Greasbrough
The Greasbrough War Memorial is situated on Church Street where it intersects with Green Street.
It was unvieled on Sunday 8th December 1925 by the Earl Fitzwilliam.
There are 53 names listed on the two plaques showing the casualties from the First World War.
A plaque listing 17 names including one woman was added in respect of the Second World War.
The inscriptions read:
In grateful memory of the men of Greasbro' who laid down their lives in the Great War. 1914-1918
1939 - 1945 Greasbro' service men & women killed on active service.
It was unvieled on Sunday 8th December 1925 by the Earl Fitzwilliam.
There are 53 names listed on the two plaques showing the casualties from the First World War.
A plaque listing 17 names including one woman was added in respect of the Second World War.
The inscriptions read:
In grateful memory of the men of Greasbro' who laid down their lives in the Great War. 1914-1918
1939 - 1945 Greasbro' service men & women killed on active service.
|
Additional Details
William Arthur Brown (4757045)
York and Lancaster Regiment - 10th Bn. 18 May 1941, aged 28 Died in the UK Canterbury Cemetery Bernard William Bartholomew (4746018) Parachute Regiment, A A C - 11th Bn. 19 September 1944, aged 28 Killed in action in Battle of Arnhem Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery Frank Colley (14304408) Royal Army Ordnance Corps - 18 Mobile Ammunition Sec 1 June 1945, aged 27 Killed in an explosion at Emden, Germany a few weeks after VE Day Brookwood Memorial Ronald Willis Fisher (1058488) Royal Air Force - 35 Sqdn. 25 June 1942, aged 23 Halifax aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Sage War Cemetery Edwin Gresser (2126565) Royal Engineers - 12 Bomb Disposal Coy. 1 October 1943, aged 24 Died in an accident in Sussex Rotherham (Greasbrough) Cemetery Gwendoline Mary Gascoigne Civilian War Dead 9 April 1941, aged 32 Killed in an air raid on Coventry London Road Cemetery Coventry John Bernard Hodgson (4617011) Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) - 1/6th Bn. 4 May 1940, aged 21 Died in Scotland Rotherham (Greasbrough) Cemetery William Henry Hoyle (3966004) Welch Regiment - 4th Bn. 7 March 1945, aged 27 Killed in Holland Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Frederick Edward Hirst (1194984) Royal Air Force 5 May 1943, aged 25 Killed on active service in an accident in Scotland Rotherham (Greasbrough) Cemetery |
Harry Hartley (2370021)
Royal Corps Of Signals - 49th Div. Sigs 26 July 1944, aged 23 Killed in action during the Normandy Campaign Ranville War Cemetery Dennis Morley (14590813) King's Shropshire Light Infantry - 1st Bn. The Herefordshire Regt 3 July 1947, aged 22 Illness in Egypt Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery Frank Pimperton (1569514) Royal Artillery - 82 Bty., 25 Lt. A.A. Regt 13 July 1943, aged 23 Killed in action in the Sicily Campaign Cassino Memorial Allan Cyril Savory (980033) Royal Air Force - 12 Sqdn. 27 July 1942, aged 27 Wellington aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Franciszek Sobkoviak Polish Air Force - 138 Sqdn. 30 October 1942, aged 28 Halifax aircraft lost on a covert mission to Poland Egersund Cemetery Harold Thompson (10602250) Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C - 56th Regiment 14 April 1945, aged 23 Died during the Italian Campaign Ravenna War Cemetery Frank Uttley (14566205) The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) - 2/7th Bn. 8 September 1944, aged 19 Died during the Italian Campaign Gradara War Cemetery Eddie Wright (1510735) Royal Air Force - 605 Sqdn 21 May 1943, aged 22 Mosquito aircraft was lost in a mission over France Grandcourt War Cemetery |
William Arthur Brown - 4757045
Arthur William Brown was born in Canterbury, son of Mrs. E. E. Brown. His home address in Canterbury was 45 Black Griffin Lane. Prior to enlisting in the army in 1940 he was employed by as a refinery attendant at Carr House Gas Works in Rotherham.
He was a Corporal in 10th Battalion of the Yorks & Lancaster Regiment, service number 4757045. Two low flying German bomber aircraft attack Southend scoring direct hits on the Nore Yacht club wrecking it and destroying a billet near the airfield killing 10 soldiers. William Arthur Brown was one of the soldiers killed on 18 May 1941 and was buried in Canterbury Cemetery, Kent on Friday 23 May 1941.
