Details of individual casualties, where known, A-L on Hoole & World War II Memorial

ALLMAN, Stanley Arthur

Regiment: 1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers Rank: Fusilier Died: 25 May 1940 Aged: 19 Buried/ Memorial: Abbeville Communal, France Address: 47 Hoole Road, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 04/01/41 FAMILY ANXIOUSLY AWAITING NEWS OF FUS. S.A. ALLMAN “The family of Fus. Stanley Arthur Allman, R.W.F. formerly of 47 Hoole Road, Hoole, have been notified that he has been presumably killed in France. He was first reported missing in May. Fus. Allman, who was 19 years of age, took an active interest in the 2nd Boys Brigade, and for five years was connected with the organisation. He also was prominently associated with All Saints Church, Hoole, being a member of the Bible class. Prior to joining the Army he was employed at Messrs. Williams and Williams, Reliance Works. The family to hear from anyone who has news of Fus. Allman. His mother’s address is 14 Prospect Street, Aberystwyth and his sister lives at 33 Sandon Road Newton .” His brother Gunner Frederick Thomas ALLMAN Royal Artillery of 24 Cedar Grove Hoole was posted missing following the fall of Singapore. Cheshire Observer 28/03/42 “It was later reported that a card had been received from a Japanese prison camp where he stated “ I am safe, fit and uninjured. Food and accommodation good.”

ANWYL, John Lloyd

Regiment: SS Serooskerk, Netherlands Merchant Navy Rank: Second Officer Died: 2 December 1942 Aged: 33 Buried/ Memorial: Memorial Address: 20 Sefton Road, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 20/02/43 Second Officer J.L. Anwyl Presumably Lost at Sea “News has been received by Mr. and Mrs Jonathon Anwyl, 20 Sefton Road, Hoole, that their third son, Second Officer John Lloyd Anwyl, of the Merchant Service, has presumably been lost at sea. In November he took passage to take over second office’s duties in India. It was arranged for him to travel out to India. The operators of the vessel have received notification from the Admiralty that the vessel is overdue and must be presumed lost. The owners have no news of any survivors. Second Officer Anwyl, who is 33, is a native of Chester and was educated at the City and County School, now the City Grammar School. He has been in the Merchant Service 14 years and had passed his Captain’s ticket last August.”

BERRY, Leslie

Regiment: 382 Bty. 116 Light Anti-Aircraft, Royal Artillery Rank: Gunner Died: 12 July 1944 Aged: 32 Buried/ Memorial: St Manvieu Cemetery Cheux, France Address: 62 Westminster Road and 35 Sefton Road Cheshire Observer 29/07/44 FORMER HOOLE MAN KILLED IN ACTION “Mrs. F. H. Berry of 3 County Drive, Rhyl and formerly of 62 Westminster Road, Hoole has received official notification that her husband, Gunner (driver/mechanic) Leslie Berry, R.A., has been killed in action. Gunner Berry who was aged 32, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs R. O. Berry 35 Sefton Road, Hoole. He was educated at Love Street Central School and afterwards was employed at Messrs. Williams and Williams’ Reliance Works. Before enlisting in the Army four years ago he was employed as an agent for a furnishing firm in Rhyl. He leaves a three years old daughter. His brother S.Q.M.S. Duncan Berry, is serving abroad in the R.E.M.E.” Chester Chronicle 05/08/44 GUNNER L. BERRY KILLED IN ACTION “We regret to record that Gunner (driver/mechanic) Leslie Berry, age 32, a former member of “The Chronicle” publishing staff, has been killed in action in Normandy. Gunner Berry was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs R. O. Berry, Sefton Road, Hoole. He left Messrs. Williams and Williams (Chester) for “the Chronicle” and went to Rhyl about eight years ago as North Wales commercial representative for Universal Stores Manchester. About four years ago he joined up and was last home on leave a few weeks before D-Day. His brother S.Q.M.S. Duncan Berry is serving overseas. Gunner Berry leaves his wife and three year old daughter Sylvia.”

