ELY - WORLD WAR 2 WAR MEMORIAL

ANKIN	Samuel	Sapper 2073648, 17 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action in North West Europe 16 October 1944. Aged 22. Born 27 January 1922, and resident, in Ely, Isle of Ely, enlisted 5 May 1939 at Ely. Son of Fredrick Samuel and Bessie Ankin, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Admitted to Military Hospital, Shaftesbury, Dorset 7 August 1941, transferred to Hazelgrove Convalsescent Home, Sparkford 10 September 1941 then 6 October 1941 to Convalescent Depot, Taunton, then 29 November 1941 discharged from hospital. Buried in OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Plot III. Row E. Grave 13. Extract from Ely Standard: KILLED IN ACTION Official notification has been received that Spr. S. Ankin has been killed in action in Western Europe. He was the 22-year-old son of Mrs. Roberts, and the late Mr. Frederick Ankin, of 14, Barton-road, Ely. Before joining the Territorials in 1939, he was an apprentice at Messrs. Alfred Wood & Co., of Broad-street, Ely. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts thank all relatives and friends for expressions of sympathy in their loss. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: ANKIN Samuel of 14 Barton-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 16 October 1944 on war service Probate Peterborough 26 February to William Roberts boilermaker. Effects £109 17s. 3d.
ANKIN	William Frederick Loos	Able Seaman P/JX 172175, H.M.S. Jaguar, Royal Navy. Died at sea 26 March 1942. Born 2 February 1918 in Great Chesterford, Essex. Son of James Richard Ankin. In the 1939 Register he was born 2 February 1918, a Plasterer's Labourer, unmarried, living with his widowed father, James R Ankin, at 17 Parade Lane, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 63, Column 1.
ATKIN	Charles William Leslie	Private 5833502, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died from Malaria as a Japanese Prisoner of War 14 July 1943. Aged 31. Born 2 October 1912, and resident, Cambridgeshire. Son of William and Hyacynthe (sic) Mary Atkin; husband of Elvina Ena (nee Lomas) Atkin, of Lavenham, Suffolk, married July to September Quarter 1941 in Cambridge Registration District, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 8, born Cambridgeshire, son of William and Hyacinth Atkin, resident Waterside, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity & Ely College, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 2 October 1912, a General Labourer, single, living with his parents, William and Hyacinth Atkin, resident 8 Waterside, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire Buried in CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 7. Row C. Grave 4. Extract from Ely Standard (article incorrectl;y spells his surname): PTE. C. W. L. ATKINS Mr. and Mrs. W. Atkin, of 8, Waterside, Ely, have received official news from the War Office stating that their eldest son, Pte. Charles Williams Leslie Atkins ("Slogger"), of the 5th Suffolk Regt., died of malaria on June 14th, 1943, while a prisoner of war in Thailand. Before joining up in July, 1940, Pte. Atkins was employed by St. Martin's (Eastern) Limited.
BARBER	Ernest [John]	Only one casualty of this name is listed in the CWGC Register, but there is no obvious connection with the area. Private 6289146 2nd Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), died between 10th May and 4th October 1940, aged 20, buried: Merris Communal Cemetery, France. Son of James and Emily Barber of Rochester, Kent. There are four entries for Ernest Barber: one whose family lived on the Isle of Wight, the others having families in Yorkshire. There are six entries for John Barber: one whose family lived in Dorchester; one who came from Canada; and four whose origin is unrecorded. See also Stuntney
BATCH	Derrick William Edward	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1439088, 40 Squadron, Royal Air Froce Volunteer Reserve. Killed in action flying out of Gardabia South, Libya, in a Vickers Wellington X, serial number HZ243, when the aircraft crashed in the target area during a raid on MT vehicles on roads near Tunis 7 May 1943. Aged 20. Born 26 March 1923. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of William Batch, and of Amy Batch, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 26 March 1923, a Laundry Van Driver, single, resident 83, Cambridge Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot III. Row K. Collective grave 4. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: ELY AIRMAN'S DEATH CONFIRMED Sergt. D. W. E. Batch Final confirmation of the death of her son—Sgt., A/G. Derrick W. E. Batch, R.A.F.-has been received by Mrs. A. Atkin, of 206, New Barnes-avenue, Ely, in the following letter from the Air Ministry: “I am directed to inform you that a further report has now been received from the R.A.F. Middle East, which states that your son, Sgt. Derrick William Edward Batch. R.A.F., and three of his comrades, were buried In No. 4, Row K. Plot 3, Massicault Military Cemetery, Tunisia. It is hoped that this information, received after the lapse of so long a period may bring a measure of comfort to you in the great loss you have sustained.” Sgt. Batch, son of Mrs. Atkin and the late Mr. William Batch was reported “Missing presumed killed” on May 7th, 1943. He had been overseas only five weeks. A keen and popular sportsman, he was last employed by the Petroleum Board, Station-road, Ely, and volunteered for the R.A.F. from Marshall's Flying School, Cambridge, in June, 1941.
BISHOP	[Charles] John	Trooper 6352644, Life Guards. Died as the result of an accident in United Kingdom 29 November 1945. Aged 24. Born 28 April 1921 in London, resident London S.E. Son of Charles and Rosena Bishop, Gault Cottage, Chettisham, Ely. In the 1939 Register he was born 28 April 1921, a Tin Worker, single, resident with his parents at 196 Rotherhithe, Rotherhithe, Southwark, Bermondsey, London. Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, Surrey. Plot 5. Row C. Grave 19.
BLACKBURNE	Cecil Lionel Wilfred	Major 44028, South Lancashire Regiment, attached to 5th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Died of wounds 26 September 1943. Aged 34. Born 17 June 1909. Second son of the Very Revd. Lionel Edward Blackburne, M.A, and Eleanor Blackburne, of The Deanery, Ely, Cambridgeshire. P.S.C. He was at Charterhouse [S] 1923 to 1927 and went on to R.M.C. Sandhurst. He joined the South Lancashire Regiment in 1929. Attached to 5th Bn Hampshire Regiment. Buried in SALERNO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot III. Row A. Grave 24. See also Charthouse School War Memorial, Godalming, Surrey. Extract from Ely Standard: DEAN OF ELY BEREAVED. Major C. L. W. Blackburne Dies of Wounds. Official notification has been received by the Dean of Ely (Very Rev. L. E. Blackburne) and Mrs. Blackburne, that their second son, Major Cecil Lionel Wilfrid Blackburne, Hampshire Regt., died of wounds in the Central Mediterranean theatre of war, on Sept. 26th. Major Blackburne, who was 33, was educated at Charterhouse and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and went to the Lancashire Regt. in 1929. He held two appointments as second in command in this country and went abroad in charge of a draft. He was with the Hampshire Regt. at the time of his death.
BROWN	Arthur William	Private 5932903 2nd Battalion (Cambridgeshire Regiment), Suffolk Regiment. Died at sea as a Japanese Prisoner of War on Thursday, 21 September 1944, when the Hofuku Marua Japanese ship he was being transported on was sunk by planes from an American Aircraft Carrier; originally captured 15 February 1942 at the Surrender of Singapore. Aged 23. Born 1921 in the Isle of Ely, resident Cambridgeshire. Son of Herbert Joseph and Annie Elizabeth Brown, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. Brother of Francis Brown (below). No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 58. See also Prickwillow. Extract from the Cambridgeshire Times: NEWS OF PRICKWILLOW BROTHERS. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brown, of Isleham Bank, whose two sons, Pte. Joe and Arthur Brown, have been missing since the fall of Singapore, have received the first news of them in the following message on a card: "My dear Mother and Dad,—Joe and I are quite well. Being treated and fed well. Don't worry. Lots of love.. —Arthur." Their whereabouts are not known and no official notice has been received so far. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index, 1946: BROWN Arthur William of River Bank Prickwillow Cambridgeshire died on or since 21 September 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 6 July to Annie Elizabeth Brown (wife of Herbert Joseph Brown). Effects £231 Is. 7d. The Memorial stands in Kranji War Cemetery.
BROWN	Elmer Alexander	Private 5889427, 1st Battalion, The King's Regiment (Liverpool). Died of wounds received in Burma on Sunday, 2 April 1944. Aged 24. Born 20 January 1920. Baptised 10 October 1920 in Little Ouse, Cambridgeshire. Son of William and Lydia Brown; husband of Phyllis Brown (nee Greenacre), of Beck Row, Suffolk, married October to December Quarter 1938 in Ely Registration District, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Littleport, Cambridgeshire, son of William and Lydia Brown, resident Plantation Farm, Lynn Road, Littleport, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was a Land Worker, married to Phyllis Brown, resident Mile End, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in GAUHATI WAR CEMETERY, India. Plot 1. Row E. Grave 30. See also Prickwillow Gauhati, the capital city of the state of Assam in North East India is on the Eastern side of the River Brahmaputra some 600 kilometres east of Calcutta.
BROWN	Francis	Private 14506366, 2nd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. Killed in action in Western Europe on Tuesday, 24 October 1944. Aged 20. Born 18 June 1924 in Cambridgeshire. Son of Herbert Joseph and Annie Elizabeth Brown, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. Brother of Arthur William Brown (above). In the 1939 Register he was born 18 June 1924, a Farm Labourer, single, resident with his parents, Herbert J and Annie E Brown, at River Bank, Soham, Newmarket R.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in UDEN WAR CEMETERY, Netherlands. Plot 3. Row G. Grave 3. See also Prickwillow. Uden is a town on the main road between Eindhoven and Nijmegen. The War Cemetery is 350 metres from the centre of the town, on the Nijmegen road at the junction with the road to Zeeland. Extract from the Ely Standard: KILLED IN N.W. EUROPE Official notification has been reecived by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brown, of Prickwillow, that their son, Pte. Francis Brown, was killed in action in North-West Europe on October 24th. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two sons who were taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore, and another is also serving in the Forces. The deep sympathy of their many friends will go out to the family in their loss.
BRYANT	Raymond Cyril	Lance Corporal S/282626, Royal Army Service Corps. Died on service in United Kingdom 1 June 1945. Born 23 May 1906, Haddenham, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Cambridgeshire. Baptised 1 July 1906 in Haddenham, Cambridgeshire. Aged 39. Son of Adam and Harriet Bryant, of Ely; his father was a Police Constable. In the 1939 Register he was born 23 May 1906, a grocer's Assistant, single, resident 6 The Vineyards, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried 5 June 1945 in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 420B. Extract from Ely Standard: THE LATE L/CPL. R. C. BRYANT L/Cpl. Raymond C. Bryant, of 6, The Vineyards, Ely, whose tragic death was reported last week. After two years abroad he had returned home for treatment for blood pressure, and was out cycling on May 28th when he collapsed. He was removed to hospital, where he died on June 1st, from cerebral haemorrhage. Extract from Ely Standard: Returned Soldier's Tragic End COLLAPSED WHILE CYCLING AN ELY MAN, Lce/Cpl. Raymond Cyril Bryant, a storekeeper In the R.A.S.C., returned home on May 16th, after spending two years in Italy. He was invalided home with high blood pressure. On Monday. May 28th, he was out cycling when he collapsed in Bray's-lane. He was removed to the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely, where he died on Friday from cerebral hemorrhage. Aged 39, deceased was the brother of Mr. A. A. Bryant, with whom he lived at 6, The Vineyards. He had been in the Army for four years, two of them being spent abroad. He was at Salerno, fought right through Italy, and was in Athens at the time of the trouble in Greece. An inquest was held by the Ely District Coroner (Mr. E. R. Ennion) at the Hospital on Monday afternoon. Evidence of identification was given by Alfred A. Bryant, of 6. The Vineyards. Ely, brother of deceased. He said his brother, who was 39, was a L/Cpl. storekeeper in the R.A.S.C. and had Just returned from Italy. In private life he was a grocer. He arrived home in Ely from Italy on sick leave on May 16th and said he was to undergo medical treatment for blood pressure. Witness did not know that he had suffered from that. He last saw deceased alive on Sunday night. May 27th. and he was quite all right then. On the following day when witness arrived home from work his wife told him that deceased had been out for a cycle ride. The same evening witness saw his brother at the hospital and he said “It's come; its going to be a long job.” The Coroner: Did you know to what he was referring? — No. He was rambling rather a lot and said nothing else I could understand. On Friday witness telephoned the hospital and learned that deceased had passed away that night. Witness added that his brother —was a very keen and very careful cyclist and he had never known him to have a fall from a cycle. NOT CAUSED BY ACCIDENT Wing-Commander Eric Hamilton Hudson, a doctor at the Hospital, said that deceased was admitted at 4-10 p.m. on May 28th: he was dazed and paralysed down one side. Witness made an examination and diagnosed cerebral haemorrhage. Bryant had been invalided home from Italy and was due to report to Leys Hospital for further treatment for severe blood pressure. He died at 10-30 p.m. on Friday, June 1st. and witness was satisfied that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. He thought the fall from the cycle was caused by the haemorrhage, and not the haemorrhage by the fall. Witness had been told that deceased had told someone in the hospital that he felt queer before falling. Witness never heard him refer to the accident. Evidence was also given by Elsie Amy Kirk, of the Women's Land army, living at the W.L.A. Hostel, Ely. She said that on Monday. May 28th she was at Archer-crescent, Brays-lane, about 2-30 p.m., when she heard a crash. On turning round she saw a cyclist lying on the ground. He tried to get up but fell back again. Witness went to his assistance, but found that he was too much for her. A man from the factory and Mrs. Woodbine got him into Mrs. Woodbine's house. NO TRAFFIC Witness said that the road was quite clear of traffic about the time of the accident and there was nothing on the road which could have thrown him off his cycle. Deceased said to her that he would like some water and thought he would be better when he got to Mrs. Woodbine's. Sarah Woodbine, wife of Harry Woodbine, of 17, Brays-lane, Ely, said she was upstairs when the previous witness knocked at the door and said that a man had fallen from a cycle and wanted to come in and sit down. The accident happened opposite her house and she saw a man hanging on to the railings. She recognised him and asked. “Whatever have you done, Ray?” and he answered. “I don't know. My front wheel just went wobbly.” Mr. Tuck from the jam factory helped witness to get deceased into the house. He asked for Mrs. Tofts who, when she came telephoned to the R.A.F. Hospital and an ambulance came and took deceased away. Summing up the Coroner said that it was fortunate for this poor man that a young lady happened to be near and at once went to his help and got him into a friend's house until the ambulance arrived. Al, the hospital he was first conscious and had lapses into unconsciousness, but never referred to the accident. It was a case of great hardship. This man had been serving in Italy and naturally was looking forward to coming home. He was sent home because of high blood pressure and the doctor was satisfied that the accident in no way hastened the man's end. The cause of death was given as cerebral haemorrhage and with that he agreed, The Coroner voiced sympathy with Mr. A. Bryant in his loss. THE FUNERAL The funeral took place at the cemetery on Tuesday, the Rev, V. H. E. Ritson officiating. The immediate mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. A. Bryant., brother and sister-in-law; Mrs. Cran, aunt; Mr. and Mrs. Woodroffe, cousins; Mrs. and Miss F. Smith and Mrs. Gooding (Peterborough), friends; Mr. Smith and. Mr, Tofts, representing the Co-operative Society Committee; Mr. Woodbine, Mr. Greaves, Mr. Prior. Miss Street. Mr. Scarrow, Miss Bidwell, Mr. Gillett, Mr. J. Lowe, Mr. Gorham, Mrs. Moore, (representing Mr. W. Moore); employees of the Co-operative Society: Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Meadows. Floral tributes were received from: Bert and Gwen: Geraldine and Christopher; Aunt, Uncle and Cousins, 16, Bull-lane; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ellingham; Mr. and Mrs. Tofts and Edna; A friend; Mrs. Smith, Madge and Freda (Peterborough); Audrey (130, Walpole-street, Peterborough); Norah and Molly: Co-operative employees, Broad-street ; His pal Wal and Moore, and Bob (C.M.F.); The Committee of the Ely Co-operative Society: The staff of the Ely Central and St. Mary's-street Co-operative Society Branches; Mr. and Mrs. Noble and Elizabeth; Mr. and Mrs. W. Tunnell.; Mr. and Mrs. Edwards; Mr. and Mrs. Selwood. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: BRYANT Raymond Cyril of 6 The Vineyards Ely Cambridgeshire died 1 June 1945 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 1 October to Alfred Adelbert Bryant sugar boilerman. Effects £925 1s.
