Wath - Part 2
Jack Kenneth Buckley - 14262236
Jack Kenneth Buckley was the third child of William Ernest Buckley, who was a Shop Assistant Draper and his wife of 14 years Harriet (nee Duke ). The couple originally lived at 19 Cooperative St, West Melton and later moved to ‘The Manse’ West Melton. He attended Cambridge University and gained a B.A. Honours.
He enlisted in the army, service number 14262236, and was a Trooper with the Royal Armoured Corps. He died in Aldershot Hospital on 19 December 1943 and was
buried in West Melton Congregational Chapelyard.
He enlisted in the army, service number 14262236, and was a Trooper with the Royal Armoured Corps. He died in Aldershot Hospital on 19 December 1943 and was
buried in West Melton Congregational Chapelyard.
Charles Leonard Burkinshaw - 2656687
Charles Leonard Burkinshaw was born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1910, he was the fifth child of boilersmith Charles Henry Burkinshaw and his wife of fifteen years Ruth Elizabeth (nee Allen), who lived at 5 Oakland Terrace, Canal Bank, Wath On Dearne. Charles was married to Margaret (nee Innes) in Wandsworth, Surrey in the third quarter of 1940.
Charles joined the Army and served as a Guardsman in the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards, service number 2656687. After D-Day and the push through France the 5th Battalion were in Belgium. In September 1944, the 5th Battalion supported by tanks of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, advanced to try to capture Bourg Leopold. In spite of launching five attacks in 36 hours, the Coldstream Group could not capture Bourg Leopold itself, but established itself in Heppen. On 8th September the 5th Coldtream Guards was ordered to attempt the capture of Bourg Leopold. The attack was planned in four phases, and owing to very strong enemy resistance it was nearly dark before the third phase, the capture of Heppen, could be undertaken. This attack was carried out by the company of which Captain Eastman was second-in-command, and reached its objectives just after dark. The company commander was wounded, one of the platoon commanders was killed, another had been wounded earlier the same day, and the remaining one with his platoon had been directed on to an objective slightly to the left of the main position.Owing to the darkness the squadron of tanks which should have co-operated in the assault were unable to locate the company and were ordered to return. When night fell, therefore, this company was over 1,000 yards in front of the rest of the position, in a state of some disorganization owing to loss in officers, and very close to the main German stronghold at Bourg Leopold. Captain Eastman at once asked permission to go forward to try to locate the company and reorganize it. In this task he was completely successful. He contacted the leaderless remnants of the company, joined them up with the platoon on the left, and brought them safely back, together with all the wounded. But for this officer's initiative and powers of leadership there is every reason to suppose that none of the company would have got back and certainly not the wounded. At the time, like everyone else, this officer was extremely tired, the night was very dark and no one knew the exact location of the company in the very thick country in which they were operating. The only certainty was that there were a great many Germans still in the area.
Charles Leonard Burkinshaw was killed on 8 September 1944, aged 34 years old and is buried in Heverlee War Cemetery.
Charles joined the Army and served as a Guardsman in the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards, service number 2656687. After D-Day and the push through France the 5th Battalion were in Belgium. In September 1944, the 5th Battalion supported by tanks of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, advanced to try to capture Bourg Leopold. In spite of launching five attacks in 36 hours, the Coldstream Group could not capture Bourg Leopold itself, but established itself in Heppen. On 8th September the 5th Coldtream Guards was ordered to attempt the capture of Bourg Leopold. The attack was planned in four phases, and owing to very strong enemy resistance it was nearly dark before the third phase, the capture of Heppen, could be undertaken. This attack was carried out by the company of which Captain Eastman was second-in-command, and reached its objectives just after dark. The company commander was wounded, one of the platoon commanders was killed, another had been wounded earlier the same day, and the remaining one with his platoon had been directed on to an objective slightly to the left of the main position.Owing to the darkness the squadron of tanks which should have co-operated in the assault were unable to locate the company and were ordered to return. When night fell, therefore, this company was over 1,000 yards in front of the rest of the position, in a state of some disorganization owing to loss in officers, and very close to the main German stronghold at Bourg Leopold. Captain Eastman at once asked permission to go forward to try to locate the company and reorganize it. In this task he was completely successful. He contacted the leaderless remnants of the company, joined them up with the platoon on the left, and brought them safely back, together with all the wounded. But for this officer's initiative and powers of leadership there is every reason to suppose that none of the company would have got back and certainly not the wounded. At the time, like everyone else, this officer was extremely tired, the night was very dark and no one knew the exact location of the company in the very thick country in which they were operating. The only certainty was that there were a great many Germans still in the area.
Charles Leonard Burkinshaw was killed on 8 September 1944, aged 34 years old and is buried in Heverlee War Cemetery.
George Edward Cadman - 4626975
George Edward Cadman was born in Rotherham in early 1922, he was the second child of Willie Cadman and Elizabeth (nee Bower).
