Kilnhurst
The Kilnhurst War Memorial is in the entrance to the cemetery on Highthorn Road.
It bear the names of 53 men who gave their lives during the First World War, and 15 casualties from World War Two.
The inscription for WWII reads 'These also gave their lives in the war 1939-45'
It bear the names of 53 men who gave their lives during the First World War, and 15 casualties from World War Two.
The inscription for WWII reads 'These also gave their lives in the war 1939-45'
Additional Information
Wilfred Bailey (D/SSX 24850)
Royal Navy - H.M.S. Hunter 10 April 1940 Lost when vessel sunk in the Norwegian Sea Plymouth Naval Memorial Robert Shirra Spratt Black (740580) Royal Air Force - 7 FTS (Flying Training School) 2 March 1940, aged 24 Hart aircraft crashed on a training flight Peterborough (Eastfield) Cemetery Fred Brown (1520641) Royal Artillery - 2 Bty., 1 Searchlight Regiment 18 - 25 May 1940, aged 21 Killed in action in France with the British Expeditionary Force Dunkirk Memorial Clarence Hopkins (4756854) Royal Armoured Corps - 150th (10th Bn. The York and Lancaster) Regiment 15 March 1945, aged 28 Died in the Burma Campaign Taukkyan War Cemetery James Lowe (FAA/SFX. 2352) Royal Navy - H.M.S. Avenger 15 November 1942, aged 20 Lost when vessel sunk in the Atlantic Lee-On-Solent Memorial Arthur Moorhouse (D/KX 84321) Royal Navy - H.M.S. Centurion 19 November 1943, aged 31 Died in Yorkshire Swinton (St. Margaret) Churchyard John Newton (1903480) Royal Engineers - 275 Field Coy. 19 March 1943, aged 28 Died of wounds during the North Africa Campaign Sfax War Cemetery Joseph Scott (2663055) Coldstream Guards 1 September 1940, aged 20 Died in Surrey as the result of an air raid Brookwood Memorial |
George Taylor (C/JX 188656)
Royal Navy - H.M.L.C.T. 8. 26 April 1943, aged 31 Died on war service in the UK Kilnhurst (St. Thomas) Churchyard Extension Norman Patrick Thompson (S/147107) Royal Army Service Corps 28 May 1940, aged 31 Died at sea during the Dunkirk evacuation Olonne-Sur-Mer Communal Cemetery Frederick William Thompson (658258) Royal Air Force - 626 Sqdn. 27 November 1943, aged 25 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery Benjamin Patrick Ward (7880738) Royal Engineers 2 October 1943, aged 33 Died in Middle East Basra War Cemetery Lionel Whitehead (14751815) King's Own Scottish Borderers - 1st Bn. 13 April 1945, aged 19 Killed in action in Germany Becklingen War Cemetery Cyril Windle (4464887) Durham Light Infantry - 16th Bn. 27 February - 1 March 1943, aged 29 Killed in action during the North African Campaign Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery Harry Woffenden (190918) Royal Air Force - 12 Sqdn. 16 March 1945, aged 36 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Durnbach War Cemetery |
Wilfred Bailey - D/SSX 24850
HMS Hunter
Wilfred Bailey was born in late 1916 in Rotherham, youngest child of coal miner William Bailey and his wife Lily (nee Keeton) of 43 Victoria Street, Kilnhurst.
Wilfred joined the Royal navy, service number D/SSX 24850 and was an Able Seaman on the destroyer HMS Hunter. In April 1940 after the German invasion of Norway HMS Hunter was part of the naval forces sent to counter the aggression. With a force of destroyers went to lay mines lay mines in Vest Fjord, Norway, and after that joined the
battle-cruiser HMS Renown off Narvik. On 10 April as part of the 2nd Destoryer Flottilla took part in action against German destroyers in Ofotfjord, known as the 1st Battle of Narvik. Hunter received several direct hits which disabled
steering and started fire. It then collided with the destroyer HMS Hotspur and sustained further direct hits. The ship sank in the centre of the fjord in position 68º20' North, 17º04' East.
Wilfred Bailey was one of 107 of ship's company were killed in this action and five later died of wounds. He was 23 years old and is remembered in the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Wilfred joined the Royal navy, service number D/SSX 24850 and was an Able Seaman on the destroyer HMS Hunter. In April 1940 after the German invasion of Norway HMS Hunter was part of the naval forces sent to counter the aggression. With a force of destroyers went to lay mines lay mines in Vest Fjord, Norway, and after that joined the
battle-cruiser HMS Renown off Narvik. On 10 April as part of the 2nd Destoryer Flottilla took part in action against German destroyers in Ofotfjord, known as the 1st Battle of Narvik. Hunter received several direct hits which disabled
steering and started fire. It then collided with the destroyer HMS Hotspur and sustained further direct hits. The ship sank in the centre of the fjord in position 68º20' North, 17º04' East.
