WW2 Roll of Honour
Inscribed on the Memorial are the words:
"In Grateful Memory To The Men of Wednesfield Who Laid Down Their Lives In The Second World War"
Adey, Ivan John Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.)945079
40 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Born 15 June 1920 in Wolverhampton, son of Joseph and Eva Adey. Ivan was the oldest of five children - Ronald, Eileen, Joseph, and Patricia.
In 1939 the family were living at 4 South Avenue, Wednesfield and Ivan was employed as a house decorator.
Ivan enlisted at Cardington Bedfordshire and appointed as a Class F Reservist (NCO’s with no previous flying experience)
Ivan was killed in action 16 May 1941 aged 20. His Wellington bomber serial number R1167 took off from RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon. The aircraft was shot down and crashed over Altendorf, Germany, during a raid on Hanover. Sergeant P. Addison another air gunner was the only survivor.
Grave Reference - Coll. grave 17. F. 2-5.
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Banks Thomas William Serjeant 4917567
5th Bn Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Thomas was born 3rd September 1918 in Tynemouth, North Tyneside son of Frank and Thirza Banks. Frank and Thirza were both born in Wednesfield. In 1921 they were living at 339 Prestwood Road, Heath Town, Frank was employed as a boot maker. Thomas' father died 30th December 1936.
During December 1944 the 5th Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were in the Netherlands, holding the Maas front in the Beek–Elsloo–Geleen sector, north of Sittard. They were engaged in defensive operations, patrol clashes, and counter infiltration as part of 152 Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division.
On 16th December, the German Ardennes offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge began.
Although the Camerons were not directly attacked, German patrols were active, probing and testing the line and artillery harassment was frequent.
Thomas was killed in action 16th December 1944 aged 26.
V.D.90. Schoonselhof Cemetery, Belgium.
Bellingham, Sydney Sapper 1918172
673 Artisan Works Coy Royal Engineers.
Sydney was born 6th July 1913 in Wednesfield son of Jack and Elizabeth Bellingham. In 1921 Sydney was living with his widowed mother at 1a Rookery Street, Wednesfield along with his older siblings John, Arthur, Herbert, Charlie and Gladys and younger brother Fred.
Sydney married Annie Eccleston October 1938 in Bilston, by 1939 they were living at 428 Sambrook Road, Wednesfield, Sydney was employed as a joiner in the building trade.
Sydney left Annie £600 in his will. In the Scouts remembrance roll of honour Sydney is recorded as being a member of 2nd Wednesfield Scouts Group.
On 23rd May 1940, the 673 Artisan Works Company, Royal Engineers was caught up in the fighting around Calais, where elements of the company were overrun, killed, or captured during the German assault that encircled the port. They were initially there working as construction troops but forced into the defence of the port when German forces attacked.
Sydney was killed in action 23rd May 1940 aged 26.
Plot 13. Row B. Grave 10. Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
Bishop George Frederick Stoker 1st Class D/KX 112950
H.M.S. Jupiter Royal Navy.
George was born 10 May 1920 in Wednesfield the son of John Henry and Julia Bishop. In 1921 they were living at 2 Back New Street, Wednesfield along with George's older siblings Ellen, Albert, Harry, Edith and Julia. George's father John was employed as a 'radial driller' at the Sunbeam motor car manufacturers. By 1939 they were living at 29 Wood End Road, Wednesfield along with George's sister Edith and her husband John Holmes and George's younger brother Paul. George was employed as a 'bench hand (brass).
HMS Jupiter sank the Japanese submarine I-60 on 17 January 1942. On 27 February 1942, while operating with the American British Dutch Australian (ABDA) cruiser force during the Battle of the Java Sea, she struck a mine that had been laid earlier that day by the Dutch minelayer HNLMS Gouden Leeuw. The destroyer sank at 21:16 hours off the north coast of Java.
The explosion was initially believed to have been caused by a Japanese torpedo. Most of her crew 97 men were subsequently captured by Japanese forces, while 83 others were rescued from the shore by the American submarine USS S-38. In total, 84 men were killed or reported missing, among them George.
