Wickersley - Morthen Road
SPR GEORGE EDWARD BAKER RE
SGT PILOT E O PETER BELL RAF TPR HARRY BROWN RECCE CORP L/A/C DRYDEN E M BOTT RAF FUS THOMAS EDWARD FOLEY RSF SGT JOHN ALFRED HELLIWELL RAF FLT LT C A BRIAN SLACK RAF CPL FRED SPINDLEY RM GNR FRED STATON RA PTE JAMES TAYLOR AAC GNR JOHN W THOMPSON RHA CPL JOHN JOSEPH WADSWORTH RAF GNR ARTHUR WALKER RA STOKER GEO W WARRINER MN PTE CHARLES W WILLIS Y&L |
Additional Information
George Edward Baker (2120610)
Royal Engineers - 17 Field Coy. 12 August 1944, aged 32 Died of wounds during the Normandy Campaign St Charles De Percy War Cemetery Ethelbert Oswald Peter Bell (657322) Royal Air Force - 10 O.T.U. 30 November 1942, aged 34 Whitley aircraft lost on a U-Boat patrol mission from Cornwall Runnymede Memorial Harry Brown (10601683) Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C - 1st Regiment 8 May 1943, aged 20 Killed in action in the North African Campaign Oued Zarga War Cemetery Dryden Ernest Mountney Bott (1063647) Royal Air Force 17 August 1943, aged 30 Died whilst a Japanese PoW Ambon War Cemetery Thomas Edward Foley (11005871) Royal Scots Fusiliers - 2nd Bn. 22 April 1945, aged 26 Killed in action in Germany Becklingen War Cemetery John Alfred Helliwell (1549598) Royal Air Force - 630 Sqdn. 24 July 1944, aged 22 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mine laying operation in the sea Runnymede Memorial Charles Alfred Brian Slack (47457) Royal Air Force - 175 Sqdn. 30 March 1945, aged 29 Typhoon aircraft lost in a mission over Holland Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Fred Spindley Royal Marines 14 February 1942, aged 24 Died in Rotherham Wickersley (St Alban) Churchyard (not listed on Commonwealth War Graves Commission roll of honour) |
Fred Staton (1512506)
Lincolnshire Regiment - 6th Bn. 10 September 1944, aged 25 Killed in action in the Italian Campaign Cassino Memorial James Taylor (4745573) Parachute Regiment, A A C - 5th (Scottish) Bn. 30 January 1944, aged 29 Died of wounds during the Italian Campaign Sangro River War Cemetery John William Thompson (950977) Royal Horse Artillery - 12 (Honourable Artillery Coy.) Regiment 6 May 1943, aged 23 Killed in action in Tunisia during the North African Campaign Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery John Joseph Wadsworth (972268) Royal Air Force - 40 Air Stores Park 16 March 1945, aged 28 Died in a motor accident in Italy Rome War Cemetery Arthur Walker (1676744) Royal Artillery - 323 Bty., 30 (Surrey) Searchlight Regiment 27 September 1943, aged 30 Died in an accident in North Africa Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery George W Warriner Merchant Navy - SS Lorient (Cardiff) 5 May 1943, aged 19 Lost when vessel sunk in the Atlantic Tower Hill Memorial Charles William Willis (4754896) York and Lancaster Regiment - 1st Bn. 16 April 1944, aged 31 Died in Italy Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio |
George Edward Baker - 2120610
Sherman Tank crossing a Bailey Bridge
George Edward Baker was born in Rotherham in the second half of 1912, son of Thomas Edward D. Baker and Annie (nee Scorthorne) of 1 Quarry Fields,
Wickersley. George married in the first quarter of 1943, which was registered in Rother Valley. He lived at 31 Main St, North Anston. George joined the Army and became a Sapper, service number 2120610, in the Royal Engineers with 17 Field Company. The unit was involved on the Normandy landings from the beginning, on the 8 June 1944 a platoon was involved in building at Benouville a 224ft Bailey Pontoon Class 40 Bridge over the Caen Canal, and on the 10 June at Ranville a platoon built a 286ft Bailey Pontoon Class 40.
Sapper George Baker was died on 12 August 1944, age 32 years old. He is buried in St. Charles de Percy War Cemetery, the village is 44 kilometres south-west of Caen. Charles de Percy War Cemetery is the southernmost of the Normandy cemeteries. The majority of those buried here died in late July and early August 1944 in the major thrust made from Caumont l'Evente towards Vire, to drive a wedge between the German 7th Army and Panzer Group West.
Wickersley. George married in the first quarter of 1943, which was registered in Rother Valley. He lived at 31 Main St, North Anston. George joined the Army and became a Sapper, service number 2120610, in the Royal Engineers with 17 Field Company. The unit was involved on the Normandy landings from the beginning, on the 8 June 1944 a platoon was involved in building at Benouville a 224ft Bailey Pontoon Class 40 Bridge over the Caen Canal, and on the 10 June at Ranville a platoon built a 286ft Bailey Pontoon Class 40.
Sapper George Baker was died on 12 August 1944, age 32 years old. He is buried in St. Charles de Percy War Cemetery, the village is 44 kilometres south-west of Caen. Charles de Percy War Cemetery is the southernmost of the Normandy cemeteries. The majority of those buried here died in late July and early August 1944 in the major thrust made from Caumont l'Evente towards Vire, to drive a wedge between the German 7th Army and Panzer Group West.