CHESTER	Walter	Private 5933187, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Captured 15 February 1942 at Singapore, died as a Prisoner of War 10 September 1943 at No 13b Camp, Aomi, Japan, of diarrhoea and general debility. Aged 24. Born 20 October 1919, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of Walter Edgar and Gertrude Francis Chester, of 3, St. John's Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Occupation Shop Assistant. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Walter Edgar and Gertrude Frances Chester, resident Lynn Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Japanese records list him as a Lance Corporal and his mother as Elizabeth. Cremated and buried in YOKOHAMA WAR CEMETERY, Japan. British Section E. Row A. Grave 11. Extract from Ely Standard 1942: PTE. W. CHESTER. Official notification has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Chester, of 3. St John's-road, Ely, that their youngest son, Pte. Walter Chester (23), is missing in Malaya. Pte. Chester, who was employed by Messrs. Bennetts, Market-street. Ely, since leaving school, was in the Territorials fpr four years before the outbreak of war. He has two brothers also serving in the Forces. Pte. Chester is a keen footballer and often Played for Ely.
CLARKE	Guy Archer	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1868276, 12 Squadron, Royal Air Froce Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Wickenby, Lincolnshire, in an Avro Lancaster I, serial number RF188, when the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Ottensoos 4 miles west of Hersbruck during a raid on Nuremberg, two of the crew survived and were captured, 16 March 1945. Aged 19. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Frank Archer Clarke and Eva Clarke, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY, Bayern, Germany. Plot 11. Row F. Grave 23. Extract from Ely Standard: Missing from Operations Sergt. Guy Clarke, R.A.F. The SYMPATHY of their many friends will go out to Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Clarke. of 18, Lynn-road, Ely, who are still awaiting official news of the fate of their son, Sergt. Guy Archer, R A.F., who was reported missing from air operations on the night of March 16th-17th. Although officially reported “missing” there appears, unfortunately, little hope of his having survived, in view of details which have been supplied by a member of the crew who escaped. Sgt. Clarke, who was 19, was educated at King's School and had spent a year In Messrs. H. and J. Cutlack's shop before Joining the R.A.F. in February, 1944. He spent two years in the Home Guard, attaining the rank of Corporal, and was also in the Kings' School A.T.C. As a flight engineer he had made several operational flights over enemy territory and he failed to return from a bombing raid on Nuremburg. The official notification received by Mr. Clarke from the Air Ministry, on March 26th read: “I am commanded by the Air Council to express to you their great regret on learning that your son, Sgt. Guy Archer Clarke. Royal Air Force, is missing as the result of air operations on the night of March 16th-17th, 1945, when a Lancaster aircraft in which he was flying as flight engineer, set out to bomb Nuremburg and was not heard of again. “This does not necessarily mean that he is killed or wounded and if he is a prisoner of war he should be able to communicate with you in due course Meanwhile inquiries are being made through the International Red Cross Committee, and an soon as any definite news is received, you will be at once informed. If any information regarding your son is received by you from any source you are requested to be kind enough to communicate it immediately to the Air Ministry...” “SHIP CAUGHT FIRE” Mr. Clarke made other inquiries and eventually contacted a member of the crew who escaped — Kenny Inperius, a Canadian — from whom he received the following letter, written from Port-Arthur, Ontario. on June 19th: “Very glad you wrote, as wilting to you will ease my mind as much as you writing to me. I can understand how any news that I may have will be of benefit to you. I will tell you my story and then you can draw your own conclusion. “We had bombed our target and were on our way home when we were hit from below by a fighter. The ship caught fire and started to dive, but was put right again by the pilot. Shortly the fire died clown and the smoke vanished. All I heard over the inter-com. was the navigator asking the pilot if he was all right; then there was silence. Everything seemed to be going along fine and I figured the Inter-com. had been shot away. “When I looked down the fuselage, I discovered to my surprise that I was riding the severed tail section of our aircraft. Right there and then I figured it was time to leave, so did. When my 'chute opened, I heard my bomb-aimer calling me, so I answered, but we did not see each other till four days later. “My bomb-aimer had opened the front escape hatch and was going back to give the pilot a hand when the ship fell into a spin and then exploded. The next thing he knew he was floating through space. “I believe we were hit very close to the tail and in pulling the ship out of the dive the tail assembly just broke off under the strain. The rest fell into a spin and then exploded. “The German officer in the camp told us that five bodies had been found in our aircraft. The pilot and mid-upper gunner were identified by their identity cards, but the others could not be identified....” In a letter to Mr. Clarkem, Sgt. Clarke's Squadron Commander pays the following tribute: “. . . . Sgt. Clarke was one of my most experienced flight engineers, and I had every confidence in his ability, courage and skill. He will be very sadly missed by his many friends here and the officers and men of the Squadron wish to add their deepest sympathy to that of my own.” Mr. and Mrs. Clarke wish to thank their many friends for kind inquiries during the past anxious months. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: CLARKE Guy Archer of 18 Lynn-road Ely Cambridgeshire died on or since 16 March 1945 on war service Administration Peterborough 11 July to Frank Archer Clarke company director. Effects £344 19s. 10d.
COLE	James William Albert	Private 14631001, 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Died of wounds in Italy on Sunday, 2 April 1944. Aged 23. Born 30 September 1921, and resident, in Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Albert and Elizabeth Lily Cole, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was an Agricutural Horse Keeper, single, resident with his parents, Albert and Elizabeth L Cole, at Shell Farm, Soham, Newmarket R.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO, Ital. Plot VIII. Row E. Grave 8. See also Prickwillow. Anzio is a coastal town 70 kilometres south of Rome. Extract from Ely Standard: DIED OF WOUNDS. Mr. and Mrs. A. Cole, of Bull's Farm, Prickwillow, have received news that their eldest son, Pte. J. W. A. Cole, died of wounds on April 2nd last. Before joining up Pte. Cole was employed by Hiam's Estates, Ltd., Putney Hill.
COLE	Leslie William	Private 295900, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action in Italy on Wednesday, 27 October 1943. Aged 21. Born 25 December 1921 in Cambridgeshire, resident Cambridgeshire. Son of James William and Jessie Amelia Cole, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was a Second Horsekeeper on Farm (Heavy Worker), resident with his parents James W and Lessie A Cole at Lark Engine Farm, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in SANGRO RIVER WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot II. Row C. Grave 44. See also Prickwillow. The Sangro River War Cemetery lies in the Contrada Sentinelle in the Commune of Torino di Sangro, Province of Chieti.
COLE	Percy William	Leading Aircraftman (Driver) 940191, 211 Squadron, Royal Air Froce Volunteer Reserve, Far East Command. Taken prisoner on 8 March 1942 when Java fell and died in a Prisoner of War camp at Sandakan, Borneo, 9 June 1945. Aged 23. Born 5 March 1922. Son of Mrs. S. M. Cole, of Stuntney, Cambridgeshire. IN the 1939 Register he was born 5 March 1922, a Footman, single, son of Sarah M Cole, resident 6 Sohan Road,Stuntney, Stuntney, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 453. See also Stuntney Extract from Ely Standard: L/Ac. P. W. COLE Mrs. S. M. Cole. of 6. Council Houses, Stuntney, has heard from the Air Ministry that her son.. L Ac. Percy Wm. Cole, died on June 9th while in Japanese hands. Greatly liked by all who knew him, L tAc. Cole was a footman in London when he volunteered for service. He was on his way abroad on his 18th birthday. Mrs. Cole has two other sons in the Forces.
CORNWELL	Archie	Corporal 136249, Royal Engineers. Died in the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely, while on leave pending his release 12 May 1946. Aged 27. Born 10 December 1918, baptised 16 February 1919 in Little Downham, Cambridgeshire. Son of Charles and May Florence Cornwell; husband of Joan Evelyn Cornwell, of Ely. Enlisted 15 December 1939 in Ealing. Served in the Middle East including Egypt. In the 1939 Register he was the Son of Charles and May F Cornwell, born 10 December 1918, a General farm Worker, single, resident 6 Upherd's Lane, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CHETTISHAM CHURCHYARD, Ely, Cambridgeshire. See also Chettisham.
COX	Leslie George	Private 5932982, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died as a Japanese Prisoner of War 24 October 1943 at Chunkai of encephalitis. Aged 22. Born 1 March 1921 in Coveney, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Brewery Worker by trade. Son of Frederick Cox; husband of Gertrude Cox who was resident 96, Ruskin Road, Crewe, Cheshire. Buried in CHUNKAI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 6. Row P. Grave 12. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: ANOTHER FAR EAST VICTIM Ely Man's Death in Jap Hands News has been received this week of yet another local man's death in Jap hands. On Saturday, Mrs. L G. Cox. of 47, St. Mary's-street, Ely, received official notification that her husband, Pte Leslie George Cox (Cambs. Regt.) died in 1943. The youngest son of the late Mr. Fred Cox, of Coveney, and Mrs. Benstead, at 47, St. Mary's-street, Pte. Cox formerly worked at the, Fore-hill Brewery and was a Territorial. He was 22. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: COX Leslie George of 47 St. Marys-street Ely Cambridgeshire died 24 October 1943 on war service Administration Chester 23 October to Gertrude Mary Cox widow. Effects £127 1s. 5d.
CRICK	[Harry] Frederick Henry	Private 5825835, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds in North West Europe 29 June 1944. Aged 31. Born Suffolk, resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Charles Crick, and of Florence Crick, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; husband of Mrs. E M Cross, of 12, Downham Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, son of Walter and Mary Lavinia Cross, resident Pothers Ham, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Buried in HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot 1. Row T. Grave 11. Extract from the Ely Standard: NORMANDY CASUALTY Mrs. Crick, of 5, Jubilee-terrace. Ely, has had official notification that her son, Pte. F. H. Crick, Suffolk Regiment, has died from wounds as a result of enemy action in France. Pte. Crick, who was 31 years of age, had been in the Army for 12 years; eight years he was in India, returning to England in 1943.
CROSS	Clifford Reginald Spencer	Sapper 1891682, "Y" List, Royal Engineers. Admitted Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, Hampshire, with cardiac problems, 4 January 1945, died of Infective Endocarditis at Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, 23 May 1945. Born 19 February 1919, baptised 6 April 1919 in Wilburton, Cambridgeshire, son of Walter and Mary Lavinia Cross, of Australia Farm, Wilburton, Cambridgeshire. Enlisted 18 October 1939 at Cambridge. Buried in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section G. Grave 341A.
CROSS	Sidney John	Sapper 14534163, 3 Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers. Killed in action in North West Europe 10 August 1944. Aged 21. Born 21 June 1923, and resident, Isle of Ely. Enlisted 4 February 1943 in Clitheroe. Grandson of Mrs. H. Peacock, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 21 June 1923, a Lorry Angel Engineers Boy (Soil Co Limited), single, resident 1 Jubilee Terrace, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot VA. Row K. Grave 9. Extract from the Ely Standard: SAPPER S. J. CROSS News has been received that Sapper Sydney J. Cross has been killed in action in North-west Europe. Grandson of Mrs, H. Peacock. of 2, Jubilee-terrace, Broad-st., Ely, he has a sister. Miss Doreen Cross. He was called up on Feb. 4th, 1943. at the age of 20 years. At the time of his death he was serving in a R.E. Airborne Squadron. Educated at Needham's School, Sapper Cross was a popular all-round sportsman. He was a member of the Home Guard Football Club, and was a runner in the Ely sports, for which he won a cup and several medals. Before joining H.M. Forces he was employed by the Anglo-American Oil Company, Ltd.