BOYER, Frederick

Regiment: Royal Warwickshire Regiment Rank: Private Died: 24 September 1944 Aged: 23 Buried/ Memorial: Mierlo Cemetery, Netherlands Address: 57 Phillip Street, Hoole

Chester Chronicle 14/10/44 HOOLE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION “Mrs. Boyer, 57 Phillip Street, Hoole, has received news that her husband, Pte F. Boyer was killed in action in Belgium on September 24th. Pte. Boyer, who was 23, was educated at All Saints School, and for many years was a member of 2nd Chester Company of the Boy’s Brigade. For a time helped at the All Saints Hoole Children’s Church. He was employed at Brookhirst Switchgear Ltd, and was called up in the first days of the war. His unit, however, was sent abroad and as he was underage, he was transferred to his previous employment as a machine setter, and later to Napiers Ltd . He was recalled to his unit in 1943, and has been abroad three months. He is survived by his wife and 18 months old daughter and two adopted daughters. His mother and father Mr and Mrs F. Boyer, live at 16 Cedar Grove Hoole.”

BROCKLEY, Donald Charles

Regiment: 61 Sqn. Royal Air Force Rank: Sergeant – Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Died: 26 March 1942 Aged: 21 Buried/ Memorial: Reichswald Forest, Germany Address: 33 Sumpter’s Pathway, Hoole Cheshire Observer 28/03/42 HOOLE AIRMAN REPORTED MISSING “Mr and Mrs E. B. Brockley, 33 Sumpter’s Pathway, Hoole, have received official intimation that their only son, Sergt D.C. Brockley, R.A.F. is missing on active service. Sergt. Brockley, who is 21, was educated at Hoole and Newton Council School and afterwards was employed at the Reliance Works before joining the Air Force two years ago. Only recently he had been on leave.”

DUTTON, Frederick

Regiment: 460 Sqn. Royal Australian Air Force Rank: Sergeant – Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Died: 17 February 1942 Aged: 20 Buried/ Memorial: Overleigh Cemetery Chester Address: 53 Pine Grove, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 28/02/42 KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE “Mr and Mrs E. Dutton of 53 Pine Grove, Hoole, last week received the sad news that their son, Sergt. Wireless Operator Air Gunner Frederick Dutton, R.A.F., had been killed on active service. Educated at All Saints School, Sergt. Dutton was employed at Williams and Williams Reliance Works, Chester. He later became a clerk in the Hoole Council offices, where he remained until he joined the R.A.F. about 18 months ago. Aged 20, he had been on many operational flights with the R.A.F. Sergt Dutton was well known in Hoole and district. While in the R.A.F. he won a medal for football. He was also an enthusiastic angler.” [There follows an account of the funeral service.]

DUTTON, James Henry

Regiment: 196 Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps Rank: Private Died: 26 August 1943 Aged: 23 Buried/ Memorial: Kanchanaburi, Thailand Address: 99 Phillip Street, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 28/03/42 PTE J.H. DUTTON, R.A.M.C. “Mr and Mrs H. B. Dutton, 99 Phillip Street, Hoole, have been officially notified that their elder son Pte James Henry Dutton, R.A.M.C., is posted as missing in Malaya in February. Private Dutton, who is 21 years old, was educated at All Saints School, afterwards working in his father’s painting business in Hoole. He is a member of the British Red Cross Society, and joined the R.A.M.C. over a year ago. His brother Pte Robert Dutton is in the Cheshire Regiment.”

FEILD, Thomas Richard

Regiment: 3rd Survey Regiment, Royal Artillery Rank: Gunner Died: 30 November 1943 Aged: 20 Buried/ Memorial: Sangro River Cemetery, Italy Address: 95 Phillip Street, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 08/01/44 GUNNER T. R. FEILD, R. A., KILLED IN ACTION “Gunner Thomas Richard Feild, R.A., of 95 Phillip Street, Hoole, has been reported killed in action while serving with the Eighth Army in Italy last year. He was an only child, his parents now living in Bangor. He would have been 21 years of age on January 12th. Gunner Feild was employed by L.M.S. Railway Co. as a clerk at Holywell junction, where he was most popular. He will be well remembered by his many friends at Walker Street Congregational Chapel, Hoole.”

FISHER, Frank John

Regiment: 103 Sqn. Royal Air Force Rank: Sergeant – Flight Engineer Died: 21 December 1942 Aged: 19 Buried/ Memorial: Mauberge Centre Cemetery, France Address: 30 Hoole Road, Hoole Cheshire Observer 30/01/43 MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED NEWS OF FLT. ENGINEER SGT. F.J. FISHER, R.A.F. “Sincere sympathy will be felt with Mr and Mrs S.S. Fisher of 30 Hoole Road, Hoole, in the sad news they have received, through the International Red Cross, that their son, Flt Engineer Sgt Frank John Fisher, R.A.F., has been killed in action. The official report is that he is now regarded as “Missing, believed killed.” Sergt Frank Fisher was 19 years old and was educated at the King’s School, Chester. He entered the R.A.F. by examination held in 1939, before the War broke out. After undergoing training at R.A.F. technical schools he passed into the service as an engineer at various maintenance units. He applied to transfer to an aircrew as flight engineer some months ago, and was posted to an operational unit. He made many operational flights over enemy territory. He was due to come home on leave on December 23rd, and thus would have spent Christmas with his family. His elder brother, Sergt N.S. Fisher, R.A.F., was reported missing from an operational flight in September 1941, and is now a prisoner of war in Germany.”

