Aston, All Saints Church - part 2
George Kyte - 4747
George Kyte was born in Rotherham in the fourth quarter of 1919, second child of John George and Mary Ellen (nee Booth). The family lived at 14 Lodge Lane, Aston.
George enlisted in the Army, service number 4747201, and became a corporal in the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The battalion were part of the 5th Infantry Division’s all Yorkshire 15th Brigade, who were known as the globetrotters and they served in a number of locations around the world. In September 1943 the York’s and Lanc’s were part of the forces invading the Italian mainland. George was reported killed in action on 11 October 1943 in the area of the Volturno River. He was 23 years old and is buried in the Sangro River War Cemetery.
George enlisted in the Army, service number 4747201, and became a corporal in the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The battalion were part of the 5th Infantry Division’s all Yorkshire 15th Brigade, who were known as the globetrotters and they served in a number of locations around the world. In September 1943 the York’s and Lanc’s were part of the forces invading the Italian mainland. George was reported killed in action on 11 October 1943 in the area of the Volturno River. He was 23 years old and is buried in the Sangro River War Cemetery.
William Lintin - 948615
William Lintin was the fourth born child of coal miner Alfred Lintin and Sarah Ann (nee Barson). His birth was registered in Rotherham in the last quarter of 1911. The family lived at 12 Aston Terrace, Swallownest, nr Sheffield although only one of the three children older than William was still alive when he was born. His parents later lived at 31 Aughton Ave, Aughton Road Estate, Swallownest.
William was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 948615, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Having gone into the forces in January 1940, he was a dispatch rider. LAC Lintin was on his way home on 16 June 1941 when he was involved in a road accident receiving fatal injuries. His death was registered in Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland. William was 29 years old when he died and he left behind a wife, who he had married in January 1940 in Northumberland South. He was buried on Saturday 21 June 1941 in Aston-cum-Aughton Cemetery.
William was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 948615, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Having gone into the forces in January 1940, he was a dispatch rider. LAC Lintin was on his way home on 16 June 1941 when he was involved in a road accident receiving fatal injuries. His death was registered in Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland. William was 29 years old when he died and he left behind a wife, who he had married in January 1940 in Northumberland South. He was buried on Saturday 21 June 1941 in Aston-cum-Aughton Cemetery.
Carl Marsh - P/SSX 31710
Carl Marsh was born on 17 October 1895 in Sheffield to Frederick Platts Marsh and Amy (nee Eaton) of Intake, Sheffield. His father died when he was 12 years old.
By 1911, having left school he was a ‘pony driver in the pit’. He was married in 1919 in Sheffield (registered in Ecclesall Bierlow) and he had fourth children and lived at 32 Aston Terrace, Aston.
Carl enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number P/SSX 31710 and was an Able Seaman. Carl died on 25 November 1945 aged 49 years old, his death being registered in Sheffield. He served at HMS Victory, the name given to Portsmouth Naval Base. Carl Marsh was buried in Sheffield (Intake Village) Cemetery.
By 1911, having left school he was a ‘pony driver in the pit’. He was married in 1919 in Sheffield (registered in Ecclesall Bierlow) and he had fourth children and lived at 32 Aston Terrace, Aston.
Carl enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number P/SSX 31710 and was an Able Seaman. Carl died on 25 November 1945 aged 49 years old, his death being registered in Sheffield. He served at HMS Victory, the name given to Portsmouth Naval Base. Carl Marsh was buried in Sheffield (Intake Village) Cemetery.
Henry Aaron Morris
Henry Aaron Morris was born on 30 May 1885 in Waleswood, his birth being registered in Sheffield in the second quarter of 1885. He was the oldest child of coal miner George Henry Morris and his wife Fanny (nee Price). His father would later become the landlord of the Blue Bell Hotel in Aston. Henry Aaron followed his father down the mine and became a coal hewer. He was married in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1906 to Gertrude (nee Wright), the couple initially lived at 66 Aston Terrace, Swallownest, but by 1940 were living at 105 Lodge Lane, Aston.
Henry Aaron Morris was a retired Licensed Victualler died on 27 September 1940, aged 55, his death being registered in the Rother Valley District.
Note
Henry Aaron Morris is not shown on the list of war casualties held by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Henry Aaron Morris was a retired Licensed Victualler died on 27 September 1940, aged 55, his death being registered in the Rother Valley District.