CUTLACK	Cecil William Robin	Captain 78249, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed in action 24 January 1942 at Sengarrang during the Japanese invasion of Malaya. Born 27 March 1915, baptised 8 May 1915 in Cherry Hinton, St John, Cambridgeshire, son of William Philip and Dora Cutlack, resident Glebe Lodge, Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he is listed as being born 21 March 1915, single, resident 43 West Cromwell Road, Earls Court, Kensington And Chelsea, Kensington, London. Buried in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Plot 29. Row A. Grave 14. Extract from Cambridgeshire Times: SON OF COL. CUTLACK. Capt. C. W. R. Cutlack was the only son of Col. W. P. Cutlack, Zone Commander of the Isle of Ely Home Guard, Chairman of the Cambs. and Isle of Ely Territorial Army Association, a former High Sheriff and a former Commanding Officer of the County Regiment. He was also the grandson of Ald. William Cutlack, a former Vice-Chairman of the Isle of Ely County Council and also a former High Sheriff. His mother, Mrs. Dora Cutlack, died in 1925. Captain Cutlack was born on March 27th, 1915. In due course he proceeded to a preparatory school, St. Ronan's West Worthing, and later passed on with several of his friends to Wellington College, Berkshire, and then proceeded to Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he graduated. After the comparative comfort of college life, wise counsel decided that if he was eventually to enter the family business it was essential for him to be thoroughly trained from the very bottom in this highly technical and difficult trade. For the next three years he devoted his time (largely as a workman) with different firms in learning each branch—malting, brewing. etc., and ultimately joined the firm of Hall, Cutlack & Harlock, Ltd., in February, 1939. Fond of games, he was a very useful performer at Rugger and Hockey, and at cricket he proved himself a very steady bat, particularly when things were “black,” and he was also an excellent field. Captain Cutlack was known for his efficiency and keenness, and his quick promotion was due to merit and not to the fact that he was the son of Commanding Officer. He spent some time on Brigade staff, from all of which he gained a wide knowledge, which he was quick to apply. He was commissioned to the Cambridgeshire Regiment on November 16th. 1938, and called up when mobilization was ordered in September. 1939. Now that the presence of the 18th Division at Singapore has been published, the rest is known.
DAVIS	Charles Brocklebank	[Listed as Charles Brocklesby Davis on CWGC] Private 97003494, 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Missing in action in Burma, died between 12 and 14 February 1944. Aged 26. Born 7 January 1918 in India, resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of the Revd. Dr. George Brocklesby Davis, M.A, M.D, and of Lucy Gertrude Davis (nee Howard). B.A. (Oxon.); Exhibitioner of Keble College, Oxford. In the 1939 Register he was born 7 January 1918, a Student, single, resident with his parents at 62 St Mary's Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on RANGOON MEMORIAL, Myanmar. Face 10. Extract from Ely Standard: {to follow}
DELANOY	Mosie Lee	Major 116217, Royal Engineers. Died 29 May 1947. Aged 56. Born 1891. Son of William and Annie Delanoy-husband of Grace Emily Delanoy (nee Lane), of Ely, Cambridgeshire, married October to December Quarter 1927 in Ely Registration District, Cambridgeshire. A.M.I.E.E. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Cairo, Egypt, single, a General Engineer, boaridngnat 159 Monks Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Admitted 17 May 1906 to Chesterfield Boys' Grammar Boys School, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, his father was W. Delaney, of Cairo, Egypt (Inspector of Prisons), left 15 April 1908, also associated with Victoria College, Alexandria, Egypt. Buried in ALDERSHOT MILITARY CEMETERY, Hampshire. Plot A. Row A. Grave 65.
DEW	Thomas George William	Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 1892018, 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Fulbeck, Lincolnshire, in a Lancaster I, serial number RF153,he was killed in actio when his aircraft was shot down at Braunsbedra during a raid on the Wintershall synthetic oil plant at Lutzkendorf, one of the crew survived and evaded capture, on Thursday, 15 March 1945. Aged 20. Born 21 August 1924 in Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. Son of George William and Florence May Dew, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 21 August 1924, son of George W and Florence M Dew, a Farm Worker, single, resident Mile End, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY, Brandenburg, Germany. Plot 6. Row Z. Collective grave 18-27. See also Prickwillow. The Cemetery is in the district of Charlottenburg, 8 kilometres west of the city centre, on the south side of the Heerstrasse.
DYER	Robert James	Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) 111214, 83 Bomber Squadron (Manchesters), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Scampton, Lincolnshire, in an Avro Manchester I, serial number R5837, when the aircraft ditched in the North Sea off Margate, Kent following flak damage during an abortive Nickel leaflet raid on Paris, one of the crew survived, 8 April 1942. Aged 27. (B.A.). Born 12 January 1915. Native of Ilminster, Somerset. Son of James Humphrey and Theresa Dyer. Husband of Nancy May Dyer of Ilminster, Somerset. In the 1939 Register he was born 12 January 1915, married to Nancy M Dyer, a School Master (Public School), resident 17 Orchard Estate, Lynn Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on The RUNNYMEDE Memorial, Surrey. Panel 69. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943: DYER Robert James of 17 Orchard-estate Lynn-road Ely Cambridgeshire died on or since 8 April 1942 on war service Administration Bodmin 2 April to Nancy May Dyer widow. Effects £1496 5s. 10d.
EVANS	Bernard Henry [Sanders]	Stoker First Class P/KX 93700, H.M.S. Cape Howe, Royal Navy. Lost at sea on armed merchant cruiser H.M.S. Cape when it was sunk by U-Boat off Newfoundland, 21 June 1940. Born 29 June 1917. Son of John and Eleanor Evans, Victoria Street, Ely. Husband of Rita Evans. No known grave Commemorated on the PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 42, Column 1.
FEW	John E	No further information curretly available
FISHER	Alfred	Private 5889482, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died as the result of an accident 28 November 1942. Aged 28. Born 4 August 1914, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of William and Eliza Fisher, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 6, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of William and Eliza Fisher, resident New Barnes Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 4 August 1914, single, a Grocer's Shop Assistant, resident wth his parents, William and Eliza Fisher, at 25 New Barns Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in COLOMBO (KANATTE) GENERAL CEMETERY, Sri Lanka. Plot 6C. Row C. Grave 12.
FORD	Ernest Henry	Private 5831281, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Captured at the fall of Singapore 15 February 1942, died as a Japanese Prisoner of War in Thailand, Camp 4, 30 September 1943. Aged 23. Born 9 December 1919, and resident, Ely, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Ernest and Laura Jane Ford, of 120, Broad Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Laundryman by trade. In the 1939 Register he was born 9 December 1919, a Laudry (Washer), single. resident with his widowed mother, Laura J Ford, at 120 Broad Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETRY, Thailand. Plot 4. Row B. Grave 69. Extract from the Cambridgeshire Times; this article is when news that he was a PoW in the Far East was received: PTE. E. H. FORD A card has been received by his mother from a local soldier. Pte. Ernest Henry Ford, of the Suffolk Regt., stating that he is a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, and that he is in good health. He is the only son of Mrs. Ford, of 120, Broad-street, Ely. Pte. Ford. who is 22, was employed by the Ely & District Laundry, Lynn-rd., for five years prior to joining up on March 15th, 1940. His father, who was in the Suffolk Regt., was a prisoner of war for nearly four years during the Great War. Extract from Ely Standard: Pte. E. H. FORD The sad news has been received from the War Office, by Mrs. Ford, of 120, Bread-street, Ely, that her son, Pte. E. H. Ford, Suffolk Regt., died on Sept. 30th. 1943, of tropical tumour, while a prisoner of war in Thailand. Pte. Ford, who was captured at the fall of Singapore, was 25 years of age. Before joining the Forces in 1940, he was employed by the Ely and District Laundry. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: FORD Ernest Henry of 120 Broad-street Ely Cambridgeshire died 30 September 1943 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 9 January to Laura Jane Ford widow. Effects £257 0s. 5d.
FRETWELL	Edward George	Sergeant (Air Bomber) 1624918, 178 Squadron, Royal Air Froce Volunteer Reserve. Killed in action flying out of Amendola, Italy, ina Consolidated Liberator BVI, serial number KG873, when the aircraft crashed near Wietrzychowice during a low-level supply drop to the Polish Home Army during the Warsaw Uprising 15 August 1944. Aged 21. Born 30 July 1923. Native of Stuntney. Son of Samuel and Amy Hilda Fretwell, of Stuntney, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 30 July 1923, a Labourer R.D. Council, single, resident with his aprents, Samuel and Amy H Fretwell, resident 4 Hallfield Terrace, Stuntney, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CRACOW RAKOWICKI CEMETERY, Poland. Plot 1. Row D. Grave 8. See also Stuntney Extract from the Ely Standard: MISSING FROM AIR OPERATIONS Official notification has been received by Mr. and Mrs. S. Fretwell, of 4, Hallfield-terrace, Stuntney, that their son, Sgt. Edward George Fretwell, R.A.F., is missing from air operations. Sergt. Fretwell received his training in South Africa, and his parents saw him last in January, 1943. Before joining the R.A.F. he was employed as a clerk in the Ely Rural District Council Offices. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1947: FRETWELL Edward George of 4 Hallfield-terrace Stuntney Ely Cambridgeshire died 15 August 1944. on war service Administration Peterborough 22 February to Amy Hilda Fretwell (wifeof Samuel Fretwell). Effects £229 4s. 1d.
FYFE, DFC and Bar	John Bernard	Squadron Leader (Pilot) 24208, 107 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Wattisham, Suffolk, in a Bristol Blenheim IV, serial number T1850, when the aircraft was lost without trace during a day raid on Dinard airfield, France, 11 August 1940. Aged 33. Baptised 10 November 1907 in Topcliffe, Yorkshire. Son of David Adam Fyfe and Mary Jane Dickenson Fyfe; husband of Katherine Georgina Fyfe, of Cambridge. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.) and Bar. In the 1921 census he was aged 13, born Topcliffe, Yorkshire, resident with his parents, David Adam Fyfe and Mary Jane Fyfe, at Chapel Street, Ely, Ely College & Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE Memorial, Surrey. Panel 4. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941: FYFE John Bernard of 39 Prickwillow-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 11 August 1940 on war service Administration Llandudno 26 November to Katherine Georgina Fyfe widow. Effects £655 17s. 1d.
FYSON	James Douglas	Private 5826835, Welch Regiment formerly Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds in Western Europe 11 April 1945. Aged 25. Born Isle of Ely. Son of Percy William and Beatrice Nellie Fyson, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was the son of Percy and Beatrice Fyson, aged 1, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, resident Raby's Yard, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY, Germany. Plot 6. Row B. Grave 9. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: DIED OF WOUNDS The sad news that their eldest son, Pte. James Douglas Fyson, Welsh Regiment, has died from wounds received while serving with the B.L.A, somewhere in Europe. Was received by Mr. and Mrs. P. Fyson, 21, Willow Walk, Ely, on Friday. Pte. Fyson, who had seen six-and-a-half years' service in India, had been in the Army eight years. Educated at Needham's School, he was, before joining H.M. Forces, employed by Messrs. Hall, Cutlack and Harlock, at Forehill Brewery.
GARNER	Charles Alfred	Private 5827518, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died of tuberculosis at Changi, Singapore, as a Prisoner of War, 7 September 1942. Aged 23. Born 3 May 1919. Nephew of Mr. and Mrs. George Garner, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, grandson of George and Mary Ann Garner, resident 13, Back Lane, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity & Ely College, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 3 May 1919, single, a Farm Labourer, resident 4 Back Lane, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Plot 10. Row C. Grave 3. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: DEATH IN FAR EAST News has been received by Mr. and Ms. G. Garner, of 4, back-lane, Ely, that their nephew, Private C. A. Garner, Cambs. Regt., died of tuberculosis while a prisoner of war in Changi Camp, Singapore, on Sept. 7th, 1942.
GIPP	William [Robert]	Lance Corporal 14533777, 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Killed in action in Italy on Thursday, 6 July 1944. Aged 20. Born 2 May 1923, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of George and Daisy May Gipp, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 2 May 1923, an Agricultural Labourer, single, resident with his parents, george and Daisy Gipp, The Green Prickwillow, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in FOIANO DELLA CHIANA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot I. Row B. Grave 3. See also Prickwillow. Extract from the Ely Standard: L/CPL. W. GIPP, PRICKWILLOW Mr. George Gipp, of Prickwillow has received the sad news that his son, L/Cpl. William Gipp, was killed in action in Italy on July 6th. L/Cpl. Gipp, who was 21, was employed by Messrs. T. W. H. Clarke and Son before joining the Forces. Mr. G. Gipp thanks all friends for the sympathy which has been extended to him.
GOTOBED	Robert Thomas Ainger	Stoker 1st Class C/KX 94386, H.M.S. Picotee, Royal Navy. Died at sea when his ship was torpedoed and sunk on the morning of 12 August 1941. Aged 23. Born 4 March 1918 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of William and Deborah Gotobed, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 3, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of William and Deborah Gotobed, resident Arundell, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 47, Column 3.
HALLS	Albert William	Private 14714650, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in North West Europe 14 October 1944. Aged 18. Born 4 February 1926, and residdent, in Isle of Ely. Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Halls, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 4 February 1926, at school, son of Cyril and Beatrice E Halls, resident 72 St John's Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Plot III. Row B. Grave 9. Extract the Ely Standard: KILLED BY SNIPER'S BULLET Pte. A. W. Halls, of Ely Official notification has been received of the death in action in Holland, of Pte. Albert W. Halls, 18-year-old son of Mrs. Halls, of 72, St. John's-road, Ely, and the late Mr. Cyril Halls. Before joining' the Forces he was in the Army Cadet Force. He was employed at Forehill Brewery, and had a wide circle of friends. Details of his death are given in a letter to Mrs. Halls from one of his officers, who writes : "The division was engaged in operations leading up to the capture of Venray and my platoon, of which your son was a member, was to the left of the company. As we advanced in line over open country, a sniper opened up on the left, and his first shot was the one which killed your son. He has been buried in a cemetery to the left of the main road running from Overloon to Venray." Mrs. Halls wishes to thank friends for their letters and messages of sympathy.