Note
Also killed in this air attack was Thomas Cunningham (see Additional Casualties – C)
The other casualties, all from 10th York & Lancaster, were:
Jack Batty – 4746979
John James Bonn – 4757171
Thomas Cunningham – 4754690
John William Hibberd - 4744424
George Keen – 4757089
James Evelyn Parker - 137287
George Smith – 4757131
Richard Henry Squires - 4757138
Fred Norman Taylor - 4757553
He was a Corporal in 10th Battalion of the Yorks & Lancaster Regiment, service number 4757045. Two low flying German bomber aircraft attack Southend scoring direct hits on the Nore Yacht club wrecking it and destroying a billet near the airfield killing 10 soldiers. William Arthur Brown was one of the soldiers killed on 18 May 1941 and was buried in Canterbury Cemetery, Kent on Friday 23 May 1941.
Note
Also killed in this air attack was Thomas Cunningham (see Additional Casualties – C)
The other casualties, all from 10th York & Lancaster, were:
Jack Batty – 4746979
John James Bonn – 4757171
Thomas Cunningham – 4754690
John William Hibberd - 4744424
George Keen – 4757089
James Evelyn Parker - 137287
George Smith – 4757131
Richard Henry Squires - 4757138
Fred Norman Taylor - 4757553
Bernard William Bartholomew - 4746018
Bernard William Bartholomew was born on 6 December 1915 at 21 Chapel St, Greasbrough to Bernard Bartholomew and Doris Elizabeth (nee Bradshaw). His parents later lived at 52 Lowfield Avenue, Greasbrough. He was education at Greasbrough National School and Rotherham Grammar School. After leaving school he was employed by Darwins Ltd, Tinsley and Steel Peech & Tozers. He enlisted in the army at Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham in 1935 as a career soldier, and given service number 4746018. Initially served in 1st Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment and 1936 saw him in Egypt at Sidi Bishr. Prior to the outbreak of war Bernard’s residence was 26 Atlas St, Brinsworth, Rotherham. He was married in 1935 and a daughter was born the following year.
He later saw service in France, Palestine and Sicily before he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, the 11th Battalion of the 1st Airborne Division. In 1944 he was involved in the massive airborne drop in the Netherlands for the operation codenamed Market Garden, which is now better know as ‘A Bridge Too Far’. The 11th Battalion, part of the 4th Parachute Brigade arrived in Arnhem, the last and most distant of the three bridges to be captured, on Monday 18 September 1944 the second day of the operation. The 11th Battalion were detached from the Brigade and were ordered to advance into Arnhem to assist the 1st Para Brigade in their attempt to reach the Bridge. When the order came they were skilfully led by some Dutch guides, and with their help they avoided a lot of German opposition and met with the 1st Para Brigade during Monday night, having only suffered light casualties. The Battalion were charged with the capture of some high ground in the area. It was hoped that with this in their hands, the remainder of the 4th Para Brigade would be able to make a successful attack in their direction. The 11th Battalion were engaged in heavy fighting by this time and it took several hours to disengage from the battle, but were able to begin moving away by 14:30. Unfortunately the Germans realised their intention and caught the whole Battalion out in the open and cut them apart with tanks and mortars. Only 150 men managed to get away.
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant David Benjamin Morris saw Bartholomew carry out a reconnaissance in the Lombok area in Arnhem on 19 September: "Here we got off the main road and moved into the trees surrounding Den Brink. We made our way towards the domed building. It was here when we came under machine gun fire with a few mortar shells thrown in. It was in this locality that we made contact with our Battalion. Nobody could tell me where to find Colonel Lea. “B” Company was under heavy attack just north of the prison. I detailed Sergeants Bartholomew and Hughes to carry out a reconnaissance in the area between “B” Company and our position. They never returned.”
Bernard Bartholomew died on Tuesday 19 September 1944 at the age of 28 and now lies in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
He later saw service in France, Palestine and Sicily before he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, the 11th Battalion of the 1st Airborne Division. In 1944 he was involved in the massive airborne drop in the Netherlands for the operation codenamed Market Garden, which is now better know as ‘A Bridge Too Far’. The 11th Battalion, part of the 4th Parachute Brigade arrived in Arnhem, the last and most distant of the three bridges to be captured, on Monday 18 September 1944 the second day of the operation. The 11th Battalion were detached from the Brigade and were ordered to advance into Arnhem to assist the 1st Para Brigade in their attempt to reach the Bridge. When the order came they were skilfully led by some Dutch guides, and with their help they avoided a lot of German opposition and met with the 1st Para Brigade during Monday night, having only suffered light casualties. The Battalion were charged with the capture of some high ground in the area. It was hoped that with this in their hands, the remainder of the 4th Para Brigade would be able to make a successful attack in their direction. The 11th Battalion were engaged in heavy fighting by this time and it took several hours to disengage from the battle, but were able to begin moving away by 14:30. Unfortunately the Germans realised their intention and caught the whole Battalion out in the open and cut them apart with tanks and mortars. Only 150 men managed to get away.
