Brinsworth & Canklow
The Brinsworth and Canklow War Memorial is situated in the churchyard of the now defunct St George's Church on Brinsworth Lane.
It carries the names of 57 casualties from the First World War and an added tablet lists 22 men who died in World War Two.
It carries the names of 57 casualties from the First World War and an added tablet lists 22 men who died in World War Two.
Additional Details
Roy William Almond (1379251)
Royal Air Force - 89 Sqdn. 5 January 1943, aged 23 Beaufighter aircraft crashed in North Africa Moascar War Cemetery Bernard William Bartholomew (4746018) Parachute Regiment, A A C - 11th Bn. 19 September 1944, aged 28 Killed in action in Battle of Arnhem Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery Brian Baugh (4757039) York and Lancaster Regiment - 6th Bn. 29 March 1943, aged 30 Died in North Africa Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Albert Chamberlain (2655843) Coldstream Guards - 3rd Bn. 11 December 1940, aged 27 Died in North Africa El Alamein War Cemetery George Dawson (1794622) Royal Artillery - 240 Bty., 77 H.A.A. Regiment 29 November 1943, aged 32 Died as a Japanese PoW when ship was sunk Singapore Memorial Jack Davis (4612067) Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C - 1st Bn. 27 September 1941, aged 28 Died in Yorkshire Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard Luther Holmes Home Guard - 62nd West Riding (Rotherham) Bn. 8 November 1942, aged 29 Died in an accident in Yorkshire Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard Ralph Isherwood (1522640) Royal Air Force 4 June 1946, aged 29 Died in Nottinghamshire Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard Ernest James Home Guard - 62nd West Riding (Rotherham) Bn. 8 November 1942, aged 46 Died in an accident in Yorkshire Catcliffe (St. Mary) Churchyard James Edward Lissaman (D/KX 85514) Royal Navy - H.M.S. Jaguar 26 March 1942, aged 25 Lost when vessel sunk in the Mediterranean Plymouth Naval Memorial Ernest Lancaster (794041) Royal Artillery - 2 Field Regiment 4 February 1944, aged 38 Killed in action in the Italian Campaign Anzio War Cemetery |
Daniel Lunn (1482190)
Royal Air Force - 692 Sqdn. 1 January 1945, aged 23 Mosquito aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Rheinberg War Cemetery Leslie McNeill (1470150) 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment 27 February 1945, aged 19 Killed in action in the Rhineland Campaign Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Sidney McNeill (7609197) Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 12 September 1944, aged 29 Killed in action during the Italy Campaign Naples War Cemetery Leonard Newton (1943606) Royal Engineers, 588 Army Troops Company 5 February 1947, aged 28 Died in Italy Udine War Cemetery Gladstone Poynter (4698529) Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5 November 1944, aged 22 Died of wounds during the Italian Campaign Faenza War Cemetery Lawrence Albert Rawlins (4346414) East Yorkshire Regiment - 5th Bn. 14 July 1943, aged 24 Died on Sicily Catania War Cemetery, Sicily Peter Stone (P/JX 399591) Royal Navy - H.M.S. President III (SS Salviking) 14 February 1944, aged 19 Lost when vessel sunk in the Indian Ocean Portsmouth Naval Memorial Lewis Smith (2653958) Coldstream Guards - 6th Bn. 28 June 1944, aged 32 Killed in action during the Normandy Campaign St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux Arthur Steain-Street (186187) Royal Air Force - 170 Sqdn. 16 March 1945, aged 24 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Durnbach War Cemetery Leonard Eric Twigg (1681108) Royal Air Force - 239 Sqdn. 23 February 1945, aged 23 Crash on landing after returning from a mission to Germany Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard Wilfred Walker (1897979) Royal Engineers - 580 Army Troops Coy. 24 April 1941, aged 28 Died of wounds in Greece Phaleron War Cemetery |
Bernard William Bartholomew - 4746018
Bernard William Bartholomew was born on 6 December 1915 at 21 Chapel St, Greasbrough to Bernard Bartholomew and Doris Elizabeth (nee Bradshaw). His parents later lived at 52 Lowfield Avenue, Greasbrough. He was education at Greasbrough National School and Rotherham Grammar School. After leaving school he was employed by Darwins Ltd, Tinsley and Steel Peech & Tozers.
He enlisted in the army at Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham in 1935 as a career soldier, and given service number 4746018. Initially served in 1st Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment and 1936 saw him in Egypt at Sidi Bishr. Prior to the outbreak of war Bernard’s residence was 26 Atlas St, Brinsworth, Rotherham. He was married in 1935 and a daughter was born the following year. He later saw service in Sicily before he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, the 11th Battalion of the 1st Airborne Division. In 1944 he was involved in the massive airborne drop in the Netherlands for the operation codenamed Market Garden, which is now better know as ‘A Bridge Too Far’. The 11th Battalion, part of the 4th Parachute Brigade arrived in Arnhem, the last and most distant of the three bridges to be captured, on Monday 18 September 1944 the second day of the operation. The 11th Battalion were detached from the Brigade and were ordered to advance into Arnhem to assist the 1st Para Brigade in their attempt to reach the Bridge. When the order came they were skilfully led by some Dutch guides, and with their help they avoided a lot of German opposition and met with the 1st
Para Brigade during Monday night, having only suffered light casualties. The Battalion were charged with the capture of some high ground in the area. It was hoped that with this in their hands, the remainder of the 4th Para Brigade would be able to make a successful attack in their direction. The 11th Battalion were engaged in heavy fighting by this time and it took several hours to disengage from the battle, but were able to begin moving away by 14:30. Unfortunately the Germans realised their intention and caught the whole Battalion out in the open and cut them apart with tanks and mortars. Only 150 men managed to get away. Bernard Bartholomew died on Tuesday 19 September 1944 at the age of 28 and now lies in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
He enlisted in the army at Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham in 1935 as a career soldier, and given service number 4746018. Initially served in 1st Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment and 1936 saw him in Egypt at Sidi Bishr. Prior to the outbreak of war Bernard’s residence was 26 Atlas St, Brinsworth, Rotherham. He was married in 1935 and a daughter was born the following year. He later saw service in Sicily before he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, the 11th Battalion of the 1st Airborne Division. In 1944 he was involved in the massive airborne drop in the Netherlands for the operation codenamed Market Garden, which is now better know as ‘A Bridge Too Far’. The 11th Battalion, part of the 4th Parachute Brigade arrived in Arnhem, the last and most distant of the three bridges to be captured, on Monday 18 September 1944 the second day of the operation. The 11th Battalion were detached from the Brigade and were ordered to advance into Arnhem to assist the 1st Para Brigade in their attempt to reach the Bridge. When the order came they were skilfully led by some Dutch guides, and with their help they avoided a lot of German opposition and met with the 1st
Para Brigade during Monday night, having only suffered light casualties. The Battalion were charged with the capture of some high ground in the area. It was hoped that with this in their hands, the remainder of the 4th Para Brigade would be able to make a successful attack in their direction. The 11th Battalion were engaged in heavy fighting by this time and it took several hours to disengage from the battle, but were able to begin moving away by 14:30. Unfortunately the Germans realised their intention and caught the whole Battalion out in the open and cut them apart with tanks and mortars. Only 150 men managed to get away. Bernard Bartholomew died on Tuesday 19 September 1944 at the age of 28 and now lies in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Briah Baugh - 4757039
Briah Baugh was born in Rotherham to Briah and Rose May Baugh in 1912. He was married in Rotherham to Ruby in 1935 and together they had three daughters.
