WW2 Roll of Honour M-Z
Markham Eric Thomas 657257 Leading Aircraftman
34 Service Training School Royal Air Force.
Born 8th December 1918 in Wolverhampton son of Alfred John and Annie Elizabeth Markham, of Stowheath, Wolverhampton. In 1939 Eric was living with his widowed mother (his father dying in 1933) at 'Parkside', Hawthorn Road, Bilston along with Eric's younger sister Joyce, Eric was employed as an industrial chemist.
Eric transferred into the Royal Air Force from the British Army sometime after January 1939.
Eric was killed 22nd January 1942 aged 23 when an aircraft Harvard AJ761 of 34 Service Training School, Alberta, Canada swung on take-off and crashed into the stationary Harvard AJ828 in which Eric was sitting as a pilot under training, Pilot Officer John Green the pilot instructor was also killed; the crew of AJ761 were uninjured.
Lot 10. Block 139D. Sec. C. Medicine Hat (Hillside) Cemetery, Alberta, Canada.
Mason Walter Leonard Lance Serjeant 2002471
42 Field Coy. Royal Engineers.
Walter was born 21st April 1917 in 49 Green Lanes Bilston son of Walter Bernard and Ellen Mason. In 1921 they were living at 69 Green Lanes, Bilston along with Leonard's older sisters Phyllis and Dora.
By 1939 Walter, his parents and younger brother Anthony remained living at the same address, Walter was employed as a builders plasterer.
Walter died of wounds 22nd July 1944 aged 27. There was heavy fighting in the Chiana Valley in July 1944, where the Germans made their last stand in front of Arezzo.
II. O. 6. Foiano Della Chiana War Cemetery, Italy.
Millward Harry Serjeant 4913269
2/6th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
Son of Thomas and Ellen Millward. Harry married Alice Harper December 1941 in Bilston.
The 2/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment was part of the 59th Division. This Division was part of the follow up force in the 1944 Normandy campaign. The Staffords crossed the Channel in late June and by the 1st 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 July, the 2/6th as part of the 197th brigade was ordered to attack and take Galamanche a small French hamlet.
Just before dawn a barrage was brought down on the German frontline in support of the 2/6th by the 241st Battery (Stafford Battery), Royal Artillery which the troops followed. Galamanche was defended by the 12th S.S. Panzer Division fighting fanatically. The 2/6th found that the supporting artillery was having little effect on the hidden German trenches, machine gun and mortar positions. The British barrage continued but the attack was halted, the 2/6th lay in the crops being assaulted by accurate mortar fire with any attempt to move being answered by accurate German machine gun fire; casualties were heavy, there they remained until relieved later in the day having lost half its officers and 200 men, Harry being one of them.
Harry was killed in action 8th July 1944 aged 33.
Row A. 13. Cambes-en-plaine War Cemetery, France.
Mottram Albert Edward Gunner 5254184.
Royal Artillery.
Albert was born 13th January 1918 in Bilston son of Albert and Florance Mottram. In 1921 they were living at 32 Bridge Street, Bilston along with Albert's older brother Harry.
Albert married Winnifred Wedge October 1939 in Bilston and were living with her parents James and Emma at 39 Fraser Street Bilston. Albert was employed as a labourer at a steel rolling mill. Their son Albert J. was born March 1943 in Bilston.
Albert died of wounds 8th June 1944 aged 27.
XIV. M. 26. Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Mould Samuel Gunner 1142741
93 (6th Bn. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Anti-Tank Regt. Royal Artillery.
Samuel was born 23rd August 1920 in Bilston son of David and Emily Mould. In 1921 they were living at 30 Coseley Street, Bilston along with Samuel's older siblings Hilda, David and Emily.
By 1939 Samuel was living with his parents, David and Emily and younger siblings William, and Alice at 49 Vernon Road, Bilston, he was employed in a boot making factory.
Samuel was killed in action 8th November 1944 aged 24 in the heavy fighting capturing the towns of Rimini and Ravenna which took place in appalling weather from October to December 1944.
Coll. grave II, D, 12. Forli War Cemetery, Italy.