FROST, Henry Shelmerdine

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment attached No. 51 Commando Rank: Captain Died: 5 March 1941 Aged: 27 Buried/ Memorial: Keren War Cemetery, Eritrea Address: ‘The Dene’, Hoole Road, Hoole

Cheshire Observer and Chester Chronicle 22/03/41 BELIEVED WOUNDED AND MISSING CAPTAIN HENRY S. FROST “News was received in Chester this week that Capt Henry S Frost of the Cheshire Regiment, second son of the late Lieut-Col. J.M. Frost, D.S.O., and of Mrs Meadows Frost of “Dene” Hoole, was reported wounded and missing. Last week his mother received an official intimation that he had been killed on active service. A memorial service was arranged to be held in the Regimental Chapel in Chester Cathedral, but on the news being received that Capt Frost was believed wounded and missing the service was cancelled. Capt Frost, who is 27, is a grandson of the late Ald. Sir John Frost, who was Mayor of Chester during the last war. He was educated at Moorland House School (Heswall) and Charterhouse. On leaving school he went on a world tour. He joined the Cheshire Regiment in 1934, and two years later was posted to the 1st battalion in India. He served at Ambala and Kasauli and for a time was stationed at the Small Arms School at Ahmednagar, where his platoonuse dto give demonstrations in machine gunnery. In 1938 he was appointed A.D.C. to the Governor of Sind but he relinquished that appointment on the outbreak of war and rejoined his regiment. Friends in Chester and the county hope Mrs Meadows Frost will soon receive news of her son’s safety.”

Sadly, there was no such good news. Capt Frost had volunteered to join No 51 Middle East Commando which was set up in October 1940. In January they set sail from Suez for Port Sudan with a view to being used against the Italian forces eventually with regard to the fortress of Keren in Eritrea. There is a detailed account of the action in which Capt Frost was killed in “The Middle East Commandos” by Charles Messenger, as well as other references to him. Further, as an officer of the Cheshire Regiment he also features in the officer casualties section of “The Cheshire Regiment in the Second World War” by Crookenden.

CAPTAIN HENRY SHELMERDINE FROST KILLED IN ACTION – 5TH MARCH 1941. “In Henry Frost, The Regiment has lost one of its best and most loyal Officers. He was a true Cheshire man being born and bred in the County and living for most of his life at The Dene, Hoole, Chester. He was educated at Thorland House, Heswall, and later at Charterhouse. In January 1932 and wishing to make the Army his career, he found that he was too old to enter the RMC Sandhurst, and decided to take a commission through the Supplementary Reserve. After attachments to The Border Regiment, 4th Dragoon Guards and Royal Artillery, he was finally gazetted to The Regiment on the 4th June 1934.He was not long in being posted to the 1st Battalion in India, with which he remained until shortly after the beginning of the war. His quiet, efficient manner and his intense keenness and loyalty endeared him to everyone. He was a born leader and it is not surprising that his natural quest for adventure led him to join the Commandos early in the war. He was killed leading a Commando raid in Eritrea, for which he received a posthumous “Mention in Despatches.” It was his usual courage and self-sacrifice, when already wounded, which led to his death. Henry enjoyed life to the full and there was nothing in which he was not interested. He had the happy gift of passing on to those under him his spirit of keenness and zest for living. His Platoon and Company were always happy, contented and efficient. Apart from soldiering he was also keen on all “outdoor” sport, being a good horseman, shot and polo player; in India he has whip to the 1st Battalion pack We all loved him.”

