WW2 Roll of Honour A-L
Astley Louis Private 14251126
6th Bn Gordon Highlanders.
Louis was born 5th September 1923 son of Leonard and Connie Astley. In 1939 they were living at 12 Price Crescent, Bilston along with Louis' older siblings Leonard and Editha and younger brother Talbot.
Killed in action 26th September 1944 aged 21.
VII.C.3 Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.
Ashford Herbert Lance Corporal 5044455
6th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment.
Attached to 13th (2/4th Bn. The South Lancashire Regt.) Bn. The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
Herbert was born in 1910 in Coseley son of John Thomas and Susan Ashford. In 1911 they were living at 43 Horace St Hurst Hill Near Bilston, Coseley along with Herbert's older siblings Sarah, Phoebe and John and younger siblings William and Susan.
In 1921 he and his siblings John and Beatrice were living with their cousin William and Williams wife Elizbeth at 64, Ward Street Mount Pleasant, Coseley. Herbert was employed by George Mason Ltd as a errand boy for a general grocer.
Herbert married Annie Elizabeth Young June 1934 in Bilston.
Herbert must have worked for Joseph Sankeys and Sons of Bilston before the war as he is also remembered on their war memorial which is displayed in St. Leonards church Bilston.
Killed in action 19 August 1944 aged 34.
Row C.Grave 9. Putot-en-auge Churchyard, France.
Baynton, Cyril Flight Sergeant (Nav./Bomber)1168793
70 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Cyril was born 27th September 1920 in Wolverhampton son of Joseph and Mary Hannah Baynton. They were living at 18 Beach Road Green Lanes, Bilston along with Cyril’s' older siblings Horace, Joseph and Ruby, Cyril was a college student. Cyril joined the RAF at RAF Cardington, Bedfordshire sometime after April 1940.
Killed in action 25th November 1943 aged 23 when the Wellington bomber HZ182 in which he was flying flew into a mountain near Artana during a raid on a ball bearing factory in Turin. Cyril left £335 to his father in his will.
Coll.grave I.B.16-20. Staglieno Cemetery,Genoa, Italy
Beeston Arthur Eric Sub-Lieutenant, Pilot (Fleet Air Arm)
H.M.S. Landrail (Royal Naval Air Station Machrihanish) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
Arthur was born 25th June 1917 in Bilston son of Lyndon Arthur and Gertrude Edith Beeston. In 1921 they were living at 49 Wellington Road, Bilston along with Arthur's younger sister Margaret. By 1939 they were all living at 99 Mount Pleasant, Bilston and Arthur was employed as an electrical engineer designer.
Died 1st June 1943 aged 25 while flying, he was lost without trace flying a Supermarine Seafire (the Naval variant of the Spitfire) during a transit flight from Machrihanish, Argyll to Donisbristle, Fife.
Bay 4, Panel 6. Lee-on-solent Memorial.
Beckett Joseph Henry Gunner 1534628
152 Bty. 51 H.A.A. Regt. E Battery Depot Royal Artillery
Joseph was born 23rd August 1919 in Bilston son of Henry and Maria Beckett. In 1921 they were living at 8 Coseley Road Bilston along with Joseph's older siblings Thomas, William, Emily, Elsie, Doris, and Horace.
Joseph's father Henry died June 1926 aged 48.
By 1939 Joseph remained living at the same address along with his widowed mother and younger sister Mary. Jospeh was employed as a labourer at the local bleaching works.
Joseph married Ann Maria Shelton December 1944 in Bilston.
Died 3rd April 1945 aged 25.
Sec. G.B. New Part. Grave 6555. 9. Bilston Cemetery.
Berry Ernest Serjeant 1773133
269 Bty. 77 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery.
Ernest was born 17 May 1916 in Wednesbury adopted son of Samuel and Mary Taylor. In 1921 they were living along with Ernest's older sister Mary Ellen Taylor at 24 Court, Temple Street, Bilston. By 1939 they were all living at 15 Lavender Grove, Bilston. Ernest was employed as a heavy worker - 'common and bright tinner'.
Ernest married Lilian Asprey March 1940 in Bilston.
Died of illness or accident 4th September 1944 aged 28.
5.F.12. Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh.
Blower William Able Seaman P/J 30874
H.M.S. Dunedin Royal Navy
William was born 11th January 1898 in Wolverhampton son of William and Ellen Blower, he was baptised at St. George's Church Wolverhampton 27th January 1898. In 1911 William and his parents were living at 13 Park Street Wolverhampton along with William's older brother Thomas and younger siblings Harry and May.
