Swinton - Panel Centre Right
Sydney Heald - 160862
Sydney Heald was born in Doncaster registration area in the first quarter of 1909, to coal miner Herbert Heald and his wife of two years Ellen Hannah Goulding. The family
lived at 2 Tyas Place, Herbert Street, Mexborough. Sydney was married in 1935 and lived at 24 Manor Road, Swinton, a son was born three years later.
Sydney enlisted in the Royal Air Force, service number 1117540 and became a Flight Sergeant, then on 14 October 1943 he was promoted to Pilot Officer and his service number changed to 160862. He was a wireless operator/air gunner with 61 Squadron of Bomber Command. On 18 November 1943 Air Chief Marshall Arthur Harris began what became known as the four month Battle of Berlin. On 26 November the seventh major raid in just over a week was sent to the ‘Big City’ as the air crew came to know it. That night 443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos went to Berlin and a diversionary raid on Stuttgart was carried out by 157 Halifaxes and 21 Lancasters. P/O Heald was on board an Avro Lancaster mk I serial number DV339, with squadron markings of QR-W bound for Berlin. The aircraft with 45 hours on the air frame was airborne from its base at Skellingthorpe near Lincoln at 17:21. The aircraft was piloted by an Australian on his 16th mission, and was lost without trace. The seven man crew, including Sydney Heald aged 34, are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew of DV339 were:
P/O John Gilbert McAlpine RAAF – 408917 - Pilot, aged 22
Sgt Eric Vine RAFVR – 1624673 - Flight Engineer, aged 19
P/O Hector William Harris RAAF – 414024 - Navigator, aged 23
P/O Virgil Austin Martin RAAF – 417096 – Air Bomber, aged 33
F/S Bryan Henry Varey RCAF – R/182204 – Air Gunner, aged 31
Sgt Harold Sewell Oldfield RAFVR - 1322967– Air Gunner, aged 21
lived at 2 Tyas Place, Herbert Street, Mexborough. Sydney was married in 1935 and lived at 24 Manor Road, Swinton, a son was born three years later.
Sydney enlisted in the Royal Air Force, service number 1117540 and became a Flight Sergeant, then on 14 October 1943 he was promoted to Pilot Officer and his service number changed to 160862. He was a wireless operator/air gunner with 61 Squadron of Bomber Command. On 18 November 1943 Air Chief Marshall Arthur Harris began what became known as the four month Battle of Berlin. On 26 November the seventh major raid in just over a week was sent to the ‘Big City’ as the air crew came to know it. That night 443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos went to Berlin and a diversionary raid on Stuttgart was carried out by 157 Halifaxes and 21 Lancasters. P/O Heald was on board an Avro Lancaster mk I serial number DV339, with squadron markings of QR-W bound for Berlin. The aircraft with 45 hours on the air frame was airborne from its base at Skellingthorpe near Lincoln at 17:21. The aircraft was piloted by an Australian on his 16th mission, and was lost without trace. The seven man crew, including Sydney Heald aged 34, are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew of DV339 were:
P/O John Gilbert McAlpine RAAF – 408917 - Pilot, aged 22
Sgt Eric Vine RAFVR – 1624673 - Flight Engineer, aged 19
P/O Hector William Harris RAAF – 414024 - Navigator, aged 23
P/O Virgil Austin Martin RAAF – 417096 – Air Bomber, aged 33
F/S Bryan Henry Varey RCAF – R/182204 – Air Gunner, aged 31
Sgt Harold Sewell Oldfield RAFVR - 1322967– Air Gunner, aged 21
Walter Hibbert - 2930883
Walter Hibbert was the son of George Hibbert and Elizabeth
(nee Webb), born in the third quarter of 1919 in Rotherham.
The family lived at 105 Bridge St,
Swinton.
Walter joined the Army and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, service number 2930883. He regiment went to France and Belgium with the British Expeditionary Force. 1st Camerons arrived at Cherbourg on 24 September 1939 and prepared positions at Aix. When the Germans advanced into Belgium in May 1940, 2nd Division advanced to the River Dyle. During the withdrawal of the BEF to Dunkirk, 1st Camerons fought an effective counter attack action on the River Escaut. On 25 May 1940 the battalion, in a defensive position on the La Bassee canal, held off an attack by about 300 tanks. Walter died on 26 May 1940, aged 20 and is buried in La Bassee Communal Cemetery.
