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Abbott, Norman Frederick
Age: Unknown
DIED 17 AUGUST 1944
PRIVATE 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division, made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 June 1944. The Division was involved in very heavy fighting in Normandy during June, July and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 8 September 1944:
Official news has been received that Priv. Norman Frederick Abbott, only son of Mr. Frederick Abbott of 21 Horsey lane, has been killed in action at the age of 30. A native of Crewkerne, he married Miss Dorothy Preston, second daughter of Mrs. E. Preston, 50 Lyde Road, five years ago. Before joining the Army in 1940 he was employed at the World’s Stores, Middle Street. He leaves one son aged 2 ½.
Son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Abbott and husband of Dorothy Abbott of Yeovil
Interred in Bayeux War Cemetery – Grave XXVIII.G.5.
Bagwell, Wreford Thomas
Age: Unknown
DIED 1 MARCH 1944
ABLE SEAMAN ROYAL NAVY
HMS GOULD
HMS Gould was a Royal Naval Frigate and on 1 March 1944 north of the Azores, she was in company with HM Ships Affleck, Gore and Garlies attacking with depth charges German U-Boat U-358. The U-Boat torpedoed and sank HMS Gould and was itself sunk the same day. There were only 14 survivors from HMS Gould.
The Western Gazette 31 March 1944:
Mrs. Pat Bagwell, of 63 Seaton Road, has received notification from the Admiralty that her husband, Able Seaman Wreford Thomas Bagwell, R.N., is reported missing presumed killed. Able Seaman Bagwell, who was 28, attended Huish School, and was a keen footballer, playing for a number of local teams. He was formerly employed as a staker at the Highfield factory of Messrs C.W. Pittard & Co. Ltd., leather dressers. Since joining the Navy 3½ years ago he has served on several ships and was on the battle-cruiser H.M.S. Renown when she carried the Prime Minister to Canada last year. There are four small children, three girls and a boy.
Panel 85, Column 3 – Plymouth Naval Memorial
Baker, Robert Sidney Courthope
Age: 34
DIED 2 JULY 1944
PRIVATE 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division, made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 June 1944. The Division was involved in very heavy fighting in Normandy during June, July and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 28 July 1944:
Mrs. G.F. Baker, Broadway House, has received official notification that her elder son, Pte. R.S.C. (“Bob”) Baker, of the Somerset Light Infantry, has been killed in action.
Son of Mr and Mrs George Baker of Yeovil
Interred in Secqueville-En-Bessin War Cemetery - Grave II.B.3.
Ball, Arthur
Age: 20
DIED 1 NOVEMBER 1944
LEADING WIREMAN ROYAL NAVY
H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102
On 1st November 1944, British Commandoes and British and Canadian Infantry were landed on the Island of Walcheren in an operation to clear the Germans from the approaches to the port of Antwerp and thereby open its essential dock facilities.
H.M. Landing Craft Gun (Medium) 102, in company with H.M.L.G.(M) 101, were part of the fire support for the landing. H.M.L.G.(M) 102 ran in under heavy fire, beached and opened fire on an enemy strong point. The landing craft was subjected to overwhelming enemy fire and totally destroyed; there were no survivors. In turn H.M.L.C.G. (M) 101 was sunk by heavy enemy fire but her crew suffered few casualties.
Son of Doris Ball of Yeovil
Panel 91, Column 1 – Plymouth Naval Memorial
Bambury, Lionel Arthur
Age: Unknown
DIED 29 MAY 1942
PRIVATE 2ND BATTALION, WILTSHIRE REGIMENT
The Western Gazette 12 June 1942:
Only a week after the death of his wife, Mr. Sidney Bambury of 176 Huish, received official intimation that his third son, Private Lionel Arthur Bambury has died overseas while serving with the Army.
Priv. Bambury who was 27, was a single man, and joined the Army two years ago. A native of Yeovil, he was one time employed at a glove factory in Goldcroft. Of his three surviving brothers, two are serving with the Army.
Interred in Kirkee War Cemetery, India - Grave 4.J.12.
Banfield, Hugh William Ward
Age: Unknown
DIED 24 AUGUST 1944
LIEUTENANT ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
The Western Gazette 24 November 1944:
Information has been received by Mr. W.F. Banfield, of 22 Hendford, that his nephew, Lieut. Hugh Wm. Ward Banfield (26) of the Royal Corps of Signals, has been killed in action in France.
Lieut. Banfield’s parents Mr. and the late Mrs. H.G. Banfield (the former now living at Wappinger’s Falls, New York State) went to the United States about 40 years ago. Mrs. Banfield returned to this country during the last war, and Lieut. Banfield was born at his uncle’s house. He went back to America with his mother at the end of hostilities, but in 1940 decided to come to Britain and join the British Army. “He was always proud of his British origin,”his father writes, “and in the hour of his country’s need in 1940 made up his mind that it was his duty to return to his motherland, where he hoped to settle after the war.” He obtained his commission a year after joining the Army. His father—a native of Yeovil—is well known to many of the older generation of Yeovilians
Interred in Banneville-La-Campagne War CemeteryGrave VI.F.17.
Barlow, Arnold Thomas
Age: Unknown
DIED 25 JUNE 1943
SERGEANT ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
156 SQUADRON
Sergeant A T Barlow lost his life when Lancaster bomber ED858 GT-R, 156 Squadron, Bomber Command, in which he was a crew member, was shot down and crashed near Cologne on 25 June 1943.
The Western Gazette 2 July 1943:
Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Barlow of 48 St. Michael’s Avenue, have received notification that their younger son, Sergeant-Observer Arnold Barlow, is missing following recent operations. He is an old boy of Yeovil School, where he was a prefect, and he joined the Royal Air Force two years ago.
Son of Mr and Mrs Herbert Barlow of Yeovil
Panel 141 Runnymede Memorial
Barnes, George Ernest
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 OCTOBER 1944
DRIVER ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
The Western Gazette 27 October 1944:
Mrs. Muriel Barnes, of 104 Sherborne Road, received notification on Thursday that her husband, Driver George Barnes, of the R.A.S.C., aged 25, has been drowned while on active service in Italy.
Driver Barnes, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Barnes of Hayes End, Hayes, Middlesex, and before volunteering for the Army in 1939, was employed in his father’s business as a book-binder. He was in the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940, and was married the same year to Miss Muriel Walden, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Walden of 22 Glenville Road. Going abroad in September 1941, he went through the North Africa campaign. He has never seen his two years and 10 months old son, Paul
Husband of Muriel Barnes of Andover, Hampshire
Interred in Caserta War Cemetery, Italy - Grave II.E.1.
Barnes, Louis Harold
Age: 29
DIED 26 NOVEMBER 1943
SERGEANT (FLIGHT ENGINEER) ROYAL AIR FORCE
SQUADRON
Sergeant L H Barnes lost his life when Halifax bomber LW326 TL-H, 76 Squadron, Bomber Command, in which he was a crew member, was shot down and crashed between Wiesloch and Malschenberg, 16 km south of Heidelberg, on 26 November 1943.
Son of Mr and Mrs William Barnes of Yeovil
Interred in Durnbach War Cemetery - Joint Grave 6.E.15-16.
Bartlett, William Victor
Age: 32
DIED 7 APRIL 1943
FUSILIER 1ST BATTALION, ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS
Face 11 – Rangoon Memorial
Batstone, Mrs Florence Lilian Maud
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs F L M Batstone was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
Her husband MR REGINALD JAMES BATSTONE was also killed at the same time, but his name is not inscribed on the War Memorial.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
Mr. and Mrs. Reginald James Batstone, of Ham Hill, were buried together at the East Stoke Churchyard on Saturday. The Rev. A.W. Turner, Methodist Minister officiated.
The relatives of Mr. Batstone who attended included:- Mr.W.J. Batstone(father), Messrs. R.W. and N. Batstone (brothers), Miss Batstone (sister), Messrs. R. and W. Batstone (nephews), Mrs. W. Batstone, Mrs. N. Batstone and Mrs. L. Palmer (sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. H. Batstone (uncle and aunt), Mrs. Ridley(aunt).
The relatives of Mrs. Florence L.M. Batstone were Miss Palmer and Miss E. Palmer (sisters), Messrs. Percy and Robert Palmer (brothers, Mrs. R Palmer sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Palmer (nephew and niece).
76 HAM HILL, STOKE-SUB-HAMDON Interred in the Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
Bell, Mrs Amelia
Age: Unknown
DIED 25 MAY 1941
Mrs Amelia Bell was killed in the ninth German air raid on Yeovil on 25 May 1941 when 136 Mudford Road was destroyed by an high explosive bomb.
Mrs Bell was the widow of the late Mr William James Bell.
The Western Gazette 30 May 1941:
The death has occurred at the age of 57, of Mrs. Amelia Bell of “Langbrae” Mudford Road, Yeovil, a native of Edinburgh, who has been living here for the past six years. Mrs. Bell, who was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Waddle, of Edinburgh, was the wife of Mr. William James Bell, who joined the Canadian Regiment known as “The Rocky Mountaineers” in the Great War and was killed at Vimy Ridge shortly before his only son was born.
Mrs. Bell had taken an active interest in the Literary and Dramatic Society and had played in the Society’s productions of “The Rumour” and “London Wall” and had taken part in many play readings. She was rehearsing for the forthcoming wartime production by the Society. In her younger days she had spent ten years on the stage with well-known companies, including that of the late Sir Frank Benson. She was a writer of short stories and articles. She was also an active member of the Mudford Women’s Institute. Her cheerful disposition earned her many friends young and old.
The Rev. S.V. Purcell (vicar of St. Michael’s) conducted the service at the Cemetery Chapel, where the lesson was read by Mr. Patrick Scott, one of the two producers for the Literary and Dramatic Society.
Family mourners were Mr. J.H. Bell (son), and Mr. Harold Bell, of London (brother-in-law). Friends present included Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Seaton, Mr. H.A. Ballinger, Miss J. Ballinger, Mrs. Bale, Miss Sellers, Mrs. P.H. Cleverly, Mrs. H. Heaney, Mrs. Balchin, Mrs. J.H. Dodge, Mrs. Davey, Mrs. F. Thorne, and Mrs. H. Field.
Representing the Literary and Dramatic Society, in addition to Mr. Patrick Scott, were Mr. E.D. Moore (president), Mrs. G. Atkinson (hon. Secretary), Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. M. Young, Mrs O.F. Morgan, Miss Ford, and Miss M.Thorne. Representing Mudford Women’s Institute were Miss Goodford (president), Miss Longley (vice-president), Mrs. Brake and Mrs. Burt.
136 MUDFORD ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Bennie, John Ritchie
Age: 43
DIED 26 JUNE 1944
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS II (S.S.M.) ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS
2ND CORPS REINFORCEMENT UNIT
Husband of Louisa Willmott Bennie of Yeovil
Interred in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy - Grave XIV.D.20.
Beswick, John William
Age: 30
DIED 14 FEBRUARY 1942
SIGNALMAN ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
Lost at sea while a prisoner of war
Son of Mr and Mrs John Beswick and husband of Muriel Eileen Beswick of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
Column 51 – Alamein Memorial
Bright, Mrs Winifred Annie
Age: 37
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs W A Bright was gravely injured in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 when an high explosive bomb fell on the air raid shelter at the Vicarage Street Methodist Church. Mrs Bright died on 9 October in Yeovil Hospital.
Mrs W A Bright was the wife of Mr Reginald Richard John Bright.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The funeral of Mrs. Winifred A. Bright, wife of Mr. R. Bright, took place at the Cemetery, preceded by requiem Mass at St. Michael’s Church. Mrs. Bright was a regular worshipper there, and took an active part in the church work. The service was conducted by the Rev. S.V. Purcell, and Mrs. Sims (friend) was at the organ.
The family mourners were:- Mr. R. Bright (husband), Mr. R. Bagwell (brother), Mrs. L.A. Bright (mother-in-law), Mrs. R. Bagwell, Mrs. S. Hallett and Miss Rosie Bright (sisters-in-law), (Mrs F. Chaffey sister-in-law, was unable to be present), Messrs. L. Lumber, F. Chaffey and S. Hallett (brothers-in-law), Aunt Edie and Uncle Maurice, East Chinnock, Aunt Edie, St. Michael’s Avenue, Philip Axe (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. Bert Lumber, Mr. T. Phillips, Mr. E.J. Cook, Mr. H. Kellow (representing staff of Sherborne Station), Mr. Jack Frost (friend) Messrs Snell and Sibley (representing a local organisation).
22 CROMWELL ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Bugler, Mrs Mary Jane
Age: 58
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
DAIRY HOUSE, LUFTON
Mrs M J Bugler was gravely injured in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 when an high explosive bomb fell on the air raid shelter at the Vicarage Street Methodist Church. Mrs Bugler died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
Mrs M J Bugler was the wife of Mr John Henry Bugler.
Coombs, Kenneth Alfred
Age: 22
DIED 19 SEPTEMBER 1944
CORPORAL 4TH BATTALION, WELCH REGIMENT
The Western Gazette 13 October 1944:
News has been received by Mrs. K.A. Coombs, of 100 Rosebery Avenure, of the death in action in France of her husband, Corpl. Kenneth Alfred Coombs, of the Welch Regiment. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Coombs. Previously he had been posted as missing, but later his wife was notified that he had been killed. Corpl. K.A. Coombs, joined the Territorials in 1938. Prior to the outbreak of war he was employed in the printing department of Messrs. A.E. Stevens & Co., box manufacturers.
Son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Coombs of Dormanstown, Redcar, Yorkshire
Interred in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery – Grave 11.B.2.
Cross, Thomas Vincent
Age: 27
DIED 22 NOVEMBER 1943
MAJOR
57 FIELD REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY Son of Mr and Mrs Vincent Cross, and husband of Lois Mildred Cross, of Barnham, Sussex
Interred in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy – Grave IX.C.13.
