Treeton
The Treeton War Memorial situated on Station Road, was unveiled on the 1st July 1922.
It lists the names of 35 men who lost their lives in the First World War.
A further 10 names were added as a result of the Second World War.
It carries the inscriptions:
This monument was erected by public subscription as a thank offering for victory, and in loving memory of the men of Treeton, who fell in the Great War, 1914 - 1918.
They died that we might live.
Also in ever grateful memory of those who fell in the war of 1939 - 1945.
They would say "Cherish Freedom"
It lists the names of 35 men who lost their lives in the First World War.
A further 10 names were added as a result of the Second World War.
It carries the inscriptions:
This monument was erected by public subscription as a thank offering for victory, and in loving memory of the men of Treeton, who fell in the Great War, 1914 - 1918.
They died that we might live.
Also in ever grateful memory of those who fell in the war of 1939 - 1945.
They would say "Cherish Freedom"
St Helens Church
Alfred Bluer
Ronald Dunkley George Edwards Harry D Houghton Noel J Love |
Reginald I Payne
Leslie Radley Leslie Staniforth George L Thacker Thomas A Thornton |
Additional Information
Alfred Bluer (1091984)
Royal Artillery - 6 Medium Regiment
9 February 1944, aged 32
Died in Burma
Taukkyan War Cemetery
Ronald Dunkley (2344563)
Corps of Military Police
28 April 1945, aged 30
Shot by Italians civilians breaking the curfew
Coriano Ridge War Cemetery
George Edwards (D/JX 362506)
Royal Navy - H.M.L.C.T. 1093.
25 November 1944, aged 21
Died in the South of England
Treeton (St. Helen) Churchyard Extension
Harry Dennis Houghton (939010)
Royal Air Force - 182 Sqdn.
28 April 1943, aged 25
Typhoon aircraft lost in a mission over France
Etaples Military Cemetery
Noel John Love (1426793)
Royal Artillery - 8 Coast Regiment
1 - 2 October 1942, aged 22
Died as a Japanese POW when ship was sunk
Sai Wan Memorial
Reginald Irving Payne (1052320)
Royal Air Force - 23 Sqdn.
25 September 1941, aged 31
Blenheim aircraft lost on a patrol mission
Treeton (St. Helen) Churchyard Extension
Leslie Radley (1905265)
Royal Engineers - 995 Port Maint. Coy.
25 January 1943, aged 25
Killed in action in North Africa
Bone War Cemetery, Annaba
Leslie Staniforth (4744814)
York and Lancaster Regiment - 1st Bn.
28 April 1940, aged 30
Killed in action in the Norway Campaign
Kvam Churchyard
George Leonard Thacker (2660094)
Coldstream Guards - 5th Bn.
19 April 1945, aged 27
Killed in action in Germany near the town of Vissel
Becklingen War Cemetery
Thomas Allan Thornton (868143)
Royal Artillery - 9 Coast Regiment
15 February 1942, aged 27
Killed on the day Singapore surrendered
Singapore Memorial
Royal Artillery - 6 Medium Regiment
9 February 1944, aged 32
Died in Burma
Taukkyan War Cemetery
Ronald Dunkley (2344563)
Corps of Military Police
28 April 1945, aged 30
Shot by Italians civilians breaking the curfew
Coriano Ridge War Cemetery
George Edwards (D/JX 362506)
Royal Navy - H.M.L.C.T. 1093.
25 November 1944, aged 21
Died in the South of England
Treeton (St. Helen) Churchyard Extension
Harry Dennis Houghton (939010)
Royal Air Force - 182 Sqdn.
28 April 1943, aged 25
Typhoon aircraft lost in a mission over France
Etaples Military Cemetery
Noel John Love (1426793)
Royal Artillery - 8 Coast Regiment
1 - 2 October 1942, aged 22
Died as a Japanese POW when ship was sunk
Sai Wan Memorial
Reginald Irving Payne (1052320)
Royal Air Force - 23 Sqdn.
25 September 1941, aged 31
Blenheim aircraft lost on a patrol mission
Treeton (St. Helen) Churchyard Extension
Leslie Radley (1905265)
Royal Engineers - 995 Port Maint. Coy.
25 January 1943, aged 25
Killed in action in North Africa
Bone War Cemetery, Annaba
Leslie Staniforth (4744814)
York and Lancaster Regiment - 1st Bn.
28 April 1940, aged 30
Killed in action in the Norway Campaign
Kvam Churchyard
George Leonard Thacker (2660094)
Coldstream Guards - 5th Bn.