Killed in action 27 February 1942 aged 21.
Panel 69, Column 3. Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Bowen Harry Elizah Sergeant (W. Op. [Air]) 1581233
625 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Harry was born 20 January 1924 in Wellington, Shropshire son of Harry and Hilda May Bowen. In 1939 they were living at 12 Glenmount Highfield Crescent, Wednesfield along with Harry's older siblings Hilda and Julian, and younger brother Cyril. Harry was employed as a 'packer'.
Harry was killed in action 11 June 1944 aged 20.
He was flying in a Lancaster bomber LL897 which took off 23:17 hours 10 June 1944 from RAF Kelstern in Lincolnshire to attack Acheres railway yards. The aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed on the rail line between Chartres and Rambouillet just a few miles east of the village of St-Hilarion where all seven members of the crew were buried in the communal cemetery.
Grave 2 St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, France.
Butler John Driver T/10677558
Royal Army Service Corps
John was born 26th April 1921 in Wednesfield son of David and Maud Elizabeth Butler. At that time, they were living at 3 Charles Street, Wednesfield along with John's older brothers Edward and David. Two more brothers were born Alan in 1924 and Arthur in 1926. John's father died in September 1927.
By 1939 the family were living at 28 Lichfield Road, Wednesfield and John was employed as a bread salesman-driver.
John died of wounds 2nd December 1944 aged 23.
II H 9. Cesena War Cemetery, Italy.
Cadman Reginald Gunner 1085742
88 Field Regt.Royal Artillery
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cadman;husband of Irene H. Cadman of Solihull Warwickshire.
Died 12th September 1944 aged 31.
Column 14. Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.
Cartwright Percy Reginald Fusilier 6095166
2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regt.)
Percy was born 25th January 1920 in Wednesfield son of John and Amy Cartwright. In 1921 the family were living at 32 Rookery Street, Wednesfield along with Percy's older siblings Minnie, John, Lily, Edith and Ernest.
John's father had his own business as a haulier. A further two children were born Nellie in November 1921 and George in August 1924.
Percy married Nellie Maria Smith April 1939 in Bilston, and they lived at 49 Lawfred Avenue, Wednesfield, Percy was employed as a labourer in the Public Works.
On 13 May 1944, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) were fighting in the Cassino sector, engaged in the opening phase of the Fourth Battle of Cassino as part of the British 4th Division’s assault across the Garigliano River toward the Liri Valley. They were engaged in heavy fighting against elements of the German 15th Panzergrenadier Division, who were counter attacking to contain the British crossing.
Percy died of his wounds received in this fighting 13th May 1944 aged 25.
VIII. E. 8. Cassino War Cemetery, Italy.
Casey Arthur Gunner 1109535
73 Anti-Tank Regt Royal Artillery
Arthur was born 27th August 1912 in Wednesfield son of John and Elizabeth Casey. In 1921 the family was living at 61 Hart Road, Wednesfield, together with Arthur’s older siblings Florence, Samuel, James, Doris and Lillian. Arthur’s father was employed as a steel mill worker. Arthur's older brother John was killed in action 9th October 1917 during the First World War and is also remembered on this memorial. By 1939 they remained at the same address, with Doris, Lillian and Arthur the only children still residing in the household with their parents. Arthur was employed as a clerk. Arthur married Lilian Annie Bathe July 1940 in Bilston. They had a son David born September 1941 in Bilston. Arthur's father John died 30th June 1942. On 21 April 1943, 73rd Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery was engaged in the opening phase of Operation Vulcan, supporting the British First Army’s assault toward Tunis. Their guns were deployed in the Medjez-el-Bab sector, providing anti-tank defence and close support to infantry and armour during the attacks that began on 22 April. Units assigned to First Army, including anti-tank regiments, were already forward deployed on 21 April, occupying gun positions, supporting infantry brigades, and preparing for the assault.