He became a Lance Corporal, service number 4626975, in 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The Dukes were sent to France in September 1939 with the British Expeditionary Force and during the retreat to Dunkirk formed part of the rearguard. They next fought in North Africa, soon after arriving in March 1942 then fought with distinction in a number of actions including the Battle of Medjez Plain and the Battle of Djebel Bou Aoukaz, taking the town on 27 April 1943. It was just before this on 21 April 1943 that George was killed, aged 21. He now lies in Massicault War Cemetery, about 25 km south-west of Tunis, just north of the small town of Borj El Amri, Tunisia.
He became a Lance Corporal, service number 4626975, in 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The Dukes were sent to France in September 1939 with the British Expeditionary Force and during the retreat to Dunkirk formed part of the rearguard. They next fought in North Africa, soon after arriving in March 1942 then fought with distinction in a number of actions including the Battle of Medjez Plain and the Battle of Djebel Bou Aoukaz, taking the town on 27 April 1943. It was just before this on 21 April 1943 that George was killed, aged 21. He now lies in Massicault War Cemetery, about 25 km south-west of Tunis, just north of the small town of Borj El Amri, Tunisia.
Cecil Carr - 4612853
Cecil Carr was the son of Cecil Valentine Carr and Kate Elizabeth (nee Edwards) and his birth was registered in Doncaster in the second quarter of 1914. The couple initially lived at 53 Dolcliffe Road, Mexborough and Cecil was a glass blower. The family later lived at 85 Avenue Road, Wath.
Cecil enlisted in the Army and was a Priavte in the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), service number 4612853. He died in India on 23 January 1941, aged 27 years old and was buried in Delhi War Cemetery.
Cecil enlisted in the Army and was a Priavte in the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), service number 4612853. He died in India on 23 January 1941, aged 27 years old and was buried in Delhi War Cemetery.
Frederick Catling - 2659028
Frederick Catling was born in the fourth quarter of 1915 in Rotherham to coal miner Arthur Catling and his wife of six years Alice (nee Linley). The couple initially lived at 67 Pottery Street, Rawmarsh Rotherham and then later moved to 34 Newhill Road, Wath. Frederick was married in 1943 to Ethel L (nee Blackstaff) in Marylebone, London.
After joining the Army Frederick became a Lance Corporal, service number 2659028, with the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The battalion was part of the 5 Guards Armoured Brigade, Guards Armoured Division which was involved in the ground attack to reach the airborne troops. Attempting to reach the Airborne Division who were fighting for the bridges over the Nederrijn at Arnhem, XXX Corps advanced along the Eindhoven-Arnhem road, leaving the flanks to be cleared later. On 22 September 1944, the Germans cut the supply route and the Coldstream Group, composed of the 1st (Armoured) and 5th Battalions, was ordered to clear the road. The next day, in bitter fighting that lasted for two hours, the Group cleared the village of Vokel and re-opened the road to supplies. On 3 October at Bemel Lieutenant Boscawen with a troop of tanks was positioned in an orchard with some Anti-tank guns but no infantry support, protecting the left flank of a battalion position. As darkness fell he withdrew the tanks to more open ground behind the orchard. Heavy enemy artillery and Mortar concentrations on the orchard and his position began at 22:30 hours lasting for two hours; the prelude to a heavy German infantry attack which successfully occupied his original orchard and surrounding ones, driving the Anti-tank gunners from their guns. Lieutenant Boscawen in circumstances of extreme difficulty and danger from bazooka fire in close country and in the dark, ordered his tanks forward and cleared the enemy from his original orchard saving the Anti-tank guns from destruction. All this in addition was under heavy enemy mortar and shell fire. As a result he successfully prevented the enemy from establishing themselves in a position from which at daylight they could have seriously threatened the position of the infantry battalion which he was supporting.
Frederick Catling died on 4 October 1944, aged 28 and is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
After joining the Army Frederick became a Lance Corporal, service number 2659028, with the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The battalion was part of the 5 Guards Armoured Brigade, Guards Armoured Division which was involved in the ground attack to reach the airborne troops. Attempting to reach the Airborne Division who were fighting for the bridges over the Nederrijn at Arnhem, XXX Corps advanced along the Eindhoven-Arnhem road, leaving the flanks to be cleared later. On 22 September 1944, the Germans cut the supply route and the Coldstream Group, composed of the 1st (Armoured) and 5th Battalions, was ordered to clear the road. The next day, in bitter fighting that lasted for two hours, the Group cleared the village of Vokel and re-opened the road to supplies. On 3 October at Bemel Lieutenant Boscawen with a troop of tanks was positioned in an orchard with some Anti-tank guns but no infantry support, protecting the left flank of a battalion position. As darkness fell he withdrew the tanks to more open ground behind the orchard. Heavy enemy artillery and Mortar concentrations on the orchard and his position began at 22:30 hours lasting for two hours; the prelude to a heavy German infantry attack which successfully occupied his original orchard and surrounding ones, driving the Anti-tank gunners from their guns. Lieutenant Boscawen in circumstances of extreme difficulty and danger from bazooka fire in close country and in the dark, ordered his tanks forward and cleared the enemy from his original orchard saving the Anti-tank guns from destruction. All this in addition was under heavy enemy mortar and shell fire. As a result he successfully prevented the enemy from establishing themselves in a position from which at daylight they could have seriously threatened the position of the infantry battalion which he was supporting.