19 April 1945, aged 27
Killed in action in Germany near the town of Vissel
Becklingen War Cemetery
Thomas Allan Thornton (868143)
Royal Artillery - 9 Coast Regiment
15 February 1942, aged 27
Killed on the day Singapore surrendered
Singapore Memorial
Alfred Bluer - 1091984
Alfred Bluer was the born in around 1912 in Rotherham. He was the son of Alfred Bluer and Clara (nee Bradford), who had married in Rotherham in 1909, and lived at 27 Old School Lane, Catcliffe.
Given service number 1091984 he was a Lance Bombardier in the 6 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. The 6 Medium was in India for the duration of the war. It took part in what is known as The Battle of the Admin Box (sometimes referred to as the Battle of Ngakyedauk or the Battle of Sinzweya) which took place on the Southern Front of the Burma Campaign from 5 February to 23 February 1944.
Alfred Bluer died on 9 February 1944 aged 32, and is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.
Given service number 1091984 he was a Lance Bombardier in the 6 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. The 6 Medium was in India for the duration of the war. It took part in what is known as The Battle of the Admin Box (sometimes referred to as the Battle of Ngakyedauk or the Battle of Sinzweya) which took place on the Southern Front of the Burma Campaign from 5 February to 23 February 1944.
Alfred Bluer died on 9 February 1944 aged 32, and is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.
Ronald Dunkley - 2344563
Ronald Dunkley was born in Rotherham in 1915, second child of Alfred Dunkley and Mabel Adelaide (nee Beck) of Colleys Yard, Wood Lane, Treeton. His father was a
joiner at the local colliery. Ronald was married in Cannock, Staffordshire in early 1942.
Ronald - service number 2344563 - initially served with the Royal Corps of Signals, before moving to the Corps of Military Police – 200 Provost Company, where he was a Lance Corporal. He and a colleague were checking two Italian men and two women who were breaking curfew, the two men drew pistols and opened fire killing him and severely wounding his companion.
Ronald Dunkley died on 28 April 1945, aged 30 and is buried in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy. The inscription on his gravestone is ‘until we meet again I'll see you in
the morning sun and in all things beautiful’.
joiner at the local colliery. Ronald was married in Cannock, Staffordshire in early 1942.
Ronald - service number 2344563 - initially served with the Royal Corps of Signals, before moving to the Corps of Military Police – 200 Provost Company, where he was a Lance Corporal. He and a colleague were checking two Italian men and two women who were breaking curfew, the two men drew pistols and opened fire killing him and severely wounding his companion.
Ronald Dunkley died on 28 April 1945, aged 30 and is buried in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy. The inscription on his gravestone is ‘until we meet again I'll see you in
the morning sun and in all things beautiful’.
George Edwards - D/JX 362506
George Edwards was born in Rotherham in 1924 to Oliver Edwards and May (nee Ford).
He was an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy, service number D/JX 362506. His death was registered in the Isle of Wight whilst he was serving on HM Landing Craft Tank 1093. George was 21 years old and is buried in Treeton (St Helen) Churchyard Extension.
He was an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy, service number D/JX 362506. His death was registered in the Isle of Wight whilst he was serving on HM Landing Craft Tank 1093. George was 21 years old and is buried in Treeton (St Helen) Churchyard Extension.
Harry Houghton - 939010
Harry Dennis Houghton was born in Rotherham in 1917, son of Owen Houghton and Mary (nee Davies), he was known by his middle name of Dennis. His marriage was registered is Basford district, Nottinghamshire in the second quarter of 1942.
Dennis enlisted in the Royal Air Force and after training in Alabama, USA he joined 182 Squadron. He was a Sergeant (Pilot) flying the Hawker Typhoon ground attack aircraft. On 28 April 1943 flying Typhoon Ib aircraft number R8893 coded XM-M, at 18.20-19.15 he was tasked on what was known as a Rhubarb mission. This was a fighter sweep attacking motor transport in France near Neufchatel-Hardelot. The aircraft crashed after being hit by flak and Dennis was killed, aged 25. He left a wife and son, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery (a town about 27 kilometres south of Boulogne).
Dennis enlisted in the Royal Air Force and after training in Alabama, USA he joined 182 Squadron. He was a Sergeant (Pilot) flying the Hawker Typhoon ground attack aircraft. On 28 April 1943 flying Typhoon Ib aircraft number R8893 coded XM-M, at 18.20-19.15 he was tasked on what was known as a Rhubarb mission. This was a fighter sweep attacking motor transport in France near Neufchatel-Hardelot. The aircraft crashed after being hit by flak and Dennis was killed, aged 25. He left a wife and son, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery (a town about 27 kilometres south of Boulogne).
