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Saddington, Thomas William
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Thomas William Saddington was born in
Leicestershire on the 2nd July 1923. He was the son of
John
Tom Saddington and his
wife Lucy Mary Saddington, nee Fuller.
In 1939 Thomas was living with his parents
and siblings at 3, Victoria Street, Thurmaston. At that
time Thomas worked as a farm waggoner.
During the war Thomas joined the army.
He served in Burma as Private, 14531608, T. W. Saddington,
of the Northamptonshire Regiment.On the 18th April 1944,
whilst serving with his regiment, he was wounded.
Thomas's brother-in-law, William
Wright, also served his
country during the war.
In 1947 Thomas William Saddington married
Joan Mary Flowers, the daughter of Nathaniel and Lilian
Flowers of Havelock Cottages, Thurmaston. The couple had
no children. Thomas's wife passed away during 1991. He
died during the year 2000.
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Salmon, Henry
 |
In 1945 Henry Salmon, whose home address
was 137, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces..
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Sands, George Harry
 |
George Harry Sands was
born in Thurmaston in on the 7th March 1906. He was the
son of George
Harry Sands,
a shoehand, and his wife Betsy Elizabeth, nee Cart.
George Harry's father
served in the army during the Great War, but was discharged
on account of ill health in September 1918. Unfortunately,
he died on the 18th October 1918, and was buried in Thurmaston
Cemetery. Betsy
Sands was left with three young children. During the war
she lost two brothers: William
H. Cart
was killed in action in 1915, and Benjamin
Thomas Cart
died in Mespotamia in 1916.
In 1926 George Harry Sands
married Minnie Wright.
In 1939 George and Minnie lived at 11,
Havelock Cottages, Thurmaston. At that time George was
employed as a general labourer. During the 1939-45 war
George Harry Sands, who was known simply as George Sands,
served in the army.
In 1941 George Harry Sands was serving
as a private soldier with the 1st Battalion of the Leicestershire
Regiment. He was in Malaya at the time of the Japanese
invasion of the country, and was wounded in action at
Gurun on the 16th December 1941. After the invasion he
was posted as missing. One of his comrades in the regiment,
Thurmaston man Bill
Foster, later wrote in
a letter to his sister G. Sands got hit but I think
he must be all right it was right up in Malaya.
Unfortunately, Private, 4865747, George
Sands became a guest of the Japanese, and after the fall
of Singapore he was interned as a prisoner of war in Changi
Prison, along with many others of the Leicestershire Regiment.
He was later transferred by railway to Ban Pong, Thailand,
and then on to No. 2. Prisoner of War Camp.
George Harry Sands died in Leicestershire
in 1989.
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Sargeant,
John Bertram
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John Bertram Sargeant was born in Leicester
on the 16th January 1911. He was the son of John Sargeant,
a shoe clicker, and his wife Sarah. When John Bertram
was an infant he lived with his parents and three elder
sisters at 61, Biddulph Street, Leicester.
In 1933 he married Doris Whitehouse. In
1939 John Bertram and Doris lived at 58, Checkland Avenue,
Thurmaston. He served as a soldier during the war.
John Bertram Sargeant died in 1952.
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Scattergood,
Eric
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Eric Scattergood was born in Leicester
on the 16th October 1918. He was the son of George Scattergood,
a carpenter, and his wife Annie Elizabeth, nee Spence.
In 1911 the Scattergood family lived at 19, Thurcaston
Road, Belgrave, Leicester.
Towards the end of 1918 Eric's father
died at 38 years' of age. In 1922 his widowed mother married
Alfred Towers. As a child Eric was a pupil at Harrison
Road School, Leicester. In 1939 Eric lived with his mother
and step-father lived at 7, Anchor Street, off Abbey Lane,
Leicester. In 1939 Eric joined the army, having previously
worked as a carpenter and joiner for Calverley's building
firm. In his spare time he had also played football for
Broadway Imps.
At Thurmaston church on the 25th January
1941 army pioneer Eric Scattergood married Alma Lois Coupe,
the daughter of William and Kitty Coupe of 192, Humberstone
Lane, Thurmaston. Soon after their marrriage Eric was
sent overseas.
On the 17th February 1942, having fought
against the Japanese army in Malaya, Private, 5776609,
E. Scattergood, 6th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment
was captured at Singapore on the surrender of British
Forces to the Japanese Army. Eric was subsequently made
a prisoner-of-war and forced with thousands of others
to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. He died on the 23rd
March 1943 from the effects of Beri-Beri and Malaria.
He is buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery,
Thailand - Grave/Memorial 8. K. 23.
Eric's widow, Alma Lois Scattergood, remarried
in 1949; she became the wife of George Arthur Simpson,
a railwayman.
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Scott, Alexander
A.
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In 1945 Alexander A. Scott of Maple Road,
Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
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Sewell, George
Horace
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George Horace Sewell was born on the 27th
July 1913. He was the son of Arthur Sewell, a labouer,
and his wife Emily Louisa, nee Dilkes.
In 1934 George married Rose E. Farrow.
In 1939 the couple lived with their son, Keith, at 14,
Reading Street, Thurmaston. At that time George worked
as a joiner.
In 1945 George was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
George Horace Sewell passed away during
1982.
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Sharpe, Joseph Ernest
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Joseph Ernest Sharpe was born on the 26th
July 1913. He was the son of James and Frances May Sharpe.
Prior to the war, Joe Sharpe, as he was known,
worked as a baker's deliveryman. In 1939 he lived with
his parents and siblings at 336, Main Street, Thurmaston.
In 1940 Joe Sharpe joined the army.
In 1942 Joe's father passed away and was interred
in Thurmaston cemetery. In early 1943, whilst serving
as Lance Corporal, 4862968, J. Sharpe, Leicestershire
Regiment, he was posted missing. He was taken as a prisoner
of war in Italy. Sometime after
being held in an Italian POW camp, perhaps camp PG53 at
Sforzacosta, Liguria; or camp PG82, Laterina, near Arezzo;
by December 1943 he had been transferred to a prison camp
in Germany.
In Germany he became prisoner 227191 in
Stalag IV-G. The administrative headquarters of Stalag
IV-G were in Oschatz, a town between Leipzig and Dresden,
in Saxony. The camp was liberated
in 1945.
In 1951 Joe married Agnes Lenton.
Joe's mother passed away during 1958 and was buried
with her late husband.
Joseph Ernest Sharpe passed away on the
7th May 1987. A few months after his death his wife also
passed away. The couple are interred together in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
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Sharpe, Ralph
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Ralph Sharpe was born during 1921, the
son of Harry Sharpe and his wife Maud, nee Freeman.
In 1939 the Sharpe family lived at a house
named St. Helier, Highway Road, Thurmaston. Ralph's
father worked as a clicker in the shoe trade.
In 1945 Ralph was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
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Shaw, Frederick
Alfred
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Frederick Alfred Shaw was born on the
25th February 1915. He was the son of Frederick Shaw and
his wife Lucy, nee Stirk. On the 9th February 1917 Frederick
Alfred's father was killed in action whilst serving as
Private, 3321, F. Shaw, 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters
(Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment. In 1918 Frederick
Alfred's widowed mother remarried.