Frederick Catling died on 4 October 1944, aged 28 and is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Ernest Chapman - 1069163
Ernest Chapman was the husband of E Chapman of Broomhill.
He joined the Army and became a Battery Quartermaster Serjeant, service number 1069163 in 7 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. He fell into captivity part of a force of 80,000 when Singapore was surrendered 15 February 1942. He left Changi prison on 18 October 1942 and sent to New Britain. When 517 of party were sent to Ballale Island, Ernest was left behind at Rabaul. His death was recorded as malaria on 26 February 1943 in Death Valley, New Britain, he was 39 years old and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
He joined the Army and became a Battery Quartermaster Serjeant, service number 1069163 in 7 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. He fell into captivity part of a force of 80,000 when Singapore was surrendered 15 February 1942. He left Changi prison on 18 October 1942 and sent to New Britain. When 517 of party were sent to Ballale Island, Ernest was left behind at Rabaul. His death was recorded as malaria on 26 February 1943 in Death Valley, New Britain, he was 39 years old and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
John Chapman - 4749934
John Chapman was born in the first quarter of 1918 in Rotherham to Charles Chapman and his wife of 9 years Beatrice (nee Braithwaite). In 1911 Charles worked on the railways and lived with this family at 3 Winterwell Road, West Melton, Yorkshire. Later they were to live at Winterwell Rd, West Melton. After leaving school John was employed at Swinton Goods Yard.
He enlisted in 1940 and was a Private with 1st battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 4749934. He died on 29 March 1943 of gunshot wounds in Egypt and had served in the Middle East just over a year prior to death. He was 25 years old and was buried in Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt, which is just west of the Suez Canal.
He enlisted in 1940 and was a Private with 1st battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 4749934. He died on 29 March 1943 of gunshot wounds in Egypt and had served in the Middle East just over a year prior to death. He was 25 years old and was buried in Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt, which is just west of the Suez Canal.
Frank Cooper - 2356667
Frank Cooper was born in West Melton in 1906, the second child of coal miner Moses Cooper and his wife of five years Edith Annie Cooper, of 4 Carnelly Street, West Melton, near Rotherham. Frank was the husband of Gertrude Cooper and lived at Walden, Buckleigh Road, Wath-on-Dearne.
Frank enlisted in the Army, service 2356667, and was a Signalman, Royal Corps of Signals with 68 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A., Sig. Sec. He was posted overseas in July 1941 and was involved in the Western Desert campaign in North Africa Rommel's second offensive took place in May and June 1942. Tobruk was taken in an outflanking attack on 21 June 1942 capturing the largest number of British Commonwealth troops by the Axis after the fall of Singapore earlier that year. Rommel was promoted to Field Marshall shortly thereafter and was the youngest in the German Army to achieve this rank. Frank was taken prisoner at Tobruk in June 1942 and held at Benghazi POW camp. Cooper died either as a POW in North Africa, or most likely died when an Italian ship was sunk en-route from North Africa to Italy with POWs on board.
The SS Scillin was an Italian cargo ship of approximately 1,600 tons that was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea while transporting 814 Allied prisoners of war from North Africa to Italy. Nearly all of the POWs died. At Tripoli, 814 Allied POWs were ordered into the Scillin's cargo hold, which, reportedly, was only suitable for around 300. The result was severe overcrowding and insanitary conditions. More prisoners would have been loaded, but the British military doctor made vehement and repeated
protests. She sailed on 13 November 1942. Scillin was intercepted on the night of 14 November off the Tunisian coast by the British submarine HMS Sahib (P212), shelled and sunk by a single torpedo. Those in the hold had little chance of survival as the torpedo had hit the hold itself and the ship sank rapidly. Sahib was able to rescue 27 POWs (26 British and one South African), the Scillin's captain and 45 Italian crew members, before the arrival of an Italian warship obliged her to leave. Only when survivors were heard speaking English, was the ship's purpose realised. British submarine commanders had been instructed not to attack enemy civilian ships that were en route from North Africa to Italy. In an inquiry, Sahib's commander was cleared of culpability, since he claimed that Scillin had born no lights, he had believed that Scillin was carrying Italian troops, had appeared to be en route to Africa and had not responded to the initial shelling (two rounds), intended to halt her. The details of Scillin's loss and the circumstances of the death of the Allied POWs were kept secret for more than 50 years.
