Thorpe Green War memorial 1939-45 (1)
Thorpe St Andrew 1939 - 45
**************************************************************************************
C G N Aldred
Name: ALDRED, CHARLES NOEL GEORGE
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 27 Date of Death: 15/02/1942
Service No: 5771491
Additional information: Son of Charles Aldred, and of Gertrude Aldred, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave 17. D. 4-11. Cemetery: KRANJI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2052866
This was the day on which Singapore surrendered.
*****************************************************************************************
L G Aldred
Name: ALDRED, LESLIE GORDON
Rank: Stoker 1st Class
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. Cleopatra
Age: 22 Date of Death: 16/07/1943
Service No: C/KX 95885
Additional information: Son of Charlotte Alfred, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 72, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2464269
HMS Cleopatra July 1943
16th Hit amidships by torpedo from Italian submarine
Sustained major damage to structure with flooding of machinery compartments.
Only 'Local' control of armament was possible.
30 of ship's company were killed or missing with 23 wounded,
(Note: Submarine probably DANDALO but another source claims ALAGI)
17th Returned to Malta at 10 knots screened by HM Destroyers QUIBERON and QUAIL
with AA cover by HMS EURYALUS.
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Cleopatra.htm
************************************************************************
E W Allaway
Name: ALLAWAY, EDWARD WILSON
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 13/02/1942
Service No: 5778638
Additional information: Husband of W. Allaway, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 47. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2529835
******************************************************************************************
K A Amond
Name: AMOND, KENNETH ALFRED
Rank: Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 139 Sqdn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 03/03/1943
Service No: 1392604
Additional information: Son of Alfred and Vivien May Amond, of Thorpe, Norwich. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Memorial Reference: Panel 140. RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1082754
Probably this incident although Navigator is referred to Sgt F A Amond
Type Mosquito
Serial Number...........................................DZ463
Squadron....................................................139
X1D..............................................................XD-O
Operation...................................................Knaben
Date ...........................................................3rd March 1943
Further Information
" Airborne 1200 3Mar43 from Marham to bomb a molybdenum mine. Homebound, intercepted by Fw190s and shot down off the Norwegian coast. F/O Bulpitt is buried in the seaport town of Egersund; Sgt Amond has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memeorial. F/O A.N.Bulpitt KIA Sgt F.A.Amond KIA "
Lost Bombers; www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=8268
There is one plane claimed as a Mosquito shot down on this date, but it was subsequently amended to a Blenheim. Pilot was Uffz. Schmid of 7./JG 1. Combat was at 50m, over the sea at 14.42 Central European Time.
www.rafandluftwaffe.info/lists/luftwaffe_b1.htm
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
03/03/43: 10 Mosquitoes from 139 Sqd., led by W/C Shand DFC, fly low level to attack the molybdenum mines at Knaben in Norway. This precision raid was highly successful.
www.mossie.org/squadrons/139_squadron.htm
3 March 1943
10 Mosquitos of No 139 Squadron carried out a long-range raid on the important molybdenum mine at Knaben in Norway. The target was successfully bombed but 1 Mosquito was shot down by FW 190s
www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/mar43.html
NORWAY: 10 Mosquitoes of RAF No. 139 Sqdn carried out a long range raid on the important molybdenum mine at Knaben in Norway. The target was successfully bombed but 1 Mosquito was shot down by Fw 190s, claimed by Uffz. Schmid of 7./JG 1 for his first kill.
www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/ww2-general/day-war-europe-65-y...
**********************************************************************
W G Armiger
Name: ARMIGER, WILLIAM CHARLES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 24 Date of Death: 15/02/1942
Service No: 5775370
Additional information: Son of William and Ethel Ada Armiger; husband of Daisy Rosa Jessie Armiger, of Thorpe, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 49. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2530218
This was the day on which Singapore surrendered.
*******************************************************************************
W G Artis
Name: ARTIS, WILLIAM GEORGE Initials: W G
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 17/08/1943
Service No: 5775682
Additional information: Son of William George and Gladis Artis; husband of Irene Mary Artis, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Grave Reference: 2. G. 65.
Cemetery: KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2664993
The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for the Americans, whose remains were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar
*******************************************************************************
D A Bryant
Name: BRYANT, DEREK ARTHUR
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force
Age: 27
Date of Death: 28/04/1942
Service No: 565225
Additional information: Son of Albert James Bryant and Amy lsabel Bryant, of Thorpe St. Andrew.
Cemetery: THORPE-NEXT-NORWICH (ST. ANDREW) CHURCH CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764503
Derek was killed in the “Baedekker” raid on Norwich on this day. His address is given as “Upways” Thorpe Next Norwich.
www.norfolkroots24.co.uk/norfolkRoots/content/features/20...
*************************************************************************
J A Burr
Name: BURR, JOSEPH
Rank: Gunner
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 5/3 Maritime Regt.
Age: 20 Date of Death: 10/03/1943
Service No: 5774299
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Margaret Burr, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: 74, 2., CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2465502
The Maritime regiment were soldiers put onto Merchant Ships to man Anti-Aircraft Guns. It was something the British Government kept quiet at the time, so it can be difficult to trace which ships they served on.