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant David Benjamin Morris saw Bartholomew carry out a reconnaissance in the Lombok area in Arnhem on 19 September: "Here we got off the main road and moved into the trees surrounding Den Brink. We made our way towards the domed building. It was here when we came under machine gun fire with a few mortar shells thrown in. It was in this locality that we made contact with our Battalion. Nobody could tell me where to find Colonel Lea. “B” Company was under heavy attack just north of the prison. I detailed Sergeants Bartholomew and Hughes to carry out a reconnaissance in the area between “B” Company and our position. They never returned.”
Bernard Bartholomew died on Tuesday 19 September 1944 at the age of 28 and now lies in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Frank Colley - 14304408
Frank Colley was born in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1918 to youngest son of Ernest Colley and Eliza Jane (nee Heptonstall) of Florence Road, Rotherham, they subsequently moved to Goole. He was educated at Rotherham Grammar School and Bradford University, and after marrying in 1944 lived with his in-laws at 22 Potter Hill, Greasbrough.
Frank joined the army in 1942 and was a Corporal in the 18 Mobile Ammunition Section of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, service number 14304408. He was killed in an explosion in Emden in Germany on 1 June 1945, after the cessation of hostilities, aged 27 years old. Frank is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial Panel, near Pirbright in Surrey Panel 19 Column 1 and has no known grave.
Frank joined the army in 1942 and was a Corporal in the 18 Mobile Ammunition Section of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, service number 14304408. He was killed in an explosion in Emden in Germany on 1 June 1945, after the cessation of hostilities, aged 27 years old. Frank is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial Panel, near Pirbright in Surrey Panel 19 Column 1 and has no known grave.
Ronald Willis Fisher - 1058488
Ronald Willis Fisher was born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1919, son of Lewis Fisher and Alice (nee Willis) of Cemetery House, Church Street, Greasbrough.
Ronald was a sergeant (air gunner), service number 1058488, serving with 35 squadron, part of 4 Group of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On the 25 June 1942 Ronald was part of the seven man crew of Handley Page Halifax Mk II, built English Electric Co serial number W1105. Airborne from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, nr York at 22:56 with the squadron marking of TL-N on a mission to Bremen, Germany. This raid was the third of the ‘Thousand Force’ 1,000 bomber raid. In total 1,067 aircraft were dispatched to the target with the loss of 48 aircraft. Halifax TL-N was shot down by flak from 14,000 feet and crashed near Oldenburg, about 25 miles west of the Bremen
target. Ronald was killed aged 23 years old, along with four other members of the crew. Two crew members survived to become prisoners of war. Ronald Willis is buried in at the Sage War Cemetery, Germany, 15 miles south of Oldenburg, and 27 miles west of Bremen. He left a wife of just a few months.
Note
Other crew member of W1105 were:
F/O H.G.B.Mays KIA
Sgt S.J.Harding PoW
Sgt R.G.Gumbley KIA
P/O R.H.Birch PoW
P/O S.F.Hazleton KIA
Sgt A.J.Selby KIA
Ronald was a sergeant (air gunner), service number 1058488, serving with 35 squadron, part of 4 Group of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On the 25 June 1942 Ronald was part of the seven man crew of Handley Page Halifax Mk II, built English Electric Co serial number W1105. Airborne from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, nr York at 22:56 with the squadron marking of TL-N on a mission to Bremen, Germany. This raid was the third of the ‘Thousand Force’ 1,000 bomber raid. In total 1,067 aircraft were dispatched to the target with the loss of 48 aircraft. Halifax TL-N was shot down by flak from 14,000 feet and crashed near Oldenburg, about 25 miles west of the Bremen
target. Ronald was killed aged 23 years old, along with four other members of the crew. Two crew members survived to become prisoners of war. Ronald Willis is buried in at the Sage War Cemetery, Germany, 15 miles south of Oldenburg, and 27 miles west of Bremen. He left a wife of just a few months.
Note
Other crew member of W1105 were:
F/O H.G.B.Mays KIA
Sgt S.J.Harding PoW
Sgt R.G.Gumbley KIA
P/O R.H.Birch PoW
P/O S.F.Hazleton KIA
Sgt A.J.Selby KIA
Edwin Gresser - 2126565
Edwin Gresser was born in Rotherham in the last quarter of 1919 to George Gresser and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (nee Dobson). The family lived at a number of addresses in
Greasbrough, 2 Green Street, 57 Church Street and later 1 Highfield Road. Before enlisting in the army in 1940 he worked for Arthur Cooper & Son Ltd, builders of Greasbrough.