Ethelbert Oswald Peter Bell - 657322
Ethelbert Oswald Peter Bell was the first child of Ethelbert George Bell and Rosa (nee Exley), who had married in 1915 in Blackburn. Ethelbert was born in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1917, and second son was born six and a half years later.
He was a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, service number 657322. In 1942 he was with 10 Operational Training Unit which was operating out of St Eval in Cornwall. Although still technically a training squadron it had been detached to Coastal Command, No. 19 Group. On 30 November 1942, in weather of low cloud with heavy showers, Sgt bell was part of the crew of Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, serial number AD961 sent out on an anti-submarine patrol in the Western Approaches. The aircraft went missing from the patrol and the crew were all eventually listed as 'previously reported missing, now presumed killed in action’. Ethelbert Oswald Peter Bell, aged 24 is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. He left a wife, who he had married in 1941, the wedding being registered in the Rother Valley District in the third quarter, she was expecting their first son when he died.
He was a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, service number 657322. In 1942 he was with 10 Operational Training Unit which was operating out of St Eval in Cornwall. Although still technically a training squadron it had been detached to Coastal Command, No. 19 Group. On 30 November 1942, in weather of low cloud with heavy showers, Sgt bell was part of the crew of Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, serial number AD961 sent out on an anti-submarine patrol in the Western Approaches. The aircraft went missing from the patrol and the crew were all eventually listed as 'previously reported missing, now presumed killed in action’. Ethelbert Oswald Peter Bell, aged 24 is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. He left a wife, who he had married in 1941, the wedding being registered in the Rother Valley District in the third quarter, she was expecting their first son when he died.
Notes
Other casualties were:
Pilot Officer Derrick V Smith - 127009
Flight Sgt William H Mackintosh - 534400
Sgt Gerald Bagshaw - 1383102
Sgt Benjamin Briscoe - 1300474
Sgt William M Knowles - 1434075
Other casualties were:
Pilot Officer Derrick V Smith - 127009
Flight Sgt William H Mackintosh - 534400
Sgt Gerald Bagshaw - 1383102
Sgt Benjamin Briscoe - 1300474
Sgt William M Knowles - 1434075
Harry Brown - 10601683
Harry Brown was the son of Frank Brown and Betty (nee Cavill), his birth being registered in Rotherham in the third quarter of 1922. He resided at The School House, Wickersley.
He joined the army and was a Trooper in the 1st Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps, service number 10601683. Trooper Brown died in Tunisia on 8 May 1943, just as the war in North Africa was drawing to an end. He was 20 years old and is buried in Oued Zarga War Cemetery.
He joined the army and was a Trooper in the 1st Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps, service number 10601683. Trooper Brown died in Tunisia on 8 May 1943, just as the war in North Africa was drawing to an end. He was 20 years old and is buried in Oued Zarga War Cemetery.
Dryden Ernest Mountney Bott - 1063647
Dryden Ernest Mountney Bott was the first child of Ernest Victor Bott and Alice Eveline (nee Mountney) who had married a year previously. His father was an electrician engineer, probably in the local coal mine, and he died in 1926 when Dryden was just 13. Dryden’s birth was registered in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire in the third quarter of 1913. He attended Ashby Boys Grammar School and then Manchester University and gained a B.A., afterwards going on to be a history teacher at Wickersley School. He lived at 62 Black Carr Road, Listerdale, with his wife.
He was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 1063647, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese during their conquest of vast part of the Far East in 1942. LAC D E M Bott died in captivity on 17 August 1943 and is buried in Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia. He was 30 years old and left a wife of six years who had married in Rotherham in mid 1937.
Note
The name of LAC Dryden E M Bott is also listed on the War Memorial, Manchester University, which is situated in the quadrangle of the John Owens Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester.
He was a Leading Aircraftman, service number 1063647, in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese during their conquest of vast part of the Far East in 1942. LAC D E M Bott died in captivity on 17 August 1943 and is buried in Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia. He was 30 years old and left a wife of six years who had married in Rotherham in mid 1937.
Note
The name of LAC Dryden E M Bott is also listed on the War Memorial, Manchester University, which is situated in the quadrangle of the John Owens Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester.
Thomas Edward Foley - 11005871
Thomas Edward Foley born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1919 to Vasti Foley and Fanny (nee Adlington). 69 Springfield Road, Wickersley.
After joining the Army he initially served in the Royal Artillery. He later became a Fusilier in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. In April 1945 the 2nd Battalion had crossed the Rhine by the Xanten Bridge and had been order to advance to the Elbe as quickly as possible. The 5th Division formed the right flank of 21st Army Group, and the Scots Fusiliers were leading on the right of the British line. On 21 April 1945 the RSF’s were on the fringes of the Forest of Ghorde by evening they had been ordered to move back to the southern edge. They occupied two villages for the night, “A” and “B” Companies in Breese, and the remainder of the Battalion with the tanks in Riebrau. Next day the Battalion re-entered the forest on Sunday morning, both tanks and infantry moving with caution. Some of the enemy were still in occupation, and two flak-guns which opened fire were captured. The Battalion continued its advance, and by 3.30 in the afternoon was in the outskirts of Neu Dachau, on the west bank of the Elbe.