Noel John Love - 1426793
Noel John Love was born Christmas Day 1919 in Rotherham to John Love and Esther Louisa (nee McCanaan) of 17 Arundel Avenue, Treeton. He was a member of Treeton St Helen’s Church choir. He first worked for the Rotherham Advertiser and then became a bus conductor for Rotherham Transport Department.
He joined the Royal Artillery and was a Gunner with 8 Coast Regiment of the Hong Kong Defence Force. It was on Christmas Day 1941, Noel’s 22nd birthday, that Hong Kong fell to the attacking Japanese forces. On 27th September 1942 the Lisbon Maru left Hong Kong for Shanghai with 1,816 British prisoners on board, and 778 Japanese troops. She was first attack at 07:04 on 1st October by US Submarine Grouper, 6 miles from Tung Fusham Island, off the China coast, 29°57'N, 122°56'N. Over a space of several hours the submarine fired six torpedoes but only one struck home, hitting the ship in the area of the bunkers. Although taking on water, the ship was not in immediate danger of sinking. The Japanese later that day removed their troops to another ship, but not the British PoWs. The prisoners who were in three large holds,
which later that day were sealed to stop them escaping. Conditions were unsanitary and prisoners received no food for 24 hours. By next morning it was clear that the efforts to save the ship were lost and the ship was very low in the water. It was only then that the PoW’s managed to free the hold lashings and start to escape the rising waters, although No 3 hold was already flooded. The efforts by the Japanese were confused and initially they shot at the PoW’s to stop them escaping, although later began picking men out of the water and from small islands that they had swum to. On the 5th October all the prisoners who had been recaptured were assembled on the dock at Shanghai and a roll call was taken, of the original 1816 prisoners 970 answered their names, 846 had perished. It was learned later that six or seven men had managed to escape, assisted by the Chinese.
Noel Love’s death is shown on between 1 and 2 October 1942, and he is listed on the Sai Wan Memorial in Hong Kong.
He joined the Royal Artillery and was a Gunner with 8 Coast Regiment of the Hong Kong Defence Force. It was on Christmas Day 1941, Noel’s 22nd birthday, that Hong Kong fell to the attacking Japanese forces. On 27th September 1942 the Lisbon Maru left Hong Kong for Shanghai with 1,816 British prisoners on board, and 778 Japanese troops. She was first attack at 07:04 on 1st October by US Submarine Grouper, 6 miles from Tung Fusham Island, off the China coast, 29°57'N, 122°56'N. Over a space of several hours the submarine fired six torpedoes but only one struck home, hitting the ship in the area of the bunkers. Although taking on water, the ship was not in immediate danger of sinking. The Japanese later that day removed their troops to another ship, but not the British PoWs. The prisoners who were in three large holds,
which later that day were sealed to stop them escaping. Conditions were unsanitary and prisoners received no food for 24 hours. By next morning it was clear that the efforts to save the ship were lost and the ship was very low in the water. It was only then that the PoW’s managed to free the hold lashings and start to escape the rising waters, although No 3 hold was already flooded. The efforts by the Japanese were confused and initially they shot at the PoW’s to stop them escaping, although later began picking men out of the water and from small islands that they had swum to. On the 5th October all the prisoners who had been recaptured were assembled on the dock at Shanghai and a roll call was taken, of the original 1816 prisoners 970 answered their names, 846 had perished. It was learned later that six or seven men had managed to escape, assisted by the Chinese.
Noel Love’s death is shown on between 1 and 2 October 1942, and he is listed on the Sai Wan Memorial in Hong Kong.
Reginald Irving Payne - 1052320
Reginald Irving Payne was born in Treeton on 17 July 1909, third child to Colliery Deputy William Payne and his wife of 5 years Edith (nee Gallear). The family lived at 79 Wood Lane, Treeton. Reginald was employed at the Treeton Colliery, a job that was considered to be a reserved occupation.
However he volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was called up on 27 June 1940, given service number 1052320 he reported to Padgate for his initial training. He completed a course at Wittering, probably a short one on radar, and was posted to 23 Squadron at Middle Wallop on 23 September. Two days later Aircraftman 2nd Class (Radio Op. /Air) Payne was a member of the crew of a Bristol Blenheim serial number L8369 with squadron markings of YP-B on a night patrol. The Captain, reported that he was returning, with one engine running badly. He reached base area at Middle Wallop but crashed at Broughton, near Stourbridge, Hampshire at 21.30 hours. It is believed that as the aircraft was preparing to land that it stalled after turning away to make a wide approach into wind, possibly due to the failure of the port engine. All three crew members were killed in action (while flying in operations against the enemy).
When he died on 25 September 1940 Reginald Payne was 31 years old was one of a small number of aircrew, particularly radar operators, who flew operationally in the Battle of Britain without rank or flying badge. He is buried in Treeton (St Helen) Churchyard Extension, where this grave has the inscription “At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning We Will Remember”.
Note
Aircraftsman Second Class R. I. Payne’s medals: 1939-45 Star, lacking Battle of Britain clasp; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal; together with named condolence slip (extremely fine) were sold at auction in September 1999 for £520.
However he volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was called up on 27 June 1940, given service number 1052320 he reported to Padgate for his initial training. He completed a course at Wittering, probably a short one on radar, and was posted to 23 Squadron at Middle Wallop on 23 September. Two days later Aircraftman 2nd Class (Radio Op. /Air) Payne was a member of the crew of a Bristol Blenheim serial number L8369 with squadron markings of YP-B on a night patrol. The Captain, reported that he was returning, with one engine running badly. He reached base area at Middle Wallop but crashed at Broughton, near Stourbridge, Hampshire at 21.30 hours. It is believed that as the aircraft was preparing to land that it stalled after turning away to make a wide approach into wind, possibly due to the failure of the port engine. All three crew members were killed in action (while flying in operations against the enemy).
When he died on 25 September 1940 Reginald Payne was 31 years old was one of a small number of aircrew, particularly radar operators, who flew operationally in the Battle of Britain without rank or flying badge. He is buried in Treeton (St Helen) Churchyard Extension, where this grave has the inscription “At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning We Will Remember”.
Note
Aircraftsman Second Class R. I. Payne’s medals: 1939-45 Star, lacking Battle of Britain clasp; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal; together with named condolence slip (extremely fine) were sold at auction in September 1999 for £520.
Leslie Radley - 1905265
Leslie Radley was born in Rotherham in 1917 to George William Radley and Mary Eleanor (nee Scothorne) of Wood Lane, Treeton. Leslie’s father was a coal miner at
the local colliery.
Leslie Radley enlisted in the Army and was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 995 Port Maintenance Company. Leslie died on 25 January 1943, aged 25 and is buried in
Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria.
the local colliery.
Leslie Radley enlisted in the Army and was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 995 Port Maintenance Company. Leslie died on 25 January 1943, aged 25 and is buried in
Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria.
Leslie Staniforth - 4744814
Leslie Staniforth was born Sheffield on 23/10/1909, first child of machine file cutter William Staniforth and charwoman Elizebeth Letitia (nee Staniforth). He was a native
of Woodthorpe, Sheffield.
He enlisted in the army, service number 4744814, and was a private in 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The regiment was part of the 15th Infantry Brigade which went to Norway to counter the German invasion, it was involved in the Central Norway action. Kvam was the scene of bitter fighting by troops of the 15th Infantry Brigade during the withdrawal of Allied forces in central Norway in April 1940. The 1st Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment held positions in this area from 24-28 April against fierce enemy land and air attacks.
Leslie Staniforth was initially reported missing to his wife of only one year who lived at 224 Bole Hill, Treeton. His death was confirmed as being on 28 April 1940, aged 30, and he now lies in Kvam Churchyard (75 km north of Lillehammer) along with 53 comrades with whom he shares a communal grave.
Note
Of the 54 soldiers buried in Kvam Churchyard, five are from the Rotherham area. Others are:
William Cutts (see Catcliffe)
Wilfred Crummack (see Swinton)
Percy Howlett (see Additional Casualties – H)
Enoch Kean (see Additional Casualties – K)
of Woodthorpe, Sheffield.
He enlisted in the army, service number 4744814, and was a private in 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The regiment was part of the 15th Infantry Brigade which went to Norway to counter the German invasion, it was involved in the Central Norway action. Kvam was the scene of bitter fighting by troops of the 15th Infantry Brigade during the withdrawal of Allied forces in central Norway in April 1940. The 1st Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment held positions in this area from 24-28 April against fierce enemy land and air attacks.
Leslie Staniforth was initially reported missing to his wife of only one year who lived at 224 Bole Hill, Treeton. His death was confirmed as being on 28 April 1940, aged 30, and he now lies in Kvam Churchyard (75 km north of Lillehammer) along with 53 comrades with whom he shares a communal grave.
