15 dead & arms & ammunition of all descriptions in their trenches. It was undoubtedly the utter fearlessness & complete disregard of personal danger displayed by their commander, which inspired the men to make an immediate second assault in time of intense fire & thus restored the position which it was essential to do before dark. On the 17th March, Captain Martin, who still in spite of his wounds remained in command of his Company lead two immediate counter attacks on the enemy, who had attacked and gained a foothold in the position. The results of these attacks were to inflict such losses on the enemy that he became pinned and was dealt with at leisure. Captain Martin only desisted in his efforts when he was wounded severely for the second time. The outstanding gallantry & skill and leadership displayed by this officer on both occasions under unusually difficult circumstances & in the face of intense fire & hand to hand fighting, resulted in our forces capturing and retaining positions the loss of which would have led to a very difficult situation.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

MARTIN Leslie Charles D.S.O. of Ingleside The Vine Sevenoaks Kent died 10 June 1944 on war service Probate Llandudno 25 August to Ronald James Marlin auctioneer and farmer. Effects £258 4s. 0d.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 14 June 1947, page 7:

In Memoriam

MARTIN —In proud and dear memory of my beloved youngest son, Captain Leslie Martin D.S.O. the 3rd/5 Gurkha Rifles, who was killed in action on the Tamu-road. June 10th 1944, age 23.

Greater love hath no man than this lay down his life for his friends.—Mother.

Able Seaman [although memorial states Leading Seaman] C/JX 145767, H.M.S. Pelican, Royal Navy. Died at sea 22 April 1940. Aged 20. Born 5 Marcfh 1920 im Sheerness, Kent. Son of Reuben Walter and Mary Martindale, of Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 35, Column 3.

HMS Pelican, which was en-route to Molde was attacked and heavily damaged by German aircraft. HMS Jackal took off injured crew members and soldiers from HMS Pelican. Soldiers which had been on board HMS Pelican were taken on board the St. Sunniva which was then escorted to Molde by the destroyer HMS Somali after which she returned. HMS Pelican was also joined by the sloop HMS Fleetwood which took her in tow. Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Jackal, HMS Somali and HMS Tartar. HMS Pelican arrived at Lerwick now being towed by the tug St. Mellons and escorted by HMS Jackal, HMS Tartar and HMS Fleetwood. HMS Somali had been detached earlier to proceed direct to Scapa Flow.

Photograph Courtesy of Monsewer Internet

Private 7385533, 196 Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died as a Japanese Prisoner of War 20 July 1945; captured 15 February 1942 in Singapore, died at Changi Hospital, Singapore from the effects of beriberi. Aged 25. Born 13 January 1920, and resident, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of Arthur and Florence McCartney, resident with his grandparents, John and Hannah Morley, at The Barrows, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 13 January 1920, single, a Market Gardener, resident with his parents, Andrew and Florence A McCartney, at Homeland Gunter's Lane, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Pre-war he worked with his father as a market gardener. He enrolled with the St John Ambulance Brigade. His younger brother Peter William Streeter McCartney died on air operations in 1943 (see below). Originally buried 21 July 1945 inm Wing Loon Cemetery, Changi reburied 4 May 1946 in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Plot 16. Row E. Grave 2. See also Highcliffe, Dorset

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946:

McCARTNEY John Morley of Homeland Gunters-lane Bexhill Sussex died 20 July 1945 on war service Probate London 13 August to Arthur Andrew McCartney of no occupation.
Effects £2974 12s. 9d.

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1473499, 434 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Tholthorpe, Yorkshire, in a Halifax V, serial number DK251, he was killed when his aircraft was shot down by flak at Neufahrn bei Freising about 12 miles north of the target during a raid on Munich 7 September 1943. Born 1923 in Bexhill. Son of Andrew McCartney and Florence McCartney, of Homeland, Gunters Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea. Employed by the Cooden Engineering Works. Joined the Royal Air Force in 1940. His older brother John Morley McCartney died whilst a prisoner of war in 1945 (see above). Originally buried Neufahrn Civil Cemetery re-buried 13 May 1948 in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY, Bayern, Germany. Plot 9. Row C. Grave 12.

7 September 1943 Halifax V DK251 IP-F of 434 Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron took off 19:33 from Tholthorpe to attack Munich. Crashed at Neufahrn north of Munich.

Flying Officer (Pilot) 42316, 112 Squadron, Royal Air Force (Mediterranean Command). Flying out of Yanina, Greece, in a Gladiator II, serial number N5823, he was shot down over Albania on 9 March 41 when intercepting an Italian AF air raid, baled out but later died of wounds received 7 May 1941. Aged 27. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Colonel J. H. McDonald, formerly of the Indian Medical Service, and of Rosina McDonald, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Served with 112 Squadron July 1940 to March 1941. Buried in CAIRO WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section K. Grave 19.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942:

McDONALD Robert Haldane of 20 Penbury-grove Sidley Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 7 May 1941 on war service Administration Lewes, 30 June to Rosina McDonald widow.
Effects £1135 13s. 9d.

Captain (Pilot), 803 Squadron, H.M.S. Merlin (also listed as H.M.S. Sparrowhawk), Fleet Air Arm , Royal Marines. Flying out of Hatson, Orkney in a Skua II, he was killed in action when shot down by flak during a dive-bombing attack on shipping in Bergen harbour 14 April 1940. Aged 24. Born 7 December 1915, baptised 27 February 1915 in Sattara, St Thomas, Bombay. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Charles Donald and Phyllis Alison McIver; husband of Diana Mary Kathleen (nee Owen) McIver, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married October-December Quarter 1938 in All Saints, Ennismore Gardens, Knightsbridge, Middlesex. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). In the 1939 Register he was born 7 December 1915, a Royal Marine Lieutenant F.A.A., married to Diana M K McIver, resident Oak Cottage, Crawley Manor, Crawley, Winchester R.D., Hampshire. Educated Brighton College: House Prefect 1932, School Prefect 1933, Boxing 8 1933, 1st 15 1933-1934, 2nd 11 1932-1933, Fives 8 1932-1933. Travelled to Aden in 1936. Married Diana Mary Kathleen Owen in 1938 at Knightsbridge. Buried in BERGEN (MOLLENDAL) CEMETERY, Norway. Row B. Grave 2.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1940:

McIVER Eric Donald of Kings-acre Courtenay-road Winchester died 14 April 1940 on war service Probate London 25 June to Arthur John Owen company director. Effects £503.