A quick survey of Neu Dachau showed that the village was divided into two distinct parts by the valley of a stream running roughly east and west which had formed part of the outer defences. The two parts were joined by a causeway which spanned this little valley. Sounds made by tracked vehicles on the far side could be heard above the general clamour. Just then two Germans came over the causeway with their hands up, but as the three Fusiliers went forward to seize them, four other Germans suddenly appeared over the edge of the causeway and opened fire. The reconnaissance party hurriedly withdrew. “A” Company was then ordered to cross the causeway and
occupy the further part of the village, which lay several hundred yards beyond the valley. It was met by bursts of fire from two Vierling guns mounted on half-tracked vehicles, which had possibly made the sounds heard earlier by the reconnaissance party. For about two minutes the occupied portion of the village was under heavy fire and more houses were set ablaze, including one next to “D” Company’s headquarters. The Vierlings were then driven furiously across the causeway, through “A” Company and into the streets amongst the rest of the Battalion, firing continuously. They vanished into the darkness beyond the village and were seen no more. B Company had been sent for and they came up to take over the defence of the village while ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies reorganised. ‘A’ Company had suffered some casualties during the Vierling episode.
The casualties during the advance to the Elbe had been comparatively light. The dead were a Lieutenant and three Fusiliers; four officers and 27 other ranks had been wounded. More than 100 German dead were counted. Two hundred prisoners were captured; also five 88-millimetre guns and many smaller weapons. Fusilier Foley died on 22 April 1945, aged 26 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery.
After joining the Army he initially served in the Royal Artillery. He later became a Fusilier in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. In April 1945 the 2nd Battalion had crossed the Rhine by the Xanten Bridge and had been order to advance to the Elbe as quickly as possible. The 5th Division formed the right flank of 21st Army Group, and the Scots Fusiliers were leading on the right of the British line. On 21 April 1945 the RSF’s were on the fringes of the Forest of Ghorde by evening they had been ordered to move back to the southern edge. They occupied two villages for the night, “A” and “B” Companies in Breese, and the remainder of the Battalion with the tanks in Riebrau. Next day the Battalion re-entered the forest on Sunday morning, both tanks and infantry moving with caution. Some of the enemy were still in occupation, and two flak-guns which opened fire were captured. The Battalion continued its advance, and by 3.30 in the afternoon was in the outskirts of Neu Dachau, on the west bank of the Elbe.
A quick survey of Neu Dachau showed that the village was divided into two distinct parts by the valley of a stream running roughly east and west which had formed part of the outer defences. The two parts were joined by a causeway which spanned this little valley. Sounds made by tracked vehicles on the far side could be heard above the general clamour. Just then two Germans came over the causeway with their hands up, but as the three Fusiliers went forward to seize them, four other Germans suddenly appeared over the edge of the causeway and opened fire. The reconnaissance party hurriedly withdrew. “A” Company was then ordered to cross the causeway and
occupy the further part of the village, which lay several hundred yards beyond the valley. It was met by bursts of fire from two Vierling guns mounted on half-tracked vehicles, which had possibly made the sounds heard earlier by the reconnaissance party. For about two minutes the occupied portion of the village was under heavy fire and more houses were set ablaze, including one next to “D” Company’s headquarters. The Vierlings were then driven furiously across the causeway, through “A” Company and into the streets amongst the rest of the Battalion, firing continuously. They vanished into the darkness beyond the village and were seen no more. B Company had been sent for and they came up to take over the defence of the village while ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies reorganised. ‘A’ Company had suffered some casualties during the Vierling episode.
The casualties during the advance to the Elbe had been comparatively light. The dead were a Lieutenant and three Fusiliers; four officers and 27 other ranks had been wounded. More than 100 German dead were counted. Two hundred prisoners were captured; also five 88-millimetre guns and many smaller weapons. Fusilier Foley died on 22 April 1945, aged 26 years old and now lies in Becklingen War Cemetery.
John Alfred Helliwell - 1549598
John Alfred Helliwell was the son George William Helliwell and Minnie M (nee Goodrum) of Quarry Fields, Wickersley, Rotherham, born mid-1922. George was a farmer working a farm owned by his father. John later lived at 240 Bawtry Road, Wickersley.
He was a wireless operator with the rank of Sergeant with 630 Squadron. On 23 July 1944 Sgt Helliwell was on board Lancaster PB211 with squadron markings of LE-H, one of six aircraft on what the RAF termed a Gardening mission. Airborne from East Kirkby, Lincolnshire at 22:44, their task was to lay mines in Kiel Bay (Wallflowers Region). On the same night a major raid of 629 bombers were sent on a raid to the city of Kiel. PB211 ditched in the North Sea, roughly 36 miles north-east of Cromer off the Norfolk coast. Sgt Helliwell managed to make it to a life raft, although it was only partially inflated. During the wait to be rescued he succumbed to the conditions and sank beneath the waves. The two survivors spent seven hours in the water before being picked up by the coastal minesweeper HMS Coursor.
