ABBISS

ABBISS

ADKINSON

ALLEN

*AMPS

ANDERSON

ANDREWS

ASPINALL

ASPLAND

ATKINS

AVELING

BAND

BARNES

BARTON

BATES

BEEBY

BEHAGG

BENYON, MM

BERRIDGE

BETTS, MC, DCM & Bar

BOND

BOND

BOSSINGHAM

BOWD

BOWERS

BOYCE

BRADSHAW

BRADSHAW

BRIDGSTOCK

BRIDGSTOCK

BRIGHTLEY

BRITTAIN

BROWN

BUNN

BURROWS

BUZZARD

*CAUNT

CHAPMAN

CHURCH

CLARKE

COLLS

*COURTMAN

COUSINS

COWLING

COX

COX

COX

*COYNE

*CRAWLEY

*CRISP

CROFTON

CROFTS

CROSS

CUNDELL

G/94019 Private 13th Middlesex Regiment. died of wounds 7-4-18 (26th General Hospital, Etaples), age 25. Son of Abraham & Elizabeth Cundell, 4 The Avenue. Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

Photograph Copyright © Barry Cundell 2010

CURRY

DAISLEY

DAY

DICKER

DIGGINS

DORMAN

DOUBLEDAY

DOUBLEDAY

EGGITT

EMERY

EMERY

ENGLISH

*ENNESS

FEARY

FINCHAM

Canadian Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Fincham, 133, West-end, March, who has been killed in France. He leaves a widow and a baby he has never seen in Canada. Pte.Fincham’s parents have had their share of trouble, another son having laid down his life for his country, whilst a third was accidentally killed at home. They have also two other sons serving, and a son-in--law on a hospital ship.

FINCHAM

20755 L/Cpl, 11th (Cambs) Suffolk Regiment. killed in action 1-7-16 age 36. Son of Grimmer & Rebecca Fincham, 133 West End. Husband of Alice Sarah Fincham, of Tydd St Giles. Ovillers Military Cemetery, Somme, France. (Brother of above). His wife is buried in Tydd churchyard, along with 2 of his daughters. See also Tydd St Giles and Coldham.

  Photograph Copyright © Stuart Bingham 2002

FLAGG

FORD, MC

*FORMAN

FOUNTAIN

FOUNTAIN

FOUNTAIN

FRANKLIN

GALL

GAMBLIN

GARNER

GATESON

*GATHERCOLE

GEAGEN

GIDDINGS

GILL, MM

GRAINGER

GREEN

GREENWOOD

GOOCH

GOODWIN

GUTTERIDGE

HALL

HALL

HALLS

HARLEY

HARLEY, MM

*HARPER

HARWIN

*HAW

HAYLOCK

HAYLOCK

*HEAD

HIBBERD

HICKS

HODSON

HOPKIN, MM

*HOTSON

HOWARD, DCM

HUDSON

HUDSON

HUDSON

HURST

*JAKENS

JOHNSON

KEY

LAMB

LEE

LEFEVRE

LEFEVRE

LEWIN

*LIVERMORE

LONG

LOVE

LOVEJOY

MARKWELL

MARRIOTT

MARSHALL

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MILES

MITCHELL

MOURPHY, DCM WITH Bar

London Gazette 5 August 1915

London Gazette 17 December 1917

MOXON

MOXON

MULLEY

MURFITT

NASH

NICKERSON

NOBBS

NORMAN

NORTHFIELD

OGDEN

*OGDEN

OGDEN

PAPWORTH

PEARSON

PEEL

PHILLIPS

PORTER

PRESLAND

PRIOR

PROUD

REDHEAD

REDHEAD

REYNOLDS

RICHARDSON

RIDGEWAY

ROUGHTON

ROUGHTON

RUSSELL

1656 Private 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment. Wounded 3-9-16, died of wounds 11-10-16, age 19. Only son of Samuel & Sarah E Russell, 131 Norwoodside, March. St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.

RUSSELL

No further information currently available.

*SALLABANKS

SANDALL

SAVORY

SCHOFIELD

SEE

SEEKINGS, MM

SHARPE

SHAW

SHORT

SISMEY

SMITH

SMITH

SMITH

SMITH

SNELLING

SOUTHWELL

SPARROW

SPENDELOW

SPENDELOW

STEVENS

STEVENS

From the Marquis de Ruvigny' s Roll of Honour Volume 1, Part 3, Page 283, the following:

STEVENS, Daniel. Corporal, 8/289, Otago Infantry Battalion, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Born March, Cambridge 22-4-1886, educated Board School there; was for four years in the service of the G.E.R. as a call boy, but on 22-4-1904, he entered the navy, in which he served seven and a half years, until he met with an accident to his hand, which necessitated his discharge; went to New Zealand in 1914; volunteered for Imperial service on the outbreak of war, and joined the Otago Infantry; served in Gallipoli; was reported wounded and missing after the fighting there 1st May 1915, and is now assumed to have been killed in action on that date. Unm

STEVENS

STEVENS

STEWARD

STURMAN

STURMAN

SUTTON

TAYLOR

*THWAITE

THIMBLEBY

TINKLER

TOFTS

TURTELBURY

UNWIN

UPCHURCH

VAWSER

VAWSER

WALKER, MiD

WATSON

WATSON

WELLS

WELLS

WEST, MM

WEST

WHITBY

WHITBY, MM

WHITTLESEY

WHYE

WILES

WILES

WILKERSON

WILLS

WILLMOTT

WISEMAN

WOODALL

WOODBINE

WOODBINE

WOODCOCK

WOODS

WORDINGHAM

WRIGHT

WRIGHT

WRIGHT

WRIGHT

YARDY

*YARDY

Not on main memorial

EARL

1939-45  

ABBOTT

ALTERTON

ANKER

The last news Mrs. C. Anker, 10, Queen-street, March, received from her son, Pte. John William. Anker, 4th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regt., was in a letter he sent from Malaya just before the fall of Singapore in February, 1942. Just afterwards Mrs. Anker, along with many other mothers throughout England received the news that her son was missing. She has now received a letter from the War Office stating that he has been reported as killed in action in February, 1942. but that until more reliable information than that now at hand has been received he will continue to be posted as missing.

The letter states that, resulting from the release of British servicemen from the hands of the Japanese, information has been received from a member of Pte. Anker's unit that he was killed in action just before Singapore fell. No further details were at hand, but immediately on the receipt of further more reliable news Mrs. Anker will be informed.

Aged 25 years at the time he was last known to be alive, Pte. Anker was in civil life a salesman at Burtons Stores, March.

Mrs. Anker is continuing to hope for the best until all doubt has gone. She requests that anyone with a relative who has been a prisoner of the Japs and who might have mentioned her son in a letter, will communicate with her.

---

MARCH SOLDIER
KILLED IN ACTION
Official Information of Pte. J. W. Aker

Official information has just reached Mrs. C Anker, 10. Queen street, March, that her son, Pte. John William Anker, of the 4th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regt., was killed in action on February 14th, 1942, just before the fall of Singapore.

The news was conveyed in a letter from the War Office, which stated that Pte. Anker was killed on the date mentioned above. At the beginning of October of this year Mrs. Anker received a letter from the War office that said that resulting from the release of British Servicemen from the hands of the Japanese, information had been received from a member at Pte. Anker’s unit that he was killed in action just before Singapore fell, but until the receipt of more reliable news, Pte. Anker would continue to be posted as missing.

Aged 25 years of age at the time of his death, Pte. Anker was in civil life a salesman at Burtons Stores, March. The last news Mrs. Anker received from him was in at letter he sent from Malaya just before the fall of Singapore, only a few days before his death.

