Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

WISBECH ST MARY WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 and 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © 2000 Cliff Brown

The memorials are inside the church of St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Wisbech St Mary and takes the form of two stained glass panels and lights that are part of a group of five lights. The extreme left-hand panel shows St Michael and is dedicated to World War 1. The next panel shows the Virgin Mary. The centre panel shows Christ crucified and is dedicated to World War 2. The next panel shows St John. The extreme right-hand panel shows St George and is dedicated to World War 1. Panels from left depict: St Michael dedicated to World War 1; Virgin Mary; Christ crucified, dedicated to World War 2; St John; St George, also World War 1. In total there are 24 names for World War 1 and 15 names for World War 2.

Wisbech St Mary © Brain A Krill (WMR-3541)
Wisbech St Mary © Source Unknown

AMDG
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
THE FOLLOWINFG MEN WHO WENT OUT
FROM THIS PARISH
AND GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE GREAT WAR
1914-1919

ARMSTRONG

Frederick Charles

Private 16838, 11th (Cambridgeshire) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (16 Platoon, "D" Company). Killed in action 12 March 1916. Aged 27. Son of Arthur and Anna Maria Armstrong, Bunkers Hill, Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, Nord, France. Brother of below.

ARMSTRONG

Horace William

Private 106118, 2/5th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Killed in action at Kemmel 16 April 1918. Aged 19. Son of Arthur and Anna Maria Armstrong, Bunkers Hill, Wisbech St Mary. No known grave. Commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Brother of above.

BURROWS

Herbert Bernard

Private 40276, 2/4th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 21 March 1918. Aged 25. Formerly 5651 Cambridgeshire Regiment. Son of A Revell and E Revell Burrows. Husband of Elizabeth Lydia Hammond (formerly Burrows), 14 Bannister's Row, Wisbech. No known grave. Commemorated on Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

BOTTOM

Walter Bertram

Private 28771, 11th (Lonsdale) Battalion, Border Regiment. Killed in action 2 December 1917. No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

BROUGHTON

David Abraham

Private 235054, 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in action 26 October 1917. Aged 19. Formerly 202082 Essex Regiment. Son of Samuel James and Mary Ann Broughton, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in La Brique Military Cemetery No 2, Belgium.

CALEY

Alfred Edward

Private 40184, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 15 April 1917. Aged 32. Son of Mr and Mrs G Caley, Long Sutton. Husband of Annie Caley. Formerly 28238 Essex Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

DIGGINS

Arthur

Private 3674, 4th/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died home 2 February 1916. Aged 19. Son of Thomas Diggins, Wisbech St Mary. Lived near Church. Buried in Wisbech St Mary churchyard.

EAGLE

George William

Lance Corporal 12262, 6th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 3 July 1916. Aged 27. Son of Mr J and Mrs B E Eagle, High Side, Wisbech St Mary. No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

GIBSON

W

No information.

GARNER

Charles

Private 553231, 650th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps. Died of pneumonia 20 August 1919. Formerly 38680 Rifleman, 25th Reserve Garrison Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Son of the late Jacob and Mary Ann Garner, Wisbech St Mary. Husband of Kate Garner, 58 Lenton St, Hyson Green, Nottingham. Buried in Wisbech St Mary churchyard.

GARNER

George Henry

Private 40392, 1/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in action 6 September 1917. Aged 19. Eldest son of Mr and Mrs Edward Garner, Rummer's Lane. No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

GALL

Harry Edward

Private 1878, "D" Company, 1/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Wounded 3 September 1916, buried by shell, Died of wounds 4 September 1916. Aged 22. Son of Mrs E Ashton, of Panswell Lane, Barton Rd, Wisbech. Lodged with Mrs Westwood, Elm Rd, March. Buried in Knightsbridge Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart, France. Brother of below.

GALL

Sidney William

Private 235187, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 1 October 1917. Aged 21. Son of Mrs E Ashton, of Panswell Lane, Barton Rd, Wisbech. Lived Gadds Lane, Leverington Common. Formerly 2878 Cambridgeshire Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Brother of above.

HEATH

Walter John

Gunner R/4161, Anti-Aircraft Training Depot, "B" Battery, No 4. A.A. Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died at Shoeburyness Military Hospital 12 October 1916. Aged 19. Son of James Heath, Wisbech St Mary, and the late Susannah Mary Heath. Buried in Wisbech St Mary churchyard.

HOWARD

Leonard

Private M2/222498, 363rd Mechanical Transport Company, attached V Corps (Heavy Artillery), Army Service Corps. Died of wounds 27 September 1918. Buried in Grevillers British Cemetery.