Note
Henry Aaron Morris is not shown on the list of war casualties held by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Alan Matthews - 4625647
Alan Matthews was the second child of Arthur Matthews and his wife of six years Lily (nee Grant), he was born in Sheffield in the early part of 1911. The family lived with
Alan’s maternal grandparents at 66 Maltravers Rd, Sheffield. He later resided at 2 The Willow Grove, Aston. Alan was marriage in the first quarter of 1943 was registered in Sheffield.
He enlisted in the army, service number 4625647, he was a Private in 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). In 1944 the regiment took part in the Anzio campaign, which commenced with the beach landing in January. Then came the hard slog northwards up Italy which was most costly. Weather reduced the battalion to mule transport, laden mules becoming 'bellied' under the weight of ammunition or stores. Then ‘the Dukes’ confronted the Gothic Line in October 1944, and notably a crucial 2,000ft feature - Monte Ceco - which held up the Allied advance. A six-day battle ensued in rain. The initial attack from the south failed, mud in place knee-deep being a cause. A silent second attack from the west was launched in a downpour under heavy German mortar fire on the evening of 8 October. The attack became very difficult resulting in 23 dead from the unit that day alone. Private Alan Matthews was one of those killed, he was 33 years old and now lies in Faenza War Cemetery.
Note
Some background information on the action at Monte Ceco on the 8 October 1944 is given by the record of Private Henry Richard Burton of 1st Bn, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment who won the Victoria Cross. The London Gazette published:
War Office, 4th January, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-
No. 5891907 Private Richard Henry Burton, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) (Melton Mowbray). In Italy on 8th October, 1944, two Companies of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment moved forward to take a strongly held feature 760 metres high. The capture of this feature was vital at this stage of the operation as it dominated all the ground on the main axis of advance. The assaulting troops made good progress to within twenty yards of the crest when they came under withering fire from Spandaus on the crest. The leading platoon was held up and the Platoon Commander was wounded. The Company Commander took another platoon, 'of which Private Burton was runner, through to assault the crest from which four Spandaus at least were firing. Private Burton rushed forward and, engaging the first Spandau position with his Tommy gun, killed the crew of three. When the assault was again held up by murderous fire from two more machine guns Private Burton, again showing complete disregard for his own safety, dashed forward toward the first machine gun using his Tommy gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then picked up a Bren gun and firing from the hip succeeded in killing or wounding the crews of the two machine guns. Thanks to his outstanding courage the Company was then able to consolidate on the forward slope of the feature. The enemy immediately counter-attacked fiercely but Private Burton, in spite of most of his comrades being either dead or wounded, once again dashed forward on his own initiative and directed such accurate fire with his Bren gun on the enemy that they retired leaving the feature firmly in our hands. The enemy later counter-attacked again on the adjoining platoon position and Private Burton, who had placed himself on the flank, brought such accurate fire to bear that this counterattack also failed to dislodge the Company from its position. Private Burton's magnificent gallantry and total disregard of his own safety during many hours of fierce fighting in mud and continuous rain were an inspiration to all his comrades.
Alan’s maternal grandparents at 66 Maltravers Rd, Sheffield. He later resided at 2 The Willow Grove, Aston. Alan was marriage in the first quarter of 1943 was registered in Sheffield.
He enlisted in the army, service number 4625647, he was a Private in 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). In 1944 the regiment took part in the Anzio campaign, which commenced with the beach landing in January. Then came the hard slog northwards up Italy which was most costly. Weather reduced the battalion to mule transport, laden mules becoming 'bellied' under the weight of ammunition or stores. Then ‘the Dukes’ confronted the Gothic Line in October 1944, and notably a crucial 2,000ft feature - Monte Ceco - which held up the Allied advance. A six-day battle ensued in rain. The initial attack from the south failed, mud in place knee-deep being a cause. A silent second attack from the west was launched in a downpour under heavy German mortar fire on the evening of 8 October. The attack became very difficult resulting in 23 dead from the unit that day alone. Private Alan Matthews was one of those killed, he was 33 years old and now lies in Faenza War Cemetery.