Wilfred Bailey was one of 107 of ship's company were killed in this action and five later died of wounds. He was 23 years old and is remembered in the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Robert Shirra Spratt Black - 740580
Robert Shirra Spratt Black was born on 10 February 1916 in Tarbrax, Lanarkshire, Scotland to David and Mary A Black. He attended Hamilton Academy. Robert learned to fly at Renfrew Aerodrome, with the Scottish Flying Club. His certificate was given on 22 May 1934 in a DeHavilland Moth Gipsy III 120 hp. At this time his address was Southfield, Alice Avenue, Bellshill, Lanarkshire. He was employed by Metropolitan Vickers and is listed on listed on their Trafford Park Memorial. His father later lived at Beechwood House, Kilnhurst.
He enlisted in 1939 in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Robert was a Sergeant (Pilot) with service number 740580. On 2 March 1940 Robert was in Hawker Hart I serial number K4997 of 7 Service Flying Training School from Westwood Airfield which dived into the ground at Nassington near Wansford, Huntingdonshire.
Robert was 24 when he was killed and is buried in Peterborough (Eastfield) Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Pilot officer, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a
Sergeant (Pilot)
He enlisted in 1939 in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Robert was a Sergeant (Pilot) with service number 740580. On 2 March 1940 Robert was in Hawker Hart I serial number K4997 of 7 Service Flying Training School from Westwood Airfield which dived into the ground at Nassington near Wansford, Huntingdonshire.
Robert was 24 when he was killed and is buried in Peterborough (Eastfield) Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Pilot officer, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a
Sergeant (Pilot)
Fred Brown - 1520641
Fred Brown was born in County Durham, son of Mr & Mrs H Brown, later of 5 Russell Road, Kilnhurst. He was employed at Kilnhurst Colliery and lived at William Street, Kilnhurst.
He was a Gunner, service number 1520641, in the Royal Artillery with 2 Battery, 1 Searchlight Regiment. The unit went to Francein early 1940 with the British
Expeditionary Force and was involved in the withdrawal to Dunkirk. At Coulognes on 23 May, 1 Searchlight Regiment held up the advance of 1 Panzer Division south of
Calais. The searchlight gunners gave a good account of themselves before destroying their equipment and joining the Green Jackets as infantrymen. The gunners of the searchlight and anti-aircraft regiments fought bravely in this and many other isolated actions, their contribution is little known.
Fred Brown is recorded as having died, aged 21, between 18th and 25th May 1940, and is listed on the Dunkirk Memorial.
He was a Gunner, service number 1520641, in the Royal Artillery with 2 Battery, 1 Searchlight Regiment. The unit went to Francein early 1940 with the British
Expeditionary Force and was involved in the withdrawal to Dunkirk. At Coulognes on 23 May, 1 Searchlight Regiment held up the advance of 1 Panzer Division south of
Calais. The searchlight gunners gave a good account of themselves before destroying their equipment and joining the Green Jackets as infantrymen. The gunners of the searchlight and anti-aircraft regiments fought bravely in this and many other isolated actions, their contribution is little known.
Fred Brown is recorded as having died, aged 21, between 18th and 25th May 1940, and is listed on the Dunkirk Memorial.
Clarence Hopkins - 4756854
Clarence Hopkins was born in early 1916 to Harry Hopkins and Lily (nee Cowling), his birth was registered in Glanford Brigg District, Lincolnshire. He was married in late 1936 in Rotherham, and lived with his wife in Kilnhurst. The couple had a son the following year and a daughter in 1942.
Clarence was a Trooper, service number 4756854, in the 150th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. The 150th Regiment was raised from 10th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment and converted to tanks in India, becoming part of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade. The brigade were part of XXXIII Corps push through Central Burma, and on towards Mandalay. During January and February 1945, XXXIII Corps cleared the Shwebo plain and established bridgeheads over the Irrawaddy River near Mandalay.
Clarence Hopkins was killed on 15 March 1945, five days before the fall of Mandalay. He was 28 years old and now rests in Taukkyan War Cemetery, which about 35 kilometres north of Yangon (formerly Rangoon),Burma.
Clarence was a Trooper, service number 4756854, in the 150th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. The 150th Regiment was raised from 10th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment and converted to tanks in India, becoming part of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade. The brigade were part of XXXIII Corps push through Central Burma, and on towards Mandalay. During January and February 1945, XXXIII Corps cleared the Shwebo plain and established bridgeheads over the Irrawaddy River near Mandalay.
Clarence Hopkins was killed on 15 March 1945, five days before the fall of Mandalay. He was 28 years old and now rests in Taukkyan War Cemetery, which about 35 kilometres north of Yangon (formerly Rangoon),Burma.