Walter joined the Army and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, service number 2930883. He regiment went to France and Belgium with the British Expeditionary Force. 1st Camerons arrived at Cherbourg on 24 September 1939 and prepared positions at Aix. When the Germans advanced into Belgium in May 1940, 2nd Division advanced to the River Dyle. During the withdrawal of the BEF to Dunkirk, 1st Camerons fought an effective counter attack action on the River Escaut. On 25 May 1940 the battalion, in a defensive position on the La Bassee canal, held off an attack by about 300 tanks. Walter died on 26 May 1940, aged 20 and is buried in La Bassee Communal Cemetery.
Harold Hobson - 1506131
Harold Hobson was born in Rotherham in the third quarter 1918,
fourth child of Herbert Hobson and his wife of eight years Frances (nee
Partridge). Herbert was a coal miner and lived with his family at Charnwood Street,
Swinton, and later at 70 Tollbar Road,
Swinton. Harold’s mother Frances died in 1939.
Harold Hobson enlisted in the Army, service number 1506131, and was a Gunner with 176 Battery, 63 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He died on 7 October 1940 in mid-Wales, his death being registered in Merioneth South District, and is buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
Harold Hobson enlisted in the Army, service number 1506131, and was a Gunner with 176 Battery, 63 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He died on 7 October 1940 in mid-Wales, his death being registered in Merioneth South District, and is buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
Sidney Hodgkinson - 1104619
Sidney Hodgkinson was born in the second quarter of 1908 in
Mexborough, second child of Son of Sidney Thomas Hodgkinson and Mary Ann
Hodgkinson. Sidney Thomas was a butchers manager and lived with his wife of
five years at 46 Main St,
Mexborough.
Sidney enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1104619, and eventually attained the rank of Sergeant. He initially served with Balloon Squadrons from 1940-1943 before training as an Air Gunner. At 36, Sgt Hodgkinson was well above the age normally associated with Bomber Command air-crew. After training was completed he was posted to 49 Squadron which was a bomber command heavy bomber unit based at Fiskerton in Lincolnshire. On 6 October 1944 he and his fellow crew were on their fourth mission. He was on board Avro Lancaster PB353 with squadron markings of EA-E on a mission to Bremen. A total of 253 aircraft were on the last of 32 major raids sent to the city. That same night over double the aircraft were sent to Dortmund.Lancaster PB353 was airborne from its base at 17:24 and was presumed lost over the entrance to the Baltic. Another 49 Squadron Lancaster was also not to return, from a total of five aircraft lost. Six of the crew have no known graves but the body of one of the airmen was washed ashore and he was buried on 11 December 1944 in Risor Civil Cemetery, Norway.
Sidney is recorded as dying on 6 October 1944, aged 36 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.
Sidney enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1104619, and eventually attained the rank of Sergeant. He initially served with Balloon Squadrons from 1940-1943 before training as an Air Gunner. At 36, Sgt Hodgkinson was well above the age normally associated with Bomber Command air-crew. After training was completed he was posted to 49 Squadron which was a bomber command heavy bomber unit based at Fiskerton in Lincolnshire. On 6 October 1944 he and his fellow crew were on their fourth mission. He was on board Avro Lancaster PB353 with squadron markings of EA-E on a mission to Bremen. A total of 253 aircraft were on the last of 32 major raids sent to the city. That same night over double the aircraft were sent to Dortmund.Lancaster PB353 was airborne from its base at 17:24 and was presumed lost over the entrance to the Baltic. Another 49 Squadron Lancaster was also not to return, from a total of five aircraft lost. Six of the crew have no known graves but the body of one of the airmen was washed ashore and he was buried on 11 December 1944 in Risor Civil Cemetery, Norway.
Sidney is recorded as dying on 6 October 1944, aged 36 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.
Harry Reginald Hollings - 1433950
Harry Reginald Hollings was born in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1923. He had a twin sister, and they were born to Harry Hollings and Ann Elizabeth (nee Booth) who
had married in 1910. His father was employed as a colliery deputy and the couple initially lived at 23 High St, West Melton, and later moved to Glencairn, Racecourse Road, Swinton, Mexborough.