Killed in action 21st April 1943 aged 30
I.A.22. Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Collins Frank Gunner 11265018
3 Bty 1 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery.
Frank was born 2nd December 1916 in Wednesfield son of Frank and Alice Collins. In 1921 they were living at 15 North Street, Wednesfield along with Frank's younger sister Irene. Two more children were born, Leslie in 1923 and Ivor 1927. Frank's mother Alice died June 1931 aged 38. By 1939 the family were living at 15 North Street, Wednesfield, Frank was employed as a metal turner.
On 23rd July 1942, 3 Battery, 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery was serving in Egypt under 21st Anti-Aircraft Brigade, providing Bofors 40mm air defence coverage for key installations around Suez, Cairo and the Canal Zone. This was part of the Regiment’s wider role protecting vital infrastructure during the build up to the First Battle of El Alamein.
Frank was killed in action 23rd July 1942 aged 25.
XXV.H.23. El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
Cooper William Frederick Trooper 4912587
3rd King's Own Hussars Royal Armoured Corps
William was born in September 1913 son of Frederick and Lucy Cooper, Frederick died in 1918 aged 37. In 1921 William and his mother were living at 25 Hall Street, Willenhall along with William's older sister Clara and younger sisters Lucy and Gertrude. Frederick married Mary Ann Righton Jeavons in December 1939 at Bilston. At the time of his death Mary was living in Wednesfield.
The 3rd King’s Own Hussars fought at El Alamein, 24-25 October 1942 as part of the 9th Armoured Brigade, under the 2nd New Zealand Division. The fighting was brutal 47 of their 51 tanks were destroyed.
There were over 80% casualties in the tank crews, 21 officers and 98 other ranks were killed or wounded.
William died 3 February 1943 aged 29, because his regiment was not in major combat on 3 February 1943, William's death was probably due to wounds received or illness.
2.C.4. Aleppo War Cemetery, Syria.
Cox Edwin John Private 4858433
2nd (Airborne) Bn.South Staffordshire Regiment
John was born 7th July 1914 in Wolverhampton son of Thomas Henry and Edith Cox.
In 1939 Edwin was living at 26 March End, Wednesfield with his parents an older brother Thomas and employed as a fitters labourer
In November 1941 the 2nd South Staffordshire Regiment was converted to a glider infantry role, serving as part of the 1st Airlanding Brigade in the 1st Airborne Division.
Operation Husky the invasion of Sicily - overnight on the 9th/10th July 1943, the 1st Air Landing Brigade’s 2,000 soldiers were towed in over 144 gliders by 109 American C-47 Dakotas and 35 RAF tugs. Stormy weather and devastating fire from both the enemy and the allied navies dispersed the fly-in, which was conducted by inexperienced American air crews. 78 gliders landed in the sea while the remainder crash-landed across miles of rugged Sicilian countryside.
Determined isolated groups continued with the mission. One platoon of the South Staffords captured the Ponte Grande bridge, which was held, reinforced by stragglers, until the following day.
At some point during the invasion Edwin was sadly killed, as his body was never recovered it is likely he was aboard one of the gliders that crashed into the sea.
Edwin was killed in action 9th July 1943 aged 29.
Panel 8. Cassino Memorial, Italy.
Craven John (known as 'Jack') Gunner 4034726
56 Heavy Regt Royal Artillery.
Jack was born 25th September 1918 in Wednesfield son of George Henry and Clara Craven. In 1921 they were living at 9 New Street, Wednesfield along with Jack's older brothers Arthur, Cyril, Harold, and George and younger sisters Elsie and Dorothy. By 1939 the family were living at 32 South Avenue, Wednesfield Jack was employed as a steel worker.
The 56 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery was deployed in Tunisia, supporting British First Army in Operation Vulcan the final offensive to break the German defensive line before the capture of Tunis. Their heavy guns (7.2inch and 155mm) were firing in support of attacks around Medjez-el-Bab. This was a period of intense artillery action as First Army pushed the Axis forces back toward Tunis.
Jack was killed in action 27th April 1943 aged 24.