James Lowe - FAA/SFX 2352
HMS Avenger with six Sea Hurricanes on deck
James Lowe was the son of James Lowe and Mary (nee Parton), born in Middlesborough in 1921. The family later moved to Rotherham and lived at 14 Stewarts Rd, Rawmarsh. He was educated at Haugh Road Modern School where he became school swimming champion. James was known by the nickname of Paddy and after leaving school he
was employed as a Bricklayer.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1941 and was an Air Mechanic 1st Class, service number FAA/SFX 2352. In 1942 he was serving on HMS Avenger. The Avenger was a 9,000 ton escort aircraft carrier, which had been commissioned on 2 March 1942. Originally launched as a passenger-cargo ship in 1940 and completed in mid 1941, it was purchased just weeks later by the US Navy for conversion. It was involved in the November 1942 operation ‘Torch’ landings in North
Africa providing fighter cover from its on-board complement of Sea Hurricanes. On 10 November Avenger transferred her remaining serviceable four Sea Hurricanes to HMS Argus. It entered the newly occupied Port of Algiers for engine repairs. Avenger was ready for sea again by the 12th, leaving Algiers early in the morning to form up with convoy MKF 1(Y). This convoy comprised of vessels that had taken part in the landings. This convoy reached Gibraltar Harbour on the morning of 14 November then the convoy came under attack 45 nautical miles south of Cape Santa Maria, Portugal. Shortly after 03:05 on the morning of the 15th, the convoy escort commander ordering an immediate turn to starboard, detecting a U-Boat in the area. U-155 was at that moment preparing to fire torpedoes, and was forced to fire from a considerably longer distance that originally planned. The submarines commander fired two torpedoes at this longer range, and a third shortly after as the range closed. The first ship hit was the USS Almaack, she was hit as she steadied on the new heading, and moments later a second ship, the HMTS Ettrick the third torpedo struck HMS Avenger port side amidships at 03:20 (GMT). This was a catastrophic hit for Avenger, the resulting explosion ripped through her Bomb Room and ignited the munitions stored there; the ship literally had her guts torn out by the resulting secondary explosions. The centre section of the ship gone her bow and stern sections rose in the air as her back broke; HMS Avenger sank in under 5 minutes with only 12 survivors.The position of the sinking was 36.15N 07.45W, west of Gibraltar, taking with her Avenger's Commanding Officer, 67 Officers and 446 ratings.
James Lowe was 20 years old when he died and is remembered on the Fleet Air Arm’s Lee-On-Solent Memorial to almost 2,000 men of that service who died during the
Second World War and who have no known grave.
was employed as a Bricklayer.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1941 and was an Air Mechanic 1st Class, service number FAA/SFX 2352. In 1942 he was serving on HMS Avenger. The Avenger was a 9,000 ton escort aircraft carrier, which had been commissioned on 2 March 1942. Originally launched as a passenger-cargo ship in 1940 and completed in mid 1941, it was purchased just weeks later by the US Navy for conversion. It was involved in the November 1942 operation ‘Torch’ landings in North
Africa providing fighter cover from its on-board complement of Sea Hurricanes. On 10 November Avenger transferred her remaining serviceable four Sea Hurricanes to HMS Argus. It entered the newly occupied Port of Algiers for engine repairs. Avenger was ready for sea again by the 12th, leaving Algiers early in the morning to form up with convoy MKF 1(Y). This convoy comprised of vessels that had taken part in the landings. This convoy reached Gibraltar Harbour on the morning of 14 November then the convoy came under attack 45 nautical miles south of Cape Santa Maria, Portugal. Shortly after 03:05 on the morning of the 15th, the convoy escort commander ordering an immediate turn to starboard, detecting a U-Boat in the area. U-155 was at that moment preparing to fire torpedoes, and was forced to fire from a considerably longer distance that originally planned. The submarines commander fired two torpedoes at this longer range, and a third shortly after as the range closed. The first ship hit was the USS Almaack, she was hit as she steadied on the new heading, and moments later a second ship, the HMTS Ettrick the third torpedo struck HMS Avenger port side amidships at 03:20 (GMT). This was a catastrophic hit for Avenger, the resulting explosion ripped through her Bomb Room and ignited the munitions stored there; the ship literally had her guts torn out by the resulting secondary explosions. The centre section of the ship gone her bow and stern sections rose in the air as her back broke; HMS Avenger sank in under 5 minutes with only 12 survivors.The position of the sinking was 36.15N 07.45W, west of Gibraltar, taking with her Avenger's Commanding Officer, 67 Officers and 446 ratings.
James Lowe was 20 years old when he died and is remembered on the Fleet Air Arm’s Lee-On-Solent Memorial to almost 2,000 men of that service who died during the
Second World War and who have no known grave.
Arthur Moorhouse - D/KX 84321
Arthur Moorhouse was the first child of Arthur and Frances H (nee Cope), his birth being registered in mid 1912 in Doncaster. He was married in Rotherham in mid 1937, and a son was born a year later.
Arthur joined the Royal Navy and was a Petty Officer Stoker on HMS Centurion, service number D/KX 84321. His death on 19 November 1943 was registered in the Rother Valley District, and he is buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
Arthur joined the Royal Navy and was a Petty Officer Stoker on HMS Centurion, service number D/KX 84321. His death on 19 November 1943 was registered in the Rother Valley District, and he is buried in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard.
John Newton - 1903480
John Newton was born in Wakefield in the first quarter of 1915, to John Newton and Ada Susannah Wormald. John senior was a Wagon Repairer at a Colliery and the family lived at 9 Woodbin Terrace, Outwood, near Wakefield. After leaving school he was employed as a plumber. After John married he lived with his wife at 109 Meadow View, Kilnhurst.