He was a Lance Serjeant in the 6th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. In 1943 the battalion was part of the 46thInfantry Division in North Africa. Briah was killed at the Second Battle of Sedjenane on 29 March 1943, and is buried in Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia.
He was a Lance Serjeant in the 6th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. In 1943 the battalion was part of the 46thInfantry Division in North Africa. Briah was killed at the Second Battle of Sedjenane on 29 March 1943, and is buried in Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia.
Albert Chamberlain - 2655843
Italian prisoners captured during Operation Compass
Albert Chamberlain was born in 1913, son of railway engine stoker William Henry Charles Chamberlain and his wife of four years Ada (nee Bullman) of 42 Warden Street, Rotherham. Albert was married in Pontefract in the first quarter of 1939 and lived at 5 Ellis
St, Brinsworth, Rotherham.
He was a Guardsman in the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, service number 2655843. After the Italian declaration of war on 10 June 1940 the war in the Western
Desert commenced with a British thrust into Libya. After an Italian counter offensive captured Sidi Barrani in Egpyt the British undertook Operation Compass which commenced on 9 December 1940. The 3rdBattalion Coldstream Guards had been
garrisoned in Mersa Matruh, but for Operation Compass was one of the component units of Selby Force. On 11 December Selby Force supported by some tanks attacked and secured the surrender of the Italian’s 1st Libyan Division. It was said that the Coldstream Guards took prisoners of war equating to ‘5 acres of officers and 200 acres of other ranks’. There were 38,000 PoW’s taken around Sidi Barrani and 115,000 in the campaign. Albert Chamberlain died on 11 December 1940, aged 27 and is buried in El Alamein War
Cemetery, Egypt.
St, Brinsworth, Rotherham.
He was a Guardsman in the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, service number 2655843. After the Italian declaration of war on 10 June 1940 the war in the Western
Desert commenced with a British thrust into Libya. After an Italian counter offensive captured Sidi Barrani in Egpyt the British undertook Operation Compass which commenced on 9 December 1940. The 3rdBattalion Coldstream Guards had been
garrisoned in Mersa Matruh, but for Operation Compass was one of the component units of Selby Force. On 11 December Selby Force supported by some tanks attacked and secured the surrender of the Italian’s 1st Libyan Division. It was said that the Coldstream Guards took prisoners of war equating to ‘5 acres of officers and 200 acres of other ranks’. There were 38,000 PoW’s taken around Sidi Barrani and 115,000 in the campaign. Albert Chamberlain died on 11 December 1940, aged 27 and is buried in El Alamein War
Cemetery, Egypt.
George Dawson - 1794622
Suez Maru
George Dawson was born in 1911 in Rotherham, seventh child of coal miner Matthew Dawson and Lena Kaye of 154 Bradgate Lane, Rotherham. George was married in Rotherham in 1933 to Irene Rawlings, the couple had two sons and two daughters, and lived at 80 Atlas Street, Brinsworth.
George was a Gunner in the Royal Artillery, with 240 Battery, 77 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The regiment moved from the Middle East to the Far East in late 1941, but most of the unit were captured by the Japanese in Java in March 1942. After being in Japanese Prisoner of War camps for a year and a half he was one of 549 sick (422 British and 127 Dutch) and dying POWs to be transported back to Java. They were loaded onto a transport ship called ‘Suez Maru’ along with a number of Japanese sick. The ship did not carry the Red Cross signage which it should have done according to the Geneva Convention. The Suez Maru set sail from Port Amboina under escort by a minesweeper W-12. As the US had broken the Japanese Naval Code they were aware of the movements of Japanese ships. On 29 November 1943 the US submarine Bonefish locate the Suez Maru and its escort. While entering the Java Sea and about 327 kilometers east of Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies, the Bonefish attacked with four torpedoes, but only one struck home. The Suez Maru started to list as water poured into the holds drowning hundreds, many managed to escape the holds and swam away from the sinking ship. The Japanese mine sweeper W-12 picked up the Japanese survivors, but it was by this time overloaded. The surviving Captain of the Suez Maru knew that the Japanese Imperial standing orders were that no POWs should fall into enemy hands. The Minesweeper then spent over two hours shooting the 200-250 surviving POWs who were floating in the water. George Dawson died aged 32, along with all the other POWs from the ship, and is commemorated on
Singapore Memorial.
George was a Gunner in the Royal Artillery, with 240 Battery, 77 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The regiment moved from the Middle East to the Far East in late 1941, but most of the unit were captured by the Japanese in Java in March 1942. After being in Japanese Prisoner of War camps for a year and a half he was one of 549 sick (422 British and 127 Dutch) and dying POWs to be transported back to Java. They were loaded onto a transport ship called ‘Suez Maru’ along with a number of Japanese sick. The ship did not carry the Red Cross signage which it should have done according to the Geneva Convention. The Suez Maru set sail from Port Amboina under escort by a minesweeper W-12. As the US had broken the Japanese Naval Code they were aware of the movements of Japanese ships. On 29 November 1943 the US submarine Bonefish locate the Suez Maru and its escort. While entering the Java Sea and about 327 kilometers east of Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies, the Bonefish attacked with four torpedoes, but only one struck home. The Suez Maru started to list as water poured into the holds drowning hundreds, many managed to escape the holds and swam away from the sinking ship. The Japanese mine sweeper W-12 picked up the Japanese survivors, but it was by this time overloaded. The surviving Captain of the Suez Maru knew that the Japanese Imperial standing orders were that no POWs should fall into enemy hands. The Minesweeper then spent over two hours shooting the 200-250 surviving POWs who were floating in the water. George Dawson died aged 32, along with all the other POWs from the ship, and is commemorated on
Singapore Memorial.
Jack Davis - 4612067
Jack Davis was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1913, second child of William John Davis and his wife of two years Ellen Mary (nee Tighe). Jack Davis
lived at 89 Ellis St, Brinsworth.
Jack Davis enlisted in the Army in 1932 and was initially with The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (The West Riding), service number 4612067. He had 6½ years in India and became a reservist. He went to France with the British Expeditionary Force and took part in the Dunkirk evacuation. He was a Private and later transferred to 1st
Battalion, Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps. He was involved in an accident between Maltby and Tickhill and died, on 27 August 1941, from injuries received in a collision whilst driving a motor cycle on his way home on leave. A verdict of accidental death was later recorded. Jack Davis was 28 years old and was interred with military honours in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, the coffin being draped with the union jack, with soldiers as bearers.
lived at 89 Ellis St, Brinsworth.