Harry Reginald Hollings enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1433950. He attained the rank of Flight Sergeant and was a pilot. He was based at Melton Mowbray with No 12 Ferry Unit. On 6 March 1945 Harry was ferrying a Supermarine Spitfire, serial number JK620 to the Middle East. During the flight over the Limousin region of west-central France Flt Sgt Hollings’ aircraft had engine trouble and he decided to make an emergency landing near the village of Etivaux. Unfortunately the weather was extreme with very thick fog, and the wing tip caught the ground causing the Spitfire to crash and catch fire. Harry Reginald Hollings was 21 years old and was buried in Limoges (Louyat) Communal Cemetery.
had married in 1910. His father was employed as a colliery deputy and the couple initially lived at 23 High St, West Melton, and later moved to Glencairn, Racecourse Road, Swinton, Mexborough.
Harry Reginald Hollings enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1433950. He attained the rank of Flight Sergeant and was a pilot. He was based at Melton Mowbray with No 12 Ferry Unit. On 6 March 1945 Harry was ferrying a Supermarine Spitfire, serial number JK620 to the Middle East. During the flight over the Limousin region of west-central France Flt Sgt Hollings’ aircraft had engine trouble and he decided to make an emergency landing near the village of Etivaux. Unfortunately the weather was extreme with very thick fog, and the wing tip caught the ground causing the Spitfire to crash and catch fire. Harry Reginald Hollings was 21 years old and was buried in Limoges (Louyat) Communal Cemetery.
George Hollock - 3059850
George Hollock was born in Rotherham
in the second quarter of 1918, son of Richard Hollock and Lucy (nee Allen). He was married
to Muriel (nee Thompson) in Goole in early 1942.
George Hollock enlisted in the Army, service number 3059850, being a Private in 1st Battalion, Royal Scots. The battalion was sent to Burma and for the Arakan was part of the 26th Indian Infantry Division’s 6th Infantry Brigade. On 3 April, the main body of the Japanese 55th Division ("Tanahashi Force", consisting mainly of the 112th Regiment) crossed the Mayu Range at a point where British officers had regarded the range as impassable and cut the coastal track behind the leading British troops. They captured the village of Indin, where they also overran the headquarters of British 6th Brigade. George’s death is reported as being between 3rd and 4th April 1943, aged 24 and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.
George Hollock enlisted in the Army, service number 3059850, being a Private in 1st Battalion, Royal Scots. The battalion was sent to Burma and for the Arakan was part of the 26th Indian Infantry Division’s 6th Infantry Brigade. On 3 April, the main body of the Japanese 55th Division ("Tanahashi Force", consisting mainly of the 112th Regiment) crossed the Mayu Range at a point where British officers had regarded the range as impassable and cut the coastal track behind the leading British troops. They captured the village of Indin, where they also overran the headquarters of British 6th Brigade. George’s death is reported as being between 3rd and 4th April 1943, aged 24 and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.
Wilfred Lockwood - P/JX 311635
Wilfred Lockwood was the son of John Lockwood and Hetty (nee
White) of 13 Kemps Yard, Swinton.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number P/JX 311635, and was an Able Seaman. His unit was HMS President III, which was the Naval Gunnery training base, where Royal Naval seamen were trained to man guns on Merchant Naval vessels, known as Defence Equipped Merchant Ships. In early 1943 he was part of the crew of the motor tanker Empire Light. The Empire Light sailed in ballast as part of convoy ON-168 from Manchester to New York on 21 February 1943. At about 18:20 hours on 7 March 1943 the U-638 attacked the straggler Empire Light some four hundred miles southwest of Cape Farewell. The ship was damaged and abandoned by its crew. Forty five men (39 crew members and six gunners) were lost whilst four crew members, including the Master and one gunner were picked up by the British destroyer HMS Beverley (H 64) and landed at St. Johns, Newfoundland. Although abandoned the Empire Light did not sink immediately. It was found late in the evening of 12 March 1943 by U-468 which then sank the tanker at position: 53.57N, 46.14W.
Wilfred Lockwood died on 7 March 1943, aged 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
Within a few months the crews of both U-boats involving in sinking the Empire Light were to meet the same fate themselves.
On 5 May 1943 U-638 was sunk in the North Atlantic north-east of Newfoundland, in position 54.12N, 44.05W, by depth charges from the British corvette HMS Sunflower. 44 dead (all hands lost).