John enlisted in the Army in 1940 and he became a Lance Corporal in 275 Field Company, Royal Engineers. After serving in France and being evacuated from Dunkirk he was posted to North Africa in 1942. By March 1943, with the German forces in retreat Mongomery’s 8th Army was held up by the Mareth Line in Tunisia. The Mareth Line was a system of fortifications built by the French between the towns of Medenine and Gabes, prior to the Second World War. It was designed to defend against attacks from the Italians in Libya, but the Axis forces of Germany and Italy used it as a defensive position. In preparation for the attack on the line scheduled for 19 March, gaps in mine fields would need to be cleared. RE’s 275 Field Coy were part of the 51st Highland Infantry Division which would support the attack of 50th Division.
John Newton was severely wounded in a mine explosion and died in hospital the following day, 19 March 1943. He was 28 years old and now lies in Sfax War Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Sapper, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Lance Corporal
John enlisted in the Army in 1940 and he became a Lance Corporal in 275 Field Company, Royal Engineers. After serving in France and being evacuated from Dunkirk he was posted to North Africa in 1942. By March 1943, with the German forces in retreat Mongomery’s 8th Army was held up by the Mareth Line in Tunisia. The Mareth Line was a system of fortifications built by the French between the towns of Medenine and Gabes, prior to the Second World War. It was designed to defend against attacks from the Italians in Libya, but the Axis forces of Germany and Italy used it as a defensive position. In preparation for the attack on the line scheduled for 19 March, gaps in mine fields would need to be cleared. RE’s 275 Field Coy were part of the 51st Highland Infantry Division which would support the attack of 50th Division.
John Newton was severely wounded in a mine explosion and died in hospital the following day, 19 March 1943. He was 28 years old and now lies in Sfax War Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Sapper, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Lance Corporal
Joseph Scott - 2663055
Joseph Scott was born in Sheffield to Robert Scott and Clara Victoria (nee Winter), his birth being registered in the second quarter of 1920. The family lived in Kilnhurst, and after attending Kilnhust Board & National Schools he was employed by Sheffield Corporation.
Joseph enlisted in the Army on 6 August 1940 and became a Guardsman in the Coldstream Guards, service number 2663055. He was sent to the Guards Training Depot in Caterham, Surrey at the height of the battle of Britain which raged overhead. Kenley Airfield was only about one mile north of the barracks and the comings and goings of fighter aircraft was a common noise. The new recruits woke on Sunday 1 September 1940 to cloudy patches with sunny periods in the morning, temperatures were a little higher than average as the cloud burned off about midday giving way to fine and sunny conditions. At 10:50 hours about 50 enemy aircraft crossed the coast near Dover and other raids followed. By 11:00 hours about 100 enemy aircraft were over Kent and Thames Estuary, some penetrated to Kenley, Biggin Hill, Gravesend, Hornchurch and North Weald. The again at 13:40 hours some 70 enemy aircraft crossed the coast between Dover and Dungeness. A second wave of about eighty aircraft followed. Kenley and Biggin Hill were the objectives, and as the attack continued on to Kenley, Dornier 17 bombers came in low. In the two attacks of the day by German bomber formations, RAF fighter stations had suffered badly. Although Kenley and Biggin Hill had taken the brunt of the damage, Hornchurch, North Weald, Gravesend and Detling also took a battering.
Less than 4 weeks after joining up Guardsman Joseph Scott was killed in an air raid on Kenley, along with six Guardsmen from the Coldstream Guards. He was 20 years old and was buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey.
Notes
His rank is shown on the memorial as Gunner, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Guardsman.
Other Coldstream Guards casualties were killed in the same air raid were:
Sidney Alfred Boor – 2663064
StanleyAlbert Lisher - 2663069
Andrew Nolan - 2663067
William Henry Parkin - 2663047
Charles Ware - 2662717
George William Wright - 2663072
Joseph enlisted in the Army on 6 August 1940 and became a Guardsman in the Coldstream Guards, service number 2663055. He was sent to the Guards Training Depot in Caterham, Surrey at the height of the battle of Britain which raged overhead. Kenley Airfield was only about one mile north of the barracks and the comings and goings of fighter aircraft was a common noise. The new recruits woke on Sunday 1 September 1940 to cloudy patches with sunny periods in the morning, temperatures were a little higher than average as the cloud burned off about midday giving way to fine and sunny conditions. At 10:50 hours about 50 enemy aircraft crossed the coast near Dover and other raids followed. By 11:00 hours about 100 enemy aircraft were over Kent and Thames Estuary, some penetrated to Kenley, Biggin Hill, Gravesend, Hornchurch and North Weald. The again at 13:40 hours some 70 enemy aircraft crossed the coast between Dover and Dungeness. A second wave of about eighty aircraft followed. Kenley and Biggin Hill were the objectives, and as the attack continued on to Kenley, Dornier 17 bombers came in low. In the two attacks of the day by German bomber formations, RAF fighter stations had suffered badly. Although Kenley and Biggin Hill had taken the brunt of the damage, Hornchurch, North Weald, Gravesend and Detling also took a battering.
Less than 4 weeks after joining up Guardsman Joseph Scott was killed in an air raid on Kenley, along with six Guardsmen from the Coldstream Guards. He was 20 years old and was buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey.
Notes
His rank is shown on the memorial as Gunner, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Guardsman.
Other Coldstream Guards casualties were killed in the same air raid were:
Sidney Alfred Boor – 2663064
StanleyAlbert Lisher - 2663069
Andrew Nolan - 2663067
William Henry Parkin - 2663047
Charles Ware - 2662717
George William Wright - 2663072
George Taylor - C/JX 188656
George Taylor was born in Kilnhurst on 22 October 1911, first child of Horace Taylor and Jessica (nee Smith) who had married earlier that year. George was married in Rotherham in 1933 to Marjorie (nee Kirk) and they had four children.
George enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number C/JX 188656, and was an Able Seaman. George was initially reported missing and enquiries were made at his home just in case he had gone absent without leave, but tragically it was found that he had gone overboard from his ship, LCT 8, when it was in harbour in Troon, Ayrshire. He died on 16 April 1943 aged 31 years old leaving an 18 moth old baby boy and two other sons, and is buried in Kilnhurst (St Thomas) Churchyard extension.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Leading Seaman, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Able Seaman.
George enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number C/JX 188656, and was an Able Seaman. George was initially reported missing and enquiries were made at his home just in case he had gone absent without leave, but tragically it was found that he had gone overboard from his ship, LCT 8, when it was in harbour in Troon, Ayrshire. He died on 16 April 1943 aged 31 years old leaving an 18 moth old baby boy and two other sons, and is buried in Kilnhurst (St Thomas) Churchyard extension.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Leading Seaman, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Able Seaman.
Norman Patrick Thompson - S/147107
Norman Patrick Thompson was born in Kilnhurst in 1910, fourth child of Henry Thompson and Elizabeth Ann (nee Cory) of 47 Carlisle St, Kilnhurst. Henry Thompson was a coal miner employed at Manvers Main Colliery. After leaving school Norman was employed at Yorkshire Tar Distillers Ltd, Kilnhurst.
Norman enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number S/147107, and was a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps. He went to France in March 1940 with the British
Expeditionary Force. The BEF was evacuated from Dunkirkin late May 1940, and Normandid not make it back. He was originally posted as missing on 9 July 1940, until his remains were found in November 1940 on Noirmoutier-en-l'Île on the Atlantic coast of France (approx 400 miles from Dunkirk). He is recorded as being lost at sea on 28 May 1940, aged 31, and is now buried Olonne-Sur-Mer Communal Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Corporal, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Private.
Norman enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number S/147107, and was a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps. He went to France in March 1940 with the British
Expeditionary Force. The BEF was evacuated from Dunkirkin late May 1940, and Normandid not make it back. He was originally posted as missing on 9 July 1940, until his remains were found in November 1940 on Noirmoutier-en-l'Île on the Atlantic coast of France (approx 400 miles from Dunkirk). He is recorded as being lost at sea on 28 May 1940, aged 31, and is now buried Olonne-Sur-Mer Communal Cemetery.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Corporal, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Private.
Frederick William Thompson - 658258
Frederick William Thompson was born in Portsmouth in late 1918 to Fred Thompson and Adelaide G (nee Williams).
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force, service number 658258, and became a Sergeant (Air Bomber). By late 1943 he was with 626 Squadron, which was formed on 7
November 1943 at RAF Wickenby in Lincolnshire from C Flight of No 12 Squadron. On 26 November 1943 Sgt Thompson was part of the crew of Avro Lancaster serial number DV295 with squadron markings of UM-M2. It was airborne at 17:15 as part of a 443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos riad on to Berlin, there was also a diversionary raid on Stuttgart carried out by 157 Halifaxes and 21 Lancasters. On return the aircraft flew to Marham in Norfolk, and although it did not communicate with the airfield it received the green light to land. The aircraft passed low over the airfield boundary and during a steep turn to port lost control and hit the ground crashing at 01:13 on 27 November 1943 at Barton Bendish, just outside the airfield. All seven crew on board the aircraft were killed.
Frederick William Thompson was 25 yeas old when he died and was buried in Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery.
Notes
The other members of the crew were:
Flt Sgt K N Windus, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420419
Sgt R Lloyd, (Flight Engineer) RAFVR 1863637
Sgt C F Martin, (Navigator) RAFVR 1576759
Flt Sgt M A Macfarlane, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 4110357
Sgt J Welsh, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAFVR 1001961
Sgt R G May, (Rear Gunner) RAF1439176
The following is extracted from the official report on the loss of the aircraft:
The aircraft when flying over Marham Aerodrome at 400ft commenced a tight turn to port. The aircraft appeared to be under power and control. When in the turn the aircraft flew into the beam of South Eastern Sandra light and immediately lost height and flew into the ground. It would appear that the pilot had been blinded by the Sandra light. The weather at time of accident was visibility 700 yards, No cloud, surface wind 3 mph, QFZ. 1007.8 millibars.
