Holt War Memorial - Face 2

With Acknowledgment to the Roll of Honour website (RoH)

 

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Holt.html

 

There is another set of memorials in the church of St Andrew the Apostle.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/HoltStAndrew.html

 

Names shown on the Church memorial are marked as (CM)

 

The Great War

 

William R Dix……………………………….........................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 18011. 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. Formerly 14169 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 9th May 1915. Aged 19. Born Holt. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William and Susan Dix, of Grove Rd., Holt, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 28

to 30.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=858578

(As William Dix)

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 6 year old William is recorded at Norwich Road, Holt having been born Pedham\Pulham(? - poor handwriting). This is the household of his parents, William, (age 35 and a Domestic Gardener from Wiveton), and Susan, (age 34 and from Holt). Their other children are:-

Ada…….aged 4.…born Cley

Agnes….aged 14...born Holt

Hilda…..aged 2.…born Cley

Mable….aged 12...born Holt

Maud…..aged 8.…born Pedham\Pulham

 

The Battle of Aubers

9 May 1915

Operational approach - two pincers north and south of Neuve Chappelle.

 

The Southern attack was to be made in easterly direction by the 1st and Meerut Divisions, on a 2400-yard front between Chocolat Menier Corner and Port Arthur (1st Division would have an attack frontage of 1600 yards; Meerut 800 yards), with the objective Rue du Marais - Lorgies - Ligny le Grand, incorporating La Cliqueterie (a heavily defended German strongpoint). The 2nd Division was moved up into reserve, from the La Bassée canal sector, leaving behind 4th (Guards) Brigade and receiving in exchange the 5th (London) Brigade of the London Division who moved to the canal in their place.

 

9 May: the Southern pincer

4.06am: sunrise and all very quiet on this front.

5.00am: British bombardment opens with field guns firing shrapnel at the German wire and howitzers firing High Explosive shells onto front line. German troops are seen peering above their parapet even while this shelling was going on.

5.30am: British bombardment intensifies, field guns switch to HE and also fire at breastworks. The lead battalions of the two assaulting Brigades of 1st Division go over the top to take up a position only 80 yards from German front. (2nd Brigade has 1/Northants and 2/Royal Sussex in front and 2/KRRC and 1/5th Royal Sussex in immediate support; 3rd Brigade has 2/Royal Munster Fusiliers and 2/Welsh in front, with 1/4th Royal Welsh Fusiliers in support). Heavy machine-gun fire cuts the attackers down even on their own ladders and parapet steps, but men continue to press forward as ordered.

 

In the area of the Indian Corps, the lead battalions of the Dehra Dun Brigade of the Meerut Division (2/2nd Ghurkas, 1/4th and 1st Seaforth Highlanders) were so badly hit by enemy fire that no men got beyond their own parapet and the front-line and communications trenches were soon filled with dead and wounded men.

5.40am: British bombardment lifts off front lines and advances 600 yards; infantry assault begins. Despite the early losses and enemy fire the three Brigades attempted to advance across No Man's Land. They were met by intense crossfire from the German machine-guns, which could not be seen in their ground-level and strongly protected emplacements. Whole lines of men were seen to be hit. Few lanes had been cut in the wire and even where men reached it they were forced to bunch, forming good targets for the enemy gunners. The leading battalions suffered very significant losses, particularly among officers and junior leaders. Around 100 men on the Northants and Munsters got into the German front, but all were killed or captured. The advance of the supporting battalions suffered similarly, and by 6.00am the advance had halted, with hundreds of men pinned down in No Man's Land, unable to advance or fall back.

6.15am: A repeat of the initial bombardment is ordered, with the added difficulty of uncertain locations of the most advanced troops.

7.20am: Major-General Haking (CO, 1st Division) reports failure and asks if he should bring in his last Brigade (1st (Guards)). He offered his opinion that it would not be successful.