Flight Lieutenant (Navigator) 138802, 614 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Path Finder - Mediterranean Command). Flying out of Amendola, Italy in a Liberator BVIII, serial number KH231, killed in action when his aicraft was shot down by flak over the target during a raid on Pola, two of the crew survived, 21 February 1945. Aged 23. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Thomas Henry and Florence Maud Mepham, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; husband of Edith Mabel (nee Morris) Mepham, of Bexhill-on-Sea, married April to June Quarter 1944 in Hastings Registration District, Sussex. Educated at Bexhill Grammar School. Joined the RAF in November 1941 and commissioned in South Africa. Married Edith Mabel Morris of Silverhill, St Leonards, 1944, at the Church In The Woods, Hollington. Buried in UDINE WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot I. Row C. Collective grave 10-13.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946:

MEPHAM Harry Kenneth cif 49 London-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 21 February 1945 on war service Administration Lewes 25 April to Edith Mabel Mepham widow.
Effects £1315 18s. 6d.

Guardsman 910177, 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action in North Africa 17 April 1943. Aged 23. Born and resident Sussex. Son of Jack Ernest and Edith Dorothy Millard; husband of Dorothy Millard, of Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Employed by L. C. Burton, butchers of Western Road. Volunteered for service prior to the outbreak of war and served at Dunkirk. Also served in the Royal Artillery. Married Dorothy Harvey in 1939 at Bexhill-on-Sea. One child. Reburied from the battlefield 1 August 1943 in MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot I. Row A. Grave 2.

Lieutenant 214792, Royal Engineers attached 77 Field Company, Indian Engineers. Died of wounds as a prisoner of war of the Japanese 14 February 1945. Aged 22. Son of Maj. A. R. F. Murdoch, R.A.O.C., and Ivy M. Murdoch, of Earl's Court, London. . Grandson of Dr Albert Murdoch of Albert Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Educated at Haileybury College. Buried in TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar (Burma). Plot 21. Row J. Grave 9.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

MURDOCH Andrew Robert of 5 Logan-place Earls Court London died 14 February 1945 on war service Administration (with Will) Llandudno 21 September to Andrew Richard Fagan Murdoch retired major H.M. army. Effects £2450 18s. 6d.

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 541519, 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Flying out of Syerston in an Avro Lancaster I, serial number W4898, on night operations mine laying over the Baltic he was killed in action when his aircraft was lost in the target area 28 April 1943, his body was washed ashore near Turekov in Sweden. Born 9 February 1920. In the 1939 Register he was born 9 February 1920, unmarried, in Royal Air Force 541519 - Aircraftman I Class (On Leave), resident with his parents Harold I and Caroline Norman, at 'Ampthill,' Southlands Avenue, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Buried in HELSINGBORG (PALSJO) MUNICIPAL CEMETERY, Sweden. Section XV. Grave 7.

He was on board HMS Courageous when it was torpedoed and he gave this story to the Bexhill Observer printed 30 September 1939.

It was about 8 o’clock and just getting dusk, when It happened. We had landed the last two aircraft and I had gone down to supper in the mess deck, which is more or less in the middle of the ship. There had been reports or U-boats all day, but we were not worrying about it and when an explosion shook the ship, I wondered what had happened. The ship suddenly listed to port.

Nobody panicked. We made our way up the gangways and got out on the starboard side underneath the bridge. Then we were ordered to the forecastle to await orders. We waited and waited but nothing happened except that the foghorn kept blaring away with a dreadful mournful sound. All the lights were out and the loudspeakers through which the orders are given had gone dead.

By this time the ship was listing over more and more. I was on the float deck which is normally about 40 feet above sea level, but very soon part of it was under water. It was then I made up my mind to dive. I went over about 20 feet from the sea, the best dive I've ever done. I think, I had taken off all my clothes but kept my slippers on in case I had to climb anything.

I had swum about 25 yards when she went down, slewing over slightly and the stern coming out of the water. I could see men clinging on, there were even men on the propeller shaft and I saw one solitary navy chap, not the captain, giving the salute on the top deck as she went down.

Then I turned on my face because I was afraid of the suction. I felt it I pull at my stomach for a moment but I got away.

Aircraftman Norman was in the water for about an hour before he managed to reach a merchant ship and climb aboard. He had previously tried to get on a destroyer, but she had gone by too quickly. The sea was full of men clinging to bits of wood- oars, Carley floats and the rubber dinghies from the seaplanes—their spirit was Wonderful, Jack said.

Men who could not swim themselves took risks to pull others to safety on planks, and Norman saw one sailor, standing up in a dinghy singing "Roll on the barrel”. For a time, he tried to tow some men who could not swim on a plank, but he got cramp in his left leg and had to struggle along us best he could towards the freighter. "She looked like the 'Queen. Mary to me." he added.

Some of the survivors were lucky enough to be picked up by an American liner, in which they received generous treatment. Young Norman was transferred to a destroyer, which was crowded with other rescued men and hr is full of admiration for the behaviour both of rescuers and rescued. “A lot of our fellows were reservists." he said. "They were magnificent."

The destroyer was unable to return to port immediately owing to her duties and Norman spent two nights aboard. Apart from a swollen arm, believed in have been due to a jelly fish sting, and sickness caused by swallowing the fuel oil which came up from the sinking aircraft carrier he did not seem to be any the worse for his experience. Two of his best friends, one of whom spent his holiday at the Normans' home are missing.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1589308, 619 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Strubby, Lincolnshire, in an Avro Lancaster III, serial number LM742, on night operations to Gravenhorst his aircraft suffered a night fighter attack from beneath and crashed at Oldenzaal, four of the crew survived, 6 November 1944. Aged 20. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Joshua and Winifred Norris, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 16. Row F. Grave 3. See also Little Common

6 November 1944 Lancaster III LM742 PG-S of 619 squadron took off 16:29 from Stubby. 0ne of 16 aircraft to attack the Dortmund-Ems-Kanal and Mittellandkanal systems near Gravenhorst, Germany. The aircraft was shot down by the crew of Hauptmann Modrow & Feldwebel Schneider of 1./NJG 1, who had taken off from Münster-Handorf at 19:07 in Heinkel He 219 A-2 G9+HH. Crashed at Oldenzaal 4 of the crew survived and were captured. Another was murdered.