This aircraft was returning from an operational sortie. He was not in communication with Marham. He flashed his lights and was given the green to come in and land. He crossed the aerodrome boundary at 300-400 feet and when about half way up the runway turned to port and dived into the ground. He had not been diverted to Marham, so that the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the aircraft had been damaged and was not under full control.
- There was no news received this station from this aircraft, till HQ No1 group informed us that he had crashed at Marham.
- As not technical failures are available, nor any evidence from a member of the crew, the accident can only be assessed as an error of judgement on the part of the captain, when attempting to land in very adverse weather conditions.
- The statement in para 12 relating to enemy action cannot be substantiated on the evidence available. In the circumstances a steep turn to port may have been necessary to keep the aerodrome lighting in view
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force, service number 658258, and became a Sergeant (Air Bomber). By late 1943 he was with 626 Squadron, which was formed on 7
November 1943 at RAF Wickenby in Lincolnshire from C Flight of No 12 Squadron. On 26 November 1943 Sgt Thompson was part of the crew of Avro Lancaster serial number DV295 with squadron markings of UM-M2. It was airborne at 17:15 as part of a 443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos riad on to Berlin, there was also a diversionary raid on Stuttgart carried out by 157 Halifaxes and 21 Lancasters. On return the aircraft flew to Marham in Norfolk, and although it did not communicate with the airfield it received the green light to land. The aircraft passed low over the airfield boundary and during a steep turn to port lost control and hit the ground crashing at 01:13 on 27 November 1943 at Barton Bendish, just outside the airfield. All seven crew on board the aircraft were killed.
Frederick William Thompson was 25 yeas old when he died and was buried in Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery.
Notes
The other members of the crew were:
Flt Sgt K N Windus, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420419
Sgt R Lloyd, (Flight Engineer) RAFVR 1863637
Sgt C F Martin, (Navigator) RAFVR 1576759
Flt Sgt M A Macfarlane, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 4110357
Sgt J Welsh, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAFVR 1001961
Sgt R G May, (Rear Gunner) RAF1439176
The following is extracted from the official report on the loss of the aircraft:
The aircraft when flying over Marham Aerodrome at 400ft commenced a tight turn to port. The aircraft appeared to be under power and control. When in the turn the aircraft flew into the beam of South Eastern Sandra light and immediately lost height and flew into the ground. It would appear that the pilot had been blinded by the Sandra light. The weather at time of accident was visibility 700 yards, No cloud, surface wind 3 mph, QFZ. 1007.8 millibars.
This aircraft was returning from an operational sortie. He was not in communication with Marham. He flashed his lights and was given the green to come in and land. He crossed the aerodrome boundary at 300-400 feet and when about half way up the runway turned to port and dived into the ground. He had not been diverted to Marham, so that the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the aircraft had been damaged and was not under full control.
- There was no news received this station from this aircraft, till HQ No1 group informed us that he had crashed at Marham.
- As not technical failures are available, nor any evidence from a member of the crew, the accident can only be assessed as an error of judgement on the part of the captain, when attempting to land in very adverse weather conditions.
- The statement in para 12 relating to enemy action cannot be substantiated on the evidence available. In the circumstances a steep turn to port may have been necessary to keep the aerodrome lighting in view
Benjamin Patrick Ward - 7880738
Benjamin Patrick Ward was born in Devonport in 1911 to Frank and Anna Stacia Ward. He at one time is reported to have lived in both Sheffield and Kilnhurst. He married in Essex in 1940.
Benjamin enlisted in the Royal Engineers and became a Staff Sergeant, service number 7880738. Benjamin died in the Middle East on 2 October 1943, aged 33, and left a wife and 3 year old son. He now lies in Basra War Cemetery in Iraq.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Corporal, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Staff Serjeant.
Benjamin enlisted in the Royal Engineers and became a Staff Sergeant, service number 7880738. Benjamin died in the Middle East on 2 October 1943, aged 33, and left a wife and 3 year old son. He now lies in Basra War Cemetery in Iraq.
Note
His rank is shown on the memorial as Corporal, although the record at Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows him as a Staff Serjeant.
Lionel Whitehead - 14751815
Lionel Whitehead was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1926, first child of Lionel Whitehead and Eveline (nee Castledine) of 18 Beighton Road, Kilnhurst.
He was a Private in the 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, service number 14751815. He was killed in action as the war drew to a close with his unit pushing on Bremen. Lionel Whitehead was 19 years old when he died and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery in Northern Germany. The cemetery is positioned on a hillside overlooking Luneburg Heath, approximately 85kms north of Hannover.
He was a Private in the 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, service number 14751815. He was killed in action as the war drew to a close with his unit pushing on Bremen. Lionel Whitehead was 19 years old when he died and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery in Northern Germany. The cemetery is positioned on a hillside overlooking Luneburg Heath, approximately 85kms north of Hannover.