Culvert, Mrs Jessie Emily
Age: 23
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mrs Jessie Emily Culvert was gravely injured in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941, when houses in Westland Terrace, Westland Road, were destroyed by high explosive bombs. Mrs Culvert died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
She was the wife of Mr Charles Edwin Culvert and daughter of Arthur James and Emily Jane Derham.
42 WESTLAND TERRACE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Dart, John Charles
Age: Unknown
DIED 1 SEPTEMBER 1940
STOKER 1ST CLASS ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S.ESK
HMS Esk was a Royal Naval Destroyer, and on 1 September 1940, was with a group of destroyers on a mine-laying operation off the occupied Dutch coast. One of the destroyers, HMS Express, struck a German mine, and in going to her assistance, HMS Esk also hit a mine and sank immediately with the loss of her commanding officer and 151 of the ship’s company.
The Western Gazette 6 September 1940:
News came by telegram on Wednesday to Mrs. Dart, of 172 Goldcroft, Yeovil, that her husband, John Charles Dart, first class stoker, was “missing presumed killed” on war service. Stoker Dart, who was called up with the Naval Reserve on 31st July 1939, had already completed 22 years with the Senior Service. He was home on leave a fortnight ago and Mrs. Dart had a letter from him bearing the date August 30th, on Monday this week, in which he said he was going to sea. There are seven children of the marriage, the eldest a boy of 16 and the youngest a baby of eighteen months.
Panel 42, Column 1 – Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Davey, Lloyd Terence Rupert
Age: 23
DIED 4 FEBRUARY 1944
PRIVATE 1ST BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, transferred from India to the Arakan Province on the west coast of Burma in May 1943, and took part in heavy fighting against the Japanese during 1944.
Son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Davey
Face 7 - Rangoon Memorial
Denmead, Miss Kathleen Joyce
Age: 24
DIED 25 MAY 1941
Miss Kathleen Joyce Denmead was killed in the ninth German air raid on 25 May 1941, when an high explosive bomb destroyed+ 132 Mudford Road.
Miss Denmead was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Denmead, of Yeovil, and the niece of Mr and Mrs D E Haines.
For further details see Mr and Mrs D E Haines
132 MUDFORD ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Dodge, Miss Joyce
Age: 18
DIED 8 OCTOBER 1940
Miss Joyce Dodge was killed in the second German air raid on Yeovil on 8 October 1940, when an high explosive bomb made a direct hit on an air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove.
Miss Dodge was the daughter of Mr and Mrs J K Dodge.
HOUNDSTONE, YEOVIL Interred in the Churchyard of St Andrew’s Church, Brympton D’Evercy.
Durrant, Norman Sidney
Age: 24
DIED 16 JANUARY 1945
PRIVATE ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS
The Western Gazette 20 March 1942:
Two Yeovil men are officially reported to have been serving in Malaya when the garrison at Singapore capitulated and as their whereabouts is unknown they have been posted missing. Every effort is being made to trace them and it is hoped they may be safe although they may be prisoners of war. They are Lance-Corpl. Roy (“Joe”) Phillips and Private Norman Sidney Durrant.
Lance/Corpl. Phillips is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Phillips, of Mudford Road. He is in the R.A.S.C. joining the Service in 1940, and he left for overseas twelve months ago.
Private Norman Sidney Durrant is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Durrant of 50 Glenville Road, and has been serving in the R.A.O.C. Prior to joining the Service in January 1941, he was on the staff of Messrs. Bartlett & Sons, builders. Mr. and Mrs. Durrant’s second son is also serving the country as a wireless officer in the Merchant Navy. He was home on a short leave in January. Both are old boys of Yeovil School.
Norman Durrant died whilst a prisoner of the Japanese.
Interred in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand – Grave 2.J.77.
Dyke, Frederick
Age: Unknown
DIED 17 JULY 1943
PRIVATE 9TH BATTALION, DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 20 August 1943:
Private Henry Frederick Dyke (26) of the Durham Light Infantry, second son of the late Mr. G. Dyke and Mrs. Dyke, 32 Great Western Terrace, has been killed in action in the Middle East. He had been serving overseas for a year. Employed prior to the war by various firms, latterly by Messrs. Blake and Fox (glove manufacturers). Private Dyke enlisted with the Territorials and at the outbreak of war joined the Somerset Light Infantry, from which he was transferred to the Durhams.
Interred in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily - Grave III.C.7.
Eastment, Reginald Albert Edgar
Age: 28
DIED 30 OCTOBER 1945
CORPORAL 140 FIELD AMBULANCE, ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
The Western Gazette 9 November 1945:
A double road accident near Brussels cost the life of Corporal Reginald Albert Edgar (“Reg”) Eastment (28), second son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Eastment, 127 Rosebery Avenue, a month after he had been home on leave and a week before his intended marriage to Miss Isabel Wilson, of Peebles, Scotland, where he had been stationed for a time while serving with the R.A.M.C. His death is also a loss to Yeovil Salvation Army Band in which he played the fugal horn.
The vehicle in which he was travelling skidded on the tramlines near Brussels and collided with another vehicle, but he and the driver escaped. The vehicle was about to be towed away when a civilian car hit it and Corporal Eastment was crushed between the damaged truck and the towing lorry. He died in hospital from internal injuries.
Corporal Eastment had served nearly six years, having joined the Corps in March 1940, and he had been overseas three years and five months in Iraq, North Africa, Malta (during the raids), Sicily, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium and Holland. He was an old scholar of Pen Mill School and was a member of the Salvation Army Young People’s Band until his transfer to the Senior Band. He had been employed as a staker at Messrs. Pittard’s Highfield Factory.
A memorial service is to be held at The Citadel, Yeovil on Sunday evening.
Mr. and Mrs Eastment’s two surviving sons are Charles, serving with Army Catering Corps in India and Jack, home on leave from a Royal Artillery Unit at Cromer.
The Western Gazette 16 November 1945
A memorial service for Corpl. Reginald Albert Edward Eastment (28) second son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Eastment, 127 Rosebery Avenue, whose death in Brussels was reported in our last issue, took place at the Salvation Army Temple, Southville on Sunday evening. Corpl. Eastment was a former bandsman. Adjutant Jewkes conducted the service, and a tribute was paid by Bandmaster Stannard who said that a Salvation Army funeral was given to Corpl. Eastment in Brussels. Adjutant Jewkes gave an address.
Son of Mr and Mrs Henry Eastment of Yeovil
Interred in Brussels Town Cemetery - Grave X.32.25.
Edgerley, Cecil Beresford
Age: Unknown
DIED 14 MARCH 1944
LIEUTENANT ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
The Western Gazette 28 September 1945:
Official news was received on Monday that Lieut. Cecil B. Edgerley, R.A.S.C., died from malaria on 16 March 1944. Aged 39, and the youngest son of Major and Mrs. Edgerley of Merfield, Sherborne Road, Lieut. Edgerley went to Singapore in 1939 and was taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1942. A card was received from him at Christmas dated January 1944, stating that he was quite well. Lieut. Edgerley leaves a widow and little daughter who was born after he left for Singapore.
Interred in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand - Grave 4.E.8.
Ewens, Frederick Paul
Age: 25
DIED 31 MARCH 1941
SURGEON LIEUTENANT (D) ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S. BONAVENTURE
HMS Bonaventure, was a Royal Naval Light Cruiser escorting a convoy south-east of Crete, when she was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Ambra, on 31 March 1941, and sank with the loss of 139 members of the ship’s company; there were 310 survivors.
The Western Gazette 28 April 1941:
Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ewens, of Hillsboro’, West Coker Road, Yeovil, in the loss of their eldest son, Surgeon Lieutenant (D) Frederick Paul Ewens, R.N., who lost his life when H.M.S. Bonaventure was sunk.
Surgeon-Lieut. Ewens, who was in his 25th year, was educated at Bishop Stortford College, and entered Bristol University in 1932. He took his degree B.D.S. in 1938, and it was conferred on him by the Chancellor of the University, the Right Hon. Winston Churchill. Later he was appointed house dental surgeon to the Royal Infirmary, Bristol, and later he was appointed to the Royal Navy. He was a very promising tennis player, and for three years, captained the Bristol University team. When he joined the Royal Navy he was selected to represent the Navy in the Inter-Services tennis championships at Wimbledon.
Son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Ewens of Yeovil
Panel 45, Column 1 - Plymouth Naval Memorial
Farwell, Miss Elsie
Age: Unknown
DIED 6 AUGUST 1942
Miss Elsie Farwell was gravely injured in the tenth, and last German air raid on Yeovil during the evening of 5 August 1942, when a single bomb dropped by one of a pair of FW 190 fighter bombers exploded and destroyed houses in Dampier Street. Miss Farwell died on 6 August in Yeovil Hospital.
The Western Gazette 14 August 1942:
The funeral took place on Monday of Miss Elsie Farwell, who died last week aged 59. She had been a member of the Salvation Army for over forty years being particularly associated with the Young People’s Corps at Yeovil and had held the position of Record Sergeant for many years.
The service at the Temple was conducted by Major Frank Bowles, assisted by Mrs. Bowles and Adjutant M. Bicknell. The band, conducted by Bandmaster J. Stannard preceded the cortege to the Cemetery, where they played music around the graveside. The Company Guards sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and Major Bowles paid tribute to the deceased. Family mourners were:- Messrs. George and Tom Farwell (brothers), Mr. and Mrs. W. Sparks, Mr. and Mrs. C. Glover, Mr. F. Evans and Miss May Farwell (brothers-in-law and sisters), Mrs. T. Farwell (sister-in-law), Messrs. Stanley and Charlie Evans, Miss Mildred Evans, Mr. Ronald Holt (Crewkerne), Mr. and Mrs. A. Binding (Weston-super-Mare), Ivy and May (Crewkerne), Mrs. G. Shoemark, and Mr. and Mrs. C. Antell (all nephews and nieces), Mrs. H. Bowles and Mr. H. Winscombe (friends).
6 DAMPIER STREET, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Fitkin, Family
Age: Unknown
ALL DIED ON 8 OCTOBER 1940
All three members of the FITKIN family were killed in the second German air raid on Yeovil on 8 October 1940, when an high explosive bomb made a direct hit on an air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove.
The memorial plaque on the Yeovil War Memorial omits the name of MRS OLGA JOYCE FITKIN but her name is included in the memorial plaque in Johnson Hall.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The death has occurred of Mr. James Fitkin, aged 31, eldest son of the late Driver H. Fitkin and Mrs. P. Hallett, of 32 Mount Pleasant, Yeovil; also of his wife, Olga Joyce Fitkin, aged 29 youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rogers, of 16 St. Michael’s View, Montacute; and their son, Anthony Maxwell Fitkin, aged three years and five months. Mr. Fitkin had been employed as a carpenter by Messrs. D. Singleton & Son, builders of Yeovil, ever since his apprenticeship with the firm, and he had served as a special constable since the outbreak of war. His wife was well-known in Montacute and Yeovil and prior to their marriage had been employed for eight years in the offices of Messrs. Aplin and Barrett, and for 15 years had been a member of the choir of S. Catherine’s Church, Montacute. She had also been a member of the Parochial Church Council.
The funeral was at Montacute and all three were buried in one grave, which had been lined with flowers by Mr. Margery. The Rev. R.T. Beechy, vicar of Montacute, who had officiated at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Fitkin, six years ago, conducted the funeral service in St. Catherine’s Church, the entrance to which was lined by members of Yeovil Special Constabulary, and by Mr. Fitkin’s workmates. Many friends and sympathisers attended the service, among those present being Mrs. Clive, of Brympton House. In his address the Vicar paid tribute to Mrs. Fitkin’s active interest in the church.
The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. P. Hallett and Mr. and Mrs. T.F. Rogers (parents and grand-parents), Mr. and Mrs. C. Fitkin (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Roderick Hallett (step-brother), Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Selwood (uncle and aunt), Mrs. Louie Baldwin of Newport, Mon. (aunt), Mr. L.A. Rogers, of Alton, Hants. (brother), Mrs. J. A. Craigie, of Worthing (sister), Mr. C. E. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. A. Horace Rogers (brothers and sister-in-law), Mr. H. Rogers (uncle), Miss R. Rogers (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Johnson (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. C. Rogers (cousins), Mr. D. Singleton, representing the firm of Messrs D. Singleton & Son.
Brigadier General F.R.E. Lock, D.S.O., county commandant of the Special Constabulary, was also present with Group Leader G. Hart, Deputy Commander H.C.J. Mitchelmore and 12 special constables. Assistant Group Leader W. Munroe, Section Commander L. Pearce and Special Constables N. Wilcox and N. Hunt acted as bearers.
101 PRESTON GROVE, YEOVIL The family are interred in St Catherine’s Churchyard, Montacute
MR WILLIAM JAMES FITKIN
MRS OLGA JOYCE FITKIN
MASTER ANTHONY MAXWELL FITKIN
Forsey, Mr Leslie
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Leslie Forsey was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 in the air raid shelter at 45 Grove Avenue which received a direct hit from an high explosive bomb.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
Two victims of an air raid in another part of the country were buried at Axminster Cemetery on Friday afternoon, a joint funeral service being conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. F.H. Sanders).
The victims were members of two well-known families in the Axminster district, Mrs. Myra Joan Morris, aged 50, and Mr. Leslie Forsey, aged 31. They were killed in the same raid. Mrs. Morris was the wife of Mr. G. Morris, who was formerly a recorder of the East Devon Milk Recording Society. She was the only daughter of Mrs. Major, of Great Trill Farm, Axminster, and the late Mr. W.J. Major. There are two daughters, the Misses Frances and Marjorie Morris.