Note
Some background information on the action at Monte Ceco on the 8 October 1944 is given by the record of Private Henry Richard Burton of 1st Bn, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment who won the Victoria Cross. The London Gazette published:
War Office, 4th January, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-
No. 5891907 Private Richard Henry Burton, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) (Melton Mowbray). In Italy on 8th October, 1944, two Companies of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment moved forward to take a strongly held feature 760 metres high. The capture of this feature was vital at this stage of the operation as it dominated all the ground on the main axis of advance. The assaulting troops made good progress to within twenty yards of the crest when they came under withering fire from Spandaus on the crest. The leading platoon was held up and the Platoon Commander was wounded. The Company Commander took another platoon, 'of which Private Burton was runner, through to assault the crest from which four Spandaus at least were firing. Private Burton rushed forward and, engaging the first Spandau position with his Tommy gun, killed the crew of three. When the assault was again held up by murderous fire from two more machine guns Private Burton, again showing complete disregard for his own safety, dashed forward toward the first machine gun using his Tommy gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then picked up a Bren gun and firing from the hip succeeded in killing or wounding the crews of the two machine guns. Thanks to his outstanding courage the Company was then able to consolidate on the forward slope of the feature. The enemy immediately counter-attacked fiercely but Private Burton, in spite of most of his comrades being either dead or wounded, once again dashed forward on his own initiative and directed such accurate fire with his Bren gun on the enemy that they retired leaving the feature firmly in our hands. The enemy later counter-attacked again on the adjoining platoon position and Private Burton, who had placed himself on the flank, brought such accurate fire to bear that this counterattack also failed to dislodge the Company from its position. Private Burton's magnificent gallantry and total disregard of his own safety during many hours of fierce fighting in mud and continuous rain were an inspiration to all his comrades.
Anthony John William Matthews - 235268
Anthony John William Matthews was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire in 1918 and is recorded as living in Nottinghamshire. He was the son of the steel magnet Sir Ronald and Lady Matthews who purchased Aston Hall when it was sold in 1928. Sir Ronald was also the chairman of LNER.
Lieutenant Anthony J W Matthews’ service number indicates he initially served with the Royal Army Service Corps before being in the Royal Engineers, he died on 5 December 1942. He is buried in the Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria. Allied troops had landed in Algeria in November 1942, and Bone was a supply port.
Lieutenant Anthony J W Matthews’ service number indicates he initially served with the Royal Army Service Corps before being in the Royal Engineers, he died on 5 December 1942. He is buried in the Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria. Allied troops had landed in Algeria in November 1942, and Bone was a supply port.
Douglas Osborne - 7615856
Douglas Osborne was born in Rotherham in the second quarter of 1919 to Walter Osborne and his wife of 14 years, Edith Ann (nee Turner) of 89 Aughton Road, Swallownest. Douglas was employed at Treeton Colliery before entering the services.
He enlisted in the Army in 1939 and was a Sapper with 9 Bomb Disposal Section, Royal Engineers, service number 7615856. He was killed on 29 September 1940 by a time bomb, his death being registered in Chelmsford, Essex. He was 21 years old and was buried on Saturday 5 October 1940 at Aston-cum-Aughton Cemetery.
He enlisted in the Army in 1939 and was a Sapper with 9 Bomb Disposal Section, Royal Engineers, service number 7615856. He was killed on 29 September 1940 by a time bomb, his death being registered in Chelmsford, Essex. He was 21 years old and was buried on Saturday 5 October 1940 at Aston-cum-Aughton Cemetery.
Clarence Rose - 631369
Clarence Rose was born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1920. He lived in Swallownest.
He was a Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) with 144 Squadron, RAF, based at Hemswell, Lincolnshire. On night operations for 11 July 1940 were 18 Hampdens assigned to attack the Wanne-Eickel, Mundenheim and the Dortmund-Elms canals. Clarence was part of the four man crew on board Handley Page Hampden P4366 bound for Wanne-Eickel. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Kessel (Limburg), 12 km south west of Venlo, Holland. All the crew were killed.
Sgt Clarence Rose, service number 631369, was 20 years old when he was buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen.
Note
The other crew members were:
P/O I.M. Hossack
Sgt E.B.H. France
Sgt E.D. Leamy
He was a Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) with 144 Squadron, RAF, based at Hemswell, Lincolnshire. On night operations for 11 July 1940 were 18 Hampdens assigned to attack the Wanne-Eickel, Mundenheim and the Dortmund-Elms canals. Clarence was part of the four man crew on board Handley Page Hampden P4366 bound for Wanne-Eickel. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Kessel (Limburg), 12 km south west of Venlo, Holland. All the crew were killed.
Sgt Clarence Rose, service number 631369, was 20 years old when he was buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen.