Cyril Windle - 4464887
Cyril Windle was the second child of colliery labourer Joseph Windle and Nellie (nee Holland). He was born in Rotherham, his birth being registered in the second
quarter of 1914. He was married in 1938, and resided at 11 Russell Road, Kilnhurst, a son was born a couple of years later.
He enlisted in the Army, service number 4464887, and was a Private in the 16th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. The battalion was sent to North Africa part of 46th (North
Midland) Division’s 139th Infantry Brigade. The unit had undertaken over eighteen months of training and preparation, the 16th D.L.I. were at last in the front line. It was a strange feeling for those who had been with the Battalion since it was formed. This was the thing for which they had been training for so long yet it was with grim reflection that they realized that should they be careless and show themselves then the enemy they were facing would without any doubts what so ever kill them. Nevertheless, initially things were pretty quiet and the Battalion was fortunate in being allowed time to settle down and accustom itself to the realities of war in easy stages. The positions occupied by the Battalion were over-looked by the enemy who were dug in on the sides of hills known as Greenhill and Baldy. For the next six weeks there was little activity in the battalions sector .. Patrolling in “No mans land" was the order of the day. Owing to the fact that the enemy had such good observation from his posts on the hills above the DLI positions the slightest movement would attract an enemy barrage of mortars or shells. This being the case it did not take long to realise that the bringing up of rations and any other necessary movement would be better off carried out at night. During this period parties of Commandos often passed through the positions held by the Battalion to carry out raids on Greenhill. On 26th February 1943 the long lull of nearly two months was eventually broken as enemy patrols started to become very active in the battalion area. The expectation that the enemy would attack very soon influenced the decision to withdraw the Brigade to a better line of defence but, no sooner had the move been initiated than the Germans attacked in unknown strength and completely overran the village of Monopoles six miles north of Sejenane ,the 16th DLI who were without its Commanding Officer and all of its Company commanders at this time (all had been called away to recce new positions earmarked for a battalion move) were ordered to advance on the Cap Serrat Road and recapture the positions at Monopoles (The hope being that the village was held only by a strong German Fighting Patrol). At approx 07:00hrs on the 27 February the leading Company which was À were surprised by a strong German force which inflicted heavy casualties. Due to the ferocity of the attack all the other companies were left with no alternative but fall back. Orders were received on the 28 February for the 16th DLI to counter attack. `A` company who had been decimated were amalgamated with `D` Company to form a composite Company of some ninety or so men these would lead `C` Company who held a position on the hill were to be reinforced to exploit their initial gain before pushing on in an attempt to occupy higher ground to the north of Sedjenane. The 16th received a battle honour for Sejenane, and it was later written "Sejenane was a wayside railway town in the wet cork forests on the way to Mateur. Whoever held Mateur held Bizerta, and whoever held Green and Bald Hills outside Sejenane held Mateur."
Private Cyril Windle was killed, aged 29, between 27 February and 1 March 1943. He has no known grave and is listed on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial in Tunisia. It commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.
quarter of 1914. He was married in 1938, and resided at 11 Russell Road, Kilnhurst, a son was born a couple of years later.
He enlisted in the Army, service number 4464887, and was a Private in the 16th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. The battalion was sent to North Africa part of 46th (North
Midland) Division’s 139th Infantry Brigade. The unit had undertaken over eighteen months of training and preparation, the 16th D.L.I. were at last in the front line. It was a strange feeling for those who had been with the Battalion since it was formed. This was the thing for which they had been training for so long yet it was with grim reflection that they realized that should they be careless and show themselves then the enemy they were facing would without any doubts what so ever kill them. Nevertheless, initially things were pretty quiet and the Battalion was fortunate in being allowed time to settle down and accustom itself to the realities of war in easy stages. The positions occupied by the Battalion were over-looked by the enemy who were dug in on the sides of hills known as Greenhill and Baldy. For the next six weeks there was little activity in the battalions sector .. Patrolling in “No mans land" was the order of the day. Owing to the fact that the enemy had such good observation from his posts on the hills above the DLI positions the slightest movement would attract an enemy barrage of mortars or shells. This being the case it did not take long to realise that the bringing up of rations and any other necessary movement would be better off carried out at night. During this period parties of Commandos often passed through the positions held by the Battalion to carry out raids on Greenhill. On 26th February 1943 the long lull of nearly two months was eventually broken as enemy patrols started to become very active in the battalion area. The expectation that the enemy would attack very soon influenced the decision to withdraw the Brigade to a better line of defence but, no sooner had the move been initiated than the Germans attacked in unknown strength and completely overran the village of Monopoles six miles north of Sejenane ,the 16th DLI who were without its Commanding Officer and all of its Company commanders at this time (all had been called away to recce new positions earmarked for a battalion move) were ordered to advance on the Cap Serrat Road and recapture the positions at Monopoles (The hope being that the village was held only by a strong German Fighting Patrol). At approx 07:00hrs on the 27 February the leading Company which was À were surprised by a strong German force which inflicted heavy casualties. Due to the ferocity of the attack all the other companies were left with no alternative but fall back. Orders were received on the 28 February for the 16th DLI to counter attack. `A` company who had been decimated were amalgamated with `D` Company to form a composite Company of some ninety or so men these would lead `C` Company who held a position on the hill were to be reinforced to exploit their initial gain before pushing on in an attempt to occupy higher ground to the north of Sedjenane. The 16th received a battle honour for Sejenane, and it was later written "Sejenane was a wayside railway town in the wet cork forests on the way to Mateur. Whoever held Mateur held Bizerta, and whoever held Green and Bald Hills outside Sejenane held Mateur."
