Swinton - Panel Centre Left
Charles H Cocks - T/174135
Charles H Cocks was born in Lincolnshire, his birth being registered in
Bourne in the first months of 1913. His father, Joseph Cocks, was a domestic
gardener and had been married to his wife, Mary (nee Barnes) for 10 years. The
couple who had one older child lived at Bulby near Bourne. Charles was married
to Alice (nee Hurst) in Rotherham
in the second quarter of 1936, and a daughter was born a couple of years later.
The family lived at Milton Cottages, Swinton.
Charles enlisted in the Army, service number T/174135, he was a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps and in 1945 was serving in the Middle East. He contracted malaria and died in Hospital in Cairo Egypt on 2 August 1945, aged 33 and was buried in Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery.
Charles enlisted in the Army, service number T/174135, he was a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps and in 1945 was serving in the Middle East. He contracted malaria and died in Hospital in Cairo Egypt on 2 August 1945, aged 33 and was buried in Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery.
Walter Cowles - 874443
Walter Cowles was born in Doncaster
in the second quarter of 1915, to coal miner Frederick Cowles and Agnes Maud
(nee Halleron). The couple who had been married for 14 years lived at 91 Schofield St
Mexbrough. Walter was married in Doncaster in
the second quarter of 1934, to Gertrude (nee Jarvis).
Walter joined the Army, service number 874443, he was a Gunner with 188 Battery, 67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Walter died in Burma on 23 June 1944, aged 28 and is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery.
Walter joined the Army, service number 874443, he was a Gunner with 188 Battery, 67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Walter died in Burma on 23 June 1944, aged 28 and is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery.
Wilfred Crummack - 4688859
Wilfrid Crummack was born in Rotherham
in the first quarter of 1917, to John Crummack and Ada Hanson, who lived at 34 Hatherley Rd,
Swinton.
Wilfred enlisted in the Army, service number 4688859, he was a Private in 1st Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The battalion 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 and those who were killed in action during the last week of April are buried in a collective grave in Kvam Churchyard.
Wilfred died on 28 April 1940, aged 23 years old.
Wilfred enlisted in the Army, service number 4688859, he was a Private in 1st Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The battalion 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 and those who were killed in action during the last week of April are buried in a collective grave in Kvam Churchyard.
Wilfred died on 28 April 1940, aged 23 years old.
Walter Britford Dewe - 4616993
Walter Britford Dewe was born in December 1918 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire to Leonard Dewe and Pamelia (nee Cougill). He was married to Doreen (nee Wilkinson) in the third quarter of 1941, which was registered in the Rother Valley District.
Walter enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 4616993, he became a Corporal in 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The battalion was a unit within the 147th Infantry Brigade, part of 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, “the Polar Bears”. In mid-April 1945 the Polar Bears were given the task of liberating Arnhem, the town that was ‘a bridge too far’ in September the previous years. The battle took place between 12 and 16 April, in which the 49th Brigade were heavily
involved. The 147th Brigade crossed the Nederrijn from the Island overnight and by the morning of the 14 April they were ready to move through 56th Brigade's positions. By now the German defence was crumbling, but the battalions of the 147th encountered significant numbers of mines and demolitions as they advanced. D Company of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment ambushed what they believed to be a German counterattack led by three French Renault tanks, although it later transpired that the Germans had no idea that the British were there. Later in the day Dutch soldiers of the 34th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Landstorm Nederland supported by armour counter-attacked the Duke of Wellington's positions. The Dutch were eventually beaten back after heavy fighting knocked out their tanks, but were able to blunt a later British advance into their area. By the end of the day the Allied units had reached all of their objectives and most of Arnhem was secure. The 5th Armoured Division began moving onto the high ground north of the city that night, where they met elements of SAS units who had been operating behind enemy lines since earlier that month. On 15 April the Duke of Wellingtons occupied the city's zoo and upon discovering a live polar bear offered it to their brigade commander, who declined. The Germans were cleared out of the precinct of Velp and the surrounding area on 15 and 16 April. The following day, 17 April, the 49th Division attacked the town of Ede.
Walter was reported killed in action on 17 April 1945, aged 26 and is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Walter enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 4616993, he became a Corporal in 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The battalion was a unit within the 147th Infantry Brigade, part of 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, “the Polar Bears”. In mid-April 1945 the Polar Bears were given the task of liberating Arnhem, the town that was ‘a bridge too far’ in September the previous years. The battle took place between 12 and 16 April, in which the 49th Brigade were heavily
involved. The 147th Brigade crossed the Nederrijn from the Island overnight and by the morning of the 14 April they were ready to move through 56th Brigade's positions. By now the German defence was crumbling, but the battalions of the 147th encountered significant numbers of mines and demolitions as they advanced. D Company of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment ambushed what they believed to be a German counterattack led by three French Renault tanks, although it later transpired that the Germans had no idea that the British were there. Later in the day Dutch soldiers of the 34th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Landstorm Nederland supported by armour counter-attacked the Duke of Wellington's positions. The Dutch were eventually beaten back after heavy fighting knocked out their tanks, but were able to blunt a later British advance into their area. By the end of the day the Allied units had reached all of their objectives and most of Arnhem was secure. The 5th Armoured Division began moving onto the high ground north of the city that night, where they met elements of SAS units who had been operating behind enemy lines since earlier that month. On 15 April the Duke of Wellingtons occupied the city's zoo and upon discovering a live polar bear offered it to their brigade commander, who declined. The Germans were cleared out of the precinct of Velp and the surrounding area on 15 and 16 April. The following day, 17 April, the 49th Division attacked the town of Ede.