Mr. Forsey, who was within a day of his 32nd birthday, was engaged to Miss Francis Morris. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Forsey, of Higher Doetshayne Farm, Musbury. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Dawkins, Axminster, for five years as a driver salesman.
48 GROVE AVENUE, YEOVIL Interred in Axminster Cemetery
Foyle, Gordon Victor
Age: 19
DIED 16 JUNE 1944
SERGEANT (AIR GUNNER) ROYAL AIR FORCE
61 SQUADRON
Sergeant G V Foyle lost his life when Lancaster bomber ME783 QR-E, 61 Squadron, Bomber Command, in which he was a crew member, was shot down on a mission to bomb enemy fuel dumps at Chatellerault, France, on 16 June 1944.
Son of Mr and Mrs Harold Foyle of Yeovil
Interred in Escoublac-La-Baule War Cemetery - Grave 2.E.11.
Francis, Kenneth Harry
Age: 21
DIED 13 AUGUST 1943
SERGEANT (WIRELESS OPERATOR/AIR GUNNER ROYAL AIR FORCESQUADRON
The Western Gazette 20 August 1943:
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Francis of 139 Goldcroft, that their eldest son Flight Sergt. Kenneth Harry Francis (21) has been killed.
Flight-Sergt. Francis, who would have been 22 in October, volunteered for the R.A.F. over two years ago, and was trained as a wireless operator and air gunner. He was formerly a drummer in the 1st Company Boys’ Brigade band, and in 1937 was awarded a bronze medal as a member of the Life Guard Corps. Apprenticed as a salesman to Messrs. Frederick Taylor Ltd., he afterwards held posts at Sherborne and with Messrs. Fone & Stagg, Yeovil.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday in the cemetery in another county.
Son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Francis of Yeovil
Interred in Heanton Punchardon Churchyard, Devon - Row P Coll. Grave 3-5
Galliott, Dennis William
Age: Unknown
DIED 2 MAY
SEAMAN ROYAL NAVAL PATROL SERVICE
H.M.M.L.1380
The Western Gazette 15 June 1945:
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. P. Galliott, of 27 Westfield Grove, that their youngest son, Seaman Dennis William Galliott, Royal Navy Patrol Service, lost his life as a result of action in the Aegean Sea. He was 20. It was learned from a survivor that Dennis had been picked up from the sea following the loss of the craft, but died shortly after his rescue. He had been reported missing since May 27th 1944. He was employed at the Huish Co-operative Bakery for four years prior to his call-up. His brother who was wounded in Burma, has just been released from the Forces. Two other serving men brought up as her own children by Mrs. Galliott, are C.S.M Leslie Evans, S.L.I. (nephew) who, as reported last week has won the M.M., and Gunner Cyril Evans, Royal Artillery (brother), both of whom are now in Germany.
Panel 14, Column 2. - Lowestoft Naval Memorial
His Majesty’s Motor Launch 1380 was lost in the Aegean Sea.
Gay, Mr Norman Charles
Age: 16
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Norman Charles Gay was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street. He was the son of Mr and Mrs H. Gay of 68 Park Street.
68 PARK STREET, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Gillard, Patrol Officer Charles Henry
Age: Unknown
DIED 12 APRIL 1941
YEOVIL AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
Patrol Officer Charles Henry Gillard was killed in the sixth German air raid on Yeovil during the night of Good Friday 12 April 1941. Several delayed action high explosive bombs fell on the Yeovil town centre and one landed on the Corn Exchange in High Street. Soldiers of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers were billeted in the Corn Exchange, four of whom were killed and five injured. Patrol Officer Gillard was killed when the bomb exploded as he fought the fire in the building. The official summary of the raid suggested that incendiary bombs had been attached to the fins of the bomb as the flames of the fire were described as being of a yellow colour as from broken gas pipes and the water played on the fire caused it to roar.
The Western Gazette 25 April 1941:
Much sympathy has been extended with Mrs. A. Gillard in the death of her husband, Mr. Charles Henry Gillard of 134 Hill Crest Road, at the age of 37. Mr. Gillard was well known and highly respected.
Born in Yeovil, he was the third son of the late Mr. Charles Gillard and Mrs. Gillard, and he was for 14 years in the employment of the bakery department of the Co-operative Society. By his death the Yeovil Auxiliary Fire Service has lost a member whose three years service was highly valued. Mr. Gillard leaves a widow and one son aged 14 years.
Impressive tributes were paid at the funeral at the Cemetery on Thursday. The Vicar of Yeovil (Rev. H. Mortlock Treen) and the Rev. A.C.A. Sellick officiated. The chief mourners were:- The wife, Mr. Dennis Gillard (son), Mrs. E. Gillard (mother), Mrs. E. Bisgrove (sister), Messrs. Lionel, Leslie and William Gillard (brothers), Mrs. Leslie Gillard and Mrs. W. Gillard (sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs H. Smith (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs H. Dodge (father-in-law and mother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs Wm. Hill, Mr. E. Sutton, Mrs. V. Henwood, Mr. and Mrs. T. Rendell, Mr. and Mrs. Francis, Mr. and Mrs. R. Williams and Mr. and Mrs. N. Salter (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), and Mr. Chapman (friend).
The coffin, upon which rested the deceased’s helmet, was born on one fire engine, and another was used to carry the numerous flowers. A section of a military band (the Pipes Band and Section of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers) led a procession of many organisations from King George Street to the cemetery, where a large number of friends and townspeople were gathered to pay their last tribute of respect. The Mayor of Yeovil (Mr. S. Duckworth), the Deputy Town Clerk (Mr. A.R. McMillan) and Captain Mitchell (Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade) attended. Also members of the Corporation, representatives of the Police, Yeovil Borough Company Home Guard, A.R.P. Service, the British Legion, the Observer Corps, V.A.D. and First Aid Party, Co-operative Society, District Fire Brigades, Salisbury, Bridgwater and Weymouth Fire Brigades, Regular Service of Yeovil Fire Brigade, Yeovil A.F.S. and Westland Fire Brigade. After the interment “Last Post” was sounded by trumpeters.
134 HILLCREST ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Gillingham, Master Dennis
Age: Unknown
DIED 25 MAY 1941
Master Dennis Gillingham was killed at 130 Mudford Road in the ninth German air raid on Yeovil on 25 May 1941.
The Western Gazette 6 June 1941:
The funeral of Dennis Gillingham, aged ten, only child of Mr. and Mrs. P. Gillingham of 130 Mudford Road, took place at Yeovil Cemetery on Thursday, the Rev. E.A. Baker (assistant priest of St. Michael’s) officiating. Chief mourners were:- Mr. and Mrs. P. Gillingham (parents), Mr. and Mrs. F. Gillingham (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. W. Leworthy (uncle and aunt), Messrs F. and S. Spearing (uncles), Mesdames F. Gillingham and M. Patten (aunts).
130 MUDFORD ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Green, Ronald Arthur
Age: 21
DIED 16 AUGUST 1940
DRIVER 259 FIELD COMPANY, ROYAL ENGINEERS
The Western Gazette 23 August 1940:
The sympathy of a wide circle of friends has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Green, of 9 The Park, at the death of their only son, Sapper Ronald Arthur Green, of the Royal Engineers. While on duty he was fatally injured in a road accident at mid-night on Friday.
Sapper Green, who was twenty-one years of age, was an old boy of Yeovil School. Before joining up he was engaged in the office of a Portsmouth firm of solicitors.
His father is manager and director of Messrs. Clements & Sons Ltd., grocers and provision dealers, of Yeovil.
The funeral took place with military honours at Preston Churchyard on Tuesday afternoon. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, was borne by a non-commissioned officer and four men of the Royal Engineers -- Sergt. A. Bishop and Sappers H. Greenland, H. Studley and J. Burge. The Rev. L.E. Walsh conducted the service in Preston Church and at the graveside.
Son of Mr and Mrs F Green of Yeovil
St James’ Churchyard, Preston Plucknett – Grave Sec. D.2.
Guy, Miss Minnie Doreen
Age: 21
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Miss Minnie Doreen Guy was killed in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941, when houses in Westland Terrace, Westland Road were destroyed by high explosive bombs. She was the daughter of Mr. H S Guy.
24 WESTLAND TERRACE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Haines, Mr Donald Evan Haines And Mrs Rose Mary
Age: Unknown
DIED 25 MAY 1941
Mr Donald Evan Haines and his wife, Mrs Rose Mary Haines, were both killed in the ninth German air raid on Yeovil on 25 May 1941, when an high explosive bomb destroyed 132 Mudford Road. Miss Kathleen Joyce Denmead, the sister of Mrs Haines was killed at the same time at 132 Mudford Road.
The Western Gazette 6 June 1941:
The death has occurred recently in a western town of Mr. Donald Evan Haines (39), his wife, Mrs. Rose Mary Haines (41) and Miss Kathleen Joyce Denmead (25) her sister.
Mr. Haines, who was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. John Haines of St. Andrew’s Road, Taunton, will be missed by a wide circle of friends, notably among his professional associates at Lloyds Bank Limited, his fellow members of the Royal Observer Corps and in connection with the choir and C.E.M.S. of St. John’s Parish Church. His cheery disposition and pleasing personality endeared him to all, for - as one of his colleagues said - “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.” Beginning as a junior at Taunton, he had served the Bank for twenty years, latterly as cashier. He joined the Dorset Yeomanry after the Great War, and served for three years, and was due to register for military service. Both he and his wife were keen members of the Choral Society of the town in which they lived and Mr. Haines had been a member of the Parish Church choir for 16 years. He was also hon. secretary of the C.E.M.S., and of the local branch of the Church Mission to Jews. In addition to his parents two sisters and a brother are bereaved. One sister, now Mrs. John Tinto, was well known as supervisor of the Telephone Exchange in the town.
Mrs. Haines and Miss Denmead were daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Denmead, and one sister and two brothers are bereaved - one, Mr. Frederick Denmead, being well known as a former member of the Amateur Operatic Society, and an officer of the Regional staff of the Milk Marketing Board.
The Parish Church was filled on Thursday afternoon for the funeral service, which was conducted by the Vicar, Mrs. R. Priddle was at the organ.
The principal mourners included:- Mr. John Haines, Taunton (father), Wireless Operator Hector Haines R.A.F. (brother), Mr. and Mrs. John Maxwell Tinto, Bristol (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. Bert Denmead, Shaftesbury (brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Dick Denmead, London (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr. W. Denmead (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Banfield (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. W. Baragwanath, Heytesbury (uncle and aunt), Mr. Walter Haines, London (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gill, Taunton (friends), Mr. John Haines, Ilminster (nephew), Cousin Josephine and husband, Gunner George Nuttycombe (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Gale, Taunton and the Rev D. Elias, vicar of Otterford (personal friends), Mr. F. Lambourne (brother-in-law), Miss B.M. Banfield and Mr. E.R. Banfield (cousins), Mr. E.T. Taylor (uncle), Miss P. Taylor and Mrs. Cowle (cousins).
Mrs. John Haines (mother), Mr. and Mrs. Aubry Burt, Bristol (brother-in-law and sister) and Mrs. Bert Denmead (sister-in-law), were unable to be present.
The large congregation included the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, the Deputy Town Clerk, representatives of the banks, the Police Force, including War Reserves and Special Constabulary (Superintendent R. Dunster represented the Chief Constable), the Fire Services, the Observer Corps, the Royal Artillery, the Royal Air Force, V.A.D. Male Section and V.A.D. Women’s Section, representatives of the A.R.P. organisation, and a large number of friends.
132 MUDFORD ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Hann, Mrs Madeline Emily
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mrs Madeline Emily Hann was mortally injured at the Westland Aircraft Works in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941, and died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
The Western Gazette 4 April 1941:
The funeral of Mrs. Madeline Emily Hann, aged 31, wife of Mr. Albert G. Hann, of 67 Reckleford, Yeovil, and eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs W.E. Sharp, of “Lucerne,” Acreman Street, Sherborne, took place at Yeovil Cemetery on Tuesday, the Vicar of Yeovil (Rev. H. Mortlock Treen) conducting the service at the chapel, and the Rev. A.C.A. Selbek , at the graveside. Mrs. Hann, who had been married just over a year, was a qualified nurse and had served both at Sherborne and Wells Hospitals, and was a valued member of the First Aid Party at her place of employment for nearly eight years. She died at Yeovil Hospital. Miss Young and many of her workmates attended the funeral. Family mourners were:- Mr. Albert G. Hann (husband); Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Sharp (father and mother); Mr. and Mrs S. Hann (parents-in-law); Mrs. C. Mansfield of London (sister); Mr. and Mr. S. Sharp of Portsmouth (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. Donald Sharp of the R.A.F. (brother); Mr. Gerald Sharp (brother); Sergeant Leonard Sharp, Dorset Yeomanry (brother); Miss Sharp, Sherborne (aunt); Miss Jessie Hann, Sherborne (aunt); Mr. and Mrs. Ballam, Sherborne (friends); Nurse Thomas; and Mr. Hilliar (representing Yeovil Glove Company where Mr. A.G. Hann is employed). The senders of wreaths included Directors, workmates and friends of the works where she had been employed. Cutters of Yeovil Glove Company and the Transport and General Workers Union.
67 RECKLEFORD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Harris, William Henry Richard
Age: 26
DIED 10 JULY 1944
CORPORAL 4TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division, made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 June 1944. The Division was involved in heavy fighting in Normandy during June, July and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 8 September 1944:
News had been received by Mrs. May Harris, 30 Preston Grove, that her husband, Corpl. W.H.R. Harris (25), was killed in action in France. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Harris, of 9 Camborne Street. Corpl. Harris leaves a wife and three little girls. Educated at Pen Mill School he was employed at Lock’s nurseries and later on war work prior to adjoining the Army 4 years ago. He was reported missing some weeks ago and Mrs. Harris has now been officially informed that he has been killed.