In 1939 Frederick Arthur's home address
was that of his mother and step-father, Sidney Woodford,
at 12, Winster Drive, Thurmaston. At that time Frederick
Arthur was serving as Aircraftsman 1st Class, 527093,
F. A. Shaw, 217 Squadron Royal Air Force.
In 1941 Frederick Alfred Shaw married
Yorkshire born Eileen Mary Ellicock.
Eileen lived with her parents at 417, Syston Road, Thurmaston.
Frederick Alfred Shaw passed away during
1987. His widow Eileen passed away during 2003.
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Shaw, Howard

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Howard Shaw was born on the 24th July
1913. He was the son of John Shaw and his wife Ann, nee
Tierney. Howard had one sibling, an elder sister called
Margery.
In Yorkshire during 1938 Howard married
Constance Ruby Bugg, the daughter of James Nunn and his
wife Florence, nee Griggs. In 1932 Constance had been
married to one Edward Bugg.
After their marriage Howard and Connie
set-up home at 5, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston. Howard
worked as a railway goods porter. In 1940 Howard joined
the army and served with the Chindits in Burma.
Howard Shaw passed away in 1986. His widow
passed away during 2002.
To read a full account of Howard's military
career click on the following link
Howard
Shaw
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Shephard,
Joyce
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Joyce Shephard was born in 1918. Her
parents were Ernest Arthur Shephard and his wife Amy,
nee Jiggins.
In 1939 Joyce lived with her parents at
a house called Ardath, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston.
Her father worked as a power house engineer.
In 1945 Joyce was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
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Sherlock,
John Thomas
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In 1945 John Thomas Sherlock of 175, Humberstone
Lane, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
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Shuttlewood, Horace Harold
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Horace Harold Shuttlewood was born in
Leicestershire on the 5th January 1916.
In 1939 Horace lived with his mother and
step-father in Melton Mowbray. In 1941 he married May
J. Pace. In 1944 Horace was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces, and at that time his wife was living at 305, Main
Street, Thurmaston.
Horace Harold Shuttlewood died in Leicestershire
during 1978.
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Sibson, Norman
Louis
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Norman Louis Sibson was born on the 23rd
April 1916. He was the son of John Louis Sibson and his
wife, Nellie Rebecca, nee Beck.
Prior to the war Norman worked as a umbrella
frame maker and lived with his parents at 16, Alexandra
Street, Thurmaston. Norman's father passed away during
1943.
In 1945 Norman Louis Sibson was a serving
member of His Majesty's Forces. He was still then a resident
at 16, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston, the home of his widowed
mother.
Norman Louis Sibson passed away during
1994.
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Siddons,
Harry
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In 1945 Harry Siddons of 1, Church Lane,
Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
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Sikes, John
Cecil
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John Cecil Sikes was born in Leicestershire
on the 16th February 1923.
Prior to the war John worked as an ironmonger's
assistant and lived at 11, Canal Street, Thurmaston.
In 1945 he was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
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Simpson,
Francis Frederic
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Francis Frederick Simpson was born on
the 7th October 1908. He was the son of Frank Simpson,
a Leicester Corporation tramway motorman, and Edith Sibson,
nee Teear. When Francis was an infant he lived with his
parents at 12, Gipsy Lane, Leicester.
In 1935 Francis married Kathleen Caroline
Barrow. In 1939, when Francis was
working as a junior manager for a shoe machinery company,
he and his wife lived at 118A, Humberstone
Lane, Thurmaston.
In 1945 Francis was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Francis Frederick Simpson died on the
28th May 1986 and was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery.
Kathleen Simpson died during 2002.
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Simpson,
William Ernest
 |
In 1945 William Ernest Simpson of 6, Hill
Rise, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
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Smart, Bertie
Horace
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Bertie Horace Smart was born in Leicester
on the 26th February 1909. He was the son of Harry Smart,
an engineer's fitter and turner, and his wife Maud Caroline,
nee Taylor. When Bertie was an infant he lived with his
parents and sister at 27, Cork Street, Leicester. In 1940
Bertie Horace Smart married Edna Bates. The couple lived
at 26, Main Street, Thurmaston.
In 1941 Bertie was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Bertie Horace Smart died during 1960.
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Smith, Reginald Archibald

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In 1911 the Smith family lived in a 5
roomed house on Church Street, Thurmaston. The head of
the household was Thurmaston born basketmaker Ernest Smith.
His home and children were in the care of his wife Gertrude,
nee Hewick. She had been born in Tadcaster, Yorkshire.
Reginald Archibald Smith, Archie,
as he was known, was born in Thurmaston on the 21st August
1918. When he came into the world he was Ernest and Gertrude's
third son and was to be the youngest of their seven children.
In 1939 Archie was living with
his parents and married elder sister, Eva, at 11, Church
Street, Thurmaston. Archie was employed as a dyer's
labourer. With the outbreak of war, Archie was
called-up for service He joined the Royal Navy and underwent
training at HMS Pembroke, Chatham, Kent. He was
at the naval base in May 1940 to witness the arrival of
Dutch sailors who had fled their German occupied country.
Archie Smith trained as a gunner,
and by the end of June 1940 he transferred to the Royal
Naval Depot at Felixstowe. He later served aboard defensively
equipped merchant ships (DEMS), travelling to South Africa
and beyond; his medals reflect the theatres of war in
which he served..
After the war Archie returned to
the Smith family home at 11, Church Street, Thurmaston.
In 1948 he married Margaret A. Webb.
For his service during the 1939-1945 war
Archie Smith received the 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic
Star, Africa Star, Burma Star, and the British War Medal.
Reginald Archibald Smith died in Leicestershire
in 1998. He is interred in Thurmaston Cemetery.
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Smith, Eric
Albert
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In 1939 Eric Albert Smith married Gladys,
the daughter of William and Alice Hextall, of 53, Oakland
Avenue, Thurmaston.
In 1945 Eric, who was then regsitered
to vote from the Oakland Avenue address, was a serving
member of His Majesty's Forces.
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Smith, Ernest Henry
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Ernest Henry Smith, who lived at 333,
Main Street, Thurmaston, with his wife Frances Emily,
was serving with the Royal Air Force in 1945.
A picture of Ernest on the day of his
wedding to Frances Emily Sharpe can be seen by clicking
on the following link - Wedding
day.
Ernie Smith, as he was known, was a passionate
cycle racer, taking part in events organised by the Leicestershire
Road Club. Even at the age of 66 years' old he was
clocking-up racing times that put younger riders to shame.
Ernie Smith died during the 1990's.
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Smith, Harry
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In 1940 Thurmaston born family man Harry
Smith was killed in an air raid that took place on Birmingham.
See WWI index Harry
Smith
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Smith, John
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John Smith was born in Thurmaston during
1917, the son of Arthur
Smith and his wife Emily
Blanche, nee Toon. John's father worked as a gardener
and was also the Sexton of Thurmaston Cemetery.
In 1939 John was living with his parents
and siblings at 2, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston.