4.H.10. Medjez-el-bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Davies Richard Alfred Craftsman 10568447
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Richard was born on 5th August 1917 in Wednesfield, the son of Richard and Alice Davies. By the 1921 Census, the family was living at 82 March End, Wednesfield, together with Richard’s two older brothers, William and Charles, and his younger brother George.
By 1939, Richard was residing at 59 Hart Road, Wednesfield, where he was recorded as a boarder in the household of Thomas Howe. At that time, he was employed as a welder.
Richard died 5th December 1947.
Row 3. Grave 64. Wednesfield (St. Thomas) Churchyard Extension.
DAVIES JOHN HERBERT Lance Serjeant 2662556
3rd Bn. Coldstream Guards.
Born 19th November 1911 in Wolverhampton. In 1939 he was living at 85 Victoria Road Wednesfield and was employed as a motor dispatch transport clerk for paints and printing inks at Mander Brothers Ltd.
John married Elsie Florence Jenks September 1940 in Wolverhampton.
Killed in action 22nd January 1944 aged 33 during the first battle of Monte Cassino.
IV, B, 5. Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.
DAVIS G A*
EVANS EDWARD REGINALD Trooper 167848
4th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
Died 30/11/1941 Age:25
Son of Richard Thomas Evans and Grace Hilda Evans of Wednesfield Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. H. 4.
Cemetery:KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA
FOSTER FRANCIS CHARLES Sergeant (Flt. Engr.)1414503
626 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Killed 12th September 1944 aged 23.
Born in Wolverhampton 11th June 1921 son of Francis and Ellen Elizabeth Foster of Wednesfield Wolverhampton.
The 1939 Register records Francis living at 13 Lithe Rd Wednesfield, with his parents and younger brother James (b1923). Francis was employed as a bread deliverer.
Francis enlisted into the RAF at Penarth, Wales sometime after March 1941.
Francis and the crew took off at 18:25 in an Avro Lancaster and were shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at 22:40 at Plittersdorf, 2 miles northwest of Rastatt. Three of the crew including Francis were captured and executed by hostile German civilians in Plittersdorf.
Grave Reference:Coll. grave 3.H.14-16.
DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY, Germany.
FRY RICHARD ALBERT Private 14630289
2nd Bn West Yorkshire Regt.
(Prince of Wales's Own)
Died 27/07/1944 Age:20
Son of Richard Edward and Florence Beatrice Fry of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Face 7.
Cemetery:RANGOON MEMORIAL
GILES CHARLES EDWARD Gunner 1678567
Royal Artillery
100 (8th Bn. The Gordon Highlanders)
Anti-Tank Regt.
Died 08/01/1945 Age:28
Son of Charles and Jessie Giles of Wednesfield, Staffordshire; husband of Lucy Evelyn Giles of Wednesfield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 19. H. 3.
Cemetery: TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY
Green George Cyril 1274844
Aircraftman 1st Class
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
George was born January 1921 in Wolverhampton son of George Frederick and Emily Marion Green. In 1921 he was residing with his parents at 79 Merridale St West, Wolverhampton the household of his uncle and aunt Ernest and Theresa Green. The home also included his uncle Edwin Green and George's stepbrother's Thomas and William. By 1939 they were all living at 37 Leason Lane The Scotlands Wolverhampton and were joined by George's younger brother Arthur. George was employed in a pork butcher wholesale department.
George enlisted into the RAF at Uxbridge, Gloucester sometime after May 1940.
George was taken prisoner on 17 March 1942 in Sumatra and died in '30 kilo POW Camp' 26 May 1943 aged 22 while working on the 'Burma Railway'.
B1. A. 17. Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery' Burma (Myanmar).
GUEST LEONARD Lance Corporal 2092028
Royal Engineers 577 Army Field Coy.
Died 15/10/1944 Age:24
Son of William and Annie Guest; husband of Norah Kathleen Guest of Mickleham Surrey.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I, K, 12.
Cemetery:SANTERNO VALLEY WAR CEMETERY
HAZLEWOOD CHARLES Sapper 2130650
278 Field Coy Royal Engineers
Died 15/04/1941 Age:22
Son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hazlewood of Wednesfield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Old part. 30X. South of chapel.