Husband of Mrs Julia G Harris of Yeovil
Interred in St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux - Grave IV.J.1.
Harrison, Mrs Myrtle Florence Mary
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs. Myrtle Florence Mary Harrison was killed in the second German air raid on Yeovil on 8 October 1940, when an high explosive bomb made a direct hit on an air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
Amid many signs of sympathy the funeral took place at Barwick Parish Church of Mrs. Myrtle Florence Mary Harrison, wife of Mr. A. D. Harrison. Mrs. Harrison, who was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Gillard, of Barwick, was 29 years of age.
The service was conducted by the Rev. H.W.J.L.R. Heywood, formerly rector of Barwick, and the Rev. C.B. Harris, the present Rector. Miss Langdon was at the organ, and the hymns were “Abide with me,” “Lead us Heavenly Father,” and “How bright these glorious spirits shine.” Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd,” was chanted.
Mr. Harrison is a Special Constable, and colleagues formed a guard of honour.
The mourners were the husband, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Gillard (father and mother), Mr. and Mrs. S. Gillard and Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Gillard (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mr. H. Gillard (brother), Miss Peggy Partridge, Mr. E. Harrison (brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. F. Wills (uncle and aunt), Mr. J. Gillard (uncle), Mrs. Hull (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. G. Powley (cousins), Messrs. O. Napper and Ted Childs, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Thorne, Mr. and Mrs. S. Thorne, Misses Molly and Lulu Gillard and Mr. Bert Gillard, Mr. H.J. Harrison (cousins), Mrs. Childs, Mrs. Bonfield, Mrs Warr (aunts), and Mr. D. Wright (friend).
99 PRESTON GROVE, YEOVIL Interred in the cemetery adjoining the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Barwick
Hawkins, Reginald Stanley
Age: 28
DIED 1 JULY 1944
PRIVATE 4TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division, made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 June 1944. The Division was involved in heavy fighting in Normandy during June, July and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 21 July 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. W. Hawkins 171 Huish, have received official information that their third son, Pte. Reginald Hawkins (28) has been killed inaction. Before joining the Army 4 years ago he was employed as a leather sorter at Messrs. C.W. Pittard & Co., Sherborne Road.
Son of Mr and Mrs Walter Hawkins of Yeovil
Interred in Bayeux War Cemetery - Grave III.G.1.
Hayward, Mrs Agnes May
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs Agnes May Hayward was killed at 25 St Andrew’s Road when her house was hit by an high explosive bomb during the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940.
25 ST ANDREW’S ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Hewlett, William George
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MARCH 1945
RIFLEMAN 2ND BATTALION, THE LONDON IRISH RIFLES
The Western Gazette 20 April 1945:
Serving with the London Irish Rifles in Italy, Rifleman William George Hewlett (25), has been killed in action. He is the younger son of the late Mr. W. Hewlett and of the late Mrs. R. Channing, and since his mother’s death resided with his aunt, Mrs. K. Parsons, 18 Cecil Street, Yeovil. His only brother, Pte. P.D. Hewlett, has been overseas for three years in the Persian and Iraq Force.
The news was received by his wife, who is serving with the A.T.S. in England, and to whom he was married shortly before going abroad. She was Miss Gladys Smith of Croft Bank, near Skegness. Letters to her from the Major of his unit, the Chaplain and Section Commander, all testify to Rifleman Hewlett’s popularity and cheerfulness. “Ever in the thick of the fight, he was one of the bravest men it has ever been my privilege to command,” stated the Major.
Formerly a webber at Messrs. Ewens & Vickery’s glove factory, Yeovil, where he had been employed since leaving Reckleford School, Rifleman Hewlett joined the Somerset Light Infantry in June 1940, and was afterwards transferred. He had been a member of the Vicarage Street Methodist Company of the Boys’ Brigade.
Interred in Faenza War Cemetery, Italy - Grave II.B.3
Hillard, Albert John
Age: 16
DIED 18 SEPTEMBER 1939
PRIVATE 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
Private Albert Hillard was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle, believed to have been unloaded, in the guardroom of the Somerset Light Infantry Depot at Taunton on 18 September 1939. Private Hillard had only been in the Army a few months, and prior to enlistment had worked for glove manufacturers Messrs WJ & EG Ricketts. - Full story in Western Gazette of 22 September 1939.
The Western Gazette 29 September 1939:
The funeral of Private Albert John Hillard, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Hillard, 26 Seaton Road, Yeovil, who was accidentally killed in a guardroom by another soldier, as reported in our last issue, took place at Yeovil on Friday.
The interment took place at the Yeovil Cemetery with full military honours. Members of the young soldier’s Company headed the funeral procession from the house to the cemetery. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and on it rested Hillard’s steel helmet, belt and bayonet. The bearer party consisted on Privates W.H. Thickett, Jerred, W. Newman, Appleby, Russell and Trott. Following the committal, at which the Rev. L G Coats (vicar of East Coker) officiated, a salute was fired over the grave, and buglers sounded “Last Post” and “Reveille.”
Son of Mr and Mrs Albert Hillard of Yeovil
Interred in Yeovil Cemetery - Div. A. Grave 4115
Hoyle, Mrs Lily Hoyle Master Trevor
Age: Unknown
Mrs Lily Hoyle aged 29, the wife of Mr Samuel Hoyle, and her five years old son Trevor, were killed when their house, 23 Westland Terrace, was completely destroyed by an high explosive bomb during the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941. The remains of Mrs Hoyle were found in the debris of the house but of Trevor there was no sign. Trevor was known to have been in the house with his mother at the time. The story of this tragedy is given in SHOCKING SOMERSET STORIES by Jack W Sweet published by Somerset Books in 1999 ISBN 0 861834 90 9.
23 WESTLAND TERRACE, YEOVIL Mrs Lily Hoyle was interred in Yeovil Cemetery – Trevor has no known grave
Hussey, Mr Albert Victor
Age: Unknown
DIED 5 AUGUST 1942
Mr Albert Victor Hussey was mortally injured in the tenth, and last German air raid on Yeovil during the evening of 5 August 1942, when a single bomb dropped by one of a pair of FW 190 fighter bombers exploded in the gardens at the rear of numbers 13 to 16 Gordon Road and 2 to 8 Grass Royal. Mr Hussey died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
The Western Gazette 14 August 1942:
The funeral took place at Yeovil Cemetery of Mr. Albert Victor Hussey, aged 46, a native of the town. He had been employed at the Corporation Gasworks as a van driver for 18 years and he had been a member of the Home Guard for about 12 months, having had previous military experience in the last war, when he served for three years with the Dorset Regiment in France. He was a member of the Yeovil Branch of the British Legion. Married twice, his second wife and a daughter survive him.
Chief mourners at the funeral were: Messrs. Charles, Francis, Reginald, Fred and Ernest Hussey (brothers); Mr. Cecil Hutchings (brother-in-law), and Mr. Gordon Purchase, and Messrs. E. J. A. E., and S.R. Dunford (cousins).
16 GORDON ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Jackson, Michael
Age: 32
DIED 25 FEBRUARY 1945
CAPTAIN 7 BATTERY, 1 SEARCHLIGHT REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY
The Western Gazette 9 March 1945:
News was received on Thursday by Mrs. M. Jackson, of the Bell Inn, Preston, from a fellow officer, that her husband, Captain M. Jackson, has been killed in action in Western Europe. Mrs. Jackson had previously been informed officially by the War Office that he was “missing.”
Captain Jackson, who was 32, was a member of the Regular Army, having served for the past 16 years. A native of London, he came to Yeovil in 1939 as an instructor, having previously served seven years in India. He was commissioned four years ago. While in Yeovil he married, Miss E.J. Paul, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Paul of the Bell Inn Preston. He leaves a two years-old son Barry.
Interred in Schoonselhof Cemetery, Belgium - Grave V.B.92.
Jewell, James Walter
Age: Unknown
DIED 20 JANUARY 1945
CORPORAL 10TH BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT
The Western Gazette 16 February 1945:
When the postman called at 53 Hendford, Yeovil last Tuesday, he brought Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jewell, a cheerful letter from their eldest son, Corpl. James Walter Jewell, serving in Burma since April last year. The same day news came that he had been killed in action there on January 20th.
Corpl. Jewell, who was unmarried, would have been 31 on the 19th of this month. He joined the Somerset Light Infantry in 1930, and went with that Regiment to India for five years before being listed with the Reserves. Having started as a butcher’s salesman with Messrs. Bowerman, Middle Street, before entering the Army, he returned home to work for Messrs. Bollen Bros., Wine Street, until the Reserves were called up. He was on the high seas when war was declared in September 1939. After three years in Gibraltar, he came home and was in Ireland for about two years until his transfer to Burma. He was attached to the South Street Baptist Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have two other children serving - Corpl. Frank Jewell, R.A.F., who has been in Italy for two years, and Priv. Kathleen Jewell, A.T.S. who is at home on leave. She has been serving with an A.A. Battery for two years in Scotland. Their father served for three years with the Devonshire Regiment in France and Belgium and was wounded twice.
Interred in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar (Burma) – Grave 27.G.21.
Johnson, Mrs Linda Christine
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs Linda Christine Johnson, was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
The Western Gazette 25 October 1940:
The funeral took place at Yeovil Cemetery on Saturday morning of Mrs. Linda Christine Johnson, wife of Mr. Kenneth Johnson, who died at the age of 29 years. Mrs. Johnson was a native of Yeovil being the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Davis, of 6 Westland Terrace. She is survived by her husband and two children.
The Rev. L.E. Walsh officiated and the mourners were: - Mr. Kenneth Johnson (husband), Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Davis (father and mother), Mr. Norman Davis, Mr. Raymond Davis and Mr. Percy Davis (brothers), Miss Joyce Davis (sister), Mr. and Mrs. H.T. Johnson, Montacute (father-in-law and mother-in-law), Mr. W. Johnson (brother-in-law) and Mrs. O. Davis (aunt).
108 STIBY ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Jukes, Leonard George
Age: Unknown
DIED 12 JANUARY 1944
GUNNER 241 BATTERY, 77 H.A.A.REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY
The Western Gazette 16 July 1943:
Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Jukes, 58 Victoria Road, Yeovil, who have had only one letter from their son, Gunner Leonard George Jukes (23), of the Royal Artillery since he left England in December 1941, have now heard from the War Office, that he is a prisoner of war in Japanese hands and is interned in a Java Camp.
The first intimation about a year ago, from the War Office told them that he had proceeded by boat to Java, and since the fall of that island nothing further had been heard of any of the personnel there. Two months ago the War Office wrote again that a Japanese broadcast message from Batavia had been picked up in which their son’s name was mentioned among prisoners of war, but that this news was unofficial.
Gunner Leonard George Jukes died as a prisoner of war of the Japanese.
Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia - Grave 14.A.12.
Keen, William David
Age: Unknown
DIED 5 MAY 1943
SERGEANT ROYAL AIR FORCE
The Western Gazette 19 November 1943:
The Air Ministry have informed Mr. and Mrs. Keen, 15 Camborne Street, that their son Sergeant Observer William David Keen, previously reported missing is now presumed killed on active service in May 1943.
The Western Gazette 2 March 1945:
He did not know it, but 20 years old Sergt./Observer William D. Keen, R.A.F. Coastal Command, second son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Keen, 15 Camborne Street, Yeovil, designed his own memorial. When he was in South Africa he designed a shield for his Flying School and that design has been copied in wood by Messrs. Raymond of Yeovil, and the work presented to St. Michael’s Church by Mrs. Keen in memory of her son. The tablet was dedicated on Friday and placed behind the Font. Sergt. Keen was killed in action on 5 May 1943.
Panel 155 - Runnymede Memorial
Lumber, Mrs Florence Gertrude
Age: 44
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs Florence Gertrude Lumber was killed in the first German Air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 when an high explosive bomb fell on the air raid shelter at the Vicarage Street Methodist Church.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
Many friends and fellow church workers in St. Michael’s parish attended the funeral of Mrs. Florence Gertrude Lumber, wife of Mr. Leonard A. Lumber. Mrs. Lumber, who was a native of Yeovil, was a member of the Parochial Church Council and of the Women’s Fellowship and Mothers’ Union, and an active worker generally in the social and entertainment activities of St. Michael’s. The service at the church and at the Cemetery was taken by the Vicar (the Rev. S.V. Purcell) and the Assistant Priest (the Rev. E.H.Baker).
The family mourners were:- The husband, Mr. R.H. Bagwell (brother), Messrs. L.B. and H. Lumber, Mr. R. Bright (brothers-in-law), Mr. M. Axe (uncle), Mr. E. Axe (cousin), Mr. R. Lumber (nephew), Messrs. Snell and Booth (representing an organisation with which Mr. Lumber is associated).
119 ST MICHAEL’S AVENUE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Major, Jack
Age: Unknown
DIED 3 JUNE 1941
PRIVATE ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS
The Western Gazette 15 August 1941:
Official news was received by his wife that Pte. J. Major, of Victoria Road, Yeovil, was reported missing during the campaign in Greece. Mrs. Major has now received a letter from her husband stating that he is a prisoner of war and in hospital in Athens suffering from leg wounds. Prior to enlisting in the Ordnance Corps, Pte Major was employed in the office of Messrs. Newman, Paynter & Co., solicitors, of Hendford. He is 31 years of age,
The Western Gazette 3 October 1941:
Private Jack Major, Ordnance Corps, who was previously reported wounded, and a prisoner of war, is now known to have died in a Greek Hospital.