William joined the Royal Navy 5th May 1914, as a boy sailor, at the time of enlisting he was an iron worker. He served through the First World War and continued serving until his death in 1941. He served on many ships joining H.M.S. Dunedin 7th August 1939.
William married Lily Belle Home July 1922 at Dudley. Their daughter Lilian was born 15th July 1928. In 1939 the family home was 232 Bushbury Lane, Wolverhampton.
H.M.S. Dunedin was a Danae-class light cruiser, on 15th June 1941, Dunedin captured the German tanker Lothringen and gathered some highly classified Enigma cipher machines that she carried.
Dunedin was sailing in the Central Atlantic Ocean, just east of the St. Paul's Rocks, northeast of Recife, Brazil, when on 24th November 1941, at 15:26 hours, two torpedoes from the German submarine U-124 sank her. Only four officers and 63 men survived out of Dunedin's crew of 486 officers and men, sadly William was lost.
Killed in action 24th November 1941 aged 44.
Panel 47, Column 2. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Boulton William Joseph Private 4126046
14th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regt.).
William was born in Wolverhampton September 1921 son of William and Lavinia Boulton. In 1939 the family home was 61 Mill Street, Bilston.
Killed in action 18th April 1944 aged 23.
XIII.A.4. Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.
Brooker Frederick Charles Bombardier 4912351
6 H.A.A.Regt Royal Artillery.
Died 29th July 1946 aged 35.
Born 9th June 1911 in Bilston son of Frederick John and Bertha Brooker. In 1921 they were living at 33, Vale Street, Parkfield, Bilston along with Frederick's older sisters Louie and Lily, Frederick's father was employed as an engine driver.
Frederick married Maude Harper June 1935 in Bilston. In 1939 Frederick and Maude were living with their daughter Eileen at 33 Vale Street Bilston; Frederick was a regular soldier with the rank of Lance Bombardier.
In 1944 Frederick received the Long Service Good Conduct medal, which means he had served for a minimum of twenty years.
Frederick died 29th July 1946 aged 35.
Sec. E.B. Old Portion. Grave 2093.1. Bilston Cemetery.
Brown Horace James Private 14753553
The Worcestershire Regiment.
Horace was born 3rd June 1913 in Bilston son of Thomas and Dora Brown. In 1921 they were living at 4 Princess Street, Bilston along with Horace's older siblings Annie, Leslie, Dora, and Winifred. Horace's sister Dora died 14th February 1936.
By 1939 Horace was living at 3 Hughes Place, Bilston along with his parents and sister Winifred. He was employed as a 'furnace fixer enamel.'
Horace married Elsie Price December 1941 in Bilston.
Died 9th August 1947 aged 34.
Sec. G.A. New part. Grave 4727. Bilston Cemetery.
Burton Derrick Charles North Sergeant 1739627
159 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Derrick was born December 1924 in Wolverhampton son of Alfred E. and Gwendolyn Victoria Burton. In 1939 they were living at 41 Barton Lodge Wellington Road, Bilston along with Derrick's older sister Dilys and younger sister Diana. Derrick joined the RAF sometime after September 1941.
Derrick was killed in action 9th February 1945 aged 20. The Liberator bomber KH255 in which Derrick was flying was shot down by ground fire three miles west of the target during a raid on the Khao Hua Gang railway yard and wharves. The aircraft was observed by crew of other aircraft to have flames erupting from the bomb bay as it went into a shallow dive, having apparently been hit there by flak. The crew of six Canadians and two British airmen are buried in a collective grave.
Coll.grave 7A. E. 10-17. Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.
Brown Francis Leslie Gunner 935021
175 Bty., 85 A.A. Regt Royal Artillery.
Francis was born 12th June 1918 in Bilston son of Edwin and Phoebe Brown. In 1921 they were living at 34 Salop Street Bradley, Bilston along with Francis' older siblings Gladys, Martha, Edwin, and Nellie.
Died 29th May 1940 in Clitheroe, Lancashire, his home address was 'Barony' Bulger Road Bilston.
Sec.A. Old Portion. Grave 2823.3. Bilston Cemetery.
Chambers Sidney Private 4917577
2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
Sidney was born September 1918 in Wolverhampton son of Albert and Ethel Chambers. In 1921 they were living at 4 Mount Pleasant, Bilston along with Sidney's older brother Charles.