Edwin was a Sapper with 12 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers, service number 2126565. His death was on 1 October 1943 at the age of 24 years
old, and registered in Cuckfield, Sussex. He is buried in Greasbrough Cemetery.
Greasbrough, 2 Green Street, 57 Church Street and later 1 Highfield Road. Before enlisting in the army in 1940 he worked for Arthur Cooper & Son Ltd, builders of Greasbrough.
Edwin was a Sapper with 12 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers, service number 2126565. His death was on 1 October 1943 at the age of 24 years
old, and registered in Cuckfield, Sussex. He is buried in Greasbrough Cemetery.
Gwendoline Mary Gascoigne
Gwendoline Mary Gascoigne was the daughter of Horace Gascoigne and Sarah Ann (nee Kay), of 3 Church Street, Greasbrough, and was born on 5 June
1908. Having trained as a nurse at the Royal Waterloo Hospital for Children and Women, associated with Dreadnought Hospital, Greenwich, London between 1929 and 1932, she qualified on 23 June 1933. By 1940 Gwendoline was working at Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. Coventry had already been blitzed on the evening of 14 November 1940 when the most famous building damaged was the Cathedral, when on the night of 8th-9th April 1941 (during Easter week) it was subject of another large air raid. During this blitz 237 bombers attacked the city dropping 315 high tons of explosive bombs and 25,000 incendiaries. Perhaps the most tragic event was the bombing of Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital where many injured civilians had been brought during the raid. The hospital was hit several times during the night. Doctors and nurses bravely carried on caring for patients throughout, but nurses and patients perished together. It is recorded that a delayed action bomb exploded the following morning, causing even more deaths. Hospital receives ten direct hits in one evening, it was reduced to mainly rubble. Twenty-one patients, seven nurses, two doctors and three St John Ambulance Brigade stretcher-bearers were killed. Tragically Gwendoline was one of the nurses killed in the raid, aged just 32. She is buried in London Road Cemetery, Coventry. |
John Bernard Hodgson - 4617011
John Bernard Hodgson was son the John William Hodgson and Edith Isabel (nee Fanthorpe), born in Frodingham, Lincolnshire (and registered in Glanford Brigg in the third quarter of 1918). The family later lived at 63 Potter Hill, Greasbrough.
Private Hodgson was in the 1/6th Battalion of Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), service number 4617011. He died on 4 May 1940 aged 21, his death being registered in Buchanan, in the district of Stirling, and was buried in Greasbrough Cemetery.
Private Hodgson was in the 1/6th Battalion of Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), service number 4617011. He died on 4 May 1940 aged 21, his death being registered in Buchanan, in the district of Stirling, and was buried in Greasbrough Cemetery.
William Henry Hoyle - 3966004
William Henry Hoyle was born to George Henry Hoyle and Phrenlopha (known as Lizzie) (nee Saville) of in Grimsby in the third quarter of 1917. His father was originally from Greasbrough, Rotherham and William was married there, to Edna Mabel Machin in 1943.
Private Hoyle was in the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, service number 3966004. The regiment was part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division in the battle for France and North-West Europe. William died in the Battle for the Rhineland on 7 March 1945, aged 27 and he is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery (which is 5 kilometres south
west of Kleve, Germany).
Private Hoyle was in the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, service number 3966004. The regiment was part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division in the battle for France and North-West Europe. William died in the Battle for the Rhineland on 7 March 1945, aged 27 and he is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery (which is 5 kilometres south
west of Kleve, Germany).
Frederick Edward Hirst (1194984)
Frederick Edward Hirst was born in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1918. He was the son of Frederick Hirst and Frederick Hirst and Kathleen Aston. Frederick Edward was married in Rotherhamin 1943. His mother was married to Gilbert Lodge in 1938.
Frederick joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1194984. His rank was Aircraftman 1st Class (Drogue Op.) He was killed in an accident at a RAF base in Scotland on 5 May 1943, at the age of 25, his death being registered in Inverness. He is interred in Greasbrough Cemetery, Section B. Grave 143, which took
place on Monday 11 May 1943 and was conducted by Rev Dr Beazley of Masbro. Newspapers reported that ‘mourners included Mrs Hirst (widow), Mr & Mrs Lodge and “Doreen” (step-father, mother and step-sister), Mr & Mrs Lambert (father-in-law and mother-in-law), workmates from J J Habershon & Sons Ltd. Floral tributes were from…….friends and neighbours at Dovercourt Road and Oates St’.