HAYLOCK	Frank William	Private 5933460, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died at sea as a Prisoner of War 21 September 1944 aboard the Hofuku Maru when it was sunk by planes from the American Aircraft Carrier, 80 miles north of Coregidor. Aged 23. Born 15 January 1921, Isle of Ely, resident Cambridgeshire. Grandson of Mrs. C. E. Lucas, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 5 months, born Ely Cambridgeshire, resident Silver Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 59. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: HAYLOCK Frank William of 76 St. Johns-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 21 September 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 15 May to Cecilia Elizabeth Lucas widow. Effects £191 2s. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: PRESUMED DEAD. Cpl. F. W. Haylock Mrs Lucas, of 76, St. John’s-road, Ely, has received a letter from the Infantry Record Office, Warwick, giving the tragic news of the presumed death of her grandson, Cpl. Frank Wm. Haylock, 2nd Cambs. Regt. The letter states that he has been missing since Autumn, 1944, and it is now concluded that his death took place on September 21st, 1944, at, sea. Cpl. Haylock was a prisoner at Thailand camp, and it is believed that he was being transported to Japan. Before the war be was in the employ of Messrs. Alfred Wood and Co., Broad-street, Ely.
HILLS	Walter Jack	Private 5775911, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Missing presumed killed in action in Western Europe 7 June 1944. Aged 27. Born and resident Isle of Ely. Son of Jack and Elizabeth Hills, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; husband of Elsie Hills, of Ely. In the 1921 census he was aged 4, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Jack and Lizzie Hills, resident Broad Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity & Ely College, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on BAYEUX MEMORIAL, Calvados, France. Panel 13, Column 2. Extract frm Ely Standard 1945: PRESUMED KILLED Mrs. Walter Hills has now received official notification that her husband, Walter Jack Hills, The Royal Norfolk Regt., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hills, of 34, Broad-street, Ely, who was reported missing on June 7th, 1944, is now to be presumed killed in action on that date. He was serving In North West Europe.
HOWARD	Selwyn Ivo Kenneth	Corporal 5933046, 2nd Battalion. Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died on service in United Kingdom 19 July 1940. Aged 20. Born and resident Isle of Ely. Son of Edward and Edith Ellen Howard, of Ely. Buried 23 July 1940 in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 241. See also Ely cemetery.
HUCKLE	Eric Holmes	Corporal 2073568, 287 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Captured at Singapore 15 February 1942, died from Tropical Ulcers as a Japanese Prisoner of War 3 August 1943. Aged 22. Born 15 November 1920, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Huckle, of 56, Silver Street, Ely; husband of Ena (nee Gandy) Huckle, married 27 September 1941 in Stuntney, resident of 60, Silver Street, Ely. Enlisted 5 May 1939 in Cambridge. Electrician by trade. In the 1921 census he was 7 months old, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Harry and Gertrude Huckle, resident Silver Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Buried in THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETRY, Myanmar (Burma). Plot B6. Row E. Grave 5. Extract from the Cambridgeshire Times when he was a PoW in the Far East: CPL. E. H. HUCKLE. News has been received by Mrs. E H. Huckle, of 15, Priory - street, Cambridge, that her husband, Corporal Eric Holmes Huckle, of the 287 Field Coy. Royal Engineers, is a prisoner of war in Malai Camp. Cpl. Huckle, who was called up at the outbreak of war, has many friends in Ely and district. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: HUCKLE Eric Holmes of Nornea Stuntney Ely Cambridgeshire died 3 August 1943 on war service Administration London 30 August to Ena Poole (wife of Norman Poole). Effects £137 8s. 9d.
KING	Cecil George	Trooper 5830415, 44th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Died of wounds in North West Europe 21 July 1944. Aged 25. Born 7 March 1919, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of Hettie King, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Harriet King, resident Adelaide, near Ely, Ely College, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 7 March 1919, a Railway Porter, resident 41 Lynn Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in RYES WAR CEMETERY, Bazenville, Calvados, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 5. Extract from from the Ely Standard: DIED OF WOUNDS Tpr. C. G. King, of Ely News has been received of the death from wounds received in Normandy of Tpr. Cecil George King, aged 25, of 80, Lynn-road, Ely. Tpr. King, who was employed on the L.N.E. Railway before the war, was called up with the Militia at the outbreak of war. He saw service in France as a despatch rider, being successfully evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. He was transferred to the R.A.C., subsequently went to Italy and returned to this country after being in a North African hospital for several weeks. He was last home on leave in April. A letter from one of his Troop Leaders reads: "I had known him about four months, and a better lad would be hard to find—always laughing, always cheery, and an inspiration to the rest of the boys. I was proud to have such a grand fellow in my Troop." Another officer writes: "I should like to say that he was one of the finest men in my gang. He was a very willing worker and always, despite what was going on, a very happy and cheerful person." Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: KING Cecil George otherwise Cecil of 80 Lynn-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 21 July 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 24 January to Hetty King spinster. Effects £275 10s. 5d.
LAYTON	John William	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1202313, 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Mediterranean Command. Killed in action flying out of Luqa, Malta, in a Vickers Wellington II, serial number W5583, when the aircraft was shot down over the target during a night raid on Catania airfield 19 November 1942. Born 19 November 1911. Lived in West End, Ely. In tthe 1939 Register he was born 19 November 1911, a Clerk Beer Factory Food Preserving, single, son of Ann Layton (widow), resident 14 West End, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried CATANIA WAR CEMETERY, Sicily. Plot I. Row F. Joint grave 26-27. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944: LAYTON John William of 72 Victoria-street Littleport Cambridgeshire died on or since 19 November 1942 on war service Administration Peterborough 21 September to Marjorie Layton widow. Effects £199 0s. 7d.
LEE	James	Private 5827546, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of malaria as a Japanese Prisoner of War on Tuesday 12 October 1943. Aged 24. Born 30 March 1919, and resident, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was a grandchild, aged 2, born Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire, son of James and Daisy Lee, grandson of Sarah Lee, resident Padnal Bank, Prickwillow, Ely College, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was a Heavy Tractor Driver On Farm, single, resident The Branch, Branch Bank, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 9. Row E. Grave 11. See also Prickwillow. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: LEE James of Padnal Bank Prickwillow Ely Cambridgeshire died 12 October 1943 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 24 October to Daisy Kathleen Lee (wife of James Lee). Effects £199 15s. 9d. Chungkai War Cemetery is approximately 5 kilometres west of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
MARTIN	Ernest Henry	Private 5933772, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Missing in action between 14 and 15 February 1942 during the fall of Singapore. Aged 23. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Husband of Anne Christina (nee Bullman) Martin, of Newmarket, Suffolk, married 16 March 1940 in Ely, Cambridgeshire (she was from Wicken). No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 59.
MAYLE	Charles aka Charlie	Private 5932521, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Missing in action during the Japanese invasion of Malaya 28 January 1942. Aged 25. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Walter and Annie Elizabeth Mayle, of Ely, Cambridgeshire, brother of James William Mayle (below). In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born Stuntney, Cambridgeshire, son of Walter and Annie Elizabeth Mayle, resident Fieldside, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 59. Extract from the Ely Standard: PTE. C. MAYLE, of ELY. Mr. and Mrs. W. Mayle, of Witchford-road. Ely, have received the sad news that their eldest son, Pte. Charles Mayle. of the Cambridgeshire Regiment, was killed in action in the Far East. Pte. Mayle, who was 27, joined the Territorials in 1933.
MAYLE	James William	Sergeant 5932790, 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Wounded in Italy 13 May 1944, suibsequently died of those wounds in Italy 29 July 1944. Aged 23. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Walter and Annie Elizabeth Mayle; brother of Charles Mayle (above); husband of Eileen (nee Ball) Mayle, of Harlow, Essex, married October to December 1942 in Ely Registration District, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 8 months, born Stuntney, Cambridgeshire, son of Walter and Annie Elizabeth Mayle, resident Fieldside, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Buried in FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot I. Row B. Grave 15. Extract from the Ely Standard: DIED OF WOUNDS News has been received of the death from wounds in Italy of Sgt. J. W. Mayle, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Mayle, Pleasant-view. Witchford-road, Ely. He was called to the Colours at the outbreak of war and served in the 1st Batt. Cambs. Regt., but at the time of his death was in the West Kents. Twenty-three years of age, he leaves a widow and a ten-months-old son. Educated at Needham's School, Ely, Sgt. Mayle was a popular, all-round sportsman. He was a member of the local running team which won the cup at Ely, Littleport and Soham, and he will be particularly remembered for his prowess as a boxer. A member of the Ely Amateur Boxing Club, he represented them in tournaments at Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds, Mildenhall, Colchester and Bedford.
MORLEY	Douglas	Trooper 7906018, 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps. Presumed killed in action at sea 7 January 1943. Aged 23. Born and resident Derbyshire. Son of George Henry and Agnes Ivy Morley; husband of Dorothy Mabel (nee Pilrim) Morley, of Ely, Cambridgeshire, married October to December Quarter 1942 in Ely Registration District, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL, Tunisia. Face 5.
MURFITT, MM	Peter	Corporal 5933341, 2nd/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action in Italy 21 July 1944. Aged 22. Born 11 January 1923, and resident, Cambridgeshire. Son of Jack and Ethel May Murfitt, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 11 January 1923, single, son of Jack and Ethel M Murfitt, resident 12 Bull Lane, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Awardfed the Military Medal (M.M.)[London Gazette 7 December 1944]. Buried in AREZZO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot II. Row E. Grave 26.
NEWBERRY	Leonard Hugh	[Newbury on memorial] Stoker 1st Class C/K 63489, H.M.S. Pembroke, Royal Navy. Died in Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, Kent, from Septicaemia 24 November 1939. Aged 39. Born 14 May 1901 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Charles William and Edith Hannah Newberry, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. First enlisted 14 May 1919 for 5 years and 7 years Reserve. Naval Reservist. Prior to enlisting he was a Grocer's Assistant. Height 5 feet 9 inches, chest 36½ inches, light brown hair, brown eyes, fair complexion. Buried 30 November 1939 in GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, Kent. Naval Reservation. Grave 1172.
NICHOLS, AFC	Edward Compton Lowther	Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 61558, 691 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Fighter Command. Killed while flying out of Exeter, Devon, in a Vultee Vengeance IV, serial number HB466, when the aircraft was lost without trace in the English Channel, possibly off Plymouth, during an air test 22 November 1945. Aged 35. Native of Northampton. Son of George and Frances Saunder Nichols; husband of Dorothy Norah Nichols, of Northampton. Solicitor. In the 1939 Register he was born 1 January 1910, married to Dorothy N Nichls, resident 5 Lynn Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Awarded the Air Force Cross (A.F.C.) No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE Memorial, Surrey. Panel 265. Etract from Ely Standard: TEST PLANE PILOT MISSING F/Lt. E. C. L. Nicholls, of Ely Flight-Lieutenant E. C. L. Nicholls, a partner in the firm of Bendall and Sons, solicitors, Lynn-road, Ely, has been posted missing. He took off from Exeter airfield on a test flight in a 400 m.p.h. Vengeance dive-bomber yesterday (Thursday) evening week and the 'plane, which he was piloting, has disappeared. All the next day 'planes were over Dartmoor and other isolated districts where the Vengeance might have crashed, police joined in the search and military units were on the look out. A Wing-Commander at Exeter R.A.F. station said, “It was foggy at the take-off, and we think the 'plane must have crashed. The pilot was most experienced, and it is unlikely that he would test the 'plane over the sea.” Flight-Lieutenant Nicholls was due for demobilisation this week. Up to the time of going to press no further news has been received of the pilot or the missing 'plane. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1947: NICHOLS Edward Compton Lowther of Ely Cambridgeshire died 22 November 1945 on war service Probate London 19 August to Dorothy Norah Nichols widow. Effects £4296 0s. 3d.
NUNN	Albert Edwin	[Listed as Albert Edward NUNN in some records] Private 5933391, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died at sea as a Japanese Prisoner of War 21 September 1944. Aged 26. Born 26 August 1918. Son of Amelia E. Nunn, of 14, York Road, Sutton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire. Husband of Blanche Mary (nee Kirby) Nunn, of Sutton, Cambridgeshire, married 13 May 1940 in Baptist Church, Sutton, Cambridgeshire; Brother of Arthur Leonard Nunn (below). No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 60. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: NUNN Albert Edwin of 14 York-road Sutton Cambridgeshire died on or since 21 September 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 3 June to Blanche Margaret Nunn widow. Effects £225 6s. 1d. Extract from Ely Standard: Pte. A. E. Nunn Mrs. Nunn, of 14, York-road, Sutton, has been informed that her husband, Private A. E. Nunn, 2nd Cambs. Regt., was killed on September 21st, 1944, following the sinking of a Japanese transport. Private Nunn is the son of Mrs. Nunn, of 169, New Barns avenue, Ely. Prior to joining the Forces he was employed by Messrs. Copeman & Sons. Ely. Extract from Cambridgeshire Times 14 September 1945: PRISONER DIED 15 MONTHS AGO News Just Received of Pte. A. E. Nunn, of Sutton It has now been learned that Pte. A. E. Nunn, of the Cambs. Regt., a prisoner in Japanese hands since the fall of Singapore, died some 15 months agao. The sad news was received by his wife, who resides at York-road, Sutton, but a few days ago.
NUNN	Arthur Leonard	Corporal 14205827, 2nd/4th Battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Killed in action in Italy 1 February 1944. Aged 21. Born 7 April 1922 in Cambridgeshire, Army states he was resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Resident 41 Grosvenor Road, Dagenham, Essex. Brother of A.E. Nunn (above). In the 1939 Register he was born 7 April 1922, a Carpenter, single, son of Arthur and Florence Hetty Nunn, resident The Hamlet Chettisham,Ely, Littleport, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CASSINO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot XIX, Row D. Grave 6.
OAKEY	Douglas French	Private 3968875, 1/6th Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment. Killed in action during attacks on the Mareth Line in Tunisia 16 March 1943. Aged 27. Born 29 June 1915, and resident, in Isle of Ely, baptised 18 July 1915 in Littleport, Cambridgeshire. Son of Fred Oakey and Hannah Graves Oakey. Husband of Mrs Esme B (nee Crocker) Oakey of Ilminster, Somerset, married October to December 1941 in Chard Registration District, Somerset. In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born Littleport, Cambridgeshire, son of Fred and Hannah Graves Oakey, resident Lynn Road, Ely, Ely College & Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 29 June 1915, a Sugar Beets Sample Carrier, single, resident 29 Lynn Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in SFAX WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia.