Died 4th April 1940 aged 21.
11.B.1. Karachi War Cemetery, Pakistan.
Chew Alan David Flight Sergeant (Nav.)1575850
218 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Son of Samuel and Bessie May Chew. In 1921 they were living at 2 Slater Street Bradley, Bilston as boarders of the Blythman family. By 1939 they were living at 22 Silvester Road, Bilston and Alan had three younger siblings Dorothy, Ivan, and Bessie. Alan was employed as a railway clerk.
Alan enlisted into the RAF at Birmingham sometime after June 1941.
Alan took off in Lancaster bomber PD252 21:59 hours 12th August 1944 from Methwold, Norfolk. The aircraft was shot down by flak near Aachen during a raid on the opal factory at Russelsheim. Alan survived the initial crash but died within hours. He was taken for burial in the village of Henri-Chapelle, he was subsequently re-interred in Hotton War Cemetery. Three other members of the crew were injured but survived.
Killed in action 13th August 1944 aged 23.
II.E.3. Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.
Clarke Isaac Ernest Private 3128260
6th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
Isaac was born in March 1914 in Coseley son of Samuel and Leah Clarke. In 1921 they were living at 1 Chell Street, Bradley, Coseley along with Isaac's older brother Samuel and younger siblings Joseph and Elizabeth.
Isaac married Gladys Maud Dudley September 1940 in Bilston.
Isaac was awarded the General Service medal 16th August 1940; at that time he was a Fusilier with the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Information provided by: Regimental Headquarters The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). First Published: 25 June 2004 -
'The battalion became involved in attacks first on the town of Cesena on the road from Rimini to Bologna, then on Forli about 15 miles further along this road. The first, on 20 October, involved some house to house fighting in the outskirts. For three days positions west of the town, over the River Savio, were held under heavy shelling, and then the battalion was able to withdraw into the town. On 7 November it moved forward along the main road to join those who had already reached the outskirts of Forli, and two days later was able to pass straight through the town virtually unmolested. But strong opposition was met on the far side and on the 10th a full battalion attack was mounted involving fierce fighting for every house. For the next three days the battalion continued to force its way forward against strong opposition, again with much house-to-house fighting'.
Sadly, Isaac was killed in this action 10th November 1944 aged 31.
VIII, A, 9. Forli War Cemetery, Italy.
Copson, Herbert Serjeant S/2216309
Royal Army Service Corps.
Born 25th July 1891 at 48 King Street Bilston son of Luke and Elizabeth Copson in 1901 they were living at 21 Chapel Street Bilston along with older brothers Luke and William. In 1911 the family remained living there and Herbert was employed as a clerk.
Herbert married Maud Smith 2nd March 1913 at St. Mary's Church Bilston, they had two sons William born in 1914 and George in 1916.
During the First World War Herbert attested into the Army 23rd February 1916 at the Drill Hall Bilston, he was employed as a commercial clerk at Sankeys and was living at 64 A Bank St, Bradley Bilston with Maud, and their children.
Herbert joined the Notts and Derby Regiment later being transferred to the Liverpool Regiment 26th January 1917. Herbert was promoted to Serjeant 12th May 1916 rising to the rank of Company Quarter Master Serjeant 23rd December 1918. Herbert was transferred 12th May 1917 to 305 Labour Corps under Category B3 - only suitable for sedentary work, he was demobilized 9th March 1919.
Herbert reenlisted into the Royal Engineers, Territorial Army 24th June 1925 leaving 25th April 1927. Herbert then again enlisted 3rd July 1931 into the Royal Army Service Corps Territorial Army.
Herbert died 2nd February 1940 aged 48 of pneumonia in Kettering Hospital, Northamptonshire, at the time of his death the family home was 'Belmar' Sutherland Road Bilston.
Buried in Sec. A. Old portion. Grave 1410.6. Bilston Cemetery.
Cox Edwin Boy 1st Class P/JX 156605
H.M.S. Royal Oak Royal Navy.
Edwin was born 31st December 1921 in Bilston son of Edwin and Lizzie Cox who in 1921 were living at 13 Back of 22 Millfields Road, Bilston along with Edwin's older siblings Elizabeth, Thomas, Arthur, Ann, Sarah, Joseph, and Herbert.
Edwin was killed in action 14th October 1939 aged 17.
Panel 34, Column 2. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
On 14th October 1939, the Royal Oak was anchored at Scapa Flow in Orkney, Scotland, when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-47. Of Royal Oak's complement of 1,234 men and boys, 835 were killed that night or died later of their wounds, sadly Edwin was one of those casualties.