Cemetery: WEDNESFIELD (ST. THOMAS) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
HUGHES DOUGLAS EDWARD Private 4918125
1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment
Died between 21/05/1940 and 22/05/1940 Age:21
Son of Mr and Mrs R.H. Hughes of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 55.
Cemetery:ESQUELMES WAR CEMETERY
JENKINS, GEORGE Gunner 4928453
3 Airlanding Anti-Tank Bty Royal Artillery
Died 24/03/1945 Age:24
Son of Samuel and Sarah Jenkins of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 37. A. 1.
Cemetery:REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY
JERVIS GEORGE RONALD Sapper 2013581
287 Field Coy Royal Engineers
Died 12/11/1943 Age:23
Grave/Memorial Reference: B6. G. 18.
Cemetery: THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETERY
JEYNES TERRANCE Private 4920305
1st Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Died 19/07/1943 Age:23
Son of John and Mabel Rose Jeynes; husband of Kathleen Jeynes of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. G. 36.
Cemetery: CATANIA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY
JOHNSON WILLIAM JOSEPH Private 5127584
1st Bn Suffolk Regiment
Died 15/06/1944 Age: 20
Grave/Memorial Reference: X. D. 8.
Cemetery: LA DELIVRANDE WAR CEMETERY, DOUVRES
JONES RALPH Driver T/291659
Royal Army Service Corps
Died 10/01/1946
Son of William and Edith Jones; husband of Dorothy May Jones of Wednesfield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Row 4A. Grave 19.
Cemetery:WEDNESFIELD (ST. THOMAS) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
LLOYD JAMES WILLIAM Serjeant 406383
3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) Royal Armoured Corps
Died 11/07/1943 Age:29
Husband of Florence May Lloyd of Coseley, Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 2.
Cemetery: CASSINO MEMORIAL
LOVATT JOSEPH HENRY Corporal 4924716
6th Bn Green Howards (Yorkshire Regt.)
Died 09/08/1944 Age:24
Son of Thomas A. and Emma G. Lovatt of Wednesfield, Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 13, Column 3.
Cemetery: BAYEUX MEMORIAL
LYONS GEORGE HENRY Private 4042744
4th Bn King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Died 06/09/1944 Age:31
Son of James and Kate Lyons; husband of Harriet Elizabeth Lyons of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. E. 17.
Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY
MARTIN VICTOR HENRY Private 4916958
1/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Born September 1919 in Wolverhampton, son of Ernest Henry and Selina Sahra Martin.
Killed in action 16th July 1944 aged 24.
The 1/6th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment crossed the Channel in late June as part of the 59th Division and by the 1st of July had moved to the front-line facing Caen. The city was fiercely defended and earlier attempts to outflank it had been frustrated by continued German counter attacks. General Montgomery had, therefore, decided on a frontal attack preceded by heavy aerial bombardment. On the 8th of July, a strong attack was launched on a broad front and by the 9th most of the city had fallen. The Division moved quickly south to the bocage country; their task was to take the village of Noyers.
On 15th July, the troops assembled in their assault positions the 1/6th on the right of the assault. At 5.30am on the 16th the attack commenced in thick morning mist by about 6.45 am the battalion had captured the village of Brettevillette 1½ miles north of Noyers and two hours later Queudeville. Both were defended strongly and only taken at the cost of many casualties sadly Victor was one of them.
Grave Reference: III. C. 13.
FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL WAR CEMETERY, TESSEL, France.
MASON JOHN Driver T/271348
Royal Army Service Corps
Died of Wounds 26/09/1945 Age:38
Son of Arthur Harry and Hannah Mason, of Wolverhampton; husband of Annie Mason of The Scotlands Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. B. 11.
Cemetery:CELLE WAR CEMETERY
MEANS RALPH STEPHENSON Trooper 7908910
5th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
Died 12/12/1941 Age:25
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 23.