Private Major, who was 31, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Major, of Victoria Road, and married Miss Enid Sims, of St. Michael’s Road. “Everything about him spoke of life and movement and eager activity, “ writes the Vicar of St. Michael’s (Rev. S.V. Purcell) in this month’s parish leaflet. Priv. Major was for nearly eight years sacristan of St. Michael’s, and he also sang in the choir and occasionally read the Lessons. He was a keen member of the Men’s Club, the Badminton Club and was on the Committee of the Church Union. The Vicar adds “He will be sorely missed both as a devoted churchman as well as a good citizen.”
Interred in Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece - Grave 15.A.2.
Masters, Douglas William Raymond
Age: 19
DIED 17 MARCH 1944
ABLE SEAMAN ROYAL NAVY
H.M.L.C.I. (L) 273
H.M. Landing Craft Infantry (L) was sunk by enemy aircraft off Anzio on 17 March 1944.
The Western Gazette 14 April 1944:
Able-bodied seaman Douglas Wm. Raymond Masters, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Masters, of 9 St. Michael’s Avenue, has been killed in the Mediterranean theatre. News that he was “missing presumed killed,” was given by the Admiralty and subsequently a letter informed his parents that “this casualty occurred as a result of enemy action while your son was engaged on operations of vital importance.” He would have been 20 on Friday. A year ago last August, he volunteered for the Navy and has been away from home since March 8th 1943.
On leaving Pen Mill School he went to Messrs. Aplin & Barrett’s factory, but later became a greaser for the Great Western Railway Company. As a boy he belonged to the 3rd Yeovil Company Boys’ brigade. On Easter Sunday evening at Pen Mill Methodist Church there was a memorial service for him at which the Rev. Donald Male officiated and at which is favourite hymn “It passeth knowledge” was sung. His 18 years old brother, Geoffrey M. Masters, also volunteered for the Navy and is an ordinary seaman in a corvette.
Son of Mr and Mrs W Masters of Yeovil
Panel 87, Column 1. - Plymouth Naval Memorial
Masters, Peter George
Age: 20
DIED 1 NOVEMBER 1944
FLIGHT SERGEANT (AIR GUNNER) ROYAL AIR FORCE 357 SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 10 November 1944:
Mrs. Masters of 13 Newton Road, has received official information that her son, Flight-Sergt. Peter Masters, aged 20, an air gunner in the R.A.F. in Burma is missing on operations. Flight-Sergt. Masters was a pupil of Reckleford School and before joining the R.A.F. was employed in the office of Messrs. Aplin & Barrett.
The Western Gazette 17 November 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. George Masters of 13 Newton Road, have received official information that their son Flight-Sergt. Peter Masters, has been killed on operations in the Far East. Flight-Sergt. Masters who was a rear gunner formerly attended Reckleford School, before joining the R.A.F. he was employed as a clerk in the office of Messrs. Aplin & Barrett.
Son of Mr and Mrs George Masters of Yeovil
Interred in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand - Coll. Grave 10.L.6-12
Mcveigh, Robert William
Age: 43
DIED 4 FEBRUARY 1940
PRIVATE 8TH (H.D.) BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 9 February 1940:
Private Robert William McVeigh of 14 Beer Street and son of Mrs. McVeigh 185 Mudford Road, died at Taunton Hospital on Sunday after an illness of five weeks at the age of 43 years. He leaves a widow and three sons, one of whom is in the Royal Navy.
Private McVeigh volunteered for the Home Defence Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry in November last. He had been living in Yeovil for the past ten years, and for three years had been employed as an assistant at the Yeovil Corporation Baths. He served throughout the Great War in France with the Royal Engineers.
The funeral took place at the Yeovil Cemetery on Thursday. During the night the coffin rested in the Church of the Holy Ghost and a requiem mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father F. Ford (assistant priest). At the interment the Rev. Father A. Grord (priest in charge) officiated.
Husband of Gladys Ivy McVeigh of Yeovil
Interred in Yeovil Cemetery -Div. A. Grave 2379
Mitchell, Mr Albert George
Age: Unknown
DIED 5 AUGUST 1942
Mr Albert George Mitchell was killed in the tenth, and last German air raid on Yeovil during the evening of 5 August 1942, when a single bomb dropped by one of a pair of FW 190 fighter bombers exploded in the gardens at the rear of numbers 13 to 16 Gordon Road and 2 to 8 Grass Royal.
The Western Gazette 14 August 1942:
The funeral took place on Saturday of Mr. Albert George Mitchell, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Mitchell, 17 Cromwell Road whose death occurred at the age of 38. A clerk at Messrs. W.J & E.G Ricketts & Company’s glove factory, he was also a member of the Royal Observer Corps, and had been connected with St. Michael’s Church and the Yeovil Parish Church. He was married and leaves a wife and an eight years-old son.
The service in the chapel and at the graveside was conducted by the Vicar of Yeovil (Rev. H. Mortlock Treen) in the absence from home of the Vicar of St. Michael’s (Rev. S.P. Purcell). The bearers were four colleagues from the factory Messrs F. Day, C. Hayward, H. Barry and F. Reeves. Members of the Royal Observer Corps lined the approach to the chapel. There were present Duty Controllers H.E. Lumber, A.G. Sage and J.S. Spinner, together with members of the crew in which he had served prior to and since the outbreak of war. Mr. D. Whitell, head warden of the north group of the A.R.P., was also present. Representing Messrs. W.J. & E.G. Ricketts & Company were Mr. W.J. Ricketts and Mr. H. Sartin (directors) and Mr. A.J. Dimond (secretary) and Mrs. Dimond, Mr. W.G Heard (manager of the glove factory), Mr. H.D. Martin (manager of the dressing yard), Mr. A.C. Hawker, Mr. S.F. Hyde, Mr. J. Dover, Mr. F. Hellier, Mr. J. Vaughan, Mr. S. Allen, Mrs. Pook (forewoman), Mrs. Hayward and Mrs. Cruise.
Family mourners attending were Mr. A. Mitchell (father) Mr. H.J. Mitchell, Wells (brother), Mr. T. Mitchell, Axminster (uncle), Messrs. W. Warr, B. Warr, R. Waterman and W. Hockey, all of Stoke-under-Ham (brothers-in-law).
8 GRASS ROYAL, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Morris, Mrs Myra Joan
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
SEE MR LESLIE FORSEY
48 GROVE AVENUE, YEOVIL Interred in Axminster Cemetery
Mulhall, Mrs Hilda Mary Lambert
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mrs Hilda Mary Lambert Mulhall was killed at the Westland Aircraft Works in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941.
The Western Gazette 4 April 1941:
The death occurred suddenly last week of Mrs. H. Mulhall at the age of 43. She is survived by her husband Mr. Harold Mulhall.
The funeral was on Monday at the Yeovil Cemetery, and was conducted by Preb. G.R.G. Norris, Vicar of Crewkerne. The mourners were Mr. H. Mulhall (husband), Mr. H. Robbins (father), Mrs. Pearce, Mr. and Mrs. W. Robbins (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. A. Robbins (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. G. Lewis (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. C. Norris , Bridgwater (cousins), Mr. R. Robbins (cousin), Mrs. E. White (cousin), Miss D. Robbins (cousin), Mrs. K. Lewis (cousin), Mrs. L. Pearce, Mrs. Lambert and daughter, Mrs. W.F. Snell, Miss G. Weston, Mrs Davis, Mr. J. Curd and Rosie (friends and representatives from Westland Works).
CARPENTER’S SHOP, YEOVIL MARSH Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Mullis, Roy Clayton Alford
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 JANUARY 1945
SAPPER ROYAL ENGINEERS
The Western Gazette 19 January 1945:
The death occurred on Monday week of Mr. Roy Clayton Alford Mullis, at Loughborough at the age of 39. Mr. Mullis formerly lived at 37 Rosebery Avenue, and was an employee of Messrs. Petters at Yeovil before being transferred to Loughborough. He was a keen sportsman and for a time served in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Husband of Elsie May Mullis of Loughborough, Leicestershire
Interred in Bodmin Cemetery, Cornwall - Sec.T.Grave 267
Neville, Mr Alfred Edward Gilbert
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mr Alfred Edward Gilbert Neville was killed in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941, when houses in Westland Terrace, Westland Road, were destroyed by high explosive bombs.
The Western Gazette 4 April 1941:
Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. G. Neville and family of Coker Marsh, by the death of Mr. Edward Neville on Wednesday week, at the age of 35.
Borne by comrades of No 3 Company Home Guard, the body rested in the Parish Church on Sunday night. The burial service on Monday was conducted by the Vicar of East Coker, Rev. I.G. Sanders, Mr. S. Poynter being at the organ.
Family mourners were Mr. and Mrs. G. Neville (father and mother), Archie, Sydney and Jack (brothers), Olive (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Boucher (uncle and aunt), Jack Boucher and Doris Jones (cousins), Harry and Mary Jones (cousins), Mr. and Mrs. G. Symes (uncle and aunt), Messrs. A. and C. Boucher, and Mr. and Mrs. S. Symes (cousins) were unable to be present.
East Coker Section No. 3 Company Home Guard was under Platoon Commander F. Gilley, and the bearers were Corporal G. Walbridge, and Volunteers J. Rogers, W. Dunham and J. White, of No. 3 Company Home Guard. An Army bugler sounded “Last Post” and “Reveille.” The Yeovil Borough Company Home Guard was represented by Sergt. T Hill, and Westland Home Guard by Corpl. L. Wiscombe. Mr. W.B. Drake represented East Coker Parish Council. Others present included Mr. and Mrs. F. Dening (employer), Mr. T. Gosney, Mr. H. Scott and Mr. L. Perrott (workmates), and many others.
10 COKER MARSH, EAST COKER Interred in East Coker Cemetery
Norris, Lionel James
Age: Unknown
DIED 9 AUGUST 1944
LANCE CORPORAL 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 July 1944. The Division was involved in heavy fighting in Normandy during June, July and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 1 September 1944:
It has been officially announced that L/Cpl. Lionel James Norris has been killed in action in France at the age of 22. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs S. Norris of 69 Stiby Road. His wife, whom he married four years ago, at present lives with her parents at Allerton-by-Water, Yorkshire. Before the war Corpl. Norris had served in the Territorials, and for three years was a gardener to the late Mrs. Paynter, Grove House, Preston Road. There are two other sons, one of whom is now in Gibraltar; the other was discharged after three years in the Army.
The Western Gazette 8 September 1944:
Tribute to L/Cpl. Lionel James Norris, 89 Stiby Road, Westfield, whose death in action at the age of 22 was reported in our last issue, is contained in a letter from a writer on behalf of the Allerton Bywater Home Guard. L/Cpl. Norris during his days of service in England was able to give valuable help in the training of this company. He states: “We knew Lionel as a grand lad, a healthy specimen of British manhood, bright and alert, and of sunny disposition, full of good fun and a good soldier. He was well esteemed in Allerton Bywater and I can assure you there is very great sympathy felt in this village at his passing. He was particularly well known by members of the Home Guard. He was most popular with them all and they feel his loss very much.”
A memorial service has been arranged at Allerton Bywater Parish Church at which the Home Guard will attend.
Interred in St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux - Grave VIII.D.8.
Nowell, Bernard Felix
Age: 25
DIED 18 JUNE 1940
CORPORAL (W.E.MECH.) ROYAL AIR FORCE
810 SQUADRON
Corporal Bernard Felix Nowell, of No 15 Group Communication Flight, Roborough (Fleet Air Arm Station), No 15 Group, Coastal Command detachment at RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth, was a crewman on board a Walrus 1 of No 10 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, which left Mount Batten at 03.00 hours on 18 June 1940 and crashed at Ploudaniel, a village about 21 kilometres north east of Brest, with the loss of all four personnel - Flt Lt J N Bell, RAAF - Pilot, Sgt C W Harris, RAAF, - Air Observer, Cpl B F Nowell, RAF, - Crew, and Captain N E Hope, Intelligence Corps. No 10 Squadron was carrying out maritime reconnaissance duties and flying VIPs to France during the last days of the German invasion, and to Malta.
The occupants of the Walrus were on a top-secret mission. Captain Hope, who had travelled widely before the outbreak of the Second World War and spoke fluent French and Spanish, was attached to Section D of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), and was on a mission directly ordered by the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, to rescue the wife and daughter of General Charles DeGaulle from Brittany, in France. The aircraft was heading for Carantec on the Brittany coast, and at about 0400 hours the Walrus crashed near the village of Ploudaniel. The cause of the crash was never properly established, but two possible reasons have been put forward. One report stated that a radio transmission from the aircraft indicated that it was being attacked by enemy aircraft, and the second from local villagers, was that the Walrus had been brought down by a German anti-aircraft battery at Valeury as it crossed the coast. Whatever the cause the aircraft was some 35 kilometres off course to the west of the planned route when it crashed.
Husband of Susan Ann Nowell of Bognor Regis, Sussex
Interred in Ploudaniel Churchyard, Finistere, France - Grave 3.
Old, Charles Mark
Age: 25
DIED 13 OCTOBER 1945
DRIVER ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
The Western Gazette 26 October 1945:
News was received on Tuesday October 16th, of the death of Charles Mark Old, the third son of Mr. Edwin Old of the Bakery, (Preston Plucknett), in an air crash over Belgium. The ‘plane was on its way to the Middle East. He had lived all his life in Preston before entering the Army. He was educated at the Preston Church School and sang as a boy in the church choir. On leaving school he entered his father’s business. He was married in 1942 to Olive Pitfield of Whitchurch, Dorset.
Interred in Brussels Town Cemetery - Grave X.28.32.
Palmer, Mr Alfred Aubrey
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Alfred Aubrey Palmer was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in Brice’s Billiard Room over the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
The Western Gazette 25 October 1940:
The funeral of Alfred Aubrey Palmer, only son of Mrs A. Palmer and the late Mr. A. Palmer, who died at the age of 26, took place at the Cemetery, the Rev. E.A. Baker, assistant priest at St. Michael’s Church, officiating.
Mourners were:- Messrs. Pitman, Gaylard and Carter (uncles), Mr. A. Dodge (brother-in-law), Messrs G. Braddick, E. Gaylard, J. Tucker, C. Neville, (cousins), Mr. A. Carter (friend), Messrs B. Dunsmuir, T. White, D. Stone, B. Elliott, Tucker, Shire, P. Seabright, A. Rankin, M. Gurd, Edwards, G. Smith, D. Crocker, R. Taylor, J. Williams, J. Ergent, G. Ellis, C. Griffin, W. Huntley, S. Gay, W. Bindon, L. Newman and Lambert (friends and workmates).
19 SOUTHVILLE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Palmer, Mr James
Age: 65
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mr James Palmer was killed at the Westland Aircraft Works in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941.
The Western Gazette 4 April 1941:
Amid many manifestations of respect, the funeral of Mr. James Palmer, a native of Odcombe, who died suddenly, took place on Saturday. The service at the church was conducted by the Vicar (Rev. H.D.O. Brown) and representatives of the local A.R.P., Home Guard, and deceased’s employers attended. The coffin, covered by a Union Jack, was borne to the graveside by friends.
REX ROAD, ODCOMBE Interred in Odcombe Churchyard
Parker, Albert Victor
Age: Unknown
DIED 23 OCTOBER 1943
ABLE SEAMAN ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S. CHARYBDIS
HMS Charybdis was a Royal Naval Cruiser involved with the destroyer HMS Limbourne and five other vessels, in an offensive sweep seeking out an important German convoy which intelligence indicated would be off the French coast between Ushant and the Channel Islands on the night of 23 October 1943. During a clash with a German force of light fast warships, HMS Charybdis was torpedoed and sank with the loss of 29 officers and 432 ratings. HMS Limbourne was also torpedoed and badly damaged losing one officer and 41 ratings; the destroyer could not be towed to safety and was sunk by the naval ships in company.
The Western Gazette 10 December 1943
On 25th October Mrs. Lily Parker, of 57 Stiby Road received official notification from the Admiralty that her husband, A/B Albert Victor Parker, was missing, presumed killed, following the loss of H.M.S. Charybdis. Mrs. Parker has since received notification, that her husband should now be regarded as missing. Before joining the Royal Navy in 1939, Mr. Parker was employed at the G.P.O., Yeovil.
The Western Gazette 27 October 1944:
Mrs. Parker, of 57 Stiby Road, Yeovil, has been informed by the Admiralty, that her husband, A/B Albert Victor Parker, R.N.V.R., who was reported missing a year ago, was killed in action on October 23rd 1943, through the loss of H.M.S. Charybdis off Sicily. Aged 47, A/B Parker was employed by the G.P.O., prior to joining the Navy in 1939.
Note: the place of the sinking of the Charybdis is given as Sicily, this might have been an error in the notification, or the reporting, because the cruiser had served in the Mediterranean. However, the loss of the two warships off the coast of France was during a top secret mission, the loss of life was the biggest single loss in the English Channel during the war, and the tragedy was the result of a bungled operation.
Husband of Lily Parker of Yeovil
Panel 79, Column 3. - Plymouth Naval Memorial
Paul, George Victor
Age: 33
DIED 5 JULY 1941
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS II (C.S.M.) ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
Husband of Agnes Kathleen Paul of Yeovil
Interred Khartoum War Cemetery - Grave 11.B.9.
Pearcy, Dennis Jack
Age: 25
DIED 15 NOVEMBER 1940
SERGEANT (AIR GUNNER) ROYAL AIR FORCE
219 SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 22 November 1940:
News has been received of the death on active service of Sergeant Dennis Jack Pearcy. Aged 25 of 196 Sherborne Road, Yeovil, sixth son of late Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Pearcy of Yeovil, who has been serving with the R.A.F. since the outbreak of war. He was engaged to be married to Miss Joyce Coombes, of Stoford, and was expected home on leave this week-end. Prior to the war he was managing assistant for the footwear firm, Messrs. Barrett’s and had served the firm in various parts of the country, being well known at Exeter and Yeovil. In his youth he was a member of St. John’s Sunday School. One of a family of thirteen, his death makes the first break in the number. Two of his elder brothers served through the Great War, and two others are at present serving with the Militia and the Navy. The funeral took place at Yeovil Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon and the coffin was draped with the Union Jack.
Son of Mr and Mrs Walter Pearcy of Yeovil
Interred in Yeovil Cemetery - Div. A Grave 4449.
Pearson, Lawrence
Age: Unknown
DIED 22 MARCH 1944
SERGEANT (FLIGHT ENGINEER) ROYAL AIR FORCE
426 (R.C.A.F.) SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 31 March 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. B. Pearson 88 Park Street, received intimation from the Air Ministry this week that their eldest son, Sergeant-Engineer Lawrence Pearson is missing, following air operations over Germany. Sergt. Pearson, who will be 23 next month, joined the Royal Air Force three years ago, and trained in Canada for nearly two years. Prior to this he had just completed five years’ apprenticeship at the Vincent Motor Works, Yeovil.
The Western Gazette 1 September 1944:
Mrs. A. Pearson, 88 Park Street has received information through the Red Cross, that her eldest son, Sergt. Lawrence Pearson, who was shot down over Germany, was buried with full military honours at Horsewinkel Municipal Cemetery, near Munster, Germany. He was a pupil of Reckleford School, and before joining the R.A.F. he was employed at Vincent’s Garage.
Interred in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery - Grave Coll.29.D.2-5.
Perry, Philip Henry
Age: 36
DIED 25 MAY 1943
LANCE CORPORAL ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS
Son of Henry and Francis Mabel Perry. Prior to enlistment Philip Perry lived in Matthews Road, Yeovil.
Philip Perry died whilst a prisoner of the Japanese.
Kanchanburi War Cemetery, Thailand - Sp.Mem.9. M.9.
Perryjohn,
Age: 43
DIED 10 JUNE 1940
PETTY OFFICER ROYAL NAVY
HMS RIVER TYNE
Petty Officer John Perry was a member of the crew of HMS River Tyne, a block ship sent to block the harbour of Dieppe as the German Army swept west during the invasion of France in June 1940. The ship had previously been a merchant steamer named SS River Tyne and was sold to the Admiralty following mine damage.
HMS River Tyne was sunk by a mine off Dieppe harbour at 0441 on 10 June 1940 during Operation ‘C.P.’ (The blocking of Dieppe). The two block ships that had sailed across with her, His Majesty’s Ships KAUPO and JACOBUS, were successfully sunk in the approach channel to the port.
The Admiralty War Diaries record:
7.6.40 Friday
Operation C.P.
Dieppe to be blocked. Operation C.P. Request sail H.M. Ships KAUPO, JACOBUS and RIVER TYNE to arrive off Dieppe 0300/9. One destroyer for Senior Officer and two M.T.B.s (Motor Torpedo Boats) or fast craft will be required for evacuation.
June 1940
Blocking of Dieppe
Carried out 0500/10 June. Operation C.P. Blocking ships RIVER TYNE, KAUPO and JACOBUS. RIVER TYNE mined off the harbour at 0440/10. Escorting ship H.M.S. VEGA
Son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Perry and husband of Mrs M Perry of Yeovil
Panel 36,Column 3. - Plymouth Naval Memorial
Petter, Beaufort Read Kennan
Age: 24
DIED 3 OCTOBER 1942
PILOT OFFICER (PILOT) ROYAL AIR FORCE
1 SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 9 October 1942:
The deepest sympathy is felt with Mr. P.W. Petter, of 10 Swallowcliffe Gardens, in the death on active service in India of his youngest and only surviving son, Pilot Officer Beaufort Read Kennan Petter, R.A.F.V.R. Pilot Officer Petter was a Scholar of Clifton College (School House), and of New College, Oxford, where he took a First Class Honours Moderation. He left at the outbreak of war to take up work on the land. He took his B.A. degree on November 14th, 1940 and in the same month he entered the Volunteer Reserve of the Royal Air Force. He was trained in England and in Canada and was commissioned in December 1941.
Son of Percival Waddams Petter and Emily Jane Petter
Interred in Karachi War Cemetery - Grave 2.C.Coll.5-10
Pickard, Mrs Violet Ruby
Age: 47
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs. Violet Ruby Pickard was gravely injured in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 when an high explosive bomb fell on the air raid shelter at the Vicarage Street Methodist Church, and died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The funeral of Mrs. Pickard, wife of Mr. Walter Pickard, and elder daughter of Mr. A. Vickery, took place at Ash Churchyard on Thursday. The Rev. E.A. Davies assisted by the Rev. Timothy, Vicar of Malmesbury, officiated, and the service was choral, Mrs. H.J. Jeanes, being at the organ. The chief mourners were:- Mr. W. Pickard (husband), Mr. A. Vickery (father), Mrs. H. Tavener (sister), Mr. J. Vickery (brother), Mrs. J. Vickery (sister-in-law), Joyce and Joan Vickery (nieces), Donald Vickery and Bernard Tavener (nephews), Joan Harris (friend), Mr. and Mrs. J Vickery, Curry Rivel (uncle and aunt), Mrs. Stewart (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Miss Munn, Miss Vickery, Miss Trott, Mrs. Crossman, Mary and Rose (cousins), Mrs. T. Tavener, Mr. and Mrs. Appleby, Mrs. A. Gooding, Mrs. C. Mounter, Messrs S. and R. Tavener (friends).
48 GROVE AVENUE, YEOVIL Interred in Ash Churchyard
Plowman, Eric William
Age: Unknown
DIED 10 NOVEMBER 1943
SERGEANT (AIR GUNNER) ROYAL AIR FORCE
Sergeant Eric William Plowman was killed whilst training with 1660 Heavy Conversion Unit, Bomber Command on 10 November 1943. Lancaster ED812 took off from RAF Swinderby on a training flight and some time later dived steeply from a great height into the ground killing all eight personnel on board.
The Western Gazette 19 November 1943:
Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Plowman of Kasouli, 148 Ilchester Road, have received official notification that their only son, Sergt.-Gunner Eric William Plowman, R.A.F., aged 19, has been killed on active service. Formerly a member of 1032 (Yeovil) Squadron Air Training Corps, he joined the R.A.F. eleven months ago and at the time of his death had almost completed his training. Educated at Yeovil School, he was employed at the office of Messrs. W.E. Plowman & Son Ltd., Vicarage Street for fourteen months, was a choirboy at St. Andrew’s Church, Preston Grove and a member of the Crusaders.
The interment at the Cemetery on Tuesday was preceded by a short service conducted by the Vicar of Yeovil (Rev. H. Mortlock Treen) and Rev. K. Puddy (curate). Three wreaths from service colleagues were placed on the coffin which was covered with the Union Jack. At the graveside A.T.C buglers sounded “Last Post” and “Reveille.”
Interred in Yeovil Cemetery - Div. B. Grave 3810.
Plympton, Harold
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MAY 1942
ORDINARY SEAMAN ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S. DUKE OF YORK
The Western Gazette 5 June 1942:
The news that their son, Ordinary Seaman Harold Plympton, R.N., died in Iceland on active service in May, was received from the Admiralty by Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Plympton , 64 Highfield Road, Yeovil, last week.
Ordinary Seaman Plympton was 35, and joined the Navy nearly twelve months ago. His first sea voyage was made on the battleship H.M.S. Duke of York when she took the Prime Minister on his visit to America.
A native of Yeovil, he was, prior to joining the Navy, employed by the Arnold Glove Company. He was unmarried. Two of his brothers are serving in the Army.
Interred in Reykjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland - Grave C40.2.
Pritchard, Mr Lawrence Dreyfus
Age: Unknown
DIED 26 MARCH 1941
Mr Lawrence Dreyfus Pritchard was gravely injured at the Westland Works in the fifth German air raid on Yeovil on 26 March 1941 and died the same day in Yeovil Hospital.
The Western Gazette 4 April 1941:
The funeral took place on Monday, the Vicar of Yeovil (Rev. H. Mortlock Treen) officiating of Mr. Laurence Dreyfus Pritchard, who died at the age of 41.
Mr. Pritchard, who was born in Yeovil, served in the Royal Navy during the last Great War, having joined the submarine service at the age of 17. He left the Navy in 1931, and came back to his native town about two years ago. He leaves a wife and two sons aged 9 and 10, with whom much sympathy is felt.
Chief mourners were the wife, Mr. P. Pritchard and Mrs. L. Bennett (brother and sister), Mr. and Mrs. A. Mansell, Mr. and Mrs. C. Fowler and Mr. and Mrs. R. Quinton (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law) Messrs Galliott and J. Allen (uncles) and four fellow employees.
43 WESTLAND TERRACE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Rendell, Mr Cyril Henry
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Cyril Henry Rendell was killed by a bomb explosion in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst delivering bread in Summerleaze Park for Messrs Pulman’s Bakery.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The funeral of Mr. Cyril Henry Rendell of 6 Uplands, West Coker, took place on Thursday. Mr. Rendell, who was aged 36 years, leaves a wife and three young children aged nine, six and three years respectively. For over 20 years he had been employed at Messrs Pulman’s bakery.
The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar of West Coker and the Rector of Hardington Mandeville. The chief mourners were Mrs. Rendell (wife), Messrs. E., P., and James Rendell (brothers), Mrs. A Tuck, Mrs E. Guppy, Mrs. E. Charles and Louisa Rendell (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. E Gear (father-in-law and mother-in-law), Mrs. E. Rendell and Mrs. P. Rendell (sisters-in-law), Messrs. P. Tuck, E. Charles and L. Old (brothers-in-law), Mrs. T. Adams, Mrs. Henry Rendell and Mrs. L. Porter (aunts), Mr. C. Tuck (nephew), Mrs. Herbert Hanman, Mrs. S. Guppy and Mr. and Mrs. C. Rendell (cousins). There were also a large number of sympathisers present at the church.
6 UPLANDS TERRACE, WEST COKER Interred in West Coker Churchyard
Rescorla, James Alma
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 MAY 1942
ABLE SEAMAN ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE
H.M.SUBMARINE OLYMPUS
HM Submarine Olympus was mined and sunk off Malta on 8 May 1942. The submarine was on passage to Gibraltar with survivors from three sunken submarines and of the 98 personnel on board, only nine survived.
Panel 66, 2. – Chatham Naval Memorial
Rivers, Frederick Alan
Age: 23
DIED 17 JANUARY 1941
LEADING AIRCRAFTMAN ROYAL AIR FORCE
Son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Rivers and husband of Kathleen Beatrice Rivers of Scarborough, Yorkshire
Panel 65 - Runnymede Memorial
Rose, Mr Frank William
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Frank William Rose was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The death has occurred of Frank William Rose, aged 17, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rose, of 214 Sherborne Road, Yeovil. He was educated at Yeovil School and was a member of the Rugby team. His pleasant disposition and musical ability made him popular among a wide circle of friends. Recently he took part in a concert in the Odeon Theatre, and he was organising an entertainment for St. Michael’s Young People’s Club, of which he was a member. The entertainment, which was to have been given on Friday evening, was abandoned. He was a server at Holy Trinity Church, where a service was held preceding the interment at the Cemetery. The Rev. J. Lloyd Armstrong, assisted by the Rev. P. Allen, officiated, and his fellow servers were in attendance. Many friends were present at the service, and the chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rose (father and mother), Mr. and Mrs. P. Stone, Mr. G. Rose, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Jenkins and Mr. Jackman (uncles and aunts), Miss J. Baker and Mr. Len Stone (cousins), Mr. Ben Stone and Mr. S. Bartlett (great uncles) Miss M. Hunter, Mr. C. Hallett, Messrs. W. and H. Allen, Mr. E. Hunter, Mr. S. Langdon, Mr. A. Holley, Mr. H. Phillips, Mrs. Birchill and Mr. B. Dolman (friends), Messrs. Sage, Booth and Turner represented a local organisation.
214 SHERBORNE ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Sands, Donald James
Age: Unknown
DIED 22 SEPTEMBER 1944
SERGEANT 2ND BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 13 October 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. T. Sands of Stiby Road, have been informed that their only son, Sergt. D.J. (“Jimmy”) Sands, Somerset Light Infantry, has been killed in action with the Mediterranean Forces. Aged 24 he had served with H.M. Forces for five years, and previously was a member of the Territorials. He went first to Gibraltar, and then to North Africa and Italy, where in June, he was wounded and sent to hospital. He returned to the fighting front again and was killed in September. Sergt. Sands was a glove-cutter by trade, but previous to being called up was working at Westlands.
Interred in Cesena War Cemetery, Italy - Grave V.F.6.
Saunders, John Ernest
Age: 23
DIED 25 MAY 1944
CORPORAL 89 FIELD COMPANY, ROYAL ENGINEERS
Son of Mr and Mrs Ernest Saunders of Yeovil
Face 3. - Rangoon Memorial
Saunders, Norman Frank
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 JULY 1944
ABLE SEAMAN ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S. PYLADES
HMS Pylades, a Fleet Minesweeper, was sunk off Sword Beach, Normandy, by a German human torpedo, on the night of 7/8 July 1944, with the loss of one officer and ten ratings.
The Western Gazette 4 August 1944:
News was received on Saturday from the Admiralty, by Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Saunders of 47 St. Andrew’s Road, that their eldest son, Able Seaman Norman Frank Saunders (18) was missing presumed killed. A letter followed this week stating that there could be no hope he was still alive, and that he was presumed killed while on war service.
Able Seaman Saunders joined the Navy in June 1943, and was trained on H.M.S. Collingwood. Later he went to America and returned to England in April of this year. Prior to joining the Navy he was an assistant in Mr. Loder’s butcher’s shop in Union Street, and was a member of Preston Church choir.
Panel 83. Column 1. - Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Smith, Mrs Elizabeth Jane
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mrs Elizabeth Jane Smith was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
The Western Gazette 25 October 1940:
The death has occurred of Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Smith, aged 72, widow of Mr. Henry George Smith, a former chairman of the Yeovil Liberal Club, and a retired official of the Prudential Assurance Company, who died in November last year. Mrs. Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Salter of Yeovil, leaves a son, Mr. Ralph W. Smith of London. The funeral was at Yeovil Cemetery, Rev. S.V. Purcell, vicar of St. Michael’s officiating. The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith, Mrs. D. Abbott (friend) and Mr. W. Slade (neighbour).
31 GLENVILLE ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Spearing, Eric George
Age: Unknown
DIED 27 JUNE 1945
FLIGHT SERGEANT ROYAL AIR FORCE
240 SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 6 July 1945:
News has been received by his young wife at 52 The Avenue, and by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Spearing, Huish, Yeovil, who were on holiday this week, that Flight Sergt. Eric G. Spearing, R.A.F., aged 22, serving in S.E.A.C. (South East Asia Command) since November 1944, has been reported “missing and believed to have lost his life” as a result of an aircraft accident on 27th June.
Flight Sergt. Spearing was formerly an active member of St. John’s Gymnasium and Athletic Club and was an employee of Yeovil and District Co-operative Society at the Huish branch. He was married in 1943 to Miss Chrissie Watt, then serving with the A.T.S. They have one son, Gordon, age seven months born shortly before Flight Sergt. Spearing went overseas. The first studio photograph of the baby was despatched East the same day the news of the accident arrived.
Column 450 - Singapore Memorial
Stevens, Ronald Ernest Leonard
Age: Unknown
DIED 18 SEPTEMBER 1942
AIRCRAFTMAN 1ST CLASS ROYAL AIR FORCE
The Western Gazette 25 September 1942:
Deep sympathy is felt with Det. Con. E.W. Stevens, attached to the C.I.D. of Yeovil Police, and Mrs. Stevens of 53 West Hendford, in the death on active service of their only child, Aircraftmen 1st Class Ronald Ernest Leonard Stevens aged 19.
Aircraftman Stevens was an old boy of Yeovil School, and was one of two boys of the School who were successful in passing their examinations for the R.A.F. some months before the outbreak of war. He entered the R.A.F. as an apprentice, and about two months ago completed his training at an R.A.F. school. He was a good athlete and was interested in many kinds of sport. An excellent swimmer he won several honours for his house while at Yeovil School He was a member of the Parish Church choir and later of St. Andrew’s Church choir. Before coming to Yeovil he lived at Dunster and was a member of the Parish Church choir there.
Interred in Yeovil Cemetery - Div.A.Grave 4699
Sutton, Frederick Rowland
Age: 21
DIED 9 JUNE 1940
STEWARD ROYAL NAVY
H.M.S. ACASTA
HMS Acasta, an ‘A’ Class Destroyer, was sunk in the Norwegian Sea while defending the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious, in company with HMS Ardent. The three Royal Naval warships were attacked by the German battle cruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst, and all three were sunk with great loss of life.
The Western Gazette 24 October 1941:
Mrs. H. Dodge, formerly Mrs. William Sutton, of 15 Westville, Yeovil, received information from the Admiralty on Tuesday that her son, Steward Frederick Rowland Sutton, must now be presumed to have died on active service while on board H.M.S. Acasta, which together with H.M.S. Glorious and H.M.S. Ardent, was sunk in action at Narvik following the evacuation from Norway on 9th June 1940.
Steward Sutton, who was 6ft. 5in. in height, was formerly steward at the Ivel Club for three years. He had served with the Territorials, but joined the Navy in 1937. He was home for Christmas, 1939, and was engaged to be married to Miss Vera G. Ford, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Ford, of Knowle.
The reason for the delay in confirmation was because the German Government stated in some official communiqué that some hundreds of prisoners of war had been taken after the action, and extensive investigation had been made through diplomatic channels. The result of the enquiries left no doubt that the prisoners mentioned by the Germans must have been taken mostly from two merchant ships sunk during the same operation.
Mrs. Dodge is the mother of sixteen children, of whom eleven now survive. Her four other sons - Jack, William, Ernest and Arthur - are all serving with the Army, and Ernest is serving overseas. All her seven daughters are married, and five of her sons-in-law are serving with the Army.
Son of Mr and Mrs William Sutton of Yeovil
Panel 43. Column 2. - Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Sweet, Master Lawrence Anthony
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 OCTOBER 1940
Lawrence Anthony Sweet was killed in the second German air raid on Yeovil on 8 October 1940, when an high explosive bomb made a direct hit on an air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove.
The Western Gazette 25 October 1940:
The death has occurred of Lawrence Anthony Sweet, aged nine, the youngest son of Leading Seaman and Mrs. E Sweet, with whom much sympathy is felt. Lawrence attended the Huish Boys’ School and Holy Trinity Sunday School, and his disposition endeared him to all. The funeral took place at Yeovil Cemetery last week, interment being preceded by a service at the Holy Trinity Church, the Rev. J. Lloyd Armstrong officiating. Mrs. R. Priddle was the organist, and the hymn, “Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep” and the 23rd Psalm were sung.
The mourners were:- Leading Seaman and Mrs. Sweet (father and mother), Miss Mary Sweet (sister), Mr. Adrian Sweet of the Fleet Air Arm and Mrs. Adrian Sweet (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs. L. Kemble (sister) Mrs. Gummer, Westbury (aunt), Mr. H. Preston (uncle), Mr. Stewart Sparrow of Martock (cousin) Mr. Knocks of Westbury (friend) and Mr. and Mrs. Vincent of Evershot.
105 PRESTON GROVE, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Swetman, Ronald
Age: 25
DIED 23 JULY 1944
PRIVATE 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 43rd Wessex Division, made up of West Country troops, including the 4th and 7th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, landed in Normandy on 20 June 1944. The Division was involved in heavy fighting in Normandy during June, June and August 1944.
The Western Gazette 18 August 1944:
Death on Active Service - ‘In July – Ronald Swetman of the S.L.I.’
Son of Rose Chappell of Yeovil
Interred in Bayeux War Cemetery - Grave I.A.21.
Talboys, Ronald Seymour
Age: Unknown
DIED 24 MARCH 1944
ACTING SUB LIEUTENANT (A) ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE
ROYAL NAVAL AIR STATION - H.M.S. JACKDAW
CRAIL, FIFE, SCOTLAND
The Western Gazette 31 March 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. E. Talboys, of 37 Westbourne Grove, have received official notification from the Admiralty, that their eldest son, Sub-Lieut. Ronald Seynour Talboys, F.A.A., is reported missing and presumed to have lost his life as the result of an accident at sea. Sub-Lieut. Talboys, who would have been 20 years old in July, volunteered for service with the Fleet Air Arm as an observer when he was 18. He was promoted to his present rank last January, and he was home on leave only three weeks before the accident.
There are three other sons: Norman with the R.A.F. and the two youngest boys attend Yeovil School. Mr. and Mrs. Talboys resided at Stoke-under-Ham for seven years and all their sons won scholarships from Stoke School.
Ronald matriculated at Yeovil School and was a Prefect, later taking up employment at the Municipal Offices in the Borough Treasurer’s Department.
Bay 5. Panel7. - Lee-on- Solent Memorial
Taylor, Douglas William Bulpin
Age: 27
DIED 20 AUGUST 1943
FLYING OFFICER ROYAL AIR FORCE
59 SQUADRON
Husband of Lilian Mary Bulpin Taylor of Bourton, Dorsetshire
Panel 129 - Runnymede Memorial
Three, Persons Known Only To God
Age: Unknown
DIED ON 8 OCTOBER 1940
The direct hit on the air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove during the second German Air raid on Yeovil on the evening of 8 October 1940, killed eleven people.
Eight of the victims were identified but the remains of three were so badly mutilated that this was not possible.
One body identified as female, was found in the allotments next to the nearby Westland airfield on 13 October.
A male child’s body was found on 9 October in the garden of 42 Preston Grove.
An unidentifiable body was found on 9 October in the cul-de-sac in St Andrew’s Road.
Despite extensive enquiries the identities could not be established and the bodies were interred in Yeovil Cemetery.
At the time of the air raid there were many hundreds of evacuees in Yeovil, many official but many not so. The evacuees came from London and other large cities and it is possible that the three victims were unofficial evacuees. We shall never know!
Till, John Leonard
Age: 25
DIED 19 JULY 1945
FLYING OFFICER (WIRELESS OPERATOR) ROYAL AIR FORCE
The Western Gazette 27 July 1945:
Three months after being transferred from R.A.F. Bomber Command to Transport Command, Flying Officer John Leonard Till, only son of Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Till, of 13 Park Gardens Yeovil, was killed in a flying accident in Australia. He was one of twelve in an R.A.F. Transport ‘plane which crashed into a bridge shortly after taking off from Sidney. Flying Officer Till was transferred to Transport Command shortly before the cessation of hostilities in Europe, and had visited Palestine, Ceylon, India, Canada and Australia. He was made a Flight-Sergt. and posted to Bomber Command, shortly after joining the R.A.F. in early 1940, and was later granted a commission. He had taken part in 32 operational flights over Germany in addition to many leaflet raids.
Well-known in the Yeovil district as a fine all-round athlete he won a number of trophies for long-distance cycling. His wife, who survives him, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Edwards, of 7 Kingsley Road, Gloucester, whom he married in 1942. There is also a 17-months-old son.