On August 11th 1943 near Bathurst (position 12.20N, 20.07W) a British Liberator aircraft from Squadron 200/D attacked the U-468 with depth charges, in response the U-Boat fired upon the aircraft which was in charge of Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg RNZAF. The Liberator was brought down by the U-Boat's gunfire, but in pressing home their attack, the depth charges found their mark and U-468 was also lost, with only seven survivors. Ironically the testimony of the U-Boat survivors, including their commander Klemens Schamong, led to the crew of the Liberator being awarded posthumously the Victoria Cross.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number P/JX 311635, and was an Able Seaman. His unit was HMS President III, which was the Naval Gunnery training base, where Royal Naval seamen were trained to man guns on Merchant Naval vessels, known as Defence Equipped Merchant Ships. In early 1943 he was part of the crew of the motor tanker Empire Light. The Empire Light sailed in ballast as part of convoy ON-168 from Manchester to New York on 21 February 1943. At about 18:20 hours on 7 March 1943 the U-638 attacked the straggler Empire Light some four hundred miles southwest of Cape Farewell. The ship was damaged and abandoned by its crew. Forty five men (39 crew members and six gunners) were lost whilst four crew members, including the Master and one gunner were picked up by the British destroyer HMS Beverley (H 64) and landed at St. Johns, Newfoundland. Although abandoned the Empire Light did not sink immediately. It was found late in the evening of 12 March 1943 by U-468 which then sank the tanker at position: 53.57N, 46.14W.
Wilfred Lockwood died on 7 March 1943, aged 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Note
Within a few months the crews of both U-boats involving in sinking the Empire Light were to meet the same fate themselves.
On 5 May 1943 U-638 was sunk in the North Atlantic north-east of Newfoundland, in position 54.12N, 44.05W, by depth charges from the British corvette HMS Sunflower. 44 dead (all hands lost).
On August 11th 1943 near Bathurst (position 12.20N, 20.07W) a British Liberator aircraft from Squadron 200/D attacked the U-468 with depth charges, in response the U-Boat fired upon the aircraft which was in charge of Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg RNZAF. The Liberator was brought down by the U-Boat's gunfire, but in pressing home their attack, the depth charges found their mark and U-468 was also lost, with only seven survivors. Ironically the testimony of the U-Boat survivors, including their commander Klemens Schamong, led to the crew of the Liberator being awarded posthumously the Victoria Cross.
Cecil Machon - 893600
Cyril Machon was born in Rotherham
in the second quarter of 1918 to George William Machon and Mary Ann (Foster) of
70 Piccadilly, Swinton. He was educated at Kilnhurst
National School
and Mexbro Secondary School, and then later employed
at Kilnhurst Colliery
Cecil Machon enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 893600, he became a Lance Bombardier in 11 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. He served most of his five years service abroad as the 11th Field went from being in India in 1939 to Iraq in 1941 and then on to North Africa, where they were involved in the action at El Alamein. Later they went to Syria, then back to North Africa and onto Italy in late 1943. He was killed on 11 June 1944, aged 26 and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery.
Cecil Machon enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 893600, he became a Lance Bombardier in 11 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. He served most of his five years service abroad as the 11th Field went from being in India in 1939 to Iraq in 1941 and then on to North Africa, where they were involved in the action at El Alamein. Later they went to Syria, then back to North Africa and onto Italy in late 1943. He was killed on 11 June 1944, aged 26 and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery.
Edward Arthur Makin - 2599987
Edward Arthur Makin was born in the third quarter of 1908 in
Doncaster, to Thomas Makin and his wife of
seven years, Gertrude (nee Ward). Thomas was a boot maker and repairer, and
lived with his family at 2 Don View, Mexborough. Edward was married in the second
quarter of 1935 to Nellie (nee barrowcliffe), and the couple who lived at 10 Wood St, Swinton
had two children.
Edward joined the Army, service number 2599987, and was a Signalman in the Royal Corps of Signals. He was a despatch rider and accidently killed in West Cheshire district on 13 August 1944, aged 36 and was buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
Edward joined the Army, service number 2599987, and was a Signalman in the Royal Corps of Signals. He was a despatch rider and accidently killed in West Cheshire district on 13 August 1944, aged 36 and was buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
Joseph Mapplebeck - T/66644
Joseph Mapplebeck was born in Rotherham in 1920 to Joseph Mapplebeck and Emily (nee Wright). Prior to enlisting in the Army he was employed Manvers Main Colliery. He was married in 1940 to May (nee Attree), and lived at 26 Osberton St, Rawmarsh. The couple had two children, one of which was born after he was sent to the Far East.