Cemetery:ALAMEIN MEMORIAL
MOLINEAUX GRANVILLE Private 14425516
6th Bn Green Howards (Yorkshire Regt.)
Died 11/09/1944 Age:19
Son of John and Lily Molineaux of Wednesfield, Staffordshire; husband of Olive Molineaux.
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV.B.10.
Cemetery:GEEL WAR CEMETERY
MORRIS J*
Morris Joffre French Kitchener Lance Bombardier 4913637
11 Field Regt Royal Artillery.
Joffre was born 10 June 1915 in Wednesfield clearly named after the first world war French General Joseph Joffre and two British Generals John French and Lord Kitchener. Son of Thomas and Lydia Morris, in 1921 they were living at 65 Lichfield Rd, Wednesfield along with Joffre's older siblings Albert, Maria, Samuel, Isaac, Frank, Harriet Rachel and Elizabeth and a younger brother Robert. Joffre had two older brothers Thomas and John who were both killed in the First World War and are remembered on the First War section of the Wednesfield memorial.
Thomas was killed in action 14 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme aged 25 and John was killed in action 6th October 1918 during the last battles of the war aged 20. Joffre's father died 2nd August 1926 aged 58 and his mother died March 1933.
Joffre died of wounds 4 July 1942 aged 27 during the fighting around El Alamein, where British and Commonwealth forces were engaged in the hard defensive battles that halted Rommel’s advance toward Egypt. His death came during the weeks leading up to the First Battle of El Alamein.
Column 33. Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
PEDLEY, ARTHUR Trooper 4910055
56th Regt. Reconnaissance Corps
Died 26/09/1943 Age:36
Husband of B. Ethel Pedley of Wednesfield, Staffordshire England.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIII. C. 1.
Cemetery:MORO RIVER CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY
PURSEHOUSE C. H.
Reddish, Kenneth Harry D. Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.) 1177700
142 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Kenneth was born 31st May 1921 in Wolverhampton son of Horace Duke and Nellie M. Reddish. In 1939 they were living at 32 Bickford Rd, Wolverhampton along with his older sister Iris;Kenneth was employed as a credit drapers clerk. Kenneth married Lily Sharples December 1941 in Bilston.
Killed in action 10th September 1942 aged 21. He took off from RAF Grimsby in a Wellington bomber serial number IV Z1477 at 20:30 hours 10th September 1942, the aircraft was lost during a raid on Dusseldorf. The course of the loss or crash site was not established.
4. A. 17. Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
REYNOLDS FRANCIS ARTHUR Corporal 305430
2nd Royal Horse Guards
Died 21/07/1944 Age:25
Son of James Sims Reynolds and Ada Mary Reynolds of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. F. 17.
Cemetery:RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY
ROBERTS ERNEST WILLIAM Gunner 1103755
135 (The Hertfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regt. Royal Artillery
Died between 01/08/1944 and 31/08/1944 Age:23
Son of Ernest E. and Elizebeth Roberts of Wednesfield Staffordshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 36.
Cemetery:SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
ROWLEY J *
ROWLEY THOMAS VINCENT Serjeant 1512267
Royal Artillery
attd. 105 Bty. 42 Mortar Regt.West African Artillery, R.W.A.F.F.
Died 15/12/1944 Age:25
Son of Mr. and Mrs. T. V. Rowley, of Wednesfield Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Face 2.
Cemetery: RANGOON MEMORIAL
ROWLEY JOHN EDWARD Sergeant (Flt. Engr.) 1247821
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Born 23rd August 1911 in Wolverhampton son of Samuel and Rose Hannah Rowley; husband of Blanche Rowley. In 1939 John and Blanche were living at 70 Bolton Road Wednesfield, John was employed as a sales collector.
Killed 22nd April 1944 aged 32 when the Stirling bomber in which he was flying collided with another Stirling (EH926) near the village of Eagle seven miles southwest of Lincoln when returning to Swinderby from a night navigational exercise.
Row 2A. Grave 2.
Wednesfield (St. Thomas) Churchyard Extension.