Frank Cooper was 36 years old when he died on 14 November 1942, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.
Frank enlisted in the Army, service 2356667, and was a Signalman, Royal Corps of Signals with 68 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A., Sig. Sec. He was posted overseas in July 1941 and was involved in the Western Desert campaign in North Africa Rommel's second offensive took place in May and June 1942. Tobruk was taken in an outflanking attack on 21 June 1942 capturing the largest number of British Commonwealth troops by the Axis after the fall of Singapore earlier that year. Rommel was promoted to Field Marshall shortly thereafter and was the youngest in the German Army to achieve this rank. Frank was taken prisoner at Tobruk in June 1942 and held at Benghazi POW camp. Cooper died either as a POW in North Africa, or most likely died when an Italian ship was sunk en-route from North Africa to Italy with POWs on board.
The SS Scillin was an Italian cargo ship of approximately 1,600 tons that was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea while transporting 814 Allied prisoners of war from North Africa to Italy. Nearly all of the POWs died. At Tripoli, 814 Allied POWs were ordered into the Scillin's cargo hold, which, reportedly, was only suitable for around 300. The result was severe overcrowding and insanitary conditions. More prisoners would have been loaded, but the British military doctor made vehement and repeated
protests. She sailed on 13 November 1942. Scillin was intercepted on the night of 14 November off the Tunisian coast by the British submarine HMS Sahib (P212), shelled and sunk by a single torpedo. Those in the hold had little chance of survival as the torpedo had hit the hold itself and the ship sank rapidly. Sahib was able to rescue 27 POWs (26 British and one South African), the Scillin's captain and 45 Italian crew members, before the arrival of an Italian warship obliged her to leave. Only when survivors were heard speaking English, was the ship's purpose realised. British submarine commanders had been instructed not to attack enemy civilian ships that were en route from North Africa to Italy. In an inquiry, Sahib's commander was cleared of culpability, since he claimed that Scillin had born no lights, he had believed that Scillin was carrying Italian troops, had appeared to be en route to Africa and had not responded to the initial shelling (two rounds), intended to halt her. The details of Scillin's loss and the circumstances of the death of the Allied POWs were kept secret for more than 50 years.
Frank Cooper was 36 years old when he died on 14 November 1942, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.
John Dunstan Edwards - 2658940
John Dunstan Edwards was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1919 to coal miner Robert Dunstan and his wife of 13 years Edith (nee Pyatt). John was the fourth of seven children born to the couple, who in 1911 lived at 18 Littlemoor Road, Wath. Later John was living at 31 Burman Road, Wath, and in the third quarter of 1943 married in Fulham, London.
He enlisted in the Army and became a Lance Corporal, service number 2658940, with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards. By late 1944 the Guards were in northern Italy back in the line against the German defences of the Gothic Line while the push was on towards Imola.
John Dunstan Edwards died in 6 October 1943, aged 25 and now lies in Faenza War Cemetery.
Summary from 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards War Diary for the start of October 1944
On Oct 1st the brigade was ordered to switch its axis of advance once more and to come under command of the 88 U.S. Div on the FIRENZUOLA – IMOLA road. We were required so we were told, to hold a position for 48 hours, after which time we would be relieved. 48 hours subsequently stretched to 24 days. The position consisted of six different hillocks, each held by a company, with a command HQ called PYRAMID, commanded by the different commanding Officers in turn controlling the complete position. The foremost and most important hill, BATTAGLIA (EAST), 715 meters high, had on the summit a small castle, by now in ruins, but inside which sat 9 men and an artillery OP overlooking all the surrounding country except that immediately ahead, which was blind to them unless they ventured outside their ‘cell’. The slopes leading up to the tower were so steep and of loose stone that nobody could hope to attack it with success.
There was a company on the right and left flank of this position, another two company’s 400 yards behind, and the remaining company defending Tac HQ. On the night of Oct 2nd 2 and 4 coys took over the two forward positions: BATTAGLIA EAST and WEST from the Americans, who had in fact won these positions unopposed on account of the speed of their advance. They had been continually counter attacked, but had held this ground in spite of heavy casualties. From this day until 24th Oct at least one company from the Battalion was occupying a forward position of PYRAMID force. For the first week the mortaring and shelling onto our positions was intense and very accurate, making movement by day from slit trenches impossible. Our only possible supply rout had been registered and our positions pin pointed, and to add to the fury of battle, a 210mm gun made the tower its chief target. The Misery of this rather normal existence for a battle, was increased 200% by the fact that throughout our stay a torrent of rain poured down, making all paths 1-2 foot deep in a slough of clinging mud, and slit trenches deep in water. It was a feat of endurance to live for some 20 days in such circumstances without weakening.