Walter was reported killed in action on 17 April 1945, aged 26 and is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Sydney Harold Drakeford - D/JX 211363
Sydney Harold Drakeford was born in the Liverpool area in mid 1915, the second child of Ernest Dixon Drakeford and Priscilla White, who had married in Swinton in 1910. Sydney was married to Edith (nee Beevers) in the final months of 1940, and lived at 37 Coronation Road, Swinton.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number D/JX 211363, with the rank of Coder. By 1945 he was serving on board the modified Black Swan class Sloop, HMS Lapwing. On 11 March HMS Lapwing joined the 26 merchant ship convoy JW65 in the Clyde. The convoy was on the Arctic run up to Murmansk. When off the Kola Inlet, HMS Lapwing was hit amidships by a torpedo fired by U-968 at 10:58 GMT. The ship broke in two 12 minutes later at 11:10 and the bow section sank. The stern section remained afloat for 20 minutes which enabled some survivors to be rescued. In total there were 61 survivors, and 158 men were lost. Sydney died on 20 March 1945, aged 29 and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. |
George Draper - 3532603
George Draper was born in late 1918 to Joseph Leeson Draper
and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Ratcliffe), of White Lee Road, Swinton. He was educated at
Swinton Bridge
School and after leaving school was
employed as a porter at a Scarborough Hotel and Grand Hotel, Sheffield.
George was married to Elsie May (nee Marshall) in Scarborough just three weeks prior to his death, a daughter
was born after George died.
He enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 3532603, and became a Serjeant in the 78 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. He was accidently shot on 15 September 1942, his death was registered in Newbury, Berkshire and was buried on Saturday 19 September in Swinton (St Margaret) Churchyard. |
Samuel Drower - 1534854
Samuel Drower was the son of William Cooper Drower and Myra (nee Goldsbrough)
who had married in 1909 and initially lived at 243 Queen Street, Swinton. He was born on
13 June 1923 and his birth was registered in Doncaster.
Later Samuel lived at 32 Heatons Bank, Rawmarsh and 79 Wentworth Road, Piccadilly. His mother
died in 1930 when he was seven years old. Also his father pre-deceased him in
1942.He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve,
service number 1534854, and was a Leading Aircraftman with RAF (VR) 2744
Squadron. The squadron was a field squadron that transferred to the Middle East
and then served in Italy.
Samuel died of wounds in Italy
on 13 September 1944, aged 21 and is buried in Gradara War
Cemetery.
George Eagle - 555340
George Eagle was born in Kilnhurst, Rotherham
in the second quarter of 1915, the first child of Richard C Eagle and Annie
Maria (previously Swales, nee Eastwood). His father died in 1939.
George enlisted in the Army in 1934, service number 555340, and initially served in the 4th Hussars. He later became a Trooper in 1st Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps. He died in Tadcaster registration district on 26 November 1941, aged 25 and is buried in Kilnhurst (St Thomas) Churchyard.
George enlisted in the Army in 1934, service number 555340, and initially served in the 4th Hussars. He later became a Trooper in 1st Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps. He died in Tadcaster registration district on 26 November 1941, aged 25 and is buried in Kilnhurst (St Thomas) Churchyard.
J W Elliott
No details known
Thomas William Ferry - 14391432
Thomas William Ferry was born in Tynemouth
in the second quarter of 1923, to William Ferry and Ethel (nee Back) who had
married the previous year. Later Thomas was to live at 63 Brookfield Avenue, Swinton.
He enlisted in the Army, service number 14391432, and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own).The regiment was in India and Burma for the duration of the war, part of the 17th Indian Division, and from August 1944 was an element in the 48th Indian Infantry Brigade. In early 1945 the division was in central Burma, and having taken the town of Meiktila found they were then besieged by the Japanese forces, which was successfully overcome.
It was during this period that Thomas was killed, on 15 March 1945, aged 21 and now lies in Taukkyan War Cemetery.
He enlisted in the Army, service number 14391432, and was a Private in the 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own).The regiment was in India and Burma for the duration of the war, part of the 17th Indian Division, and from August 1944 was an element in the 48th Indian Infantry Brigade. In early 1945 the division was in central Burma, and having taken the town of Meiktila found they were then besieged by the Japanese forces, which was successfully overcome.
It was during this period that Thomas was killed, on 15 March 1945, aged 21 and now lies in Taukkyan War Cemetery.
William Goulder - T/1037349
William Goulder was born in Swinton, Rotherham
to Albert Goulder and his wife of 8 years Emily Jane Goulder. Albert was a
labourer on the pit top at No 1 Manvers Main Colliery and lived with his family
at 20 Albert St,
Swinton. William was married in early 1933 to Ruby (nee mellor) and the couple
had two children.