ROUND JAMES THOMAS Private 27029
16th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Died 28/11/1940 16th Bn
Son of Daniel and Sarah Ann Round; husband of Mary Ann Round of Wednesfield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Row 9. Grave 38.
Cemetery: WEDNESFIELD (ST. THOMAS) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
RUSSELL HERBERT Private 4910275
1st Bn South Staffordshire Regiment
Died 04/11/1944 Age:35
Son of John Russell and Rosannah Russell of Wednesfield; husband of Marion Russell.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Row LA. Grave 15.
Cemetery:WEDNESFIELD (ST. THOMAS) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
SALT ARTHUR GRAHAM Trooper 14291898
Royal Armoured Corps
H.Q. Sqn. 29th Armd. Bde.
Died 14/07/1944 Age:21
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXVII. F. 20.
Cemetery: BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY
SIMPSON C. *
SKIDMORE GEORGE LLEWELLIN Serjeant 2124908
2nd Bn Border Regiment
Died 06/10/1942 Age:33
Husband of Mabel May Skidmore of Wednesfield Wolverhampton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 9. D. 3.
Cemetery:RANCHI WAR CEMETERY
Spencer Robert Arthur William Ordinary Seaman D/JX 418170
H.M.S. Offa Royal Navy.
Robert was born 8 June 1924 in Wolverhampton son of Shelah and May Spencer. In 1939 they were living at 48 Tithe Road, Wednesfield along with Roberts's older brother Horace, he was employed in the stores of a steel tube company.
Robert was lost overboard 9 February 1944 aged 19.
Panel 88, Column 2. Plymouth Naval Memorial.
SMITHSON WILLIAM Sapper 2458
2 Depot Coy Royal Engineers
Died 11/07/1942 Age:49
Son of James and Isabella Smithson.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Row 1. Grave 41.
Cemetery: WEDNESFIELD (ST. THOMAS) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
Vincent Kenneth Sergeant (Air Gnr.) 18199021658 C.U. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Kenneth was born December 1924 in Shifnal son of Alfred Roderick and Doris Vincent of March End Wednesfield. He was the second born of five children, Alfred, Esther Lawrence and Eric.
In 1939 the family were living at 3 Merrills Hall, Merrills Drive, Wednesfield.
Kenneth was killed whilst Flying 23 November 1943 aged 19 at Skipton, Yorkshire West Riding. The aircraft that Kenneth was aboard a Halifax Mark 11 bomber flew into Great Whernside near Kettlewell, Yorkshire probably due to icing in very bad weather during a night cross-country exercise.
Grave Reference: Row 3. Grave 48.
Wednesfield (St. Thomas) Churchyard Extension.
Wallbank Cyril Sergeant (Air Gnr.) 945652
467 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Cyril was born 25 April 1921 in Wednesfield son of John and Jane Wallbank. In 1921 Cyril was living with his mother at 5 Bellamy Lane, Wednesfield along with his older siblings Harry, Violet, Ruth, Grettel, and Charles.
Cyril's mother died 20 March 1931. By 1939 Cyril was residing at 96 Newhall Street, Willenhall, in the household of his sister Sarah and her husband, John Davies, together with their children Raymond and Frank. The home also included Cyril’s sister Violet and her husband, Job Rushton, as well as his brother Charles. Cyril was employed as a press operator.
Cyril enlisted into the RAF at Cardington, Bedfordshire between September 1939 and August 1940.
Cyril was killed in action 22 May 1944 aged 23. The Lancaster bomber in which Cyril was flying took off at 22:43 21 May 1944 from Waddington RAF base. The aircraft crashed at Nunhem in the Dutch province of Limburg west of the Maas.
Joint grave, 8.F. 8-9. Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Waterhouse John Aircraftman 2nd Class 964788
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
John was born 6 June 1922 son of Frederick Herbert and Ada Jane Elizabeth Waterhouse. In 1939 they were living at 25 East Avenue Wednesfield along with John's older sister Emma; John was employed as a labourer metal worker.