ASHPOOL

The sad news has been unofficially received by Mrs. V. E. Ashpool, of Mansfield, Nottingham, that her husband, Gunner Harold Leslie Ashpool, Royal Artillery, died in 1943 while a prisoner of war in No. 5 Thailand Camp. Mrs. Ashpool has written several times to the War Office regarding her husband, but all replies from there state that nothing is known as to whether he is alive or not. Gnr. Ashpool was the youngest son of Mr. F. Ashpool, 17, Hereward-street, March.

Mrs. Ashpool received the tragic news in a letter from the Enquiries & Records Dept. of No. 2 R.A.P.W.I. Control Staff S.E.A.C., to which she had previously written for information, and it stated that her husband died on Oct. 6th, 1943, while in No. 5 Thailand Camp, and that he was buried in the military cemetery there.

Before joining up Gnr. Ashpool had been employed at the White Hart and Griffin Hotels, March, at the former as a barman and at the latter as cellarman. He joined the Army in 1940 and served on radio-location in London during the blitz. His unit was sent overseas in December, 1941, about five weeks after the Cambridgeshires went to the Far East. He was originally to have gone to Singapore, but as that naval base fell before he arrived, his boat was sent to Java. His relatives did not hear from him again till July, 1943, when he was reported a prisoner, and he has since then been posted as missing.

ASHTON

ASHTON

A telegram to his mother has brought the tragic news that Lce.-Cpl Rowland George Ashton, son of the late Mr. P. Ashton and of Mrs. R. Stacey, of 346, Creek-road, March, was killed on Oct. 13th as the result of a flying accident.

The message, was received on Tuesday morning, and was from the R.A.S.C. Records Office, Hastings. It said that news to the effect stated above had been received by the War Office, but no further information was given.

Mrs. Stacey believes that her son was on board an aeroplane which crashed just after taking off from an airfield in Belgium, bound for Egypt on the same day as he was originally to have come home on leave, but wrote saying his leave had been cancelled as he was to go to Egypt by air.

Lce.-CpL Ashton had only been promoted to that rank about a fortnight, he previously being a driver. He was 20 years of age, and before joining up in November, 1943, was employed at Messrs. Thorn's as a van-driver.

Further extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

KILLED IN FLYING
ACCIDENT
L/Cpl. R. G. Ashton, of
March

Reproduced here is a photograph at Lee Cpl. Rowland George Ashton, of March, who, as reported in last week's issue, was killed on October 13th as the result of a flying accident. He was the son of the late Mr. F. Ashton and of Mrs. R. Stacey, of 346, Creek-rd., March. The official message does not say how he met his death, but his mother believes that he was on a aeroplane which crashed just after taking off from an airfield in Belgium, bound for Egypt.

A memorial service will be held in the Railway Mission at 6.30 on Sunday evening.

ASPLIN

A telegram from the Air Ministry on Tuesday conveyed the sad new's to Mrs. C. S. Watson, of 22. Maple-grove, March, that her brother, Sgt. Reginald Herbert Asplin, of the R.A.F., had been posted missing and was believed to have lost his life in an air accident over Italy.

Sgt. Asplin was an air-gunner in a Wellington bomber. Aged 29, he joined the R.A.F. in April, 1940, and was posted overseas in April, 1942. Having spent some time in East Africa, he was subsequently moved to Southern Rhodesia, where he completed his air crew training, being finally drafted to Italy. Prior to joining up he worked at Woking, Surrey, for seven years as a hairdresser. He was the fourth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Asplin, who used to live in Johnson's-square, March, Mr. Asplin being employed by the late Mr. H. G. Singlehurst.

HIS LAST LETTER.

It was only on Wednesday of last week that a letter was received from Sergt. Asplin telling of an escape he had had following a night raid. In it he said: “After baling out, the next thing I hit the ground, but on reconnaissance I soon found myself on the top of a mountain, so I decided there and then to wrap myself up and sleep until daylight. On the way down one of my boots was ripped off, so you can imagine me in the morning having to hop and jump over miles of mountains in search of civilisation. However, finished up none the worse for it all, after being picked up in the wilds by a soldier on a motor cycle. Was I glad to get on that pillion? I forgave the fellow for finding my predicament so amusing.”

Reproduced herewith is a portrait of Sergt. Reginald Herbert Asplin, R.A.F., of March, who has been posted as missing and is believed to have lost his life in an air accident over Italy. Aged 29, he was an air gunner in a bomber and had been in the R.A.F. since April, 1940. He was the fourth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Asplin, who lived in Johnson's-square, March.

AYRES

BAND

Mr. and Mrs. G. Band, of 12, Silver-street, March, have received the sad news from the War Office that their eldest son, Pte. George William Band, was killed in action in Normandy on July 8th. Pte. Band was 22 years of age.

A native of March he was first employed by Mr. S. Dring, hair dresser, of High-street, on leaving school, and later by Mr. G. W. Edwards, Jun., butcher, of Station-road. He was called up on Feb. 10th, 1942. He was a regular attendant at the Station-rd. Methodist Sunday School until he was called up. He was also a keen footballer, having played for March Town on several occasions. His younger brother, Pte. Ronald Band, is serving in Normandy.

BARRETT

Notification that her husband. Lee.-Cpl. Keith Cecil Barrett, of the Royal Engineers, died of malaria in August, 1943, was received from the War office by his wife. He was a prisoner in Malaya Camp.

Aged 30 years. Lce.-Cpl. Barrett was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Barrett, of Badgeney-road, March. Before joining the Royal Engineers in May, 1939, he was employed in the Surveyor's Department at the County Hall, March. He was reported missing following the fall of Singapore in February, 1942, but the good news that he was a prisoner came in April, 1943, four months before his death.

The Union Jack at the County Hall was flown at halt-mast in his memory, when the sad news was received.

BATEMAN

BEDFORD

BEDFORD

A further official message has reached Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bedford, of 140, Burrowmoor-d., March, saying that a report has now been received to the effect that their son, Pte. Kenneth Raymond Bedford, who was reported as missing on July 11th, died that day in the North West Europe theatre of war.

Pte. Bedford, who was 19 years of age, went to France in the third week in June. Before he joined the Forces he was employed on the L.N.E.R.

BEDFORD

An official notification from the War Office was received on Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. Bedford, 91, Norwood-road, March, confirming an earlier report that their only son, Pte. S. Bedford, died on July 15th, 1943, as a result of avitamosis while a prisoner of the Japs in Thailand.

Pte. Bedford joined the Suffolk Regiment in April, 1939, and was later transferred to the Cambs. Regiment. He was sent abroad in October, 1941, and the last letter received from him was dated January 16th, 1942. A cable was also received from him which was sent from Singapore on January 30th, 1942.

BIGGS

PTE. P. BIGGS

Mr. and Mrs. F. Biggs, of 64, Robin Goodfellow’s-lane, March, received official notification of the death of their eldest son, Pte. Percy Biggs, of the King's Regiment, in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

Pte. Biggs was not one of the men who were captured at the fall of Singapore, but was one of those who took part in the Wingate Expedition into Burma. He was also one of the original Chindits.

This sad news was the first Mr. and Mrs. Biggs had heard of their son since he was posted missing in April 2nd. 1943, after going overseas in July of the preceding year.

After leaving school Pte. Biggs was employed for four years by Mr. S. H. Jones, of Broad-street, March, but at the time he was called up was employed on the L.N.E.R. He was a member of the Clarion Cycling Club.

BLYTH

BOLTON

DRIVER. STANLEY BOLTON, a 22. year old soldier who died from wounds received during the Rhine crossing, was well known in Wisbech, where his parents lived before moving to March.