Convoy SC121 lost several ships on the 9th, having been broken up by several days of Force 10 Gales they fell easy prey to a wolfpack.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoy_SC-121
I can’t be certain whether Joseph Burr was on one of those, but the ship lost on this day was the 4,946 tons SS Nailsea . 45 out of 49 crew were lost , including 9 gunners according to one source,
uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/2753.html
*******************************************************************************
C L Caston
Name: CASTON, CYRIL LEON
Rank: Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 166 Sqdn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 24/09/1944
Service No: 1627211
Additional information: Son of Robert and Emily Emma Caston, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: Panel 226.,RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1084160
Lancaster LM722 Information
Type...................................................................Lancaster
Serial Number.................................................LM722
Squadron..........................................................166
X1D.....................................................................AS-D
Operation.........................................................Neuss
Date 1................................................................23rd September 1944
Date 2...............................................................24th September 1944
Further Information
"LM722 was delivered to 166 Sqdn 2Sep44. It is believed that this aircraft was lost on its first Raid. When lost this aircraft had a total of 46 hours. LM722 was one of two 166 Sqdn Lancasters lost on this operation. See: PB242
Airborne 1840 23Sep44 from Kirmington. Lost without trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. F/O J.G.Davies KIA Sgt C.L.Caston KIA Sgt A.Rollinson KIA F/O F.Cameron KIA F/S J.McK Dillon RAAF KIA Sgt R.B.Ward KIA Sgt R.Leigh KIA "
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=2244
23/24 September 1944
549 aircraft - 378 Lancasters, 154 Halifaxes, 17 Mosquitos of Nos 1, 3, 4 and 8 Groups to Neuss. 5 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes lost. Bomber Command's report states that most of the bombing fell in the dock and factory areas.
www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/sep44.html
There were other raids the same night on the Dortmund Emms Canal, and in total 22 planes were lost. The night fighter claims for that night are 7 Lancasters and 8 x 4 engined bombers. No flak claims are recorded.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
August 2016 - updated - see comments below.
*******************************************************************************
A E Chance
(Possibly)
Name: CHANCE, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Pilot Officer
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 37
Date of Death: 23/12/1943
Service No: 147544
Additional information: Son of Edward and Margaret Pearson Chance; husband of Olive Mary Chance, of Twickenham, Middlesex.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave Reference: 1. O. 1. Cemetery: COLOMBO (LIVERAMENTU) CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2154986
*******************************************************************************
J Clark
Possible
Name: CLARK, JAMES
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regt
Date of Death: 01/12/1942
Service No: 826396
Grave Reference: 2. D. 19. Cemetery: BENGHAZI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2063782
Otherwise lots of J Clark’s with no details in the additional information field, so can’t be eliminated.
Another casualty of the costly but ultimately successful attempt to relieve Tobruk, Operation Crusader.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crusader
*******************************************************************************
E E Crane
Name: CRANE, ERIC EDWARD
Rank: Private
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Bn.
Age: 34
Date of Death: 21/09/1944
Service No: 5835478
Additional information: Husband of E. A. Crane, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Column 55, SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4017414
*******************************************************************************
J S Curl
Name: CURL, JOHN SMETHURST
Rank: Pilot Officer
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 23 Date of Death: 30/06/1941
Service No: 87051
Additional information: Son of Percy Edward and Janet Elsie Curl, of Eaton, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 32, RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=231661
Not readily traceable - however, one crew member of Wellington BL-P from 40 Squadron is down as not known on the Lost Bombers site.
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=9282
*******************************************************************************
R H Curtis
Possibles
Name: CURTIS, RONALD HENRY Initials: R H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery Unit Text: 2 H.A.A. Regt.
Age: 30 Date of Death: 05/03/1943
Service No: 190959
Additional information: Son of Edward George and Edith Curtis; husband of D. J. Curtis, of Risely, Berkshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 3. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4017509
A subsequent check of the Military Genealogy site revealed that its Ronald H who came from Norwich. As the other possibles were all Reginalds, I've deleted them
*******************************************************************************
T A Cutler
Name: CUTLER, THOMAS ALEC
Rank: Sub-Lieutenant (A)
Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: H.M.S. Victorious.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 24/08/1944
Additional information: Son of Thomas Henry and Frances Mary Cutler, of Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Bay 5, Panel 5., LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2974117
Sub Lt Cutler was missing, presumed kill during air operations from HMS Victorious.
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1944-08AUG.htm
During August 1944, HMS Victorious was in the Far East.
August
23rd Covered Eastern Fleet units providing air-sea rescue facilities during series
of attacks by US Army aircraft on Sumatra (Operations BOOMERANG).
29th Carried out air strikes on Padang, Indaroeng and Emmahaven with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS INDOMITABLE escorted by HMS HOWE and Eastern Fleet units. (Operation BANQUET).
See also
www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Ships/Victorious.html
*******************************************************************************
H F Davis
Name: DAVIS, HENRY FRANCIS
Rank: Private
Regiment: The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey), 1/5th Bn.
Age: 31
Date of Death: 30/09/1942
Service No: 6092118
Additional information: Son of William Henry and Margaret Anne M. Davis; husband of Hilda May Davis, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Grave Reference: X. J. 7. Cemetery: EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2093374
*******************************************************************************
D J Dowe
Name: DOWE, DAVID JESSE
Rank: Sergeant (Flt. Engr.)
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 463 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 25/06/1944
Service No: 1725436
Additional information: Son of David N. Dowe and Alice E. Dowe, of Thorpe St. Andrew, Norfolk.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 2. Row D. Grave 13. Cemetery: ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2847199
Lancaster LM574 Information
Type....................................................................Lancaster
Serial Number..................................................LM574
Squadron..........................................................463
X1D....................................................................JO-J
Operation..........................................................Prouville
Date 1...............................................................24th June 1944
Date 2...............................................................25th June 1944
Further Information
" LM574 was delivered to No.463 Sqdn 15May44. Incomplete operational history. However, it is recorded that LM574 took part in the Key Operation against Duisburg 21/22May44 and when lost had a total of 82 hours. LM574 was one of three No.463 Sqdn Lancasters lost on this operation. See: LM571; LM597
Airborne 2244 24Jun44 to attack a flying-bomb site. Intercepted at 13,000 feet by a Ju88 whose cannon-fire caused an explosion, throwing clear F/O Syddall. Debris from the Lancaster fell at Longuevillette (Somme), 3 km SW of Doullens. Those killed are buried at amiens in St-Pierre Cemetery.
P/O J.M.Tilbrook RAAF KIA
Sgt D.J.Dove KIA
w/O H.G.Carlyle RAAF KIA
P/O A.Syddall PoW
W/O A.C.Mineeff KIA
Sgt C.F.Penn KIA
F/S M.M.Lack RAAF KIA
P/O A.Sydall was interned in Camp L3, PoW No.6509. Promoted to F/O during captivity. "
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=1114
Lancaster Mk111 LM574 JO-J Target Prouville France
www.467463raafsquadrons.com/L02Pgs/ROH/463roh.htm
There are some wonderful pictures of the crews on the squadron web-site. I don’t think Sgt Dowe was amongst them, but he would have known many of these faces, have lived the same life and grieved for those lost earlier in the war.
www.467463raafsquadrons.com/CrewsPics/crew_photos.htm
There were at least 5 four engined bombers claimed as shot down on this night in the Amiens area.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
*******************************************************************************
M W Downing
(Possibly)
Name: DOWNING, MAXWELL WILLIAM
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Glider Pilot Regiment, A.A.C. Unit Text: 2nd Wing Date of Death: 22/09/1944
Service No: 156901
Grave/Memorial Reference: 27. B. 4. Cemetery: ARNHEM OOSTERBEEK WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2644568
Update Military Genealogy has Maxwell down as born NW London, but resident Norwich.
************************************************************************
W J Dye
(Possibly)
Name: DYE, WALTER JAMES Initials: W J
Rank: Stoker 1st Class
Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M. Submarine Turbulent
Age: 24 Date of Death: 23/03/1943
Service No: P/KX 90571
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Additional information: Son of Walter George and Elsie May Dye; husband of Kathleen Dye, of West Hampstead, London.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 78, Column 1. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2669177
On completion of work-up in early 1942 she was deployed in the Mediterranean for interception of supply traffic to and from North African ports. The most impressive record of sinkings began during April 1942 when she sank two supply ships off Brindisi followed by three more off North Africa the next month. On 29th May she torpedoed the Italian destroyer EMANUELE PESSAGNO which sank almost immediately off Benghazi. On her next patrol in the Gulf of Sirte during June she sank another freighter but came under heavy attack from the destroyer PEGASO when attacking a convoy of three transports on 4th July. Although she sank the hulk of the Italian destroyer STRALE which had been stranded near Cape Bon after an air attack in June, her record was marred on 17th of that month when she torpedoed the Italian mercantile NINO BIXIO off Navarino. This ship was unmarked but was carrying 2,921 allied prisoners of war including many New Zealand and Indian soldiers from Benghazi to Brindisi. Over 400 were reported killed and the ship was remained afloat. It is not known whether the intended passage of this ship was known by decrypted signals.
During further patrols in the rest of the year three more supply ships were sunk and the submarine also took part in the allied landings in North Africa (Operation TORCH) when deployed to prevent any Italian intervention during passage of the assault convoys. Early in 1943 whilst based at Algiers for duty in the western Mediterranean she carried out a patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and added another three mercantiles to her list of successful sinkings. During her next patrol in this area on 14th March she was attacked and sunk by Italian torpedo boats. Her sinkings totalled 35,000 tons in nine months and her Commanding Officer, Commander J W Linton, RN was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-12SS-07T-Turbulent.htm
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. John Wallace Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sailed from Algiers on 23 February 1943. She was sunk off Maddalena, north east Sardinia by depth charges from Italian motor torpedo boats on 12 March 1943. HMS Turbulent was declared overdue on 23 March 1943 when she failed to return to base.
Citation:
Commander Linton has been in command of submarines throughout the War. He has been responsible for the destruction of 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer, 20 merchant vessels, 6 schooners and 2 trains. A total of 81,000 tons of enemy shipping sunk. From 1st January 1942 to 1st January 1943 he spent 254 days at sea, including 2,970 hours diving. During this period he was hunted 13 times and had 250 depth charges dropped on him. His career has been one of conspicuous gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3505.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Turbulent_(N98)
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7295160.stm
www.sportesport.it/wrecksSA028.htm
*******************************************************************************
A Eyre
Name: EYRE, ALAN
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Age: 33 Date of Death: 24/07/1944
Service No: 1654330
Additional information: Son of Alfred Charles and Annie Eyre, of Norwich; husband of Ruth Eyre, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. 54. Grave 156. Cemetery: NORWICH CEMETERY, Norfolk
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764177
*******************************************************************************
C D G Garland
Name: GARLAND, CYRIL DOUGLAS GUTHRIE
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve Unit Text: 80 Sqdn.
Age: 38 Date of Death: 28/11/1942
Service No: 62058
Additional information: Son of Frank and Henrietta Garland, of Norwich; husband of Catherine Garland, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. A. 22. Cemetery: HELIOPOLIS WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2208978
Re-equipment with Hurricanes began in February 1941 but when British forces were compelled to evacuate the country, the squadron was still equipped with Gladiators as well.
On its return from Greece the squadron was sent to Syria, from where it operated detachments in Palestine and Cyprus before moving totally to Cyprus in July 1941 and then back to Syria in August. The squadron finally joined the fighting in the Western Desert in October 1941 and following the breakout at El Alamein it was tasked with covering the lines of communication, remaining in North Africa until January 1944. A move to Italy was short-lived as in April the squadron was sent back to Britain in preparation for Operation 'Overlord'.
General Headquarters, Middle East Command was set up in Cairo shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, remaining there throughout the war years. In January 1941, a Royal Air Force Sector Headquarters for Fighter Defence Canal Zone was established. Cairo was also a significant hospital centre during the Second World War, as well as a leave centre with many social clubs and hostels. The cemetery at Heliopolis was opened in October 1941 for burials from the many hospitals in the area coping with the wounded and sick, mainly from the Western Desert campaigns
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=201870...
There are no Hurricanes recorded as shot down in North Africa on the 28/11, but there are two on the 27th . Previous claim was the 14th.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
*******************************************************************************
W J Germany
Name: GERMANY, WILLIAM JOHN Initials: W J
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. Leda
Age: 39 Date of Death: 20/09/1942
Service No: C/J 111937
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Germany; husband of Gladys H. Germany, of Thorpe St. Andrew, Norfolk.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 54, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2467669
1942
September Nominated for return to UK for refit with HMS BRAMBLE.
13th Joined return convoy QP14 with HMS BRAMBLE as part of Ocean Escort
for return to UK. Other ships of Ocean Escort were :
(Note :HM Cruiser SCYLLA, HM Escort Aircraft Carrier AVENGER,
HM Destroyers ASHANTI, ESKIMO, FAULKNOR, FURY,
INTREPID, MARNE, METOER, MILNE, OFFA, ONSLAUGHT,
ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, SOMALI, TARTAR, WHEATLAND,
WILTON, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, HM Trawlers AYRSHIRE,
LORD AUSTIN, LORD MIDDLETON, NORTHERN GEM, HM
Auxiliary AA Ships ALYNBANK, PALOMARES and POZARICA
Distant Cover was provided by ships of Home Fleet in view of any
attack by German heavy warships.
This convoy was also carrying survivors from the ill fated PQ17.)
14th Passage in heavy weather with no immediate threat of interference.
20th Under attack by seven U-Boats. See HITLER'S U-BOAT WAR, Volume 2
by C Blair.
Whilst in position astern of convoy in poor weather, hit by two torpedoes
fired by U435.
Ship sank one and a half hours later in position 756.48N 06.00E with the loss of 14 lives
86 of the ship's company were rescued but six of these died later.
(Note : In the continuing submarine attacks, ss SILVER SWORD, which had survived
PQ17 was sunk. The destroyer HMS SOMALI was hit by U703 and
disabled. Taken in tow by sister HMS ASHANTI the stricken ship
sank in heavy weather on 24th.)
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-22MS-Halc-Leda.htm
www.halcyon-class.co.uk/leda/hms_leda.htm#ledahome
****************************************************************************************
C C Grant
Name: GRANT, CHARLES CLIFFORD
Rank: Driver Regiment/Service: Royal Army Service Corps
Age: 35 Date of Death: 05/06/1942
Service No: T/240241
Additional information: Son of William Henry and Ann Charlotte Grant; husband of Florence Ann Grant. of Norwich.
Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 8. C. 6. Cemetery: KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2162205
*************************************************************************************
L A Hadder
Name: HADDER, LESLIE ARNOLD
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 214 Sqdn.
Age: 20 Date of Death: 04/03/1945
Service No: 1804649
Additional information: Son of George Henry and Elizabeth Annie Hadder, of Thorpe.
Cemetery: THORPE-NEXT-NORWICH (ST. ANDREW) CHURCH CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764504
I came across the grave of one of crew mates of Leslie Hadder in the church cemetery at Blickling, and after some initial false trails, I’ve written up what I found out there.
214 squadron were equipped with Flying Fortresses at this stage, and were engaged on what are now known as Electronic Counter Measures - jamming radar and radio’s etc to protect the bomber stream.
Returning from a mission, the plane was shot down by a German night fighter that was laying in wait in the air above RAF Oulton.
Craft HB815 03-04/03/45 (Pilot Officer H Bennett) Badly damaged following a night-fighter attack during the Nachtjagd Operation “Gisela”. Attack was probably made by Lt Arnold Doring of 10/NJG.3. On return to Oulton, a\c crash-landed at Lodge Farm on the Oulton airfield boundary at 00.51 hrs.
214squadron.atspace.com/fortress.htm
There is a personal memoir of the war of one of the normal crew of this plane, who missed this particular mission because of illness.
“Hadder, the mid-upper gunner, was the first to be buried. The doctor wouldn’t let Frank attend his funeral because of the state of his health…..As Frank hadn’t attended Hadder’s funeral, Frank went as soon as he was able, to visit Hadder’s family. His mother made a big fuss of Frank. She had heard Frank was dead, and was convinced that if Frank was still alive then Les must be alive as well. She took a lot of convincing that it was otherwise. This was a very unnerving experience, and Frank really had to steel himself to visit other relatives in similar circumstances after this.”
www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a1073819.shtml
******************************************************************************************
Thorpe Green War memorial 1939-45 (1)
Thorpe St Andrew 1939 - 45
**************************************************************************************
C G N Aldred
Name: ALDRED, CHARLES NOEL GEORGE
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 27 Date of Death: 15/02/1942
Service No: 5771491
Additional information: Son of Charles Aldred, and of Gertrude Aldred, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave 17. D. 4-11. Cemetery: KRANJI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2052866
This was the day on which Singapore surrendered.
*****************************************************************************************
L G Aldred
Name: ALDRED, LESLIE GORDON
Rank: Stoker 1st Class
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. Cleopatra
Age: 22 Date of Death: 16/07/1943
Service No: C/KX 95885
Additional information: Son of Charlotte Alfred, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 72, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2464269
HMS Cleopatra July 1943
16th Hit amidships by torpedo from Italian submarine
Sustained major damage to structure with flooding of machinery compartments.
Only 'Local' control of armament was possible.
30 of ship's company were killed or missing with 23 wounded,
(Note: Submarine probably DANDALO but another source claims ALAGI)
17th Returned to Malta at 10 knots screened by HM Destroyers QUIBERON and QUAIL
with AA cover by HMS EURYALUS.
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Cleopatra.htm
************************************************************************
E W Allaway
Name: ALLAWAY, EDWARD WILSON
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 13/02/1942
Service No: 5778638
Additional information: Husband of W. Allaway, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 47. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2529835
******************************************************************************************
K A Amond
Name: AMOND, KENNETH ALFRED
Rank: Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 139 Sqdn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 03/03/1943
Service No: 1392604
Additional information: Son of Alfred and Vivien May Amond, of Thorpe, Norwich. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Memorial Reference: Panel 140. RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1082754
Probably this incident although Navigator is referred to Sgt F A Amond
Type Mosquito
Serial Number...........................................DZ463
Squadron....................................................139
X1D..............................................................XD-O
Operation...................................................Knaben
Date ...........................................................3rd March 1943
Further Information
" Airborne 1200 3Mar43 from Marham to bomb a molybdenum mine. Homebound, intercepted by Fw190s and shot down off the Norwegian coast. F/O Bulpitt is buried in the seaport town of Egersund; Sgt Amond has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memeorial. F/O A.N.Bulpitt KIA Sgt F.A.Amond KIA "
Lost Bombers; www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=8268
There is one plane claimed as a Mosquito shot down on this date, but it was subsequently amended to a Blenheim. Pilot was Uffz. Schmid of 7./JG 1. Combat was at 50m, over the sea at 14.42 Central European Time.
www.rafandluftwaffe.info/lists/luftwaffe_b1.htm
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
03/03/43: 10 Mosquitoes from 139 Sqd., led by W/C Shand DFC, fly low level to attack the molybdenum mines at Knaben in Norway. This precision raid was highly successful.
www.mossie.org/squadrons/139_squadron.htm
3 March 1943
10 Mosquitos of No 139 Squadron carried out a long-range raid on the important molybdenum mine at Knaben in Norway. The target was successfully bombed but 1 Mosquito was shot down by FW 190s
www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/mar43.html
NORWAY: 10 Mosquitoes of RAF No. 139 Sqdn carried out a long range raid on the important molybdenum mine at Knaben in Norway. The target was successfully bombed but 1 Mosquito was shot down by Fw 190s, claimed by Uffz. Schmid of 7./JG 1 for his first kill.
www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/ww2-general/day-war-europe-65-y...
**********************************************************************
W G Armiger
Name: ARMIGER, WILLIAM CHARLES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 24 Date of Death: 15/02/1942
Service No: 5775370
Additional information: Son of William and Ethel Ada Armiger; husband of Daisy Rosa Jessie Armiger, of Thorpe, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 49. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2530218
This was the day on which Singapore surrendered.
*******************************************************************************
W G Artis
Name: ARTIS, WILLIAM GEORGE Initials: W G
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 17/08/1943
Service No: 5775682
Additional information: Son of William George and Gladis Artis; husband of Irene Mary Artis, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Grave Reference: 2. G. 65.
Cemetery: KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2664993
The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for the Americans, whose remains were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar
*******************************************************************************
D A Bryant
Name: BRYANT, DEREK ARTHUR
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force
Age: 27
Date of Death: 28/04/1942
Service No: 565225
Additional information: Son of Albert James Bryant and Amy lsabel Bryant, of Thorpe St. Andrew.
Cemetery: THORPE-NEXT-NORWICH (ST. ANDREW) CHURCH CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764503
Derek was killed in the “Baedekker” raid on Norwich on this day. His address is given as “Upways” Thorpe Next Norwich.
www.norfolkroots24.co.uk/norfolkRoots/content/features/20...
*************************************************************************
J A Burr
Name: BURR, JOSEPH
Rank: Gunner
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 5/3 Maritime Regt.
Age: 20 Date of Death: 10/03/1943
Service No: 5774299
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Margaret Burr, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: 74, 2., CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2465502
The Maritime regiment were soldiers put onto Merchant Ships to man Anti-Aircraft Guns. It was something the British Government kept quiet at the time, so it can be difficult to trace which ships they served on.
Convoy SC121 lost several ships on the 9th, having been broken up by several days of Force 10 Gales they fell easy prey to a wolfpack.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoy_SC-121
I can’t be certain whether Joseph Burr was on one of those, but the ship lost on this day was the 4,946 tons SS Nailsea . 45 out of 49 crew were lost , including 9 gunners according to one source,
uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/2753.html
*******************************************************************************
C L Caston
Name: CASTON, CYRIL LEON
Rank: Sergeant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 166 Sqdn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 24/09/1944
Service No: 1627211
Additional information: Son of Robert and Emily Emma Caston, of Thorpe, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: Panel 226.,RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1084160
Lancaster LM722 Information
Type...................................................................Lancaster
Serial Number.................................................LM722
Squadron..........................................................166
X1D.....................................................................AS-D
Operation.........................................................Neuss
Date 1................................................................23rd September 1944
Date 2...............................................................24th September 1944
Further Information
"LM722 was delivered to 166 Sqdn 2Sep44. It is believed that this aircraft was lost on its first Raid. When lost this aircraft had a total of 46 hours. LM722 was one of two 166 Sqdn Lancasters lost on this operation. See: PB242
Airborne 1840 23Sep44 from Kirmington. Lost without trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. F/O J.G.Davies KIA Sgt C.L.Caston KIA Sgt A.Rollinson KIA F/O F.Cameron KIA F/S J.McK Dillon RAAF KIA Sgt R.B.Ward KIA Sgt R.Leigh KIA "
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=2244
23/24 September 1944
549 aircraft - 378 Lancasters, 154 Halifaxes, 17 Mosquitos of Nos 1, 3, 4 and 8 Groups to Neuss. 5 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes lost. Bomber Command's report states that most of the bombing fell in the dock and factory areas.
www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/sep44.html
There were other raids the same night on the Dortmund Emms Canal, and in total 22 planes were lost. The night fighter claims for that night are 7 Lancasters and 8 x 4 engined bombers. No flak claims are recorded.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
August 2016 - updated - see comments below.
*******************************************************************************
A E Chance
(Possibly)
Name: CHANCE, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Pilot Officer
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 37
Date of Death: 23/12/1943
Service No: 147544
Additional information: Son of Edward and Margaret Pearson Chance; husband of Olive Mary Chance, of Twickenham, Middlesex.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave Reference: 1. O. 1. Cemetery: COLOMBO (LIVERAMENTU) CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2154986
*******************************************************************************
J Clark
Possible
Name: CLARK, JAMES
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regt
Date of Death: 01/12/1942
Service No: 826396
Grave Reference: 2. D. 19. Cemetery: BENGHAZI WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2063782
Otherwise lots of J Clark’s with no details in the additional information field, so can’t be eliminated.
Another casualty of the costly but ultimately successful attempt to relieve Tobruk, Operation Crusader.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crusader
*******************************************************************************
E E Crane
Name: CRANE, ERIC EDWARD
Rank: Private
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Bn.
Age: 34
Date of Death: 21/09/1944
Service No: 5835478
Additional information: Husband of E. A. Crane, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Column 55, SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4017414
*******************************************************************************
J S Curl
Name: CURL, JOHN SMETHURST
Rank: Pilot Officer
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 23 Date of Death: 30/06/1941
Service No: 87051
Additional information: Son of Percy Edward and Janet Elsie Curl, of Eaton, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 32, RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=231661
Not readily traceable - however, one crew member of Wellington BL-P from 40 Squadron is down as not known on the Lost Bombers site.
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=9282
*******************************************************************************
R H Curtis
Possibles
Name: CURTIS, RONALD HENRY Initials: R H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery Unit Text: 2 H.A.A. Regt.
Age: 30 Date of Death: 05/03/1943
Service No: 190959
Additional information: Son of Edward George and Edith Curtis; husband of D. J. Curtis, of Risely, Berkshire.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 3. Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4017509
A subsequent check of the Military Genealogy site revealed that its Ronald H who came from Norwich. As the other possibles were all Reginalds, I've deleted them
*******************************************************************************
T A Cutler
Name: CUTLER, THOMAS ALEC
Rank: Sub-Lieutenant (A)
Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: H.M.S. Victorious.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 24/08/1944
Additional information: Son of Thomas Henry and Frances Mary Cutler, of Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Bay 5, Panel 5., LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2974117
Sub Lt Cutler was missing, presumed kill during air operations from HMS Victorious.
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1944-08AUG.htm
During August 1944, HMS Victorious was in the Far East.
August
23rd Covered Eastern Fleet units providing air-sea rescue facilities during series
of attacks by US Army aircraft on Sumatra (Operations BOOMERANG).
29th Carried out air strikes on Padang, Indaroeng and Emmahaven with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS INDOMITABLE escorted by HMS HOWE and Eastern Fleet units. (Operation BANQUET).
See also
www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Ships/Victorious.html
*******************************************************************************
H F Davis
Name: DAVIS, HENRY FRANCIS
Rank: Private
Regiment: The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey), 1/5th Bn.
Age: 31
Date of Death: 30/09/1942
Service No: 6092118
Additional information: Son of William Henry and Margaret Anne M. Davis; husband of Hilda May Davis, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Grave Reference: X. J. 7. Cemetery: EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2093374
*******************************************************************************
D J Dowe
Name: DOWE, DAVID JESSE
Rank: Sergeant (Flt. Engr.)
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 463 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 25/06/1944
Service No: 1725436
Additional information: Son of David N. Dowe and Alice E. Dowe, of Thorpe St. Andrew, Norfolk.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 2. Row D. Grave 13. Cemetery: ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2847199
Lancaster LM574 Information
Type....................................................................Lancaster
Serial Number..................................................LM574
Squadron..........................................................463
X1D....................................................................JO-J
Operation..........................................................Prouville
Date 1...............................................................24th June 1944
Date 2...............................................................25th June 1944
Further Information
" LM574 was delivered to No.463 Sqdn 15May44. Incomplete operational history. However, it is recorded that LM574 took part in the Key Operation against Duisburg 21/22May44 and when lost had a total of 82 hours. LM574 was one of three No.463 Sqdn Lancasters lost on this operation. See: LM571; LM597
Airborne 2244 24Jun44 to attack a flying-bomb site. Intercepted at 13,000 feet by a Ju88 whose cannon-fire caused an explosion, throwing clear F/O Syddall. Debris from the Lancaster fell at Longuevillette (Somme), 3 km SW of Doullens. Those killed are buried at amiens in St-Pierre Cemetery.
P/O J.M.Tilbrook RAAF KIA
Sgt D.J.Dove KIA
w/O H.G.Carlyle RAAF KIA
P/O A.Syddall PoW
W/O A.C.Mineeff KIA
Sgt C.F.Penn KIA
F/S M.M.Lack RAAF KIA
P/O A.Sydall was interned in Camp L3, PoW No.6509. Promoted to F/O during captivity. "
www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=1114
Lancaster Mk111 LM574 JO-J Target Prouville France
www.467463raafsquadrons.com/L02Pgs/ROH/463roh.htm
There are some wonderful pictures of the crews on the squadron web-site. I don’t think Sgt Dowe was amongst them, but he would have known many of these faces, have lived the same life and grieved for those lost earlier in the war.
www.467463raafsquadrons.com/CrewsPics/crew_photos.htm
There were at least 5 four engined bombers claimed as shot down on this night in the Amiens area.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
*******************************************************************************
M W Downing
(Possibly)
Name: DOWNING, MAXWELL WILLIAM
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Glider Pilot Regiment, A.A.C. Unit Text: 2nd Wing Date of Death: 22/09/1944
Service No: 156901
Grave/Memorial Reference: 27. B. 4. Cemetery: ARNHEM OOSTERBEEK WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2644568
Update Military Genealogy has Maxwell down as born NW London, but resident Norwich.
************************************************************************
W J Dye
(Possibly)
Name: DYE, WALTER JAMES Initials: W J
Rank: Stoker 1st Class
Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M. Submarine Turbulent
Age: 24 Date of Death: 23/03/1943
Service No: P/KX 90571
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Additional information: Son of Walter George and Elsie May Dye; husband of Kathleen Dye, of West Hampstead, London.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 78, Column 1. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2669177
On completion of work-up in early 1942 she was deployed in the Mediterranean for interception of supply traffic to and from North African ports. The most impressive record of sinkings began during April 1942 when she sank two supply ships off Brindisi followed by three more off North Africa the next month. On 29th May she torpedoed the Italian destroyer EMANUELE PESSAGNO which sank almost immediately off Benghazi. On her next patrol in the Gulf of Sirte during June she sank another freighter but came under heavy attack from the destroyer PEGASO when attacking a convoy of three transports on 4th July. Although she sank the hulk of the Italian destroyer STRALE which had been stranded near Cape Bon after an air attack in June, her record was marred on 17th of that month when she torpedoed the Italian mercantile NINO BIXIO off Navarino. This ship was unmarked but was carrying 2,921 allied prisoners of war including many New Zealand and Indian soldiers from Benghazi to Brindisi. Over 400 were reported killed and the ship was remained afloat. It is not known whether the intended passage of this ship was known by decrypted signals.
During further patrols in the rest of the year three more supply ships were sunk and the submarine also took part in the allied landings in North Africa (Operation TORCH) when deployed to prevent any Italian intervention during passage of the assault convoys. Early in 1943 whilst based at Algiers for duty in the western Mediterranean she carried out a patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and added another three mercantiles to her list of successful sinkings. During her next patrol in this area on 14th March she was attacked and sunk by Italian torpedo boats. Her sinkings totalled 35,000 tons in nine months and her Commanding Officer, Commander J W Linton, RN was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-12SS-07T-Turbulent.htm
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. John Wallace Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sailed from Algiers on 23 February 1943. She was sunk off Maddalena, north east Sardinia by depth charges from Italian motor torpedo boats on 12 March 1943. HMS Turbulent was declared overdue on 23 March 1943 when she failed to return to base.
Citation:
Commander Linton has been in command of submarines throughout the War. He has been responsible for the destruction of 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer, 20 merchant vessels, 6 schooners and 2 trains. A total of 81,000 tons of enemy shipping sunk. From 1st January 1942 to 1st January 1943 he spent 254 days at sea, including 2,970 hours diving. During this period he was hunted 13 times and had 250 depth charges dropped on him. His career has been one of conspicuous gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3505.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Turbulent_(N98)
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7295160.stm
www.sportesport.it/wrecksSA028.htm
*******************************************************************************
A Eyre
Name: EYRE, ALAN
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Age: 33 Date of Death: 24/07/1944
Service No: 1654330
Additional information: Son of Alfred Charles and Annie Eyre, of Norwich; husband of Ruth Eyre, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. 54. Grave 156. Cemetery: NORWICH CEMETERY, Norfolk
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764177
*******************************************************************************
C D G Garland
Name: GARLAND, CYRIL DOUGLAS GUTHRIE
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve Unit Text: 80 Sqdn.
Age: 38 Date of Death: 28/11/1942
Service No: 62058
Additional information: Son of Frank and Henrietta Garland, of Norwich; husband of Catherine Garland, of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. A. 22. Cemetery: HELIOPOLIS WAR CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2208978
Re-equipment with Hurricanes began in February 1941 but when British forces were compelled to evacuate the country, the squadron was still equipped with Gladiators as well.
On its return from Greece the squadron was sent to Syria, from where it operated detachments in Palestine and Cyprus before moving totally to Cyprus in July 1941 and then back to Syria in August. The squadron finally joined the fighting in the Western Desert in October 1941 and following the breakout at El Alamein it was tasked with covering the lines of communication, remaining in North Africa until January 1944. A move to Italy was short-lived as in April the squadron was sent back to Britain in preparation for Operation 'Overlord'.
General Headquarters, Middle East Command was set up in Cairo shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, remaining there throughout the war years. In January 1941, a Royal Air Force Sector Headquarters for Fighter Defence Canal Zone was established. Cairo was also a significant hospital centre during the Second World War, as well as a leave centre with many social clubs and hostels. The cemetery at Heliopolis was opened in October 1941 for burials from the many hospitals in the area coping with the wounded and sick, mainly from the Western Desert campaigns
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=201870...
There are no Hurricanes recorded as shot down in North Africa on the 28/11, but there are two on the 27th . Previous claim was the 14th.
www.lesbutler.ip3.co.uk/tony/tonywood.htm
*******************************************************************************
W J Germany
Name: GERMANY, WILLIAM JOHN Initials: W J
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. Leda
Age: 39 Date of Death: 20/09/1942
Service No: C/J 111937
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Germany; husband of Gladys H. Germany, of Thorpe St. Andrew, Norfolk.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 54, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2467669
1942
September Nominated for return to UK for refit with HMS BRAMBLE.
13th Joined return convoy QP14 with HMS BRAMBLE as part of Ocean Escort
for return to UK. Other ships of Ocean Escort were :
(Note :HM Cruiser SCYLLA, HM Escort Aircraft Carrier AVENGER,
HM Destroyers ASHANTI, ESKIMO, FAULKNOR, FURY,
INTREPID, MARNE, METOER, MILNE, OFFA, ONSLAUGHT,
ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, SOMALI, TARTAR, WHEATLAND,
WILTON, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, HM Trawlers AYRSHIRE,
LORD AUSTIN, LORD MIDDLETON, NORTHERN GEM, HM
Auxiliary AA Ships ALYNBANK, PALOMARES and POZARICA
Distant Cover was provided by ships of Home Fleet in view of any
attack by German heavy warships.
This convoy was also carrying survivors from the ill fated PQ17.)
14th Passage in heavy weather with no immediate threat of interference.
20th Under attack by seven U-Boats. See HITLER'S U-BOAT WAR, Volume 2
by C Blair.
Whilst in position astern of convoy in poor weather, hit by two torpedoes
fired by U435.
Ship sank one and a half hours later in position 756.48N 06.00E with the loss of 14 lives
86 of the ship's company were rescued but six of these died later.
(Note : In the continuing submarine attacks, ss SILVER SWORD, which had survived
PQ17 was sunk. The destroyer HMS SOMALI was hit by U703 and
disabled. Taken in tow by sister HMS ASHANTI the stricken ship
sank in heavy weather on 24th.)
www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-22MS-Halc-Leda.htm
www.halcyon-class.co.uk/leda/hms_leda.htm#ledahome
****************************************************************************************
C C Grant
Name: GRANT, CHARLES CLIFFORD
Rank: Driver Regiment/Service: Royal Army Service Corps
Age: 35 Date of Death: 05/06/1942
Service No: T/240241
Additional information: Son of William Henry and Ann Charlotte Grant; husband of Florence Ann Grant. of Norwich.
Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 8. C. 6. Cemetery: KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2162205
*************************************************************************************
L A Hadder
Name: HADDER, LESLIE ARNOLD
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 214 Sqdn.
Age: 20 Date of Death: 04/03/1945
Service No: 1804649
Additional information: Son of George Henry and Elizabeth Annie Hadder, of Thorpe.
Cemetery: THORPE-NEXT-NORWICH (ST. ANDREW) CHURCH CEMETERY
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2764504
I came across the grave of one of crew mates of Leslie Hadder in the church cemetery at Blickling, and after some initial false trails, I’ve written up what I found out there.
214 squadron were equipped with Flying Fortresses at this stage, and were engaged on what are now known as Electronic Counter Measures - jamming radar and radio’s etc to protect the bomber stream.
Returning from a mission, the plane was shot down by a German night fighter that was laying in wait in the air above RAF Oulton.
Craft HB815 03-04/03/45 (Pilot Officer H Bennett) Badly damaged following a night-fighter attack during the Nachtjagd Operation “Gisela”. Attack was probably made by Lt Arnold Doring of 10/NJG.3. On return to Oulton, a\c crash-landed at Lodge Farm on the Oulton airfield boundary at 00.51 hrs.
214squadron.atspace.com/fortress.htm
There is a personal memoir of the war of one of the normal crew of this plane, who missed this particular mission because of illness.
“Hadder, the mid-upper gunner, was the first to be buried. The doctor wouldn’t let Frank attend his funeral because of the state of his health…..As Frank hadn’t attended Hadder’s funeral, Frank went as soon as he was able, to visit Hadder’s family. His mother made a big fuss of Frank. She had heard Frank was dead, and was convinced that if Frank was still alive then Les must be alive as well. She took a lot of convincing that it was otherwise. This was a very unnerving experience, and Frank really had to steel himself to visit other relatives in similar circumstances after this.”
www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a1073819.shtml
******************************************************************************************