The problem of supply was one of the greatest. Mule head was at Monduzzo, a farmhouse 1 mile from VALMAGGIORE, and 4 miles from BATTAGLIA. The tracks were small, complex, and almost impassable, and the Indian Muleteers impossible. They very soon announced that at this rate the mules would be dead in 6 days, and added to this they were only too often dumped the load and rode the mule, and even on some occasions the mule overturned down a precipitous hill. Major Harris, in charge of supplies at VALMAGGIROE, dealt with this thankless problem in a masterly way.
He enlisted in the Army and became a Lance Corporal, service number 2658940, with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards. By late 1944 the Guards were in northern Italy back in the line against the German defences of the Gothic Line while the push was on towards Imola.
John Dunstan Edwards died in 6 October 1943, aged 25 and now lies in Faenza War Cemetery.
Summary from 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards War Diary for the start of October 1944
On Oct 1st the brigade was ordered to switch its axis of advance once more and to come under command of the 88 U.S. Div on the FIRENZUOLA – IMOLA road. We were required so we were told, to hold a position for 48 hours, after which time we would be relieved. 48 hours subsequently stretched to 24 days. The position consisted of six different hillocks, each held by a company, with a command HQ called PYRAMID, commanded by the different commanding Officers in turn controlling the complete position. The foremost and most important hill, BATTAGLIA (EAST), 715 meters high, had on the summit a small castle, by now in ruins, but inside which sat 9 men and an artillery OP overlooking all the surrounding country except that immediately ahead, which was blind to them unless they ventured outside their ‘cell’. The slopes leading up to the tower were so steep and of loose stone that nobody could hope to attack it with success.
There was a company on the right and left flank of this position, another two company’s 400 yards behind, and the remaining company defending Tac HQ. On the night of Oct 2nd 2 and 4 coys took over the two forward positions: BATTAGLIA EAST and WEST from the Americans, who had in fact won these positions unopposed on account of the speed of their advance. They had been continually counter attacked, but had held this ground in spite of heavy casualties. From this day until 24th Oct at least one company from the Battalion was occupying a forward position of PYRAMID force. For the first week the mortaring and shelling onto our positions was intense and very accurate, making movement by day from slit trenches impossible. Our only possible supply rout had been registered and our positions pin pointed, and to add to the fury of battle, a 210mm gun made the tower its chief target. The Misery of this rather normal existence for a battle, was increased 200% by the fact that throughout our stay a torrent of rain poured down, making all paths 1-2 foot deep in a slough of clinging mud, and slit trenches deep in water. It was a feat of endurance to live for some 20 days in such circumstances without weakening.
The problem of supply was one of the greatest. Mule head was at Monduzzo, a farmhouse 1 mile from VALMAGGIORE, and 4 miles from BATTAGLIA. The tracks were small, complex, and almost impassable, and the Indian Muleteers impossible. They very soon announced that at this rate the mules would be dead in 6 days, and added to this they were only too often dumped the load and rode the mule, and even on some occasions the mule overturned down a precipitous hill. Major Harris, in charge of supplies at VALMAGGIROE, dealt with this thankless problem in a masterly way.
Samuel Richard Griffiths - 1426871
Samuel Richard Griffiths was born in Rotherham in around 1919.
He joined the Army and was a Gunner in 7 Battery. 5 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, service number 1426871. The regiment was stationed in Hong Kong in 1941 when on 8 December the Japanese launched several invasions in the Far East. Samuel and his comrades were defending the Wong Nai Chung Gap, which is between Mount Nicholson and Jardine's Lookout behind Wong Nai Chung. Five roads meet at the Gap Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Repulse Bay Road, Deep Water Bay Road and Black's Link. It is a strategic passage between the north and south of the island. In the 1930s, the British army began installing defence structures at the gap in preparation for possible attacks by the Japanese army. The Japanese landed at North Point on Hong Kong Island on 18 December, and an advance party of the Japanese arrived at Wong Nai Chung Gap at 07:00 on 19th. This is the time in which heavy mist. The defending force included about 230 soldiers from Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. The Japanese now attacked from 3 direction: one took the pill-boxes along the Jardine's Lookout, the other one clear the defence positions at the Gap, and another across the Gap on Mount Nichoison. In the next hour, heavy fierce fighting happened. Although there are armoured cars and trucks from the urban area to reinforce the denfence, they were knocked out by the Japenese quick-firing gun. Even the Japanese cleared some pill-boxes, they still couldn't captured the whole Gap as there are 150mm howitzers artillery support from Happy Valley from the defenders. At 14:00, Major-General Malyby ordered a counter-attack to start at 15:30 from the northern and southern forces. One team of 7 Rajputs company, led by a few armoured cars, going from the south to the Gap, but his an other attacks were repulsed by the Japanese. The Wong Nei Chong Gap fighting was in estimation of the Japanese as the most intense in the fighting in Hong Kong. They lost over 600 soldiers while the defenders lost 160 out of the originally 230 men.
Samuel Griffiths died on 19 December 1941, aged 22 and is listed on the Sai Wan Memorial.