Driver Bolton's wife lives at 126, Robin Goodfellow's Lane, March, and he is the youngest brother of Mr. Jim Bolton, a well-known business man and company director, of Lerowe-rd., Wisbech. Driver Bolton had been in the Army since April, 1942, and had served in the North African campaign from El Alamein right through to the finish, then going on to Sicily and Italy, and finally to Normandy on D Day. He had taken part in five Commando raids.

Two elder brothers, Harry and Fred, have both been invalided out of the Army; Fred has seen 12 years' service, and the family together have a proud record of 39 years' service in the Army.

BOON

Tpr. Eric Boon, of the Royal Armoured Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Boon, of 4, Gilbert's-row, West-end, March, who was killed in action in Germany on April 8th, when his tank was hit several times by bazookas. He was Mr. and Mrs. Boon's second son to be killed in action in this war. Aged 23, he joined up three years ago last February and went to France on D-Day.

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr. and Mrs. J. Boon, of 4, Gilbert's-row, West-end, March, who on Monday received the tragic news from the War Office that their youngest son Tpr. Eric Boon, of the Royal Armoured Corps, was killed in action in Germany on April 8th.

This is the second loss that Mr. and Mrs. Boon have sustained in just under 12 months, for on June 10th last year another son, Sig, Frank Boon, who was in an airborne division, was killed in action in France.

Tpr. K. Boon was 23 years of age. Before joining up three years ago last February, he was employed by Mr. W. Wilkinson, baker, of, Dartford-road, March, and later by the B.C. and H. Electricity Company. He went to France on D-Day.

In a letter to Tpr. Boon's parents an officer of his squadron writes confirming his death, and goes on “His tank was hit several times by bazookas and he was killed instantly. The rest of his crew were wounded and taken prisoners. He is buried near a small village called Voltlage,, and I will let you know the exact location of his grave when I can get back to see the Padre. He was very popular with us all and a very fine asset to us all. His death was a tragic loss to the Squadron which he served so well . . . “

BOON

Mr. and Mrs. J. Boon, of 4, Gilbert row, West-end, March, have received an official letter stating that their son, Signaller Frank Boon, of an Airborne Division, was killed in action in Normandy on June 10th. No particulars are available yet.

On leaving school Signl. Boon started work for Mr. S. Dring, hairdresser, High-street, and from there went to the L.N.E. Railway as a page boy. He was called up for the Forces in June. 1940, entering the Military Police, but was drafted to the Airborne Troops about 12 months ago.

BOWMAN

BRITTIN

The photograph reproduced here is of L/Cpl. Albert Brittin, son of Mr. & Mrs. Brittin, of 113. Wisbech-road, March, who, as reported in last week's issue, is now known to have been killed in action in Malaya on or about Feb. 7th, 1942.

He was in the Royal Norfolk Regt., and was 27 years of age at the time of his death. He was formerly on the staff of this newspaper and was very popular with his colleagues.

BURKETT

BUNKALL

BURROWS

BUTCHER

Sapper Alfred William Butcher, of 1, Wigstone's-road, March, who served with the Royal Engineers at Singapore, has been reported missing.

Sapper Butcher is the eldest son of the late Mr, C. Butcher and of Mrs. Butcher, of 38, Bramley Road, Ealing, and formerly of 19, Norfolk-terrace, New Walsoken, Wisbech. He worked for Messrs. French, the contractors, at Wisbech before the war.

In 1938 he married Miss E. M. Bond, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Bond, of 75, New Park, March, and they have one son.

Official news that sapper Alfred William Butcher, R.E., died on August 6th, 1943, from colitis while in a prisoner-of-war camp in Malaya has just been received by his wife, Mrs. E. M. Butcher, of 1, Wigstone's-road, March.

Spr. Butcher was the eldest son of the late Mr. C. Butcher and of Mrs. Butcher, of 39, Bramley-road, Ealing, and formerly of 19. Norfolk terrace. New Walsoken. Wisbech. In 1938 he married Miss E. M. Bond, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Bond, of 75. New-park, March, and they have one son.

It was while serving with the Royal Engineers at Singapore that sapper Butcher was taken prisoner. A belated report was received that he had been wounded and admitted to hospital and that it would appear that the hospital fell into the hands of the enemy. Later, news was received that he was in a prisoner-of-war camp in Malaya.

BUTCHER

The death occurred at a South Coast Hospital yesterday (Thursday) week, of Pte. Edward Butcher, aged 20, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Butcher, of 107, Gaul-road, March. He died from wounds received in Normandy.

Pte. Butcher, who had been serving only seven months, was employed by Messrs. Morton - Shepperson, farmers before he joined the Forces. For two years he was a member of the March N.F.S. One brother, Guardsman Jack Butcher, is serving with the Irish Guards.

Full military honours were paid at the funeral, which took place on Tuesday. A guard of honour formed of the 3rd Isle of Ely Batt. Home Guard and a firing party of sergeants of the battalion preceded the cortege, which was followed by a squad of Pte. Butcher's former colleagues of the National Fire Service. On the flag-draped coffin were his cap, belt and bayonet.

The service at St. Peter's Church was conducted by the Revs. F. G. Breed and H. M. Hallidie Smith. A full congregation paid tribute to Pte. Butcher's popularity as did the many wreaths.

At Eastwood cemetery the coffin was borne to the grave by carriers of the Royal Engineers, and as the coffin was lowered the Last Post was sounded by Mr. G. Osborne (Retford), deceased's brother-in-law. Reveille was sounded by Sgt. S. W. Granger, Home Guard.

The mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. G. Butcher, father and mother; Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Butcher, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Butcher, Mr. and Mrs. J. Butcher, Mr. and Mrs. C. Butcher (Chatteris), brothers and sisters-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. C. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. Davison, Mr. and Mrs. V. Homan, Mr. and Mrs. C. Homan, Mr. and Mrs. G. Osborne (Retford), Mr. and Mrs. C. Brittain, brother-in-law and sisters; Mr, and Mrs. G. Betts, Miss Margaret Brittain, Miss Betty Davison, Mr. Frank Butcher, Master John Davison, nephews and nieces; Miss Margaret Stratton, cousin; Mr. and Mrs. Eggitt (Doddlngton), Mrs. J. Stratton and Mrs. R. Welcher (Doddington), uncle and aunts; Mr. and Mrs. A. Yards, Miss E. Yardy, Mr. and Mrs. Payne, Miss Payne, Mrs. H. E. Fuller (Chatteris), Mr. F. Wright, Miss G. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bridgestock and daughter, Mrs. J. Bradshaw and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. E. Gibson. Mrs. E. Redhead, Mrs. Lilley senr. Mrs. G. Dear. Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilkinson, Mrs. L. Mace, Miss J. Wilkinson, Miss Langley, Master A. Wilkinson, Mrs.. G. Lilley, Mrs. Mitchell. Mrs. P. Lefevre, Mrs. Langley, Mr. T. M. Shepperson, Mr. Ernest Morton, Rev. W. E. Goodwin, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. A. Watson. Mrs. D. Frost, Mrs. Plain. Mr. and Mrs. H. Papworth, Mr. J. Church. Mr. J. Payne, Mr. J. T. Shepperson, Mr. T. W. Shepperson, Mr, and Mrs. J. Bennett and son. Mrs. F. Cousins, Mrs. R. Crofts. Mrs. Trunley, Mrs. E. Cousins, Mrs. C. Christmas, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. J. Fryer, Mrs. Pykin, Mrs. E. Yardy, Mrs. J. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. W. Lewis and Mrs. O. Cartwright.

Many of his workmates and friends were also present.

BUTCHER

BUTLER

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

BOTH SONS KILLED
IN 'THE WAR
Official Messages To
Mr. W. Buller, March

Mr. W. Butler, of 22, The Causeway, March, has received official messages regarding his two sons, both of whom have been killed in the war.

Cpl. Arthur Harold Butler, of the Norfolk Regiment, elder son of Mr. and the late Mrs. Butler, was reported missing after the fall of S i n g a pore, and nothing more heard of him until the return of comrades who had since been prisoners of the Japanese. These men brought news that Cpl. Butler was killed by machine gun bullets while guarding the reservoir when the Japs overwhelmed our Forces. An official communication has now been received by Mr. Butler saying that the War Office has reported that his son was killed in action on Feb. 15th, 1942.

Cpl. Butler was 26 years of age at the time of his death and before he joined the Forces he worked in his father's butchery business.

The other message refers to Mr. Butler's younger son. Pte. Kenneth William Butler, who, at the age of 19, was killed in action in North-Western Europe in October, 1944. The letter says that Pte. Butler was buried in Westerhoven (Hof) churchyard ten miles south-west of Eindhoven, Holland. Kenneth also worked in his father's butchery business before he joined up in January. 1942. He had been twice wounded before he met his death.

BUTLER

CASLAKE

COURTS

A 20-vear-old March man. Able-Seaman Arthur Courts, son of Mr and Mrs. A. F. Courts, of 118, High-street, has been reported “missing, presumed killed” by the Admiralty. He was on H.M.S. Penelope, whose loss the Admiralty announced on Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Courts received n telegram yesterday (Thursday) week containing the sad news of their son and this was followed by official confirmation on Saturday.

A.B. Courts, who was educated at the Hereward School, March, volunteered for the Royal Navy in December. 1941, and entered the service in January, 1942, intending to make it his career. Previous to that he had worked for his father, who is a hairdresser in. the town, and later on the L.N.E.R. in the Whitemoor signal box. He was keenly interested in the Scout movement and was an Assistant Scoutmaster in the 1st March Troop. He was also a member of the Centenary Young Men's Bible Class.

H.M.S. Penelope was one of the best known of the British men-of-war, and she was launched in October, 1935. She was damaged in Admiral Vian's action in March, 1942, when a few small cruisers drove off an Italian battleship and four heavy cruisers. Penelope was for a fortnight the chief target for the Luftwaffe's attack on Malta and left there with no fewer than 2,000 splinter holes in her hull, being affectionately known as H.M.S. Pepperpot for this reason. She went to America to be refitted and it was in August, 1942, that A.B. Courts joined her while she was in America. He was on the guns. Penelope returned to fight again in the Mediterranean. She fought in the Dodecanese and here A.B. Courts was wounded in October, 1943. He volunteered to go back to his ship before he was really fit and had three minor operations while on board. In the Dodecanese Penelope played a part in the destruction of an enemy troop convoy. Her next job concerned the landings in Italy and she came to the support of the army at Salerno. It was to her officers and men that Mr. Forester dedicated his remark able book, “The Ship,” Penelope sank off Nettuno, according to the Admiralty announcement, and her commander, Capt. G. D. Belben, died with her.

Penelope was commissioned to bring the Prime Minister home from his Cairo conference but owing to his illness she only brought home the staff and returned to the Mediterranean.

A TRIBUTE.

The District Commissioner of the Scouts and. Acting-Scoutmaster of the March Troop (Mr. H. R. Mallett) in an interview with our reporter, paid a high tribute to Able-Seaman Courts. He referred to his sturdiness, neighbourliness, practical competence, love of country, and, above all, his indomitable resolve, daring and enterprise in the face of the enemy, all of which, he said, were the hall-marks of a Scout. ”He was a good Scout,” concluded Mr Mullett.

COX

CRAM

CREASEY

The death of Pte. Richard Creasey, Suffolk Regt., is reported unofficially in a letter received by Mrs. Richmond, Wigstone's-road, March, from her brother, Sergt. A. A. Randall, of Chatteris. He writes: “Has Mrs. Creasey heard about Dick yet, as he died of dysentery or cholera in Thailand. This is definitely true, as I have seen the grave.” Pte. Creasey and Sgt. Randall had been together ever since they joined the Army, both in this country and overseas.

Pte. Creasey is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Creasey, 17, Gaul road, March. During his long captivity in Jap hands his parents have received only one card from him. Prior to being called up in January, 1940, he was employed by Mr. Cox, Wisbech-road, March, as a bricklayer, but later he was employed in construction work on surrounding aerodromes.

CULY

William Raymond Culy

Albert Boyce

Private 14655758, 1st Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. 20-12-44. Son of Arthur William & Emily Culy; husband of Edna May Culy, of March. Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

TRAGIC NEWS BY
NEW YEAR POST
Son Reported Missing,
Son-in-Law Killed

The first post of the New Year brought tragic news for Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Boyce, of 31, Gaul-road, March. From two letters they learnt that their second son, Signalman Albert Boyce, 'was reported missing, and that their, son-in-law, Pte. William Raymond Culy, of Wisbech St. Mary, had been killed in action.

Sig. Boyce, who is 21 years at age, joined the Army in 1940 and saw service in the North African and Italian campaigns. He was recently transferred from Italy to Greece, and it is believed that he was involved in the fighting in Athens. He is well known in March as a keen cyclist and a member of the Clarion Cycling Club. He was educated at the Hereward School, and before enlistment was employed at the Griffin Hotel.

Pte. Culy is the husband of Mr. and Mrs. Boyce's daughter Edna, whom he married in. March a few years ago. He was also transferred from the Italian Front to Greece, and letters have been received from him which stated that he was in Athens. He leaves a baby daughter.

DIXON

ANOTHER MARCH
MAN DIES IN FAR
EAST
Sergt. H. T. Dixon,
of the
Cambridgeshire Regiment

The tragic news that their only son, Sergt. Herbert Thomas Dixon, of the 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment, died in a Thailand prisoner-of-war camp in January, 1944, was received from the War Office on Wednesday by Mr. and Mrs. W. Dixon, of 10, Upwell-road, March.

The communication from the War Office stated: “I am directed to inform you with sincere regret that a report has been received from the prisoners of war who have recently arrived in the United Kingdom after being recovered from the Japanese in Luzon stating that a Sgt. Herbert Dixon, 2nd Batt., Cambridgeshire Regt., died in January, 1944, from the effects of an amputation of the leg, presumably following tropical ulcers, while a prisoner of war in Thailand. The Department unfortunately concludes that this statement must refer to your son, Sergt. H. T. Dixon, 2nd Batt., Cambridgeshire Regiment. While no confirmation of this distressing report has reached the Department from Japanese sources it is regretted that in view of the definite nature of the report your son must be officially posted as having died while a prisoner of war . . . .”

The last caret which Mr. and Mrs. Dixon received from their son was dated January, 1944.

At the time of his death Sergt. Dixon was 23 years of age. Prior to being called up at the outbreak of war he was employed as a clerk by Dr. J. Hunt, the well-known Peterborough solicitor. He was attached to Headquarters of the 53rd Infantry Brigade and was reported missing in April, 1942, following the fall of Singapore the previous February. In April, 1943, his parents received the welcome news that he was a prisoner of war in Malai Camp, from which he was later transferred to No. 4 Camp, Thailand.

Sergt. Dixon was well known in March and his chief interest was in the Scout movement, he having been connected with it since he was 11 years of age.

DOLBY

The news received on Monday that 2nd/Lieut. Roy Ernest Dolby, 19 - year - old younger son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Dolby, 130, Station-road, March, was killed in action on August 3rd, has been sorrowfully heard by his many friends in the town.

He was killed serving in Normandy. His elder brother is also serving in France.

At March Grammar School Lieut. Dolby showed great promise, passing the Cambridge School Certificate Examination at the age of 14. He left to work at the March branch of Barclay's Bank, volunteering at 17½. He passed through Sandhurst and was commissioned on Easter Saturday of this year.

Keen on all sport, he played football and cricket for his school elevens.

DONCASTER

DRIVER

Cpl, 4933667, 1st Suffolk Regiment. 25-7-44, age 24. Son of Mr Harry Driver, of 39 Upwell Rd, March. Formerly 2nd Cambridgeshire Regiment. Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

KILLED IN ACTION
Cpl. D. W. Driver,
of March

Cpl. Douglas Wilfred Driver, youngest son of Mr. Harry Driver and the late Mrs. Driver, of 39, Upwell-road, March, was killed in action in north-west Europe, on July 25th. The father has been officially informed that a report to this effect has been received from overseas.

Cpl. Driver, who was 24 years of age was in the Territorials before the war and was mobilised in September, 1939. In the following January he went abroad and he subsequently served in Palestine. Egypt, Crete, North Africa and Italy. At the end of last year he returned to this country and shortly after D Day he went out to Normandy.

DRIVER

DUNHAM

EMMINGTON

FEARY

FRANKS

Unofficial new: has been received by Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Franks, 16, Regent-avenue, March, to the effect that their son, Sapper George William Franks, Royal Engineers, died on September 1st, 1943, while a prisoner of the Japanese.

The first intimation of Sapper Franks' death was received through Mr. T. W. Shepperson, of “Homeflields,” March. Mr. Shepperson received a letter from Spr. D. Marriott, of March, which stated that he was “afraid that Spr. Franks would not come back.” Since then Mr. and Mrs. Franks have heard from Spr. A. Goakes that their son died on September 1st, 1943.

Spr. Franks was a partner in the firm of Messrs. G. E. Franks and Sons, farmers. He was called up at the commencement of the war, was sent overseas and was reported missing following the fall of Singapore. His parents received the news in May, 1943, that he was a prisoner of war.

GREEN

Another March man, Tpr. Ernest Stanley Green, of the Royal Armoured Corps, has been killed in action in Normandy. This sad news was received from the War Office by his wife, Mrs. M. Green, of “Kewhurst,” St. Peter's-road, March, this week. Tpr. Green was killed on June 28th. He was 31 years of age.

Born at March, Tpr. Green was the eldest son of Mrs. M. Green, of 13, Upwell-road, and of the late Mr. W. Green. For a good many years until he was called up in November, 1942, he worked as a carpenter for Mr. H. G. Papworth, of Burrowmoor-road, March. He was a member of the Centenary Baptist Church, where a memorial service will be held on Sunday at 6-30 p.m. He also sang in the choir for a number of years. His brother, Sgt. S. H. Green, of the Royal Engineers, is serving in Normandy. In addition to his wife, Tpr. Green leaves a 2½-year-old son.

GREEN

GRIFFITHS

GOOCH

GROUNDS

Profound regret ham been expressed this week in the wide area in which he and his family are known at the news that Captain Frederick Ambrose Grounds, only son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Donald Grounds, of March, has been killed in action in the Far East. The first Intimation came on Saturday in a message from a fellow officer, and the report was confirmed on Wednesday In a telegram from the War Office. On every hand the deepest sympathy has been voiced with the young widow (nee Miss Kathleen Loughlin. of Upwell) and their baby boy and with the parents and family.

Although Captain Grounds, who was only 24 years of age, had spent much of his time away from home—first at school, then studying for his profession, and latterly on military service—he was widely known in March, Upwell, Wisbech and the districts around, and by everyone he was admired and esteemed as a fine type of young man.

SUCCESSFUL STUDIES.

As a boy he first attended March Grammar School, and later he went to Rushmoor Preparatory School, Bedford, and subsequently to Uppingham. At the last-mentioned school he spent five years and was very successful in his studies. While there he displayed much prowess in sport and was a member of both the cricket and rugby tennis. He was also a skilful boxer and on one occasion won a tournament, for which he received a silver cup. He also played cricket for March Town and rugby for the Peterboro' club.

After leaving Uppingham he studied auctioneering and estate management at the College of Auctioneers and Estate Agents in London and all three examinations of the Auctioneers' Institute he passed with honours, the final examination at the age of 21. He served his articles with Messrs. Elworthy & Grounds, of Upwell, the firm of which his father is the principal, and he continued with the firm until he entered on military service.

FOLLOWED FORBEARS' EXAMPLE

Captain Grounds had long cherished a desire to join the Territorials, but was I influenced to defer doing so until he had passed his final examination. Having accomplished that, he joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment, in which his great-grandfather, his grandfather and his father had served. When the national emergency threatened and the recruiting drive was launched he was given a Commission and the command of the March Detachment of the Regiment's second battalion. Largely through his example and his influence a strong Detachment was formed, and he enjoyed the confidence and respect both of those who served under him and of the officers above him.

His marriage to Miss Kathleen Mary Loughlin, daughter of the late Mr. J. W. Loughlin and of Mrs. Loughlin, of Upwell, took place in April, 1940, and a son, Frederick James, was born to them in September last.

HART

Another sad message was that received by the parents of Sapper Cecil Kenneth Hart, of the Royal Engineers, to the effect that he died in a Malayan prisoner-of-war camp on July 15th, 1943, from colitis. The news is particularly sad because Spr. Hart was only reported to be a prisoner of war just over a month before his death.

His parents are Mr. and Mrs. A. Hart, of 111, Wisbech-road, and he was married to Miss Barbara Veal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Veal of Bury St. Edmunds.

Spr. Hart was employed by the B.C. & H. Electricity Company in civil life, and he was called up at the beginning of the war. He was reported missing just after the fall of Singapore, and at the time of his death was 25 years of age.

HILLS

HOBBS

HOPKIN

HURST

KEMPTON

KING

LAKEY

LANGLEY

The sad news was conveyed to Mrs. G. Langley, of The Three Fishes, West-end, March, in a letter from the War Office that her younger son, Pte. H, J. Langley, of the Suffolk Regiment, was missing as the result of the ship in which he and other prisoners of war were being transported from Thailand to the mainland of Japan, being torpedoed en route.

Pte. Langley, whose 24th birthday was on March 12th, the day on which the notification of his being missing was received, was employed by the L.N.E.R. before being called to the Colours. A member of the Territorials, he joined the Regular Army a week before the outbreak of the war, and had been a prisoner since the fall of Singapore.

Shortly following this news Mrs. Langley read in one of the daily papers that her other son, Cpl. Tom Langley, R.A.F., had, with two comrades, escaped from the Japanese.

LAWRENCE

LAYTON

LEEDER

A notification from the War Office informing them that grave fears are entertained for the safety of their eldest son, Pte. E. W. Leeder, has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Leeder, 48, Robin Goodfellow's-lane, March. This message is the first that Mr. and Mrs. Leeder have received concerning their son since he was reported missing at the fall of Singapore.

The message says that every effort is being made to obtain information concerning personnel missing in Malaya from liberated prisoners of war. Mr. and Mrs. Leeder are advised, if possible, to furnish the Department with the names and regimental particulars of any ex-prisoners of war who had at any time come into contact with Pte. Leeder, so that official inquiries can be made. Acting on this Mr. and Mrs. Leeder will be extremely grateful for any news that may concern their son.