Note
The other crew members were:
P/O I.M. Hossack
Sgt E.B.H. France
Sgt E.D. Leamy
Stanley Arthur Surgey - C/KX 525966
Stanley Arthur Surgey was born in Mansfield in the second quarter of 1923 to Ernest Cyril W Surgey and Edith B (nee Burrows), he had a twin sister. The family moved to Rotherham and lived at 52 Ashley Grove, Aston.
Stanley enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number C/KX 525966. In 1944, he was serving as a Stoker 1st Class on the Hunt class Escort Destroyer HMS Aldenham. In mid-December the ship was deployed in the Adriatic and carried out bombardments and the landing of partisans in Yugoslavia. During the return passage from landings on Pag Island on 14 December the ship struck a mine at position 44.30N 14.50E and sank in around 30 minutes. Out of a complement of 189 there was only 67 survived, most of which were rescued by HMS Atherstone. Stanley Surgey was 21 years old when he died, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Note
HMS Aldenham was the last Royal Navy Destroyer sunk during the war.
Stanley enlisted in the Royal Navy, service number C/KX 525966. In 1944, he was serving as a Stoker 1st Class on the Hunt class Escort Destroyer HMS Aldenham. In mid-December the ship was deployed in the Adriatic and carried out bombardments and the landing of partisans in Yugoslavia. During the return passage from landings on Pag Island on 14 December the ship struck a mine at position 44.30N 14.50E and sank in around 30 minutes. Out of a complement of 189 there was only 67 survived, most of which were rescued by HMS Atherstone. Stanley Surgey was 21 years old when he died, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Note
HMS Aldenham was the last Royal Navy Destroyer sunk during the war.
Cyril Kenneth Walker - 4346411
Cyril Kenneth Walker was the son of insurance agent John Walker and Annie (nee Jackson), his birth being registered in Sheffield in the last quarter of 1919. Cyril Kenneth was known as Peter. He was educated Aston Council School& Woodhouse Grammar School and then employed at Bridgehouse Goods Station (LNER). He lived with his parents at “Hillcrest” 131 Aughton Rd, Swallownest, Rotherham.
He enlisted in the Army and was a Lance Corporal in the 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 4346411. He was sent to the Middle East in 1941 with the Regiment, part of the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division. The division was involved in many of the major battles in North Africa over the next two years. The 5th East Yorkshire gained battle honours in North Africa at Gazala, Mersa Matruh, Defence of Alamein Line, El Alamein, Mareth and Wadi Zigzaou. As the Axis forces were entering their final days the Regiment would take part in a battle for which they would be awarded another battle honour. The 6 April 1943 would be the opening day of the Battle of Wadi Akarit. The Battalion War Diary shows that they moved from the Concentration Area at 21:00 on the 5th and arrived at the Assembly Area at midnight, and then on to the Start Line at 03:30. They crossed the Start Line at 04:15 and moved forward towards an enemy anti-tank ditch behind a creeping barrage of artillery. It was upon reaching a ridge before the ditch that some of the casualties were suffered, as well as an aborted attack on the right by C Company. Eventually the pressure told and the objective was achieved, but an air attack hit the Battalion HQ killing four officers and three other ranks.
It was on this day that ‘Peter’ Walker was killed, aged 23, along with 37 other member the battalion. He now rest in the Sfax War Cemetery in Tunisia, about 270 kilometres south of Tunis.
Note
It was on 6 April 1943 that Private Eric Anderson, 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
The London gazette published:
War Office, 29th July, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:
No. 4347754 Private Eric Anderson, The East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York's Own) (Bradford).
On the 6th April, 1943, a Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment was making a dawn attack on a strong enemy locality on the Wadi Akarit with " A" Company leading. After some progress had been made and " A " Company was advancing over an exposed forward slope, it suddenly came under most intense and accurate machine gun and mortar fire from well concealed enemy strong points not more than 200 yards away. Further advance in that direction was impossible and "A " Company was able to withdraw behind the crest of a hill, with the exception of a few men who were wounded and pinned to the ground by strong and well directed small arms fire. Private Anderson, a stretcher bearer attached to "A " Company, seeing these men lying wounded in "no man's land ", quite regardless of his personal safety, went forward alone through intense fire and single handed carried back a wounded soldier to a place of safety where medical attention could be given. Knowing that more men were lying wounded in the open he again went out to the bullet swept slope, located a second wounded man and carried him to safety.