He joined the Army and was a Gunner in 7 Battery. 5 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, service number 1426871. The regiment was stationed in Hong Kong in 1941 when on 8 December the Japanese launched several invasions in the Far East. Samuel and his comrades were defending the Wong Nai Chung Gap, which is between Mount Nicholson and Jardine's Lookout behind Wong Nai Chung. Five roads meet at the Gap Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Repulse Bay Road, Deep Water Bay Road and Black's Link. It is a strategic passage between the north and south of the island. In the 1930s, the British army began installing defence structures at the gap in preparation for possible attacks by the Japanese army. The Japanese landed at North Point on Hong Kong Island on 18 December, and an advance party of the Japanese arrived at Wong Nai Chung Gap at 07:00 on 19th. This is the time in which heavy mist. The defending force included about 230 soldiers from Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. The Japanese now attacked from 3 direction: one took the pill-boxes along the Jardine's Lookout, the other one clear the defence positions at the Gap, and another across the Gap on Mount Nichoison. In the next hour, heavy fierce fighting happened. Although there are armoured cars and trucks from the urban area to reinforce the denfence, they were knocked out by the Japenese quick-firing gun. Even the Japanese cleared some pill-boxes, they still couldn't captured the whole Gap as there are 150mm howitzers artillery support from Happy Valley from the defenders. At 14:00, Major-General Malyby ordered a counter-attack to start at 15:30 from the northern and southern forces. One team of 7 Rajputs company, led by a few armoured cars, going from the south to the Gap, but his an other attacks were repulsed by the Japanese. The Wong Nei Chong Gap fighting was in estimation of the Japanese as the most intense in the fighting in Hong Kong. They lost over 600 soldiers while the defenders lost 160 out of the originally 230 men.
Samuel Griffiths died on 19 December 1941, aged 22 and is listed on the Sai Wan Memorial.
Harry Hancock - 4748143
Harry Hancock birth was registered in Doncaster in the fourth quarter of 1920. He was the fourth child of Harry Hancock and Millicent Elizabeth (nee Chappell) of
Denaby Main. His mother died shortly after he was born.
Harry enlisted in the Army, service number 4748143, and was a Private in the 2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment. The 2nd Battalion, part of the 70th Infantry Division’s 14 Infantry Brigade served in North Africa but on 28 February they were shipped to India to help stop the rapid advance of the Japanese Army in Burma. Harry is
reported to have died of fever whilst a Japanese prisoner of war on 13 August 1942. He was 21 years old and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial.
Denaby Main. His mother died shortly after he was born.
Harry enlisted in the Army, service number 4748143, and was a Private in the 2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment. The 2nd Battalion, part of the 70th Infantry Division’s 14 Infantry Brigade served in North Africa but on 28 February they were shipped to India to help stop the rapid advance of the Japanese Army in Burma. Harry is
reported to have died of fever whilst a Japanese prisoner of war on 13 August 1942. He was 21 years old and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial.
Bernard Harding - 14819044
Bernard Harding was the first child born to Harold Harding and Ethel (nee Corns), his birth being registered in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1926. The Family lived at 144 High Street, West Melton. Bernard was known affectionately as Bunny.
He joined the army and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, service number 14819044. The regiment was part of the 53rd Infantry Division. Private Harding died, in Lower Saxony, Germany between Rethem and Soltau, on 16 April 1945, less than a month before the end of the war in Europe. He was just 18 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery.
He joined the army and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, service number 14819044. The regiment was part of the 53rd Infantry Division. Private Harding died, in Lower Saxony, Germany between Rethem and Soltau, on 16 April 1945, less than a month before the end of the war in Europe. He was just 18 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery.
Frederick Smeltar Hargreaves - 869206
Frederick Smeltar Hargreaves was born in Rotherham in the final months of 1894, to bricklayer Joseph Benjamin Hargreaves and his wife of one year, Mary Maria (nee Smelter). He lived at 5 Malton View, Wath and was employed at Manvers Main Colliery.
He had served as a Territorial soldier, but enlisted in August 1939 and became a Serjeant, service number 869206, in 188 Battery, 67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His unit served in the Middle East and then India, where Frederick was admitted to a military hospital on 27 August 1942 suffering from dysentery. He died a little after 9.00am 3 September 1942, aged 48 and was buried in Gauhati War Cemetery.
He had served as a Territorial soldier, but enlisted in August 1939 and became a Serjeant, service number 869206, in 188 Battery, 67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His unit served in the Middle East and then India, where Frederick was admitted to a military hospital on 27 August 1942 suffering from dysentery. He died a little after 9.00am 3 September 1942, aged 48 and was buried in Gauhati War Cemetery.
Robert Holly Ashton Harper - 777618
Robert Holly Ashton Harper was born in South Africa, the son of Holly and Kathleen Harper. He was married in Rotherham in 1935 to Ethel Muriel (nee Ingman), and the couple had a son a year later. He lived at 175 Doncaster Road, Wath and was employed at Barnburgh Colliery.