Private Cyril Windle was killed, aged 29, between 27 February and 1 March 1943. He has no known grave and is listed on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial in Tunisia. It commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.
Harry Woffenden - 190918
Harry Woffenden was born on the 25th of October 1908 at Kilnhurst, Rotherham. He was son of 17 year old single mother Jessie Woofinden. They lived with his mother’s siblings at the home of his grandparents Hiram and Mary Ann Woffenden of 11 Victoria Street, Kilnhurst, Rotherham. After leaving school Harry went to work as a rep for the Co-Operative Society in Victoria Street, Kilnhurst. He lived at 42 Sivilla Road, Kilnhurst.
Harry joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and became a Pilot Officer (Air Gunner), service number 190918. In 1945 he was serving with 12 Squadron, which flew Lancaster bombers from Wickenby in Lincolnshire. On the night of 16/17 March 1945 his aircraft was one of 277 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitos carrying out what would be the last heavy Bomber Command raid on Nuremberg. Harry’s Lancaster was serial number PD275 with squadron markings of PH-K and was airborne from Wickenby at 17:07. Although not firmly established it is likely that Oberstleutant Herbert Lütje of 21:33 local time. It was one of 24 Lancasters lost that night mostly from German night fighters, which found the bomber stream on its way to the target. PD275 is reported to have come down on Penzendorfer Strasse, Schwabach killing six of the seven crew including Harry Woofenden. The dead were initially buried on 17 March 1945 in the new cemetery at
Schwabach.
P/O Harry Woofenden was 36 years old and was well over the age normally associated with operational airmen. He left a wife, Edith (nee Baker) who he had married in Goldthorpe on 13 May 1940 and a daughter who was born just over a year later on 13 July 1941. A son was born to Edith on 23 August 1945, a few months after Harry had died. Follow the wars end the remains of Harry were moved to the Commonwealth War Cemetery Durnbach, near Bad Toltz in Bavaria and re-interred on 18 June 1948. This is the most southerly of all the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetries in Germany, and is about 30 miles south of Munich.
Note
Of the other crew members only one survived to become a prisoner of war - F/O J H Clarke RCAF, who was the air bomber.
The other crew members killed were:
Pilot: Fl/Lt. Keith William Daymond J/21582 RCAF - aged 23
Fl/Eng: Sgt. Arthur William Hathaway 1894125 RAFVR - aged 20
Nav: F/O. Bertram Clarence Kerr J/40366 RCAF - aged30
W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. William John Malyon J/93612 RCAF -aged 20
Air/Gnr: Sgt. Neil McNicol 302106 RAFVR - aged 21
Harry joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and became a Pilot Officer (Air Gunner), service number 190918. In 1945 he was serving with 12 Squadron, which flew Lancaster bombers from Wickenby in Lincolnshire. On the night of 16/17 March 1945 his aircraft was one of 277 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitos carrying out what would be the last heavy Bomber Command raid on Nuremberg. Harry’s Lancaster was serial number PD275 with squadron markings of PH-K and was airborne from Wickenby at 17:07. Although not firmly established it is likely that Oberstleutant Herbert Lütje of 21:33 local time. It was one of 24 Lancasters lost that night mostly from German night fighters, which found the bomber stream on its way to the target. PD275 is reported to have come down on Penzendorfer Strasse, Schwabach killing six of the seven crew including Harry Woofenden. The dead were initially buried on 17 March 1945 in the new cemetery at
Schwabach.
P/O Harry Woofenden was 36 years old and was well over the age normally associated with operational airmen. He left a wife, Edith (nee Baker) who he had married in Goldthorpe on 13 May 1940 and a daughter who was born just over a year later on 13 July 1941. A son was born to Edith on 23 August 1945, a few months after Harry had died. Follow the wars end the remains of Harry were moved to the Commonwealth War Cemetery Durnbach, near Bad Toltz in Bavaria and re-interred on 18 June 1948. This is the most southerly of all the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetries in Germany, and is about 30 miles south of Munich.
Note
Of the other crew members only one survived to become a prisoner of war - F/O J H Clarke RCAF, who was the air bomber.
The other crew members killed were:
Pilot: Fl/Lt. Keith William Daymond J/21582 RCAF - aged 23
Fl/Eng: Sgt. Arthur William Hathaway 1894125 RAFVR - aged 20
Nav: F/O. Bertram Clarence Kerr J/40366 RCAF - aged30
W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. William John Malyon J/93612 RCAF -aged 20
Air/Gnr: Sgt. Neil McNicol 302106 RAFVR - aged 21