Jack Davis enlisted in the Army in 1932 and was initially with The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (The West Riding), service number 4612067. He had 6½ years in India and became a reservist. He went to France with the British Expeditionary Force and took part in the Dunkirk evacuation. He was a Private and later transferred to 1st
Battalion, Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps. He was involved in an accident between Maltby and Tickhill and died, on 27 August 1941, from injuries received in a collision whilst driving a motor cycle on his way home on leave. A verdict of accidental death was later recorded. Jack Davis was 28 years old and was interred with military honours in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, the coffin being draped with the union jack, with soldiers as bearers.
Luther Holmes
Luther Holmes was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1913. His parents were coal miner Luther Holmes and his wife of ten years Elizabeth (nee Leach) of 80 Ellis Street, Rotherham. Luther was involved with Treeton Football Club. He was a miner and was known as ‘Bunt’ was married in Rotherham in 1938. The couple, who had a daughter the following year, lived at 82 Ellis Street.
‘Bunt’ was a Private in the Home Guard, 62nd West Riding (Rotherham) Battalion. He died in an accident on 8 November 1942. He was in a party of Home Guard who had been to a cookery school in Handsworth, on they way back he was in a van than lost control on Orgreave Road, Catcliffe. The vehicle began to zig-zag and then hit the kerb and oveturned and somersaulted. Luther and Major James were killed and seven other were injured. At the inquest the coroner suggested that the overloading of the van and excessive speed couple with and inexperienced driver were factors in the accident, a verdict of 'accidental death' was returned. Luther Holmes was 29 years old, his funeral was conducted on Saturday 14 November and was buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard. Note Ernest James, Home Guard (see below) died in the same accident as Luther Holmes.. |
Ralph Isherwood - 1522640
Ralph Isherwood was born on 18 October 1916, to boiler maker George Isherwood and his wife of five years Mary E (nee Salmon). Ralph married Majorie Ada Munday in the Rother Valley registration district towards the end of 1939. The couple who had two children lived with Majorie’s family at 18 Ellis Street, Brinsworth.
Ralph enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 1522640. Ralph died, aged 29, at Victoria Hospital Worksop on 4 June 1946 and he was buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard.
Ralph enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 1522640. Ralph died, aged 29, at Victoria Hospital Worksop on 4 June 1946 and he was buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard.
Ernest James
Ernest James was born in Sheffield in 1896, first child of Walter Titus James and his wife Sophia (nee Wheeler). Walter was a railway engine driver couple for Midland Railway and lived at 47 Regent St, Rotherham later moving to 32 Ellis St, Brinsworth, Rotherham. When Ernest left school he was initially employed as an office boy at the local colliery, and latterly worked for the Ministry of Labour. He was married to Mildred Hughes in Rotherham in late 1929 and the couple lived at 4 Brinsworth Avenue, Rotherham with their two children. He was also Secretary of Brinsworth Working Mens Club.
Ernest was a Major in the Home Guard, 62nd West Riding (Rotherham) Battalion. On the afternoon of Sunday 8 November 1942 he was driving a van back from a cookery school in Handsworth. The van which was later described at the inquest as being suitable for 6 people was loaded with ten persons in all. The others, except for Major James' son (who was a cadet) were all members of the Home Guard. Ernest James who had only a few months experience got into difficulties on Orgreave Road, Catcliffe when the back end of the van began to wobble. The van hit the kerb and overturned and somersaulted four times throwing Ernest James out of the vehicle. Ernest James, aged 46 was one of two people killed, with another seven injured. The inquest returned a verdict of 'accidental death', although Major James' lack of experience, excessive speed and overloading were part of the coroners deliberations. Ernest James was buried on Saturday 14 November in Catcliffe (St Mary) Churchyard.
Note
Luther Holmes, Home Guard (see above) died in the same accident as Ernest James.
Ernest was a Major in the Home Guard, 62nd West Riding (Rotherham) Battalion. On the afternoon of Sunday 8 November 1942 he was driving a van back from a cookery school in Handsworth. The van which was later described at the inquest as being suitable for 6 people was loaded with ten persons in all. The others, except for Major James' son (who was a cadet) were all members of the Home Guard. Ernest James who had only a few months experience got into difficulties on Orgreave Road, Catcliffe when the back end of the van began to wobble. The van hit the kerb and overturned and somersaulted four times throwing Ernest James out of the vehicle. Ernest James, aged 46 was one of two people killed, with another seven injured. The inquest returned a verdict of 'accidental death', although Major James' lack of experience, excessive speed and overloading were part of the coroners deliberations. Ernest James was buried on Saturday 14 November in Catcliffe (St Mary) Churchyard.
Note
Luther Holmes, Home Guard (see above) died in the same accident as Ernest James.
James Edward Lissaman - D/KX 85514.
James Edward Lissaman was born in Rotherham late in 1915, he was the fourth of seven children born to James Edward Lissaman and his wife Janie Brooks. The couple had married in Jane’s home town of Preston in 1907 before soon moving to Rotherham where their fist child was born in 1909. James and Jane lived at 64 Duncan Street and James worked as a railway storekeeper at the Midland Loco Sheds.
After leaving school James Edward enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1935, he became a Leading Stoker, service number D/KX 85514. He took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk and the naval action to evacuated Crete in 1941. In 1942 he was serving on HMS Jaguar, a modern J (Javelin)-class destroyer that had been commissioned just 9 days after Britain’s declaration of war. In March the ship had been deployed to the Alexandria in Egypt to escort supply convoys and support the port of Tobruk. On 26 March 1942 Jaguar was escorting the tanker RFA Slavok along with Greek destroyer Queen Olga when it was attacked by the German submarine U-652. At 02:27 U-652 fired a spread of four torpedoes when the ship was north-east of Sidi Barrani, Egypt. Two of the torpedoes struck in the bow, the ship caught fire and sank in a short time in position 31º53'N, 26º18'E. The were only 53 survivors who were rescued by HM Whaler Klo and taken to Tobruk. James Edward Lissaman was lost along with three officers and 189 other ratings, he was 26 years old and is listed on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Note
U-652 was badly damaged by depth charges from a British Swordfish aircraft and scuttled on 2 June, 1942 in the Mediterranean in the Gulf of Sollum, in position 31.55N,
25.11E, by torpedoes from U-81. 46 survivors (No casualties).
After leaving school James Edward enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1935, he became a Leading Stoker, service number D/KX 85514. He took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk and the naval action to evacuated Crete in 1941. In 1942 he was serving on HMS Jaguar, a modern J (Javelin)-class destroyer that had been commissioned just 9 days after Britain’s declaration of war. In March the ship had been deployed to the Alexandria in Egypt to escort supply convoys and support the port of Tobruk. On 26 March 1942 Jaguar was escorting the tanker RFA Slavok along with Greek destroyer Queen Olga when it was attacked by the German submarine U-652. At 02:27 U-652 fired a spread of four torpedoes when the ship was north-east of Sidi Barrani, Egypt. Two of the torpedoes struck in the bow, the ship caught fire and sank in a short time in position 31º53'N, 26º18'E. The were only 53 survivors who were rescued by HM Whaler Klo and taken to Tobruk. James Edward Lissaman was lost along with three officers and 189 other ratings, he was 26 years old and is listed on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Note
U-652 was badly damaged by depth charges from a British Swordfish aircraft and scuttled on 2 June, 1942 in the Mediterranean in the Gulf of Sollum, in position 31.55N,
25.11E, by torpedoes from U-81. 46 survivors (No casualties).