He was called up as a reservist at outbreak of war, service number 777618, and was with the Royal Artillery. He went to France and Belgium with the British Expeditionary Force and was evacuation from Dunkirk. Later he became a Serjeant and was seconded to 6 Commando and went to North Africa when the unit was the spearhead for the Operation Torch landings in Algeria. The Allied push in North Africa was halted near the town of Sedjenane in Tunisia and there was a stalemate for three months. On 26 February 1943, 6 Commando had just arrived in a wooded mountainous area North of Bou Arada for the purpose of patrolling the area. No 6 commando were tasked with actively patrolling south of medjez after rumours reached the ears of the 78th division regarding possible german infiltration through the hills north east of El Arousa It was on this day that the Germans broke the stalemate with their 'Ox Head' offensive. The commandos ran straight into an ambush, the germans destroying a number of the commandos trucks before they could react. Counter attacking immediately in an attempt to rescue the occupants the commandos fought back bravely, and were gaining the upper hand when a number of panzer grenadiers arrived with tanks and tipped the tide of the battle. They were involved in bitter fighting against two battalions of German parachute infantry with armoured support which attacked their position as part of an attempt to encircle the 1st Army by cutting the Medjez road. In a fight that lasted over five hours, against an enemy that outnumbered them and had the advantage of heavy armoured support, the commandos, along with elements from the
Reconnaissance Regiment, were able to stop the advance long enough for reinforcements to be brought up. In this action, No. 6 Commando incurred 11 killed, 34 wounded and 55 missing in action. This represented over 40 per cent of the unit's strength at the time, although later a number of those that were captured were recovered after the Germans withdrew. The battle was known as ‘The Battle for Steamroller Farm’ because of a large steamroller parked there.
Robert Holly Ashton Harper died on 26 February 1943, he was killed whilst carrying a stretcher under heavy fire and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
He was called up as a reservist at outbreak of war, service number 777618, and was with the Royal Artillery. He went to France and Belgium with the British Expeditionary Force and was evacuation from Dunkirk. Later he became a Serjeant and was seconded to 6 Commando and went to North Africa when the unit was the spearhead for the Operation Torch landings in Algeria. The Allied push in North Africa was halted near the town of Sedjenane in Tunisia and there was a stalemate for three months. On 26 February 1943, 6 Commando had just arrived in a wooded mountainous area North of Bou Arada for the purpose of patrolling the area. No 6 commando were tasked with actively patrolling south of medjez after rumours reached the ears of the 78th division regarding possible german infiltration through the hills north east of El Arousa It was on this day that the Germans broke the stalemate with their 'Ox Head' offensive. The commandos ran straight into an ambush, the germans destroying a number of the commandos trucks before they could react. Counter attacking immediately in an attempt to rescue the occupants the commandos fought back bravely, and were gaining the upper hand when a number of panzer grenadiers arrived with tanks and tipped the tide of the battle. They were involved in bitter fighting against two battalions of German parachute infantry with armoured support which attacked their position as part of an attempt to encircle the 1st Army by cutting the Medjez road. In a fight that lasted over five hours, against an enemy that outnumbered them and had the advantage of heavy armoured support, the commandos, along with elements from the
Reconnaissance Regiment, were able to stop the advance long enough for reinforcements to be brought up. In this action, No. 6 Commando incurred 11 killed, 34 wounded and 55 missing in action. This represented over 40 per cent of the unit's strength at the time, although later a number of those that were captured were recovered after the Germans withdrew. The battle was known as ‘The Battle for Steamroller Farm’ because of a large steamroller parked there.
Robert Holly Ashton Harper died on 26 February 1943, he was killed whilst carrying a stretcher under heavy fire and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Ronald Hewitt (14609682)
Ronald
Hewitt was born in Barnsley on 3 January 1925,
to John William Hewitt and Cissie Belvedere (nee Barker) of Sandygate Crescent, Wath.
Ronald joined the Army, service number 14609682, he became a Lance Corporal in the 4th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion was part of the 159th Infantry Brigade, which was a motorised infantry brigade of the 11th Armoured Division. 11th Armoured was not directly committed to Operation Market Garden. Instead, it was tasked with securing the right flank of the operation. Attached to VIII Corps, it began moving on 18 September. Advancing in two columns, it managed to reach the US 101st Airborne Division at Nuenen, while on the 22nd, its engineers established a bridge over the Willemsvaart canal. The Division could then make an encircling move around Helmond, forcing the Germans to withdraw on 25 September. At the beginning of October, the Division was employed in clearing pockets of German resistance remaining west of the Maas. The operation developed promisingly with 159th Brigade, battling its way across the Deurne canal. Unfortunately, the attack was quickly stopped by obstinate German resistance. Further delay was imposed by the growing supply shortage and the launching of an enemy counter-attack in the south. There was also a skillful German defence which postponed clearing of the Maas for several weeks. Preparations for a new crossing attempt were delayed until the second half of November. On the 22nd, 159th Brigade managed to cross and to seize the village of America. It progressed to Horst, before being relieved.