KNOWLES

Spencer Tomlin

Private 21335, 10th (Grimsby Chums) Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds 10 April 1917. Aged 21. Youngest son of William and Mary Ann Knowles, Tholomos Drove. Buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France.

LE PLA

Frederick Hugh

Private 33144, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, formerly 23315, Norfolk Regiment, who was killed in action on Saturday, 26 October 1918. Age 22. Born Wisbech St Mary, enlisted King's Lynn, resident Walpole St Andrew, Norfolk. Buried in St Souplet British Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave I. D. 16.

MOYSES

Frederick James

Corporal A/201818, 16th (Church Lads) King's Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action 20 May 1917. Aged 19. Formerly 20106 Suffolk Regiment and TR/13/21223 109th Training Reserve Btn. Son of Mr and Mrs John William Moyses, Mouth Lane, North Brink, Wisbech. No known grave. Commemorated on Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

MOYSES

Frank

Private 3683, 3rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action 31 August 1918. Formerly 18882 Suffolk Regiment. Son of Mr H C Moyses, Bunkers Hill, Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Mory Abrey Military Cemetery, Mory, Pas de Calais. Brother of Joseph.

MOYSES, MM

Joseph

Private 4191, "D" Section, 55th Company, Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action 1 March 1917. Son of Mr H C Moyses, Bunkers Hill. Awarded Military Medal for 1-4 October 1916. Formerly East Surrey Regiment. Buried in Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt. Brother of Frank.

PHILLIPS

John William

Gunner 234643, 52nd Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds 30 September 1917. Buried in La Clytte Military Cemetery, Heuveland, Belgium.

SINCLAIR, DCM and MM

James

Sergeant 28207, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 12 November 1917. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.), followed by Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) (London Gazette 4 March 1918). Buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium.

TAWN

Gilbert Benjamin

Private 48159, 12th (Bermondsey) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died of wounds 22 October 1918. Aged 21. Son of Benjamin and Mary Jane Tawn, of Church Rd, Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Courtrai (St Jean) Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

TAYLOR

William J

No information.

WRIGHT

John William

Private 24728, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 12 October 1916. Buried in Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy, Pas de Calais, France.

Buried in churchyard:
SMITH

G

Corporal 22707, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died of wounds (gas) Saturday, 17 July 1920. Aged 36. Son of George and Sarah Ann Smith, New Walsoken. Husband of Rosa Smith, Wisbech St Mary. Buried in WISBECH ST. MARY CHURCHYARD, Cambridgeshire in South-East part.

1939-45
BARNES

Thomas Cyril

Leading Aircraftman 1451480, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 13 May 1945. Aged 23. Son of John Frederick and Lilian Barnes, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Wisbech (St Mary) Churchyard, Cambridgeshire.

Extract from local poaper:

SAD LOSS FOR
WISBECH ST. MARY
Young Airman Killed in
Aircraft Accident

Now that the war in Europe is over and Victory celebrations have been held throughout the .countrY4 it is particularly distressing to hear of the death of a young Wisbech St. Mary lad who has lost his life in an aircraft accident.

The tragic recipients of such news were Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Barnes, of High - road, Wisbech St. Mary, who on Monday morning received the following telegram regarding their youngest son, L.A.C. Thomas Cyril Barnes, of the R.A.F., from his commanding Officer : “Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Leading ,Aircraftman Thomas Cyril Barnes, lost his life on May 13th as the result of an aircraft accident. Letter follows. Please accept my profound sympathy.”

This young lad, who was of a cheerful disposition, was aged 23 years, and he enlisted in the R.A.F. in June, 1941; he had served in West Africa for about two years, and at the time of his death was in England.

Educated at the Wisbech St. Mary School, L.A.C. Barnes first worked for Mr. J. R. Dawbarn, solicitor, of Wisbech, for 3½ years, and then for Messrs, A. C. Sphinx, plug manufacturer, of Letchworth, where he was employed until he enlisted.

L.A.C. Barnes, who was a member of the Wisbech St. Mary Parish Church (he was a server there for a number of years), has one brother and one sister.

YESTERDAY'S FUNERAL

A simple but moving service in the s Parish Church of Wisbech St. Mary marked the funeral yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

The coffin was draped with the Union Jack and was borne by four of deceased's colleagues: Cpl. Soper, L./Ac.s Dark, Anderson and Walsh, while Flying Officer Goodyear and Sgt. Ellis led the cortege to the Church and also to the Parish Cemetery, where the interment took place.