OSBORNE	John Henry	Private 5826169, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in Western Europe 28 June 1944. Aged 36. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Nathan and Mary Elizebeth Osborne, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 12, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, at school, son of Nathan and Mary Elizabeth Osbornem resident Potter's Lane, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Buried in HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot 5. Row A. Grave 8. Extract from the Ely Standard: KILLED IN ACTION The sad news that his son, Pte. John Henry Osborne, Suffolk Regt., was killed in action in Normandy on June 28th, has been received by Mr. N. Osborne, of 54, St. John's-road, Ely. Private Osborne returned to England in 1943 after spending eight years in India.
PAGE	Dennis Arthur	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1649720, 138 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Killed when the Halifax V, serial number LL289, flying out of Tempsford, was shot down by flak at Longue-Jumelles when dropping supplies during SOE Special Operation Percy 7 in the Saumur area, two of the crew survived, 2 June 1944. Aged 20. Born 16 May 1924 in Ely, Cambridgeshire, birth registered April to June Quarter 1924 in Ely Registration District, Cambridgeshire. Resident of 35 New Barns, Ely. Son of Thomas and Emily (nee Price) Page, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 16 May 1924, a Paper Shop Roundboy, son of Thomas and Emily A A Page, resident 35 New Barns Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in LONGUE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Maine-et-Loire, France. Grave 2. See also Air Crew Losses Tempsford 1944 and Ely Methodist Memorial Photograph Copyright © Julie Lupson 2023
The three Payton brothers who lost their life in service during World War 2, Stanley, Leslie and Alfred, reported in the Ely Standard.
PAYTON	Alfred William	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1869457, 51 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed while flying out of Sanaith, Yorkshire, in a a Handley Page Halifax III, serial number LK844, when the aircraft broke up and crashed at Tingley near Leeds when control was lost in bad weather during a night cross-country 14 November 1944. Aged 21. Born 1 February 1923. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Alfred and Ethel Maud Payton, of Ely; brother of Stanley Payton and Leslie Payton (below); husband of Marjorie Ann Payton, of Ely. In the 1939 Register he was born 1 February 1923, a Signal Box Lad for London North Eastern Railway, single, son of Alpheus F and Ethel M Payton, resident 82 Broad Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried 21 November 1944 in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 162. See also Ely Cemetery. Extract from Ely Standard: THE LATE SGT. A. G. A. PAYTON Many Sympathisers at Ely Funeral The funeral of Sgt. A.G. Alfred W Payton, the third son of Mrs. A. Payton, of 82, Broad-street, Ely, to lose his life in the service of his country, took place at St Peter's Church on Tuesday. The Rev G. Harwood, and a R.A.F. padre, representing the dead airman's station, conducted the service. R.A.F. personnel acted as coffin-bearers, and the Last Post was sounded by Mr. T. Curry. THE MOURNERS The family mourners were: Mrs. A. Payton, widow; Mrs. A. Payton, mother; Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, brother-in-law and sister; Miss M. Payton, Miss E. Payton, Miss E. M. Payton, sisters; Mrs. J. Payton, sister-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. V. Wenn, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wenn, Mr. and Mrs. H. Wenn, uncles and aunts; Mr. Harry Wenn.. uncle; Mrs., Richards, Mrs. Tebb, aunts; Mr. and Mrs. G. Payton, cousins; Mr. G. Roberson, uncle; Mr. C. Lee, Mr. W. Harvey, Mrs. Suckling, Miss V. Wenn, Miss E. Wenn, cousins; Mrs. Benton, aunt; Mr. and Mrs. Butler, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Ready, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Miss V. Butler, Miss R. Butler, Mrs. Cox, sisters-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. R. White (King's Lynn), and Mr. and Mrs. A. Harvey (Ely), were unable to attend. Among friends at the Church and the cemetery were: Mrs. Venny, Mrs. F. Green, Mrs. Wilden, Mrs. O. Newman, Mr. E. H. Smith, Mrs. Howlett, Mrs. Liles, Mrs. Rich, Mrs. Lavender, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Flack, Mrs. Dolby, Mrs. Staines, Mrs. Negus, Elsie Bidwell, Mrs. Meadows, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Wayman, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Skillett, Mrs. Jackson, Mr. J. Winter, Mrs. Trevell, Mrs. Buck, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. D. Brown, Mrs. Pell, Mrs. Wilderspin, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. A. Hitch, Mrs. Oak-man, Mrs. Cunnington, Mrs. Langford, Mrs. Cutworth, Mrs. Foreman, Mrs. Daly, Mr. C. Lee, Mrs. H. Gooch, Mr. and Mrs. W. Carter Shippea Hill Farm). Mrs. Muffltt, Mrs. C. Brown and Mrs. King. FLORAL TRIBUTES The lovely floral tributes were inscribed: “Till we meet again,” to our darling Alf, from his broken hearted Mum, and sisters, Margery, Evelyn and Ethel; “To my darling husband, who is always in my heart,” from his loving wife Marjorie; “May God keep you safe for me,” Mum and Pop”; Doris, Dick, and little Tony and Terry (Cambridge); Aunt Jessie, Uncle Horace and Douglas; Auntie Ruby, Ron and Florrie (London); Auntie Lily and Uncle Fred (Rotherham); Uncle Hec, Aunt Ethel and Margaret; Uncle Harry; Uncle Vic, Aunt Viney, Vera and Derrick; Aunt Minnie, Uncle Arthur and family; Joyce; Aunt Gertie, Uncle Jim and Janet; Ken; All at King's Lynn; George, Elsie and Joan; Ruby, Violet and Cyril; Lily and Fred (Matlock); Flo and John; Jane, Les, Derek and Davina; Aunt Laura and family; O.C., Officers' Mess, N.C.O.s and Airmen, R.A.F.; Friends in Broad-st., Jubilee-terrace, staff of Broad-street Co-op., Mr. and Mrs. Van Til, and Staff of the Royal Nurseries; Mr. and Mrs. Softley and family (Dereham); Daisy and John: Mrs. Sells and Jim; Mrs. J. C. Bruce; Mrs. Dolby and Phyll; Mr. George Johnson (“Kiffy”), Amy, Fred and Rose; Pamela; Mrs. A. Wilden and family; Morrie; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory; Mr. and Mrs. Clifton; Mr. and Mrs. Clifton; Mr. and Mrs. Cowley: staff of Peacock's Stores; Mr. and Mrs. Cooper and Les: Mr. and Mrs. Coy and family (Rotherham); Land Army Girls (Ely Hostel); Mrs. Dunnell, Mrs. Rutherford. Mrs. Cowley and Vera (St. Martin's Canteen staff); Mr. and Mrs. F. Parker and Bernard; Grannie Peacock; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey and Maggie; Mr. and Mrs. Saul; Mr. and Mrs. L. Oakman and family; Mr. and Mrs. J. Cox; Mr. and Mrs. H. Peacock; Mr. and Mrs. T. Wayman: Mr. and Mrs. Peacock and Doreen: Station Master and L.N.E.R. staff, Ely; Aunt Lizi and Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and family (Cambridge); Reg and Ivy: Alf, Vi and family.
PAYTON	George William	Pilot Officer 100795, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve aboard SS Aguila. Killed in action at seaa when S.S. Aguila on which he was being transported was which was torpedoed by the U-Boat U-201 off the Fastnet Rock while in convoy OG71 19 August 1941. Aged 20. Born 1 April 1921. Native of Ely, Cambridgshire. Son of George Robertson Payton and Elsie May Payton, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 1 April 1921, a Reporter for Weekly Paper, single, son of George R and Elsie May Payton, resident 5 Victoria Square, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. His brother Ronald also died on service (see below). No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE Memorial, Surrey. Panel 34. Also listed on his brothers grave in Ely Cemetery (see below). See also Ely Cemetery.
PAYTON	Leslie	Trooper 5834753, 142nd (7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. Killed in action in Italy 18 September 1944. Aged 34. Born 11 May 1910, and resident, in Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Alfred (Alpheus) Fretwell Payton and Ethel Maud Payton, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; brother of Stanley Paytonj (below) and Alfred William Payton (above). In the 1939 Register he was born 11 May 1910, a Sugar Bagger employed by B.S.C., single, resident 82 Broad Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CORIANO RIDGE WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot XVIII. Row E. Grave 10. Extract from Ely Standard: KILLED IN ACTION Ely Family's Second Loss The sad news was received last week-end by Mrs. A. Payton, a widow, of 82, Broad-street, Ely, of the death in action in Italy, on Sept. 18th, of her son, Tpr. Leslie Payton (34). This is the second tragic blow to befall Mrs. Payton; last year, her second son, Sergt. W/Op. A.G. Stanley Payton (22). R.A F., was reported missing, believed killed on air operations against the enemy. She has a third son, Alfred, aged 21, who is a Sergt.-A.G. in the R.A.F., serving in England. Deep sympathy will go out to Mrs. Payton in her loss. Trooper L. Payton, who was unmarried, joined up in July, 1940. He fought through the African cam-paign before going to Italy. Extremely popular, with a wide circle of friends, he was employed at the Ely Beet Sugar Factory before the war.
PAYTON	Ronald	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1649941, 90 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Wratting Common, Cambridgeshire, in a Short Stirling III, serial number MZ262, when the aircraft crashed at Brockley Green, Suffolk due to an engine fire soon after take off on a raid on Hamburg, an air gunner survived, 22nd September 1943. Aged 19. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of George Roberson Payton and Elsie May Payton, of Ely. His brother George William also died on service (see above). Buried in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 472. See also Ely Cemetery.
PAYTON	Stanley	Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 1272044, 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Langar, Nottinghamshire, in an Avro Lancaster I, serial number ED692, when the aircraft crashed near Cologne during a raid on Mulheim 23 June 1943. Aged 22. Born 1 February 1923. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Alphaeus Fretwell Payton, and Ethel Maud Payton, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; brother of Alfred William Payton and Leslie Payton (above); husband of Joyce (nee Snelling) Payton, resident of 5 Council Houses Stuntney, married 7 June 1941 in Stuntney, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 20 January 1921, an Assistant Storekeeper (Develop)[sic], single, son of Alpheus F and Ethel M Payton, resident 82 Broad Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire, single, son of Alpheus F and Ethel M Payton, resident 82 Broad Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 4. Row F. Grave 8.
PEARCE	John Thomas	Private 14545278, 2/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action in Italy on Friday, 12 May 1944. Aged 21. Born 20 March 1923 in Isle of Ely, resident Cambridgeshire. Son of Ernest and Emma Pearce; husband of Elsie Maud (nee Sizer) Pearce, of Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire, married January to March Quarter 1942 in Cambridge Registration District, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was a Horseman On Farm, single, resident Bed Bank,Adelaide, Stuntney, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in CASSINO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot XI. Row D. Grave 2. See also Prickwillow. Cassino War Cemetery lies in the Commune of Cassino, Province of Frosinone, 139 kilometres south-east of Rome.
PEEL	Jesse Reginald	Corporal 5931844, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Captured at the fall of Singapore 15 February 1942, died at sea as a Japanese Prisoner of War 21 September 1944. Aged 38. Born 29 June 1906, and resident, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Jesse David and Eliza Jane Peel; husband of Nancy Olive Daisy Peel, of 45, Silver Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 4, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Jesse and Eliza Peel, resident Waterside, Ely, Ely Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 57. Extract from Ely Standard: CPL. J. R. PEEL Official information has been received by Mrs. Peel, of 45, Silver-street, Ely, to the effect that her husband, Cpl. J. R. Peel (Cambs. Regiment), died at sea on Sept. 21st, 1944, while a prisoner of war. He was being moved with other prisoners from Thailand to Japan. Mrs. Peel has received a message of sympathy from the King and Queen.
PETERS	Harold Herbert	Private 5932738, 9th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Killed in action in an Air Raid on Belfast, Northern Ireland, 5 May 1941. Aged 23. Born and resident Cambridgeshire. Son of Harold Herbert and Mary Lizzy Peters, of Ely; husband of Lily (nee Miller) Peters, of Ely, married 13 August 1938 in Countess of Huntingdon Church, Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 3, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Harold Herbert and Mary Lizzie Peters, resident Cambridge Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Buried 10 May 1941 in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 440. See also Ely Cemetery. Extract from from the Cambridgeshire Times: ELY MAN KILLED In Raid on Belfast A WELL-KNOWN Ely man was killed in a recent enemy air raid on Belfast. He was Harold Herbert (George) Peters, of 13, Newnham Street, the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Peters, of Cambrdige Road, Ely. Mr. Peters, who was 23 years of age, joined the Cambridgeshire T.A. five years ago, but at the outbreak of war was transferred to another unit. He had been in Northern Ireland since last October, and was home on leave a month ago. He was a keen musician, being a member of the British Legion sand, as was his brother and his father. Mr. Peters leaves a widow and two small children.
ROBERTS	John William	Lance Sergeant 5947240, 2nd Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in North Africa 9 May 1943. Aged 32. Born Cambridgeshire, resident Bedford. Son of John William and Elizabeth Roberts, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; husband of Dora Elisabeth (nee Constable) Roberts, of Ely, married 10 July 1937 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was the grandson of Susan Prston, aged 10, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, resident Annen Road, Annesdale, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Buried in MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. PlotIV. Row H. Joint grave 12-13.
ROBERTS	Sidney Charles	Stoker C/KX 92040, H.M.S. Penzance, Royal Navy. Died at sea when Sloop H.M.S. Penzance was torpedoed by U-Boat 24 August 1940; same incident as shipmate Oliver Veal. Born 13 April 1916 in Ely, Cambridgeshire, baptised 16 July 1916 in Coveney, Cambridgeshire. Son of Arthur and Laura Knight Roberts, of Wardy Hill, Coveney. In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born Coveney, Cambridgeshire, son of Arthur and Laura Knight Roberts, resident "The Cross Keys", Coveney, Ely, Coveney, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 38, Column 3.