Ernest Lancaster - 794041
Standard and Short 25 Pounder
Ernest Lancaster was born in Rotherhamin the second quarter of 1905, second child to coal miner Ernest Lancaster and his wife of seven years Sarah Lancaster. Ernest married in Rotherhamin mid 1935 and lived with his wife and five children at 104 Duncan St, Brinsworth.
He enlised in the Royal Artillery and became a Gunner, service number 794041, with 2 Field Regiment. The unit was part of 1st Infantry Division and after serving in Tunisia was involved in the Italian Campaign with the Anzio landings in January 1944. The unit operated the 25 Pounder, usually in batteries of eight. The landings commenced on 22 January 1944 and the Germans were trying to restrict the salient in early February. Ernest Lancaster died on 4 February 1944, aged 38 and now lies in the Anzio War Cemetery.
He enlised in the Royal Artillery and became a Gunner, service number 794041, with 2 Field Regiment. The unit was part of 1st Infantry Division and after serving in Tunisia was involved in the Italian Campaign with the Anzio landings in January 1944. The unit operated the 25 Pounder, usually in batteries of eight. The landings commenced on 22 January 1944 and the Germans were trying to restrict the salient in early February. Ernest Lancaster died on 4 February 1944, aged 38 and now lies in the Anzio War Cemetery.
Daniel Lunn - 1482190
Daniel Lunn was born in Rotherham on 1 December 1921 to steelworks labourer Marlborough Lunn and his wife of Johanna (nee Leech). He was educated at
Brinsworth School and Rotherham College of Technology & Art. He was employed as a cabinet maker in Sheffield and lived at 77 Ellis Street, Brinsworth.
Daniel enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and became a Flight Sergeant, service number 1482190. He was trained as a navigator and flew with 692 squadron from Gransden Lodge airfield in Cambridgeshire. On the night of 16/17 October 1944 he was airborne at 22:10 in De Havilland Mosquito serial number MM118 on a mission of 30 aircraft to Cologne. On their return to base at 01:00 the aircraft crash landed and both Daniel and his pilot received minor injuries. They quickly recovered from their injuries and were soon back on ops. On 1 January 1945 they took part in their 40th operation. Airborne in Mosquito PF414 with squadron markings
P3-P, from Graveley at 06:51 on an attack on railway tunnels near Mayen, it was hit by flak. The aircraft crashed at 08:33, with both engines blazing, into hilly country south-east of Schuld and towards Adenau. Both Daniel Lunn, aged 23 and the pilot were killed and now rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Note
Daniel’s pilot on both the crash landing and the fatal crash was:
Flight Lieutenant George Douglas Tolley Nairn - 125980
Brinsworth School and Rotherham College of Technology & Art. He was employed as a cabinet maker in Sheffield and lived at 77 Ellis Street, Brinsworth.
Daniel enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and became a Flight Sergeant, service number 1482190. He was trained as a navigator and flew with 692 squadron from Gransden Lodge airfield in Cambridgeshire. On the night of 16/17 October 1944 he was airborne at 22:10 in De Havilland Mosquito serial number MM118 on a mission of 30 aircraft to Cologne. On their return to base at 01:00 the aircraft crash landed and both Daniel and his pilot received minor injuries. They quickly recovered from their injuries and were soon back on ops. On 1 January 1945 they took part in their 40th operation. Airborne in Mosquito PF414 with squadron markings
P3-P, from Graveley at 06:51 on an attack on railway tunnels near Mayen, it was hit by flak. The aircraft crashed at 08:33, with both engines blazing, into hilly country south-east of Schuld and towards Adenau. Both Daniel Lunn, aged 23 and the pilot were killed and now rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Note
Daniel’s pilot on both the crash landing and the fatal crash was:
Flight Lieutenant George Douglas Tolley Nairn - 125980
Leslie McNeill - 14701501
Leslie McNeill was the youngest child of Sidney William Robert McNeill and Rose (nee Hollis). He was born in Sheffieldin 1925, as was his oldest brother Sidney who was born in 1914. The family moved to live at 23 Brinsworth Hall Drive, Rotherham.
Leslie enlisted in the Army and was a Private in the 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 14701501. In 1945 the Allies were pushing towards the Rhine and Operation Heather was an attack the town of Weeze from the east. The 2nd East Yorks were ordered to advance and secure the bridge in the wooded area east of Weeze over the Mühlen-Fleuth tributary of the Niers River. It was 27 February 1945 when the battle that would earn the regiment a battle
honour for ‘Schaddenhof’ began. At dawn ‘C’ company, 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment supported by tanks of the 6th Guard Tank Brigade moved forward from the wooded area astride the Weeze-Uedem road. Their first objectives were the clustered farm buildings of Bassenhof and Kampshof. After a brutal fight in which the Germans had to be subdued with flamethrowers, the East Yorks managed to capture the bridge before the Germans could detonate it. They then formed a bridgehead at the nearby farm of Schaddenhof. The scene was set and the Germans well aware of the
strategic importance of the newly formed bridgehead started to launch counterattacks. The first counterattack of the Germans failed in the heavy fire of ‘C’ Company. The Germans regrouped at the Rahmenhof farm and tried again around midnight. The Germans managed to reach the bridge, but heavy grenade and MG fire drove them back time after time. C company again radioed for artillery support but this time the British batteries suffered from ammo shortage and couldn't intervene effectively. As the situation grew desperate for ‘C’ company as ammo ran out and fighting had reached the Schaddenhof farm grounds. ‘B’ Company was sent to relief ‘C’Company but they were fended off by Germans who were north of the Mühlen-Fleuth, after having waded the stream. Apart from a single Sherman tank that had positioned itself on the Schaddenhof farm yard, other tanks were reluctant to enter the battle in fear of the Germans armed with Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks anti-tankweapons positioned on the north bank of the Mühlen-Fleuth. As Major King of ‘B’ Company boldly raced a carrier loaded with new ammo over the bridge, ‘C’ Company was able to hold out a little longer, but by now the Germans were roaming on the farm perimeter and rolling over the foxholes of ‘C’ Company. Around 3:00 the bridge was completely surrounded by the Germans, but they were not able to hold their gains, as more and more British artillery started to intervene. At 9:00 three companies of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers got across the bridge and by midday the bridgehead was secure. For his action Major King was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order and the bridge was baptized "Yorkshire Bridge”.