Private Anderson went forward once again and safely evacuated a third casualty. Without any hesitation or consideration for himself he went out for a fourth time but by now he was the only target the enemy had to shoot at and when he reached the fourth wounded man, and was administering such first aid as he could to prepare for the return journey, he was himself hit and mortally wounded. Private Anderson, by his valour, complete disregard for his personal safety, and courage under fire, probably saved the lives of three of his comrades and his example was an inspiration to all who witnessed his gallant acts.
He enlisted in the Army and was a Lance Corporal in the 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, service number 4346411. He was sent to the Middle East in 1941 with the Regiment, part of the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division. The division was involved in many of the major battles in North Africa over the next two years. The 5th East Yorkshire gained battle honours in North Africa at Gazala, Mersa Matruh, Defence of Alamein Line, El Alamein, Mareth and Wadi Zigzaou. As the Axis forces were entering their final days the Regiment would take part in a battle for which they would be awarded another battle honour. The 6 April 1943 would be the opening day of the Battle of Wadi Akarit. The Battalion War Diary shows that they moved from the Concentration Area at 21:00 on the 5th and arrived at the Assembly Area at midnight, and then on to the Start Line at 03:30. They crossed the Start Line at 04:15 and moved forward towards an enemy anti-tank ditch behind a creeping barrage of artillery. It was upon reaching a ridge before the ditch that some of the casualties were suffered, as well as an aborted attack on the right by C Company. Eventually the pressure told and the objective was achieved, but an air attack hit the Battalion HQ killing four officers and three other ranks.
It was on this day that ‘Peter’ Walker was killed, aged 23, along with 37 other member the battalion. He now rest in the Sfax War Cemetery in Tunisia, about 270 kilometres south of Tunis.
Note
It was on 6 April 1943 that Private Eric Anderson, 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
The London gazette published:
War Office, 29th July, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:
No. 4347754 Private Eric Anderson, The East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York's Own) (Bradford).
On the 6th April, 1943, a Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment was making a dawn attack on a strong enemy locality on the Wadi Akarit with " A" Company leading. After some progress had been made and " A " Company was advancing over an exposed forward slope, it suddenly came under most intense and accurate machine gun and mortar fire from well concealed enemy strong points not more than 200 yards away. Further advance in that direction was impossible and "A " Company was able to withdraw behind the crest of a hill, with the exception of a few men who were wounded and pinned to the ground by strong and well directed small arms fire. Private Anderson, a stretcher bearer attached to "A " Company, seeing these men lying wounded in "no man's land ", quite regardless of his personal safety, went forward alone through intense fire and single handed carried back a wounded soldier to a place of safety where medical attention could be given. Knowing that more men were lying wounded in the open he again went out to the bullet swept slope, located a second wounded man and carried him to safety.
Private Anderson went forward once again and safely evacuated a third casualty. Without any hesitation or consideration for himself he went out for a fourth time but by now he was the only target the enemy had to shoot at and when he reached the fourth wounded man, and was administering such first aid as he could to prepare for the return journey, he was himself hit and mortally wounded. Private Anderson, by his valour, complete disregard for his personal safety, and courage under fire, probably saved the lives of three of his comrades and his example was an inspiration to all who witnessed his gallant acts.
Alfred Wilkinson - 4687660
Alfred Wilkinson was the son of miner Alfred Wilkinson and his wife Annie Mary (nee Dunn) who lived at Shafton Two Gates Nr Barnsley. Born in 1912 he was the fourth child of the couple who had been married six years previously. After leaving school he worked at Treeton colliery and lived at 5 West Lane, Aughton. He was married in 1939 in Boughton near Newark and a daughter was born in 1942.
He enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 4687660, and was a Private in the 1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The 1st Battalion moved to France at the beginning of October, 1939, and so began its travels which were to take it to many different parts of the Eastern hemisphere. The winter of 1939-1940 was bitterly cold, and was spent mainly near Lille, though the Battalion went into position in front of the Maginot Line. In April, 1940, the Battalion was moved at short notice to Scotland and thence to Norway. After landing at Aandalsnes, advancing more than a hundred miles down the Gudbrandsdal Valley, the Battalion became involved in a series of rear-guard actions. At Kvam the Battalion, entirely on its own, held up the German advance for two days. After a severe action at Dombaas, a railway accident and a long march, the Battalion was withdrawn to Scotland. After intensive training in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, in 1942 the Battalion embarked at Liverpool and sailed for India, by way of South Africa. Four months were spent in India and then came a move to Syria, stopping for a while on the way in Iraq and Persia. As part of the Eighth Army the 1st Battalion was one of the assault battalions in the landing in Sicily near Syracuse in July, 1943. Villas Mundo, the River Semento and an attack on the enemy some 8,000 feet up the slope of Mount Etna were the main engagements in this two months' campaign.