Note
Of the 54 soldiers buried in Kvam Churchyard, five are from the Rotherham area. Others are:
William Cutts (see Catcliffe)
Wilfred Crummack (see Swinton)
Percy Howlett (see Additional Casualties – H)
Enoch Kean (see Additional Casualties – K)
George Leonard Thacker - 2660094
Coldstream Guards Cap Badge
George Leonard Thacker was born on 22 May 1917 in Cannock, Staffordshire, second of seven children to Wilfred Thacker and Mary Jane (nee Lees). His parents moved to Rotherham a couple of years later and were to live at 4 Whitehill Drive, Brinsworth. Before George enlisted in the Army in February 1940 he was employed at Treeton & Ogreave Colliery. He was married on 23 March 1940 and lived at 2 Front St, Treeton.
George Thacker, service number 2660094, was a Guardsman in 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The battalion landed on Gold Beach in Normandy on 26 June 1944, D-Day+20. It was soon in action seeing its first engagement of the war against the Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler Division with heavy fighting at St Mauvieux. It fought through the Normandy Campaign then turned towards Belgium, liberating Brussels before crossing the Albert and Escaut canals. For the start of Operation Market Garden the 5th was held in reserve, moving up to Eindhoven and then Nijmegan after their liberation. On 9 March 1945, the 5th preparing to clear the Rhine bridge-head
against fanatical resistance from the German 7th Fallschirmjager. Heavy fighting ensued, with the 5th taking heavy casualties before being pulled back to Mook for rest. On the 24 March the batallion once again paired up with the 1st Battalion Coldstream and began the push into Germany, meeting consistent and steady opposition. Reaching Enschek. The battalion moved through Remsel, Thuine
to Berge and on the 11 April helped force a crossing over the River Haze with heavy fighting at Bohah and Bren. George died on 19 April 1945, less than three weeks before VE Day. On this day the Battalion carried out an attack on the town of Visselhovede, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. He was 27 years old when he died, leaving a wife and daughter, and is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
George Thacker, service number 2660094, was a Guardsman in 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The battalion landed on Gold Beach in Normandy on 26 June 1944, D-Day+20. It was soon in action seeing its first engagement of the war against the Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler Division with heavy fighting at St Mauvieux. It fought through the Normandy Campaign then turned towards Belgium, liberating Brussels before crossing the Albert and Escaut canals. For the start of Operation Market Garden the 5th was held in reserve, moving up to Eindhoven and then Nijmegan after their liberation. On 9 March 1945, the 5th preparing to clear the Rhine bridge-head
against fanatical resistance from the German 7th Fallschirmjager. Heavy fighting ensued, with the 5th taking heavy casualties before being pulled back to Mook for rest. On the 24 March the batallion once again paired up with the 1st Battalion Coldstream and began the push into Germany, meeting consistent and steady opposition. Reaching Enschek. The battalion moved through Remsel, Thuine
to Berge and on the 11 April helped force a crossing over the River Haze with heavy fighting at Bohah and Bren. George died on 19 April 1945, less than three weeks before VE Day. On this day the Battalion carried out an attack on the town of Visselhovede, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. He was 27 years old when he died, leaving a wife and daughter, and is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Thomas Allan Thornton - 868143
Thomas Allan Thornton was the third of five children born, in Rotherham in 1916, to Isaac Thornton and Maria (nee Jones). The family lived at Collies Yard, Treeton and Isaac was a coal miner.
Thomas service number 868143, was a Gunner in 9 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment was part of the Malaya Command protecting Singapore. After the Japanese attack of December 1941 they quickly proceeded down the peninsula towards Singapore. On the 12 February 1941 the Coastal Batteries were destroyed and at 01.30 hours on the 13th the Changi garrison was marched to the Indian Recreation Ground in Singapore where the unit is formed into an Infantry Battalion and used as support troops. At 16.30 hours on the 15 February 1941 Singapore surrendered. On this day Gunner Thomas Thornton died, aged 25, he had no known grave and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Thomas service number 868143, was a Gunner in 9 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment was part of the Malaya Command protecting Singapore. After the Japanese attack of December 1941 they quickly proceeded down the peninsula towards Singapore. On the 12 February 1941 the Coastal Batteries were destroyed and at 01.30 hours on the 13th the Changi garrison was marched to the Indian Recreation Ground in Singapore where the unit is formed into an Infantry Battalion and used as support troops. At 16.30 hours on the 15 February 1941 Singapore surrendered. On this day Gunner Thomas Thornton died, aged 25, he had no known grave and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.