Leslie McNeill died on 27 February 1945 aged 19 years old, he was one of 39 members of 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment who died that day and he now rests in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Note
His brother Sidney McNeill died on 12 September 1944 (see below)
Leslie enlisted in the Army and was a Private in the 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 14701501. In 1945 the Allies were pushing towards the Rhine and Operation Heather was an attack the town of Weeze from the east. The 2nd East Yorks were ordered to advance and secure the bridge in the wooded area east of Weeze over the Mühlen-Fleuth tributary of the Niers River. It was 27 February 1945 when the battle that would earn the regiment a battle
honour for ‘Schaddenhof’ began. At dawn ‘C’ company, 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment supported by tanks of the 6th Guard Tank Brigade moved forward from the wooded area astride the Weeze-Uedem road. Their first objectives were the clustered farm buildings of Bassenhof and Kampshof. After a brutal fight in which the Germans had to be subdued with flamethrowers, the East Yorks managed to capture the bridge before the Germans could detonate it. They then formed a bridgehead at the nearby farm of Schaddenhof. The scene was set and the Germans well aware of the
strategic importance of the newly formed bridgehead started to launch counterattacks. The first counterattack of the Germans failed in the heavy fire of ‘C’ Company. The Germans regrouped at the Rahmenhof farm and tried again around midnight. The Germans managed to reach the bridge, but heavy grenade and MG fire drove them back time after time. C company again radioed for artillery support but this time the British batteries suffered from ammo shortage and couldn't intervene effectively. As the situation grew desperate for ‘C’ company as ammo ran out and fighting had reached the Schaddenhof farm grounds. ‘B’ Company was sent to relief ‘C’Company but they were fended off by Germans who were north of the Mühlen-Fleuth, after having waded the stream. Apart from a single Sherman tank that had positioned itself on the Schaddenhof farm yard, other tanks were reluctant to enter the battle in fear of the Germans armed with Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks anti-tankweapons positioned on the north bank of the Mühlen-Fleuth. As Major King of ‘B’ Company boldly raced a carrier loaded with new ammo over the bridge, ‘C’ Company was able to hold out a little longer, but by now the Germans were roaming on the farm perimeter and rolling over the foxholes of ‘C’ Company. Around 3:00 the bridge was completely surrounded by the Germans, but they were not able to hold their gains, as more and more British artillery started to intervene. At 9:00 three companies of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers got across the bridge and by midday the bridgehead was secure. For his action Major King was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order and the bridge was baptized "Yorkshire Bridge”.
Leslie McNeill died on 27 February 1945 aged 19 years old, he was one of 39 members of 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment who died that day and he now rests in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Note
His brother Sidney McNeill died on 12 September 1944 (see below)
Sidney McNeill - 7609197
Sidney Mons McNeill was the first child of Sidney William Robert McNeill and Rose (nee Hollis). He was born in Sheffield in late in 1914 after his parents had married in Sheffield the year before. The family moved to live at 23 Brinsworth Hall Drive, Rotherham.
Sidney enlisted in the Army in November 1939 and became a Serjeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, service number 7609197. He served in Egypt and then onto Italy. He died on 12 September 1944, aged 29 years old and is now buried in Naples War Cemetery.
Notes
Sidney’s middle name of Mons was the name of the place in France which was the first major action of the British Expeditionary Force in the First World War on 23 August 1914.
Naples was the location of the 65th and 92nd General Hospitals from late in 1943 until the end of the war, also the 67th General Hospital for the greater part of that time. The site for the war cemetery was chosen in November 1943 and burials were made in it from the hospitals and garrison.
Sidney’s younger brother Leslie died on 27 February 1945. (see above)
Sidney enlisted in the Army in November 1939 and became a Serjeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, service number 7609197. He served in Egypt and then onto Italy. He died on 12 September 1944, aged 29 years old and is now buried in Naples War Cemetery.
Notes
Sidney’s middle name of Mons was the name of the place in France which was the first major action of the British Expeditionary Force in the First World War on 23 August 1914.
Naples was the location of the 65th and 92nd General Hospitals from late in 1943 until the end of the war, also the 67th General Hospital for the greater part of that time. The site for the war cemetery was chosen in November 1943 and burials were made in it from the hospitals and garrison.
Sidney’s younger brother Leslie died on 27 February 1945. (see above)
Leonard Newton - 1943606
Leonard Newton was born in Rotherham on 21 May 1918, second child of Leonard Newton and his wife of three years Ethel May (nee Mitchell). Leonard was married in 1943 to Phoebe Ann Hickman, registered in the Rother Valley Registration District, and 2 daughters were born in Hemsworth.
Leonard was a corporal in the Royal Engineers, 588 Army Troops Company, service number 1943606. He died in post war Italy on 5 February 1947, aged 28 and is buried in Udine War Cemetery.
Leonard was a corporal in the Royal Engineers, 588 Army Troops Company, service number 1943606. He died in post war Italy on 5 February 1947, aged 28 and is buried in Udine War Cemetery.
Gladstone Poynter - 4698529
Gladstone Poynter was born in Rotherham in early 1922 to Charles Poynter and Sarah Lydia (nee Roberts) of Whitehill, Brinsworth. He was educated at Brinsworth Council School and then went on to be employed by Steel Peech & Tozer Ltd. Galdstone resided at his brother's home at 7 Stevenson Drive, Herringthorpe. He was married in mid 1943 in Chesterfield.
Gladstone enlisted in the Army, service number 4698529, in 1942. He was a Private in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. After landing on mainland Italy in September 1943 the Allied Armies slogged their was up the country encountering a number of defensive German lines. By late 1944 they were in the northern Appenine mountains
attacking the last of these defences, the Gothic Line. Private Gladstone Poynter died in Italy on 5 November 1944, aged 22 and now rests in Faenza War Cemetery.
Gladstone enlisted in the Army, service number 4698529, in 1942. He was a Private in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. After landing on mainland Italy in September 1943 the Allied Armies slogged their was up the country encountering a number of defensive German lines. By late 1944 they were in the northern Appenine mountains
attacking the last of these defences, the Gothic Line. Private Gladstone Poynter died in Italy on 5 November 1944, aged 22 and now rests in Faenza War Cemetery.
Lawrence Albert Rawlins - 4346414
Lawrence Albert Rawlins was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1919 to Charles Rawlins and Alice (nee Gray). He was the second of three children of the couple who lived at 351 Brinsworth Road.
He enlisted in the Army and was part of the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 4346414. By mid 1943 Lawrence had been promoted to Lance Serjeant when his unit was part of 50th Infantry Division’s 69th Brigade. After the defeat of the German Afrika Korps in North Africa the Allies invaded Sicily. The operation was codenamed Husky and commenced on 9 July 1943. The 50th Divison known as the Northumbrian landed in the south-east of the island and pushed inland. One of
the objectives during the first few days was a bridge across the Simento River, called the Primosole Bridge. The bridge was the only crossing on the river, and would give the Eighth Army access to the Catania plain, its capture was expected to speed the advance and lead to the eventual defeat of the Axis forces in Sicily. On the way
another crossing, Melati bridge was to be captured by Commandos and held until relieved. Operation Fustian was launched on 13 July the aim being for airborne forces with parachute drop and glider landings to secure the bridge. They would hold until relieved by the advance of XIII Corps, including the 50th Northumbrian Division. By dawn, the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division had only managed to advance 10 miles and were still 8 miles from No. 3 Commando at the Melati bridge and 15 miles from Primosole Bridge. It was not until 17:00 that the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, eventually reached Malati Bridge, although by now the commandos had been forced to withdraw. The bridge was quickly captured; the commandos had dismantled the demolition charges so that it could not be demolished. Lance Serjeant Lawrence Albert Rawlins died on 14 July 1943 aged 24 and is buried in Catania War Cemetery.