In 1945 he was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
John Smith passed away during 1997. He
is interred with his parents in Thurmaston Cemetery.
His brother, Sidney
Smith, also served during
the 1939-45 war..
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Smith, John
George
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In 1945 John George Smith of 9, Melton
Avenue, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
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Smith, John
Thomas
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John Thomas Smith was born on the 28th
May 1912.
In 1937 John married Lucy I. Pole, the
daughter of Thurmaston man Arthur
Pole
and his wife Hannah, nee Horsepool. In
1939 the couple were living at 24, Methuen Avenue, Thurmaston.
John worked as a master butcher and his wife was employed
as a hosiery mender.
In 1945 John was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
John's wife passed away during 1960, she
was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery with her father.
It is believed that John Thomas Smith
died during 1973.
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Smith, Louis
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In 1941 Louis Smith married Margaret E.
Bramley, who lived with her widowed mother, Sarah, at
15, Highway Road, Thurmaston.
In 1945 Louis Smith was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
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Smith, Louis
Edward
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Louis Edward Smith was born on the 6th
May 1913. He was the son of Wilfrid
Louis Smith and his wife
Clara, nee Ablett.
In 1939 Louis lived with his parents at
112, Main Street, Thurmaston. He was then employed as
a milk roundsman. His father was a pig and poultry farmer.
In 1945 Louis was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Louis Edward Smith died on the 1st February
1992. He is interred in Thurmaston Cemetery, where his
parents are also buried.
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Smith, Sidney
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Sidney Smith was born in Thurmaston during
1921, the son of Arthur
Smith and his wife Emily
Blanche, nee Toon. Sidney's father worked as a gardener
and was also the Sexton of Thurmaston Cemetery.
In 1939 Sidney was living with his parents
and siblings at 2, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston.
In 1945 he was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
His brother, John
Smith, also served during
the 1939-45 war..
Sidney's parents are interred in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
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Smith, Wilfred
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Wilfred Smith, Wilf Smith as he was known,
was born on the 1st April 1918. He was the son of Arthur
and Rosina Smith.
In 1939 Wilf was living with his parents
at 62, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston. Wilf's father worked
as a brickyard labourer and his mother had a part-time
cleaning job. Wilf was employed as a stockman and orderrman
by a textile company.
In 1941 Wilf, who was then serving as
a Lance Corporal in the army, married Olive Gertrude Knight.
the daughter of Albert Clement and Gertrude Knight of
5, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston. At the time of her marriage
Olive was a serving member of the Auxiliary Territorial
Service (A.T.S.).
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Souter, James
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James Souter was born on the 13th May
1908.
In about 1935 he married Ethel, the daughter
of Thomas Anthony Clayton, a circular-frame hosiery worker,
and his wife Ethel, nee Earl. Ethel had been born in Thurmaston
on the 22nd June 1913.
In 1939 James and Ethel lived at 50, Garden
Street, Thurmaston, with their two sons. James worked
as a carpenter and joiner. In 1940 Ethel gave birth to
a daughter. During the war James joined the army and served
overseas. It is understood the picture attached to the
following link was taken in Africa - James
Souter. Later James served
in India as Sergeant J. Souter of the Royal Engineers.
James Souter only ever told his family
about the happier times of his military service, and never
chose to apply for medals in relationship to his service
during the war.
James Souter died during 1988. His wife
passed away in about 1992.
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Sowerbutts, Leslie Ernest
 |
Leslie Ernest Sowerbutts was born in Leicestershire
during 1924. He was the son of Ernest Sowerbutts and his
wife Maria, nee Biddles.
In 1939 Leslie lived with his parents
at 5, Methuen Avenue, Thurmaston. His father worked as
a centre lathe turner. In 1945 Leslie, then serving in
His Majesty's Forces, was resident at his parents home
address, which was then 13, Winster Drive, Thurmaston.
He married at Thurmaston during July 1948.
Leslie Ernest Sowerbutts passed
away suddenly on the 27th September 2012. His funeral
service was held at Thurmaston parish church on the 12th
October 2012.
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Spicer, Arthur
 |
Arthur Spicer was born in Leicestershire
during 1917. He was the son of Ernest Spicer and his wife
Clara Ellen, nee Read.
In 1939 Arthur liverd with his parents
at 10, Dorothy Avenue, Thurmaston. Athur's father worked
as a bicycle dealer and repairer.
In 1945 Arthur was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
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Staples,
Mark Brown
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Mark Brown Staples was born in Uppingham
in the County of Rutland on the 12th July 1902. He was
the son of Mark Brown Staples and his wife Sarah, nee
Elton. His father died in 1906.
In 1911 Mark lived with his widowed mother,
Sarah, and his two sisters and a brother, in a house that
was part of Thimble Row, Uppingham. However, by 1929 he
was living in Leicester with his mother and youngest sister,
Edith Annie Staples, at 76, Grange Lane. Shortly thereafter
he moved with his mother to 52, Norman Street, Leicester.
In 1936 he married Ada A. E. Blow and the couple lived
at 18, Hardy's Avenue, Thurmaston. Mark worked as a painter
and decorator.
In 1945 Mark was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
Mark Brown Staples passed away in Leicestershire
during 1987.
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Starkie,
Charles Frederick
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Charles Frederick Starkie was born on
the 6th February 1914.
In 1939 Charles, who worked in the building
trade as a joiner, lived with his wife Sylvia I. Starkie,
nee Barnacle, at 34, Sandiacre Drive Thurmaston.
In 1945 Charles Fredeick Starkie was a
serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
Charles Frederick Starkie died during
2000.
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Stevens, Alan Templar
 |
Alan Templar Stevens was born on the 11th
October 1925, the third son of Arthur Cyril Stevens and
his wife Betsy, nee Templar. In 1944 he joined the Merchant
Navy. Fireman (Greaser), R321646, Alan T. Stevens, served
aboard ships in the North Atlantic, and others which took
him to Europe.
He left the merchant service in 1947.
In recognition of his services he received the British
War Medal.
His brothers Arthur
Leslie Stevens and Walter
George Derek Stevens
served in the army. Post-war his youngest brother, James
Bernard Stevens, also
served in the army.
Mr. Alan Templar Stevens passed away on
the 3rd October 2012. His funeral service was held at
Thurmaston parish church on the 23rd October 2012.
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Stevens, Arthur Leslie

      |
Arthur Leslie Stevens, Les, as he was
known, was born on the 4th June 1920, the eldest son of
Arthur Cyril Stevens and his wife Betsy, nee Templar.
When war was declared in 1939 Les already had the experience
of military life; he had enlisted into the Grenadier Guards
during 1938. The following year, 1940, he was amongst
those who were lucky to be successfully evacuated from
Dunkirk, following the German Blitzkrieg that had pushed
the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) back to the sea.
He returned to Europe after D-Day and fought through France
and Germany with the Guards Armoured Division. He took
part in the Arnhem Operation, which included the capture
of the bridge at Nijmegen, Holland.
Post-war Les Stevens remained with the
Grenadier Guards. He served in Cyprus during the EOKA
troubles of 1955-59, during which time he was mentioned
in despatches. The
award was recorded in the Supplement to the London
Gazette, on the 30th September 1958. The War Office
made known that The Queen had been graciously pleased
to approve several names to be mentioned, in recognition
of gallant and distinguished serivces in Cyprus for the
period 1st January to 30th June 1958.
Arthur Leslie Stevens completed his military
service in 1962.
The photograph at left was taken after
1958. By clicking on the following link a larger image
of RSM
Stevens may be seen. In the photograph that
will appear he is wearing the ribbons of the medals shown
at left. His General Service Medal ribbon is decorated
with an Oak Leaf, a recognition of his mention in despatches.
The Long Service and Good Conduct medal (army) was awarded
after eighteen years' service.
Arthur Leslie Stevens passed away in 1994.
His brother Alan
Templar Stevens served
in the Merchant Navy during the 1939-45 war, whilst his
brother Walter
George Derek Stevens
served in the army. James
Bernard Stevens, the
younger brother of RSM Stevens also had post-war service
with the Grenadier Guards.
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Stevens, James Bernard

|
James Bernard Stevens was the fourth son
of Arthur Cyril Stevens and his wife Betsy, nee Templar.
James was born on the 1st November 1930 and was too young
to see service during the 1939-1945 war. His record of
service is shown here to complement the story of his three
older brothers, who each served during the war.
James B. Stevens joined the army in 1947
to carry out his National Service. He served as Lance
Sergeant, 21056781, J. B. Stevens, 3rd Battalion Grenadier
Guards.
The photograph at left was taken at Kajang,
Malaya, in 1949. James was one of the hundred thousand
British soldiers who served in Malaya between 1948-1960,
the majority of whom were National Servicemen. For those
that took part in the Malayan campaign, which was undertaken
to crush communist insurgents, they received the General
Service Medal with the clasp 'Malaya'.
His elder brothers were Arthur
Leslie Stevens, Walter
George Derek Stevens
and Alan
Templar Stevens.
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Stevens, Walter George Derek

|
Walter George Derek Stevens was born on
the 30th July 1921, he was the second son of Arthur Cyril
Stevens and his wife Betsy, nee Templar. He joined the
army in 1942. In 1944, after D-Day, Private Stevens served
in France and Germany with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers (REME), which had been formed in 1942. In 1945
Walter's home address was at 342, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
For his service during the 1939-1945 war
he received the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star,
Defence Medal, and the British War Medal.
Walter George Derek Steven's passed away
on the 24th May 2007.
His brother Alan
Templar Stevens served
in the Merchant Navy during the 1939-45 war, whilst his
brother Arthur
Leslie Stevens served
with the Grenadier Guards. Post-war his youngest brother,
James
Bernard Stevens, also
served with the Grenadier Guards.
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Stokes, Leslie Mark
|
Leslie Mark Stokes was born in West Hartlepool,
County Durham, during 1926, the son of Thomas Mark Stokes
and his wife Lavinia, nee Chapman. Les Stokes, as he is
known, returned to Leicestershire with his family during
1936, and moved to Thurmaston in 1937. In 1939 the family
lived at 27, Winster Drive. The family had older Thurmaston
connections, Les's grandfather, Mark Stokes, had been
born in the parish.
At eighteen years' of age Les Stokes
joined the Royal Navy, having previously been employed
by the British United Shoe Machinery Company (BUSMC),
Leicester, and at the Taylorcraft Aircraft factory
at Thurmaston. He joined up on the 29th January 1944,
and proceeded to Malvern to undergo initial basic training.
As Stoker, 2nd Class, KX6021874, Stokes,
Les served at HMS Drake, His Majesty's Royal Naval
Barracks at Devonport. Stoker Stokes was not employed
afloat, his time was spent on the boiler cleaning and
maintenance of ships that entered the dockyard at Devonport.
Eventually, Les was discharged to the
special reserve, and worked in Birmingham for British
Railways. After the war he married Georgina Wood, and
the couple lived in and had their family in Thurmaston.
For his wartime home service with the
Royal Navy Leslie Mark Stokes received the British War
Medal. To see a larger picture of this man click on the
following link Leslie
Mark Stokes .
Les's father Thomas Mark Stokes served
in the army during the Great War of 1914-1918, to find
out more about Les's father click on the following link
- Thomas
Mark Stokes
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Stratford,
Ralph William
 |
Ralph William Stratford was born on the
9th June 1911.
In 1939 he lived with his wife, Edith
M. Stratford, nee Hambleton, at a house called Avonford,
Church Hill Road, Thurmaston. Ralph worked at a lithographic
transfer printing works.
In 1945 Ralph was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Ralph William Stratford passed away during
1997.
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Strong, Albert
 |
Albert Strong was born at Thurmaston on
the 6th September 1926. He was the son of Albert and Florence
Strong, and the grandson of Walter
Strong.
In 1939 Albert, who was then still at
school, lived with his parents at the 10th House on Unicorn
Street, Thurmaston. His father worked as a shoe clicker.
In the photograph at left Albert Strong is wearing a side
cap with the badge of the Leicestershire Regiment. It
is believed that he transferred from the Leicestershire
Regiment to the South Staffordshire Regiment, in the latter
of which he was made a corporal. He served as a military
policman in the closing stages of the 1939-45 War.
Albert Strong married Nancy M. Cramp,
with whom he had a son and a daughter. Albert Strong died
in 2002. His uncle Horace
Strong also served in
His Majesty's Forces during the 1939-1945 War.
|
Strong, Horace
 |
Horace Strong was born at Thurmaston on
the 14th February 1912, the son of Walter
Strong and his wife Lilian
Mary, nee Wright. In 1934 Horace,
a hosiery counterman, married Edna Brookes, a hosiery
mender. In 1939 they lived at 10, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston.
In 1945 Horace Strong was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
Horace and Edna had two sons. Horace died
in 1965 and was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery. His widow,
Edna, who was remarried in 1968, died in 1996, and was
interred with Horace.
Horace's nephew Albert
Strong also served in
His Majesty's Forces during the 1939-1945 War.
|
Sunderland,
Harold Edward
 |
In 1945 Harold Edward Sunderland of 224,
Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
|
Sykes, Leslie
Arthur
|
Leslie Arthur Sykes, a painter by trade,
served as a steward in the Royal Navy. In 1941 he and
his wife, Mabel Joan, nee Woodford, lived at 56, Church
Hill Road, Thurmaston.
|
Tasker, Joshua
 |
Joshua Tasker was born on the 24th August
1913. He was the son of Joshua Tasker and his wife Emma,
nee Lockley.
Prior to the war Joshua lived with his
parents at 12, Hawthorne Road, Chester, and he worked
as a market gardener.
In 1945 he was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces. He and his wife Margaret E. Tasker,
nee Martin, had their home at 496, Melton Road, Thurmaston.
Joshua Tasker passed away during 1994.
|
Tebbutt,
Leonard Frederick
|
Leonard Frederick Tebbutt was born in
the parish of Belgrave, Leicestershire on the 19th July
1907. He was the son of Fred and Eliza Tebbutt. His father
worked as a pavior's labourer. When Leonard was an infant
he lived with his parents and siblings at 39, The Green,
Bath Street, Belgrave, Leicester.
In 1928 Leonard married Gertrude Gant.
In 1939 the couple lived with their children at 6, Church
Hill Road, Thurmaston. He worked as a street pavior for
Leicester Corporation. He also had duties connected to
being a member of an Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.) Decontamination
Squad.
In 1945 Leonard, then of 32, Canal Street,
Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
On the 2nd July 1951 Leonard's wife passed away. She was
buried in Thurmaston Cemetery.
Leonard Frederick Tebbutt died on the
18th April 1983 and was buried with his late wife.
|
Tibbles,
Frederick James
 |
Frederick James Tibbles was born in the
Burnley area on the 12th December 1920. He was the son
of Frederick Tibbles and his wife Martha, nee Brotherhood.
In 1939 Frederick lived with his parents
and siblings at 34, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston. Frederick's
father worked as a coal roundsman.
In 1945 Frederick was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
Frederick James Tibbles passed away in
Nottinghamshire during 1993..
|
Tinkler,
William Adkin
 |
William Adkin Tinkler was born in Frisby-on-the-Wreake
on the 26th July 1914. He was the son of William Robert
Tinkler, the village blacksmith, and his wife Sarah Elizabeth,
nee Storer. In 1924 William's father died. William was
a popular young man in his home village. He was a member
of the church choir, a bell-ringer, and secretary and
captain of the football club.
In 1935 William, left Frisby-on-the-Wreake
to join the Royal Air Force, with the intention of training
as a wireless operator. In 1937 William married Iseult
Ena E. Urry. In 1939 the couple lived with their son in
Yew Tree Cottage, Exton Road, Oakham. At that time
William was serving as Corporal, 523154, W. A. Tinkler,
at the Royal Air Force Station, Cottesemore, Rutland.
By 1944 William was serving as a Flight
Sergeant in the R.A.F. In 1945 William's home address
was 48, Highway Road, Thurmaston. On the 24th October
1945 William was appointed under wartime emergency as
a Pilot Officer (57503), on probation, with the Royal
Air Force Regiment.
After the war William was confirmed and
appointed as a Flying Officer with the R.A.F. Regiment.
William Adkin Tinkler died in Wales during
2003.
|
Todd, John
 |
John Todd of 33, Westdown Drive, Thurmaston,
was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces in late 1945.
|
Toon, James Herbert
 |
James Herbert Toon, or
Bert Toon, as he was known, was born in Thurmaston
in 1913. He was the son of Joseph Herbert Toon and his
wife Sarah Jane, nee Sarson.
In 1939 James Herbert Toon was serving
in His Majesty's Forces, at which time his home address
was 10, Harrison Road, Thurmaston.
James Herbert's family had some experience of service
to their country. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Sarson
of Syston, had served, from the 22nd January 1870, for
over 10 years in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. His
grandfather had been based at Chatham, Kent, where James
Herbert's mother had been born in around 1882. During
the Great War James Herbert's father, Joseph
Herbert Toon,
had served in the army.
In 1944 Lance Corporal, 2614596, J. H.
Toon, Grenadier Guards, a married man, was reported missing.
He was captured and became a prisoner of war. Bert
Toon became prisoner 278755, and was held at Stalag IV-B,
Mühlberg/Elbe, Brandenburg, Germany.
On the 23rd April 1945 the camp was liberated
by soldiers of the Soviet Army.
James Herbert Toon died in Leicestershire
in 1962.
|
Toon, Ronald
William
|
Ronald William Toon was born in Leicestershire
on the 17th July 1914. He was the son of Frank William
Toon and his wife Emma May, nee Harding.
In 1945 Ronald, who was then living at
his parent's house, 257, Main Street, Thurmaston, was
a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
Ronald William Toon died on the 29th November
1988 and was interred in the grave of his parents in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
|
Topley, George
Horace
 |
George Horace Topley was born in the Loughborough
area of Leicestershire on the 24th June 1912. He was the
son of Edward William Topley and his wife Sarah Ann, nee
West.
In 1939 George was living with his parents
at Merton Cottages, Barkby, Leicestershire. At
that time George was working as an accounts clerk for
the Leicester Corporation Electricity Company.
In 1945 George, who was then living at
39, Westdown Drive, Thurmaston, was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
George Horace Topley died in Leicestershire
during 1999.
|
Toseland,
Alfred
|
In 1945 Alfred Toseland of 2, Ellmore
Cottages, Syston Road, Thurmaston, was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
|
Towe, Frederick
Arthur
|
Frederick Arthur Towe was born on the
1st May 1922. He was the son of Frederick Towe and his
wife Jane, nee Piggin.
In 1939 Frederick lived with his parents
and sister, Marjorie, at 124, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
At that time Frederick worked as a an accounts junior
clerk. Outside of work he was a member of the No. 51 Squadron
(2nd City of Leicester) Air Defence Cadet Corps. The Corps
was the forerunner of the Air Training Corps (A.T.C.).
He was also qualified in Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.)
First Aid.
In February 1945 Frederick married Masie
Smith, a draughtswoman, of Leicester, at St. Michael and
All Angels Church, Thurmaston. At the time of his marriage
Frederick was serving as an armourer with the Royal Air
Force.
Frederick's wife passed away during 1997.
Frederick Arthur Towe passed way in Leicestershire during
2002. Frederick's parents are interred in Thurmaston Cemetery.
|
Towe, Gerald
Edward
|
Gerald Edward Towe was born on the 5th
August 1918. He was the son of Isaac Daniel Towe and his
wife Bertha Alice, nee Bond, of 1, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston.
Sergeant, 742440, Pilot, Gerald Edward
Towe, 220 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Died on the 19th March 1941.
For more details about Gerald click on
the link Sergeant
Towe
Gerald Edward Towe is commemorated
on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.
Gerald's parents are interred
together in Thurmaston Cemetery.
|
Townsend,
Clifford
 |
Clifford Townsend was born in 1919. He
was the son of John William Townsend and his wife Blanche,
nee Wilkinson Bird. His father died in 1937.
In 1939 Clifford was living with his widowed
mother and eight siblings at 119, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
In 1944 his younger brother, Dennis
Townsend, died whilst
serving with the army.
In 1945 Clifford Townsend was a serving
member of His Majesty's Forces.
Clifford's younger brother, Maurice
Edwin Townsend, also
served with His
Majesty's Forces during the 1939-1945 War.
|
Townsend,
Dennis
|
Dennis Townsend was born in Leicester
on the 28th September 1923. He was the son of John William
Townsend and his wife Blanche, nee Wilkinson Bird. His
father died in 1937.
In 1939 Dennis was living with his widowed
mother and eight siblings at 119, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
On the 23rd September 1944, Lance Corporal,
T/14259964, Dennis Townsend, 297th General Transport Company,
Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.) died. He is buried
in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands - Grave
14.C.1.
Dennis Townsend's headstone is cut with
a family dedication that in one form or another has been
in use from the late Victorian period - The cup was
bitter the loss severe to part with one we loved so dear.
He is also
commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.