Flying Officer Till’s father is the managing director of Messrs. Gamis’s Ltd., Yeovil.
Husband of Phyllis Joyce Till of Yeovil
Interred in Sydney War Cemetery - Grave 2Z.B.13.
Timbrell, Ernest William
Age: Unknown
DIED 18 SEPTEMBER 1944
PRIVATE 1ST BATTALION, PARACHUTE REGIMENT
Private Ernest William Timbrell was killed during the airborne operations at Arnhem.
The Western Gazette 22 December 1944:
It was announced on a German broadcast that Pte. E. Timbrell, Parachute Regiment, has been killed in Holland. Pte. Timbrell was 28 and his wife lives at Queen Victoria Cottage, The Island, Exeter. He was previously reported missing in September. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Timbrell 1 Westfield Place, and before being called up he was employed by the Royal London Insurance Co. He leaves a son aged three.
Husband of Irene Evelyn Timbrell of Exe Island, Exeter
Interred in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery - Grave 19.B.4.
Tucker, Mr Wendell Jesse
Age: Unknown
DIED 7 OCTOBER 1940
Mr Wendell Jesse Tucker was killed in the first German air raid on Yeovil on 7 October 1940 whilst sheltering in the shop premises of Messrs Montague Burton, Middle Street.
The Western Gazette 25 October 1940:
Deep sympathy is felt throughout the village (Long Load) for Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tucker, whose eldest son has died at the age of 20. Evidence of his popularity was shown at the funeral on Tuesday when a service was held in the parish Church, the Rev. Hugh C. Pearse officiating. The bearers were Messrs. J. Tucker, R. Burt, C. Sims and H. Dyer and amongst those present were all his chums of the village and Mr. E. Lanham and Mr. Brice (representing the Works where he was employed). The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tucker (father and mother), Miss Josephine Tucker (sister), Miss Violet Langford (sweetheart), Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Curtis (grand-mothers), Mr. and Mrs. Shire, Mr. and Mrs E. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. Phillipson, Mr. and Mrs. H.J Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. G. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. W. Sims, and Mr. and Mrs. W. Mitchell (cousins), Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Dodge (friends).
LONG LOAD Interred in Long Load Churchyard
Vincent, Bernard Montague Jeffrey
Age: 19
DIED 17 AUGUST 1941
PILOT OFFICER ROYAL AIR FORCE
12 SQUADRON
Pilot Officer B M J Vincent lost his life when Wellington bomber W5444 PH-T, 12 Squadron, Bomber Command, crashed while making an emergency landing near Melton Constable, Norfolk , during the night of 16/17 August 1941.
Son of Mr and Mrs Montague Vincent of Yeovil
Interred in Brookwood Military Cemetery - Grave 25.B.19.
Wareham, Bertram Edmund
Age: 20
DIED 22 MAY 1944
SERGEANT ROYAL AIR FORCE
SQUADRON
Sergeant B E Wareham lost his life when Lancaster bomber LL793 GI-Q, 622 Squadron, Bomber Command, of which he was a crew member, was shot down on a mission to bomb Duisburg, Germany, on 22 May 1944.
Son of Edith Wareham and stepson of Frederick Aplin of Yeovil
Panel 239 - Runnymede Memorial
Watts, Frank Arthur
Age: Unknown
DIED 24 MARCH 1945
CORPORAL 2ND (AIRBORNE) BATTALION, OXFORD AND BUCKS LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 20 April 1945:
Deep sympathy has been expressed with Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Watts, and Mrs F. Watts, of 20 Sydling Road, of the sad news of the death in action of Priv. Frank Arthur Watts of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (attached Airborne Division). Priv. Watts, who was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Watts, had been married only four and a half months, to Miss J.M. Hyam of Gloucester. By a sad co-incidence official notification of his death was received on Friday, his 22nd birthday. He was popular with all who knew him. It is understood that he was killed in North-West Europe last month when a glider crash landed. Priv. Watts was one of the Airborne contingent which landed in France in the early hours of D-Day, and was in the subsequent fighting at Caen. He was also in action in the Ardennes, when Rundstedt made his abortive push. Prior to joining the Army three and a half years ago, three years of which he has been with the Airborne Division, Priv. Watts was employed by Messrs. Neal & Williams, of Middle Street, and was an old boy of Pen Mill School.
Interred in Reichswald Forest Military Cemetery - Grave 36.B.3.
West, Stanley Alfred
Age: Unknown
DIED 13 APRIL 1944
SERGEANT ROYAL AIR FORCE
SQUADRON
The Western Gazette 28 April 1944:
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick West of 77 Mudford Road, have received official notification that their second son, Sergt. Stanley Alfred West, R.A.F., 21, is reported missing from air operations. Sergt. West joined the service in November 1941, and was sent to Canada for six months training. He was educated at Reckleford Junior and Reckleford Senior Schools. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Frederick Taylor, and was for four years at the Yeovil Glove Company, Reckleford. His brother, Aircraftman F. West is serving with the R.A.F. Regiment.
Column 281 - Alamein Memorial
Whittaker, Harry
Age: Unknown
DIED 25 OCTOBER 1942
PILOT OFFICER ROYAL AIR FORCE
The Western Gazette 30 October 1942:
The news that their only son Sergt. Pilot Harry Whittaker had met his death while on active service in Canada was received in a cablegram on Monday by Mr. and Mrs. James Whittaker of 22 Ashford Grove. Sergt. Pilot Whittaker, who was 21, was born at Colne, Lancs. He attended the Grammar School there and having decided on a scholastic career, went to St. Luke’s College, Exeter, and St. Mark’s and St. John’s College, Cheltenham. He passed his examinations five months ahead of time, and leaving college, joined the R.A.F. about 18 months ago. He arrived in Canada on New Year’s Day and on gaining his pilot’s wings he was retained as an instructor, being recommended for a commission.
Although he had not spent much time in Yeovil he was well-known in the town and surrounding district, especially in sporting circles. A fine athlete and sportsman, he played Rugby for the South Somerset team and for other equally well-known teams.
He was buried with full military honours on Tuesday.
Interred in Weyburn (Hillcrest) Cemetery, Canada - Grave Block 76. Lot 12.
Wiley, Horace William Brooks
Age: Unknown
DIED 15 MARCH 1945
FLYING OFFICER (PILOT) ROYAL AIR FORCE
180 SQUADRON
Interred in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery - Grave Coll. 21.D.5-6.
Willcocks, Colin Eric
Age: 22
DIED 7 JUNE 1944
PRIVATE 2ND (AIRBORNE) BATTALION, OXFORD AND BUCKS LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 14 July 1944:
‘Willcocks - Killed in action, North Western Europe, June 1944, Priv. Colin Edward Willcocks, serving with the Airborne Troops, the beloved husband of Dorothy, and daddy of baby Brian, also the son of Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Willcocks 6 Ashford Grove, Yeovil, Somerset, aged 22 years.’
Husband of Dorothy Lydia Annie Willcocks of Yeovil
Interred in Ranville War Cemetery - Grave IIA.N.1.
Wimbridge, Lionel Leslie
Age: Unknown
DIED 9 AUGUST 1944
GUARDSMAN 3RD BATTALION, IRISH GUARDS
The Western Gazette 1 September 1944:
News has been received by his wife at 50 Queen Street, Yeovil, and by his parents Mr. and Mrs. W. Wimbridge 19 Kingston, that Guardsman Lionel Leslie Wimbridge (30), has died of wounds received this month. A builder’s clerk before the war he had lived in the town for 12 years.
From an officer of the Regiment his wife has received a letter which states:- It is with the very deepest sympathy and sorrow that I learned today of the death in hospital of your husband, for whose recovery we had earnestly hoped and in which we had all believed, For myself I know that I have lost a true and loyal friend as have more here than I could number easily but for you I know well that his death must be a grief which no words of mine could alleviate. When I last saw him his one thought was to cause as little trouble and difficulty to others as possible and I know that this unselfish attitude characteristic of him remained till the end. It will be some consolation to you to know that he had the best of medical attention from the start….. .and was aided by all that medical service can provide.” A letter of sympathy has also been received from the Lieut.-Col. of the Regiment.
Husband of Ethel Mary Gwendoline Wimbridge of Yeovil
Interred in Bayeux War Cemetery - Grave XXVI.E.8.
Wood, James D
Age: Unknown
DIED IN A FLYING ACCIDENT
CADET ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
‘The Yeovilian’ The Magazine of Yeovil School - Vol.17 No 3 - July 1940
School Notes - Page 2 Visits
‘E.M.Lamb, J.D.Wood and W.E. Strickland, all three en route for the R.A.F. with the status of “A.G.” in view.’
‘The Yeovilian’ The Magazine of Yeovil School - Vol.19 - July 1942
Old Yeovilians’ Association notes
‘We also regret the death of J. Major from wounds received during the battle of Crete and of J.D. Wood (Cadet R.A.F.V.R.) in a flying accident in this country.’
Wright, George Bramwell
Age: Unknown
DIED 22 NOVEMBER 1944
PRIVATE 2ND BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The Western Gazette 15 December 1944:
Official notification has been received by his wife living at 38 Wood Street, Taunton, that her husband, Pte George Bramwell Wright (28), Somerset Light Infantry, has been killed in action in Italy.
Pte. Wright, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Wright, 68 Hillcrest Road, Yeovil, before joining the Army four and a half years ago was employed by Messrs. Aplin & Barrett, and was a bandsman in the Salvation Army. He was married four years ago to Miss P. Griggs, and leaves a two and a half years-old daughter, Sheila May.
The Western Gazette 22 December 1944:
A memorial service for Pte. George Bramwell Wright whose death in action in Italy at the age of 28 was reported in our last issue was held in the Salvation Army Temple on Sunday. Appreciations of Pte. Wright’s character and his enthusiastic work as a bandsman and songster for the Salvation Army was expressed by Bandmaster J. Stannard and Adjutant T. Jewkes. It was mentioned that recognition of his work for the Salvation Army had been received from Gibraltar where he was stationed in 1942-43, and from Cairo.
A close friend, Sergt. G. Vallard, M.M., a former Salvation Army bandsman whose home address is 15 Westfield Place, writes: “It was my sad task to find Bramwell Wright and bring him in for burial. It seems very strange not to see him walking about the battalion and I miss him greatly, as I have known him for so long a time. His conversation was always about the Salvation Army. He was the first of our band - and the whole of the members of the Temple – to be killed.”
Husband of Phyllis Emily Wright
Interred in Cesena War Cemetery, Italy - Grave VII.13.11.
Young, Miss Jean Elsie
Age: Unknown
DIED 8 OCTOBER 1940
Miss Jean Elsie Young was killed in the second German air raid on Yeovil on 8 October 1940 when an high explosive bomb made a direct hit on an air raid shelter in the garden of 103 Preston Grove.
The Western Gazette 18 October 1940:
The death has occurred of Miss Jean Elsie Young, aged 16, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.S. Young, of 37 Everton Road, Yeovil, formerly of Gillingham, in which town Miss Young was born and educated and where she was actively connected with the Girl Guide movement. She was attached to Holy Trinity Church and the Vicar (the Rev. J. Lloyd Armstrong) officiated at the funeral on Friday at Yeovil Cemetery.
Miss Young’s three brothers are all serving in H.M. Forces, one of them in Egypt. The chief mourners were:- Mr. and Mrs. H.S. Young (father and mother), Mr. T. Hayter (uncle), Mr. T. Hayter (cousin), Miss Ruby Hellier, Mr. and Mrs. Goad and Miss Vera Goad, Mrs. Hooper and Mrs. Legg (friends), Mrs. Coffee represented Mr. Harrison, and the Rev. P. Allen (curate) was also present.
37 EVERTON ROAD, YEOVIL Interred in Yeovil Cemetery
Young, Sydney Charles Wayman
Age: 30
DIED 23 SEPTEMBER 1944
MAJOR
MILITARY CROSS 7TH BATTALION, SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY
The 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry as part of the 43rd Wessex Division, 30 Corps, was in the advance to join up with the Airborne Forces at Arnhem, and on 22 September 1944 the battalion was in the vicinity of the village of Oosterhout. Major Sidney Young, was mortally wounded when carrying out a reconnaissance near the village.
The Western Gazette 6 October 1944:
Following an announcement that her husband, Major Sydney C.W. Young, Somerset Light Infantry, had been granted an immediate award of the Military Cross, Mrs. Young of Oxen Close, 186 Ilchester Road, received the sad news that he had died of wounds in September.
Major Young, the younger son of the late Mr. Edward Young, M.B.E., and of Mrs. Young, of Taunton, obtained a commission in the Territorial Army. He was formerly Branch Actuary of the Somerset and Wilts Savings Bank, Yeovil, and secretary of the Yeovil Operatic Society.
The Western Gazette 27 October 1944:
It is now officially announced that the award of the Military Cross has been made to Major Sydney C.W. Young, the Somerset Light Infantry for services on the Western Front.
As announced in a recent issue, Mrs. Young, of Oxen Close, 186 Ilchester Road received the sad news in September.
The citation states: “On 2nd July 1944 at Tourville, this officer led a composite battle patrol of infantry carriers, A/Tk guns and 3in. mortars to obtain information on enemy dispositions in Verson and Jumeaux. Throughout the operation he showed great initiative and skill in handling the force under his command and penetrating three miles into enemy territory obtained valuable information of concealed enemy M.G. and mortar emplacements which had been harassing our own positions. In addition to wounding or killing six of the enemy, the patrol was able to give information which subsequently enabled our troops to be more suitably disposed for a forthcoming major operation. Throughout the operation his confidence and personal bravery inspired the men in accomplishing a bold venture with outstanding success.”
Husband of Beatrice Young of Yeovil
Interred in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Holland - Grave 1.F.2.