Canon Mowbray Smith conducted the service, while Miss I. G. Cook presided at the organ and in addition to accompanying the hymns “Jesu, lover of my soul” and “Jesus lives," also played Sir Walford Davies' “Solemn Melody,” Handel's “Largo” and “O rest in the Lord.”

The immediate mourners. were Mr. and. Mrs. J. F. Barnes, father and mother; Mr. and Mrs. H. Barnes, brother and sister-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Childs, brother-in-law and sister; Miss Ivy Seeker, financé; Mrs. F. Nuin, senr. (Croydon), Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Barnes (Guyhirn), Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Woodrow (Wake Colne) and Mrs. F. Parker (Wisbech), uncles and aunts.

Among those attending the service were: Mr. and Mrs. W. Barnes, Mr. A. Masters, Miss A. Barnes and Mrs. F. Barnes (cousins), Mr. J. W. Green, Mrs. B. Moyses, Miss G. Knight, Mr. W. Leach, Mrs. W. Hobbs, Mr. A. G. Childs, Mrs. R. Warwick, Miss F. Moore, Mrs. W. Clitheroe, .Mrs. E. Moore, Mr. L. Merrison, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Culy, Mrs. Redhead, Mr. G. Nichols, Mr. E. Kerridge (representing Sgt. G. Hardiment, Cairo), Mr. and Mrs. A. Wakefield, Mrs. F. Eke, Mrs. H. Bailey, Mrs. H. Burrows, Mrs. R. A.. Garner, Mrs. J. Green, Miss P. Clark, Mrs. K. Burrows, Mrs. J. W. Griffin, Miss V. Barsby, Mrs. J. Foster, Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. H. Armstrong, Mrs. F. Ward, Mrs. E. Carpenter, Mr. T. Scrimshaw (Seadyke), Mr. S. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. S. Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. T. Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. B. Garner, Mr. and Mrs. H. Masters, Mrs. S.. Garner, Mrs. T. Moyses and Mrs. Smith.

Further details listed about floral tributes etc. but not transcribed...

BRIGHTON

Albert Edward

Sergeant 518503, 42 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died 13 October 1940. Flew Beauforts, based Wick with detachment at Thorney Island. Buried in Wisbech (St Mary) Churchyard, Cambridgeshire.

CULY

William Raymond

Private 14655758, 1st Battalion, Queen's Royal West Kent. Died 20 December 1944. Son of Arthur William and Emily Culy; husband of Edna May Culy, of March. Buried in Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece.

Extract from local paper:

TRAGIC NEWS BY
NEW YEAR POST
Son Killed in Action.

The New Year brought tragic news for Mr. and Mrs. W. Culy, of Sandbank, Wisbech St. Mary, for from the first post they learnt that their only son, William Raymond, had been killed in action.

Pte. Culy, who was 24 years of age, was educated at Wisbech Grammar School and previous to enlistment worked on the railway and at aerodrome construction work. He served in North Africa and was recently transferred from the Italian front to Greece, his last letters stating that he was in Athens. He was married a few years ago to Miss Edna Boyce, Gaul-road. March, and leaves a baby daughter.

GARNER

Kenneth Charles

Flight Sergeant 1331756, Wireless operator (Air), 190 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 26 August 1944. Aged 23. Flew Stirlings, based Great Dunmow. Son of Charles Richard and Gladys May Garner, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Villeneuve-St-Georges Old Communal Cemetery, Valde, Marne, France.

HEATH

Graham [Gerald Lancelot]

Driver 2091186, 287 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of Cholera while in Japanese Prisoner of War Camp 2 June 1943. Aged 21. Born 2 August 1921, and resident, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Son of Henery James Jarvis Heath and Edith Heath, of “Enfin,” Barton-road, Wisbech. Enlisted 12 March 1940. Cremated and buried in Thanbyuzayat War Cemetrery, Myanmar. Plot B4. Row N. Grave 11.

Extract from a local newspaper:

ANOTHER SOLDIER
DIED IN CAPTIVITY
Tragic News for Mr. and
Mrs. H. Heath

After hearing nothing of him since December, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. H. Heath, of “Enfin,” Barton-road, Wisbech, have been informed that their youngest son, Dvr. Graham G. L. Heath, of the Royal Engineers, died while in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in June, 1943.

The bereaved parents have heard nothing of their loss from official sources, the news coming to them from Sgt.-Major Morris, of Wisbech (who was in their son's Company) and from the Rev. J. N. Duckworth (Chaplain to the Cambs. Regt.) who was with Dvr. Heath when he died.