He enlisted in the Army and was part of the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 4346414. By mid 1943 Lawrence had been promoted to Lance Serjeant when his unit was part of 50th Infantry Division’s 69th Brigade. After the defeat of the German Afrika Korps in North Africa the Allies invaded Sicily. The operation was codenamed Husky and commenced on 9 July 1943. The 50th Divison known as the Northumbrian landed in the south-east of the island and pushed inland. One of
the objectives during the first few days was a bridge across the Simento River, called the Primosole Bridge. The bridge was the only crossing on the river, and would give the Eighth Army access to the Catania plain, its capture was expected to speed the advance and lead to the eventual defeat of the Axis forces in Sicily. On the way
another crossing, Melati bridge was to be captured by Commandos and held until relieved. Operation Fustian was launched on 13 July the aim being for airborne forces with parachute drop and glider landings to secure the bridge. They would hold until relieved by the advance of XIII Corps, including the 50th Northumbrian Division. By dawn, the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division had only managed to advance 10 miles and were still 8 miles from No. 3 Commando at the Melati bridge and 15 miles from Primosole Bridge. It was not until 17:00 that the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, eventually reached Malati Bridge, although by now the commandos had been forced to withdraw. The bridge was quickly captured; the commandos had dismantled the demolition charges so that it could not be demolished. Lance Serjeant Lawrence Albert Rawlins died on 14 July 1943 aged 24 and is buried in Catania War Cemetery.
Peter Stone - P/JX 399591
Peter Stone was born in Ashover, Derbyshire on 13 August 1924, the son of George and May Stone. The family later lived at Sunrae Bonet Lane, Brinsworth.
Peter enlisted in the Royal Navy on 8 February 1943, service number P/JX 399591. He was an Able Seaman, and his unit was nominally H.M.S. President III. This was a shore based establishment for sailors that were known as DEMS Gunners. DEMS were Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships of the merchant navy that were equipped with limited armament to assist in convoy defense. In February 1924 Peter was on board the SS Salviking, a British Vessel of 1,121 tons built in 1942 for the admiralty as a salvage ship. At 16:00 on 12 February 1944 the Salviking was ordered to sea from Columbo in Ceylon to Addu Aoll in the Maldives. The troopship Khedive Ismail had been torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I–27. The ship was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Paladin and Petard, which succeeded in sinking the submarine: However Paladin suffered damage from the submarine's hydra plane that had opened up a hole 20 feet long and 2 feet wide in her hull. Her crew had moved everything possible to the starboard side to bring the damage above the water and she was beached on a island in Addu Atoll in the Maldives. Salviking set sail that evening after embarking six Royal Navy divers under the command of a Warrant Officer, who were to assist Salviking's two divers if required. The sea was flat, and the moon made everything as bright as if it was daylight and every movement produced brilliant phosphorescence. At the change of the watch at midnight going into 14th February 1944 the Second Mate on watch shouted through the wireless cabin porthole that the ship was being attacked. He had quite clearly seen a torpedo going under the ship in the phosphorescence. The submarine, U-168 adjusted the depth of the second torpedo which hit the Salviking in the stern partly destroying some of the accommodation aft. The Ship sank with the loss of 17 of crew from a total of 55. Peter Stone was 19 years old and is listed on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
U-168 was sunk later in 1944, at 01:30hrs on 6 October, 1944 in the Java Sea, in position 06.20S, 111.28E, by a torpedo from the Dutch submarine HrMs Zwaardvisch. 23 dead and 27 survivors.
Peter enlisted in the Royal Navy on 8 February 1943, service number P/JX 399591. He was an Able Seaman, and his unit was nominally H.M.S. President III. This was a shore based establishment for sailors that were known as DEMS Gunners. DEMS were Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships of the merchant navy that were equipped with limited armament to assist in convoy defense. In February 1924 Peter was on board the SS Salviking, a British Vessel of 1,121 tons built in 1942 for the admiralty as a salvage ship. At 16:00 on 12 February 1944 the Salviking was ordered to sea from Columbo in Ceylon to Addu Aoll in the Maldives. The troopship Khedive Ismail had been torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I–27. The ship was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Paladin and Petard, which succeeded in sinking the submarine: However Paladin suffered damage from the submarine's hydra plane that had opened up a hole 20 feet long and 2 feet wide in her hull. Her crew had moved everything possible to the starboard side to bring the damage above the water and she was beached on a island in Addu Atoll in the Maldives. Salviking set sail that evening after embarking six Royal Navy divers under the command of a Warrant Officer, who were to assist Salviking's two divers if required. The sea was flat, and the moon made everything as bright as if it was daylight and every movement produced brilliant phosphorescence. At the change of the watch at midnight going into 14th February 1944 the Second Mate on watch shouted through the wireless cabin porthole that the ship was being attacked. He had quite clearly seen a torpedo going under the ship in the phosphorescence. The submarine, U-168 adjusted the depth of the second torpedo which hit the Salviking in the stern partly destroying some of the accommodation aft. The Ship sank with the loss of 17 of crew from a total of 55. Peter Stone was 19 years old and is listed on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
U-168 was sunk later in 1944, at 01:30hrs on 6 October, 1944 in the Java Sea, in position 06.20S, 111.28E, by a torpedo from the Dutch submarine HrMs Zwaardvisch. 23 dead and 27 survivors.
Lewis Smith - 2653958
Cap Badge of the Coldstream Guards
Lewis Smith was born in Rotherham about august 1910, he was the eighth of ten children born to coal miner John Thomas Smith and his wife of 17 years Sarah Ellen (nee Larder). The couple were married in Wakefield and initially there before moving to Rotherham in about 1907. They lived at 110 Duncan Street, Rotherham. Lewis was married in Rotherham in late 1937 and the couple lived at Lewmar House, Brinsworth.
Lewis enlisted in the Army and was a Guardsman in the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards, service number 2653958. The 5th Battalion served as part of the Guards Armoured Division and in early June 1944 were awaiting transfer to France. They were loaded on ship in Victoria Dock, Londonon 18 June and moved to station of Southend. Sailing was cancelled a couple of times until 20:00 on 23rd when the set off in convoy for the Normandy beaches. They arrived off ‘Gold’ beach just over 24 hours later and anchored up until next morning to be disembarked on 25 June. After arriving on land they were moved to a concentration area and on the 28th moved into the line at Marcelet on the edge of Caen’s airfield at Carpiquet. Lewis was one of four men from the battalion killed by shelling and mortar attacks on 28 June. He was 32 years old and now lies in St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, which is 10 kilometres west of Caen.