Muddell Vincent George Pilot Officer (Nav.) 162982
107 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Vincent was born 6th August 1921 in Tamworth son of George Walter Muddell and of Lucy Jane Muddell. In 1939 they were living at 68 Proud's Lane, Bilston along with Vincent's younger siblings Janet, Dennis and Philip. Vincent was employed as junior tube draughtsman. Vincent's father died March 1943 aged sixty eight in Rowley Regis, soon after this the family moved to Ettingshall, Bilston.
Vincent was promoted to Pilot Officer 5th October 1943.
Vincent was killed in action 22nd October 1943 aged 22 when the Boston Bomber BZ223 in which he was flying was shot down by flak near Vere during a raid on an aircraft factory at Courcelles.
Row G. Grave 16. Flushing (Vlissingen) Northern Cemetery, Netherlands.
Meese Ernest Allen Private 4974835
2nd Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment).
Ernest was born in June 1918 in Bradley, Bilston son of Ernest and Lillian Meese in 1921 they were living at 1 Homers Fold, Bilston along with Ernest's older sister Lillian and younger sisters Violet and Nellie.
Ernest was awarded the General Service Medal with Palestine clasp 15th February 1940 while serving with the 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment).
Ernest’s death certificate records that he died in Folkstone Military Hospital of wounds received due to war operations, 5th June 1940 aged 22.
This was during the period of the BEF’s evacuation at Dunkirk. The 2nd Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) were defending the Dunkirk perimeter before the successful evacuation.
Sec. G.B. New Part. Grave 4893. 11. Bilston Cemetery.
Martin James Kenneth Guardsman 2612584
Grenadier Guards.
James was born December 1912 in Coseley son of Robert and Perthina Martin. In 1921 they were living at 15 Swan Row, Broadlanes, Coseley along with James's older siblings John, Harold, and Elizabeth.
James married Louisa Tyer March 1942 in Bilston.
Died 9th December 1945 aged 33.
Sec. G.A. New Part. Grave 4953. 11 Bilston Cemetery.
Massey Benjamin Lance Corporal 4919928
1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
Benjamin was born 7 March 1917 in Bilston son of Benjamin and Jane Massey. By 1939 they were living at 11 Selwyn Road, Bilston along with Benjamin's younger brothers Reginald and Ronald and sister Joan. Benjamin was employed as a draw press operator in the holloware trade.
Benjamin married Phyllis Lilian Clarke April 1940 in Bilston.
Died 8th June 1941 aged 25.
P. 97. Alexandria (Chatby) Military And War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
Nicholls Joseph Gunner 1503146
4 A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery.
Joseph was born in September 1918 in Bilston son of Joseph and Sarah Ann Nicholls. In 1921 they were living at 94 Beckett Street, Bilston along with Joseph's older sisters Clarice and Joan. Joseph's father died September 1936. In 1939 Joseph's mother and sisters were living at the same address.
Died 30th August 1942 aged 24.
Sec. G.A. New Part. Grave 3058. 6. Bilston Cemetery.
Norman Andrew Ronald Private 14711531
1st Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
Son of Thomas and Mary Norman.
Killed in action 27th September 1944 aged 20.
Plot 6. Row A. Grave 2. Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.
Overton Douglas Leonard DFM Sergeant (Air Gnr.) 940865
97 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Douglas was born 14th October 1920 in Bilston son of Leonard Ernest and Elsie Minnie Overton, of Bilston. In 1921 they were living at 10 Cambridge Street, Bilston along with Douglas' older sister Dorothy.
By 1939 Douglas and his parents were living at 'Dyseren' Wolverhampton Street, Bilston. He was employed as a house decorator.
Douglas enlisted into the RAF at Cardington Bedfordshire between September 1939 and August 1940.
Douglas was awarded the Distinguished Flying medal the citation reads - On the 17th of April 1942, a force of twelve Lancaster heavy bombers was detailed to deliver an attack in daylight on the diesel engine factory at Augsburg in Southern Germany. To reach this highly important military target, and return, a most daring night of some 1,000 miles over hostile country was necessary. Soon after entering enemy territory and whilst flying at a very low level the force was engaged by 25 to 30 enemy fighters. Later, the most intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Despite this formidable opposition eight of the bombers succeeded in reaching the target and in delivering a successful attack on the factory. The following officers and airmen who participated, in various capacities, as members of the aircraft crews, displayed courage, fortitude and skill of the highest order - London Gazette No. 35539, Dated 28 April1942.
Douglas took off at 23:49 hours 8th June 1942 from Woodhall Spa Lincolnshire in a Lancaster bomber serial number R5495. The aircraft crashed near Marl about 13 Miles North of the target during a raid on Essen.
Killed in action 9th June 1942 aged 21.
Grave Reference: 17. F. 8. Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Orme Alan Bert Flying Officer (Bomb Aimer) 129182
78 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Alan was born 9th March 1921 in Bilston son of George and Ethel Orme. In 1939 he was living with his parents at 34 St Chads Road, Bilston; Alan was employed as a costs clerk (material) handling equipment.
Alan was made a Flight Sergeant 19th September 1942 and promoted to Flying Officer 19th March 1943.
The Halifax bomber in which Alan was flying took off 22:16 hours 23rd May 1943 from Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. The aircraft was shot down by a Bf110 night-fighter flown by Captain Wolfgang Thimmig, during a raid on Dortmund, crashing south of Wierden, Holland with all crew members lost.
Killed in action 24th May 1943
Row B.Coll.grave 3-7. Wierden General Cemetery, Netherlands.
O'Connor John Able Seaman C/JX 227877
M.V. Empire Star Royal Navy.
John was born 8th July 1913 in Bilston son of Daniel and Julia O'Connor. In 1921 they were living at 11 Straw Yard Railway Street, Bilston along with John's younger siblings Kate, Mary, Denis, and stepbrother H Ready. By 1939 the family were living at 5 Stawley Place Bilston along with John's siblings Kate, Mary and Daniel. John was employed as a general labourer.
John married Alice Annie Webb December 1940 in Rowley Regis.
John was killed in action 23rd October 1942 aged 29. On 20th October M.V. Empire a refrigerated cargo liner designed to ship frozen meat from Australia and New Zealand to the United Kingdom left Liverpool independently and unescorted, bound for Cape Town, South Africa. On 23rd October the Empire Star was in bad weather and had stopped zigzagging to avoid damage to her deck cargo. About 15:40 hrs the German submarine U-615 fired a spread of four torpedoes at the ship, two hitting the ship.
The order was given to abandon ship and despite a heavy sea, all passengers and crew were evacuated except for four men killed in the engine room, where a torpedo had struck. The ship was eventually sunk by the submarine and the survivors were left adrift. On the 25th and 26th October the survivors were picked up by H.M.S. Black Swan, 38 people were lost aboard a lifeboat which was found by H.M.S. Black Swan upturned amidst wreckage.
Panel 55, Column 2 Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
Parlow William Frederick Gunner 14326149
33 Field Regt. Royal Artillery.
William was born 6 April 1924 at 22 Princess Street, Bilston son of William Henry and Flossie Parlow. His father died September 1927; his mother married Alfred Broadfield June 1930 in Wolverhampton.
By 1939 William was living with his mother and stepfather at 11 D'Urberville Road, Bilston along with his younger sister Vera, and half-siblings Ronald, Alfred, Stanley and Jean.
Killed in action 8th June 1944 aged 20.
XI. C. 10. Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Potts Frederick William Private 14434636
7th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
Frederick was born January 1925 in Bilston son of Samuel and Mary Ann Potts. In 1939 they were living at 42 Bickley Road, Bilston along with Frederick's three older sisters Selina, Annie and Edna, older brother George and younger siblings Elsie, Harry, Brenda, and Herbert.
Reported wounded and missing 25th July 1944 officially reported to be presumed dead 1st June 1945 aged 20.
Panel 5. Groesbeek Memorial, Netherlands.
Potts John Henry Private 3977284
2nd Bn. Monmouthshire Regiment.
John was born July 1924 in Bilston son of David and Dorothy Potts. In 1939 they were living at 174 Wolverhampton Street, Bilston along with John's older siblings David and Beatrice and younger siblings Dorothy, Julia, Winifred, Patricia, and Douglas.
Killed in action 1st August 1944 aged 20.
XIV. E. 5. St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.
Pugh W. Gren Gdrs
Porter H. Dvr RASC
Probert J. Gnr Royal Artillery
Phillips John Sergeant (Air gunner) 1631900
623 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
John was born 13 October 1921 in Wolverhampton son of William and Elizabeth Phillips. In 1939 they were living at 46 Hall Street East, Darlaston along with John's older siblings William and Pearl and younger brothers Joseph, Sidney, and Raymond. John was employed as a carpenter's assistant.
