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The Royal British Legion

WATERBEACH WAR MEMORIAL

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

The Memorial, is sited in the grounds of St John's Church. It takes the form of a four stepped, octagonal, base surmounted by a square plinth with a taered shaft and small cross; the inscriptions are to be found on the side of the plinth. There are 27 names listed for World War 1 and 8 for World War 2. The original unveiling was by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire (and Isle of Ely). Inside the church are detailed boards listing the men who fell in World War 1.

Extract from Cambridge Independent Press - Friday 19 November 1920, page 8:

WATERBEACH.
Memorial Unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant.

The war memorial which has been erected to the memory of the fallen of the parish of Waterbeach Sunday was on Sunday last unveiled in the presence of several hundred parishioners by Mr. C. R. W. Adeane. C.B., of Babraham Hall, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. Prior to the service at the parish church, the ex-Service men of the village marched from the Green to the churchyard, under the command of Captain Stamford, of The Lodge. Waterbeach, and headed by the local Salvation Army Band.

The service in the church, which was conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop Price, assisted by the Vicar (the Rev. Thomas Warrington) and the Wesleyan minister (the Rev. J. C. Crawshaw, commenced with the hymn “Let saints on earth in concert sing.” The lesson, which was taken from Revelations xxi., 1—7, was read by the Rev. J. C. Crawshaw, after which an addres was delivered by Bishop Price.

“No words,” said the Bishop, “were so sadly familiar in these days as those—“ln proud and loving memory”—they had a very ripe significance. Every parish which mourned its men and sometimes women, too, had a right to a feeling of ride in that it had been permitted to take some share in that great sacrifice of the recent war. And those especially who mourned must be able realise to-day how very deeply the whole nation, the whole Empire, and indeed more than the whole Empire, was with them in their mourning. The things of which they read during the last day or two, the scene at the Cenotaph and Westminster Abbey, had brought home to them how all people with one heart earnestly desired to express their gratitude and to honour “those whose lives were laid down for us in the great war.’’ He hoped that scenes like these recently witnessed would minister to those whose hearts were still sore with the pain of bereavement—that it might minister to them something of divine consolation. He appealed to the living to live up to those things for which those who fell, died. They greatly needed in these days to not only offer up to God their grateful remembrances of these men, of their courage and of their devotion, but to remember that it was for a really great cause that they died, and for that same high cause were the living called upon to Live—the cause of righteousness, liberty, truth and peace. The living were not going Live successfully for that cause if they fell back on selfish, indolent ways.

At the conclusion of the Bishop's address the procession left the church in the following order: the clergy and choir, the Lord Lieutenant, the relatives of the fallen, members of the Memorial Committee, the ex-Service men and members of the congregation, singing the hymn “O God, our help in ages past."

THE MEMORIAL.

The memorial, which has been erected in the churchyard, takes the form of a cross of graceful design and the finest Portland stone. It was designed by Captain Long. Messrs. Atkinson and Long, architects, of Cambridge, and was erected by Messrs. W. Bell and Sons, of Cambridge, it is mounted on a square pedestal, one side of which bears the inscription: “To the honoured memory of those brave men of this parish who were called to give their lives for their country and for the cause of freedom and justice in the Great War, 1914-1918. ‘Their name liveth.’” Many beautiful wreaths were laid at the foot of the memorial. The following names of those who fell are inscribed upon the remaining sides of the base:—

1915.
  1917.
M. F. Andrews.   R. Beeton.
C. H. Chapman.   R. A. Bavester.
W. M. Whitehead.   G. A. Howlett.
A. H. J. Payton.   A. Garner.
1916.
  A. A. Steam
V. G. Plant.   A. W. Burrows.
J. U. Day.  
1918.
W. Day.   A. Denton.
C. R. Knights.   W. H. Flory.
H. Burling.   M. F. Bowers.
W. C. Gillson.   H. Moule
W. A. T. Branch.   D. H. Wye
E. J. Whitehead.   C. F. Day.
H. W. Darling.   W. Wallis.
B. E. Shipp   P. J. Flory
1917.
  A. A. Flory.
W. Garner.   H. F. Bavester.
F. Darling.   G. Garner.
P. E. Haylock.   R. V. Dimock.
F. Feast.   H. Mendham.
 