Private 14439962, 7th Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action 28 October 1944. Aged 18. Born and resident Sussex. Son of Frederick and Elsie May Oaten, of Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated at St Barnabas School and was employed by the Cooden Engineering Company. Played football for Bexhill Wanderers. Joined the Army in 1943. Buried in JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY, Gelderland, Netherlands. Plot 15. Row C. Grave 1.

The battalion was in the Gromsbeek-Mook area on the Dutch-German border but no detail has been found of Kenneth's demise.

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1850978, 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire in a Lancaster I, serial number RA515, he was killed in acftion when his aircraft crashed at Eutingen 2 miles northeast of the target during a raid on Pforzheim, the Wireless Operator/Air Gunner survived and was captured, 23 February 1945. Aged 20. Originally buried Fleckenwald Wood reburied 30 July 1948 in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY, Bayern, Germany. Plot 8. Row G. Collective grave 1-4.

Pilot Officer 423585, William John Milne BAILLIE, Wireless operator, who in his POW statement described the circumstances of the loss of the aircraft:

We were on our bomb run at a height of 7000 ft. Collision occurred between our aircraft and another. (The) other aircraft come in from the starboard side passing under us. Our nose was crunched in and most of the port wing torn off; presumably main petrol fuel line was cut because all the engines stopped just after the collision. H2S scanner was missing, this I noticed when bailing out.

I wasn’t on the intercom at the time of the collision, but switched on immediately it happened, and asked the captain what happened and if we were bailing out. He told me we had collided and we were abandoning the aircraft.

Bomb aimer and Engineer were in the nose at the time; both were either killed or too injured to move to bail out. No one bailed out prior to my leaving aircraft because they had lost their chutes (Nav and both gunners). I bailed at about 3000 ft. The aircraft was spinning and turning on its back and the incendiaries in bomb bay were burning.

The aircraft crashed about 2 miles south of the target, near where I landed because the bushes I landed on were smouldering and ground was very warm. Suffered lacerations to face and forehead either in the aircraft or in the act of bailing out. I presumed that the other members of the crew went down with the aircraft. No contact was made with any of them, nor was any information received about them.

Pilot Officer Baillie reported in his War Crimes Questionnaire an attempted lynching by German civilians the day after he was captured at a place named Ettlingen, 22½ km WNW of Pforzheim.

The next day after capture I was taken to a small village about 6 miles NW of the target Pforzheim and asked for treatment of my eye and forehead and was taken to a first aid post in the main street by a soldier. After receiving treatment, I was taken out into the main street again, where I was attacked by four middle aged men, I managed to knock one down and the guard warded two more off with his rifle, but the fourth one sneaked up behind me with a small milk can and swung it at me, I happened to see it coming out of the corner of my eye and attempted to dodge it, but the corner just caught me on the right side of my head, cutting an inch long wound. Eventually the guard warded all four men off and we proceeded back to my cell.

Gunner 911729, 84 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died in a battle accident in North West Europe which may have occurred at the assault crossing of the Aftrwaterings Canal near Hertogenbosch 4 November 1944. Aged 31. Born Shoreham, Sussex, resident Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Thomas Wilfrid and Annie Elizabeth Parsons; husband of Edna Alice (Nee Hook) Parsons, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married October to December Quarter 1939 in Battle Registratuion District, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 8, born Shoreham, Sussex, son of Thomas Wilfred and Annie Elizabeth Parsons, resident 31, Queen's Place, Shoreham by Sea, Sussex. 1937 fined 10s for driving a motor cycle without insurance. Licence suspended for 12 months. 1939 married Edna Alice Hook in 1939 at St Peter’s Church Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in ROOSENDAAL-EN-NISPEN ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Row C. Grave 11.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

PARSONS Wilfred Charles Henry of 11 York-road Bexhill Sussex died 4 November 1944 on war service Probate Lewes 4 May to Thomas Wilfred Parsons vehicle underframe builder.
Effects £244 3s. 5d.

Captain 105355, Royal Artillery attached 25 Mountain Regiment, Royal Indian Artillery. Died of wounds in Burma 19 April 1942. Aged 33. Born 15 January 1909. Son of James Neame Poole (Bank Manager) and Isabel Marion Price Poole, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated at Beckenham County School and Dulwich College. In the 1911 census he was aged 2, born Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, son of James Neame and Isabel Marion Price Poole, resident 1, Victoria Drive, Leigh on Sea, Leigh, Essex. Educated at Dulwich College 1923. Grave lost. Commemorated on RANGOON MEMORIAL, Myanmar. Face 2.

Extract from London, Dulwich College Register 1619-1926:

10006. POOLE, James Warlters, b. 15 Jan. 1909, s. of —, James Neame, 12 Oakhill Rd., Beckenham, bank manager ; fr. Beckenham County Sch. ; Sp. ; L. Apr. 1923 ; 2nd. Address : same. q.

Private 5389824, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Reported missing then killed in action in North West Europe, probably died in the advance on Falaise, Operation Totalize, one of the Battalion's 30 fatalities that day, 13 August 1944. Aged 31. Born 12 November 1912. Husband of Dorothy Mabel Pope, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 12 November 1912, unmarried, a Lorry Driver, resident 10, Chepbourne Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Living 1939 at 19 Chepbourne Road employed as a lorry driver. Member of the Bexhill Cycling Club. Married Dorothy M Grigsby in 1940 at Surrey. Originally buried St Laurent de Condel reburied 2 October 1945 in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY, Calavdos, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 17.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

POPE Ronald Edward John of 2 Ringwood-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 13 August 1944 on war service Administration Lewes 20 November to Dorothy Mabel Pope widow.
Effects £269 8s. 6d.

Private 258864, Royal Army Service Corps. Died at sea at 0:03am on board The Queen Mary in the Atlantic en route from Clyde to Sue, the ship was carrying 9537 troops, cause of death unknown 26 May 1942. Aged 35. Son of Roger and Caroline Pratt; husband of Ivy May (nee Winter) Pratt, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married January to March Quarter 1932 in Eastbourne Registration District, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 4, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of Roger John Osborne and Caroline Frances Pratt, resident 92, Reginald Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 14, born Bexhill, Sussex, an Errand Boy working for B Thorpe (Boot & Shoe Dealer), son of Roger J O amd Caroline F Pratt, resident 92, Reginald Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Employed by his grandfather’s building business. Married Ivy May Winter in 1932 at Westham Parish Church. Entered the Army in April 1941. No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 17. Column 3.