William joined the Army, service number T/1037349, and was a Driver with Royal Army Service Corps. He was allocated to the 55 Infantry Brigade Company, part of the 18th Infantry Division and was sent Singapore. Was amongst 80,000 allied prisoners of war that fell into Japanese hands when Singapore was surrendered on 15 February 1942. Many of them were employed in building the Burma-Siam Railway, “the death railway” which claimed the lives of over 12,000 allied PoWs. William died on 17 September 1943, aged 43 and is buried in Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in the foothills of the border which separates Burma from Thailand.
William joined the Army, service number T/1037349, and was a Driver with Royal Army Service Corps. He was allocated to the 55 Infantry Brigade Company, part of the 18th Infantry Division and was sent Singapore. Was amongst 80,000 allied prisoners of war that fell into Japanese hands when Singapore was surrendered on 15 February 1942. Many of them were employed in building the Burma-Siam Railway, “the death railway” which claimed the lives of over 12,000 allied PoWs. William died on 17 September 1943, aged 43 and is buried in Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in the foothills of the border which separates Burma from Thailand.
Cyril Haigh - 566171
© IWM (HU 2303) Bristol Blenheim Mk 1Fs of No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron at Northolt, April 1940.
Cyril Haigh was born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1917, to Leonard Haigh and Annie (nee Howarth) of 14 White Lee Road, Swinton. He was educated at Swinton Bridge School and Mexborough
Secondary School.
Cyril joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft apprentice in 1932, and was in the 26th Entry at RAF Halton, home to the No.1 School of Technical Training. He passed out in 1935 as a Fitter. He had one years service in Singapore and later trained as a pilot, qualifying for flying service shortly before the war. He was a member of 604 Squadron, with the rank of Sergeant, service number 566171. The squadron which flew the Bristol Blenheim and saw action during the evacuation of Dunkirk flying from Manston in Kent. During the Battle of Britain, on 25 August 1940 he was a pilot of a Blenheim mk I flying in a night fighter role. The aircraft serial number L6872 was on a night patrol from Middle Wallop in Hampshire and became lost. It was refused permission to land at Exeter because of an air raid, shortly afterwards the aircraft crashed near Witheridge, Devon killing on three crew members. Cyril Haigh was 23 years old and is buried in Swinton (St. Margaret) Churchyard.
Note
The other two crew members were:
Sgt John Gordon Bewley Fletcher – RAF (Aux) - 800635
LAC Albert Lawrence Austin – RAFVR - 917258
On 15 August 1940, ten days before he was killed Cyril was flying Blenheim mk I serial number L6610 which was mistakenly attacked by a Spitfire of 609 Squadron.
The aircraft with squadron markings of PR-K was flown by D.M. Crook made the following note in his log book: "Middle Wallop again bombed. This time by fairly large force of JU 88 and Me 110. We shot down 4 Me 110 confirmed. A Blenheim attacked the German formation and I shot it down by mistake. Crew OK (save for a cut in rear gunner's bottom) and machine landed at Wallop looking fairly well peppered. Not a very good show.”
A memorial plaque was presented to Mexborough Secondary School to commemorate the wartime valour of Sergeant Pilot Cyril Haigh and another RAF Flying Officer by Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, The Earl of Scarbrough.
Secondary School.
Cyril joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft apprentice in 1932, and was in the 26th Entry at RAF Halton, home to the No.1 School of Technical Training. He passed out in 1935 as a Fitter. He had one years service in Singapore and later trained as a pilot, qualifying for flying service shortly before the war. He was a member of 604 Squadron, with the rank of Sergeant, service number 566171. The squadron which flew the Bristol Blenheim and saw action during the evacuation of Dunkirk flying from Manston in Kent. During the Battle of Britain, on 25 August 1940 he was a pilot of a Blenheim mk I flying in a night fighter role. The aircraft serial number L6872 was on a night patrol from Middle Wallop in Hampshire and became lost. It was refused permission to land at Exeter because of an air raid, shortly afterwards the aircraft crashed near Witheridge, Devon killing on three crew members. Cyril Haigh was 23 years old and is buried in Swinton (St. Margaret) Churchyard.
Note
The other two crew members were:
Sgt John Gordon Bewley Fletcher – RAF (Aux) - 800635
LAC Albert Lawrence Austin – RAFVR - 917258
On 15 August 1940, ten days before he was killed Cyril was flying Blenheim mk I serial number L6610 which was mistakenly attacked by a Spitfire of 609 Squadron.
The aircraft with squadron markings of PR-K was flown by D.M. Crook made the following note in his log book: "Middle Wallop again bombed. This time by fairly large force of JU 88 and Me 110. We shot down 4 Me 110 confirmed. A Blenheim attacked the German formation and I shot it down by mistake. Crew OK (save for a cut in rear gunner's bottom) and machine landed at Wallop looking fairly well peppered. Not a very good show.”
A memorial plaque was presented to Mexborough Secondary School to commemorate the wartime valour of Sergeant Pilot Cyril Haigh and another RAF Flying Officer by Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, The Earl of Scarbrough.