His elder brothers, Clifford
Townsend
and Maurice
Edwin Townsend,
also served with His Majesty's Forces during the 1939-1945
War.
|
Townsend,
Maurice Edwin
 |
Maurice Edwin Townsend was born on the
18th September 1920. He was the son of John William Townsend
and his wife Blanche, nee Wilkinson Bird. His father died
in 1937.
In 1939 Maurice was living with his widowed
mother and eight siblings at 119, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
In 1944 his younger brother, Dennis
Townsend died whilst
serving with the army. In 1945 Maurice was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
His elder brother, Clifford
Townsend, also served
with His Majesty's Forces during the 1939-1945 War.
Maurice Edwin Townsend
died during 1996.
|
Turner, Charles Keymer
 |
Charles Keymer Turner was born in Leicester
on the 2nd March 1909. He was the son of John James Turner,
a boot repairer, and his wife Sarah Ann Jenny Turner,
nee Bunn. When Charles was an infant the Turner family
lived at 95, Harrison Road, Leicester.
During 1929 Charles married Annie Elizabeth
Cannon, who was born in Thurmaston on the 12th December
1908, the daughter Alfred George Cannon and his wife Edith
Cannon, nee Stafford.
In 1939 the couple were living with their
son and daughter at 18, Garden Street, Thurmaston. At
that time Charles was working as a trunk and suitcase
maker and a producer of leather goods of all types.
In 1945 Charles was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces. Charles's brothers-in-law, Alec
George Cannon and Alfred
Cannon both served in
His Majesty's Forces during the war.
Charles was the inventor of a patent shoe
display case that was manufactured by Potterton of Leicester.
His patent design was registered in 1958.
Charles' wife passed away on the 12th
February 1985. He died on the 25th March 1986. The couple
are interred together in Thurmaston Cemetery.
|
Wakefield, Jack
 |
Jack Wakefield moved to Thurmaston with
his parents and his elder brother, Des, in 1937, where
they occupied a new house, at what later became 221, Checkland's
Road. The house was also to be home to Jack's younger
brother, Michael.
Although Jack received some of his education
at Thurmaston National School, most was received at Roundhill
Secondary School. At 14 years' of age Jack entered the
world of work, taking-up an office job at Taylorcraft
Aeroplanes (later known as Auster Aircraft),
at the Britannia Works, Thurmaston. However, having reached
calling-up age, Jack, received his papers for military
service in March 1945.
His time with the army began on the 1st
April 1945, with six weeks of primary training, which
were undertaken at Bugbrook Barracks, Warwickshire. This
was followed by a posting to the No. 1 Training Battalion
of the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC), stationed at Skegness,
Lincolnshire. Even though VE-Day and VJ-Day had been celebrated,
in September 1945, having completed a driver training
course, Jack found he was to go overseas.
Jack was embarked aboard the requisitioned
Southern Railways ferry the Dinard, which took
him to Calais. After an overnight stop at a transit camp,
he then travelled by railway train to the South of France.
His destination was Toulon harbour, where Jack was embarked
aboard ship, which then sailed across the Mediterranean
Sea for Port Said, Egypt. His ultimate destination was
Tel-el-Kabir, Egypt, which he reached after a journey
by train and military transport. Tel-el-Kabir was a large
supply and ordnance depot, which housed military repair
shops, and was also home to a military hospital.
However, after sometime, owing to a surplus
of RASC drivers, he was posted to the General Headquarters
in Cairo, there to take-up a clerk's job until his demobilisation
in March 1948. On his release from the Army, Corporal,
S/14966180, Jack Wakefield returned to Thurmaston, where
he lived until he married his wife, Rosemary, whereupon
he moved to Rothley, Leicestershire.
Mr. Wakefield still lives in Leicestershire
and has many fond memories of his years in Thurmaston.
For his wartime service with the RASC
Jack Wakefield received the British War Medal.
|
Wallington, Geoffrey
 |
In late 1945 Geoffrey Wallington, who
was resident at 118, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, was
a serving member of His Majesty's Forces. He remained
in the forces until about 1947.
|
Wallis, Albert
Ernest
|
Albert Ernest Wallis, Bert Wallis
as he was known, was born in Leicestershire during 1918.
He was the son of Albert Wallis, who had been born in
Naseby, Northamptonshire, and his wife Amelia Elizabeth,
nee Cave, who had been born in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.
On the 3rd February 1938 Bert Wallis's
father passed away, and his 27 years' old sister, Ada
May, died within a month of her father. They were interred
in the same grave in Thurmaston Cemetery.
During the war Bert Wallis joined
the army. Private, 5051790, A. E. Wallis, 2/6th Battalion,
South Staffordshire Regiment, died on the 8th July 1944,
in Normandy, France.
At the time of his death, Bert's
mother lived at 8, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston. Phyllis
J. Wallis, Bert's wife, and their daughter lived
at 82, Melton Road, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire.
Before the war Bert had worked as a hairdresser's
assistant.
Albert Ernest Wallis is buried in Hermanville
War Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave 4.B.14). He is commemorated
on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.
|
Ward, Archibald
Ernest
 |
In 1945 Archibald Ernest Ward, who lived
at a house called Alton, Hillcroft Close, Thurmaston,
was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
|
Ward, Roy
 |
In 1945 Roy Ward of 124, Humberstone Lane,
Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
|
Ward, Thomas
William
|
Thomas William Ward was born on the 17th
March 1889.
On the 12th September 1914 Thomas married
Winefride Mary Barratt. The couple had two children, Thomas
Norman Ward, who was born in 1913 and Kenneth John Ward
who was born in 1917. The Ward family lived at 16, Wood
Hill, Leicester
On the 10th December 1915 Thomas, who
worked as a clerk, was attested to the army. However,
it was not until the 30th April 1917 that he was mobilized
for service. Rather, than joining the army he was called-up
to the ranks of the Royal Flying Corps. As airman 3/AM,
80236, T. W. Ward he worked as a rigger. He transferred
to the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) when it was formed on
the 1st April 1918.
After the war, on the 26th April 1919
Thomas was transferred to the 'G' Class R.A.F. Reserve.
Between the wars he worked as a manager for a haulage
contractor. However, on the 29th June 1939 he enlisted
in the Class 'E' R.A.F. Reserve, and was mobilised for
service on the declaration of war against Germany.
So in 1939 he left his home and family
at 49, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, to once again serve
with the R.A.F.
Thomas's wife passed away on the 22nd
February 1972 and was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery.
Thomas died on the 29th December 1977 and was buried with
his late wife.
|
Warner, George
William
|
In 1945 George William Warner of 17, Garden
Street, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
|
Waters, Arthur
W.
|
Arthur W. Waters was born in Leicester
during 1923. He was the son of Arthur and Florence Waters.
In 1942 Arthur's father married Mrs. Alice
Bates, nee Ellis, the widow of Ernest
William Bates, who had
died in Thurmaston in 1934. Arthur and Alice lived at
13, Brook Street, Thurmaston.