ROLLINGS	Thomas [Maurice]	Private 5827561, 2nd Battalion (Cambridgeshire Regiment), Suffolk Regiment. Died of cholera at Chunkai as a Prisoner of War on Sunday, 18 July 1943. Aged 24. Born 23 February 1919. Son of John Maurice and Ethel Maud Rollings, of Mile End, Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Bottisham, Cambridgeshire, son of John and Ethel Rollings, resident Butt Lane, Milton, Cambridgeshire. Buried in CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 7. Row A. Grave 7. See also Prickwillow. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index, 1944: ROLLINGS Thomas Maurice of Shippea Hill Farm Prickwillow Ely Cambridgeshire died 18 July 1943 on war service Probate Peterborough 9 March to Frank William Rollings agricultural worker. Effects £148 1s. Extract from Cambridge Daily News in 1943: DIED IN THE FAR EAST Private T. Rollings, Prickwillow Mr. and Mrs. J. Rollings, of Prickwillow, received the sad news on Thursday last that their youngest son, Pte. Tom Rollings, of the 2nd Battalion Cambs. Regt., has died from malaria while a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. This is the first news which the parents had received of him since the fall of Singapore. Private Rollings, who was 24 years of age, was born in Waterbeach, and before joining up was employed on the farms of the late Sir Fred Hiam at Prickwillow. Chungkai War Cemetery is approximately 5 kilometres west of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
ROWELL, MiD	Leslie Jack	Flight Lieutenant (Navigator) 115852, 298 Squadron (Halifax V Glider Tugs), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Air Defence of GB Command. Killed in action by friendly fire flying out of Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, in a Handley Page Halifax V, serial number LL401, when the aircraft was shot down by U.S. anti-aircraft fire near Le Mans when returning from SOE Special Operation drop Pimento 98 to Lyons, three of the crew survived, 26 August 1944. Aged 26. Born 22 July 1918. Native of Skinburness, Cumberland. Son of John Stephen and Rebecca Rowell. Husband of Mary McKenzie (nee Alexander) Rowell, of Skinburness, Cumberland, married July to September 1942 in Penrith Registration District, Cumberland. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Ely, Cambridgeshre, son of John Stephen and Rebecca Rowell, resident Silver Street, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire (his father was a Railway Guard on the Great Eastern Railway). In the 1939 Register he was born 22 July 1918, a Bank Clerk, son of John S and Rebecca Rowell, resident 56 Silver Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in LE MANS WEST CEMETERY, Sarthe, France. Plot 38. 1939-45 Row B. Grave 19.
RUTTERFORD	William Frank aka Frank	Private 5833106, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died as a Japanese Prisoner of War from pneumonia, dysentry and berl-beri, at Tanbaya (Thailand) 6 December 1943. Aged 34. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of George Henry and Edith Louisa Rutterford, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Buried in THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETRY, Myanmar (Burma). Plot B6. Rw X. Grave 5. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: RUTTERFORD William Frank otherwise William otherwise Frank of 148 New Barns-avenue Ely Cambridgeshire died 6 December 1943 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 14 August to Edith Louisa Rutterford (wife of George Henry Rutterford). Effects £227 13s. 4d. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: DIED IN 1943 Bad News for Ely Family The parents of Pte. Rutterford, of 148. New Barns-avenue, after many months of anxiety, have received the sad news that their son died on Dec. 6th, 1943, from pneumonia, dysentry and berl-beri, at Tanbaya (Thailand). He had been a prisoner in Japanese hands since the fall of Singapore. The news was contained in a letter from an officer to the same Regiment as Pte. Ruttertord, the 4th Batt. Sufolk Regt., in which he said that. Pte. Rutteford was among the brave men who lost their lives while building the Thai Burma railway, an undertaking that only the fanatical Japanese would attempt. Pte. Rutterford, who joined up in 1940, was employed at the Club Hotel, and formerly at Messrs. Lemmon Son, Forehill.
SCOTT	Sydney Etherington	Lieutenant 148881, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Captured at the fall of Singapore 15 February 1942, died from cholera in Hintock Valley Camp, Thailand, as a Japanese Prisoner of War 21 July 1943. Aged 25. Born 23 October 1918, and resident, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Etherington and Daisy May Scott, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Farmer in civilian life. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of E and May Scott, resident West Fen Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 23 October 1918, a Clerk Electric Supply, single, son of Etherington and May Scott, resident 63 West Fen Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETRY, Thailand. Plot 8. Row E. Grave 51. Extract from Ely Standard: LIEUT. S. E. SCOTT Mr. and Mrs. E. Scott, of West Fen-road, have received news that their son, Lieut. S. E Scott, died at Hintock Valley Camp, Thailand, on July 21st, 1943, from cholera. He was one of the brave men who were employed on the Thai-Burma railway. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: SCOTT Sydney Etherington of 63 West Fen-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 21 July 1943 on war service Probate Peterborough 30 January to Etherington Scott farmer. Effects £267 3s. 8d.
SELLS	Ernest	Warrant Officer Class II (C.Q.M.S.) 5931331, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died of Malaria at Tamarkan as a Japanese Prisoner of War 13 November 1942. Aged 43. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of James and Mary Anne Sells, of Ely, Cambridgeshire; husband of Marie Elizabeth Sells (nee Howard), of Ely, married October to December Quarter 1927 in Ely Registration District, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was agd 22, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, a Railway Cleaner employed by Great Eastern Railway, son of James and Mary Ann Sells, resident Broad Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. Buried in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Plot 13. Row C. Grave 4. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS News of Ely Soldier's Death On Wednesday Mrs. Sells. of 14, Bray's-lane, Ely, received official confirmation that her husband, Coy. Qr. - Master - Sgt. E. Sells, taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore, died in November, 1942. He was in the Territorials for 21 years before the war and, before joining the Army he was employed on the L.N.E.R. at Ely. The sympathy of her many friends will go out to Mrs. Sells in her bereavement.
		Extract from Ely Standard detailing the two brothers: BROTHERS DIE IN FAR EAST Tragic News For Ely Family The tragic news has been received of the deaths in the Far East of two brothers—Pte. George Ernest Sells and Coy. S/M. J. S. Sells—sons of Mrs. G. Sells, of 11, West Fen-road, Ely. C.S.M. Sells wife lives at 39, The Crescent, Littleport. In a letter containing the news of Pte. Sells, it states that he had been missing at sea and it is now presumed that he was killed in action while a prisoner of war in Japanese hands on Sept. 21st, 1945. The death of his brother occurred in Thailand Camp on Feb. 3rd, 1945, following an illness. The last news of the brothers was received about 12 months ago in a card saying that they had both met, Pte. Sells being in Thailand No. 1 camp and C.S.M. Sells in Camp No. 4 at Thailand. Before joining up C.S.M. Sells was employed by Mr. J. Lee, of Littleport, and Pte. G. E. Sells by Messrs. Nice and Co., of St. Mary's-street, Ely. Mrs. Sells wishes to express thanks for the sympathy and kindness shown by all friends.
SELLS	George Ernest	Private 7617183, L.A.D., Royal Army Ordnance Corps attached to 122 Field Regiemnt, Royal Artillery. Captured at the fall of Singapore 15 February 1942, died as a Japanese Prisoner of War while being transported on the Hofuku Maru when it was sunk by planes from an American Aircraft Carrier 80 miles north of Crregidor 21 September 1944. Aged 26. Born 1 April 1918 in Wood Green, London, resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Daisy Sells, and of the late George Sells of 11, West Fen Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Garage Driver by trade. In the 1921 census he was aged 3, born Wood Green, London, son of George and Daisy Sells, resident Market Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 110. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: SELLS George Ernest of 11 West Fen-road Ely Cambridgeshire died on or since 21 September 1944 on war service Administration Peterborough 5 July to Daisy Sells widow. Effects £276 15s. 6d.
SIMPSON	John	Lieutenant 350068, Royal Norfolk Regiment attached 75 L of C Provost Unit, 121 Company. Died on service at Combined Military Hospital, Gaya, India, 30 May 1945. Aged 33. Born Nottinghamshire, resident Cambridgeshire. Son of Edmund Wallace Simpson and Harriet Simpson; husband of Doris Kathleen Simpson, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 6 April 1912, a Police Constable, married, resident 31 Downham Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire, Army Reservist. Buried in DELHI WAR CEMETERY, India. Plot 4. Row G. Grave 14. See also Wisbech Isle of Ely Constabulary, Wisbech Police Station Extract from Cambridgeshire Times: DEATH IN INDIA Former Ely Policeman Mrs. D. K. Simpson, of 31, Downham-road, Ely, received the sad news by telegram, on Saturday night, of the death in India of her husband Lieut. John Simpson, of the Military Police. Lieut. Simpson, who was 33, was a native of Nottingham and served in the Grenadier Guards from 1931 to 1935. In the latter year he joined the Isle of Ely Constabulary, and was stationed at Ely until December 4th. 1939, when he was called to the Colours as a Reservist, re-joining his old regiment. Later he was transferred to the Military Police. Deep sympathy will be extended to the young widow and her five-year old son in their great loss. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: SIMPSON John of 31 Downham-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 30 May 1945 at Combined Military Hospital Gaya India Administration Peterborough 11 April to Doris Kathleen Simpson widow. Effects £989 14s. 10d.
SKIPPER	Edward Wilfred	Sergeant (Flight Engineerr) 1880467, 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command). Flying out of Metheringham, Lincolnshire, in a Lancaster I, serial number NN726, he was killed in action he was shot down near Putzig during a raid on Gdynia, 2 of the crew survived and were captured on Monday, 18 December 1944. Aged 24. Born 15 May 1920. Native of Isleham, Cambridgeshire. Son of Arthur Edward and Annie Elizabeth Skipper, of Isleham, Cambridgeshire. Based at Metheringham, Lincs, flew Lancasters. In the 1921 census he was aged 1, born Norfolk, son of Arthur Edward and Annie Elizabeth Skipper, resident Inhwood, Intwood, Norwich, Cringleford, Norfolk. In the 1939 Register he was a Horseman on Farm, single, resident with his parents, Arthur E and Annie E Skipper, at 2 Council Houses, Prickwillow, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in MALBORK COMMONWEALTH WAR CEMETERY, Poland. Plot 3. Row A. Grave 12. See also Prickwillow. Extract from Ely Standard in 1945: MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED Sergt. “Teddy” Skipper The sad news was received on Tuesday, by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Skipper, of 2, Council Houses. Prickwillow, that their son, Sergt. Edward Wilfred Skipper. R.A.F., is missing believed killed. He was previously reported missing from air operations on the night Dec. 18/19 last. The letter from the Air Ministry states: “. . . In view of information now received from the International Red Cross Committee, your son is believed to have lost his life as the result of the air operations on Dec. 18th. 1944. The Committee's telegram, quoting official German information states that your son was killed on that day. It contains no information regarding the place of his burial. “Although there is unhappily little reason to doubt the accuracy of this report, the casualty will be recorded as "missing believed killed" until confirmed by further evidence, or until, in the absence of such evidence, it becomes necessary, owing to lapse of time, to presume for official purposes that death has occurred . . . The Air Council desire me to express their deep sympathy with you in your grave anxiety.” SKILFUL AND CONSCIENTIOUS Mr. and Mrs. Skipper received an earlier letter—in December—from their son's Squadron Commander in which he wrote: “On the night of Dec. 18/ 19th, 1944, my Squadron was detailed to bomb the important enemy Naval base of Gdynia and your son was the Flight Engineer of one of the aircraft taking part. The raid was a success, but I regret your son did not return. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after leaving base and there is no definite knowledge of what happened, but it must be assumed that it was a victim of enemy ground defences or fighters . . . Your son had not taken part In many operational sorties, but he had displayed considerable technical ability. He carried out his duties skilfully and conscientiously and I know his pilot held him in high regard . . . ”. “Teddy” Skipper as he was popularly known, was 24. Before enlisting in the R.A.F. on Oct. 25th. 1943, he was employed by Messrs. Hiams Estates Ltd., as a tractor driver. Starting from scratch, he studied extremely hard and achieved his ambition to reach air crew status when he gained his Flight Engineer's wing. A keen motor cyclist he was, before the war, a keen and popular member of the City of Ely Motor Cycle Club, and before joining the R.A.F. he was a despatch rider attached to Ely Report Centre. Sergt. Skipper was born at Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, and came with his parents to live at Prickwillow 16 years ago. The deep sympathy of “Teddy's” many friends will go out to his family in their great anxiety. Extract from Ely Standard in 1945: DEATH ON OPERATIONS CONFIRMED Sergt. "Teddy" Skipper, R.A.F. The following letter has been received from the Air Ministry by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Skipper, of 2, Council Houses, Prickwillow, concerning the death of their son, Sgt. "Teddy" Skipper, R.A.F. “I am directed to refer to a letter from this Department dated March 19th, 1945. in which you were advised that your son, Sgt. E. W. Skipper was believed to have lost his life, and to inform you that a scrutiny of captured German documents now held in this country has revealed that he was buried with his companions in the Evangelical cemetery at Putzig, at noon on Dec. 20th, 1944. “Putzig is about 45 miles North-West of Poznan and is just inside the German border. . . .” Sgt. Skipper, who was 24, lost his life on air operations on Dec. 18th, 1944. Before enlisting in the R.A.F. in October, 1943, he was employed by Messrs. Hiam's Estates, Ltd., as a tractor driver. He was a popular member of the City of Ely Motor Cycle Club and before joining up was a despatch rider attached to Ely Report Centre.
SOUTHERILL	Charles [William]	Gunner 1545094, 21 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on service in United Kingdom 26 December 1941. Aged 22. Born 3 August 1918 in Downham Market, Norfolk, resident Ely, Cambridgeshire. Foster son of John and Maud E. Southerill, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 3 August 1918, a Builder's Labourer, resident with John and Maud E Southerill at 84 St John's Road, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried 31 December 1941 in SHAFTESBURY BOOUGH CEMETERY, Dorset. Grave 810. Extract from the Ely Standard: DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN ELY SOLDIER. Dvr. C. W. Southerill. On Christmas Eve, Driver C. W. Southerill, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Southerill, of St. St. John's-road, received injuries as a result of a motor accident, from which he has since died at Bourton, near Gillingham, Dorset. Driver Southerill was taken to a Military Hospital, where he died on Boxing Day. He was 23. He joined up at the outbreak of war and was well liked and respected by his officers and fellow soldiers. The funeral service took place at Shaftesbury on Wednesday week with military honours. The cortege was preceded by the officers and men of his Regiment, and followed by his mother and several friends. Mr. J. Southerill, his father, was unable to be present owing to illness. A Chapel minister performed the last rites at the grave-side, where the Last Post was sounded. Beautiful floral tributes were received from: His Mum and Dad: His Officers and fellow men: Mr. and Mrs. Skippins: and from all the neighbours at St. John's-road. Mr. and Mrs. Southerill wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy in their sad loss and for the beautiful wreaths received.
SOUTHERILL	William	Private 5933720, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Missing in action during the Japanese Invasion of Singapore 14 February 1942. Aged 23. Born Northamptonshire, resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Henry and Emma Southerill; husband of Kathleen N (nee Callaby) Southerill, of Apethorpe, Northamptonshire, married October-December 1941 in Wisbech Registration District, Cambridgeshire. . No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 60. Extract from Ely Standard: DIED IN 1942 Mrs. W. Southerill, of 170, Osborne-road, Wisbech, has recently received a letter from the War Office stating that her husband, Pte. William Southerill, 2nd Batt. Cambs. Regt., must be presumed to have died of wounds in February, 1942, while a prisoner of the Japanese. Before joining the Forces Pte. Southerill's home was at 60, Prickwillow-road, Ely.
SPINKS	Ralph William	Lance Sergeant 5933171, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Missing in action during the Japanese invasion of Malaya 27 January 1942. Aged 28. Born and resident Isle of Ely. Son of William King Spinks and Matilda Spinks, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 7, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of William King Spainks and Matilda Spinks, resident West End, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 57. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: SPINKS Ralph William of Kantara West End Ely Cambridgeshire died 27 January 1942 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 21 August to Matilda Spinks (wife of William King Spinks). Effects £133 12s. 6d. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: KILLED at SINGAPORE Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Spinks, of “Kantara,” West-end, Ely, have received the tragic news that their son, L/Sergt. R. W. Spinks, was killed in action at Singapore.
THOMPSON	Cyril	Sapper 14506608, 284 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers. Killed in a battle accident in North West Europe 20 October 1944. Aged 20. Born 8 March 1924, and resident, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Enlisted 7 January 1943 at Cambridge. Son of George and Beatrice Thompson, of 22, Victoria Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 8 March 1924, a Shop Assistant (Ironmongers), single, son of George and Beatrice Thompson, resident 22 Victoria Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, MALDEGEM, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VI. Row D. Grave 3. Extract from the Ely Standard: “DIED A GALLANT SOLDIER” Spr. C. Thompson, of Ely Further information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. G. Thompson of 22, Victoria-street, Ely, about the death in action in N.W. Europe, of their only son, Spr. C. Thompson, R.E.’s in the following letters from an officer and padre. The officer writes: “It is with the deepest regret that I have to offer you our most sincere condolences on the death of your son on October 20th. His loss is a great blow to me personally and to all his comrades; how much more it will be to you and the rest of his family I know. I am afraid I cannot tell you very much of the manner of his passing. He died, a very gallant soldier and of that you may be very proud. We burled him in the temporary Canadain cemetery, in the battle sector, but you will receive official notification of his last resting place. If there is anything I can do to help you in your great sorrow, please command me. Again, please accept my most sincere condolence.” The padre after expressing his deep regret writes: “. . . . His death was caused by the force of an explosion, and I think took place instantly, in which case he would not suffer. Perhaps it is a little comfort to know this. Having known your son . . . . I would like you to know how sorry I am that you and others in the family have suffered this loss. I pray that God's grace will be with you and that you will have all the consolations of friendship to help you to bear it bravely and to face the future with hope and courage.
TUCK	Alfred Harry	Corporal 5932842, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed in action during the Japanese invasion of Malaya 28 January 1942. Aged 21. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of James and Harriet Tuck. In the 1921 census he was aged 7 months, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of James and Harriett Esther Tuck, resident St John's Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity with St Mary, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 57. Extract from the Ely Standard: CPL. A. H. TUCK, of ELY. Official notification was received on Wednesday week that Corpl. Alfred Harry Tuck, also of the Cambridgeshire Regt., was killed in action in the Far East. Cpl. Tuck was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Tuck. of 15. Downham-road, Ely. Corpi. Tuck, who was 21, was in the Territorials two years before the outbreak of war. He has one brother serving in the Far East and another a prisoner-of-war in France. His parents have received a letter of sympathy from the King and Queen.
TUNNELL	Joseph William Thomas	Stoker 1st Class C/KX 110965, H.M. Submarine Turbulent, Royal Navy. Died at sea 23 March 1943. Born 4 December 1920 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 4 December 1920, a Lorry Driver, (Agricultural), single, resident with his parents Joseph and Hilda Tunnell, resident 23 Annesdale, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 72, Column 2. Note: On 23 March 1943, H.M.S. Turbulent was declared overdue and subsequently lost with her entire crew of 67 men, making her sinking officially on this date. The cause of the sinking is unconfirmed, but the most likely scenario is that she struck a naval mine near La Maddalena, Sardinia, while on her 12th and final Mediterranean patrol. Extract from Ely Standard: KILLED AT SEA News has been received by Mr. J. Tunnell, of 23. Station-road, Ely, that his son, Stoker First-Class Joseph W. T. Tunnell, was killed on March 17th, 1943, while serving on the submarine Turbulent in the Mediterranean. In a letter from the Admiralty it is stated that Stoker Tunnell's skill and determination always set an example to the ship's company, and contributed greatly to the success of their attacks. For his bravery and devotion to duty on His Majesty's submarine Turbulent in many Mediterranean war patrols, Stoker Tunnell has been mentioned in despatches.
TUNNELL	Leonard William	Private 5933189, 2nd Battion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds received in Western Europe 8 December 1944. Aged 22. Born and resident Cambridgeshire. Son of William and Florence Daisy Tunnell, of Ely. Buried 10 December 1944 in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section F. Grave 537. See also Ely Cemetery. Extract from Ely Standard: DIED OF WOUNDS Pte. L. W. Tunnell, of Ely Great sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. W. Tunnell, of 9, The Vine yards, Ely, in the loss of their eldest son, Pte. Leonard W. Tunnell, wno was reported wounded in Sept. in N.W. Europe. He was brought to a hospital in England on October 1st., and died from his wounds on Friday. He was 22 years of age. The funeral takes place to-day (Friday), at 2.30 p.m. from the house. Extract from Ely Standard: THE LATE PTE. L. W. TUNNELL Military Funeral at Ely The funeral took place with military honours at Ely cemetery on Friday, of Pte. Leonard W. Tunnell, eldest; son of Mr and Mrs. W. Tunne, of 9, The Vineyards, Ely, whose death from wounds was reported in our previous issue. Six soldiers formed a guard-of-honour, and Mr. T. Currie sounded the Last Post. The Rev. R. Brown, officiated at the service. The family mourners present were : Mr. and Mrs. W. Tunnell, parents; Mr. and Mrs. Lee, brother-in law and sister; Miss E. Tunnell, sister; Mr. H. F. Benton, grandfather; Mrs. H. P. Benton, Mrs. H. Henson, Mrs. S. C. Goakes, Mrs. E. Smith, Mrs. J. Tunnell, Mrs. A. J. Fenn, Mrs. G. Clarke, aunts; Mr. H. F. Benton, Mr. E. Smith, Mr. B. Benton. Mr. W. Benton, Mr. J. Tunnell. Mr. A. J. Fenn, Mr. G. Clark, Mr. Jess Lofts, Mr. Herbert Lofts, uncles; Miss J. Tunnel) and Miss M. Clark. cousins; Mrs. Cross, Miss B. Cross, Mrs. Crowe, Mrs. Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. F. Newman, Mrs. Hitch, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Paterson, Mrs. Mackender, Miss Newstead, Mrs. R. Coleridge. Mrs. Speechley. Mrs. Pate. Mrs. D. Blackwell, Mrs. A. Ellwood, Mrs. Webb, Mr. W. Kidd and Mrs. K. Harrop, friends. Among others noticed at the graveside were Capt. Godfrey, S M Sawle and Mr. P. Harmer. Those unable to attend were Sgt. D. Tunnell (brother) serving with the R.A.F. in India; Lieut. S. C. Goakes, Stoker. H. Henson, Mr. T. Tunnell, Mr. and Mrs. H. Morecock. Mr. and Mrs. V. Cherry and Peter, Mr. and Mrs. P. Meadows. Mr. and Mrs. V. Benton. Mr. and Mrs. W. Long, Mr. and Mrs. R. Pate, Mr, and Mrs. J. Pope, Mrs. W. Benton. Mrs. J. D. Benton, uncles and aunts. WREATHS Floral tributes were received from: Mum and Dad; Phyl and Chris; Baby Cedric; Grandad; Aunt Flip, Uncle Frank and Selma; Uncle Bert, Aunt Nell. Roy and John (London); Uncle Bill, Aunt Amy. Doreen and Dorothy (Peterborough). Eve and Henry (Peterborough); Doris, Steve and Sonia (Peterborough); Gladys and Eric (Peterborough) ; Philip, Thora and baby George (Peterborough); Uncle Tom and Jess (London): Aunt Eva, Uncle Harry and family (Maidenhead); Aunt Hilda and Uncle Joe; Aunt Thirza, Uncle Vince and Peter (Letchworth); Joyce and Joey; Aunt Ethel and Uncle Bill (March): Uncle Snowie and Aunt Vi; Aunt Flo and Uncle George and family; Uncle Jack and Aunt Lil (Adelaide); Aunt Millie, Uncle Bob and family (Peterborough); Aunt Laura and Uncle Jess (Littleport). Mr. and Mrs. Tingay (George and Dragon); Kath and Torn; Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Newman, Olive and Les; Mr. and Mrs. G. Long; Mr. and Mrs. P. F. Simons: Joyce: Mr. and Mrs. T. Webb: Mr. and Mrs. C. M Smiths; Mr. and Mrs. A. Bryant; Mr. and Mrs. Tofts and Edna; Mr. and Mrs. B. Oakman and all at 21, The Vineyards: Mr. and Mrs. Selwood: Mr. and Mrs. Cole and Dot; J W. Bidwell; Rene and John Scarfe; The Newstead families; Mr. and Mrs. F. Littlefair; Mr. and Mrs. Edwards; Mr. and Mrs. H. Moule (Chatteris), and Ross (India); Mr. and Mrs. G. Taylor (Peterborough): Mr. and Mrs. Meadows (Peterborough); Mr. and Mrs. P. Newman; Mr. and Mrs. E. Barrett, and Sylvia: Mr. and Mrs. Ellwood and family; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hayiock; Mrs. Cross and Betty: Mr. and Mrs. W. Sawle; Mr. and Mrs. W. Crowe and family; Mr. and Mrs. P. Bush (Glazier Arms); Mr. and Mrs. A. Lee and Gladys (Littleport); Mrs. J. B. Bidwell and family: The Boys and. Staff (Wolverhampton): 81, Westholme Gardens, Newcastle; Mrs. M. Smith, Waterside; Old Pals at the King Charles; Mr. and Mrs. A. Hitch; Marjorie and all at 21, Waterside. Mr. and Mrs. C. Hitch sent a donation in lieu of wreath.
UNWIN	John Herbert	Private 5837444, 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Died on service in Italy 28 September 1944. Aged 21. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Henry William and Ada Maud Unwin, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Buried in FAENZA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot VII. Row D. Grave 3. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: UNWIN John Herbert of 48 Prickwillow-road Ely Cambridgeshire died 28 September 1944 on war service Administration Peterborough 5 April to Ada Maud Unwin (wife of Henry William Unwin). Effects £218 4s. 3d.
VEAL	Oliver William	Able Seaman C/SSX 15855, H.M.S. Penzance, Royal Navy. Died at sea when Sloop H.M.S. Penzance was torpedoed by U-Boat 24 August 1940; same incident as shipmate Sidney Charles Robeerts. Aged 24. Born 16 March 1916 in Ely, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 5, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, grandson of William and Eliza veal, resident Newnham Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM MEMORIAL, Kent. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941: VEAL Oliver William of 96 Broad-street Ely Cambridgeshire died 24 August 1940 on war service Administration Llandudno 9 April to H.M. Treasury Solicitor. Effects £21 5s. 1d. Extract from Wisbech Standard, name switched, all records have Oliver William Veal except for the newspaper: SAILOR'S DEATH. Official news has been received of the death of Able Seaman William Oliver Veal, aged 24 years, who made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Green, of 96, Broad-street. Ely. He had served in the Navy for six years and was on a sloop which was sunk in the Atlantic on August 24th. A message from the Admiralty reporting his death was received on Saturday by his fiancee, Miss W. Peacock, of Lower Mount Pleasant, Wimblington.
WALLIS, MiD	Reginald	Corporal 5933005, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and No.1 Commando. Killed in action in Burma 31 January 1945. Aged 25. Born 7 December 1920, and resident, Isle of Ely. Son of William Edmond and Dora Emily Wallis. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). In the 1939 Register he was born 7 December 1829, a Bricklayer, single, resident with his widowed mother, Emily (Dora) Wallis, at 3, Waterside, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. Buried in TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar. Plot, 10. Row F. Grave 19. Extract from Ely Standard in 1945: CPL. R WALLIS Mrs. B. Carstood. of 11, Wellington-street, Littleport, has received official notification that her brother, Cpl. R. Wallis, of No. 1 Commando, S.E,A.C., was killed in action in Burma on January 31st., During his Army career Corpl. Wallis had been mentioned in dispatches and had the distinction of being awarded the Bronze Oak Leaf. The youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs. W. Wallis. of Ely, he was employed in civil life by Messrs. Tucker & Sons, of Ely, and joined up at the outbreak of war. He served with the Commandos throughtout the Tunisian Campaign and was sent out to India after a few months in England. He leaves three brothers and one sister.