A well-known football player, Pte. Leeder (Ben to all his friends) distinguished himself in many games for March Town and March G.E.R. He was also an accomplished cricketer. Before being called to the colours in January, 1941, he was employed at March by the L.N.E.R.

LENTON

LONG

The sad news was conveyed in an official letter received from the War Office by Mr. and Mrs. H. Long, 20, Creek-siding, March, that their youngest son, Sgt. Navigator Bernard Charles Long, R.A.F., must be presumed dead following an air operation over Germany on Feb. 1st, from which he failed to return.

The text of the notification states that with the cessation of hostilities in the European theatre of operations no evidence of the survival of Sgt. Long has been forthcoming since he was reported missing. His death, therefore, must be presumed to have occurred on Feb. 1st, 1945.

Before joining the R.A.F., Sgt. Long was a keen member of the March and District Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

Sgt. Long, was was [sic] 21 years of age at the time of his death, was formerly employed by Messrs. Sutterby and Gay at March.

LUFF

MANN

MASSEY

Official information has been received by his wife that Pte. Albert Edward Massey, youngest son of the late Mr. Herbert Massey, and of Mrs. Massey, of 70, Nene Parade, March, has been killed in action in North - West Europe. He was 31 years of age.

Before joining the Army in 1932 Pte. Massey worked for Mr. J. S. Martin at Bedlam Farm, March. He served in India for over five years, and on his return home in 1939 was employed as a chauffeur and gardener until he was re-called to the Colours at the outbreak of war.

He went to France with Lord Gort's Expeditionary Force and was evacuated from Dunkirk in June, 1940. In 1941 Pte. Massey married Miss Victoria Blanche Clift, of Salisbury.

MASTERS

Pte 5776958, 6th Royal Norfolk Regiment. 6-6-43, age 23, Prisoner of War. Son of Mr & Mrs G Masters, 64 Robingoodfellow's Lane, March; husband of Mrs Barbara Masters. Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

PTE. F. M. MASTERS

The news was received by his wife, Mrs. Barbara Masters, that her husband, Pte. Frederick John (Jack) Masters, of the Royal Norfolk Regt., died in Thailand camp two years ago. Pte. Masters was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Masters, 84, Robin Goodfellow’s-lane, March. And at the time of his death he was 23 years of age.

Pte. Masters’ wife received official notification on Friday, a letter from the War Office stating that the Japanese authorities had issued a report of his death two years ago. The enemy did not state the cause of death, but inquiries were being made and a further communication would be sent on receipt of information.

Pte. Masters was reported missing following the fall of Singapore, and before he was called to the colours he was on the staff of this newspaper. In October, 1940, he married Miss Barbara Clarke, of 57, Deerfield-road. Both he and his wife were keen members of the Wisbech Wheelers' Cycling Club, and he had won two cups and five medals for his prowess in that direction.

MILLER

MONEY

Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Money, of 14, County-road, March, whose only son, Flight Engineer Edward Thomas Money, was reported missing at the end of July from air operations over enemy territory, have received a letter from the Air Ministry which leaves little ground for hope that he can be alive.

The letter says that reports have been received from Allied authorities in France concerning the members of the crew of a Lancaster bomber on which Flt.-Engr. Money served. They say that seven bodies were found in or near the crashed aircraft and that it was only possible to identify two of them. “As the crew consisted of seven members,” the letter states, “it would unhappily appear on present evidence that your son is one of the five unidentified- members,” but he will remain recorded as missing until confirmatory evidence of death is received or until it becomes necessary to presume his death.

Flt.-Engr Money, whose age is 21, had been in the R.A.F. about a year and he gained his wing in April last. Before he joined up he worked for the March Motor Co. and he served in the Home Guard from its inception.

MONEY

MORTLOCK

News of the death of her husband, Pte. Alexander Sidney Mortlock, of the Suffolk Regt., who lost his life when the ship in which he was being transported from a prison camp in Thailand to the Japanese mainland was sunk, was conveyed in an official letter from the War Office, which was received by Mrs. Mortlock, Middle-drove Gatehouse, March, on Wednesday.

Pte. Mortlock was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. O. Mortlock, 20, Wisbech-road. March, was married and had two children.

Before being called up at the outbreak of war he was employed by the L.N.E. Railway Company as a porter. After fighting in France and coming through the evacuation of Dunkirk in the early days of the war, he was sent to the Far East in October, 1941, where he was reported missing at the fall of Singapore.

MUFFETT

Mr. J. H. Muffett, of Crowden Farm, Grandford, March, has received a letter from the War Office informing him that an official report has been received from the Japanese Government that his elder son Pte. Arthur Henry Muffett, is among those missing following the sinking of a Japanese transport which was carrying prisoners-of-war from Thai to Japan. The letter adds that the date of the sinking is not stated but it is thought it was in the Autumn of 1944. Further enquries were being made and meanwhile Pte. Muffett was recorded as “missing.”

Pte. Muffett, whose 24th birthday was last January was in the 2nd Cambs. Regt. In civil life he worked for Mr. F. H. Martin, of Grandford, March.

MUNDEN

MARCH. MAN'S DEATH IN PRISON
CAMP
Tragic News for
Mr. and Mrs. J. Munden

News was received on Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. J. Munden. 4, Ashbeach-road. March, that their only son. Gunner Bernal James Munden. died in a German prison camp hospital on May 26th. The news came through a letter sent by Dvr. H. W. Hurst. of Newgate-street, Dodciington, another prisoner in Gunner Munden's camp, Stalag 344, whose wife conveyed the news to Mr. and Mrs. Munden. The funeral was carried out with military honours at the war cemetery at the camp.

Dvr. Hurst's letter reads, “ . . . . Munden died on Friday morning. It was rather sudden, but I don't think he suffered. He was given a very good funeral; he couldn't have had a better in England. German soldiers fired over his grave. There were about 90 men present, including the band that played the Dead March to his grave. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack and there were three wreaths, one from the Germans. Dick Palm (a March prisoner), Ernie and myself went. Ernie and I stayed to fill his grave.”

Gnr. Munden had been a prisoner for three of the four years he was in the Army. Before joining up he was employed on the works staff of this newspaper and was extremely popular with his colleagues, to whom he sometimes wrote. He was 26 years of age.

The last letter he wrote to his parents was dated May 8th and received in June. He then said he was returning to hospital with rheumatism but would be out before the letter reached England

On Monday Mr. and Mrs. Munden received a letter from Bmbdr. Richard Welchman, the padre at Stalag 344. He writes:

“I want to send to you my sympathy and that of his friends here in the loss of your son. He had, as of course you know, been ill for a long time, but he was only placed on the danger list on Tuesday. May 23rd. I saw him that afternoon and again on the day before his death. On both occasions he seemed cheerful, although not strong enough to talk much. A friend of his called Palm, also went with me to see him on the Thursday and he says that he will be writing to you himself soon.

"The funeral took place at the war cemetery here last Saturday afternoon. Full military honours were paid him and wreaths of lilac were placed on the grave by both British and German representatives.

“We remembered you all especially in our prayers at the graveside and also at the celebration of Holy Communion in the morning.”

MUNDEN

News has been received that Gnr. Ernest Wm. Munden, Wisbech-road, March, was killed in action in North-west Europe on Aug. 1st. He was 21 years of age.

Two years ago he married Miss Frances Reeve, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Reeve, Marylebone-road, March, and there is one son.

Gnr. Munden was cousin to the late Gnr. Bernal Munden, whose death in a German prison camp was recently reported.

Gnr. Munden had been in Normandy about three weeks. In civil life he was employed by the March Gas and Coke Co., Ltd., and was an enthusiastic Salvationist and a Salvation Army bandsman. A memorial service will be held at the Citadel on Sunday, Aug. 20th.

GUNNER E. W. MUNDEN, MARCH.

Gnr. Ernest William Munden, of Wisbech-road, March, as reported last week, was killed in action in Normandy on August 1st. Aged 21 years, he was married, with one son. He had been in Normandy about three weeks.

In civil, life he was employed by the March Gas and Coke Company, Ltd. He was an enthusiastic Salvationist and a member of the band.

NEWMAN

PAGE

PAINTER

PALMER

Mrs. C. Palmer, of 14, Newlands-avenue, March, has received a communication from the War Office to the effect that owing to the lapse of time since any message had been received from her husband. Gun. / Signaller Chenery Palmer, of the R.A., it must now be presumed that he died between Oct. 31st and Nov. 14th, 1942, either in a prisoner-of-war camp in North Africa . or as a result of the loss of the ship transporting him from North Africa to Italy.

Chenery Palmer was a son of the late Mr. A. Palmer and of Mrs. Palmer, of 27, Henson-road, March. He was educated at March Grammar School and later became well known in the district as the representative of an assurance company.

He was a member of the Centenary Baptist Tennis Club and for some time secretary of the Council of March Churches. Prior to his enlistment he was Sunday School Superintendent of the Station-road Methodist Sunday School.

He was married in November, 1939, and joined the Army as a signaller in the R.A. in October, 1940. After leaving the training regiment he was posted to a Field Artillery regiment and sailed for Iraq in August, 1941. In May, 1942, he was moved to Libya, where he was captured on June 29th.

Two postcards were later received by his wife bearing the North African camp number P.G. 154. He also sent two broadcast messages but the second one on Christmas Day, 1942, is now known to have been a recording of the previous one broadcast in. October.

Gun. / Signaller Palmer was 32 years of age at the time of his presumed death.

PARTRIDGE, DCM

PEARSON

PEPPER

PRIOR

RINGHAM

The grim reality of the fighting on the second front in Normandy was brought home to the residents of March last week by the news of the town’s first casualty in that theatre of war. He was Pte. Bertie Ernest Alfred Ringham, of 327, Norwood-road, March, who died from wounds in tis country within a few days of the commencement of operations.

Pte. Ringham was buried with full military honours at March on Wednesday, when a large crowd of people gathered to pay their last respects.

Pte. Ringham, who was 27 years of age, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Ringham, 188 Station-rd., March. Six year ago he married Miss E. Oliver, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Oliver, Norwood-rd. There is one baby son.

AN AMBULANCE MAN

Before joining up over 4½ years ago he was employed by the Peterborough Co-operative Society at March and Peterborough, where for some time he and his wife lived at St. Botolph’s-lane, Oundle Road. Pte. Ringham was well-known in March through his association with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, of which he was a member for over ten years.

Much of his service was spent as an officer’s batman. He was a very keen soldiers and made as many friends in the Service as he did at home.

It is a strange coincidence that although Pte. Ringham had seen no service abroad except during that last days of his life, he did sail for France at the time of Dunkirk, but his ship was turned back.

Pte. Ringham’s death, which is understood to have occurred at a military hospital in England late last week, has come as a great shock to relatives and friends, as he was on leave only three weeks ago.

FULL MILITARY HONOURS

…Details of the funeral and those attending and details of the service then followed but are unreadable….

ROWE

His many friends in March have learned with regret that Sgt. Ernest. I. Rowe, of March, was killed. In action in Europe on Sept. 13th/14th of last year. He had, previously been reported missing, but it was yesterday (Thursday) week that his wife, Mrs. H. M. Rowe, of 11, Langdale-road, Morecambe, received notification from the War Office that he had been killed.

The letter stated that a report had .boon received from a liberated, prisoner of war that he was given some of Sgt. Rowe's personal belongings by a German officer, who informed him. that the owner had been killed, In. view of the circumstances under which Sgt. Rowe was last seen, the letter went on, the War Office had no alternative but to accept this information as reliable evidence that Sgt. Rowe lost his life and it was consequently being recorded that he was killed in action on September 13th/14th, 1944.

Mrs. Rowe received a letter in October, 1944, from Sgt. Rowe's Platoon Commander in which he stated that they were at Antwerp at the time. The Company had the important task of guarding the canal locks from enemy counterattacks. On the night of the 11th Sgt. Rowe led a reconnaissance patrol into the German lines. Having reached the outer defences, he left the rest of the patrol and went on ahead alone to make further exploration. Shots from a machine-gun rang out near to him and the rest of the patrol were unable to find him when further search was made.

OFFICER'S TRIBUTE

Paying tribute to Sgt. Rowe, the officer wrote, “In Sgt. Rowe's going I received a two-fold loss: Firstly as an excellent platoon sergeant whose quiet manner and droll humour completely won the men's respect; secondly, as a friend whose a clean living and sportsmanship in the fullest sense of the word were a constant inspiration, to me as his platoon commander. He had his Bible with him constantly and he never said a harsh word or lost his temper. He very obviously hated war and killing and everything connected with it and we used to have most interesting talks together. . .”

Sgt. Rowe was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rowe, of St. John's-road, March, and in 1941 he married Miss H. M. Cunliffe, of Morecambe. There are two sons. In civil life he was a linotype operator, being formerly employed on the staff of a this newspaper and later with the Morecambe Bay Printers. He was a very keen sportsman and played football for March G.E., Cambridge Town and Neatherfleld's United (K Shoes) before being called up. In the Army he continued his sporting activities and represented his battalion at football, boxing and cross-country running.

The relatives of Sgt. Rowe are deeply grateful for the many expressions of sympathy extended to them in their bereavement.

SHARPE

After having received the sad news a few weeks ago that their eldest son had died in 1943 in a Japanese prison camp, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Sharpe, of 39, Norwood-road, March, have had their tragic loss doubled by the death in the same camp of their second son, Pte. George Ernest (Sam) Sharpe, 2nd. Cabs Regiment, in November, 1943.

The news was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe in a ltter from the ar office, which informaed them that a report had been received from British lads recently rescued from the same camp in Thailand to the effect that Pte. Sharpe died of malaria and that one of the ex-prisoners helped to bury him.

The letter goes on: “While no confirmation of this distressing report received from Japanese sources and no other details are availoable, it is considered you should be informed of the news received. In the meantime, for official purposes, he will remain recorded as a prisoner of war.”

Pte. Sharpe, who was 23 years of age at the time of his death, was employed on the L.N.E.R. as gate-keeper at the Chain crossing before he joined the Forces. His parents received a card from him in July of last year saying that he was a prisoner. Some months before that they heard from their eldest son, Pte. Harry Kilsby (Jack) Sharpe, to the same effect, and the sad news of his death was received in June of this year.

SHARPE

Pte 5933642, 2nd Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. 9.6.43, age 24. Prisoner of War. Son of Mr & Mrs H Sharpe, of 39 Norwood Rd, March. Brother of George above. Died of dysentery at Takanun. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

TRAGIC NEWS OF
MARCH SOLDIER

Pte. H. K. Sharpe Died in
Jap hands Two Years Ago

After receiving two cards in August, 1943, and July of last year from their eldest son, Pte. Harry Kilsby (Jack) Sharpe, Suffolk Regt., Mr. and Mrs. H. Sharpe, of 39, Norwood-road, March, have received information that he died in a Japanese prison camp over two months before that first card was received.

The tragis news of this well-known local man's death came in a letter from the War Office, which informed Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe that he died on June 9th, 1943, from avitamunosis.

Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have another son, Pte. George Ernest (Sam) Sharpe, in the same camp, and no news has been received from him of late.