On the 19th May 1942 at Maryport Arthur
had signed on as a cook aboard the Dutch merchant vessel
Leny. On the 23rd June 1942 the ship, which was
carrying a cargo of coal from Swansea to Poole, struck
a magnetic mine east of the Old Harry Rocks, part of the
Isle of Purbeck, off the Dorset coast. The Leny
sank as a result of the explosion and Arthur was lost
at sea. Only two people aboard the vessel survived.
Arthur's loss is recorded by the Netherlands
War Graves Foundation.
Arthur's father and step-mother, Arthur
and Alice Waters, are interred together in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
|
Watkins,
Frederick Charles
 |
In 1945 Frederick Charles Watkins of 373,
Main Street, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
|
Wells, Herbert
Harold
|
Herbert Harold Wells was born on the 30th
October 1912. He was the son of John Arthur Wells and
his wife Nellie, nee Merrall, who, in 1911, had been resident
at 70, Haddon Street, Leicester.
In 1933 Herbert married Hilda Thompson.
In 1939 the couple were living at 2, Reading Street, Thurmaston,
along with their children. At that time Herbert worked
as a carpenter and joiner.
In 1940 Herbert was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Hilda Wells died on the 24th December
1982. Herbert Harold Wells died on the 5th October 1987.
The couple are buried together in Thurmaston Cemnetery.
|
Wells, Leonard
Walter
|
In 1945 Leonard Walter Wells of 8, Beechwood
Avenue, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's
Forces.
|
Wells, Percy
Ernest
|
Percy Ernest Wells was a serving soldier
during 1943-1945. He and his wife, Vera Margaret, lived
at 246, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.
|
West, Arthur
James
|
Arthur James West was born on the 23rd
June 1915. He was the son of James West and his wife Ethel,
nee Parker.
In 1939 Arthur was living with his parents
and siblings at 20, Barkby Thorpe Road, Thurmaston. At
that time Arthur was working as a carpenter and joiner.
In 1945 Arthur was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Arthur James West died in Leicestershire
during 2004.
|
West, Arthur
Wilfred
|
Arthur Wilfred West was born on the 8th
September 1906.
In 1939 Arthur and his wife, Sarah, were
living at 2, Oakland Avenue, Thurmaston. At that time
Arthur was employed as a hosiery waste sorter.
In 1945 Arthur was serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
|
West, Ernest
Frederick
 |
Ernest Frederick West was born on the
21st November 1917. He was the son of James West and his
wife Ethel, nee Parker.
In 1939 Ernest was living with his parents
and siblings at 20, Barkby Thorpe Road, Thurmaston. At
that time Ernest was working as an assistant grocer.
In 1945 Ernest was a serving in the army
with the Royal Signals Regiment.
Ernest Frederick West died in Leicestershire
during 2002.
|
West, Kenneth
Joseph
   
 |
Kenneth Joseph West, Ken as he is known,
was born during 1922. His parents were James West and
his wife Ethel, nee Parker.
In 1939 Ken was living with his parents
and siblings at 20, Barkby Thorpe Road, Thurmaston.
During the war Ken served as Fusilier,
14638023, K. J. West, 11th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Ken's experiences as a soldier are told
in his book - An' Its Called A Tam O'Shanter and
in another book entitled Some Were Lucky. The latter
book is available as a second edition. Use the following
link to email the author for more details - Some
Were Lucky (2nd Edition, 2016).
|
Weston, James
|
James Weston, Jim as he was known,
was born in Leicester on the 3rd November 1912. He was
the eldest son of James Henry Weston and his wife Susannah,
nee Manship.
In 1937, on his marriage to Ethel May,
the daughter of Henry Foster and his wife Ethel May, nee
Hewick, of Thurmaston, he moved to the village and lived
with his wife, who was known as Cis Weston, at
24, Highway Road, Thurmaston, a house that was to become
home to their daughter.
Jim worked at the British United
Shoe Machinery Company (BUSMC), Leicester, and from the
outbreak of war was placed on a reserved occupation list.
He was a skilled patternmaker and during the war he was
employed in the manufacturing of gun and aero-engine parts.
During 1944 he served as Private J. Weston, Home Guard,
Leicestershire Regiment.
The couple later lived on Thurmaston's
Main Street. Cis Weston died on the 18th February
1993. Jim Weston passed away on the 14th February 2004.
The couple are interred together in Thurmaston Cemetery.
|
Whatley,
William Arthur
|
William Arthur Whatley was born in Leicestershire
on the 17th October 1920. He was the son of Arthur Whatley
and his wife Margaret, nee Tyers.
In 1939 William lived with his parents
and siblings at 26, Methuen Avenue, Thurmaston. At that
time he was employed as a boot and shoe tacker.
In 1945 William was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
|
Wheildon,
Kenneth James
 |
Kenneth James Wheildon was born in Leicestershire
on the 13th April 1922. He was the son of James Wheildon
and his wife Lydia, nee Rawlings. She had formerly been
the wife of one Edward Moore.
In 1939 Kenneth was living with his parents
at 43, Melton Avenue, Thurmaston. His father was a Nursery
Hand and Market Gardener. In 1945 Kenneth was a serving
member of His Majesty's Forces.
In 1952 Kenneth married Freda G. Morris.
Kenneth James Wheildon died in 1983 in
the Nuneaton area.
|
Whitbread, Cecil Henry George "Jim"
 |
Cecil Henry George Whitbread, Jim
Whitbread as he was known, was born in Derbyshire on the
8th November 1915. He was the son of Leonard Cecil Whitbread
and his wife Florence Amelia, nee Hales.
In 1939 Jim was living with his
parents at 59, Fosseway. At that time he was working as
a Land Agent & Surveyor's Assistant, probably in the
employ of his father, who was a Chartered Land Agent.
In 1941 Jim married Irene Heath.
Jim served
in Italy during the war. He was still with His Majesty's
Forces in 1945, at that time his home address was 482,
Melton Road, Thurmaston.
Cecil Henry George Jim Whitbread
died in Leicestershire during 1981.
|
Whitelaw, Percy Harold
 |
Percy Harold Whitelaw was born in Meerut,
India, on the 3rd September 1927; and when he and his
family returned to England he lived in Thurmaston. He
attended Roundhill School. He joined the army cadets whilst
at Roundhill School, whose training activities were carried
out in the sandpits near the school.
Percy joined the army in about March 1945,
and was posted to Palace Barracks, Holywood, near Belfast,
Northern Ireland. He then served at
Budbrooke Barracks, Warwickshire.
Eventually, he was sent as a training
instructor to a pre Officer Cadet Training Unit (O.C.T.U.)
at Wrotham, Kent. The camp was disbanded, so Pervy was
transferred to the Mons Barracks, Basic O.C.T.U., Aldershot.
He was then posted to Sandhurst.
In 1948 Percy returned to Leicestershire
and married Margaret Frearson.
Percy Harold Whitelaw died in Leicestershire
during 1976.
|
Whitmee, Alan H.
 |
Alan H. Whitmee was born in Leicestershire
in 1926. His father was Joseph H. Whitmee and his mother
was Frances E. Whitmee, nee Strong.
The early part of Alan's life was spent
in Thurmaston.
In 1942 he joined the ranks of the Warwickshire
Regiment. After the end of the war he returned home. His
parents lived at 30, Methuen Avenue. After the war Alan
married Winifred I. Weston.