Private Alfred Wilkinson was killed on 12 August 1943, five days before the end of the Sicily Campaign, when the last of the Germans fled to the Italy. He was 31 years old and now lies in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily on the east of the island.
He enlisted in the Army in 1939, service number 4687660, and was a Private in the 1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The 1st Battalion moved to France at the beginning of October, 1939, and so began its travels which were to take it to many different parts of the Eastern hemisphere. The winter of 1939-1940 was bitterly cold, and was spent mainly near Lille, though the Battalion went into position in front of the Maginot Line. In April, 1940, the Battalion was moved at short notice to Scotland and thence to Norway. After landing at Aandalsnes, advancing more than a hundred miles down the Gudbrandsdal Valley, the Battalion became involved in a series of rear-guard actions. At Kvam the Battalion, entirely on its own, held up the German advance for two days. After a severe action at Dombaas, a railway accident and a long march, the Battalion was withdrawn to Scotland. After intensive training in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, in 1942 the Battalion embarked at Liverpool and sailed for India, by way of South Africa. Four months were spent in India and then came a move to Syria, stopping for a while on the way in Iraq and Persia. As part of the Eighth Army the 1st Battalion was one of the assault battalions in the landing in Sicily near Syracuse in July, 1943. Villas Mundo, the River Semento and an attack on the enemy some 8,000 feet up the slope of Mount Etna were the main engagements in this two months' campaign.
Private Alfred Wilkinson was killed on 12 August 1943, five days before the end of the Sicily Campaign, when the last of the Germans fled to the Italy. He was 31 years old and now lies in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily on the east of the island.
George Raymond Wood - 125855
George Raymond Wood was born in the second quarter of 1922 in Rotherham to John James Wood and Ellen Coates
(nee Ibbotson). He lived at 2 Rose Cottage, Main St, Swallownest.
George was a Flight Lieutenant, service number 125855, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve with 148 Squadron. The squadron undertook a ‘Special Duties’ role and was equipped with Halifaxes and Liberators. It was responsible for supplying Partisan groups throughout the Balkans and as far afield as Poland as well as undertaking normal bombing missions when not otherwise occupied. They moved from Libya to Italy in January 1944 being based at Brindisi. On the night of 3/4 July 1944 Flt Lt Wood was pilot of a Handley Page Halifax Mk II aircraft number JP247 with squadron markings of FS-E on a supply mission. The aircraft was shot down on the way to the target area. According to a Hungarian police reports the aircraft was downed in flames at 22:32 near to Obzirszállás (today Obziri - Vojvodina/ Serbia). It also reported that it was shot down by a German nightfighter. Oblt. Josef Krause of 6./NJG 101 claimed a Halifax shot down in the area at 22.26 at a height of 2.600 m. There were three other Halifaxes lost by 148 Squadron that night, including another in the same area as JP247.
George Raymond Wood was killed in the crash along with one of the gunners, although five of the crew managed to escape the aircraft and became prisoners of war. George was 22 years old when he died and now lies in Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia.
(nee Ibbotson). He lived at 2 Rose Cottage, Main St, Swallownest.
George was a Flight Lieutenant, service number 125855, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve with 148 Squadron. The squadron undertook a ‘Special Duties’ role and was equipped with Halifaxes and Liberators. It was responsible for supplying Partisan groups throughout the Balkans and as far afield as Poland as well as undertaking normal bombing missions when not otherwise occupied. They moved from Libya to Italy in January 1944 being based at Brindisi. On the night of 3/4 July 1944 Flt Lt Wood was pilot of a Handley Page Halifax Mk II aircraft number JP247 with squadron markings of FS-E on a supply mission. The aircraft was shot down on the way to the target area. According to a Hungarian police reports the aircraft was downed in flames at 22:32 near to Obzirszállás (today Obziri - Vojvodina/ Serbia). It also reported that it was shot down by a German nightfighter. Oblt. Josef Krause of 6./NJG 101 claimed a Halifax shot down in the area at 22.26 at a height of 2.600 m. There were three other Halifaxes lost by 148 Squadron that night, including another in the same area as JP247.
George Raymond Wood was killed in the crash along with one of the gunners, although five of the crew managed to escape the aircraft and became prisoners of war. George was 22 years old when he died and now lies in Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia.