Bramley
Bramley War Memorial is located on Cross Street, Bramley
The central stone plaque which dates from 1951 reads:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE TWO WORLD WARS 1914-1918 1939-1945
The side panels with names have been added later.
1914 - 1918
(47 NAMES)
1939 - 1945
(17 NAMES)
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOURED MEMORY OF THE CITIZENS OF BRAMLEY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE FIRST & SECOND WORLD WARS
The central stone plaque which dates from 1951 reads:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE TWO WORLD WARS 1914-1918 1939-1945
The side panels with names have been added later.
1914 - 1918
(47 NAMES)
1939 - 1945
(17 NAMES)
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOURED MEMORY OF THE CITIZENS OF BRAMLEY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE FIRST & SECOND WORLD WARS
BIRCH J
BRADLEY A CLIFF S DAVISON R HANDS J T HAYWOOD F |
|
St Francis Church Roll of Honour
A Roll of Honour is located within the church, and carries the same names as the war memorial
THE PARISH OF BRAMLEY ROLL OF HONOUR/
1914-1918 WAR
(47 NAMES)
1939-1945
(17 NAMES)
THE PARISH OF BRAMLEY ROLL OF HONOUR/
1914-1918 WAR
(47 NAMES)
1939-1945
(17 NAMES)
Additional Information
Jack Birch (4611171)
Royal Engineers - 170 Tunnelling Coy. 31 March 1940, aged 29 Killed on active service in France Douai Communal Cemetery Thomas Albert Bradley (805394) Royal Artillery - 85 Anti-Tank Regiment 26 June 1943, aged 42 Died as a Japanese PoW Kanchanaburi War Cemetery Stanley Cliff (1111064) Royal Air Force - 909/910 Balloon Sqdn. 18 January 1943, aged 30 Killed in an air raid on London Bramley Burial Ground Richard Frederick Davidson (2754982) Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) - 2nd Bn. 21 November 1941, aged 27 Killed in action during the North African Campaign Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma John Thomas Hand (10603609) Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C - 3rd (8th Bn. The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Regiment 20 September 1944, aged 20 Died of wounds in Belgium Leopoldsburg War Cemetery Fred Haywood (14351362) Royal Armoured Corps - The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons). 1 September 1944, aged 28 Killed in North West Europe Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension Arthur Robert Holmes (14315507) Royal Artillery - 145 Lt. A.A. Regiment 16 January 1945, aged 20 Died in an accidental explosion in Sussex Bramley Burial Ground Alec McKnight (2754983) Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) - 2nd Bn. 21 November 1941, aged 27 Died during the North African Campaign Tobruk War Cemetery George Donald Mirfin (PO/X 3091) Royal Marines - H.M.S. Royal Oak 14 October 1939, aged 18 Lost when vessel sunk in Scapa Flow Portsmouth Naval Memorial |
Ernest Maurices Morley (4347448)
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - 6 Tank Bde. Workshops 24 June 1944, aged 24 Killed by a V-1 in Kent Lenham Cemetery Harold Perkins (14315518) Royal Armoured Corps - 12th Royal Lancers 28 February 1945, aged 21 Killed in the Italian Campaign Ravenna War Cemetery John Rhodes (13091050) Pioneer Corps 23 August 1943, aged 38 Died in North Africa Bone War Cemetery, Annaba Roy Geoffrey Scott (14810893) East Lancashire Regiment - 1st Bn. 12 April 1945, aged 18 Drowned in a river in Germany whilst in action Becklingen War Cemetery John Henry Short (7888766) Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. - 5th 20 February 1943, aged 24 Died in North Africa Sfax War Cemetery Joseph Smith (893979) Royal Artillery 17 September 1944, aged 27 Died in the UK Dalton (Holy Trinity) New Churchyard Served as Jack Pritchard Marjorie Sylvia Titley (2136002) Women's Auxiliary Air Force - 958 Balloon Sqdn. 12 December 1943, aged 18 Died on active service in Wales Bramley Burial Ground Dennis Walker (14027739) Royal Army Ordnance Corps 8 August 1945, aged 18 Died in England Thrybergh (St Leonard) New Churchyard |
Jack Birch - 4611171
Jack Birch was born in Rotherham in 1912, the youngest of nine children of coal miner Charles Edward Birch and his wife of 17 years, Alice (nee Houghton). The couple were originally from Lichfield, but moved to Rotherham in the first few years of the 20th century and lived at 52 Dalton Road. Jack was married in 1938, and lived with his wife and son born a year in Ravenfield.
Initially with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) before later becoming a Sapper with the Royal Engineers, 170 Tunnelling Company. He went to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force and was killed on active service, on 31 March 1940 aged 29. Jack is buried in Douai Communal Cemetery, France.
Initially with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) before later becoming a Sapper with the Royal Engineers, 170 Tunnelling Company. He went to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force and was killed on active service, on 31 March 1940 aged 29. Jack is buried in Douai Communal Cemetery, France.
Thomas Albert Bradley - 805394
Thomas Albert Bradley was born on 26 April 1901 in Darnall, Sheffield, son of John James Bradley and Mary Sarah (nee Johnson). John was a coal miner and the family lived at 17 Surrey Road, Darnall, then later at 8 Rotherham Road, Dinnington before moving to 60 Bentley Road, Bramley.
He was already a Gunner with regular army at outbreak of war. In 1942 he was with his unit, 85 Anti-Tank Regiment of the Royal Artillery defending the British strong-hold of Singapore. He was taken into captivity with his unit when Singapore surrendered on 15 February 1942, along with 80,000 Commonwealth troops, part of the largest capitulation in British history. Albert Bradley, aged 42, died as a Japanese Prisoner of War, one of approximately 13,000 victims who died during the building of the notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war. He is buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand, which is 75 miles North-West of Bangkok.
He was already a Gunner with regular army at outbreak of war. In 1942 he was with his unit, 85 Anti-Tank Regiment of the Royal Artillery defending the British strong-hold of Singapore. He was taken into captivity with his unit when Singapore surrendered on 15 February 1942, along with 80,000 Commonwealth troops, part of the largest capitulation in British history. Albert Bradley, aged 42, died as a Japanese Prisoner of War, one of approximately 13,000 victims who died during the building of the notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war. He is buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand, which is 75 miles North-West of Bangkok.
Stanley Cliff - 1111064
Stanley Cliff was born in the second quarter of 1915 in Rotherham, and had a twin sister. His father, James Lawson Cliff, a Wickersley farmer, had died at the end of 1914. His mother Frances
Marion (nee Turner) later lived at 54 Flanderwell Avenue, Bramley. Stanley was employed as a weigh clerk at Steel Peach & Tozer. He was married in 1940 to Elizabeth
(Bessie) Finch, who died on 4 November 1942 whilst giving birth to their only child.
Stanley enlisted in 1940 and was a Leading Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, service number 1111064. On 18 January 1943 LAC Cliff of 909/910 Balloon Squadron was killed in London. He died instantly by a bomb whilst operating a balloon cable in the West Ham district. Stanley Cliff, aged 30 was laid to rest on 24 January 1943 in the same grave as his wife at Bramley Burial Ground.
Marion (nee Turner) later lived at 54 Flanderwell Avenue, Bramley. Stanley was employed as a weigh clerk at Steel Peach & Tozer. He was married in 1940 to Elizabeth
(Bessie) Finch, who died on 4 November 1942 whilst giving birth to their only child.
Stanley enlisted in 1940 and was a Leading Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, service number 1111064. On 18 January 1943 LAC Cliff of 909/910 Balloon Squadron was killed in London. He died instantly by a bomb whilst operating a balloon cable in the West Ham district. Stanley Cliff, aged 30 was laid to rest on 24 January 1943 in the same grave as his wife at Bramley Burial Ground.
Richard Frederick Davidson - 2754982
Richard Frederick Davidson was the son of Benjamin Davidson and Sarah (nee Grant), originally of Sheffield and by 1911 of 9 New Boston Square, Newton-In-Makerfield, Haydock, Lancashire. Richard’s birth was registered in Warrington in early 1914. His mother died in Lancashire in 1921, when Richard was just 7 years old. Known as “Dick”, he worked at Maltby Main Colliery and in his spare time was a keen sportsman, goalkeeper for Maltby Main FC and a member Edlington Cycling Club. His home was 71 Salisbury Road, Maltby.
Dick enlisted in October 1937 as a Private in the 2nd Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Regiment, along with Alec McKnight from Bramley. In November 1941 the Black Watch were in North Africa part of 70th Infantry Division besieged in the city of Tobruk by Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Operation Crusader began on 18th November, the third and ultimately successful attempt to break the siege. On 21st November the Black Watch began their action to break out of the city to meet the relieving force from 7th Armoured. By mid afternoon they had advanced some three and a half miles, when they paused as it became clear that 7th Armoured would not link up that day. On that first day the Battalion's casualties were 6 Officers and 58 men killed with 16 Officers and 196 men wounded of whom 15 died of their wounds. Richard Davidson was one of the casualties of 21 November 1941, aged 27, and tragically his friend Alec McKnight also lost his life that day. Dick is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery
in Libya, which is 15 miles west of Tobruk.
Note
Richard Frederick Davidson is listed on St.Thomas’s War Memorial, Ashton in Makerfield.
Dick enlisted in October 1937 as a Private in the 2nd Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Regiment, along with Alec McKnight from Bramley. In November 1941 the Black Watch were in North Africa part of 70th Infantry Division besieged in the city of Tobruk by Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Operation Crusader began on 18th November, the third and ultimately successful attempt to break the siege. On 21st November the Black Watch began their action to break out of the city to meet the relieving force from 7th Armoured. By mid afternoon they had advanced some three and a half miles, when they paused as it became clear that 7th Armoured would not link up that day. On that first day the Battalion's casualties were 6 Officers and 58 men killed with 16 Officers and 196 men wounded of whom 15 died of their wounds. Richard Davidson was one of the casualties of 21 November 1941, aged 27, and tragically his friend Alec McKnight also lost his life that day. Dick is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery
in Libya, which is 15 miles west of Tobruk.
Note
Richard Frederick Davidson is listed on St.Thomas’s War Memorial, Ashton in Makerfield.
John Thomas Hand - 10603609
John Thomas Hand was born in Rotherham on 13 December 1923, third child to George Hand and Ellen (nee Maxwell). He lived with his parents at 87 Main Street, Bramley.
He was a Corporal with Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps in 3rd (8th Battalion The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Regiment. The Regiment were in France at the start of September 1944, they moved east across the River Seine to Saussay-Le-Campagne on the 3rd. On the 4th “C” Squadron moved to a defensive role with 2nd Army HQ at Formerie, and then the following day to the Brussels area. On the 6th “B” squadron begin wood-clearing near Amiens. Nine days later“C” Squadron were with 8 Corps in the Escaut Canal area north of Peer. At 24:00 on 18th Operation Hurry On is launched to cross the Escaut Canal, “B” squadron provide traffic control and communications. The following day an armoured car troop from “A” Squadron are required to assist overcome some resistance to help the infantry push to Achel. On the 20th “A” Squadron move through Hamont to begin a recce to Weert ahead of the infantry and “C” Squadron move to Grootschoot for the night.
Corporal Hand died of wounds in Belgium on 20 September 1944, aged 20. He is buried in the War Cemetery at Leopoldsburg, where the military hospital was set up in the latter part of 1944.
He was a Corporal with Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps in 3rd (8th Battalion The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Regiment. The Regiment were in France at the start of September 1944, they moved east across the River Seine to Saussay-Le-Campagne on the 3rd. On the 4th “C” Squadron moved to a defensive role with 2nd Army HQ at Formerie, and then the following day to the Brussels area. On the 6th “B” squadron begin wood-clearing near Amiens. Nine days later“C” Squadron were with 8 Corps in the Escaut Canal area north of Peer. At 24:00 on 18th Operation Hurry On is launched to cross the Escaut Canal, “B” squadron provide traffic control and communications. The following day an armoured car troop from “A” Squadron are required to assist overcome some resistance to help the infantry push to Achel. On the 20th “A” Squadron move through Hamont to begin a recce to Weert ahead of the infantry and “C” Squadron move to Grootschoot for the night.
Corporal Hand died of wounds in Belgium on 20 September 1944, aged 20. He is buried in the War Cemetery at Leopoldsburg, where the military hospital was set up in the latter part of 1944.
Fred Haywood - 14351362
Fred Haywood, who was one of twin brothers, was born in Braithwell on 8 November 1916 to Willie Arthur Haywood and his second wife of 5 years widow Sarah Ann (nee Whittaker, then Hempsell). During their early life they lived with their parents at Ravenfield. The family later moved to 9 Flanderwell Avenue, Bramley, where they remained until after the death of their mother in 1936. On leaving school Fred became a farm worker and then a brick layer employed by Birkenshaw, builders of Bramley, Rotherham. Fred was married in 1939 at Braithwell Parish Church and lived at 16 Church Lane, Bramley with his wife and their two children.
Fred enlisted with the army at Berverley, East Yorkshire on 19 November 1942. His army pay book describes him as being 5' 7" tall, chest 36", fresh complexion with blue eyes and black hair. Following his initial training in the Beverley area with the 54th Training Regiment RAC he was a Trooper with The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps. Initially he saw service in Italy and then Fred landed in France just after D-Day, 6 June 1944, and fought with the Scots Greys, part of 4th Armoured Brigade throughout Normandy and beyond. On 1 September 1944 the Scots Greys were tasked with crossing the River Somme at Long, a small village some 10 miles east of Abbeville France. The battle to liberate the village was intense with the British tanks fighting to get across an important bridge over the River Somme. They are described as "being at close quarters with the enemy". Some of the tanks managed to get across the improvised bridge and into the village. At this point, however, the tank in front of Trooper Haywood's vehicle became stuck on the bridge thus preventing other tanks from getting across to assist their colleagues in the village. With total disregard for his own safety, Fred dismounted from his tank and went to attach a tow rope on the disabled tank. Unfortunately he was killed instantly by a snipers bullet which hit him as he was fixing the tow rope. His body was carried onto the village church by the local people. He was later buried in the churchyard with full military honours. In a letter to his widow, Lt. Col. Cadman wrote that many villagers attended the funeral and there were enough flowers to fill a 3 ton lorry. His commanding officer went on to say that Fred must have known the risk that he was taking and he considered his actions ‘were one of the bravest that had been carried out by a member of the regiment’. On 9 November 1946 the French Army Minister, General Bonneau signed a citation awarding Fred Haywood the Croix de Guerre for his gallantry
Fred was aged 28 when he died and is now buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, about 50 miles south of Boulogne.
Fred enlisted with the army at Berverley, East Yorkshire on 19 November 1942. His army pay book describes him as being 5' 7" tall, chest 36", fresh complexion with blue eyes and black hair. Following his initial training in the Beverley area with the 54th Training Regiment RAC he was a Trooper with The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps. Initially he saw service in Italy and then Fred landed in France just after D-Day, 6 June 1944, and fought with the Scots Greys, part of 4th Armoured Brigade throughout Normandy and beyond. On 1 September 1944 the Scots Greys were tasked with crossing the River Somme at Long, a small village some 10 miles east of Abbeville France. The battle to liberate the village was intense with the British tanks fighting to get across an important bridge over the River Somme. They are described as "being at close quarters with the enemy". Some of the tanks managed to get across the improvised bridge and into the village. At this point, however, the tank in front of Trooper Haywood's vehicle became stuck on the bridge thus preventing other tanks from getting across to assist their colleagues in the village. With total disregard for his own safety, Fred dismounted from his tank and went to attach a tow rope on the disabled tank. Unfortunately he was killed instantly by a snipers bullet which hit him as he was fixing the tow rope. His body was carried onto the village church by the local people. He was later buried in the churchyard with full military honours. In a letter to his widow, Lt. Col. Cadman wrote that many villagers attended the funeral and there were enough flowers to fill a 3 ton lorry. His commanding officer went on to say that Fred must have known the risk that he was taking and he considered his actions ‘were one of the bravest that had been carried out by a member of the regiment’. On 9 November 1946 the French Army Minister, General Bonneau signed a citation awarding Fred Haywood the Croix de Guerre for his gallantry
Fred was aged 28 when he died and is now buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, about 50 miles south of Boulogne.
Arthur Robert Holmes - 14315507
Arthur Robert Holmes was born at Westfield Rd, Bramley to Arthur Edward Holmes & Sarah Rebecca (nee Scott) on 3 March 1924. The family later lived at 26 Hellaby View, Bramley. Educated at Bramley & Wickersley Council Schools prior to going on to work at Thurcroft Colliery Brickyard. He was also a member of Ravenfield Home Guard before going into the regular army. He had two brothers already in the army and a sister in the ATS.
He was a Gunner in 5 Platoon A Company of the Royal Artillery, 145 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. By January 1945 he had been in the army for two years. On 10 January 1945 Arthur was with 60 other artillery men attending a lecture on the anti-personnel land mine in readiness for the skills that will be required come wars end. The lecture was being conducted in a corrugated iron Nissan hut at Kent Army Camp. A live land mine was being used but the detonator and cartridge of the mine were removed and the land mine was considered safe, however just after 3pm an explosion occurred. In total there were 24 fatalities which the coroner later recorded as ‘Death by misadventure’, and also criticised the lack of dummy mines for training. Arthur Holmes died from his injuries on Tuesday 16 January at Hurstwood Park Emergency Hospital, Haywards Heath, with his parents at bedside. He was buried in Bramley Burial Ground after a service at Bramley Methodist Church, Arthur was 20 years old.
He was a Gunner in 5 Platoon A Company of the Royal Artillery, 145 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. By January 1945 he had been in the army for two years. On 10 January 1945 Arthur was with 60 other artillery men attending a lecture on the anti-personnel land mine in readiness for the skills that will be required come wars end. The lecture was being conducted in a corrugated iron Nissan hut at Kent Army Camp. A live land mine was being used but the detonator and cartridge of the mine were removed and the land mine was considered safe, however just after 3pm an explosion occurred. In total there were 24 fatalities which the coroner later recorded as ‘Death by misadventure’, and also criticised the lack of dummy mines for training. Arthur Holmes died from his injuries on Tuesday 16 January at Hurstwood Park Emergency Hospital, Haywards Heath, with his parents at bedside. He was buried in Bramley Burial Ground after a service at Bramley Methodist Church, Arthur was 20 years old.
Alec McKnight - 2754983
Alexander McKnight was born on 16 September 1914 in Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland, the son of Robert Knight and Jane Sneddon (nee Moffat). His mother was remarried in Rotherham in 1932 and became Mrs Cyril Morton.
Alec enlisted in October 1937 as a private in the 2nd Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Regiment, along with Dick Davidson. In November 1941 the Black Watch were in North Africa part of 70th Infantry Division besieged in the city of Tobruk by Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Operation Crusader began on 18th November, the third and ultimately successful attempt to break the siege. On 21st November the Black Watch began their action to break out of the city to meet the relieving force from 7th Armoured. By mid afternoon they had advanced some 3 three and a half miles, when they paused as it became clear that 7th Armoured would not link up that day. On that first day the Battalion's casualties were 6 Officers and 58 men killed with 16 Officers and 196 men wounded of whom 15 died of their wounds. Alec McKnight was one of the casualties of 21 November 1941, aged 27, and tragically his friend Richard Davidson also lost his life that day. Alec is buried in a different cemetery to Dick, he now lies in Tobruk War Cemetery. He was postumously Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service
Note
Alexander McKnight’s campaign medals were sold at auction in 2000 for £210:
General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2754983 Pte., Black Watch); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal
Alec enlisted in October 1937 as a private in the 2nd Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Regiment, along with Dick Davidson. In November 1941 the Black Watch were in North Africa part of 70th Infantry Division besieged in the city of Tobruk by Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Operation Crusader began on 18th November, the third and ultimately successful attempt to break the siege. On 21st November the Black Watch began their action to break out of the city to meet the relieving force from 7th Armoured. By mid afternoon they had advanced some 3 three and a half miles, when they paused as it became clear that 7th Armoured would not link up that day. On that first day the Battalion's casualties were 6 Officers and 58 men killed with 16 Officers and 196 men wounded of whom 15 died of their wounds. Alec McKnight was one of the casualties of 21 November 1941, aged 27, and tragically his friend Richard Davidson also lost his life that day. Alec is buried in a different cemetery to Dick, he now lies in Tobruk War Cemetery. He was postumously Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service
Note
Alexander McKnight’s campaign medals were sold at auction in 2000 for £210:
General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2754983 Pte., Black Watch); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal
George Donald Mirfin - PO/X 3091
George Donald Mirfin was born in Wellgate, Rotherham to Percy Mirfin and Elsie May (nee Widdison). Educated at Wellgate Council School & South Grove Central, before
being employed at Owen & Dyson Ltd, Ickles, Rotherham. The family later moved to 43 Howard Rd, Bramley. His mother died in 1929 when George was just 8 years
old.
George enlisted in April 1938, and was a Marine in the Royal Navy. He trained for Royal Marines in Deal & Portsmouth prior to going to HMS Royal Oak in the Kings Squad. In October 1939 HMS Royal Oak, a veteran Battleship of enormous proportions - 620 feet long and 33,500 tons displacement fully loaded, was anchored in the home fleet’s anchorage at Scapa Flow, Orkney. The war had been declared less than 6 weeks when on 14 October 1939 German submarine U-47 penetrated the defences of Scapa Flow and slipped silently into the naval base. At just after 1am the Royal Oak was struck by three torpedoes fired by Captain Priem of U-47. There was an explosion from one of the cordite magazine stores. The mighty ship rolled and sank beneath the waters in only 15 minutes. Of the Royal Oak's complement of 1,234 men and boys, 833 were killed that night or died later of their wounds, including George Mirfin. The ship rests on the bottom of Scapa Flow in 100 feet of water and is the resting place of George, aged 18 years old, who is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
He had a brother in the York & Lancaster Regiment.
being employed at Owen & Dyson Ltd, Ickles, Rotherham. The family later moved to 43 Howard Rd, Bramley. His mother died in 1929 when George was just 8 years
old.
George enlisted in April 1938, and was a Marine in the Royal Navy. He trained for Royal Marines in Deal & Portsmouth prior to going to HMS Royal Oak in the Kings Squad. In October 1939 HMS Royal Oak, a veteran Battleship of enormous proportions - 620 feet long and 33,500 tons displacement fully loaded, was anchored in the home fleet’s anchorage at Scapa Flow, Orkney. The war had been declared less than 6 weeks when on 14 October 1939 German submarine U-47 penetrated the defences of Scapa Flow and slipped silently into the naval base. At just after 1am the Royal Oak was struck by three torpedoes fired by Captain Priem of U-47. There was an explosion from one of the cordite magazine stores. The mighty ship rolled and sank beneath the waters in only 15 minutes. Of the Royal Oak's complement of 1,234 men and boys, 833 were killed that night or died later of their wounds, including George Mirfin. The ship rests on the bottom of Scapa Flow in 100 feet of water and is the resting place of George, aged 18 years old, who is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
He had a brother in the York & Lancaster Regiment.
Ernest Maurice Morley (4347448)
Ernest Maurice Morley was born in Spilsby, Lincolnshire in 1920, the son of Mary Ann Morley (nee Parr), of Skegness, Lincolnshire. He later lived with his sister at
36 Bateman Road, Hellaby.
Ernest enlisted May 1940, service number 4347448 and was initially with the East Yorkshire Regiment. By 1944 he and was a Lance Corporal in 6 Tank Brigade Workshops, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In June 1944 he was stationed in Kent between the villages of Lenham and Charing, awaiting transfer to France. They were billeted in the orchard of Newlands Stud Farm on Charing Heath. On 24 June 1944, Britain had been under attack for nearly two weeks by a new weapon, the German V1 flying bomb, commonly known as a “Doodlebug”. At 06;00 on the 24th a V1 flying bomb was shot down by the RAF over Charing Heath in Kent and landed within the encampment killing 52 men from the unit. Ernest Morley was one of those that died, aged 24, he is buried in Lenham Cemetery along with 45 other casualties from the tragedy, a cross with plaque lists all the casualties.
Notes
The full list of casualties is:
Craftsman Percy Alfred Lane - 1789609
Lance Corporal James Fergusson Anderson - 14515688
Lance Corporal Francis Arthur James Bartlett - 10545997
Craftsman George Albert Bates - 14338040
Craftsman Frederick Bell - 4206168
Corporal Reginald Thomas Bennett - 14365656
Craftsman Harold Brown - 14531164
Driver Albert William John Bullen - 14271857
Craftsman Peter Laurie Burgess - 10543074
Private Michael Carley - 10565322
Craftsman Henry John Charlton - 890312
Craftsman Charles Cheevers - 3660650
Craftsman Henry Clark- 997748
Corporal George Alfred Copeland - 7656954
Craftsman Desmond Edwin Dowdell - 5682469
Craftsman Bertram Duggan - 14294956
Craftsman William Henry Eaton - 14307044
Craftsman Arthur Ernest Ellis - 14294230
Private Ernest Benjamin Fisher - 10585433
Craftsman Frank Ronald Foster - 10560617
Craftsman Andrew Gorman - 14326729
Driver Thomas Hall -10561614
Craftsman Hubert Douglas Handley - 6106471
Corporal James Richard Hatt - 10566964
Corporal Gordon Anthony Hayes - 7601982
Craftsman Charles Kenneth Heath - 14270333
Craftsman Leonard Hobson - 3317430
Craftsman David John Hudson - 10554955
Craftsman Leslie Jackson - 10562496
Craftsman Lewis Lazarus - 1788795
Craftsman Frank Long- 14335400
Craftsman Stephen Mcginty - 3532397
Craftsman David Hamilton Mckenzie - 7588020
Craftsman Eric George Mills - 10542485
Lance Corporal Ernest Maurice Morley - 4347448
Craftsman Norman Nanson - 4209459
Craftsman Bennett Palmer - 14308763
Craftsman James William Pegg - 10559601
Craftsman Frederick Pocklington - 14317694
Driver Sidney Porter- 10561847
Private Patrick Quane- 1122396
Craftsman George William Salvesen - 10561635
Craftsman Towyn Samuel - 10587879
Craftsman Harold Scarborough - 3536733
Driver John Westwood- 7643367
Craftsman Arthur Percival Stone (Smiler) Wyatt - 7621132
Craftsman Geoffrey Ballard - 11415502
Craftsman Arthur William Hancock - 2202084
Craftsman Wilfred Thomas Le Piez - 7043129
Craftsman Douglas Bert Moden - 10568639
Craftsman James Stiles - 11263360
Craftsman Archibald Taylor - 10572138
(The last six are not buried at Lenham)
An extract of the of the units war diary shows:
24 June (0600 hours) - V1 shot down by the RAF bounced off the flat roof of the riding school and landed amongst the Nissen huts. Casualties: 46 killed and 6 died of wounds; 1 officer and 20 other ranks seriously wounded; 7 Nissen huts destroyed; and damage to 14 vehicles and 16 motor cycles.
24 June - Orders received to conduct an active service burial of the dead for reasons of security. A mass grave was dug in Lenham village cemetery during daylight hours. The burial of the dead was conducted at night by lantern light - Captain Cliff Gough (Second in Command) and WO1 (ASM) Humm recorded the exact placement of the bodies on a plan, a copy of which was sealed in a bottle and placed under a wooden cross after the grave had been filled in.
25 June (Sunday) - Burial Service in the presence of GOC District and Brigade Commander.
26 June - Jewish Burial Service for Cfn Lazarus conducted by a local rabbi.
36 Bateman Road, Hellaby.
Ernest enlisted May 1940, service number 4347448 and was initially with the East Yorkshire Regiment. By 1944 he and was a Lance Corporal in 6 Tank Brigade Workshops, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In June 1944 he was stationed in Kent between the villages of Lenham and Charing, awaiting transfer to France. They were billeted in the orchard of Newlands Stud Farm on Charing Heath. On 24 June 1944, Britain had been under attack for nearly two weeks by a new weapon, the German V1 flying bomb, commonly known as a “Doodlebug”. At 06;00 on the 24th a V1 flying bomb was shot down by the RAF over Charing Heath in Kent and landed within the encampment killing 52 men from the unit. Ernest Morley was one of those that died, aged 24, he is buried in Lenham Cemetery along with 45 other casualties from the tragedy, a cross with plaque lists all the casualties.
Notes
The full list of casualties is:
Craftsman Percy Alfred Lane - 1789609
Lance Corporal James Fergusson Anderson - 14515688
Lance Corporal Francis Arthur James Bartlett - 10545997
Craftsman George Albert Bates - 14338040
Craftsman Frederick Bell - 4206168
Corporal Reginald Thomas Bennett - 14365656
Craftsman Harold Brown - 14531164
Driver Albert William John Bullen - 14271857
Craftsman Peter Laurie Burgess - 10543074
Private Michael Carley - 10565322
Craftsman Henry John Charlton - 890312
Craftsman Charles Cheevers - 3660650
Craftsman Henry Clark- 997748
Corporal George Alfred Copeland - 7656954
Craftsman Desmond Edwin Dowdell - 5682469
Craftsman Bertram Duggan - 14294956
Craftsman William Henry Eaton - 14307044
Craftsman Arthur Ernest Ellis - 14294230
Private Ernest Benjamin Fisher - 10585433
Craftsman Frank Ronald Foster - 10560617
Craftsman Andrew Gorman - 14326729
Driver Thomas Hall -10561614
Craftsman Hubert Douglas Handley - 6106471
Corporal James Richard Hatt - 10566964
Corporal Gordon Anthony Hayes - 7601982
Craftsman Charles Kenneth Heath - 14270333
Craftsman Leonard Hobson - 3317430
Craftsman David John Hudson - 10554955
Craftsman Leslie Jackson - 10562496
Craftsman Lewis Lazarus - 1788795
Craftsman Frank Long- 14335400
Craftsman Stephen Mcginty - 3532397
Craftsman David Hamilton Mckenzie - 7588020
Craftsman Eric George Mills - 10542485
Lance Corporal Ernest Maurice Morley - 4347448
Craftsman Norman Nanson - 4209459
Craftsman Bennett Palmer - 14308763
Craftsman James William Pegg - 10559601
Craftsman Frederick Pocklington - 14317694
Driver Sidney Porter- 10561847
Private Patrick Quane- 1122396
Craftsman George William Salvesen - 10561635
Craftsman Towyn Samuel - 10587879
Craftsman Harold Scarborough - 3536733
Driver John Westwood- 7643367
Craftsman Arthur Percival Stone (Smiler) Wyatt - 7621132
Craftsman Geoffrey Ballard - 11415502
Craftsman Arthur William Hancock - 2202084
Craftsman Wilfred Thomas Le Piez - 7043129
Craftsman Douglas Bert Moden - 10568639
Craftsman James Stiles - 11263360
Craftsman Archibald Taylor - 10572138
(The last six are not buried at Lenham)
An extract of the of the units war diary shows:
24 June (0600 hours) - V1 shot down by the RAF bounced off the flat roof of the riding school and landed amongst the Nissen huts. Casualties: 46 killed and 6 died of wounds; 1 officer and 20 other ranks seriously wounded; 7 Nissen huts destroyed; and damage to 14 vehicles and 16 motor cycles.
24 June - Orders received to conduct an active service burial of the dead for reasons of security. A mass grave was dug in Lenham village cemetery during daylight hours. The burial of the dead was conducted at night by lantern light - Captain Cliff Gough (Second in Command) and WO1 (ASM) Humm recorded the exact placement of the bodies on a plan, a copy of which was sealed in a bottle and placed under a wooden cross after the grave had been filled in.
25 June (Sunday) - Burial Service in the presence of GOC District and Brigade Commander.
26 June - Jewish Burial Service for Cfn Lazarus conducted by a local rabbi.
Harold Perkins - 14315518
Harold Perkins was born in Rotherham in 1924, the son of William Leonard Perkins and Harriett Ann (nee Shaw) of Bramley, later living at 15 West Crescent, Sunnyside. He was employed at Bramley Co-Op before enlisting in the army in 1942 and was a Trooper with 12th Royal Lancers, Royal Armoured Corps. He served in North Africa before going to Italy in December 1943. The Regiment served as infantry during the winter of 1944. Harold Perkins was killed on 28 February 1945, aged 21, less than three months to the end of the war in Europe. He now lies in Ravenna War Cemetery.
John Rhodes - 13091050
John Rhodes was born in Dronfield in 1905, the second child of Joseph Rhodes and Naomi (nee Stephenson) of 7 Snape Hill Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield. His father Joseph was a platelayer for the Midland Railway Co. John was married in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1932 to Eva Blanche (Meakins), of Watford, Hertfordshire.
He was a private in the Pioneer Corps, and died, aged 38, on 23 August 1943, 3 months after the Axis forces were defeated in North Africa. He is buried in Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria. |
Roy Geoffrey Scott - 14810893
Roy Geoffrey Scott was born on 6 July 1926, Son of Thomas Scott and Mary Annie (nee Sadler), of 2 Bentley Road, Bramley.
Roy was a private in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. In April 1945 the regiment, part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division’s 158th Brigade, was involved in the advance through Germany. Roy drowned whilst crossing the River Aller under fire, one of 20 members of the regiment to die on 12 April 1945. It was less than one month before the surrender of Germany and the end of the war in Europe. He was 18 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Roy was a private in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. In April 1945 the regiment, part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division’s 158th Brigade, was involved in the advance through Germany. Roy drowned whilst crossing the River Aller under fire, one of 20 members of the regiment to die on 12 April 1945. It was less than one month before the surrender of Germany and the end of the war in Europe. He was 18 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
John Henry Short - 7888766
John Henry short was born on 3 December 1918 in Rotherham to Robert Henry Short and Sarah (nee Towers). He lived at 20 Wadsworth Rd, Bramley.
He was a trooper in 5th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. In 1943 the regiment was in North Africa, part of 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division.
As the war in North Africa was progressing the British 8th Army, including 7th Armoured was pushing the Axis forces north west in Tunisia. On the 20 February, at first
light the Brigade led by 5 Royal Tank Regiment moved north west to skirt the town of Medenine and cut the road behind the enemy. The Ground was very broken with wadis and exposed to enemy observation, there was some shelling. 5 RTR met some fire on approaching the road, but got astride it at 1400hrs. It suffered three casualties that day including John Henry Short, aged 24 years old. He now lies in Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia along with 1,253 Commonwealth casualties from the Second World War.
He was a trooper in 5th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. In 1943 the regiment was in North Africa, part of 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division.
As the war in North Africa was progressing the British 8th Army, including 7th Armoured was pushing the Axis forces north west in Tunisia. On the 20 February, at first
light the Brigade led by 5 Royal Tank Regiment moved north west to skirt the town of Medenine and cut the road behind the enemy. The Ground was very broken with wadis and exposed to enemy observation, there was some shelling. 5 RTR met some fire on approaching the road, but got astride it at 1400hrs. It suffered three casualties that day including John Henry Short, aged 24 years old. He now lies in Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia along with 1,253 Commonwealth casualties from the Second World War.
Joseph Smith - 893979
Joseph Smith served under the name Jack Pritchard.
Joseph Smith was the son of Elizabeth Latham, of 90 Main St, Bramley. He served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. He died on 17 September 1944, aged 27 and is buried in Dalton (Holy Trinity) New Churchyard.
Joseph Smith was the son of Elizabeth Latham, of 90 Main St, Bramley. He served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. He died on 17 September 1944, aged 27 and is buried in Dalton (Holy Trinity) New Churchyard.
Marjorie Sylvia Titley - 2136002
Marjorie Sylvia Titley was born in 1925 in Rotherham, the daughter of John Titley and Annie E (nee Vallance) of 191 Bawtry Road, Bramley.
She was a Leading Aircraftwoman in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force with 958 Balloon Squadron. She was reported as ‘Died on Active Service’ on 12 December 1943, aged 18 in Neath, South Wales and is buried in the Bramley Burial Ground.
She was a Leading Aircraftwoman in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force with 958 Balloon Squadron. She was reported as ‘Died on Active Service’ on 12 December 1943, aged 18 in Neath, South Wales and is buried in the Bramley Burial Ground.
Dennis Walker - 14027739
Dennis Walker was born in 1927 to John Robert Walker and Edith (nee Chappell) of Ravenfield.
He was a Private in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and died aged 18 in Hereford on 8 August 1945, three months after VE Day. He now rests in Thrybergh (St Leonard) New Churchyard.
He was a Private in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and died aged 18 in Hereford on 8 August 1945, three months after VE Day. He now rests in Thrybergh (St Leonard) New Churchyard.