 

Before performing the formal unveiling, the Lord Lieutenant delivered a short address. He said: “I unveil this memorial to the glory of God and to the memory of the brave men of Waterbeach who fell in the war. It seems to me that it is an occasion more for feelings than for words, and therefore I shall be brief. This beautiful cross which you have erected here will for all time bear witness to the great sacrifice which Waterbeach made in the war. It is placed here out of your affection and respect for these brave men. On an occasion of this sort one’s thoughts are especially with those who lost those near and dear to them, for they also made great sacrifice and were sorely wounded, and they will carry their scars with them throughout their lives. They are honourable wounds, for those brave men who belonged to them did not die in vain. They were victorious in the fight for freedom and justice. They died for England, and what more could men do? Their sacrifice has put a great obligation on all of us, and there is one great lesson that we have learnt from their example; it is, that to accomplish a great purpose, patience, courage, and unity are required. And we all by these memorials pledge ourselves to sink all differences and work together for the betterment of our country.”

The memorial was then unveiled in reverent silence.

THE DEDICATION.

After the singing of the hymn “On the Resurrection Morning” the memorial was dedicated by the Bishop. “In the faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this memorial to the glory of God in memory of those who from this parish fell in the War.” The Bishop then read the names, and continued: “May their example inspire us to courage in the greater war against all evil. May their memory ever burn brightly in those who remember their deeds, and strengthened by their fellowship we look forward to re-union with them in the inheritance of the Saints in Light.” After a short prayer, in which the congregation joined, the Bishop pronounced the Blessing. “The Last Post” was then sounded by a squad of Boy Scouts from Cambridge, after which the singing of the National Anthem concluded the ceremony.

The erection of the memorial was due to the energy of a local committee, consisting of the members of the Parish Council (with powers to co-opt), under the chairmanship of Mr. William Flack, and assisted by Mr. A. L. Johns (hon. sec.), who have been untiring in their efforts to unite all sections of the community in this tribute of honour to their dead. Mr. E. Levitt, of The Laburnums, Waterbeach, acted as treasurer.

The committee express the wish that no artificial wreaths or receptacles for flowers be placed on the base of the monument.

waterbeach.jpg - 5452 Bytes
Photographs Copyright
© Phil Curme 2000

In grateful memory
of the men of Waterbeach
who fell in the Great War of
1914-1919
and the Second World War of
1939-1945.

1914-1919

ANDREWS William Thomas
Private 2715, A Company, 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action at St. Eloi while defending a trench against German attack on Sunday, 14th March 1915. Age 23. Son of William and Mary Jane Andrews, of Way Lane, Waterbeach, Cambs. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 50 and 52. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

BAVESTER Harold Frederick
Rifleman, A/200558, 4th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps and 1st Battn. Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Friday, 18th October 1918. Age 36. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bavester, of Waterbeach; husband of Sarah Ann Bavester, of The Lanes, Waterbeach, Cambridge. Buried in the Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, Nord, France Grave: III. E. 12. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
BAVESTER Reuben A
Private 683065, 1st/22nd (City of London) Battalion (The Queen's), London Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 7th June 1917. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Croydon, resident Cheam. Formerly 2699, 4th Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment. Commemorated on The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panels 52 to 54. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

BEETON Richard
Private G/29785, 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 10th May 1917. Age 26. Born and residetn Waterbeach, enlisted Bury St Edmund's. Son of George and Harriett Beeton, of The Lanes, Waterbeach; husband of Amy Jane Diver (formerly Beeton), of Lynn House, Waterbeach, Cambridge. Commemorated on The ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial


Richard and Amy Beeton

BOWERS Martin Fulstone
Private 325871, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who was missing believed killed on Saturday, 30th March 1918. Born Landbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Formerly 2678, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 84 and 85. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
BRANCH Walter Albert Thomas
Corporal, 2722, BCompany, 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 14th October 1916. Age 22. Son of Walter and Hannah Elizabeth Branch, of Denny Cottage, Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Buried in Connaught Cemetery, THIEPVAL, Somme, France. Grave IX. F. 7. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
BURLING Harry
Private 20501, 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 1st July 1916. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