Sapper 2145804, 576 Corps Field Park Company, Royal Engineers. Died of coronary thrombosis in 19 Casualty Clearing Station, Italy, 19 July 1945. Aged 41. Born 11 February 1905, and and resident, Dundee. Son of David and Mary Rennie, of Lochee, Dundee; husband of Caroline L. L. Rennie, of Lorne Street, Lochee. Enlisted 13 March 1941. Married Caroline L L McKechnie. Up to 1939 living at Dundee. Buried in UDINE WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot III. Row C. Grave 6.

Sergeant 1624836, 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). flying out of Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire in a Lancaster III, serial number DV275, he was killed in action when his aircraft was shot down by flak near Poivres close to the target during an ABC sortie to barracks at Mailly-le-Camp 4 May 1944. Aged 20. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of James Arthur and Muriel Ridgway, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Spent early life in Peking, China, where his father worked for the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation. His twin brother, James Richard, also died on service (see below). Buried in POIVRES CHURCHYARD, Aube, France. Grave 9.

4 May 1944 Lancaster III DV275 SR-X2 of 101 Squadron took off from Ludford Magna to attack Mailly-le-Camp. Hit by flak from batteries sighted in the NE area of the camp and crashed 1 Km SW of Poivres (Aube) 20 Km NNE of Arcis-sur-Aube.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

RIDGWAY Arthur John of The Old Mill House Sidley Sussex died on or since 4 May 1944 on war service Administration Lewes 13 August to James Aylmer Ridgway bank official.
Effects £464 14s. 11d.

Private 6412208, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds in Italy 13 July 1944. Aged 20. Son of James Arthur and Muriel Ridgway, of The Old Mill House, Ninfield Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Spent early life in Peking, China, where his father worked for the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation. He died following the battalion's attack on Santa Maria Tiberina. His death was reported 9 weeks after his twin was reported missing. His twin brother, Arthur John, also died on service (see above). Buried in ASSISI WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot X. Row H. Grave 12.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

RIDGWAY James Richard of The Old Mill House Ninfield-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 13 July 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) (limited) Lewes 13 August to James Aylmer Ridgway bank official and Muriel Ridgway (wife of the said James Aylmer Ridgway). Effects £433 1s. 6d.

Stoker 1st Class P/KX 97421, H.M.S. Hood, Royal Navy. Died at sea early in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, Hood was struck by several German shells, exploded, and sank with the loss of all but 3 of her crew 24 May 1941. Aged 20. Born 12 February 1921 in Battle, Sussex. Son of Albert Ernest and Emma Riggiesford, of Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1921 census he was newboprn, son of Albert Ernest and Emma Rigglesford, resident 46, Sidley Street, Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL. Hampshire. Panel 55, Column 3.

Lost on the sinking of HMS Hood at the Battle of Denmark Strait. A shell from Bismarck struck HMS Hood near her aft ammunition magazines. Soon afterwards, Hood exploded and sank within three minutes, with the loss of all but three of her crew.

Photograph Courtesy of from Monsewer Internet

Chief Petty Officer P/238940, Royal Navy. Died 31 October 1947. Aged 55. Born 29 December 1891 in Battle, Sussex. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Rogers, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; husband of Dorothy (nee Good) Rogers, of Bexhill-on-Sea, married 12 November 1921 in Portsea, St Mary, Portsmouth - he was serving on H.M.S. Excellent as a Petty Officer. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, serving as an Able Seaman at Grafton, Portsmouth, Hampshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 29 years 6 months, born Bexhill, Sussex, unmarried, Petty Officer, Royal Navy, billeted at Shore Establishment (Gunnery School), Whale Island, Stamshaw, Portsmouth. Originally enlisted 29 December 1909 for 12 years, height 5 feet 10 inches, light brown hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, prior to enlisted he was a simming instructor, re-enlisted 21 December 1921 until completion. Cremated at CHARING (KENT COUNTY) CREMATORIUM, Kent.

Leading Telegrapher D/SS 26082, H.M. Submarine Urge, Royal Navy. Died at sea when his submarine fell victim to a German mine 6 May 1942. Aged 22. Born 25 July 1919 in Barnet, Hertfordshire. Son of George William and Edith Louisa Rogers, of Whitstable, Kent. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) in 1941 probably for the torpedoing of the 45,000-ton Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto near the Straits of Messina in December 1941. This was the largest enemy capital ship torpedoed at sea by a Royal Navy submarine in World War Two. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Elstree, Hertfordshire, son of George W and Edith L Rogers, resident Newby, Clarendon Road, Borehamwood, Elstree, Middlesex. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 68, Column 1.

His date of death is the day HMS Urge was to arrive at Alexandria. The submarine left Malta on 27 April and is thought to have hit a mine on 29 April. The wreck was discovered in 2019. His parents donated to Bexhill Hospital in 1946.

Stoker LT/KX 141011, H.M.S. Fratton, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Died at sea when his ship was sunk by an underwater explosion, probably a torpedo, 18 August 1944. Aged 20. Born 26 December 1923 in Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Edward and Catherine Russell, of Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 26 December 1923, unmarried, a Baker's Van Boy, resident witrh his parents at 83, Little Common Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL, Suffolk. Panel 15, Column 3.

Sergeant 1261203, 59 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Coastal Command). Flying out of Thorney Island, Hampshire in a Liberator GRV, serial number FL971, he was lost without trace when diverting to Aldergrove due to bad weather during an escort for US-bound convoy TA41B, operating from St Eval, 7 May 1943 (his birthday). Aged 39. Born 7 May 1904. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of William and Lois Sainthouse; husband of Kathleen Dorothy (nee Rickwood) Sainthouse, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, married October to December Quarter 1933 in Deptford Registration District, London. In the 1911 census he was aged 7, born Low Fell, Durham, son of William and Lois Sainthouse, resident 3, Fancy Place, Low Fell, Gateshead, Durham. In the 1921 census he was aged 17, born Gateshead, Durham, a Drapers Assistant employed by Snowball & Co (Drapers), son of William and Lois Sainthouse, resident 149, Clara Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. In the 1939 Register he was born 7 May 1904, a Fruiterer, married to Kathleen Dorothy Sainthouse, resident 38a, Devonshire Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Served in the Merchant Navy in the 1920s as a steward. Married Kathleen Dorothy Rickwood in 1933 at Deptford. Two children. In 1935 he was a waiter at the Cooden Beach Hotel and in court won a £500 award in dispute with Vernons football pool promoters. In 1939 he was the proprietor of Devon Fruit Stores in Devonshire Road and was a Special Constable. He joined the Royal Air Force in August 1940. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 163.

7 May 43 Liberator GR V FL971 ?J of 59 Squadron took off at 11:20 from St Eval for convoy escort. Lost without trace when diverting to Aldergrove due to bad weather during an escort for US-bound convoy TA41B.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

SAINTHOUSE Bernard of 15 Arthur-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 7 May 1943 on war service Administration Llandudno 21 February to Kathleen Dorothy Sainthouse widow.
Effects £545 9s. 10d.

Sergeant (Pilot) 911843, 1st The Glider Pilot Regiment, A.A.C. Killed in action flying a Horsa I, serial number HS109, when he force landed in the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of Portugal, after parting from the Halifax tug DG384 during bad weather on Operation Elaborate 23 September 1943. Aged 23. Born Sussex. Son of Hannah Cecilia Sargent, of Eastbourne, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was new born, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of William and Hannah Sargent, resident 15, Sackville Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Educated Bexhill Grammar School (1926-1932). Attended Bexhill Grammar School. Originally served in the 230/58th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery and in 1942 the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He survived Dunkirk and his experience was published in the Bexhill Observer. No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 15. Column 2.

23 September 1943. Horsa I HS109 force landed in the Bay of Biscay off the coast off Portugal after parting from the Halifax tug DG384 during bad weather on Operation Elaborate, the ferrying of Horsa gliders from Portreath to Rabat-Salé, Morocco. The circumstances of the loss appear to be that somewhere off the coast of Portugal, the glider was ditched in the sea with its tow rope still attached. The three crew were lost. The tow rope was said to parted due to the excessive strain and the weather was very poor with low cloud, heavy rain and strong winds. The glider crew were unable to follow instructions being given by the Halifax rear gunner or the respond to aldis lamp signals, eventually the glider drifted to starboard and the tow rope broke.

Extract from Sussex Express & County Herald, Friday 12 April 11946, page 10:

GIFT FROM BEXHILL

A letter was read from Mr. W. Sargent, of 11, Newlands-avenue, Bexhill-on-Sea, stating that it was the wish of Mrs. Sargent and himself to form a foundation from which could be given an annual cash prize to a scholar of either sex between the ages of 12 and 16 years for the best essay on "The social progress of the year." Such scholar must attend a Government or Government grant-aided school in Bexhill. They would like the prize to be known as the Hugh Sargent prize, in memory of their son. Hugh Wilfred Sargent who was a pupil at Bexhill County School for Boys and who was reported missing in September, 1943. They proposed to give £100 for the purpose and they would like, if possible, the prize to be awarded for the first time this year.

Mrs. Gow said she was sure the committee would feel that the gift was a happy beginning to their work. Their warmest thanks would go to Mr. and Mrs. Sargent.

Gunner 951255, 88 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died from Avitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) as a Japanese Prisoner of War in 4D Camp, Thailand, 14 August 1943; taken prisoner at Singapore 15 February 1942. Aged 35. Born Worthing, Sussex, resident Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Next of kin Mrs Cynthia Lovejoy, of 231, London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 2. Row K. Grave 9.

Driver T/252147, 235 Corps Troops Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Missing in action presumed killed at sea 7 January 1943. Aged 38. Born 7 February 1904. Son of Thomas and Sarah Annie Scotcher; husband of Kathleen Scotcher, of 287, London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 17, born St. Leonards, Sussex, and Errand Boy for Davey Wine Merchant, son of Thomas and Sara Annie Scotcher, resident 30, Preston Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 he was born 7 February 1904, a Milkman, married to Kathleen Scotcher with two sons, resident Hilltop Farm, Ninfield near Battle, Ninfield, Hailsham R.D., Sussex. Married Kathleen Bradley in 1927 at St Peter’s Church. Three children. Employed by Sandhall and Sidley Farms and previously by E Davey and Manor Farm Dairy. In the 1930 he lived at Ninfield, returning to Bexhill in 1942. He joined the Army in 1941. No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 17. Column 1.

Missing at sea. On 7 January 1943 the SS Benalbanach was sunk NW of Algiers when the convoy KMS-6 she was part of was attacked by a single enemy aircraft. She was carrying 389 men of Motor Transport unit and a crew of 74 from the Clyde to Bona, North Africa. This was her second trip to the Allied landing area conveying troops and equipment. The Benalbanach was hit by two torpedoes launched from the aircraft about 150 miles Ne of Algiers. The ship caught fire, blew up and sank almost immediately taking the lives of 57 crew members and 353 service personnel.

Lieutenant 164384, 1st/6th Battalion, Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Died of wounds in Middle East, twice wounded, he died in hospital 19 December 1942, from injuries received 26 October 1942 probably at the Second Battle of El Alamein. Aged 24. Born 3 August 1918, baptised 29 August 1918 in Quetta, Bengal, son of Norman and Dora Kathleen Shaw, resident Sussex. Son of Norman and Dora Kathleen Shaw, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Quetta, India, grandson of Elizabeth Marie King, resident Little Common Road, Hollington Rural, Sussex. Employed by Coutts & Company. Buried in FAYID WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 1. Row C. Grave 16.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

SHAW Ronald Trevor of 4 Plemont-gardens Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 19 December 1942 on war service Probate Lewes 20 March to Dora Kathleen Shaw widow. Effects £396 6s. 11d.

Flying Officer (Navigator) 129618, 81 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Whitchurch Heath, Shropshire, in a Whitley V, serial number EB346, his aircraft crashed near Fridaythorpe 9 miles northwest of Driffield, Yorks when control was lost following an engine failure during a night navex 13 April 1943. Aged 27. Born 5 December 1915. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Henry and Ada Siberry, of Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Dawn Blanche (nee Dennett) Siberry, of 58, Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, married October to December Quarter 1940 in Baqttle Registration District, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born bexhill, Sussex, son of Henry and Ada Elizabeth Siberry, resident 11, Beaconsfield Road, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 5 December 1915, unmarried, an Electrician, resident with his parents at 11 Beaconsfield Road, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex. Educated at St Peter’s Boys School and a member of St Peter’s Church choir. Served in B Company of the Home Guard and one of the best shots of the Comrades Rifle Club. Employed by Mr P Hodgkinson as a domestic engineer. Married Dawn Blanche Dennett in 1940 at Bexhill. Joined the Royal Air Force in 1941. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division B. Section D. Row D. Grave 39.