Memorial Window Chester Cathederal

GANDER, Alfred John Regiment: Cheshire Yeomanry Royal Armoured Corps Rank: Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant Died: 16 September 1941 Aged: 42 Buried/ Memorial: Durban Stellawood, South Africa Address: 25 Park Drive, Hoole Cheshire Observer 27/08/41 “Official notification has been received that Squadron Quarter Master sergeant Alfred John Gander (42) Cheshire Yeomanry, husband of Mrs Ada Gander, of 25 Park Drive, Hoole, has died as a result of an accident, in the Middle East. His death occurred in September. S.Q.M.S. Gander was a native of Chester, and after being educated at the College School, became employed by the North Wales Wagon Company, at Queensferry. As a meber of the Cheshire Yeomanry, he was called up at the outbreak of hostilitiesS.Q.M.S. Gander served in France in the last War. He is survived by his wife, mother Mrs J Gander 13 Park Drive Chester and four brothers, all of whom are serving in the Forces. A memorial service will be held a 5pm today (Saturday) at St John’s Church.”

An earlier article on the five brothers: Cheshire Observer 13/04/40 “Mrs Gander, of 13 Park Drive, Hoole, has the proud distinction of having five of her sons in the Army, four of them serving with the Cheshire Yeomanry. This photograph taken before they attained their present rank, shows (Top row, left to right): Sgt Frank Gardner; Cpl Dennis Gardner (Royal Horse Guards) [N.B. he had previously served with the Cheshire Yeomanry and was to go on to join the Commandos]; Staff-Sgt Lionel Gander (Bottom row): Regimental QMS George Gander; Squadron QMS Alfred Gander. Mrs Gander is extremely proud of these five boys of her family of ten, who are serving their King and country so faithfully. Moreover, her son-in-law, Private John Tomlinson, also is in the Cheshire Yeomanry, while her daughter Eva, is section leader of Cheshire 12th Division of the British Red Cross, and she herself has been awarded her ARP badge and first nursing certificate by the St John Ambulance Brigade.”

Further details of the brothers are contained in ‘The Cheshire (Earl of Chester’s) Yeomanry’ by Lt Col Verdin.

GATLEY, Stanley Ellis

Regiment: Royal Air Force Rank: Leading Aircraftman No: 970215 Died: 18 January 1943 Aged: 23 Buried/ Memorial: Tehran War Cemetery, Iran Address: 80 Oaklea Avenue, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 30/01/43 CHESTER AIRMAN KILLED “News has been received by Mr and Mrs E Gatley, 80 Oaklea Avenue, Hoole, Chester, late of , that their youngest son, LAC Stanley Ellis Gatley, RAFVR has been killed in an accident in the Middle East. LAC Gatley, who was 23, was educated at Kelsall CC School and later at Chester College. Before joining the RAF he was on the staff of Messrs. Brookhirst Switchgear Limited, Chester, and was a prominent member of both the cricket and football teams. He has one brother serving in the Middle East.”

Chester Chronicle 03/02/43 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION “Stanley was a wireless operator with RAF Communication Flight Iraq & Persia. He was killed when his aircraft Hudson VI EW969 crashed in the Karaghan Dagh mountains, Iran in bad weather during a transit flight from Tehran to Habbaniya, 6 passengers also died.”

GERRARD, Cecil William

Regiment: 30 Squadron Royal Air Force Rank: Corporal Died: 24 May 1941 Aged: 25 Buried/ Memorial: Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece Address: 21 Sandileigh (previously 21 Canadian Avenue)

Cheshire Observer 04/10/41 CPL C W GERRARD’S DEATH IN MIDDLE EAST “Mrs N Gerrard, of 21 Sandileigh, Hoole, has received official notification that her youngest son, Corpl Cecil William Gerrard, RAF, has died in the Middle est. Corpl Gerrard, who was 25, was educated first at Cherry Grove School, where at the age of 10, he gained a scholarship to the King’s School, Chester. After matriculation he was employed in the County Library for two years, until he joined the RAF in October 1936. He saw service in Iraq, Egypt, Greece and Crete. Corpl Gerrard was a grandson of Mr G Gerrard, a well-known tobacconist, of Foregate Street. His brother Private Gilbert A Gerrard, is attached to a bomb disposal squad in the RE’s. Cpl Gerrard was keenly interested in the activities of the League of Young Liberals.”