Before the war Pte. Sharpe was employed by Mr. R. H. Church, of March. and his duties, which carried him over a large part of the district, brought him into contact with many people, by all of whom he was greatly liked and respected. After his call-up he served in France and Norway. He sailed for the Far East in October, 1941, and was reported missing following the fall of Singapore in february of the next year.

SKINNER

SMITH

STEEL

STEEL

STEVENS

STEVENS

STEVENS

The arrival home of many March ex-prisoners from the Far Fast in recent weeks has brought joy to many local families, but for others this joy is not to be, including Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Stevens, of 46, Robin Goodfellow's-lane, March, who yesterday (Thursday) afternoon week received the distressing news from the War Office that their elder son, Pte. W. H. Stevens, of the Suffolk Regt. died in Malai Camp on Oct. 11th. 1943, of avitaminosia.

Pte. Stevens would have been 29 years of age last August. He had been in the Army nearly seven years, previously being employed first as an agricultural worker and later on the railway at March. He was reported missing following the fall of Singapore, later being reported a prisoner in Japanese hands. His parents had received two cards from him, the last one being received nearly two years ago.

STEWART

WADLOW

Leslie Cyril [George]

Aircraftman 1st Class 1212904, 152 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 2 March 1944. Aged 25. Based at Peshawar, India. Native of Leverington Common, Cambridgeshire. Son of George William and Daisy Maud Wadlow; husband of Kathleen Joyce Wadlow, of Leverington Common, married October to December Quarter 1942 in Wisbech Registration District, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was new born, born Elm, Cambridgeshire, son of George William and Daisy Maude Wadlow, resident near the Church, Elm, Cambridgeshire. Buried in Karachi War Cemetery, Pakistan. Plot 7. Row A. Grave 4. See also Friday Bridge and Elm.

The tragic news that their only son. A c.1 Cyril Wadlow, R.A.F., had died while on active- service in India, was received by Mr. and Mrs. G. Wadlow, of Station Yard, March, on Tuesday.

The details were supplied by the Air Ministry, who informed Mr. and Mrs. Wadlow that their son died yesterday (Thursday) week in a military hospital in India, from the effects of small-pox.

A/c. Wadlow, who was only 23 years of age, was educated at Fridaybridge School and his last employment before joining H.M. Forces was as a porter at the goods depot of the L.N.E.R., Wisbech,

He was well known in Wisbech and district and much sympathy has been extended to his parents, and his wife, formerly Miss Kathleen Setchell, of Leverington Common, to whom he was married in December, 1942, and who is serving in the A.T.S.

Deceased was a member of the Oddfellows and a very keen member of the Cambs. 19 Division, British Red Cross Society.

In April, 1941, he volunteered for service with the R.A.F., and in August of last year was sent abroad.

The last letter his mother received from him was dated Feb. 7th.

WALKER

WATERS

WELHAM

Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Welham, of 7, Kingsley-street, March, have received a letter from the War Office saying that it is being officially recorded that their son Pte. Jack Welham, of the Cambs. Regt., died of wounds while a prisoner of war on or shortly after April 1st, 1942.

This conclusion, the letter states is based on information which has been furnished Pte. Cox and which the War Office have accepted as reliable evidence according to this evidence. Private Welham died in hospital at Changi prisoner-of-war camp, Singapore as a result of shrapnel wounds. Pte. Cox was with him when he died and attended his funeral.

Mr. and Mrs. Welham received a letter about the end of March last saying that their son was on a list of soldiers who had been killed or had died of wounds and they had already received confirmation from Pte. Cox, a returned prisoner.

Pte. Welham, who had joined the Territorials, was called up at the outbreak of war and went out to Singapore with the Cambs. Regt. April 1st, 1942, the date mentioned in the War Office letter, was his 21st birthday.

WELLS

Confirmation of the news of the death of Lce/Cpl. Herbert Wells, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Wells, 104, Station-road March, has been received in a letter addressed to the bereaved parents by another member of the 2nd Cambs. Regt., L/CpI. J. H. Kerridge, of Wisbech.

Writing from a convalescent depot at Christchurch, New Zealand, L/Cpl. Kerridge says that L/Cpl. Wells passed peacefully away in January, 1942, and was buried by the Battalion Padre, Padre Duckworth, at Batu Pakot, on the west coast of Malaya.

It was in January, 1942, that the 2nd Cambridgeshires landed in Malaya and Lce/Cpl. Wells was among those reported missing after the fall of Singapore. He was 21 years of age and before he joined the Forces he was employed by Messrs. Eggitt & Sons as a carpenter.

From another source Mr. and Mrs. Wells have learned that their son died at Sangarrang, near Johore.

WHITTOME

Reported missing from an operational flight over Germany in June of last year, the death has now been confirmed of Flt.-Sgt. John Edmund Gifford Whittome, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Whittome, of The Grange, March.

Flt.-Sgt. Whittome, who was born on March 17th, 1916, was educated at Gresham's School, Holt, and was subsequently articled to the late Major R. G. Clark, 0.B.E., M.Inst.C.E., Engineer to the Middle Level Commissioners, eventually qualifying as a chartered civil engineer upon election as an' Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1938.

On the outbreak of war in 1939 he immediately volunteered for the R.A.F. but was rejected on medical grounds, thus continuing his work with the Middle Level until 1941, when he was accepted for R.A.F. flying duties and sent to Canada for training. Here a slight defect in vision prevented qualification as a pilot and he was subsequently passed out as a navigator, returning to England in 1943 for final operational training.

He commenced his operational sorties over Germany under Bomber Command prior to la-Day, and during the night of June 21st/22nd, 1944, his fifteenth mission, his aircraft was reported missing. Subsequently news was received that all the crew of the aircraft had been killed with the exception of the pilot, who was a prisoner of war and in hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Whittome have recently received further details of their son's last flight from the pilot, who has been repatriated and who has written of a hard and exacting sortie to a point near Cologne, during which two enemy night fighters were shot down by his aircraft. The bomber, however, sustained severe damage and eventually blew up in mid-air. The pilot was miraculously blown clear of the aircraft but the remaining seven members of the crew, including Flt.-Sgt. Gifford Whittome, perished and were buried in the cemetery at Rulshoven, near Julich, Germany.

WILLIS

WRIGHT

WRIGHT

YOUD

Delayed news of their menfolk's deaths in Japanese prisoner of war camps has been received by several local homes recently, and one home to which this tragic information has been sent is that of Mr. and Mrs. Youd, of 1, Thornton-road, March. The soldier concerned is their second son. Pte. Frank William Youd, of the Cambs. Regt.

The sad news was received on Tuesday in a letter from the War Office, which stated that Pte. Youd died in a Japanese camp on May 26th, 1943, of acute enteritis. He was 23 years of age at the time of his death.

When he first came to March to live Pte. Youd was employed at Mr. H. Brown's draper's shop in High-st. as an errand boy. When he left there he was employed on the first as a box-boy and later as a caller-up. He joined the Territorial Army in a938 and went to the Far East, where he was reported missing in February, 1941. News came through that he was a prisoner in early May, 1943, and his parents received the last card from him in November of last year.

OTHER CONFLICTS  

PHYTHIAN

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

STRAWSON

TAYLOR

TINKLER

The sad news reached Mrs. Mills, of Four Hundred Farm, Benwick, from the War Office on Tuesday morning that an official report had been received from the Japanese authorities stating that her son, Pte. Owen Tinkler, died on Dec. 31st, 1943, of amoebic dysentery while a prisoner of war in Thailand. Pte. Tinkler was Mrs. Mills' youngest son. He was reported missing following the fall of Singapore, later being reported a prisoner.

WALKER