Whitley V EB346 of 81 Operational Training Unit took off from RAF Whitchurch Heath at 21:39 on a night navigation exercise. Flying over Yorkshire the port engine failed, the pilot feathered the propeller on this engine but later lost control. The aircraft then crashed at 23:44 around a mile to the north east of the village of Fridaythorpe on the Yorkshire Wolds.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2021

Private 6013396, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action in Western Desert, Middle East, 6 October 1942. Aged 21. Born and resident Sussex. Son of Charles Smith and Jennie Smith of 33, St James’ Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot XXIV. Row B. Collective grave 2.

The 1st Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment were involved in fighting prior to the commencement of the Second Battle of El Alamein.

Petty Officer C/J 109677, H.M.S. Vimiera, Royal Navy. Died at sea when his ship was sunk by a mine off Sheerness in the Thames Estuary 9 January 1942. Aged 34. Born 5 April 1908 in Hove, Sussex. Son of William George and Florence Stoner; husband of Peggy Gwendoline (nee Butler) Stoner, of Southsea, Hampshire, married January to March Quarter 1937 in Battle Registration District, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 12, born Sussex, son of William George and Florence May Stoner, resident 33, Windsor Road, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 52, Column 1.

Gunner 1697985, 31 Battery, 7 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. Killed in action at sea off Ballale Island, Shortland Islands, Western Province of Solomon Islands, or massacred on the Island, as a Japanese Prisoner of War between 2 March 1942 and 3 March 1942; taken prisoner at Singapore 15 February 1942. Aged 32. Born 10 November 1909 in Hooe, Battle, Sussex, resident Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Ernest H. and Sarah Ann Stubberfield, of 20, Leopold-road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Married Irene M Parkinson in the October to December Quarter 1937 in Woolwich registration District, London. In the 1939 Register he was born 10 November 1909, an Electric Cable Labourer C C C E, married to Irene M Stubberfield, resident 21 Izane Road, Bexley, Bexley M.B., Kent (Bexleyheath). Employed as a barman at the Castle Hotel, coming to Bexhill from Hooe where he had been employed in market gardening and farming. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 31.

Drowned at sea whilst on board the SS. Rooseboom a Dutch steam ship whilst evacuating from Singapore to Columbo. It was sunk by the Japanese submarine I-59 (later redesignated I-159) which had left Penang on 21 February 1942 under the command of a Lt. Yoshimatsu.

[Listed as F R G THOMAS on memorial] Private 888052, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of diphtheria as a Japanese Prisoner of War 6 November 1942; taken prisoner in Singapore 15 February 1942. Aged 21. Born and resident Sussex. Son of Henry W J Thomas and May E Thomas of 25 Hillside Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Employed by Norman Rouse, bookseller. Joined the Royal Artillery in 1938 and in 1939 transferred to the Suffolk Regiment. Originally buried Changi Military Cemetery reburied 27 April 1946 in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Plot 13. Row D. Grave 18.

Originally the battalion was en-route to the middle east, but was diverted to Singapore when Japan entered the war. Singapore by the time of their arrival was under siege and the battalion found themselves in old tents in a rubber plantation. Ordered to defend the Golf Course which was bombed directly it went dark. Orders to retreat to the outskirts of Singapore were given just as they arrived at their destination on 15 February 1942, General Percival surrendered, just 18 days after the Wakefield had docked at Singapore. The day after orders were given to march to Changi which was about 15 miles on the South West side of the island. The battalion was at first in Roberts barracks, but this was then used as a hospital so the battalion had to find what shelter they could.

Flying Officer (Navigator) 154642, 418 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flew out of Hunsdon, Hertfordshire in a Mosquito FBVI, serial number HX811, killed when his aircraft crashed at Limmen south of Alkmaar during an intruder sortie to Vechta and Diepholz 9 September 1944. Aged 28. Son of James Henry and Gertrude Tribbeck; husband of Doris Maud Tribbeck, of 4, Sackville House, St Leonards Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Employed as a police constable with the East Sussex Police Force. Married Doris Maud Carpenter in 1939 at Battle. One child. Joined the RAF in June 1942. Trained at Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada. Returned from leave the day of his death. Buried in LIMMEN PROTESTANT CHURCHYARD, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. Grave 78.

9 September 1944 Mosquito FBVI HX811 TH-K of 418 Squadron took off from Hunsdon at 22:40 for an intruder sortie to Vechta, Quackenbruck and Diepholz. Crashed at Limmen south of Alkmaar.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

TRIBBECK Herbert Reginald of 1 Police Cottages North Trade-road Battle Sussex died 9 September 1944 on war service Probate Llandudno 2 November to Doris Maud Tribbeck widow.
Effects £270 9s. 9d.

[Listed as ELLIS on CWGC and other records] Captain IA/1044, K.G.O., 4th Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment. Died 17 December 1944 (The circumstances of his death are not known.). Aged 24. Son of Sherman Gordon Venn Ellis, and of Beryl Keith (nee Richardson) Ellis, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated at Hurst Court, Ore and Haileybury College. Passed out of Sandhurst in June 1939 and went to India the following August. Saw service in both the North West Frontier and Libya, later a staff officer at Bangalore. Wounded in September 1943. Originally buried National Gardens Athens reburied 16 January 1945 in PHALERON WAR CEMETERY, Greece. Plot 17. Row E. Grave 19.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945:

ELLIS William Keith Venn of Westgreen The Highlands Bexhill Sussex died 17 December 1944 on war service Administration Llandudno 21 July to Beryl Keith Venn Ellis widow.
Effects £1035 11s. 8d.

Corporal 6398297, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds, sustained in North Africa, whilst at a hospital in Durban, South Africa 6 July 1942. Aged 27. Born and resident Sussex. Son of William Leonard and Mary Jane Verrall, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated St Peter’s School. Buried in DURBAN (STELLAWOOD) CEMETERY, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Block F. Grave 238.

The battle in which he was wounded was at Sidi Omar Nuovo in the Western Desert, part of Operation Crusader.

Flying Officer (Pilot) 150476, 40 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flying out of Foggia Main, Italy in a Wellington X, serial number LP559, he was killed in action when his aircraft flew into high ground at San Severo in bad weather soon after take off on a SOE supply drop to Yugoslavia, 1 of the crew member survived, 4 February 1945. Aged 22. Born 20 April 1922. Son of Frank Sydney and Lilian Winifred Wellman, of 24, Wrestwood Road, Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Lilian Wellman, of Walkden, Lancashire. In the 1939 Register he was born 20 April 1922, unmarried, a Civil Servant War Officer, resident with his father, Frank S Wellman, at 7, Sugden Street, Walworth, Southwark, Camberwell, London. Educated Bexhill Grammar School. In 1939 he was a civil servant at the War Office living in Camberwell and serving with Bexhill’s Air Raid Precautions. Married Lilian Sephton in 1944 at Barton, Lancashire. Buried in BARI WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot XII. Row D. Grave 2.