Notes
The battalion war diary for 28 June shows:
0900 hours
Commanding Officer went to Brigade ‘O’ Group.
General situation - a large scale attack is being launched on the 8 CORPS’front South East across the River ODON.
The Brigade is to come under command of 8 CORPS again and take up a defensive position on the Left flank of 8 CORPS with:-
1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS at BRETTEVILLE L’ORGUEILLEUSE 9272 and NORREY ENBESSIN 9270
5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS at ST. MANVIEU 9368
3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS at LE GAULE 9267.
Opposite this sector 12 S.S. Division is strongly entrenched in CARPIQUET Aerodrome 9668.
1100 hours
Commanding Officer and ‘O’ Group arrived at the Battalion H.Q. of the 4th Battalion WILTSHIRE REGIMENT
(43 DIVISION) who are at present holding this position and from whom the Battalion is to take over.
1300 hours
A Company of the WILTSHIRE REGIMENT report that MARCHELET 9468 is clear of enemy.
1320 hours
Battalion column left the Concentration Area.
1630 hours
Leading Company (No. 4) arrived at Battalion D.P. at 927697.
Here the Companies debussed and the transport went to a park at SECQUEVILLE EMBASSIN 9274.
Companies take into the position with them only their Jeep, Carrier, 1x15cwt, and the Support Company weapons.
The Battalion is disposed as follows:- See also Appendix 1
No. 1 COMPANY - WOOD and South end of VILLAGE at 933686, with a Section of Carriers and a Section Anti-Tank guns under command.
No. 2 COMPANY (less 1 Platoon) - North end of VILLAGE 933690.
No. 3 COMPANY - East end of WOOD 936882 with a Section of Carriers and a Section Anti-Tank guns under command.
No. 4 COMPANY - In MARCHELET 9468 with under command a Platoon of No. 2 COMPANY, Section of Carriers, Section of Anti-Tank guns and Section of Mortars.
This Company has a strong point forward of MARCELET and on the outskirts of the AERODROME at 952683 held by the Platoon of No. 2 COMPANY and a group at 933690 and 942685.
Battalion H.Q. and Support Company H.Q. are in an orchard at 933688 with the Mortar Platoon (less 1 Section) and a Section of Carriers.
94th Field Artillery from 43rd Division provide Artillery support with D.F. Tasks as in Appendix 2.
2 Troops of 17-pounders area disposed 5 with No. 2 Company and 3 with No. 4 Company.
Platoon of M.M.G.s from the Brigade Support Group are in position at 927693 so as to fire across the Battalion’s Left flank in a North East direction.
1730 hours
Battalion reported in position.
1830 hours
Stick of bombs straddled the Battalion area. No damage done.
1845 hours
No. 2 Company rounded up a Sniper in their area. He belongs to 1 Bn. P.G.R. Regiment who formerly held this area.
1900 hours
Carrier Platoon sent on to CARPIQUET Aerodrome report snipers in the WOOD at 953675 and they were fired on from a pillbox at 964886.
The Battalion position was shelled and mortared at intervals during the day and there have been some casualties:- 4 Killed and 14 Wounded.
2100 hours
Commanding Officer to Co-ordinating Conference at Brigade H.Q.
Other casualties that day were:
Guardsman John Albert Hacking, 3854048, aged 29
Guardsman Lawrence brazier 2663250, aged 29
Guardsman James Maher 2664041, aged 33
Lewis enlisted in the Army and was a Guardsman in the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards, service number 2653958. The 5th Battalion served as part of the Guards Armoured Division and in early June 1944 were awaiting transfer to France. They were loaded on ship in Victoria Dock, Londonon 18 June and moved to station of Southend. Sailing was cancelled a couple of times until 20:00 on 23rd when the set off in convoy for the Normandy beaches. They arrived off ‘Gold’ beach just over 24 hours later and anchored up until next morning to be disembarked on 25 June. After arriving on land they were moved to a concentration area and on the 28th moved into the line at Marcelet on the edge of Caen’s airfield at Carpiquet. Lewis was one of four men from the battalion killed by shelling and mortar attacks on 28 June. He was 32 years old and now lies in St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, which is 10 kilometres west of Caen.
Notes
The battalion war diary for 28 June shows:
0900 hours
Commanding Officer went to Brigade ‘O’ Group.
General situation - a large scale attack is being launched on the 8 CORPS’front South East across the River ODON.
The Brigade is to come under command of 8 CORPS again and take up a defensive position on the Left flank of 8 CORPS with:-
1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS at BRETTEVILLE L’ORGUEILLEUSE 9272 and NORREY ENBESSIN 9270
5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS at ST. MANVIEU 9368
3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS at LE GAULE 9267.
Opposite this sector 12 S.S. Division is strongly entrenched in CARPIQUET Aerodrome 9668.
1100 hours
Commanding Officer and ‘O’ Group arrived at the Battalion H.Q. of the 4th Battalion WILTSHIRE REGIMENT
(43 DIVISION) who are at present holding this position and from whom the Battalion is to take over.
1300 hours
A Company of the WILTSHIRE REGIMENT report that MARCHELET 9468 is clear of enemy.
1320 hours
Battalion column left the Concentration Area.
1630 hours
Leading Company (No. 4) arrived at Battalion D.P. at 927697.
Here the Companies debussed and the transport went to a park at SECQUEVILLE EMBASSIN 9274.
Companies take into the position with them only their Jeep, Carrier, 1x15cwt, and the Support Company weapons.
The Battalion is disposed as follows:- See also Appendix 1
No. 1 COMPANY - WOOD and South end of VILLAGE at 933686, with a Section of Carriers and a Section Anti-Tank guns under command.
No. 2 COMPANY (less 1 Platoon) - North end of VILLAGE 933690.
No. 3 COMPANY - East end of WOOD 936882 with a Section of Carriers and a Section Anti-Tank guns under command.
No. 4 COMPANY - In MARCHELET 9468 with under command a Platoon of No. 2 COMPANY, Section of Carriers, Section of Anti-Tank guns and Section of Mortars.
This Company has a strong point forward of MARCELET and on the outskirts of the AERODROME at 952683 held by the Platoon of No. 2 COMPANY and a group at 933690 and 942685.
Battalion H.Q. and Support Company H.Q. are in an orchard at 933688 with the Mortar Platoon (less 1 Section) and a Section of Carriers.
94th Field Artillery from 43rd Division provide Artillery support with D.F. Tasks as in Appendix 2.
2 Troops of 17-pounders area disposed 5 with No. 2 Company and 3 with No. 4 Company.
Platoon of M.M.G.s from the Brigade Support Group are in position at 927693 so as to fire across the Battalion’s Left flank in a North East direction.
1730 hours
Battalion reported in position.
1830 hours
Stick of bombs straddled the Battalion area. No damage done.