John was taken Prisoner on 8 March 1942 when Java fell to the Japanese forces. He was instructed to go to an airfield in Tasikmalaya where thousands of RAF personnel had assembled to be taken prisoner by the Japanese. John was transferred to the notorious Japanese POW camps on Ambon Island. John was at some point moved to Harukoe POW camp. Haroekoe is a small island south of Ceram in the Moluccas group of islands near Ambon. The Japanese used POW labourers from Haroekoe POW Camp and Tantoei POW Camp on Haroekoe Island to build a single runway with taxiways surfaced with crushed coral.
Veteran Cyril Morris a RAF prisoner at Haroekoe POW Camp recalled "Dawn to dusk hard labour building an airstrip. The brutality, disease and malnutrition resulting in a death rate of ten burials a day."
"Dawn to dusk hard labour building an airstrip. The brutality, disease and malnutrition resulting in a death rate of ten burials a day."
Although the war had effectively ended, John died on 16 August 1945 before Allied forces reached the island. Like many POWs who survived years of captivity, he succumbed to the cumulative effects of starvation and disease in the final days before liberation.
John died from beriberi 16 August 1945 aged 23.
31. B. 9. Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia.
George Lindsley Weir Private 5260313
6th Bn Green Howards (Yorkshire Regt.)
George was born 31st January 1922 in Durham, South Shields son of George and Ellen Weir. In 1939 they were living at 7 South Crescent, Featherstone along with George junior's older sister Wilhelmina and younger brother William. George was employed as a 'sand hopper' at a foundry. By the end of the war George's parents were living in Wednesfield.
On 6 April 1943 the 6th Battalion, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment) took part in the Battle of Wadi Akarit. The battalion was part of 50th (Northumbrian) Division on the left of the Eighth Army’s attack. The assault began before dawn under heavy artillery fire. The Green Howards advanced through steep wadis and fortified ground held by Italian and German units. Fighting was close quarters and difficult because of the terrain, but by mid-morning the Eighth Army had broken the line. The battalion then pushed north as Axis forces withdrew toward Sfax. Records show several 6th Battalion casualties on this date unfortunately one of them being George.
Killed in action 6th April 1943 aged 21
V. E. 31. Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Woolley Arthur Lance Serjeant 320069
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Royal Armoured Corps.
Arthur was born in Wednesfield May 1919 son of John and Elizabeth Woolley. In 1921 they were living at 31 Church St. Wednesfield along with Arthur's older siblings Ellen, John, Cyril and Elsie.
By August, the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards equipped with Sherman tanks and serving under 8th Armoured Brigade were engaged in the heavy fighting that followed the British capture of Mount Pinçon. Their role was to support the infantry of 214 Brigade 1st Worcestershire Regiment, 2nd Somerset Light Infantry, and Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry as the 43rd Division pushed south and east toward Cahagnes, Jurques, and the German defensive line beyond.
Arthur was killed in action 9th August 1944 aged 25.
IX. F. 20. St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.
Withers Percy Jasper Private 14596572
2/5th Bn The Queen's Royal Regt (West Surrey)
Formally serving in the Leistershire Regiment.
Percy was born 24th January 1913 in Darlaston son of Percy Jasper and Edith Elizabeth Withers. In 1921 they were living at 4 Cook Street Wednesbury along with Percy's older sisters Winifred, Beatrice and Eunice and younger siblings Elsie and Ernest. Percy married Linda Annie Nicholls in October 1936 in Wednesbury; by 1939 they were living at 3 Cross Terrace Darlaston along with Linda's widowed father, her brother and sister. Percy was employed as a foreman carpenter.
Killed in action 20th February 1944 aged 32 on the front of the Anzio beachhead during the major German counter-offensives during late February.
I, G, 7. Anzio War Cemetery, Italy.
It is recorded that Linda Anne Withers was living in Wednesfield, it is unclear whether that was the family home or whether Linda move there at the end of the war.
1945 Onwards
Corporal I. Mason R.M.P.
Info added to the website; name to be added to the Roll of Honour.