4 February 1945 Wellington X LP559 ?L of 40 Squadron took off at 12:38 from Foggia Main, Italy, on a SOE supply drop to Yugoslavia. It was one of two aircraft that flew into high ground at San Severo in bad weather soon after take-off.

Captain 124681, Royal Artillery attached to 651 A.O.P. Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed in action in North Africa while flying out of Bone, Algeria in an Auster I, shot down by 2 Bf109s between Sedjenane and Oued Zarga 6 December 1942. Aged 23. Native of Wimbledon, Surrey. Son of Henry Walter and Norah Louise Wells, of Wimbledon, Surrey. B.A. (Oxon.). In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born London, son of Henry Walter and Norah Louise Wells, resident 2, Sussex Court, Bexhill, Sussex. Educated Wimbledon College and Ampleforth College. Going on to Magdalene College, Oxford. A noted athlete, his time for the 100 yards as recorded on his 1939 medal, 10.1 seconds, was just a fraction slower than the fastest time run in Britain that year. Buried in BEJA WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot 1. Row H. Grave 5.

6 December 1942 Auster I took off from Bone, Algeria on artillery spotting duties. Shot down by 2 Messerschmitt Bf109s between Sedjenane and Oued Zarga.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943:

WELLS Peter John of The Outlook Maplewalk Cooden Bexhill Sussex died 6 December 1942 on war service Administration Llandudno 30 June to Norah Louise Wells (wife of Henry Walter Wells) and the said Henry Walter Wells company director. Effects £967 4s. 7d.

Petty Officer P/J 101818, H.M. Submarine Triad, Royal Navy. Died at sea 20 October 1940. Aged 35. Born 22 March 1905 in Hastings, Sussex. Son of Henry White, and of Florence E. J. White, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; brother of H. W. White killed in World War 1. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.). Enlisted 22 March 1923 for 12 years, height 5 feet 10 inches, chest 36 inches, brown eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion; prior to enlisting he was an Errand Boy. In the 1911 census he was aged 6, born Hastings, Sussex, son of Henry and Florence White, resident 63, Chandler Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 14, born Hastings, Sussex, a Tailor's Apprentice employed by R Riley Ladies & Gents Tailor, grandson of Frederick Wigtem resident 52, All Saints' Street, Hastings, Sussex. Educated at the Down Council School. Joined the Royal Navy in 1923 whilst employed as an errand boy and served on HMS Malaya, Barham, Revenge and Nelson becoming a torpedo instructor on HMS Vernon. In 1935 summoned for riding a motorbike without a licence at Hellingly. On that day he had come ashore on leave from HMS Nelson. Fined £1. Awarded Distinguished Service Medal June 1940 whilst serving on HMS Triad. The submarine had entered Oslo Fiord and sank an enemy supply ship and a week later attacked a convoy of supply ships. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 37, Column 3.

On 9 October 1940 she sailed from Malta on her 13th war patrol to operate in the Gulf of Taranto, with orders to reach Alexandria on completion of her patrol. She failed to make port and by 20 October the submarine was declared overdue.

At 01:00 on 15 October, the Italian submarine Enrico Toti sighted a large submarine 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) to port: both boats manoeuvred into attack position. Italian accounts claim the British opened fire first, but all of Triad's shells missed. She also fired a torpedo which Enrico Toti avoided by turning sharply, then closed on the enemy submarine at top speed, firing as she approached. Soon, machine gun fire compelled the British gunners to abandon the exposed deck. As the British submarine started to dive, Enrico Toti fired a torpedo and hit the British submarine with two 120 mm shells. The boat rose vertically then disappeared without survivors. The action lasted around 30 minutes.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943:

WHITE Charles Horace of 63 Chandler-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died on or since 20 October 1940 on war service Administration (with Will) Lewes 4 January to Florence Emma Jessie White widow. Effects £275 6s. 4d.

Photograph Courtesy of from Monsewer Internet

Sergeant (Observer) 581252, 59 Squadron, Royal Air Force (Coastal Command). Flying out of Thorney Island, Hampshire in a Blenheim IV, serial number R2795, he was killed inaction when his aircraft was lost during a night raid on Caen airfield 19 August 1940. Aged 22. Born 6 November 1917 at Wimbledon. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Frederic Herbert Edwin Whiting, and of Edith Caroline Whiting, of 28 Newlands Avenue, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In 1939 he was billeted in Northampton whilst training at 8 Civil Air Navigation School at Sywell aerodrome. Buried in BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot XXVIII. Row J. Joint grave 5-6.

Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator) 1380335, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Flying Training Command). Died when on service in Dumfries 13 April 1944. Native of Dumfries. In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born bexhill, Sussex, son of Thomas and Alice Willard, resident 108, Station Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Division E. Section E. Row M. Grave 3.

19 August 1940 Blenheim IV R2795 TR-A of 59 Squadron took off from Thorney Island at 22:00 to attack Caen airfield. The aircraft crashed at Fontaine-Etoupefour. The pilot died the following day from his wounds and is buried with his crew.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2021

Lance Corporal 2075189, 265 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 18 May 1940. Aged 25. Born 23 June 1914 in Hastings, resident Sussex. Son of Lewis Stephen and Lillian Emily Willett; husband of Joan Margaret Willett, of 70, Windsor Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Enlisted 5 May 1939 in Hastings, originally 208 Field Company, Royal Engineers, transferred to 265 Field Company 7 September 1939. In the 1921 census he was aged 7, born hastings, Sussex, son of Lewis and Lillian E Willett, resident 20, Lower South Road, St Leonards, Hastings, Sussex. Buried in ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot 9. Row A. Grave 16.

Sergeant (Pilot) 570969, 1 Air Armament School, Royal Air Force (Flying Training Command). Flying out of Manby, Lincolsnhire in a Hampden I, serial number N9070, he was killed when his aircraft spun into the North Sea from 12,000 ft 3 miles east of Saltfleet, Lincs after control was lost during a practice bombing exercise 7 June 1942. Son of Lionel and Lily Elizabeth Williams, of 46, Pembury Grove, Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 96.

7 June 1942 Hampden I (converted Hereford) N9070 of 1 Air Armament School took off from Manby for a practice high-level bombing exercise. Span into the North Sea at 16:58 from 12,000 ft 3 miles east of Saltfleet, Lincs after control was lost.

Flying Officer (Pilot) 41090, 223 Squadron, Royal Air Force (East Africa Command). Flying out of Wadi Gazouza, Sudan, in a Wellesley I, serial number K7788, he was killed in action when his aircraft was shot down by flak during a night raid on the Caproni workshops at Mai Edaga, Eritrea, 14 February 1941. Aged 24. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Frederick and Bertha Willing, of 8, Cranston Rise, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. His family moved from Bexhill to Egypt in 1923. Trained at Prestwick and 4 Flying Training School, joining 223 Squadron in August 1939. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 241.

14 February 1941 Wellesley I K7788 of 223 Squadron took off from Wadi Gazouza, Sudan at 18:08 to attack the Caproni workshops at Mai Edaga, Eritrea. Presumed shot down by flak.

From the 223 Squadron Operations Record Book…

On the night of the 14th/15th three aircraft took off to attack Mai Edaga Caproni workshops. The weather conditions were very poorly, as can be seem from the attached navigation log of P/O Heath. The pilots were, F/Os Wallace, Willing and Thomas. F/Os Wallace and Thomas attacked as in F541 but of Willing nothing has been seen or heard since taking off from Base, and it must be presumed that he is lost. His load being some 240 x 4 lbs incendiaries. It would appear that he did not reach the target at all for the following aircraft, which were due over just five minutes after him, and which remained in the target district for an hour, saw nothing of FP/O Willing’s bombing.

Flying Officer Willing who was an Englishman whose home was in Bexhill, Sussex, was one of the squadron’s most competent and popular officers. He was trained at Prestwick, Ayrshire, and No.4 F.T.S. Abu Sueir, where he also completed successfully the course of second-class navigator’s certificate. He joined No.223 Squadron on August 1st 1939 at Nairobi, and was promoted to F/O on Sept 3 1940.

Private 7636119, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Died in hospital from diarrhoea while working on Thailand-Burma Railway as a Japanese Prisoner of War 25 August 1943; taken prisoner at Singapore 15 February 1942. Aged 30. Born and resident Sussex. Son of William George and Ellen Edith Winborn; husband of Dulcie Lilian Winborn, of Bexhill, Sussex. Married Dulcie Lilian Frost in 1938 at Bexhill. Two children. Originally buried Tambaya Cemetery reburied January 1946 in THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar (Burma). Plot B1. Row A. Grave 7.

Originally joined the Royal Artillery as Gunner 1586468. As a POW he was part of F Force Working Party, Thailand. Engaged on the building of the Burma-Siam railway.

Driver T/181263, Royal Army Service Corps attached to 106 (The Lancashire Hussars) Light A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery. Missing at sea off Greece between 26 April 1941 and 27 April 1941. Aged 29. Born 7 June 1911 in Hastings, resident Dewsbury. Son of Henry and Rosina Wood; husband of Jessie Louise Wood, of 45, Belle Hill, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1921 census he was aged 10, born Sussex, son of Henry James Wood and Elizabeth Ellen Wood, resident 14, Cliftonville Road, Hastings, Sussex. In the 1939 Register he was born 7 June 1911. a Public Works Labourer, married, boarding at 71 Wyndham Road, Dover, Dover M.B., Kent. Married Jessie Louise Marlton in 1933 at Battle. Two children. 1939 residing at Dover working as a public works labourer. No known grave. Commemorated on ATHENS MEMORIAL, Greece. Face 8.

On 26 April 1941, allied troops commenced the evacuation of Greece. The Dutch liner Slamat was hit and disabled in air attacks off the east coast of the Peloponnese. 700 troops were rescued by HMS Diamond and Wryneck. These two ships themselves came under air attack and were sunk. There were only 50 survivors.

Lieutenant 186368, 2 A.A. Regiment, Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery. Died as a Japanese Prisoner of War 5 March 1943; captured at Singpaore 15 February 1942. Born 7 March 1916 in Tientsin, North China. Son of Henry George Wandesforde and Florence Louise Woodhead, of Arima, Holmesdale Road. Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Educated Eastbourne College. Employed as a journalist initially with the Hastings Observer, travelled to Shanghai in 1935 and became a reporter on the North China Daily News. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 3.

He was one of the 600 prisoners of war from various artillery regiments captured after the Battle of Singapore who left Changi 18 October 1942 transported on board the Kenkno Maru, under the command of Lt. Col. John Bassett, 35 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery, to build an airfield. With American invasion imminent in June 1943, the survivors were executed, including their commander Bassett. The mass graves were discovered after the war. However, Japanese authorities claimed that the prisoners were lost at sea when their transport was torpedoed.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1947:

WOODHEAD Robert George of 14 Holmesdale-road Bexhill Sussex died 6 March 1943 on war service Administration Lewes 18 June to Florence Louise Woodhead (wife of Henry George Wandesforde Woodhead). Effects £805 ls. 10d.

Flying Officer (Pilot) 39837, 45 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Flying out of Wadi Gazouza, Sudan in a Blenheim I, Serial number L8463, he was killed in action when his aircrat was shot down by Italian AF Fiat CR42 fighters during a raid on a petrol dump and airfield at Gura, Abyssinia, 13 October 1940. Aged 25. Son of the Revd. Cyril Atwell Woodroffe and Edythe Maud Woodroffe, in 1939 they were resident in Woodland Court, Collington Avenue, Bexhill, Bexhill M.B., Sussex; husband of Leila S. H. Woodroffe, of Bulkeley, Alexandria, Egypt. Married Leila Sophia Henriette Anderson in 1940 at Alexandria, Egypt. Originally buried Maie Egeda reburied 17 July 1943 in ASMARA WAR CEMETERY, Eritrea. Plot 3. Row A. Collective grave 1-3.

13 October 1940 Blenheim I L8463 of 45 Squadron took off at 11:35 from Wadi Gazouza, Sudan to attack a petrol dump and airfield at Gura, Abyssinia. One of two bombers shot down at 16:30 near Sageneyti, a hamlet some 15 kilometers East of Dekemhare, by a Fiat CR42 flown by Capitano Mario Visintini of the 412a Squadriglia.