Worst infantry casualties in the Southern attack, by battalion 1/ Northamptonshire 560, of which 17 offofficers First wave of 2nd Brigade

www.1914-1918.net/bat11.htm

 

Joseph Dixon……………………………….............................(RoH) (CM)

 

No further information available at present (215 potential matches on CWGC - check Genes Re-united to see if we can track down any likely individuals)

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census for England and Wales has 5 Joseph Dixon’s with a Norfolk, or which only 2 are born after 1870. The two youngest ones are both born and still living in Sprowston on the edge of Norwich. Neither family has any apparent connection with the North Norfolk area by birth. There are also three Dixon’s recorded in Holt, a boy boarder, a teenage servant, and a widowed woman in her mid-thirties.

 

George Flood……………………………….................................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 3/647. 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 6th April 1915. Born Gorleston-on-Sea. Lived Holt. Enlisted Colchester. Buried: Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Ref. I. L. 3.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=92427

 

No match on Norlink

 

There is a 19 year old George Flood who had been born in Gorleston, and was now employed as a Billiard Marker, living at 8 School Road, Runham, Great Yarmouth. This was the household of his married sister, Emma Read, (aged 22 and from East Dereham) and her husband, James, (aged 23 and a general labourer for the council). Emma and James have a son, Harry, who is under 1.

 

The same individual on the 1891 census is to be found at No 3, Waterloo, St Faiths. His parents are Charles, (who appears to be out of work), and Emily, who is listed as a master shoemaker. As well as George, they have four other children.

 

James William Graveling………………………………............(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 48734. 6th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 31st August 1918. Aged 19. Born Holt. Enlisted Cromer. Son of Mr. W. J. Graveling, of Holt, Norfolk. Buried: Combles Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Ref. IV. A. 29.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=591766

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 2 year old James is recorded on the 1901 census at Gas Hill, Letheringsett Hill, Holt. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 25 and a bricklayers labourer from Norwich), and Phoebe, (aged 21 and also from Norwich). As well as James, they have a daughter Edith, aged 3.

 

The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division, which lists amongst its Battle Honours:-

Second Battle of Bapaume. 31 Aug-3 Sep 1918.

www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/18_div.htm

www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_bapaumeII.html

 

Edward Greengrass……. (RoH) (Church memorial has Wallace Greengrass)

 

RoH had no further information available at present.

 

(Updated I'd originally identified an E W Greengrass, a Lance Corporal in the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment as a possible match for this individual. Further research however has shown that to be an Edmund William, from Oulton Broad, Suffolk, and so for now is in doubt.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=196818

 

However, the medal index card for the same individual in the National Archives lists him as an Edward W)

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-resul...

 

No obvious match on the 1901 Census under the name of either Edward or Wallace. However, if he was a career soldier, he could have been overseas at the time of the 1901 Census.

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1st Battalion was part of the 5th Division, which lists amongst its Battle Honours:-

Battle of Albert. 21-23 Aug 1918, including the capture of Chuignes.

webstats.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net/site/warpath/divs/5...

In the same brigade were the 1st Bedfords. The extract from their war diary on this day reads:-

21 Aug 1918 Battalion moved forward to the attack at 4.45 a.m. meeting with very slight opposition. The objective was about 1500 yards from original German Front Line which had already been taken by the 37th Division. Battalion gained objective which they consolidated, remaining there in support to the 1/Norfolk Regt. who passed through to take the next objective.

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1918diary.html

 

Frederick W Grout………………………………....................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 13812. 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 8th February 1916. Born Holt. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Ref. B. 11.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=551902

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 18 year old Frederick W. can be found on the 1901 Census at Holt Hall Cottages, Holt. He was still single and working as a Gardeners Assistant.This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 49 and a Domestic Gardener from Coltishall), and Lucy, (aged 52 and from Wickmere). They also have a daughter, Edith S, age 21, living with them.