BURROWS Arthur William
Private 326556, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 15th November 1917. Age 19. Son of John William and Ada Jessie Maud Burrows, of Way Lane, Fenleigh Terrace, Waterbeach, Cambs. Enlisted Cambridge. Formrly 3992, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 148. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
CHAPMAN Cecil Harry
Private 2726, BCompany, 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment, who was killed in action on Saturday, 17th April 1915. Age 18. Son of Frederick Chapman, of Denny End, Waterbeach, Cambs. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Commemorated on The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 50 and 52. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

DARLING Frank
Private 326432, 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Monday, 26th March 1917. Enlisted Cambridge. Formerly 3751, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Zillebeke, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. VII. K. 6. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
DARLING Harold Williams
Private 2728, "A" Company, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 14th October 1916. Age 21. Son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Darling, of Denny End, Waterbeach, Cambs. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Formerly 3751, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 16 B. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

DAY Clifford George
Private G/66555 The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment.) who died of wounds on Tuesday, 13th August 1918. Age 19. Son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Day, of Willow House, Waterbeach, Cambs. Bried in ADELAIDE CEMETERY, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, Somme, France. Grave II. C. 4. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
DAY Jack Uriah
Serjeant, 13652, 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 1st July 1916. Buried BAPAUME POST MILITARY CEMETERY, ALBERT, Somme, France. Grave: II. M. 9. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
DAY Walter
Private 20502, 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 1st July 1916. Commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

DENTON Albert
Private 203227 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 21st March 1918. Commemorated on the POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 54 to 56. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
DIMOCK Roger Vernon
Private 40330, 2nd/5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who was missing believed killed on Monday, 15th April 1918. Age 37. Son of the late Edward and Matilda Elizabeth Dimock, of The Hall, Waterbeach, Cambs. Commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 3. Roger was churchwarden at Waterbeach and a separate plaque commerates him in the church. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

FEAST Frederick aka Fred
Private 26548, 31st Battalion, Training Reserve who died in Dover Military Hospital on Monday, 9th April 1917. Age 18. Son of George and Hannah Feast, of Station Rd., Waterbeach, Cambs. Buried WATERBEACH CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Grave 77 (at West end). See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
FLORY Arnold A
Signal Boy, 2400/SB, H.M.S. Eaglet, Royal Naval Reserve who died in Naval Hospital Liverpool on Monday, 23rd September 1918. Age 16. Son of the Rev. Henry William Flory, M.A., and Mrs. Ruth Willice Flory, of Isleham Vicarage, Ely, Cambs. Buried in Ware New Cemetery, Hertfordshire. Grave 87. 1. 5. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
FLORY Percival James
Second Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 22nd August 1918. Buried in Bienvillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave XXI. E. II. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
FLORY William Henry
Second Lieutenant, 2nd/4th Battalion, Oxford. and Bucks Light Infantry who was killed in action on Thursday, 21st March 1918. Age 22. Son of the Revd. Henry William Flory, M.A., of The Vicarage, Isleham, Cambs., and the late Ruth Willice Flory. A member of Fitzwilliam Hall, Cambridge University, and preparing to take Holy Orders. His two brothers also fell. Commemorated on The POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 50 and 51. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
GARNER Albert
Private 235174, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds 14th October 1917. Formerly 7871, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Born Waterbeach. Enlisted Cambridge. Buried in Outersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, Nord, France. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
GARNER George W
Private 26978, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Missing believed killed in action 30th November 1917. Born Waterbeach. Enlisted Cambridge. Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France.
GARNER William
Private 36566, 6th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire) Regiment. Killed in action 10th March 1917. Born Waterbeach. Enlisted Cambridge. Resident Waterbeach. Formerly 4633, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Buried in Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, Somme, France. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
GILLSON William C
Private 3787, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who died of shot wounds on Thursday, 13th July 1916. Lived High Street, Waterbeach. Enlisted Cambridge. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave V. F. 84. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
HAYLOCK Percy Edward
Private 326863, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment who was killed in action on Monday, 26th March 1917. Age 25. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. Haylock, of Waterbeach, Cambs. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Formerly 4670 Cambridgeshire Regiment. Buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Zillebeke, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave VII. K. 7. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
HOWLETT George Alfred
Private G/24520, 23rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment who was killed in action on Tuesday, 31st July 1917. Age 27. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Howlett; husband of Ethel Mary Howlett, of Limes Farm, Landbeach, Cambs. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 49 and 51. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