Frederick joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1194984. His rank was Aircraftman 1st Class (Drogue Op.) He was killed in an accident at a RAF base in Scotland on 5 May 1943, at the age of 25, his death being registered in Inverness. He is interred in Greasbrough Cemetery, Section B. Grave 143, which took
place on Monday 11 May 1943 and was conducted by Rev Dr Beazley of Masbro. Newspapers reported that ‘mourners included Mrs Hirst (widow), Mr & Mrs Lodge and “Doreen” (step-father, mother and step-sister), Mr & Mrs Lambert (father-in-law and mother-in-law), workmates from J J Habershon & Sons Ltd. Floral tributes were from…….friends and neighbours at Dovercourt Road and Oates St’.
Harry Hartley - 2370021
Harry Hartley was born on 28 July 1921 at 6 Scrooby St, Greasbrough to Harry Hartley and Edith (nee Baum). He was married to Clara in the third quarter of 1942 in Rotherham.
Harry was enrolled in the Army, service number 2370021. He became a Lance Corporal in the Royal Corps of Signals for 49th Division. The Division was transferred to France in 1944 under the command of XXX Corps. They began to land in Normandy on Monday 12th June 1944, just six days after D-Day. Harry was killed in action on 26 July 1944, D Day plus 50 and is buried Ranville War Cemetery. Lance Corporal Harry Hartley was 23 years old when he died.
Note
Ranville was the first village to be liberated in France when the bridge over the Caen Canal was captured intact in the early hours of 6 June by troops of the 6th Airborne Division, who were landed nearby by parachute and glider. The cemetery contains the graves of 2,235 burials from the Second World War.
Harry was enrolled in the Army, service number 2370021. He became a Lance Corporal in the Royal Corps of Signals for 49th Division. The Division was transferred to France in 1944 under the command of XXX Corps. They began to land in Normandy on Monday 12th June 1944, just six days after D-Day. Harry was killed in action on 26 July 1944, D Day plus 50 and is buried Ranville War Cemetery. Lance Corporal Harry Hartley was 23 years old when he died.
Note
Ranville was the first village to be liberated in France when the bridge over the Caen Canal was captured intact in the early hours of 6 June by troops of the 6th Airborne Division, who were landed nearby by parachute and glider. The cemetery contains the graves of 2,235 burials from the Second World War.
Dennis Morley - 14590813
Dennis Morley was born in Rotherham in 1925 to Arthur Smith Morley Annie Laura (nee Flintham) of 31 Coach Road, Greasbrough.
He enlisted into the Army in 1943, service number 14590813. He was in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and landed in Normandy, France on ‘Sword’ Beach on D-Day 6 June 1944. He was wounded on that first day but made a full recovery. In 1947 he was in 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regt of King's of Shropshire Light Infantry, having served two years in Palestine. He died after a short illness in a British Military Hospital in Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt on 3 July 1947, aged 22, and is buried in Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery. Pte Morley had been in the army 4 years and was due to be demobbed in the very near future.
He enlisted into the Army in 1943, service number 14590813. He was in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and landed in Normandy, France on ‘Sword’ Beach on D-Day 6 June 1944. He was wounded on that first day but made a full recovery. In 1947 he was in 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regt of King's of Shropshire Light Infantry, having served two years in Palestine. He died after a short illness in a British Military Hospital in Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt on 3 July 1947, aged 22, and is buried in Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery. Pte Morley had been in the army 4 years and was due to be demobbed in the very near future.
Frank Pimperton (1569514)
Frank Pimperton was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1920, eldest of four children of George Pimperton and Evelyn (nee Bisby), later of 17 Main St, Greasbrough.
He was in the Royal Artillery, service number 1569514 in the 25th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The regiment was part of the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division of XIII Corps for the Sicily landings of General Montgomery’s 8th Army. Frank was killed at the age of 23 on 13 July 1943, four days after the landings commenced. He is commemorated on Panel 2 of the Cassino Memorial on mainland Italy which lists over 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen who took part in the Italian campaign and whose graves are not known. |
Allan Cyril Savory (980033)
Allan Cyril Savory was the son of John William Savory and Elizabeth Snowball of 26 Munsbro Lane, Greasbrough. His parents had married in Rotherham in 1907, and although their first two children were born in the UK the family move to the USA. Allan was the fourth child and was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1915. The family moved back to the UK and the fifth child was again born in the UK. Allan was married in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1941.