Joseph enlisted in the Army in 1937, service number T/66644, and became a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the Royal Artillery. He service with the British Expeditionary Force and saw action at Calais and Dunkirk in 1940, before being posted to the Far East. He was one of the tens of thousands that fell into captivity when Singapore was captured. On 9 October 1942 he was within a party known as Java 1 and sent from Singapore to Kuching on the island of Borneo. He was later moved to Labuan and is reported to have died there on 11 December 1944, aged 24 and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Joseph enlisted in the Army in 1937, service number T/66644, and became a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the Royal Artillery. He service with the British Expeditionary Force and saw action at Calais and Dunkirk in 1940, before being posted to the Far East. He was one of the tens of thousands that fell into captivity when Singapore was captured. On 9 October 1942 he was within a party known as Java 1 and sent from Singapore to Kuching on the island of Borneo. He was later moved to Labuan and is reported to have died there on 11 December 1944, aged 24 and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Frank Mason - 946342
Frank Mason was born in Sheffield in the second quarter of 1915, first child of George Harry Mason and Mary Ellen (nee Bunting), who had married two years previously. Frank married Angela Mason and lived at Cliffield Road, Swinton.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 946342, and became an air gunner with the rank of Pilot Officer. He served with 207 Squadron of Bomber Command which was based at Waddington, just south of Lincoln. On 13 October 1941 he was the rear gunner on Avro Manchester mk I serial number LM7321 coded EM-D, which was airborne from its base from Cologne. The Manchester was a two engined bomber that was a rare failure from the A.V. Roe aircraft company, mainly due to engine difficulties, it did however spawn the momentus Lancaster. The target for the bombers, was the Cologne Railway Station, which was attacked by 30 Hampdens and 9 Manchesters. LM321 was held in searchlight beams over Liege. It was shot down by a Me110C night fighter (Oberleutnant Heinrich Griese, 1./NJG1 based at St Trond). The attack was devastating, only two managing to bale out before the aircraft crashed and exploded at Horion-Hozemont, 4km east of Comblain-au-Pont and 17km south of Liege, Belgium at 04:44 local time.
Frank Mason died on 14 October 1941, aged 26 and was originally buried in Brustem/St.Trond before being later place in the Commonwealth War Graves facility at Heverlee War Cemetery.
Note
Other crew members were:
Pilot - P/O Joseph Unsworth DFM RAFVR - kia
2nd Pilot - Howard Bertram Carroll RAFVR - evaded
Observer - P/O William Egbert Simpson RCAF - kia
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - Sgt Gilbert Thomas Cox RAFVR - evaded
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - Flight Sgt Ernest Moulding RAF - kia
Air Gunner (front) - Sgt Alexander Fernie Dickson RCAF - kia
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 946342, and became an air gunner with the rank of Pilot Officer. He served with 207 Squadron of Bomber Command which was based at Waddington, just south of Lincoln. On 13 October 1941 he was the rear gunner on Avro Manchester mk I serial number LM7321 coded EM-D, which was airborne from its base from Cologne. The Manchester was a two engined bomber that was a rare failure from the A.V. Roe aircraft company, mainly due to engine difficulties, it did however spawn the momentus Lancaster. The target for the bombers, was the Cologne Railway Station, which was attacked by 30 Hampdens and 9 Manchesters. LM321 was held in searchlight beams over Liege. It was shot down by a Me110C night fighter (Oberleutnant Heinrich Griese, 1./NJG1 based at St Trond). The attack was devastating, only two managing to bale out before the aircraft crashed and exploded at Horion-Hozemont, 4km east of Comblain-au-Pont and 17km south of Liege, Belgium at 04:44 local time.
Frank Mason died on 14 October 1941, aged 26 and was originally buried in Brustem/St.Trond before being later place in the Commonwealth War Graves facility at Heverlee War Cemetery.
Note
Other crew members were:
Pilot - P/O Joseph Unsworth DFM RAFVR - kia
2nd Pilot - Howard Bertram Carroll RAFVR - evaded
Observer - P/O William Egbert Simpson RCAF - kia
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - Sgt Gilbert Thomas Cox RAFVR - evaded
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - Flight Sgt Ernest Moulding RAF - kia
Air Gunner (front) - Sgt Alexander Fernie Dickson RCAF - kia