Cox E. Gunner Royal Navy.*
Croot George William Leading Aircraftman 1482002
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
George was born September 1920 in Bilston son of George and Hannah Croot. In 1921 they were boarding at 27 Cemetery Street, Bilston. By 1939 they were living at 29 Bow Street, Bilston along with George's younger siblings Jesse, William, John, Nora, and Violet. George was employed as a furnace charger.
George enlisted into the RAF at Padgate, Warrington sometime after April 1941.
Died 26th February 1945 of injuries received in a motorcycle accident.
Plot RR. Grave 42. Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands.
Craig N*
Cunnins H. Manchester Regiment*
Davies William Private 5254234
7th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment.
William was born 21st June 1918 in Sedgley son of Charles and Sarah Jane Davies. In 1921 they were living at 100 Cross Street, Bradley along with William's older siblings Sarah Jane, Mary, Samuel, Charles, and Alfred and younger sister Mary.
By 1939 William was still living with his parents at the same address, along with Charles, Mary, and another younger sister Doris. William was employed as a brass foundry labourer.
The war diary reports (information taken from www.worcestershireregiment.com) 'By the beginning of February 1945, the 7th Battalion had felt its way forward to the line of the Irrawaddy River, B Company being on the banks in two hamlets, Tadaing and Dawete, D Company half a mile to the north-west at Shwele, and Battalion H.Q. in a pleasant grove of trees among some pagodas a few hundred yards back from B Company. ...on the night 7/8 February 1945 the two platoons of B Company in Dawete were heavily attacked. The telephone line to Battalion H.Q. had been cut, and it was with difficulty that the Commanding Officer with A and C Companies could move to their assistance. With first light an attack was put in on Dawete, A Company taking up a position west of the village and C Company moving round the east flank, hoping to pinch the enemy out. The latter ran into heavy machine-gun fire so that A Company took the initiative and attempted to rush in, firing their weapons on the move. By 1120 hours A Company, after two attacks, were held, and had suffered heavy casualties.'
William was killed in action 8th February 1945 aged 26.
Face 12. Rangoon Memorial, Burma.
Evans H. R.A.*
Farnell Joseph Henry Serjeant 7883681
5th Royal Tank Regiment R.A.C.
Joseph was born in June 1910 in Darlaston son of John and Phoebe Farnell. In 1911 they were living at 3 Woodenwell Road Oxford St. Bilston along with Joseph's older siblings Richard Parr (adopted), Caroline, Mary Ann, Anna, Samuel, and William.
Joseph was a career soldier and was awarded the India General Service medal 26th November 1936.
Joseph married Irene May Howitt March 1940 in Bilston.
Killed in action 23rd November 1941 aged 31.
Column 21. Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
Fereday Sidney Lascelles Sergeant (Flt. Engr.) 1234319
9 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Son of Albert and Helena Fereday.
Sidney enlisted into the RAF at Cardington, Bedfordshire sometime after April 1940.
The Lancaster bomber LM422 in which Sidney was flying took off at 19:13 hours 22nd March 1944 from RAF Bardney Lincolnshire, it was shot down by flak at Morscheid, Rhineland during a raid on Frankfurt.
Killed in action 22nd March 1944.
Coll. grave 8. B. 3-7. Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Fellows Percy William Lieutenant 294977 MM
46th Regt Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
Percy was born June 1922 in Dudley son of Joshua Thomas and Lilian Victoria Fellows. In 1939 his family home was 46 High Street, Bilston.
Promoted from Serjeant to Lieutenant 23rd November 1943.
At the time of Percy's death his home address was 22 Dudding Road Goldthorn Park, Sedgley.
Killed in action 13th September 1944 aged 22.
I, E, 29. Gradara War Cemetery, Italy.
Franklin George St Clair Sapper 910137
296 Army Field Coy Royal Engineers.
George was born June 1920 in Bilston son of Rupert Fairfax and Mary Ann Franklin. In 1921 they were living at 10 Mount Pleasant, Bilston along with George's older brothers Rupert and Ernest.
Killed in action around Cyrenaica, Libya 20th June 1942 aged 22.
1. H. 25. Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya.
Gardner Albert George Private 14707996
2nd Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Albert was born March 1926 in Bilston son of George and Martha Jane Gardner. In 1939 they were living at 4 Linton Croft, Bilston along with George's younger sister Gwendoline June.