John joined the Royal Air Force at Cardington, Bedfordshire sometime after October 1941.
The Stirling Bomber LK387 in which John was flying took off 23:41 hours 4th December 1943 from Downham Market, Norfolk to plant mines off the Friesian Islands. The aircraft was shot down into the Waddenzee Sea by a night-fighter flown by Master Sergeant Karl-Georg Pfeiffer.
Killed in action 5th December 1943 age 22.
Panel 161. Runnymede Memorial.
Prichard H. Pte Guards Regt
Ramsbottom J. L/Cpl South Staffords
Rhodes Frank R.A.F.V.R.
Richards A. Sgt South Staffords
Robinson H. Dvr Royal Engineers
Richards B.H. Gnr Royal Artillery
Reynolds W. Cpl RAOC
Sandland L. Spr Royal Engineers
Seabridge J. Fus Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Shelley William Arthur Able Seaman P/JX 333333
H.M.S. SS New Brunswick.
William was born 28th June 1942 in Ettingshall son of Isaiah and Sarah Shelley, of Ettingshall. William had three older siblings Isaiah, Leslie and Albert and a younger sibling Robert. In 1939 William was living with his parents and brothers Albert and Robert at 3 Pump Street, Bilston. William was employed as a press stamp operator.
At 03:25 on 21 May 1942, 140 miles east-southeast of Santa Maria, Azores SS New Brunswick was torpedoed and sunk by U-159. The master, fifty-three crew members and five gunners were rescued (twelve by HMS Totland and ten by HMS Wellington). Two crew members and one gunner William were lost.
Killed in action 21st May 1942 aged 19. Panel 64, Column 3. Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Shirley E. Pte GSC
Shorthouse Pte K.S.L.I.
Simpkins S. Pte South Staffs
Siverns S. Pte Worcs
Slater Edward Alfred Marine PO/X 103293
Royal Marines, Royal Navy.
Edward was born 28th February 1914 in Bilston son of Alfred and Priscilla Slater. In 1939 they were living at 2 Lavender Grove, Bilston along with Edward's younger siblings William and Florence. Edward was employed as a 'puller up' at an enamel furnace.
Edward died 26th October 1945 at 94th British General Hospital, Germany after an accident which caused him an abdominal crush injury.
1A. G. 2. Hamburg Cemetery, Germany.
Slater W.H Spr Royal Engineers
Smith F. Pte South Staffs
Smith G. Pte K.S.L.I.
Smith G.A 1st CN RAMC
Smith G.W Pte K.S.L.I.
Steadman J.H Pte South Staffords
Sutton J.H OD Royal Navy
Swinnerton S. GDSM Gren Gdrs
Taylor J.D. Fus R.Fus
Taylor W.B. LS Royal Navy
Tennant W.E Pte Welsh Regiment
Turley G.G Pte S.Staffs
Thompson T.H Trooper R.E.C.
Towersey S.M.L. Sgt RAF
Walford Roland R.A.O.C
Walker B.H Pte Manchester Rgt
Walker S.G. Pte S. Staffs
Walton J. LS, Royal Navy
Ward L. Pte S. Staffs
Wright Thomas Leslie Flight Sergeant (wireless operator/air gunner)1678692
207 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Thomas was born December 1923 in Bilston son of Harold Bernard Wright and Marion Wright, in 1939 they were living at 6 Chantry Crescent, Bilston along with Thomas's younger brother Vincent.
Thomas enlisted into the RAF at Padgate Warrington, sometime after November 1941.
Killed in action 16th November 1944 aged 21. The Lancaster bomber in which Thomas was flying took off at 12:54 hours from RAF Spilsby, Lincolnshire, it was shot down over the target during a daylight raid on enemy communications at Duren in support of a US Army assault on the town.
Coll. grave V. C. 5-8. Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands.
Wiltshire J. Cpl S.Staffs
Whittingham A. Pte 14th Army
Whittingham E. Pte Royal West Kent
Westwood H. Pte S.Staffs
Wild G.W Pte Worcs
Ward P.W Pte S.Staffs
Wilkinson C. GNR Royal Artillery
Whittingham E. R. West Kent
Walton Stoker R.N.
Willis C. Cpl Irish Fusiliers
Wooley G.J. R.A.F.V.R.