GREEN, George Alexander McKenzie

Regiment: 3rd Field Sqn Royal Engineers Rank: Sapper Died: 24 April 1941 Aged: 19 Buried/ Memorial: Athens Memorial, Greece Address: 22 Clare Avenue, Hoole Cheshire Observer 21/07/45 HOOLE SOLDIER BELIEVED KILLED “Sapper George Alexander McKenzie Green, RE (Cheshire Rgt), son of Mr and Mrs James Green, 22 Clare Avenue Hoole, who was previously reported missing during the fighting in Greece, is now believed to have been killed. Aged 24(?), he joined the Territorials in 1939 and enlisted in the Regular Army on the outbreak of War. He was educated at Hoole and Newton Council School and was a member of All Saints Church, Hoole, and the Boys Brigade. Before joining up he was employed as a pupil apprentice by Messrs Fletcher and Co, Garden lane. Sapper Green’s father is an overseer at the General Post Office.”

GRIFFITHS, Harold de Coeur

Regiment: 57 Sqn. Royal Air Force Rank: Sergeant Air Gunner Died: 22 May 1944 Aged: Buried/ Memorial: Assens Fyn New Cemetery, Denmark Address: 23 Elmwood Avenue, Hoole Cheshire Observer 19/08/44 HOOLE AIRMAN BELIEVED KILLED “Information via the International Red Cross and the Air Ministry has been received by Mrs Griffiths, of 23 Elmwood Avenue, Hoole, that her husband, Sgt H D Griffiths, RAF, previously reported missing, is now believed to have lost his life on air operations. Sgt Griffiths was formerly a member of Chester City Police force.”

HEWITT, George Summer

Regiment: 7th Bn. Cheshire Regiment Rank: Lance Sergeant Died: 12 April 1944 Aged: 25 Buried/ Memorial: Beach Head Cemetery Anzio, Italy Address: 36 Hewitt Street, Hoole Chester Chronicle 29/04/44 HOOLE SERGEANT KILLED IN ACTION “News has been received that L/Sgt. G.S. Hewitt has been killed in action while serving with the Central Mediterranean Forces. He was the second son of Mr and Mrs G. E. Hewitt, 36 Hewitt Street Hoole, Chester. He joined up before the outbreak of the war, served in France, and took part in the evacuation from Dunkirk. Later he went to India and then took part in the landings in Sicily and Italy. He was educated at Hoole and Newton School and the Chester College School. Since boyhood he has been a chorister at Holy Trinity Parish Church.”

HUTCHINSON, Leonard

Regiment: Royal Corps of Signals Cheshire Yeomanry Rank: Signalman Died: 14 March 1945 Aged: 24 Buried/ Memorial: Overleigh Cemetery Chester Address: 155 Hoole Lane, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 24/03/45 SIGNALMAN L HUTCHINSON “Six members of the Cheshire Yeomanry acted as bearers at the funeral at St John’s Church, Chester, on Monday, of Signalman Leonard Hutchinson, Cheshire Yeomanry, who died in hospital in Edinburgh. Signalman Hutchinson, who was 24, was a son of Mrs Hutchinson, of 155 Hoole Lane, Chester. He served for five years in the Middle East with the Cheshire Yeomanry, and returned to this country last September. Prior to being called to the Colours he was employed on the Cheshire Lines railway at Chester. His brother Petty Officer H M Hutchinson, is serving with the . The service was conducted by the Vicar (Rev A W G Duffield) who also officiated at the graveside in Chester Cemetery.” [There follows an account of the funeral service.]

JACKSON, Philip Corfield

Regiment: 180 Sqn Royal Air Force Rank: Flying Officer Died: 13 June 1943 Aged: 31 Buried/ Memorial: Runnymede Memorial Address: 8 Hoole Road, Hoole Cheshire Observer 15/01/44 “JACKSON- missing since 13th June 1943, now presumed killed in action, Flying Officer Philip Corfield Jackson, RAFVR, husband of Margaret (nee Huxley) and son of Doctor A R Jackson and the late Mrs Jackson of Hoole, Chester.” The Observer 25/03/44 carries the Obituary of Dr A R Jackson, which among other details tells us “Dr Jackson began his practice in Hoole before the last War, in which he served with distinction as a Captain in the RAMC, attached to the Seaforth Highlanders, and was awarded the Military Cross.”

JACKSON, Samuel Harry

Regiment: 102 Sqn. Royal Air Force Rank: Flight Sergeant Died: 10 September 1942 Aged: 22 Buried/ Memorial: Flushing, Northern Netherlands Address: 10 Charles Street, Hoole

Cheshire Observer SERGT H JACKSON RAF KILLED IN ACTION “Sergt Harry Jackson, RAF, who was reported missing some weeks ago, is now officially reported to have been killed in action. Aged 22, he was a son of Mrs and the late Mr Joseph Jackson, 10 Charles Street, Hoole. As a boy he served for 7 ½ years in Chester Cathedral Choir, and afterwards worked in the offices of the Great Western Railway, as a clerk at James Street, Liverpool” The Chronicle 17/10/42 informs us that his two brothers were also serving: Corpl S F Jackson RAF and Pte K Jackson Royal Artillery.