Killed in action 19th September 1944 aged 18 during the fierce fighting associated with the crossing of the Meuse-Escaut Canal during the first three weeks of September 1944.
II.E.2. Kasterlee War Cemetery, Belgium.
Gibbons Alfred Norman Sergeant (Flt. Engr.) 617297
97 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
Son of Thomas and Sarah Alice Gibbons, of Bilston.
Alfred was killed in action 30th July 1943 aged 23. The Lancaster bomber in which he was flying took off from RAF Bourn, Cambridgeshire at 22:46 hours 29th July 1943. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter during a raid on Hamburg.
14. E. 11. Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Gilbert William Corporal 4799655
2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment.
William married Lily Beaton June 1939 in Bilston; their son William was born October 1939.
Killed in action 8th July 1944 aged 33.
The 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment were involved in operation Charnwood (7th-8th July 1944) which intended to capture the German occupied city of Caen.
This was the 2nd Lincolns first major action. It was a three divisional attack supported by massive firepower, including the first use of heavy bombers for tactical bombing. The 2nd Lincolns were at the extreme left of the line. Their attack was made with minimal artillery support and over ground exposed to fire from across the Orne canal on their own left. They captured the village of Herouville which was a tough fight costing the 2nd Lincolns around 200 casualties. Fifty men of the 2nd Lincolns were killed between 8th-12th July. Sadly, William was one of these men.
I. C. 28. Ranville War Cemetery, Normandy, France.
Graham Eric Leslie Lieutenant
H.M.S. Quebec Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
Eric was born 30 December 1908 at Stafford son of Tom Grayson Graham and Sarah Jane Graham. In 1911 he was living at Hulme End, Hartington, Buxton with his parents, older brother Cyril and older sister Olga. His father was employed as a head teacher. By 1921 Eric was living with his parents, his sister Olga and younger sisters Nora and Aimee at 13 Rising Brook, Stafford.
Eric married Ivy Marjory Gray Jun 1937 in Wolverhampton and by 1939 they were living at The Oddfellows Hall Bridgnorth Rd. Compton and Eric was employed as a Public House Licensee.
Their daughter Joan was born in 1940.
Eric was made a Temporary Lieutenant 27 March 1941. He was mentioned in dispatches recorded in the London Gazette 2nd October 1942.
Eric was part of the officer group commanding a Landing Craft Flak during the Dieppe Raid (19 August 1942) an Allied amphibious attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe in northern France.
Landing Craft Flak were first used in the Dieppe Raid. They were equipped with several light anti-aircraft guns and had a crew of 60. The operation of the craft was the responsibility of RN crew, and the guns were manned by Royal Marines. They carried two naval officers and two marine officers.
Over 6,050 infantry, predominantly Canadian, supported by a regiment of tanks, were put ashore from a naval force operating under protection of Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters.
The port was to be captured and held for a short period, to test the feasibility of a landing and to gather intelligence.
Aerial and naval support was insufficient to enable the ground forces to achieve their objectives; the tanks were trapped on the beach and the infantry was largely prevented from entering the town by obstacles and German fire. After less than six hours, mounting casualties forced a retreat.
Within ten hours, 3,623 of the 6,086 men who landed had been killed, wounded, or became prisoners of war. The Royal Navy lost 33 landing craft one of them being the craft Eric was aboard
At the time of his death his will records his home address as the Swan Bank Tavern Bilston, he left to Ivy in his will £591 18 shillings and 11 pence.
Killed in action 19 August 1942 aged 33.
Plot 12. Row E. Grave 18 Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
Guest Alan Band Boy RMB/X 1108
Royal Marine Band H.M.S. Hood
Alan was born 26th August 1923 in Bilston son of William Henry and Hannah Guest, Alan had two older sisters Mary and Joan.
Alan was killed in action 24 May 1941 aged 19. In May 1941, H.M.S Hood and the battleship Prince of Wales were ordered to intercept the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were en route to the Atlantic, where they were to attack convoys. On 24th May 1941, early in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, H.M.S Hood was struck by several German shells, exploded, and sank with the loss of all but three of her crew of 1,418 men.
Panel 60, Column 1. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Haddock Alfred Maurice Private 4916587
1/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment.
Alfred was born in 1919 at West Bromwich, son of Alfred and May Haddock. The 1939 Register records his parents living at 4 Leveson Street Willenhall.
Alfred died of wounds 20th May 1940 aged 21.
The 1/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment a Territorial Battalion was sent to France in April 1940 as part of the BEF. The Battalion was attached to III Corps, constructing defensive positions and other work in the Bethune area. In May 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk the Battalion moved into Belgium as part of 44th Division. It was tasked with supporting the Royal Engineers constructing defensive positions and other work. The War diary records ‘19th May - while working at Oudenarde bridge No 13 Platoon C Company was subjected to heavy air attack by 28 dive bombers. Five men wounded.’
Alfred must have been one of those men wounded as there were no casualties recorded for the 20th May. Alfred died of his wounds 20th May; the cemetery in which Alfred is buried is situated in an area of France that was used as a casualty clearing station.
Row AA. Grave 12. St. Andre Communal Cemetery, France.
Hale Joseph Edward William Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1578399
158 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Joseph was born 3rd March 1923 in Bilston son of Isaac and Lilian Hale. In 1939 they were living at 57 Mill Street, Bilston along with Joseph's younger siblings Lilian, Ronald, Dennis, Geoffrey, and Doreen. Joseph was employed as an iron foundry labourer.
Joseph enlisted into the RAF at Birmingham sometime after June 1941.
The Halifax bomber W7777 in which Joseph was flying took off 19:35 hours 19th September 1942 from East Moor, North Yorkshire. The aircraft broke up during an inadvertent spin over Geislautern six miles west of the target during a raid on Saarbrucken, two of the crew - the Pilot and an Air Gunner survived.
Killed in action 20th September 1942
8. J. 1. Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Haley Arthur James Able Seaman P/JX 212433
H.M.S. Anking Royal Navy.
Arthur was born 14th January 1922 in Bilston son of Arthur Russell Haley and Elsie May Haley. In 1939 they were living at 55 Thompson Street, Bilston, Arthur was employed as a machinist in the boot trade.
Arthur was killed in action 4th March 1942 aged 20. H.M.S. Anking a Depot ship was amongst a convoy en route from Batavia to Australia the convoy was intercepted by a Japanese force of three cruisers and two destroyers. The cruisers engaged H.M.S. Anking and quickly sank her with gunfire with the loss of one officer and twenty-five men, sadly Arthur was one of them.
Panel 64, Column 1. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Harris John Alfred Trooper 7946066
"A" Sqn. 44th Royal Tank Regiment R.A.C.
John was born 1st June 1919 in Bilston son of John and Elizabeth Harris. In 1920 they were living at 42 The Ship & Rainbow Inn Oxford Street Bilston, John senior was the publican. Also living there was John's older siblings Maurice and Olive. John's mother died in June 1931 aged forty-five.
By 1939 John remained living alone with his father at The Ship & Rainbow Inn and was employed as a plumber.
John married Ouida Humpage in March 1942 in Bilston.
Killed in action 6th November 1943 aged 24.
XIV. D. 28. Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.
Hazlehurst Norman Cyril Private 14771961
1st Bn. Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment).
Norman was born June 1926 in Wolverhampton son of Ernest Owen and Sarah Louisa Hazlehurst. In 1939 they were living at 10 St Martin's Terrace, Bilston along with Norman's older brother Walter and younger siblings Reginald, Kenneth, and Margaret.
Norman was wounded in action 8th April 1945 and died of his wounds 10th April 1945 aged 18.
Plot 63. Row 5. Grave 2. Brugge General Cemetery, Belgium.
Holmes Alfred Gunner 1765150
7 Coast Regt Royal Artillery.
Alfred was born 3rd September 1915 in Bilston son of Henry and Rachel Holmes. In 1920 they were living at 71 Wolverhampton Street, Bilston along with Alfred's older siblings Albert, Harry and Louisa and younger siblings Herbert and Eva. By 1939 the family were living at 3 St. Chads Street Bilston, Alfred was employed in 'fixing up' ARP concrete shelters, by the time he enlisted into the Army Alfred was employed as a plasterer.
Alfred became a prisoner of war 15th February 1942 during the capture of Singapore by the Japanese.
Alfred died 7.35pm 10th April 1945 aged 29 of beri-beri and malaria in Brunei prisoner of war camp North Borneo.
Column 21. Singapore Memorial.
Howell John Arthur Private 4080858
2nd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment
John was born 10th April 1915 son of Danial and Mary Howell. In 1921 they were living at No.1, Back of 18 Gozzard Street, Bilston along with John's older siblings Phillip, Elsie, Agnes and Samuel. By 1939 John was living with his now married sister Elsie and her husband Thomas Bowdley at 13 Bickley Road Bilston and was employed as a general labourer.