Allan was a wireless operator/ air gunner with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 980033. He was in 12 Squadron part of 1 Group, flying Wellington medium bombers from RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire. On the night of 26th/27th July 1942 Allan was part of the five man crew of Vickers Wellington Mk II serial number W5367. The aircraft was airborne at 23:05 on a minor raid to Duisburg. The aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Bramsche, a town 20 km north of Osnabruck in the district of Osnabruck, Lower Saxony, Germany. Only the pilot survived to be interned as a prisoner of war. The cause of the loss and exact crash-site have not been established. Sgt Savory was buried along with his three fellow crew members in Bramsche, and later re-interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Sergeant Alan Savory was 27 years old when he died. Note The other members of the crew were: F/S A.S.Holgate PoW Sgt R.F.Ashby KIA F/S L.T.W.Grady RCAF KIA Sgt P.H.Jackett KIA |
Franciszek Sobkowiak - P-780420
Franciszek Sobkowiak
Franciszek Sobkowiak was born to a Polish couple in Essen, Germany on 3 October 1913. It is known that he became a footballer and played for Warta Poznan from 1937 to 1939. He played one international match for Poland, a friendly match against
Latvia on 25 September 1938. The match was played in the Latvian ASK Stadium in Riga, and Poland lost 2-1. Franciszek and Warta Poznan’s last game was on 20 August 1939 when they defeated Ruch Chorzów 5-2 in front of 8,000 home fans in Poznan.
Just over a week later Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany.
During the invasion of Poland Franciszek served as a sergeant in the 3rd Air Regiment. At the end of the fighting in Poland, he
escaped to the West and when in Britain joined one of the Polish Squadrons, number 301. Franciszek was a Flight Sergeant, service number P-780420 in the polish Air Force and moved from 301 squadron to 138 Squadron which flew ‘special duties’, dropping supplies and agents behind enemy lines. On the night of 7/8 November 1941 Franciszek was second pilot on a special operation to Poland to a dropping area at Ugór, 20 km from Skierniewice. They were flying in Halifax bomber L9612, but had a technical problem. Over the dropping area they lowered
the landing gear and set the flaps down to reduce speed, however after doing that the landing gear could not be retracted. Given the aircraft performance would be effected by flying with the undercarriage down, they realised that the aircraft would run out of fuel attempting to fly back home to the UK and therefore decided to land in neutral Sweden. The Halifax was forced to land at Tomelilla, near Ystad, Sweden. On landing, the crew destroyed the aircraft before the Swedish authorities arrived. Initially interned, the Polish crew were later returned to the UK, although not all together. The last to be returned was Franciszek Sobkowiak who was returned on the 22nd January 1942. Sgt Sobkowiak returned to his squadron and continued on operations.
On 29 October 1942 Franciszek was the pilot in Halifax W7773 with squadron markings of NF-S. It was airborne from Tempsford at 17:00 on a SOE Operation called Pliers, an arms supply drop at DZ "Kw 407" at Rogow, Lublin, Poland, plus the despatch of three Polish Army personnel. The plan was to make a diversionary bombing on the Gestapo H.Q in Warsaw and then to make the drops. However they failed to locate the reception post near Opele Lubelskie and decided to turn back. After 10 hours in the air it is thought that Halifax W7773 was shot down or crashed at 02:30 local time on 30 October 1942 crashed into Illgjernsbuknutten, 10 km south-east of Egersund. All ten on board were killed and initially buried on the coast, 4 km NW of Ogna before being moved to Egersund. The graves were relocated in 1953 to Olso.
Franciszek Sobkowiak was 29 years old and left a wife, who he had married in Rotherham and a daughter. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Military Virtue by
Poland.
Latvia on 25 September 1938. The match was played in the Latvian ASK Stadium in Riga, and Poland lost 2-1. Franciszek and Warta Poznan’s last game was on 20 August 1939 when they defeated Ruch Chorzów 5-2 in front of 8,000 home fans in Poznan.
Just over a week later Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany.