 

 

Ernest Guymer………………………………..............................(RoH) (CM)

 

(It is highly likely that this is the Ernest Guymer on the memorial). Private 275014. 3rd Battalion London Regt (Royal Fusiliers). Formerly 21277 3rd East Kent Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 10th September 1918. Aged 38. Born Foulsham. Lived and enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of Robert and Hannah Guymer. In the 1901 census, Ernest is working as a baker’s assistant and living with his widowed mother in Holt. Buried: St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Ref. R. II. U. 9. (Thanks to Bernie Guymer for the family information)

CWGC has no personal details or age

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=518002

 

The 21 year old Ernest can indeed be found on the 1901 Census, living at Fish Hill, Holt, with his widowed mother. He had been born at Foulsham, single, and was now employed as a Bakers Assistant. His mother, Hannah, aged 66 and from Stibbard, was the head of the household. Her other children still resident with her are :-

Elvira….aged 23.…born Foulsham. Employed as a Grocers Assistant.

George…aged 26.…born Whitwell. Employed as a General Domestic.

Maffe…..aged 25,,,,born Whitwell. Grocer Shop Keeper.

 

The family lived two doors down from Fred Chestney, (q.v), on the census return.

 

No match on Norlink

 

Fred Herron………………………………...............................(RoH) (CM)

Roll of Honour web-site has no further details

Possibles

 

Name: HERRON, FREDRICK Initials: F Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 29/10/1918 Service No: 200184 Awards: M M Additional information: Brother of Herbert Herron, of Cliffe Bank, Piercebridge, Darlington. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: LXVII. M. 21. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=502132

 

Name: HERRON Initials: F G Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) Unit Text: 8th Bn. Date of Death: 03/05/1918 Service No: 5670 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XI. C. 4. Cemetery: COLOGNE SOUTHERN CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=901745

 

Name: HERRON Initials: F H Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 154th Coy. Age: 21 Date of Death: 20/09/1917 Service No: 102948 Additional information: Son of William and Harriett Herron, of 62, Leroy St., Tower Bridge Rd., Bermondsey, London. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XLV. D. 19. Cemetery: POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=491625

 

Name: HERRON, FREDERICK NICOLL Initials: F N Nationality: Australian Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Australian Pioneers Unit Text: 2nd Date of Death: 29/09/1917 Service No: 1714 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XXV. B. 11. Cemetery: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=431256

 

(Australian Army record checked - born Arbroath, Scotland, but no other obvious link with any other part of the UK. He‘s also on the Arbroath War Memorial)

 

Name: HERRON Initials: F H Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sapper Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Date of Death: 28/04/1918 Service No: WR/200483 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: In South-East part. Cemetery: BEARPARK (ST. EDMUND) CHURCHYARD

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=354511

 

No match on Norlink

No likely matches on the 1901 or 1911 Census

 

Reginald Horne………………………………...........................(RoH) (CM)

Roll of Honour web-site has no further details

 

8 possible matches on CWGC, none with an obvious link to Norfolk and all with unknown age.

 

The 6 year old Reginald is recorded on the 1901 Census as living at Fairstead Hill Cottage, Holt, the town of his birth. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 39 and a Stone Mason from Holt), and Charlotte, (aged 36 and also from Holt).Their other children are:-

Audrey…aged 1.….born Holt

Herbert…aged 11.…..born Holt

Mary……aged 15.…born Holt

Walter…..aged 14.…born Holt.

 

No match on Norlink

 

William Houchen………………………………....................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 202529. 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 20th October 1917. Born Great Ellingham. Enlisted Cromer. Son of William and Emily Houchen of Reymerston; husband of Elizabeth Houchen of New St., Holt, Norfolk. Buried: New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. X. D. 6.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=452506

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 18 year William can be found on the 1901 census at North Green Farm, Reymerston. Having been born at Great Ellingham, he now works as a Outfitting Assistant. The address is the household of his parents, William, (a 44 year old farmer from Great Ellingham) and Emily, (aged 47 and also from Great Ellingham). Living with them is Emily’s sister Rebecca Rivett who is single as well as their children:-

Arthur……aged 9.……born Great Ellingham

Charles…..aged 15.…..born Great Ellingham, Occupation - Farmers Son

Frank…….aged 11.…..born Great Ellingham

Matilda….aged 7.…….born Reymerston

Sarah…….aged 12.…..born Great Ellingham

 

October 1917

The first three weeks of October were spent on the west bank of the Yser canal, and partly in training for the attack of October 22nd in the Poelcappelle neighbourhood. On the 8th Leiutenant -Colonel Ferguson and commanding the battalion almost contiously for three years proceeded on six months special leave to England and was suceeded by Mjor E. N.Snepp. The only other notable event was on the 15th when the German bombardment was specially severe causing several causualties. One shell made a direct hit on a 'pill-box' in which was the regimental aid post. The medical officer was wounded two men were killed and one wounded. On the 20th the battalion was in Cane trench ready for the forthcoming attack "

 

It then goes on to decribe the attack which went in on around 5.50am of the 22nd. The Norfolks went first, leapt frogged by the 10th Essex. Despite the mud all the objectives were achieved.

 

"The triumphant Essex and Norfolks...........tramped back to hear the whole division ...and General Maxse.... singing their paise. "

 

Losses were heavy and this was destined to be the Battalions last great action before it's dissolution. Being split up in the new year to go to the 7th and 9th Norfolks

 

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

 

Herbert Henry Jenkinson………………………………...........(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 65059. 109th Company Labour Corps. Formerly 48973 29th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 29th August 1917. Born and lived Holt. Enlisted Cromer. Son of Robert and Martha A. Jenkinson, of Pearson's Buildings, Holt, Norfolk. Buried: White House Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. I. C. 2.

On CWGC as H Jenkinson

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=454688

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 7 year old Herbert is recorded on the 1901 Census at Old Work House Yard, Holt. This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 35 and a Carter for a Domestic Merchant from Holt), and Martha, (aged 35 and from Brinton). Their other children are:-

Celia…….aged 4.….born Holt

Eliza…….aged 5.….born Holt

Hilda…….aged 1.…born Holt

Mildred….aged 2.…born Holt

 

Richard Knights……………………………….......................(RoH) (CM)

 

Corporal 3288. 6th Battalion Rifle Brigade. Died on 22nd August 1920. Buried: Holt Burial Ground. Ref. C. 598.

 

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802699

No match on Norlink

 

The 10 year old Richard is recorded on the 1901 census at Chapel Street, Holt. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 55 and an Ordinary Field Labourer from Edgefield), and Deborah, (aged 51 and from Rudham). Their other children are:-

Charles……..aged 21.….born Holt. Occupation - Bricklayer

Ellen………..aged 14.….born Holt

Frederick……aged 12.…born Holt

Stephen……..aged 8.…..born Holt

 

John Knowles………………………………..........................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 12762. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st November 1915. Born Holt. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. IV. D. 33.

 

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2947636

No match on Norlink

 

There are 2 possible matches on the 1901 Census. One aged 6, born Holt, now living at Holt Road, Edgefield. Parents are Thomas and Amy. The other is aged 9, born Holt and living at Norwich Road, Holt at the time of the census. Parents are Albert and Harriet.

 

Benjamin Lake……………………………….........................(RoH) (CM)

Roll of Honour web-site has no further details

 

Only Benjamin listed and most likely match based on parents initial

Name: LAKE, BENJAMIN

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars

Age: 39 Date of Death: 21/01/1919 Service No: 45645

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Lake.

Buried in Muttra Cemetery. Grave/Memorial Reference: Face 1. Memorial: MADRAS 1914-1918 WAR MEMORIAL, CHENNAI

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1465833

 

The 20 year old Benjamin is recorded at Fairstead Road, Holt, on the 1901 Census. He was born at Holt, is still single and works as an Ostler Groom. This is the household of his parents, Frederick, (aged 50 and a house painter from Wisbech), and Maria, (aged 48 and from Marham). Their other children are:-

Edith……aged 10.…born Holt

Flora V…aged 15.…born Holt.General Domestic Servant.

Maud……aged 7.….born Holt

Robert M..aged 17...born Holt.Bricklayers Labourer.

 

Victor Lewis………………………………..........................(RoH) (CM)

 

Private 15997. 8th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 14th July 1916. Born and lived Holt. Enlisted Southwark, Surrey. Buried: Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme, France. Ref. IV. D. 4.

 

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=245422

No match on Norlink

 

The 3 year old Victor J. is recorded on the 1901 Census at Bull Street, Holt. This was the household of his parents, Robert C S, (aged 39 and a Joiner from Holt), and Ellen L. (aged 40 and from Marylebone, London). Their other children are:-

Alfred J……….aged u/1.…..born Holt

Horace C………aged 11.……born Marylebone

Louie E………..aged 13.…..born London West Bourne Park

Nellie E………..aged 6.……born Walthamstow, Essex

Vio;et B………..aged 8.……born Walthamstow, Essex

 

On this day the 8th Battalion carried out a successful night attack on the Snout (the German second position) in Bazentin Wood after a 4 mile approach march. After consolidation withdrawn to reserve in White Trench.

www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/somme/reg_8th_devons.php?

 

World War 2

 

John Cuthbert………………………………..............(RoH) (CM)

 

Probably: John Rowland Cuthbert. Sergeant (Flt. Engr.) 1470775. 576 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on 29th July 1944. Aged 23. Son of John and Annie Cuthbert, of High Kelling, Norfolk. Buried: Chaumousey Communal Cemetery, Vosges, France. Ref. Grave 4.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2346678

 

Lancaster PB253 Information

Type.......................Lancaster

Serial Number.......PB253

Squadron..............576

X1D.......................UL-A2

Operation..............Stuttgart

Date 1..................28th July 1944

Date 2..................29th July 1944

 

Further Information

"The Mk.111s had Merlin 38 engines initially installed except for the late production models with Merlin 224 engines. PB253 was a Mk.111 and was delivered to 576 Sqdn Jul44 When lost this aircraft had a total of 67 hours. No other operational history PB253 was one of four 576 Sqdn Lancaster lost on this operation. See: LL799; LL905; PB128. Airborne 2118 28Jul44 from Elsham Wolds. Crashed circa 0230 29Jul44 near Chaumousey (Vosges), 8 km w of Epinal. Six are buried in Chaumousey Communal Cemetery. F/O Archibald survived and probably evaded capture. This is yet to be substantiated.

F/O J.Archibald RNZAF

Sgt J.R.Cuthbert KIA

Sgt J.e.Kearney KIA

F/O P.J.Biollo RCAF KIA

Sgt L.Fielding KIA

W/O T.P.Barry KIA

Sgt A.Milne KIA "

www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=3663

 

Here is an extract of a letter from a local priest to an enquiring relative.

I am sending you a few details concerning the airplane accident, in which lieutenant Peter Biollo was a victim, on the 29th July 1944.

 

His plane was chased by a German plane for about fifty kilometres, (about 31 miles). It fell to the earth in the forest of Renauvoid; a little hamlet about twelve kilometres (about 7 miles) from Epinal. Epinal is the chief town of Vosges. The hamlet of Renauvoid is a part of Chaumosy parish, therefore, the burial of the five victims took place in the Catholic cemetery of Chaumousy.

 

The fall of the airplane and the explosion of its bombs drew immediately, all the people to the place of the accident. The Germans forbade the people to go near, as two bombs had not exploded. There was no fire, no burning. Four bodies were identified. One was Mr. Peter. The fifth could not be identified as it was head-less and no identification ticket was found. The sixth victim escaped death - Caught in his parachute, in the branches of a tree, he was taken down, made prisoner by the Germans and treated for a broken leg, at the military hospital of Golbery, a few kilometres from here. Each victim was placed in a casket. The funeral took place on July 31st 1944, in the Church of Chaumousey, in the afternoon.

 

A very large, recollected number of people formed the funeral procession of these heroes, whose caskets were covered with flowers and in spite of the interdiction of the Germans, this big crowd went to the cemetery and joined in the final prayers at the graves.

 

www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=...

 

There is also a bit more detail, including how Flying Officer Archibald survived, here

brind.tv/html/newsps.html#anchorNW12

(see article “Survivors guilt still there 53 years on”)

 

John W.Dew………………………………................................(RoH) (CM)

 

Possibly: John Walter Dew. Gunner 1789479. 3 Battery, 6 H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on 14th February 1942. Aged 21. Son of William and Rachel May Dew, of Wembley Park, Middlesex. Buried: Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Ref. Coll. grave 34. E. 9-16.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2053632

 

Ronald Hall………………………………...............(RoH) (CM)

Roll of Honour web-site has no further details

(140 R. Hall’s on CWGC , 25+ are Ronald, none with any obvious connection to Norfolk)

 

George Cecil Hamilton…………………………….(RoH) (CM)

 

Flying Officer 115244. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on 18th July 1943. Aged 33. Son of George Ernest Hamilton, M.R.C.V.S., and Henrietta Hamilton, of Sheringham, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 124.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1799211

 

No trace on Lost Bombers or Tony Clark’s Fighter Command records.

 

Geoffrey Graham Hayden………………………..(RoH) (CM)

 

Leading Aircraftman 1863381. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on 29th December 1944. Aged 20. Son of Geoffrey David and Madge Edith Hayden, of Holt, Norfolk. Buried: Cambridge City Cemetery. Ref. Grave 15118.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2651168

 

This enquiry was posted on a Forum.

I am seeking help in tracing anyone who has memories or information relating to my husband's uncle who died on the 29 December 1944 at Waterbeach when a bomb exploded when being loaded or removed from a Lancaster.

 

Geoffrey Graham Hayden was one of 9 that died in this incident. He was 20 and came from Holt in Norfolk and was educated at Gresaham School there. He was in the RAF VR and I think he worked with Radar. His number was 1863381.

The sole response lists the two 514 Squadron Lancaster’s destroyed in a “Ground Accident” at this base on this day, and lists 13 potential fatalities - there may have been more.

www.ww2f.com/information-requests/36065-514-squadron-wate...

 

John Roger Hobart………………………………...(RoH) (CM)

 

Able Seaman C/JX 408807. H.M.S. Serapis, Royal Navy. Died on 17th December 1944. Aged 19. Son of Harry and Ada Ella Hobart, of Holt. Buried: Holt Burial Ground. Ref. Grave A. 239.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763922

 

Able Seaman Hobart is listed as dieing on War Service.

www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1944-12DEC.htm

 

www.fragrantsword.com/serapis/

www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-55S-Serapis.htm

 

Stanley Holman……………………………….......(RoH) (CM)

 

Able Seaman C/SSX 15731. H.M.S. Mendip, Royal Navy. Died on 24th October 1940. Aged 23. Son of Frank and Priscilla Holman; husband of Florence Esther Holman, of Holt, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Panel 35,3.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2468731

 

Five sailors are listed as missing presumed killed as a result of the mining of the Mendip on this day.

www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-10OCT.htm

 

On the ship history site for this ship, there is nothing listed on the 24th, when the ship was still under-going trials, but on the 28th “Sustained damage to stern structure abaft 4in mounting after early explosion of own depth charges during work-up exercises”. I suspect the wrong date for this incident is given

www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DE-Mendip.htm

 

Oswald Kerridge………………………………...(RoH) (CM)

 

Possibly: Oswald Leo Kerridge. Supply Assistant D/MX 59639. H.M.S. Courageous, Royal Navy. Died on 17th September 1939. No known grave. Commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Panel 35, Column 1. Special note: On 17th September 1939 Kapitänleutnant Otto Schuhart in the Type VII U-boat U29 torpedoed and sank HMS Courageous in the South-West approaches (Southwest of Ireland), 150nm WSW of Mizen Head, Ireland. The carrier went down in only twenty minutes and 518 of her 1,200 compliment went with her, including her commander Captain W T Makeig-Jones.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2482568

www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-04CV-Courageous.htm

Done