From 1st July to 31st July 1944 the 2nd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment were defending the front line at Mondrainville, Normandy. On 16th July their war diary records "Battalion forward Companies form protection for start line of Ox and Bucks attack which is made through Battalion position. Mortar platoon shoots in support of this attack." During this day seven soldiers were killed and thirteen were wounded, John was one of those wounded men.
John died of his wounds 22nd July 1944 age 29.
IV. H. 9. Ryes War Cemetery Bazenville Normandy, France.
Howell Samuel H. Private 14149437
Army Catering Corps
Samuel was born 26th August 1927 in Bilston son of Samuel and Florence Howell. In 1939 they were living at 36 Lonsdale Road, Bilston along with Samuel's older siblings Herbert, Florence, Kathleen, and Lilian and younger brothers Eric, Raymond, and Ernest.
Died 11th September 1947.
Sec. G.A. New Part. Grave 4229. 8. Bilston Cemetery.
Harris Frederick John Lance Bombardier 1530801
171 Bty. 57 Lt. A.A. Regt Royal Artillery.
Frederick was born 27th March 1918 in Bradley Bilston son of Elijah and Catherine Harris. In 1921 they were living at 2 Whitehead Lane, Bradley, Bilston along with Frederick's younger brother James. Elijah was employed as a tube galvanizer.
By 1939 the family were living at 12 Back of 44 Salop Street Bradley, Bilston along with Frederick's younger siblings James, Elijah, and Catherine. Frederick followed his father and was also employed as a tube galvanizer.
Died 30th August 1940 aged 22.
Sec. G.B. New Part. Grave 4892. 11. Bilston Cemetery.
Inston Christopher Corporal 409408
Royal Armoured Corps
7th Queen's Own Hussars
Born December 1921 in Meridan, Solihull son of Edward and Florence Inston. In 1939 they were living at 16 Wilkinson Avenue, Bilston along with Christopher's older brothers Cyril and Ralph.
Killed in action 28th April 1942 aged 20. The Japanese started a major attack against the British on the 1st of April 1942 near Prome, 200 miles north of Rangoon.
As the Japanese pressed on, General Alexander decided that the British, Burmese, and Chinese armies had to make a stand, which they did near Mandalay. Fierce fighting held up the Japanese, but it could not alter the outcome. General Alexander made the decision on the 26th of April to withdraw all men to India. Finally, on the 17th May the 7th Queen's Own Hussars entered Imphal, India covering almost one thousand miles in three and half months losing forty-six killed and fifty wounded, sadly Christopher was one of those forty-six killed.
Face 1. Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar (Burma).
Inston George Edgar Corporal 554055
22nd Dragoons Royal Armoured Corps.
George was born 27th March 1916 in Birmingham son of Edward and Florence. In 1921 they were living at Dunton Whorl, Curdworth, Warwickshire along with George's older sister Alice and younger brother Cyril, Edward was employed as a waggoner.
George married Ethel Alice Asprey January 1944 in Bilston, they had a son Keith born December 1944, they were living at 24 Lord Street West, Bradley, Bilston.
George died as a result of a road traffic accident 14th October 1945 aged 29.
Jones George Private 14596363
2nd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment.
George was born 24th November 1908 in Bilston son of Soloman and Alice Jones. In 1911 they were living at 12 Roberts Buildings, High Street, Moxley, Darlaston along with George's older siblings Maud, Noah, and John. The family were still living there in 1921.
George married Elsie May Hendley April 1934 in Dudley. By 1939 George and Elsie May were living at 38 John Street Bilston with their sons George and Wilfred. George senior was employed as a lorry driver.
George died as a result of an accident 29th December 1944 aged 36.
27. H. 19. Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar (Burma).
Jones Soloman Serjeant 4034488
4th Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
Soloman was born 13 December 1918 son of Solomon and Edith Jones. In 1921 they were living at 29 Coseley Street, Bilston along with Soloman's older siblings Samuel, Martha, and James, and younger sister Nellie. By 1939 they were living at 15 Quarry Street, Bilston and Soloman was employed as a hide trimmer and sheepskin salter.
Soloman married Martha Miles April 1941 in Bilston, they had a son Allen born in 1943.
Soloman was wounded 6th September 1944 fighting in Antwerp City central park during the Battalion's attack to liberate Antwerp.
Soloman died of his wounds 24th September 1944 aged 26.
X. 22. 25. Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium.
Jones William Ronald Trooper 4914817
28th Armd. Bde. Royal Armoured Corps.
Born March 1922 in Wolverhampton son of William James Jones and Lillian Jones.
Killed in action 30th May 1940 aged 18.
Lack Victor Ernest Gunner 975473
178 Field Regt. Royal Artillery.
Victor was born 24th August 1915 in Melton Mowbray son of Walter and Nellie Lack. In 1921 they were living at 80 High Street, Bilston along with Victor's older siblings Mona, Horace, and Walter.
By 1939 Victor was living with his parents and younger brother George at 12 Kingsley Place, Bilston. Victor was employed as a labourer at a brickworks.
Victor died 12th June 1944 aged 28.
Sec. G.B. New Part. Grave 4890. 11. Bilston Cemetery.
Lee Harold Private 14673094
2nd (Airborne) Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
Harold was born December 1925 in Bilston son of Enoch and Mary Ellen Lee. In 1939 they were living with Mary's father Joseph Goodwin at 6 Bissel Street, Bilston along with Harold's older siblings Mary and Jospeh and younger sisters Joan, and Betty
Harold was reported wounded and missing 23rd September 1944.
While a German prisoner of war Harold died of his wounds in Apledoorn hospital 1st October 1944 aged 19,
24. B. 18. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Lippitt Ernest Christopher Gunner 14341597
83 Field Regt Royal Artillery.
Ernest was born 9th August 1912 in Bilston son of Ernest and Annie Lippitt. In 1921 they were living at 25 Hall Park Street, Bilston along with Ernest's older siblings Martha, James, Mary, and Ethel.
Ernest married Kathleen Nora Appleby in July 1939 in Wolverhampton, they moved into 22 Winchester Road Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, Ernest was employed as a carpenter, plant maintenance.
Killed in action 13th October 1944 aged 32.
1. G. 10. Uden War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Lloyd Raymond Lawrence Driver T/7931440
Royal Army Service Corps.
Raymond was born 3rd August 1920 in Bilston son of Stanley and Kathleen Lloyd. In 1921 they were living at 25 Ash Street, Bradley, Bilston along with Raymond's older siblings Stanley and Kathleen. By 1939 they were living at 69 Castlecroft Road, Bilston and were joined by Raymond's younger siblings Lilian, and James. Raymond was working for the local Corporation.
Raymond married Nellie Hopkins January 1945 in Bilston.
Raymond died 17th May 1946 in 64th British Military Hospital aged 25.
3. E. 11. Celle War Cemetery, Germany.
Lovatt William Alfred Flying Officer 182407
60 OTU Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
William was born 7th November 1921 in Bilston son of Edwin Oliver Lovatt and Elizabeth Minnie Lovatt. In 1939 they were living at 21 Nereen Street, Bilston along with William's older brother Maurice and younger siblings Gladys and James. William was employed as an assistant mechanical laboratory - testing.
William married Doris May Bentley December 1943 in Bilston.
William was commissioned as a Pilot Officer 27th June 1944 and promoted to Flying Officer 27th December 1944.
'On the evening of 12 January 1945, the Anson I NK890 of 60 OTU in which William was flying took off from RAF High Ercall with a crew of six on a training exercise. 60 OTU had been set up at RAF High Ercall on 7 May 1943 to train Mosquito aircrew and the purpose was to train the crew for night intruder missions behind enemy lines. Avro Ansons were used to train pilots and navigators in wireless procedures and navigation systems.
At 0055 hrs on the 13th, the aircraft crashed in a wood and burst into flames at Lyneal Wood, 3 miles ESE of Ellesmere Shropshire, two eyewitnesses reported that just before the crash one of its engines was on fire.' (Information taken from Avation-safety.net)
Died 13th January 1945 aged 23.
Grave 961. Coseley (Providence) Baptist Chapelyard.
Lovatt Maurice Ernest Leading Stoker P/KX 105013
Royal Navy.
Maurice was born 22nd February 1920 in Bilston son of Edwin Oliver Lovatt and Elizabeth Minnie Lovatt. In 1939 they were living at 21 Nereen Street, Bilston along with Maurice's younger siblings William, Gladys and James. Maurice was employed as a metal machine driller.
Died 7th March 1945 aged 25.
Sec. G.B. New Part. Grave 3677. 8. Bilston Cemetery.
We will Remember them.