Ronald died of wounds on 23 November 1944, aged 24 and is buried in Mierlo War Cemetery.
Ronald joined the Army, service number 14609682, he became a Lance Corporal in the 4th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion was part of the 159th Infantry Brigade, which was a motorised infantry brigade of the 11th Armoured Division. 11th Armoured was not directly committed to Operation Market Garden. Instead, it was tasked with securing the right flank of the operation. Attached to VIII Corps, it began moving on 18 September. Advancing in two columns, it managed to reach the US 101st Airborne Division at Nuenen, while on the 22nd, its engineers established a bridge over the Willemsvaart canal. The Division could then make an encircling move around Helmond, forcing the Germans to withdraw on 25 September. At the beginning of October, the Division was employed in clearing pockets of German resistance remaining west of the Maas. The operation developed promisingly with 159th Brigade, battling its way across the Deurne canal. Unfortunately, the attack was quickly stopped by obstinate German resistance. Further delay was imposed by the growing supply shortage and the launching of an enemy counter-attack in the south. There was also a skillful German defence which postponed clearing of the Maas for several weeks. Preparations for a new crossing attempt were delayed until the second half of November. On the 22nd, 159th Brigade managed to cross and to seize the village of America. It progressed to Horst, before being relieved.
Ronald died of wounds on 23 November 1944, aged 24 and is buried in Mierlo War Cemetery.
Patrick Hinchliff - 4541557
Patrick Hinchliff was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1917 to Dennis Hinchliff and his wife of two years Nora (nee Duddy).
Patrick Hinchliff joined the Army, service number 4541557, he was a Private in the Army Catering Corps. There was severe fighting in the Netherlands in the vicinity of Overloon in October-November 1944, when the Germans were being cleared out of the region south and west of the Maas in preparation for the final attack on the Rhineland.
Patrick Hinchliff died on 3 November 1944, aged 27 and is buried in Overloon War Cemetery.
Patrick Hinchliff joined the Army, service number 4541557, he was a Private in the Army Catering Corps. There was severe fighting in the Netherlands in the vicinity of Overloon in October-November 1944, when the Germans were being cleared out of the region south and west of the Maas in preparation for the final attack on the Rhineland.
Patrick Hinchliff died on 3 November 1944, aged 27 and is buried in Overloon War Cemetery.
Percy Howarth - 1470498
Percy Howarth was the son of James Albert and Sarah Ann Howarth of 37 Moor Road, Wath. He was educated at Park Road School and after leaving school was employed at Wath Marshalling Yard.
He enlisted in the Army in 1940, service number 1470498, and was a Gunner in 7/4 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment served on DEMS (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships), these vessels had guns fitted to them to defend against surfaced submarines and aircraft. The guns were either manned by Naval personnel or Royal Artillery Maritime Regiment. He was serving on the Empire Comet, a 6914 tons motor merchantman which had been launched in November 1940. The vessel departed from Bombay, India on 12 November 1941 and sailed via Table Bay, South Africa (16 December), and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (7 February 1942). Empire Comet was ultimately bound for Manchester and was carrying a cargo of linseed, manganese ore, peanuts and tea. In Halifax the vessel has joined up with Convoy HX174 sailing in position 12, that second row on the extreme left. The ship became a straggler behind the convoy and at 22:17 (German time) on 17 February, was hit by two torpedoes fired by U-136. The Empire Comet sank with the loss of all on board, 38 crew and 8 DEMS gunners in position 58°15′N 17°10′W.
Percy Howarth is recorded as died on 19 February 1942, the date the vessel was reported missing, he was 21 years old and is listed on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
He enlisted in the Army in 1940, service number 1470498, and was a Gunner in 7/4 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment served on DEMS (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships), these vessels had guns fitted to them to defend against surfaced submarines and aircraft. The guns were either manned by Naval personnel or Royal Artillery Maritime Regiment. He was serving on the Empire Comet, a 6914 tons motor merchantman which had been launched in November 1940. The vessel departed from Bombay, India on 12 November 1941 and sailed via Table Bay, South Africa (16 December), and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (7 February 1942). Empire Comet was ultimately bound for Manchester and was carrying a cargo of linseed, manganese ore, peanuts and tea. In Halifax the vessel has joined up with Convoy HX174 sailing in position 12, that second row on the extreme left. The ship became a straggler behind the convoy and at 22:17 (German time) on 17 February, was hit by two torpedoes fired by U-136. The Empire Comet sank with the loss of all on board, 38 crew and 8 DEMS gunners in position 58°15′N 17°10′W.
Percy Howarth is recorded as died on 19 February 1942, the date the vessel was reported missing, he was 21 years old and is listed on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.