JONES, John Robert Joseph

Regiment: 18th Line Sec Royal Corps of Signals Rank: Signalman Died: 5 December 1941 Aged: 22 Buried/ Memorial: Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya Address: 37 William Street, Hoole

Cheshire Observer 29/12/41 HOOLE DIAMOND WEDDING In an account of Mr and Mrs Joseph Crimes of 145 Westminster Road, Diamond Wedding is contained the following: “Mr and Mrs Crimes have a family living of three daughters and one son; Mrs J T Jones of Hoole, Mrs R Lewis (Worsley, Manchester) Miss Alice Crimes and Mr J Crimes, both of whom live with their parents. There are four grandchildren; one grandchild John Jones was killed at Tobruk when serving with the Eighth Army in the Royal Signals”. Cheshire Observer 03/01/42 SIGNALMAN’S DEATH IN MIDDLE EAST HOOLE PARENTS’ LOSS “News was received by his parents in Hoole on Christmas Eve that Signalman J R J Jones, Royal Corps of Signals, had died from wounds due to enemy action in the Middle East on December 5th, at the age of 22. Signalman Jones was the only child of Mr and Mrs J T Jones 37 William St., and a happy, genial personality. He was educated at Hoole and Newton Council School under Mr L Bebbington afterwards going to Love Street Central School under Mr C S Digweed. He was an accomplished pianist having been taught by Mr Thomas Pate LTCL. When he was called up he was in the last year of his apprenticeship as a letterpress printer with W H Evans and Sons, Ltd., The Eastgate, Chester. His Corp were the first to be sent to Norway where they had a gruelling experience. After a dangerous voyage Signalman Jones reached again. Last February he sailed for the Middle East. All his life he had been connected with Westminster Road Baptist Mission and will be greatly missed. He was a lifelong member of the Independent Order of Rechabites of which his father was DCR in 1938/39. During Signalman Jones’s service in the Forces abroad he made many friends both in this country and abroad, and many letters of tribute and respect have been received by his parents. It has been written of him “He has only lived a short life, but a life filled with affection, devotion, and willing service the fragrance of which will linger for a long time.” Cheshire Observer 03/01/42 “JONES – In December 1941 died from wounds received by enemy action in the Middle East, Signalman John Robert Joseph (Jack) Jones, Royal Corps Signals, aged 22 years, very dearly-beloved only son of Mr and Mrs J T Jones 37 William Street, Hoole, Chester. – Memorial service, Westminster Road Baptist, Sunday 11th Jan 6 pm.”

LACEY, John Anthony

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps attached No.3 Commando Rank: Trooper Died: 19 August 1942 Aged: 22 Buried/ Memorial: Pihen Les Guines Cemetery, Dieppe, France Address: 32 Elmwood Avenue, Hoole

 photo believed to be of Trooper Lacey with 3 Commando in December 1941

Cheshire Observer A CHESTER COMMANDO TROOPER J A LACEY MISSING AFTER DIEPPE RAID “Official notification has been received that Trooper John (Jack) Anthony Lacey, son of Mr Robert Lacey of Kent, formerly of Chester, is missing after the raid Dieppe, in which he took part as a Commando. Tpr Lacey, who is 22, is a brother of PC E Lacey and Det R Lacey of Chester City Police. He has been in the Army since he was 14, and was educated at Victoria Road School.”

LEACH, Alfred

Regiment: HMS Penelope Royal Navy Rank: Leading Signalman Died: 18 February 1944 Aged: 31 Buried/ Memorial: Portsmouth Naval Memorial Address: 37 William Street, Hoole Cheshire Observer 11/03/44 HOOLE SEAMAN PRESUMED KILLED “Mrs J Leach of 36 Phillip Street, Hoole, has received official notification that her son, Leading Signalman Alfred Leach RN, has been reported missing, presumed killed. He was serving in the Penelope. Leading Signalman Leach, who was aged 30, had been in the Navy for 11 years, and he was serving in the Hero during the second battle of Narvic. He was educated at All Saints School, and prior to joining the Navy, he was employed by the Chester Radiator Repair Co.”

Researched and written by Dave Rees, Hoole History & Heritage Society

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