John Alfred Helliwell, aged 22, was one of five dead who are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew were:
F/O R.T.Hayes – 175961 - Killed
Sgt W.Wallace - 1824662 - Killed
F/S W.Goodhew RCAF - J89963
Sgt J.F.J.Murray – 1560136 - Killed
Sgt W.Stead - 183425 - Killed
Sgt B.N.Garves
He was a wireless operator with the rank of Sergeant with 630 Squadron. On 23 July 1944 Sgt Helliwell was on board Lancaster PB211 with squadron markings of LE-H, one of six aircraft on what the RAF termed a Gardening mission. Airborne from East Kirkby, Lincolnshire at 22:44, their task was to lay mines in Kiel Bay (Wallflowers Region). On the same night a major raid of 629 bombers were sent on a raid to the city of Kiel. PB211 ditched in the North Sea, roughly 36 miles north-east of Cromer off the Norfolk coast. Sgt Helliwell managed to make it to a life raft, although it was only partially inflated. During the wait to be rescued he succumbed to the conditions and sank beneath the waves. The two survivors spent seven hours in the water before being picked up by the coastal minesweeper HMS Coursor.
John Alfred Helliwell, aged 22, was one of five dead who are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew were:
F/O R.T.Hayes – 175961 - Killed
Sgt W.Wallace - 1824662 - Killed
F/S W.Goodhew RCAF - J89963
Sgt J.F.J.Murray – 1560136 - Killed
Sgt W.Stead - 183425 - Killed
Sgt B.N.Garves
GOODHEW, P/O Winston Kimberley (J89963) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.630 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born in Gladman, Saskatchewan, 17 November 1914; home in Saskatoon. Enlisted in Ottawa, 30 June 1942. To No.5 Manning Depot, 6 July 1942. To No.8 SFTS (guard), 14 August 1942. To No.5 ITS, 10 October 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 19 December 1942 but not posted to No.1 AOS until 27 December 1942. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 16 April 1943. To “Y” Depot, 30 April 1943. To RAF Trainee Pool, 26 May 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 16 October 1943. Commissioned 28 July 1944. Repatriated 21 October 1944. To No.2 Air Command, 31 December 1944. Retired 3 April 1945.
Pilot Officer Goodhew has participated in numerous sorties including attacks against many heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory. At all times he has shown outstanding technical skill, resource and tenacity. On one occasion in July 1944 his aircraft was detailed for a mine-laying operation over Kiel Bay. On the return flight while flying low it was forced down on to the sea. As the dinghy was not fully inflated and would only support the wireless operator, Pilot Officer Goodhew swam back to the aircraft where he clung to the wreckage until it started to sink. He cast off the dinghy and after making determined efforts to save the lives of other members of the crew swam after it. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued seven hours after his aircraft was forced down on to the sea. Despite his experience, he has continued to show the utmost keenness for operational flying and has rendered valuable assistance in the training of new navigators. The great gallantry displayed by this officer is worthy of the
highest praise.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 30 October 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (164 hours 41 minutes); text is more detailed than that published:
4 June 1944 - Maisy (4.02)
5 June 1944 - La Pernelle (5.15)
7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy (4.23)
9 June 1944 - Etampes (4.58)
14 June 1944 - Aunay sur Odon (5.21)
16 June 1944 - Doullen (4.08)
21 June 1944 - Wesserling (4.27)
4 July 1944 - Creil (4.57)
7 July 1944 - Creil (5.00)
10 July 1944 - Kattegat (6.00)
14 July 1944 - Villeneuve St.George (7.07)
18 July 1944 - Caen (3.40)
18 July 1944 - Revigny (5.16)
20 July 1944 - Courtrai (3.00)
23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.00)
16 August 1944 - Stettin (7.55)
18 August 1944 - Ile Adam (4.17)
25 August 1944 - Darmstadt (9.00)
26 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.47)
29 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.52)
31 August 1944 - Bergueneuse (5.09)
3 September 1944 - Deelan (3.49)
9 September 1944 - Munchen Gladbach (4.10)
11 September 1944 - Le Havre (3.28)
12 September 1944 - Stuttgart (7.07)
26 September 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.53)
19 October 1944 - Nuremburg (7.54)
23 October 1944 - Flushing (2.28)
24 October 1944 - GARDENING (8.18)
Pilot Officer Goodhew has completed 29 sorties, including attacks against heavily defended targets in Germany, and targets in enemy occupied territory. On the 23/24th July, this officer was navigator of an aircraft detailed for mining operations over Kiel Bay. In the return flight, while flying low, the aircraft hit the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew
at once released the upper escape hatch, climbed out and helped the wireless operator to follow. When they got into the dinghy it was found that as it was not properly inflated it would not carry their combined weight. Pilot Officer Goodhew left the dinghy to the wireless operator and swam back to the aircraft. He clung to the wreckage with the pilot and air bomber until it started to sink. He then cut the painter of the dinghy by rubbing it against a jagged edge of the main plane, and the dinghy started to drift away.Pilot Officer Goodhew, accompanied by the pilot and air bomber, started to swim to the dinghy, but he was the only one to reach it. Despite his exhausted condition, Pilot Officer Goodhew went back to the aircraft three times, which had not yet disappeared, in an endeavour to find the pilot and air bomber, but without success. On the fourth attempt he was seized by cramp and started to sink, but he managed to return to the dinghy. Holding onto a rope from the dinghy with one hand to keep afloat, Pilot Officer Goodhew worked continuously for two hours trying to open the pack. This he accomplished, extracted the Verey pistol, and fired Verey lights to attract attention. While he was doing this the wireless operator died and disappeared under the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued by H.M. Minesweeper Courser seven hours after the aircraft hit the sea.
This officer displayed great courage, resource, tenacity and disregard for his own safety from the time the aircraft hit the sea until he was rescued. His conduct has set a most praiseworthy example to all other aircrew on the station. Pilot Officer Goodhew is a first-class navigator, and he has shown marked enthusiasm to operate on every possible occasion. He takes a keen interest in the training of new navigators in the squadron, and by his efforts he has raised the standard of navigation considerably. He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pilot Officer Goodhew has participated in numerous sorties including attacks against many heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory. At all times he has shown outstanding technical skill, resource and tenacity. On one occasion in July 1944 his aircraft was detailed for a mine-laying operation over Kiel Bay. On the return flight while flying low it was forced down on to the sea. As the dinghy was not fully inflated and would only support the wireless operator, Pilot Officer Goodhew swam back to the aircraft where he clung to the wreckage until it started to sink. He cast off the dinghy and after making determined efforts to save the lives of other members of the crew swam after it. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued seven hours after his aircraft was forced down on to the sea. Despite his experience, he has continued to show the utmost keenness for operational flying and has rendered valuable assistance in the training of new navigators. The great gallantry displayed by this officer is worthy of the
highest praise.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 30 October 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (164 hours 41 minutes); text is more detailed than that published:
4 June 1944 - Maisy (4.02)
5 June 1944 - La Pernelle (5.15)
7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy (4.23)
9 June 1944 - Etampes (4.58)
14 June 1944 - Aunay sur Odon (5.21)
16 June 1944 - Doullen (4.08)
21 June 1944 - Wesserling (4.27)
4 July 1944 - Creil (4.57)
7 July 1944 - Creil (5.00)
10 July 1944 - Kattegat (6.00)
14 July 1944 - Villeneuve St.George (7.07)
18 July 1944 - Caen (3.40)
18 July 1944 - Revigny (5.16)
20 July 1944 - Courtrai (3.00)
23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.00)
16 August 1944 - Stettin (7.55)
18 August 1944 - Ile Adam (4.17)
25 August 1944 - Darmstadt (9.00)
26 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.47)
29 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.52)
31 August 1944 - Bergueneuse (5.09)
3 September 1944 - Deelan (3.49)
9 September 1944 - Munchen Gladbach (4.10)
11 September 1944 - Le Havre (3.28)
12 September 1944 - Stuttgart (7.07)
26 September 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.53)
19 October 1944 - Nuremburg (7.54)
23 October 1944 - Flushing (2.28)
24 October 1944 - GARDENING (8.18)
Pilot Officer Goodhew has completed 29 sorties, including attacks against heavily defended targets in Germany, and targets in enemy occupied territory. On the 23/24th July, this officer was navigator of an aircraft detailed for mining operations over Kiel Bay. In the return flight, while flying low, the aircraft hit the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew
at once released the upper escape hatch, climbed out and helped the wireless operator to follow. When they got into the dinghy it was found that as it was not properly inflated it would not carry their combined weight. Pilot Officer Goodhew left the dinghy to the wireless operator and swam back to the aircraft. He clung to the wreckage with the pilot and air bomber until it started to sink. He then cut the painter of the dinghy by rubbing it against a jagged edge of the main plane, and the dinghy started to drift away.Pilot Officer Goodhew, accompanied by the pilot and air bomber, started to swim to the dinghy, but he was the only one to reach it. Despite his exhausted condition, Pilot Officer Goodhew went back to the aircraft three times, which had not yet disappeared, in an endeavour to find the pilot and air bomber, but without success. On the fourth attempt he was seized by cramp and started to sink, but he managed to return to the dinghy. Holding onto a rope from the dinghy with one hand to keep afloat, Pilot Officer Goodhew worked continuously for two hours trying to open the pack. This he accomplished, extracted the Verey pistol, and fired Verey lights to attract attention. While he was doing this the wireless operator died and disappeared under the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued by H.M. Minesweeper Courser seven hours after the aircraft hit the sea.
This officer displayed great courage, resource, tenacity and disregard for his own safety from the time the aircraft hit the sea until he was rescued. His conduct has set a most praiseworthy example to all other aircrew on the station. Pilot Officer Goodhew is a first-class navigator, and he has shown marked enthusiasm to operate on every possible occasion. He takes a keen interest in the training of new navigators in the squadron, and by his efforts he has raised the standard of navigation considerably. He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Charles Alfred Brian Slack - 47457
Charles Alfred Brian Slack was the second son of William Slack and Sarah (nee Hepworth) born in 1915, the birth registered in the second quarter of that year in the Ecclesall Bierlow registration area. His father was a law clerk for a solicitors. The family lived at 265 Spring Vale Road, Sheffield and later Brian’s parents lived at 7 Hoole Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield. Brian obtained a degree at Sheffield University as a solicitor. Brian was married in late 1942 and lived at “Moorfield", Sledgate Lane, Wickersley, Rotherham.
He enlisted in the Army before the outbreak of was and he was a cadet at Worksop College Contingent. Junior Division, Officer Training Corps. On 3 June 1939 he became a 2nd Lieutenant, service number 47457, Hallamshire Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment, and may well have taken part in the Norwegian Campaign in which the battalion were involved in 1940. On 29 November 1941 he switched to the Air Force becoming a Pilot Officer and later in the year on the 1 October 1942 was promoted to Flying Officer. He was flying with 4 Squadron in Mustang fighter aircraft, flying ground attack missions. On 29 November 1943 he was promoted again to Flight Lieutenant. Later in the war he moved to 175 Squadron as one of the flight commanders flying Hawker Typhoon IB ground attack aircraft. On Good Friday, 30 March 1945, Flt Lt Slack was flying in Typhoon EK382, squadron code HH-T, out of an airfield in Holland near Volkel, on a rocket attack on a target north of Telgte, Germany. He crashed near to the target and was killed. Charles Alfred Brian Slack was 29 years old and now lies in Reichwald Forest War Cemetery.
He enlisted in the Army before the outbreak of was and he was a cadet at Worksop College Contingent. Junior Division, Officer Training Corps. On 3 June 1939 he became a 2nd Lieutenant, service number 47457, Hallamshire Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment, and may well have taken part in the Norwegian Campaign in which the battalion were involved in 1940. On 29 November 1941 he switched to the Air Force becoming a Pilot Officer and later in the year on the 1 October 1942 was promoted to Flying Officer. He was flying with 4 Squadron in Mustang fighter aircraft, flying ground attack missions. On 29 November 1943 he was promoted again to Flight Lieutenant. Later in the war he moved to 175 Squadron as one of the flight commanders flying Hawker Typhoon IB ground attack aircraft. On Good Friday, 30 March 1945, Flt Lt Slack was flying in Typhoon EK382, squadron code HH-T, out of an airfield in Holland near Volkel, on a rocket attack on a target north of Telgte, Germany. He crashed near to the target and was killed. Charles Alfred Brian Slack was 29 years old and now lies in Reichwald Forest War Cemetery.
Fred Spindley
Fred Spindley was born in Rotherham to Frank Spindley and Emma (nee Ward). He is not listed on the Commonwealth War Grave Commission list of war casualties. His
death is record as being in Rotherham and his grave located in Wickersley (St Alban) Church shows he died on 14th February 1942, and states he ‘died for king and country’, he was 24 years old.
death is record as being in Rotherham and his grave located in Wickersley (St Alban) Church shows he died on 14th February 1942, and states he ‘died for king and country’, he was 24 years old.
Fred Staton - 1512506
Fred Staton was born in Rotherham in the first quarter of 1919 to Alexander Staton and Florence Chambers of 265 Bawtry Road, Wickersley, Rotherham. Prior to the war he was employed by Steel Peach & Tozer.
Fred enlisted in October 1939 in the Army, service number 1512506 and was initially in the Royal Artillery. Fred Staton was evacuated from Le Havre after the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. He transferred to the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment and was a Private. The 6th battalion left for Algiers in January 1943 and had their baptism of fire at a village called Sedjenane which was lost and then regained after fierce fighting. In September 1943 they took part in the assault landing at Salerno in Italy. After a hard campaign in Italy they returned to Egypt to refit in March 1944 and returned to Italy in July. In September 1944 the 6th Lincs were part of 46th Division’s 138th Brigade along with 6th York & Lancaster and 2nd/4th KOYLI and were back in the line in northern Italy. Operation Olive had commenced in August against the German Gothic Line, the Battle of Gemmano was a hard fought action. After the capture of the Gemmano village, all the British efforts aimed to dismantle the German defences were focused on Point 449. In view of the heavy casualties suffered by the Queen's Brigade, it was decided to withdraw the 56th Division from the Gemmano sector and to replace it with the 46th Division. The 138th Bde was selected as division's spearhead. The 2nd/4th Battalion of King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Regiment was given the task to attack Point 449 from the east, along the Gemmano-Borgo line, while the 6th Lincs and the 6th York & Lancaster were to advance from the south-east with the support of the tanks of the 46th Recce. While the units were deploying for the attack, the entire area going from Gemmano to Farneto and Marazzano was cleared by an all-day-long shelling and bombing raid (even the Navy took part in the fireworks with its big guns) which battered the German positions but killed also some civilians. Like their predecessors, even KOYLI troopers, not to mention the Lincolns, had to pay with a number of casualties (on September 10th alone, Lincolns suffered 150 casualties). For about twenty-four hours, the frontline was very unstable and the combatants continued the same, old, bloody fast and loose game.
Fred Staton died on 10 September 1944, aged 25, he has no known grave and is listed on the Cassino Memorial.
Note
Harry Kaye also of 6th Lincs died same day (see Additional Casualties- K), as did Ronald Holroyd, 2/4th KOYLI (see Maltby).
Fred enlisted in October 1939 in the Army, service number 1512506 and was initially in the Royal Artillery. Fred Staton was evacuated from Le Havre after the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. He transferred to the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment and was a Private. The 6th battalion left for Algiers in January 1943 and had their baptism of fire at a village called Sedjenane which was lost and then regained after fierce fighting. In September 1943 they took part in the assault landing at Salerno in Italy. After a hard campaign in Italy they returned to Egypt to refit in March 1944 and returned to Italy in July. In September 1944 the 6th Lincs were part of 46th Division’s 138th Brigade along with 6th York & Lancaster and 2nd/4th KOYLI and were back in the line in northern Italy. Operation Olive had commenced in August against the German Gothic Line, the Battle of Gemmano was a hard fought action. After the capture of the Gemmano village, all the British efforts aimed to dismantle the German defences were focused on Point 449. In view of the heavy casualties suffered by the Queen's Brigade, it was decided to withdraw the 56th Division from the Gemmano sector and to replace it with the 46th Division. The 138th Bde was selected as division's spearhead. The 2nd/4th Battalion of King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Regiment was given the task to attack Point 449 from the east, along the Gemmano-Borgo line, while the 6th Lincs and the 6th York & Lancaster were to advance from the south-east with the support of the tanks of the 46th Recce. While the units were deploying for the attack, the entire area going from Gemmano to Farneto and Marazzano was cleared by an all-day-long shelling and bombing raid (even the Navy took part in the fireworks with its big guns) which battered the German positions but killed also some civilians. Like their predecessors, even KOYLI troopers, not to mention the Lincolns, had to pay with a number of casualties (on September 10th alone, Lincolns suffered 150 casualties). For about twenty-four hours, the frontline was very unstable and the combatants continued the same, old, bloody fast and loose game.
Fred Staton died on 10 September 1944, aged 25, he has no known grave and is listed on the Cassino Memorial.
Note
Harry Kaye also of 6th Lincs died same day (see Additional Casualties- K), as did Ronald Holroyd, 2/4th KOYLI (see Maltby).
James Taylor - 4745573
James Taylor was born in Rotherham mid-way through 1915, son of John Henry Taylor and Alice (nee Lewis).
James enlisted in the Army, service number 4745573 and was in the York & Lancaster Regiment. He later became a Private in the 5th (Scottish) Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. The 5th made its combat debut on 9 July 1943 during the invasion of Italy. It came ashore in the harbour town of Taranto, the 5th quickly moved out and captured their primary objective, a small town twelve miles east of Taranto. The 5th remained in action with the 1st Airborne Division until November when it remained with the 2nd Parachute Brigade in Italy, renamed the 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade. The 2nd remained in Italy as the sole representative of the Parachute Regiment in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, it was attached to the 2nd New Zealand Division. The 5th were immediately involved in action at the River Sangro. Located on the left flank of the 8th Army, the battalion was involved in a long muddy action as the river was in flood stage. The entire Brigade began a long period of fighting that would see many irreplaceable casualties.
James Taylor died of wounds on 30 January 1944, aged 29. He is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, and left a wife and three daughters, including twins.
James enlisted in the Army, service number 4745573 and was in the York & Lancaster Regiment. He later became a Private in the 5th (Scottish) Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. The 5th made its combat debut on 9 July 1943 during the invasion of Italy. It came ashore in the harbour town of Taranto, the 5th quickly moved out and captured their primary objective, a small town twelve miles east of Taranto. The 5th remained in action with the 1st Airborne Division until November when it remained with the 2nd Parachute Brigade in Italy, renamed the 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade. The 2nd remained in Italy as the sole representative of the Parachute Regiment in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, it was attached to the 2nd New Zealand Division. The 5th were immediately involved in action at the River Sangro. Located on the left flank of the 8th Army, the battalion was involved in a long muddy action as the river was in flood stage. The entire Brigade began a long period of fighting that would see many irreplaceable casualties.
James Taylor died of wounds on 30 January 1944, aged 29. He is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, and left a wife and three daughters, including twins.
John William Thompson - 950977
John William Thompson was the second child of four born to John William Thompson and Maria (nee Gee), of Wickersley. His birth was registered in Rotherham in the last quarter of 1919.
He was a Gunner, service number 950977, of 12 (Honourable Artillery Coy.) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. The unit was part of the divisional troops of 6th Armoured Division. The final assault on Tunis and the last German units in North Africa was launched on 6 May by British IX Corps. Gunner Thompson was killed on 6 May 1943, just a week before the end of hostilities in North Africa. John William Thompson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Medjez-el-Bab Memorial, which is 60 km west of Tunis, Tunisia. |
John Joseph Wadsworth - 972268
John Joseph Wadsworth was born in Rotherham on 26 May 1916 to Alvery Middleton Wadsworth and Clara Susannah (nee Osborne). Alvery was a quarry owner and the
family home was ‘The Laurels’, Bawtry Rd, Wickersley. John Joseph (nicknamed “Waddy”) was educated at Wickersley Council School & Rotherham Technical College. After the death of his parents (in 1920 and 1935) he lived with his sister & brother-in-law at 3 Old Garden Drive, Rotherham.
He enlisted in November 1939 and became a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was employed by Sir Lindsay Parkinson on airfield construction and served with a Battle of Britain Squadron. Going abroad in September 1941, he served with the Desert Air Force in North Africa and then onto Sicily & Italy, whilst attached to the 8th Army. His unit was 40 Air Stores Park. John Joseph Wadsworth, service number 972268, aged 28 was killed in a road accident in Italy on 16 March 1945 and is buried in Rome War Cemetery.
family home was ‘The Laurels’, Bawtry Rd, Wickersley. John Joseph (nicknamed “Waddy”) was educated at Wickersley Council School & Rotherham Technical College. After the death of his parents (in 1920 and 1935) he lived with his sister & brother-in-law at 3 Old Garden Drive, Rotherham.
He enlisted in November 1939 and became a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was employed by Sir Lindsay Parkinson on airfield construction and served with a Battle of Britain Squadron. Going abroad in September 1941, he served with the Desert Air Force in North Africa and then onto Sicily & Italy, whilst attached to the 8th Army. His unit was 40 Air Stores Park. John Joseph Wadsworth, service number 972268, aged 28 was killed in a road accident in Italy on 16 March 1945 and is buried in Rome War Cemetery.
Arthur Walker - 1676744
Arthur Walker was born in the third quarter of 1913, first child of William Joseph Walker and Clara (nee Graham) of 61 East Crescent, Rotherham. He was educated at South Grove Central School and Wickersley Modern School, and he was later employed at Silverwood Colliery. He was a keen cyclist and a member of Rotherham Wheelers Cycling Club.
He enlisted in the Army in September 1940 as a Gunner, service number 1676744, in the 323 Battery, 30 (Surrey) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. He served North Africa since February 1942. Gunner Walker was killed in an accident on 27 September 1943, after the end of hostilities in North Africa. He now lies in Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, which is approximately 60 km west of Tunis, Tunisia, he was 30 years old, and left a wife and four year old son who lived at 68 Dale Rd, Listerdale. Note His brother was John Walker (see Bramley - Old Wesleyan / Clifton - United Methodists Church / Thrybergh Parish Hall |
George William Warriner
George William Warrener was born in Sheffield in 1923 to George W Warrener and Mary E (Butterley), the family later moved to 135 Melciss Road, Listerdale, Rotherham. George enlisted in the Merchant Navy in March 1943. He was a Fireman and Trimmer on the ship SS Lorient. The Lorient was a 4,737 tons steamship that has been built on the Tyne in 1921 by Tyne Iron Shipbuilding Co Ltd for the French company Compagnie Delmas Vieljeux, Paris. In 1940 she was taken over by Britainand transferred to the Ministry of War Transport. On 21 April 1943 SS Lorient was part of a slow west-bound convoy crossing the North Atlantic from Liverpool to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The convoy, known as ONS 5, consisted of 42 ships and involved as many as 22 escort ships. Ranged against them were at least 43 U-Boats. At the end of April there were 350 ships on the move in the North Atlantic involved in 9 convoys. ONS 5 set off on an ordinary convoy, but it was to be involved in a mammoth battle, a turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic. SS Lorient was in ballast for the out-bound voyage, its real purpose was to carry supplies to a beleaguered Britain from North America. The hazards were the same both ways though, U-Boat wolf packs had inflicted huge losses on merchant ships.
The Lorient became a straggler, falling behind the main convoy. On 4 May it became the second ship to be lost by the convoy, with the loss of all on-board. George William Warrener, is recorded to have died on 5 May 1943. He was 19 years old and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial (which commemorates nearly 24,000 casualties of the Merchant Navy from the Second World War).
Notes
U-125, which ironically was based at Lorient, France was sunk on 6 May, 1943 east of Newfoundland, in position 52.30N, 45.20W, by ramming by the British destroyer HMS Oribi and gunfire from the British corvette HMS Snowflake - 54 dead (all hands lost).
In total 13 ships were lost from convoy ONS5, but 6 of the U-Boats were sunk and a further 7 damaged.
The Lorient became a straggler, falling behind the main convoy. On 4 May it became the second ship to be lost by the convoy, with the loss of all on-board. George William Warrener, is recorded to have died on 5 May 1943. He was 19 years old and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial (which commemorates nearly 24,000 casualties of the Merchant Navy from the Second World War).
Notes
U-125, which ironically was based at Lorient, France was sunk on 6 May, 1943 east of Newfoundland, in position 52.30N, 45.20W, by ramming by the British destroyer HMS Oribi and gunfire from the British corvette HMS Snowflake - 54 dead (all hands lost).
In total 13 ships were lost from convoy ONS5, but 6 of the U-Boats were sunk and a further 7 damaged.
Charles William Willis - 4754896
Charles William Willis son of quarry mason Joseph Henry Willis and Emma (nee Hughes). He was born in Rotherham in 1915, the family lived in The Hall, Wickersley, and later he lived at Morthern Road, Wickersley.
He joined the Army and was a Private, service number 4754896, in the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The battalion was part of 5th Infantry Division’s
15th Brigade, and the most widely travelled formation of the British Army in the Second World War. The 5th Infantry Division had previously served in the UK, France
and Belgium, India and Iraq, with elements having also taken part in 1940 campaign in Norway and the invasion of Madagascar. The division took part in the invasion of Sicily, crossing into Italy in the 3 September 1943. It took part in the battle for the River Sangro between the 19 November and 3 December 1943. It was withdrawn from the mainland and landed in the Anzio beach-head on the 12 March 1944, under the command of U.S. VI Corps. It was a follow-up unit to the Anzio landings of January 1944.
Charles William Willis died on 16 April 1944, he now lies in the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio. He was 31 years old and left a wife, who had married in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1941, and a son who was born the following year.
He joined the Army and was a Private, service number 4754896, in the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. The battalion was part of 5th Infantry Division’s
15th Brigade, and the most widely travelled formation of the British Army in the Second World War. The 5th Infantry Division had previously served in the UK, France
and Belgium, India and Iraq, with elements having also taken part in 1940 campaign in Norway and the invasion of Madagascar. The division took part in the invasion of Sicily, crossing into Italy in the 3 September 1943. It took part in the battle for the River Sangro between the 19 November and 3 December 1943. It was withdrawn from the mainland and landed in the Anzio beach-head on the 12 March 1944, under the command of U.S. VI Corps. It was a follow-up unit to the Anzio landings of January 1944.
Charles William Willis died on 16 April 1944, he now lies in the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio. He was 31 years old and left a wife, who had married in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1941, and a son who was born the following year.