1845 hours
No. 2 Company rounded up a Sniper in their area. He belongs to 1 Bn. P.G.R. Regiment who formerly held this area.
1900 hours
Carrier Platoon sent on to CARPIQUET Aerodrome report snipers in the WOOD at 953675 and they were fired on from a pillbox at 964886.
The Battalion position was shelled and mortared at intervals during the day and there have been some casualties:- 4 Killed and 14 Wounded.
2100 hours
Commanding Officer to Co-ordinating Conference at Brigade H.Q.
Other casualties that day were:
Guardsman John Albert Hacking, 3854048, aged 29
Guardsman Lawrence brazier 2663250, aged 29
Guardsman James Maher 2664041, aged 33
Arthur Steain-Street (186187)
Arthur Steainstreet was born in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1920. He was the first child of six children born to Arthur Steainstreet and his wife of one year Emily Baugh. The family lived at 94 Atlas Street, Rotherham. He was married in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1942 and a daughter was born early in 1945.
Arthur joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was initially given the service number of 1454520. He trained as a pilot and on 7 October 1944 he was promoted from Flight Sergeant to Pilot Officer, and with this his service number changed to 186187. After training was completed the was posted to 170 Squadron of Bomber Command which flew the Avro Lancaster heavy bomber from Hemswell, Lincolnshire. On the night of 16/17 March 1945 Pilot Officer Steainstreet and his crew were part of the last heavy Bomber Command raid on the city of Nuremberg. A total of 293 aircraft (231 Lancasters of No 1 Group and 46 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitos of No 8 Group) were tasked with attacking the city. In addition Bomber Command sent 225 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitos of No 5 Group to attacked Würzburg. Streainstreet was flying Avro Lancaster serial number ME496 with squadron markings of TC-K and was airborne from Hemswell at 17:31. The aircraft was hit in the rear turret, probably killing the rear gunner as a consequence. The order to bale out quickly followed, but only three managed to get away and were confined to hospital due injuries until they were liberated at the end of the war. The other four crew members, including Arthur Steainstreet, were killed. It was one of 24 Lancasters, all from No 1 Group, lost. Most of these losses were due to German night fighters, which found the bomber stream on its way to the target. Arthur was 24 years old and now lies Durnbach War Cemetery |
Note
The other crew members were:
Sgt Douglas S Cady - Injured
Sgt Robert Surtees 1603505 (navigator), aged 23 - KIA
Sgt J Burns (bomb aimer) - Injured
Sgt S W Kirk (wireless operator) -Injured
Sgt Ronald Charles Rayment 1047297 (air gunner), aged 24 - KIA
Sgt Cyril Edwards 1214188 (rear gunner), aged 23 - KIA
The other crew members were:
Sgt Douglas S Cady - Injured
Sgt Robert Surtees 1603505 (navigator), aged 23 - KIA
Sgt J Burns (bomb aimer) - Injured
Sgt S W Kirk (wireless operator) -Injured
Sgt Ronald Charles Rayment 1047297 (air gunner), aged 24 - KIA
Sgt Cyril Edwards 1214188 (rear gunner), aged 23 - KIA
Leonard Eric Twigg - 1681108
Leonard Eric Twigg was born on 3 September 1921, to Leonard Twigg and Beatrice (nee Bailey). He was married to Kathleen Jessie Charlesworth, of 18 Whitehill
Drive, Brinsworth.
Leonard enlisted in the RAF in April 1942 and after training in Canada was a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) with 239 Squadron flying Mosquito aircraft. Airborne at 17:52 on 23 February 1945 from West Raynham in support (13 Mosquito aircraft) of the main force (367 Lancaster aircraft) operation against Pforzheim, Germany. On return, weather conditions at base were marginal and the crew elected to divert to Foulsham, landing at 22:40, but touching down well up the runway. Unable to stop on the runway, ran into a parked 192 Squadron Halifax at high speed. A fire broke out and the Mosquito was destroyed. The accident happened just as FIDO was being ignited and it is
believed that the pilot may have been disorientated by the sudden rush of flames and smoke. Flight Sergeant Twigg was killed, although his navigator survived. He
is buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, and was 23 years old.
Note
FIDO - Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation - was a fog dispersal system consisting of two pipelines situated along both sides of the runway and through which petrol was pumped along and then out through burner jets positioned at intervals along the pipelines. The vapours were lit from a series of burners, producing walls of flame. Foulsham was one of the few airfields to be fitted with it.
Drive, Brinsworth.
Leonard enlisted in the RAF in April 1942 and after training in Canada was a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) with 239 Squadron flying Mosquito aircraft. Airborne at 17:52 on 23 February 1945 from West Raynham in support (13 Mosquito aircraft) of the main force (367 Lancaster aircraft) operation against Pforzheim, Germany. On return, weather conditions at base were marginal and the crew elected to divert to Foulsham, landing at 22:40, but touching down well up the runway. Unable to stop on the runway, ran into a parked 192 Squadron Halifax at high speed. A fire broke out and the Mosquito was destroyed. The accident happened just as FIDO was being ignited and it is
believed that the pilot may have been disorientated by the sudden rush of flames and smoke. Flight Sergeant Twigg was killed, although his navigator survived. He
is buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, and was 23 years old.
Note
FIDO - Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation - was a fog dispersal system consisting of two pipelines situated along both sides of the runway and through which petrol was pumped along and then out through burner jets positioned at intervals along the pipelines. The vapours were lit from a series of burners, producing walls of flame. Foulsham was one of the few airfields to be fitted with it.
Wilfred Walker - 1897979
Wilfred Walker was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1915 to coal miner Rowland Wilfred Walker and his wife of 14 years Anne (nee Atkin). Wilfred was the youngest son of the couple who lived at 50 Atlas Street, Canklow. He was an Assistant Master at Bishop’s Stortford Institution. His home address was 39 Browning Road.
Wilfred enlisted in the Army in 1940 and became a Corporal, service number 1897979, with 580 Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers. In January 1941 the Greeks as the British Government for troops to counter German aggression. Wilfred was one of over 50,000 Commonwealth troops sent to the country, however the Germans invaded Greece on 6 April 1941. The Germans attacked the Commonwealth forces at Thermopylae on 24 April. It was on this day that Wildred died of wounds and now lies in Phaleron War Cemetery, which is a few miles south-east of Athens. He was 26 years old and left a wife who was a sister at Seacroft Emergency Hospital, Leeds.
Wilfred enlisted in the Army in 1940 and became a Corporal, service number 1897979, with 580 Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers. In January 1941 the Greeks as the British Government for troops to counter German aggression. Wilfred was one of over 50,000 Commonwealth troops sent to the country, however the Germans invaded Greece on 6 April 1941. The Germans attacked the Commonwealth forces at Thermopylae on 24 April. It was on this day that Wildred died of wounds and now lies in Phaleron War Cemetery, which is a few miles south-east of Athens. He was 26 years old and left a wife who was a sister at Seacroft Emergency Hospital, Leeds.