Dvr. Heath was educated at Wisbech St. Mary School and before he joined the Services he was employed by Messrs. Davis and Co., Ltd., of Lynn-road, Wisbech. As a Territorial he was called to the Colours just before the outbreak of war, and the last his parents heard of him after he was captured, by the Japanese was a card received from him in December, 1943.

HEATH

Gilbert [Thomas James]

Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1443366, 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire, in an Avtro Lancaster I, serial number DV303. when the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Teltow 10 miles southwest of the target during a raid on Berlin, three of the crew survived and were captured, 30 January 1944. Aged 22. Born 16 June 1921. Native of Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Son of Thomas Alfred and Elizabeth Heath, of Wisbech St. Mary, Cambridgeshire; husband of Eva Joan Heath, of Wisbech St. Mary. In the 1939 Register he was born 16 June 1921, single, a Farm Worker, resident with his aprents, Thomas A and Elizabeth Heath, in Bevis Lane, Wisbech St Mary, Wisbech R.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Berlin, Germany. Plot 4. Row Z. Collective grave 17-19.

Extract from a local newspaper:

LOCAL AIRMAN
BURIED IN GERMANY
Official News for Wisbech
St. Mary Wife

OFFICIAL NEWS that her husband, Sergt. Gilbert Thomas James Heath, R.A.F. — reported missing in January while on an 7 operational flight over the Berlin area—was buried with his four comrades at Alexanderhof the next day, has now been received by Mrs. G. T. J. Heath, of Church-road, Wisbech St. Mary.

A letter from the Casualty Branch of the Air Ministry, which reached Mrs. Heath on Wednesday, states: “I am directed to refer to a letter from this Department dated the 17th March, 1944, and to inform you with regret that a further report has now been received from the International Red Cross Committee, which unhappily confirms that your husband, Sergeant. Gilbert Thomas James Heath, Royal Air Force, lost his life on the 30th January, 1944. He and his four comrades who lost their lives with him were buried the next day in Alexanderhof Parish Cemetery, to the right of the east entrance. The grave numbers are not stated, but any further details received will be forwarded to you. Alexanderhof is in the district of Teltow, a short distance south of Berlin. In conveying this information I am to express, the deep sympathy of the Department with you in your bereavement.”

The only son of Mrs. T. Heath and of the late Mr. Heath, of Wisbech St, Mary, Sergeant. Heath was educated at the Wisbech St. Mary School and later worked for Mr. E. Quince, of Barton-road, Wisbech. He was a very keen footballer, and played for Wisbech Town Reserves. After joining up in July, 1941, he was married in the following October to Miss Eva Joan Ashmore, daughter of Mrs. E. Kemp, of Wisbech St. Mary.

In July, 1943, he was promoted to Sergt. Air-Gunner. It was on the night of January 30-31 that he was posted missing while taking part in an operational flight over the Berlin area, and on March 17th his wife learned that he was believed to have lost his life.

HOLMES

Henry John

Corporal 6970530, Army Catering Corps. Died 22 October 1944. Aged 26. Son of Harry John and Flora Holmes, of Wisbech St Mary; husband of Olive Evelyn Holmes, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Santerno War Cemetery, Italy. Brother of below.

HOLMES

William

Lance Corporal 14669791, 6th Battalion, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). Died 9 September 1944. Aged 21. Son of Harry John and Flora Holmes, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Geel War Cemetery, Antwerp, Belgium. Brother of above.

MOYSES

Frances Cyril

Private 114722324, 5th Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. Died 10 January 1945. Aged 19. Son of Francis John Henry and Mabel May Moyses, of Hunstanton. Buried in Hotton War Cemetery, Hotton, Luxembourg.

Exract from local newspaper:

KILLED IN ACTION
Wisbech St Mary Parents
Lose Only Child

The grievous news that their only child, Private Francis Cyril Moyses, of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, had been killed in action on January 10th, while fighting with the British Liberation Army in North-West Europe, was received on Monday morning by Mr. and Mrs. J. Moyses, of Bevis-lane, Wisbech St. Mary.

Only 19 years of age, Pte. Moyses joined the Dorset Regt. on March 2nd, 1944, and while serving overseas was transferred to the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.

A quiet, lovable lad, he made friends wherever he went. He was educated at Wisbech St. Mary School, and after a short period in the employ of Mr. F. R. Desborough, Wisbech St. Mary, he joined the staff of Messrs. F. W. Essex & Son, Ltd., grocers, High-street, Wisbech, with whom he served his apprenticeship. He had been with the latter firm for just over three years when he went into H.M. Forces, and while at Wisbech he did his turns of duty regularly with the Nene-quay, High-street, Hill-street Fire-watchers.

In his native village he played football, helped with various social functions, was a member of the A.R.P. Service, and belonged to the Methodist Church, where he was a regular attendant from the time he was a little lad.

The sympathy of a wide circle of friends goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Moyses in their irreparable loss.

A memorial service will be held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Wisbech St. Mary, on Sunday next at 6.30 p.m.

MOYSES

Tom

Private S/258238, Royal Army Service Corps. Died 8 March 1946. Son of Tom and Mary Ann Moyses, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Wisbech (St Mary) Churchyard, Cambridgeshire.

TAWN, DSM, BEM

Robert George

Able Seaman C/JX 137109, H.M.S. Vernon (Diving Establishment), Royal Navy. Killed in Falmouth Inner Harbour, whilst de-fusing an unexploded Land Mine, dropped by parachute from a Luftwaffe Bomber, 6 March 1941. Aged 24. Son of Charlott Tawn and stepson of Harry Maile, of Leverington Common, Cambridgeshire. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) and the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.). Buried in FALMOUTH CEMETERY, Falmouth, Cornwall. Section L. Row C. Grave 9.

Note: Able Seaman Tawn, a Royal Navy Diver was Killed in Falmouth Inner Harbour, whilst de-fusing an unexploded Land Mine, dropped by parachute from a Luftwaffe Bomber. Along with Able Seaman Tawn, Six other men also lost their lives. All are buried in Falmouth Cemetery, with the exception of one, named Sutherland, whose remains were never found.

See also Leverington War Memorial

TIBBS

Arthur William

Private 5784588, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died 4 August 1944. Aged 21. Son of Walter J and Nellie Tibbs, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in St Charles De Percy War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

Extract from local paper:

KILLED IN ACTION
Death of Young Wisbech
St. Mary Soldier

It is with regret that we must report he death of Pte. Arthur Tibbs, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Tibbs, of Garden-lane, Wisbech St. Mary.

His parents have received a letter from Major H. R. Holden, of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, stating that their son was killed in action on August 4th.

Pte. Tibbs joined the Army about two years ago and went over to France with the Battalion on D-Day. He was 21 years of age on July 26th of this year and it is particularly sad that he should have met his death at so early an age.

In the letter his Officer speaks very highly of Pte. Tibbs, and, in fact, stated that he was one of his best Bren gunners. The last letter from him—which was very cheerful and contained thoughts of home— was received on August 2nd.

Pte. Tibbs was educated at Wisbech St Mary School, under Mr. Eagle. Since leaving he had been employed at the local garage by Mr. A. Wakefield and later by Mr. W. L. Pratt, of Wisbech, from whose service he left to join the Forces.

Before joining the Army he was a member of the Home Guard at Wisbech St. Mary, where he was well respected.

By the death of this local soldier the village has therefore lost another promising young lad, and great sympathy is felt for his sorrowing parents.

WARREN

Arthur William

Gunner 1146656, 474 Battery, 138 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died 17 July 1942. Aged 21. Son of John William and Alice Warren, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Wisbech (St Mary) Churchyard, Cambridgeshire.

Extract from Wisbech Standard in 1942:

LOCAL SOLDIER'S
DEATH
Gnr. A. W. Warren, of
Wisbech St Mary.

Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. J. W Warren, of Clear View, Seadyke, Wisbech St. Mary, in the loss they have sustained through the death of their only son, Gnr. Arthur William Warren, of the Royal Artillery, who died in Straten Cottage Hospital, Bude, Conrwall, on Friday.

Gnr. Warren, who was only 21 years of age, joined H.M. Forces three months ago, prior to which he had been assisting his father as farmer at Seadyke. He had been ill for five weeks, but the news of his death came as a great shock to his relatives and many friends. A keen sportsman, he had played football for Wisbech St. Mary School and village teams, and he was a regular attendant at Wisbech St. Mary Parish Church. His chief hobby was the making of model aeroplanes, which he did with the aid of old safety razor blades. He was a young man well known and esteemed in all walks of life in the village, and he will be greatly missed.

IMPRESSIVE SCENES AT
FUNERAL.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, a fully-choral service at the Parish Church, Wisbech St. Mary, being followed by the interment in the Village Cemetery. Canon W. Mowbray Smith (Vicar) officiated.

The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was carried by four members of the Home Guard: Sergts. W. Wright, T. Moyses, W. Edwards and W. R. Martin. Mr. W. Mote led the cortege, followed by the cross-bearer (Mr. E. Rose). Ptes. J. Shipley, W. Wakefield and R. Dix of the Home Guard, formed a guard of honour, under the charge of Lieut. A. E. Ward.

The immediate mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warren, father and mother; Mr. and Mrs. Val Robb, Mr. and Mrs. L. Hughs, brothers-in-law and sisters; Mr. and Mrs. G. Else, Mr. S. Warren, Mr. Dewsbury, Mrs. E. Rowell, Mrs. G. Tansley, Mr. H. E. Rowell, Mr. Ted Rowell, uncles and aunts; Mrs. E. Lynn, Mrs. B. Everett, Mr. and Mrs. C. Dade, Mr. Gordon Tansley, Mr. Bunny Garton, Mr. and Mrs. H. Rowell and Mr. and Mrs. E. Rowell, junr., cousins; Mr. Tom Scrimshaw, Mr. John Scrimshaw, Mr. G. Knights, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Dennis, Mr. Hugh Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs. C. Dennis, Mr. Gerald Moore, friends. Mr. C. Lynn (cousin) was unable to attend.

FRIENDS AT THE CHURCH.

Included among the numerous friends present at the Church were: Mesdames F. G. Emms, Childs, A. M. Emery, B. Moyses, T. Moyses, E. Powers, Andrews, Elliot, F. Mott, F. Youden, R. Myland, E. J. Burrows, E. Hawkins, W. Shippey, G. Mar¬riott, H. Elvin, M. A. Baker (Murrow), J. Wing, J. T. Wright, O. Foster (Parson Drove), C. W. Hempson, Misses L. Stanford, R. Clayton, and E. Youden, Able Seaman H. J. R. Hawkins, Gunner A. L. Dunkley, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Rose.

Beautiful floral tributes were re¬ceived from : Mum and Dad; Jean and Val; Eileen and Charles; Madge, Len and Roy; Auntie Lizzie and Uncle George; All at Mill House, Walton Highway; Uncle Belt, Dorrie and Phil; Uncle George, Auntie Ada, Thomas and John; Auntie E. Rowell; Elsie and Cyril; Uncle Percy and Aunt Annie and family; Nev; Officers, N.C.O.s and men of the — Battery, R.A.;' The Matron and staff of the Stratten Cottage Hospital, Bude; Mrs. Scrimshaw, Susie, Tom and John; Gordon Hempson; Mrs. Burrows, Mrs. Emery and Mrs. Childs; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Dennis, Charlie and Lily; Mr. and Mrs. W. Wakefield, Brian and Jean; Mick, George and Gerald; D. Pope (Gorefield); Mrs. Andrews and Lily; Mr. and Mrs. Youden and family and Gunner A. L. Dunkley; Garner Brothers (Sandbank): Mrs. E. H. Rose and family; Mr. and Mrs. Rivett and Raymond; Bill and Hazel; Hilda, Albert and Derrick; Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey, Hugh and June; Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Smith; Henry and Sid; The girls at Seadyke Fruit Farm; Mr. and Mrs. A. Baker.

The funeral arrangements were in the efficient hands of Messrs. W. A. alley and Son, of Lynn-road, Wisbech.

WHITE

Hugh William

Trooper 7957656, 44th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. Died 25 March 1945. Aged 26. Son of John T and Lizzie White, of Wisbech St Mary. Buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

WHITE

John Thomas

Private 5783982, 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died 15 August 1944. Aged 22. Son of Mrs L White, of Wisbech. Buried in Wisbech Borough Cemetery, Cambridgeshire. See also Wisbech 1939-1945

Extract from Wisbech Standard in 1944: :

DIED IN R.A.F.
HOSPITAL

Soldier Flown from
Normandy

News has been received that Pte. John Thomas White, of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, second son of Mrs. L. Harrison, of Gate House, Leverington Rd., Wisbech, and of the late Mr. J. T. White, of Wisbech St. Mary, passed away at an R.A.F. Hospital in England on Tuseday week.

Pte. White was severely wounded in Normandy on August 5th and was flown back to England on August 7th.

Aged 22 years, Pte. White joined the Army in February, 1941, and became a dispatch rider. He was well known in Wisbech and the Wisbech St. Mary district, and prior to enlisting, worked for Mr. Cecil Baxter, of Norwich-road, Wisbech. He has a brother serving in the R.T.R. in France.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral service and interment conducted by the Rev. E. V. Talbot, was held at the Borough Cemetery, Wisbech, on Saturday afternoon. It was attended by several relatives and friends who followed behind the flag-draped coffin.

[there followed a list of mouners and floral tributes that have not been transcribed here...]

 

Also listed for this parish in the Ely Cathedral Second World War Book of Remembrance:

COLE

William George Ernest

probably Marine, PLY/X2875, HMS Spartan, Royal Marines. Died at sea 29 January 1944. Aged 22. Born 10 October 1921 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Son of Charles Edward and Anne Cole; husband of Margaret Ellen Cole, of Gedney Hill, Lincs. Buried in Naples War Cemetery, Italy. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Note: There is a HMS Spartan Association

JORDAN

Francis

Private 14643160, 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. Died 3 August 1944. Aged 19. Son of William and Rose Jordan, of Wisbech. Buried in Tilly-sur-Seulles War Cemetery, Calvados, France. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Extract from a local newspaper:

YOUNG SOLDIER
KILLED,
Sad News for Thorney
Toll Parents

Much sympathy is felt locally Mr. and Mrs. W. Jordan, of No. 2, Council House, Thorney Toll, whose only son, Francis Jordan, of Dorsetshire Regiment, has been killed in action in France, on Aug. 3rd.

Only 19 years of age, he joined the Army a year ago. Of a cheery disposition, he was well known and popular among his many friends; before his enlistment he was a driver for Read's Removals, of Peterborough.

JUDE

Harold Albert

Sergeant 2091253, 18th Division HQ Royal Engineers. Died of cerebal malaria 26 August 1943. Aged 28, Prisoner of War. Died at Sankra Camp,Thailand. Born 14 June 1915, admitted to March Grammar school 17 September 1925, left 30 July 1929. After leaving March Grammar School, he went to Wisbech Grammar School. Son of Thomas William and Mary Ann Jude, of Halls Farm, Guyhirn. Employed as sorting office clerk and telegraphist at Wisbech Post Office. Buried in Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar. See also March Grammar School and Guyhirn and Rings End and also Wisbech Conservative Working Mens Club.

Extract from Wisbech Standard 1945:

TRAGIC BLOW FOR
GUYHIRN FAMILY
Sergt. H. A. Jude's Death
in the Far East

Mr, and Mrs. T. W. Jude, of Hall's Farm, Guyhirn, have received the tragic news that their third son, Sergt. Harold Albert Jude, died on August 24th, 1943, while a prisoner-of-war in the Far East. This information comes from a friend of their son, who was with him when he died, and the grieving parents are now expecting an official notification from the War Office.

Sergt. Jude, who was serving with 18 Div., H.Q., R.E., is stated to have died, of cerebral malaria while a prisoner in Sonkra Camp, Thailand.

Aged 28, Sergt. Jude was educated at March Grammar School for two years and at Wisbech Grammar School for four years; he was then employed as a sorting clerk and telegraphist in the Wisbech Post Office until the outbreak of war, when he joined the Royal Engineers. He was with the 287 Field Company until a few weeks before he sailed for Singapore, when he was transferred to 18 Div. H.Q. and left this country for the Far East on October 25th, 1941.

Mr. and Mrs. Jude and family wish to thank all friends for kind inquiries during their anxious waiting, and for sympathy in their sad bereavement; also R.S.M. Morris for his great kindness.

KERRIDGE

Horace

Corporal 5933701, Transport section, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment, Suffolk Regiment. Died 29 July 1943. Aged 23, Prisoner of war. Son of Mrs H Kerridge, of Selwyn Cottages, Guyhirn. Buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Cpl, 5933701, Transport Section, B Company, 2nd Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. 29-7-43, age 23, Prisoner of war. Son of Mrs H Kerridge, of Selwyn Cottages, Guyhirn. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. See also Wisbech St Mary.

Extract from Wisbech Standard 1945:

FAR EAST PRISONER
DIED IN 1943
Grievous News for
Guyhirn Mother

TRAGEDY struck at another local home on Monday morning, when Mrs. H. M. Kerridge, of 11, Selwyn cottages, Guyhirn, received the tragic news that her son, Corpl. Horace ("Dick") Kerridge, of the Suffolk Regiment, died on July 29th, 1943—nearly two years ago—while a prisoner in Japanese hands.

The official notification states that Cpl. Kerridge died of avitaminosis while a Prisoner in Thailand.

Corpl. Kerridge was a member of the Cambs. Territorials and was sent abroad with the Cambs. Regiment and taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore. The only message his mother has received since then was a card which reached her towards the end of December, 1943—when, as she now knows, her son was already dead.

A very popular lad in the village Cpl. Kerridge was formerly a transport driver for Mr. C. Brett, of Guyhirn. His brother, Pte. George Kerridge (who is married and whose home is at March) is also a prisoner in the Far East.

Mrs. Kerridge wishes to thank all kind friends for sympathy shown in her sad loss.

MOORE

Charles Joseph

Private 5933807, 1st Battalion, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Died 14 April 1945. Aged 23. Son of Charles and Millicent Flora Moore, of Guyhirne, Cambridgeshire; husband of E. Moore. Buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 4. Row B. Grave 7. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Extract from a local paper:

PTE. C. MOORE DIED
OF WOUNDS
The First Serving Lad
Lost to Guyhirn

Out of approximately 70 lads from the village serving in the Forces, Guyhirn has received news of the first fatal casualty among them, the young man concerned being Pte. Charles Moore, the 22-year-old second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Moore, of Council Houses, Gull-road, Guyhirn.

His parents received word at the end of last week from their daughter-in-law serving with the A.T.S. in Kent, that Pte. Moore had been wounded in the arms, face and abdomen while in action in the battle of Hamburg. A day later this information was followed by a telegram stating that he had died without regaining consciousness.

Pte. Moore was very popular in the village, and he was a keen cricketer, being a member of the Guyhirn Club. He joined the Cambs. Territorials just before the outbreak of war, but at the time of his death was serving with the Oxford and Bucks. Yeomanry. Three years ago he was married to Miss Eva Potts, whose home is at Sunderland.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore's eldest son is a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, and their third son, Ron, is serving in Burma.

MOORE

Douglas

Aircraftman 1st class (fitter), 645710, Royal Air Force. Died 27 February 1945, Prisoner of War. Son of Mr and Mrs C Moore, Council Houses, Gull Rd, Guyhirn; husband of Mrs Lilian Moore. No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Singapore. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Extracts from local papers:

GUYHIRN MAN A
PRISONER OF WAR.
A/c. Douglas Moore
Captured by Japanese.

News was received on Friday by Mr. and Mrs. C. Moore, of the Council Houses, Gull-road, Guyhirn, that their eldest son, A/c. 1 Douglas Moore, is a prisoner of war in the Far East.

The telegram they received from the Air Ministry reads: “Information from the International Red Cross Committee states your son, A/c. 1 Douglas Moore, is a prisoner of war in Japanese hands.”

The last letter received from A/c. Moore was written on Jan. 19th, 1942. He joined the R.A.F. on May 31st, 1939, and he has been trained as a fitter. He went abroad in May, 1941. Two years ago A/c. Moore was married to Miss Lilian Payne, of Hedley-on-Thames [sic]. Before joining the R.A.F., A/c. Moore was employed by Mr. W. Fowler, of Guyhirn.

AIRMAN'S DEATH IN FAR EAST
Grievous News for
Guyhirn Parents

Mr. and Mrs C. Moore, of Council Houses. Gull-road. Guyhirn, have received the grievous news that their eldest son, L/Ac. Douglas Moore, of the Royal Air Force, died while a prisoner-of-war in Japanese hands.

L/Ac. Moore was married, his wife being formerly Miss Lily Payne, of Henley-on-Thames. He was educated at Guyhirn School and was later employed by Mr. E. Berry. He joined the R.A.F. before the outbreak of war. He was sent abroad in 1940 and captured at the fall of Singapore.

This is the second loss in this war for Mr. and Mrs. Moore, for their second son, Charles, lost his life in the battle for Hamburg. A third son, Ron, is serving in the Far East with S.E.A.C.

Deep sympathy is felt with the grief-stricken parents, and the tragedy is accentuated by the fact that so many Far East prisoners are now returning home.

MORRIS

Roger Marshall

Sergeant 571812, 9 Squadron Royal Air Force. Died on 13 May 1943. Aged 22. Flew Lancasters, based Bardney, with detachments at Lossiemouth and Yagodrik. Son of Ernest Tom and Bertha Morris; husband of Isabella Morris, of Cambridge. No known grave. Commemorated on Runnymead Memorial, Surrey. See also Guyhirn and Rings End

Last updated 6 January, 2026

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