During the invasion of Poland Franciszek served as a sergeant in the 3rd Air Regiment. At the end of the fighting in Poland, he
escaped to the West and when in Britain joined one of the Polish Squadrons, number 301. Franciszek was a Flight Sergeant, service number P-780420 in the polish Air Force and moved from 301 squadron to 138 Squadron which flew ‘special duties’, dropping supplies and agents behind enemy lines. On the night of 7/8 November 1941 Franciszek was second pilot on a special operation to Poland to a dropping area at Ugór, 20 km from Skierniewice. They were flying in Halifax bomber L9612, but had a technical problem. Over the dropping area they lowered
the landing gear and set the flaps down to reduce speed, however after doing that the landing gear could not be retracted. Given the aircraft performance would be effected by flying with the undercarriage down, they realised that the aircraft would run out of fuel attempting to fly back home to the UK and therefore decided to land in neutral Sweden. The Halifax was forced to land at Tomelilla, near Ystad, Sweden. On landing, the crew destroyed the aircraft before the Swedish authorities arrived. Initially interned, the Polish crew were later returned to the UK, although not all together. The last to be returned was Franciszek Sobkowiak who was returned on the 22nd January 1942. Sgt Sobkowiak returned to his squadron and continued on operations.
On 29 October 1942 Franciszek was the pilot in Halifax W7773 with squadron markings of NF-S. It was airborne from Tempsford at 17:00 on a SOE Operation called Pliers, an arms supply drop at DZ "Kw 407" at Rogow, Lublin, Poland, plus the despatch of three Polish Army personnel. The plan was to make a diversionary bombing on the Gestapo H.Q in Warsaw and then to make the drops. However they failed to locate the reception post near Opele Lubelskie and decided to turn back. After 10 hours in the air it is thought that Halifax W7773 was shot down or crashed at 02:30 local time on 30 October 1942 crashed into Illgjernsbuknutten, 10 km south-east of Egersund. All ten on board were killed and initially buried on the coast, 4 km NW of Ogna before being moved to Egersund. The graves were relocated in 1953 to Olso.
Franciszek Sobkowiak was 29 years old and left a wife, who he had married in Rotherham and a daughter. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Military Virtue by
Poland.
Photographes of Halifax L9612 which was crash landed in neutral Sweden and destroyed by the crew before being interned.
Notes
Other Polish Air Force crew members killed were: Fl/Eng: W/O. Franciszek Zaremba P-780216 Obs: F/O. Mariusz Wodzicki D.F.C. P-76627 Air/Bmr: Sgt. Czeslaw Kozlowski P-784220 W/Op/Air/Gnr: F/O. Franciszek Pantkowski P-1571 Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Tadeusz Madejski P-780189 Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Waclaw Zuk P-793039 The three agents killed were: Lt Stanislaw Hencel Lt Wieslaw Szpakowicz S/Lt Jerzy Bichniewics |
Harold Thompson - 10602250
Harold Thompson was born on 26 April 1922 to Thomas Charles Thompson and Theresa (nee Widdeson) of 22 Croft St, Greasbrough. He was educated at Greasbrough School before becoming a bricklayer with Parkins Builders Ltd.
He was in 56th Reconnaissance Regiment Royal Armoured Corps, serial number 10602250. In 1945 the 56th Reconnaissance Regiment was part of the 78th Infantry Division in Italy. In April of that year the Division was involved in battles called the Senio River Crossing and the Argenta Gap, part of the Spring Offensive in northern Italy. Harold died aged 23 on 14 April 1945, just 24 days short of VE Day, he is buried in Ravenna War Cemetery. His campaign medals are: 39/45 Star, African Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 39/45, indicating his involvement in both the North African and Italian campaigns.
He was in 56th Reconnaissance Regiment Royal Armoured Corps, serial number 10602250. In 1945 the 56th Reconnaissance Regiment was part of the 78th Infantry Division in Italy. In April of that year the Division was involved in battles called the Senio River Crossing and the Argenta Gap, part of the Spring Offensive in northern Italy. Harold died aged 23 on 14 April 1945, just 24 days short of VE Day, he is buried in Ravenna War Cemetery. His campaign medals are: 39/45 Star, African Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 39/45, indicating his involvement in both the North African and Italian campaigns.
Frank Uttley - 14566205
Frank was the son of Allen Uttley and Doris May (nee Billam) of 3 Lowfield Avenue, Greasbrough, born in Rotherham in the last quarter of 1924.