KNIGHTS Cyril Reginald
[Listed on SDGW as Reginald] Private 21712, 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, who died on 1st July 1916. Age 19. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Son of Mr and Mrs S Knights of Rosemary Hill, Waterbeach, Cambs. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

MENDHAM Hezekiah
Private 203426, 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment.) killed in action on Saturday, 5th October 1918. Enlisted Newark, Nottinghamshire. Son of Mr. T. Mendham, of Winfold Rd., Waterbeach, Cambs. Buried in Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy, Aisne, France. Grave B. 2.
MOULE Henry
Private 16358, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, killed in action on Friday, 5th April 1918. Born Barrington, enlisted Cambridge. Commemorated on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 25. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
PAYTON Alfred R J
Private 9091, "A" Company, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action on Friday, 1st October 1915. Age 20. Born Waterneach, enlisted Cambridge. Son of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Payton, of Waterbeach Fen, Cambridge. Commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 37 and 38. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
PLANT Vivian George
Leading Signalman, 237621, H.M.S. "Conquest.", Royal Navy who drowned on Tuesday, 28th March 1916. Buried in Walton-On-The-Naze (or Walton-Le-Soken) (All Saints) Churchyard Extension, Essex. Note: The extension contains 21 War Graves, including that of an unidentified seaman of the Royal Navy (grave 587). In a plot on the South boundary are buried 17 sailors and one Marine from H.M.S. "Conquest," hit in the German raid on Lowestoft and Yarmouth in March, 1916; forty officers and men were killed or wounded. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
SHIP[P] Bertram Edward
Lance Corporal, 26700, 14th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment who was killed in action on Friday, 20th October 1916. Age 20. Born and resident Waterbeach, enlisted Cambridge. Formerly 26977, Suffolk Regiment. Buried in Connaught Cemetery, Thiepval, Somme, France. Grave X. H. 4. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
STEARN Alfred Albert
Private M/271585, 881st Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps who died in Hospital in Greece on Wednesday, 14th November 1917. Age 34. Born Dry Drayton, enlisted CAmbridge, resident Waterbeach. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stearn, of High St., Landbeach; husband of Elsie E. Steam, of High St., Waterbeach. Buried in Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Greece. Grave 1579. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
WALLIS William
Private 550180, 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment.) who died of wounds on Sunday, 11th August 1918. Age 28. Born 9th June 1890, Cambridgeshire. Passed fit to serve February 15th, enlisted 29th February 1915 in Toronton, Ontario, Canada, aged 25 years 4 months. Resident 1592, Danford Avenue, Toronto, Canada. Waiter by trade. Son of John and Jane Wallis, of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire; husband of Ada E. Wallis, of 5, Parker's Yard, Longpool, Kendal, Westmorland although she is listed as being at 1592, Danford Avenue, Toronto, Canada when he enlisted. Height 5 feet 6 inches, girth 35½ inches, complexion fresh, eyes blue, hair brown; religion Methodist. 6½ inch scar on his left hip. Buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave VIA. A. 3. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 10042 - 53 See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
WHITEHEAD Ellis James
Private 26923, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action on Friday, 18th August 1916. Age 19. Born and enlisted Waterbeach. Son of Alice Mary Everitt (formerly Whitehead, of Denney End, Waterbeach, Cambs:, and the late Edward Whitehead. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 4. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial

WHITEHEAD Walter Moses
Private 2743, "D" Company, 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment, wounded 1st June 1915, died of wounds received in action on Wednesday, 2nd June 1915. Age 19. Son of Ellen Louisa Hills (formerly Whitehead), of Rosemary Terrace, Waterbeach, Cambs., and the late George Whitehead. Born Waterbeach, enlisted Waterbeach. Buried in Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, Nord, France. Grave I. D. 1. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial
WYE David Henry
[Listed as David Harold Wye on SDGW Private G/8060, 1st Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment.) who died of wounds on Thursday, 18th April 1918. Born Waterbeach, enlisted and resident King's Lynn, Norfolk. Buried in Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave II. F. 28. See also Waterbeach St John Memorial and also Liverpool Street Station, London
1939-1945
BAVESTER Dennis Charles Frederick
Craftsman, 14547055, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers who died on Sunday, 22nd July 1945. Age 23. Son of Frederick William and Beatrice Dora Bavester, of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire. Buried in Celle War Cemetery, Germany. Grave 2. E. 4.
BURLING Harold William
Lance Serjeant, 5771503, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment who died on Monday, 7th August 1944. Age 29. Commemorated on Bayeux Memorial, Calvados, France. Panel 13, Column 1.
CUDWORTH Leslie Charles
Corporal, 5827926, HQ Coy, 2nd Btn. The Cambridgeshire Regiment, Suffolk Regiment who died on Wednesday, 1st March 1944. Age 26. Prisoner of War, died Chunkai, of encephalitis. Son of James and Zetella Cudworth; husband of Evelyn May Cudworth, of Cambridge. Buried in Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand. Grave 1. C. 4.

HOWARD S.
1941. possibly Sidney Charles Howard, Corporal EX/5199, R.M. Group, M.N.B.D.O.1., Royal Marines who died on Sunday, 1st June 1941. Age 27. Son of Frank and Ethel Howard; husband of Kathleen Maud Howard, of Brentwood, Essex. Commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Panel 102. Column 3.
PAYNE Arthur William
Corporal, 5825138, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who died on Tuesday, 24th March 1942. Age 29. Prisoner of War. Buried in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Grave 8. A. 7.

PRIOR Ernest Harry
Leading Aircraftman 546726, 149 Squadron, Royal Air Force who was killed in a Wellington crash at Burnt Fen Saturday, 2nd March 1940. Age 22. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Algernon John Prior, of Waterbeach. The plane took off from Mildenhall on a leafletting raid. Buried in WATERBEACH CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Grave 190A.

Crash details. The Vivkers Wellington, MK 1A, N2984-OJ, of 149 squadron took off from Mildenhall 00:34 hrs on a leaflet dropping mission to Bremen. Soon after take-off the port engine failedand crew elected to return to the base; the bomber was seen with its landing lights on. The plane crashed 00:45 hrs at Burnt Fen 9 miles North-West of Mildenhall. The War Office Records can be found under the index W735. N2984 was due to take part in the Battle of the River plate 17 December 1939 but had to turn back due to engine trouble on that occasion as well. The crew of the fatal mission were:

Leo Reginald Field,
Fyling Officer, Pilot, killed
buried in Brighton (Lewes Rd) Borough Cemetery

Laurence Bruce Hughson,
Aircraftman 2nd Class, Wireless Operator/Gunner, killed
buried in Troon Cemetery, Ayrshire

James Chalmers Murdoch,
Sergeant, Observer, killed
buried in Troon Cemetery, Ayrshire

Ernest Harry Prior
(details here), killed
buried in Troon Cemetery, Ayrshire

Thomas Edgeley Smith,
Aircraftman 2nd Class (Air Gunner), killed
buried in Dunbar Cemetery

Maurice Wiffen,
Sergeant 2nd Pilot, killed
buried in Braintree & Bocking (Braintree) Cemetery,
STOAKLEY Charles Victor

Photograph Courtesy & Copyright
© Richard E Hinkle 2002
Sapper, 2009987, 288 Field Company, Royal Engineers who died on Thursday, 15th February 1945. Age 28. Prisoner of War. Son of Alfred and Florence May Stoakley; husband of Lenorah Florence Olive Stoakley, of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire. Buried Sai Wan War Cemetery, Hong Kong. Grave V. N. 8.

WOOL Reginald Walter

Private 14546992, 2/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment who died on Friday, 12th May 1944. Age 21. Son of Herbert Aaron and Caroline Wool, of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire. Buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy. Grave VIII. J. 18.

Last updated 19 November, 2022

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