WATTS	George	Corporal 31432, Royal Army Service Corps attached to 1 Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Killed in road accident in France whilst serving with the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) 5 October 1939. Aged 37. First Ely casualty. Born and resident Essex. Son of Carter and Mercy Watts; husband of Hilda Beatrice Watts, of Colchester, Essex. In the 1911 census he was aged 9, born Littleport, Cambridgeshire, son of Carter and Mercy Watts, resident Great Shell Farm, Prickwillow, Ely, Ely St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Buried in DOUAI COMMUNAL CEMETERY Nord, France. Row K. Grave 16. Extract from Cambridgeshire Times: ELY MAN DIES ON ACTIVE SERVICE. First City Resident "Lays Down His Life." AMBULANCE DRIVER IN FRANCE. Corporal Geo. Watts, of '79, New Barnes Avenue, Ely, died yesterday (Thursday) week from injuries received on active service “somewhere in France.” He was buried with full military honours on Saturday. Cpl. Watts is the first resident of Ely to lay down his life in the cause of his country during the present war. He leaves a wife and daughter, aged 11 years. Mrs. Watts received official notification of her husband's death in a letter from his Commanding Officer which arrived on Wednesday. The letter, after giving brief details of how he met his death, stated : “I know that nothing I can say will diminish your grief, but I think it may be of some consolation to you to know how popular your husband was in the Company, and how greatly we feel with you in your loss. Your husband was one of the most trustworthy and resourceful of my non-commissioned officers, and I shall not easily forget his unfailing cheerfulness in the face of difficulties." ALWAYS CHEERFUL. Corpl. Watts, who would have been 38 in December, was born at Prickwillow, and joined the Army 19 years ago, and for the last 11 years had been on the reserve. When general mobilisation was proclaimed on Sept. 1st he left home and joined his regiment, and crossed to France three weeks ago last Tuesday. Mrs. Watts last saw her husband on Sept. 1st, but had been receiving letters from him. Some of the letters arrived after he was dead and buried. "He was always one of the cheerful ones," Mrs. Watts told a “Standard” reporter, “and always thought that he would come home.” Corpl. Watts was an ambulance driver, but was riding a motor cycle at the time he received his injuries. He died in hospital at 6-30 a.m. on Oct. 5th, without regaining consciousness Previous to the war he had never been abroad on service. In civil life he was a driver for the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, and commenced in the employ of the Company on Feb. 25th, 1929. He was working for them right up to Friday night, Sept. 1st, the day on which he received his mobilisation papers. He left Ely the next day.
WEBB	John Herbert Thomas	Leading Stoker P/KX 140877, H.M. Submarine Porpoise, Royal Navy. Died at sea when the submarine was sunk with all hands by Japanese aircraft in the Malacca Straits off Penang, Malaya, 16 January 1945. Aged 20. Born 3 March 1924 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Thomas and Violet Ellen Webb, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was born 3 March 1924, an Errand Boy General, son of John Webb (a widower), resident 2 Waterside, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 89, Column 3. Extract from Ely Standard: LOST AT SEA Mr. and Mrs. Webb, of 62, Quayside, Ely, have recently been informed that their eldest son, Acting Leading Stoker John H. T. Webb, serving aboard H.M. Submarine "Porpoise," who had previously been reported missing. must now be presumed to have been lost at sea on January 16th, 1945. Stoker Webb joined the Royal Navy in 1942.
WESLEY	Frederick Charles	Private 5933159, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died at sea as a Japanese Prisoner of War 21 September 1944. Aged 26. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of John William and Sarah Ann Wesley, of Adelaide, Cambridgeshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 3, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of John William and Sarah A Wesley, resident Tarbetsey Farm, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 62. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: WESLEY Frederick Charles of 2 Jubilee-terrace Adelaide Ely Cambridgeshire died 21 September 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Peterborough 31 May to Sarah Ann Wesley (wife of John William Wesley). Effects £287 11s. 7d. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: PRESUMED LOST AT SEA Pte. F. C. Wesley, of Adelaide Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wesley. of 2, Jubilee-terrace, Adelaide, have official notlfication from the War Office that their youngest son, Private Frederick Charles Wesley, who was reported missing at sea following the sinking of a transport he was being conveyed from Thailand to Japan, is presumed to have lost his life on Sept. 21st, 1944.
WILKINSON	Walter James	Private, 2nd Cambridgeshire (Isle of Ely) Battalion, Home Guard. Died at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, from injuries received in an accident while on duty 7 July 1941. Aged 70. Buried in ELY CEMETERY, Cambridgeshire. Section G. Grave 125. Extract from The Lynn News, 5 August 1941, page 8: Home Guard's Death An adjourned inquest on Walter James Wilkinson, a 70-years-old Ely Home Guardsman, who died from injuries received in an accident while on duty on June 21, was concluded in Cambridge on Wednesday. Leonard Youngman, a member of the Ely Home Guard, whose home is at Bull Lane, Ely, said he was on road block duty with Wilkinson when a dispatch rider collided with Wilkinson. Ernest George Vincent, the Home Guard dispatch rider concerned. of Main-st., said he thought he had room to get by Wilkinson, who was in the middle of the road. The Coroner said he thought there was some negligence, but not wilful negligence, on the part of Vincent. He recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942: WILKINSON Walter James of Red Cot 17 The Vineyards Ely Cambridgeshire died 6 July 1941 at Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge Administration Peterborough 24 February to Maude Mary Wilkinson spinster. Effects £50.
WILLINGHAM	Claude Robert Martin	Gunner 1120025, 11 (Honourable Artillery Company) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. Captured in North Africa by Italians, lost at sea when the ship the prisoners were being transported in en route to Germany was bombed 14 November 1942. Aged 22. Born 17 May 1920. Only son of Robert and Ida Willingham of Prickwillow. He had married Lily May Braybrooke on his embarkation leave. In the 1921 census he was a grandchild, aged 1, born Prickwillow, Cambridgeshire, son of Robert and Ida Willingham, grandson of Hezebiah and Hannah Willingham, resident Padnal Bank, Prickwillow, Ely College, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 14. See also Prickwillow
WILLSON	Kenneth [James]	Private 5933352, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died at sea as a Japanese Prisoner of War 21 September 1944. Aged 24. Born and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard William Willson; husband of Gladys (nee Clarke) Willson, of Crewe, Cheshire, marriedd October to December 1941 in Crewe Registration District, Cheshire. In the 1921 census he was aged 10 months, born Ely, Cambridgeshire, son of Richard William and Agnes Louisa Willson, resident Station Road, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 62. Extract from Ely Standard 1945: DIED AT SEA Pte. K. J. Willson Official notification of the death of Pte. K J. Willson, 2nd Cambs. Regt., has now been received by his wife. The letter says that his death occurred at sea on Sept. 21st, 1944, following the sinking of a Japanese transport, ship. Pte. Willson was a prisoner of war In Thailand. Before joining the Army in 1939 he was employed by Messrs. Cutlack & Harlock. He was a keen member of the Ely Boxing Club and was the winner of several cups and a medal. Pte. Willson was the youngest son of Mr. R. Willson and the late Mrs. Willson, of 46. St. John's-road, Ely.
WRIGHT	Duncan Frank	Staff Sergeant (Glider Pilot) 1509818, 'A' Squadron, 1st Wing, Glider Pilot Regiment, Army Air Corps. Executed as a Prisoner of War in North Western Europe, shot by German troops following an alleged escape attempt after landing in Normandy during Operation Tonga, 6 June 1944; flew out of Harwell, Oxon, in a Horsa. Aged 25. Born in Kent and resident Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Son of Russell and Elsie Wright; husband of Mary Wright. In the 1921 census he was aged 2, born Gillingham, Kent, son of Russell and Elsie Alice Wright, resident High Street, Ely, Ely Holy Trinity & Ely College, Cambridgeshire. Buried in RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot IIIA. Row B. Grave 2. Extract from the Cambridgeshire Times (prior to death): STAFF-SERGT D. F. WRIGHT A PRISONER Official notification has been received that Staff-Sergt. Duncan F. Wright, Glider Pilot Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Wrigh, High-street, Ely, is a prisoner in German hands. He was reported missing in Normandy following the invasion, and the many friends of the family will share their great relief at the news of his safety. Extract from the Ely Standard: GLIDER PILOT MISSING Staff-Sergt. Duncan F. Wright Staff Sergt Duncan F. Wright, Glider Pilot Regt., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Wright, of High-street, Ely, is reported missing during operations in Normandy. A pilot in the glider Regiment, Staff Sergt. Wright, who has been in the Services since the outbreak of war, had his early training with the Commandos. It was following his remarkable recovery from serious injury that he joined the Glider Regt. and eventually won his wings. Before the war he was on the editorial staff of the “Ely Standard.” On Whit-Monday he married Miss Mary Boyes, of Sarisbury Green, Hants. The sympathy of their many friends will go out to the wife and to Mr. and Mrs. R Wright in their great anxiety.
		Added later:
CRAWFORD	Peter John Sprague	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1626265, 78 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Breighton, Yorkshire, in a Handley Page Halifax III, serial number LW589, when the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Les Hautes-Rivieres 10 miles northeast of Charleville-Mezieres when returning from a raid on Berlin 25 March 1944. Aged 23. Native of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Born 6 August 1920. Son of John Robert and M. Crawford, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Minnir and Lohn R Craford, born 5 August 1920, single, a Certfied Gas Fitter, resident 72 St Marys Street, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire,. Buried in LES HAUTES-RIVIERES COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Ardennes, France. Grave 1. Extract from Ely Standard: BELIEVED KILLED ON OPERATION Sergt. P. J. S. Crawford, R.A.F. News has been received that Peter J. S. Crawford, Flight Engineer, R.A.F., previously reported missing from an operation against Berlin on the night of the 24-25th March, 1944, is believed to have lost his life together with the entire. Crew The International Red Cross Committee have obtained the information from a German list, in which it is stated that Sgt. Crawford and six other occupants of the aircraft have been buried in a “Comrades Grave” in the Municipal Cemetery at Hautes-Rivieres (ten miles N.E. of Charlevllle, Ardennes, France). Sgt. Crawford was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Crawford, 66, St. Mary's-street, Ely, and was 33 years of age. He had completed many operations against the enemy. Prior to joining the R.A.F. he was employed by the Ely Gas Company. During the short time that he was there he passed three City and Guild of London Institute (Department of Technology) examinations, obtaining 2nd class in 1938, 2nd class in the final in 1939, and 1st class with distinction in 1940, and was awarded the second prize offered by the British Gas Industries. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have received many expressions of sympathy, including a letter from his C.O., and from the Air Council.
TAYLOR	Harry	Sergeant (Observer) 745958, 211 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 7 December 1940. Aged 23. Son of Harry William Taylor, and of Frances Kathleen Mary Taylor, of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Buried in PHALERON WAR CEMETERY, Greece.
		Not on Memorial:
ELLWOOD	Arthur William	Able Seaman, H.M.S. London, Royal Navy. Died 21 April 1949. Aged 22, when his ship was attacked by Chinese Communist forces on the Yangtze River. Son of Mr and Mrs A Ellwood, 16 Waterside, Ely. Details in the Cambridgeshire Times 29 April 1949. There is a website for the HMS London 1947-1949 Association to remember all those that lost their lives on the Yangtze river.
NEWMAN	Owen Gilbert	Sapper 2009982, 288 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Captured at Singapore 15 February 1942, killed at sea while in Japanese hands 12 September 1944. Aged 24. Born 13 December 1919, and resident, Isle of Ely, enlisted 3 April 1940 at Sheringham. Son of Alfred Sidney and Clara Emma Newman, of 17, Willow Walk, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Lived at Willow Walk, Ely. Formerly Prisoner of War at No. 4 Camp, Thailand, before being killed while being transported from Thailand to Japan. In the 1939 Register he was a Carpenter & Joiner, single, resident 17 Willow Walk, Ely, Ely U.D., Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 41. Extract from the Cambridgeshire Times when he was confirmed as a PoW: IN JAPANESE HANDS. Spr. O. G. Newman, of Ely. On Friday, Mr. and Mrs. A. Newman, of 17, Willow Walk, Ely, who had heard nothing of their youngest son — Spr. Owen G. Newman since the Japanese occupation of Singapore, received a card from him saying he is in the best of health. In civil life Spr. Newman was employed by Messrs. Alfred Wood and Co., of Broad-street, Ely. Extract from Ely Standard: MISSING AT SEA Sapper O. G. Newman, of Ely The following letter has been received by Mrs. C. Newman, of 17, Willow-walk, Ely, from the War Office: “I am directed to inform you with regret that the name of your son. Saper [sic] O. G. Newman, Royal Engineers, appears on a list received from the Japanese authorities in Tokio, of men missing following the sinking of a ship which was transporting prisoners of war from Thailand to Japan; the date of the sinking is not stated. “Urgent inquiries have been made in the matter and you are assured that any further information concerning Sapper Newman which may reach the Department will be conveyed to you immediately. In the meantime he will be recorded as “Missing at Sea.” Sapper Newman, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Newman, was taken prisoner after the fall of Singapore. The last card his parents received from him was written last June. He joined the Army soon after the outbreak of war, and in civil life was employed by Messrs. Alfred Wood & Co., Broad-street, Ely. Extract from Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: NEWMAN Owen Gilbert of 17 Willow-walk Ely Cambridgeshire died 12 September 1944 on war service Administration Peterborough 8 August to Alfred Newman smallholder. Effects £404 5s. 3d.
Also listed for this parish in the Ely Cathedral Second World War Book of Remembrance:
HUCKLE	F	Probably: Gunner, Frank Huckle, 88 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died 14 November 1944. Aged 32. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand.
PEARSON	E R	Possibly: Private, Eric Robert Pearson, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed during the Fall of Singapore 15 February 1942. Aged 24. Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Pearson, of Soham, Cambridgeshire; husband of Violet May Pearson, of Fordham, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Singapore.
RUMBELOW	S	No further information currently
SELLS	J S	Probably: W.O. Class II, James Simion Sells, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died 3 February 1945. Son of George and Daisy Sells; husband of Alice Lilian Sells, of Littleport, Cambridgeshire. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. See also Littleport.
THOMPSON	A G	Probably: Private, Alec George Thompson, 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed during the Fall of Singapore 13 February 1942. Aged 23. Son of Mrs. A. E. Thompson, of Stretham, Cambridgeshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Singapore. See also Stretham.

Last updated 15 September, 2026