He joined The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2/7th Battalion, with serial number 14566205. In September 1944 the 2/7th was part of the 169thInfantry Brigade within the 56th Division in Italy. The Germans has set up the Gothic Line in the mountains of the Apennines in northern Italy. Operation Olive was launched by the Allied forces on the Gothic Line. The Battle of Gemmano consisted of a series of four British attacks between 4th and 15th September. The second attack commenced on 8th
September. On September 8 it rained heavily all morning, but the rain had slackened when the two assaulting battalions (Queen's Brigade 2/6th and 2/7th under the command of Lt Col Renshaw and Maj MacWilliam, respectively), supported by 4.2-inch mortars, by the medium MG of the 6th Cheshire Regiment, by two squadrons of the 8th RTR, and by the whole of the divisional artillery, moved off towards Gemmano at 2:00pm. On the steep slopes the two battalions lost men fast, under the German MG fire which actually mowed the British troops while they were climbing the hill, in spite of the terrific shelling which, coming from Montefiore Conca, had pulverized the top of the ridge into towering columns of flying earth and stone. By 3:45pm two Companies of the 2/7th battalion entered Gemmano. As usual, Germans stubbornly counter-attacked and by 8:00pm, after bitter fightings which caused heavy casualties on both sides, the British were rejected from all the positions they had hardly conquered except for two blocks of houses, at the rear edge of the village, garrisoned by a mixed group of men from 'B', 'C', and 'D' Companies of the 2/7th and by few others from the 2/6th battalion, under command of Capt. Rossiter. Meanwhile, about half a mile ahead, the 2/6th was attacking the during the German positions in the area of the cemetery. A company reached the objective afternoon (at what cost ! It took four hours and a number of casualties, including Company's CO (Major Purdon), to cover the 200 yards to the top of Pt.414) but they were actually rejected by the combined fire of German small arms and mortars. It was on that day, Friday 8 September 1944 that Frank Uttley was killed, aged 19 and is buried in Gradara War Cemetery.
He joined The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2/7th Battalion, with serial number 14566205. In September 1944 the 2/7th was part of the 169thInfantry Brigade within the 56th Division in Italy. The Germans has set up the Gothic Line in the mountains of the Apennines in northern Italy. Operation Olive was launched by the Allied forces on the Gothic Line. The Battle of Gemmano consisted of a series of four British attacks between 4th and 15th September. The second attack commenced on 8th
September. On September 8 it rained heavily all morning, but the rain had slackened when the two assaulting battalions (Queen's Brigade 2/6th and 2/7th under the command of Lt Col Renshaw and Maj MacWilliam, respectively), supported by 4.2-inch mortars, by the medium MG of the 6th Cheshire Regiment, by two squadrons of the 8th RTR, and by the whole of the divisional artillery, moved off towards Gemmano at 2:00pm. On the steep slopes the two battalions lost men fast, under the German MG fire which actually mowed the British troops while they were climbing the hill, in spite of the terrific shelling which, coming from Montefiore Conca, had pulverized the top of the ridge into towering columns of flying earth and stone. By 3:45pm two Companies of the 2/7th battalion entered Gemmano. As usual, Germans stubbornly counter-attacked and by 8:00pm, after bitter fightings which caused heavy casualties on both sides, the British were rejected from all the positions they had hardly conquered except for two blocks of houses, at the rear edge of the village, garrisoned by a mixed group of men from 'B', 'C', and 'D' Companies of the 2/7th and by few others from the 2/6th battalion, under command of Capt. Rossiter. Meanwhile, about half a mile ahead, the 2/6th was attacking the during the German positions in the area of the cemetery. A company reached the objective afternoon (at what cost ! It took four hours and a number of casualties, including Company's CO (Major Purdon), to cover the 200 yards to the top of Pt.414) but they were actually rejected by the combined fire of German small arms and mortars. It was on that day, Friday 8 September 1944 that Frank Uttley was killed, aged 19 and is buried in Gradara War Cemetery.
Eddie Wright - 1510735
Eddie Wright was born in early 1921 to Frank Wright and Charlotte Elizabeth (nee Rawlin) of 33 Highfield Road, Greasbrough.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1510735 and served as a navigator in 605 County of Warwick Squadron of Fighter Command. He took off from RAF Castle Camps, in Cambridgeshire with his 21 years old pilot Sgt Charles Corringham Adams (1233714) in a De Havilland Mosquito NFII serial number HJ661, on an intruder mission to Evreux in France. The aircraft was lost on 21 May 1941, with both crew being killed. Eddie Wright is buried in the Grandcourt War Cemetery, (30 kilometres east of Dieppe) Seine Maritime, France, he was 22 years old and left a widow who he had married in Rotherham in 1942.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1510735 and served as a navigator in 605 County of Warwick Squadron of Fighter Command. He took off from RAF Castle Camps, in Cambridgeshire with his 21 years old pilot Sgt Charles Corringham Adams (1233714) in a De Havilland Mosquito NFII serial number HJ661, on an intruder mission to Evreux in France. The aircraft was lost on 21 May 1941, with both crew being killed. Eddie Wright is buried in the Grandcourt War Cemetery, (30 kilometres east of Dieppe) Seine Maritime, France, he was 22 years old and left a widow who he had married in Rotherham in 1942.