Joseph
Henry Whitmee, Alan's
father, served in the forces during the 1939-45 War.
Alan's parents are interred in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
|
Whitmee,
Joseph Henry
 |
Joseph Henry Whitmee was born in Leicestershire
on the 2nd June 1902.
In 1945 he was serving in His Majesty's
Forces. His home address was at 30, Methuen Avenue, Thurmaston,
where he lived with his wife Frances, nee Strong..
Alan
H. Whitmee, Joseph and
Frances's son, served in the army during the 1939-45 War.
Joseph H. Whitmee died on the 8th August
1984 and was buried in Thurmaston Cemetery. His widow,
Frances, passed away on the 17th November 1994. She was
buried with her late husband.
|
Wholton, Stanley William
 |
Stanley William Wholton was born in Leicestershire
on the 26th October 1913. He was the son of Leicester
born George William Wholton and his wife Gertrude Emily,
nee Berridge. In 1911 the Wholton family had lived at
Barkby, Leicestershire, where George William had been
employed as a groom.
In 1939 the Wholton family resided at
a house named Carhagena, Holmdale Road, Syston,
Leicestershire. At that time Stanley worked as a credit
collector. His father worked as a chauffeur and gardener.
The folowing year Stanley married Winifred M. Murby.
In 1945 Stanley and Winifred's home was
10, Sandiacre Drive, Thurmaston. In 1945 Stanley was a
serving member of His Majesty's Forces. In 1946 Stanley
and Winifred had a daughter.
Stanley William Wholton died in Leicestershire
during 1988.
|
Wicks, Harry
Bernard
|
Harry Bernard Wicks was born in Leicestershire
on the 21st June 1916.
In 1939 Harry's wife, Joan, was living
with her mother, Ethel, at 17, Winster Drive, Thurmaston.
Gunner Harry Bernard Wicks was serving with the Royal
Artillery during 1944 and 1945. He and his wife, Joan,
lived at 17, Winster Drive, Thurmaston.
He died in Leicestershire during 1989.
|
Wigston, Ronald Frederick
 |
Ronald Frederick Wigston was born in Leicestershire
on the 25th March 1914.
In late 1945 Ronald Frederick Wigston
was serving with His Majesty's Forces. At that time his
home address was 17, Forest Avenue, which was also home
to his wife, Mrs. Constance E. Wigston, nee Veasey, and
his young son Barry.
Ronald Frederick Wigston died in Leicestershire
during 1990.
To see a picture of the mother and son
of Ronald Frederick Wigston click on the following link
Kit &
Barry Wigston
|
Wilford, Noel John
 |
Noel John Wilford was born in the Market
Haborough area of Leicestershire on the 20th December
1913.
Noel was a serving soldier in 1939. He
and his wife, Constance Dora Sophia Wilford, nee Hogben,
lived at 55, Checkland Road, Thurmaston.
Noel John Wilford died in Leicestershire
during 1994.
|
Wilkins,
Albert
 |
Albert Wilkins, of 242,
Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, served in the forces during
the war. He was discharged back to civilian life sometime
after January 1945.
|
Wilkinson,
John Edwyn
|
John Edwyn Wilkinson was born on the 20th
October 1912.
In 1939 John was living with his parents
and siblings at 17, Roundway Road, Thurmaston. At that
time he was employed as a bus conductor.
1n 1940 John married Marian Brown. The
couple lived at 4, Canal Street, Thurmaston.
In 1945 John was a serving member of His
Majesty's Forces.
John Edwyn Wilkinson died in the Nottingham
area during 1991.
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Wilkinson,
William Alexander
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William Alexander Wilkinson was born on
the 11th February 1924.
In 1939 William was living with his parents
and siblings at 17, Roundway Road, Thurmaston. At that
time he was employed as a hosiery trimmer.
1n 1945 William was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
William Alexander Wilkinson died in the
Nottingham area during 2002.
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Williams, Herbert George
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On the 15th February 1941 Cadet Herbert
George Williams of the 142nd Officer Cadet Training Unit
(O.C.T.U.) was made a 2nd Lieutenant with the Corps of
Royal Engineers.
Lieutenant, 172016, Herbert George Williams
was a native of Gloucestershire. He was killed in action
on the 23rd May 1944, whilst serving with the 245th Field
Company, Royal Engineers. He was 27 years' old.
He was the son of Joseph Morgan Williams
and his wife Kate, nee Mills, of Broadwell, Gloucestershire.
His wife Mary Winefride Williams, the daughter of Thomas
W. Ward and his wife Winefride, nee Barratt, lived at
49, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston. The couple had married
in 1941.
Herbert George Williams is buried in the
Anzio Beachhead Cemetery, Anzio, Italy (Grave XV. H. 10.).
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Williams,
Peter George Charles
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In 1945 Peter George Charles Williams
of 12, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston, was a serving member
of His Majesty's Forces.
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Williamson,
Robert
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Bob Williamson, as he
was known, was born in 1913. He was the son of John Robert
Williamson and his wife Violetta, nee Matthews. In 1915
Bob Williamson's elder brother,
John
William Williamson,
was killed in action on the Western Front, whilst serving
with the Leicestershire Regiment..
In 1939 Bob Williamson was serving as
Sapper, 1871781, B. Williamson of the 1st Field Squadron,
Royal Engineers. His home address was that of his parents,
22, Reading Street, Thurmaston. Bob Williamson was one
among many Thurmaston men that were sent out to Malaya.
Later he was to be just one of the thousands of British
troops that became prisoners of war after the fall of
Singapore in February 1942.
After the defeat of Japan Bob Williamson
was released from captivity and repatriated to England.
Bob Williamson's nephew, Cecil
William Williamson served
in the RAF during the 1939-45 war.
Bob Williamson died in 1954 at only 41
years of age.
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Williamson,
Cecil William


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Cecil William Williamson was born in 1922,
the son of John Henry Williamson
and his wife Emma, nee Barrow. The Williamson family lived
at 78, Flax Road, Leicester. In 1925 the couple had another
son Shirley J. Williamson. However, Emma Williamson had
but a few short years with her husband and sons, she died
in 1929, aged 30 years. Widower John Henry Williamson
then lived with his sons at 97, Main Street, Thurmaston.
Whilst their father was at work Cecil and Shirley were
cared for by their grandparents, John and Violetta Williamson,
who also lived in Thurmaston. John Henry Williamson worked
at the canvas shoe manufacturers Gipson Clarke
of Leicester, which was where he met Ellen Crookall, who
he married in 1942.
As a young man Cecil Williamson worked
at Berridges, Hosiery Machine Manufacturers, of
Sanvey Gate, Leicester. With the 1939-45 war Cecil was
minded to join the forces. He put his name forward to
join the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV, later the Home
Guard), only to have his father have his name inserted
into the recruitment list in favour of Cecil's name. A
plan to join the Tank Corps was also thwarted, when Cecil
arrived at the recruiting office in Leicester, only to
find it closed. However, in 1941, at the suggestion of
a work colleague Cecil joined the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Following training, Cecil Williamson was
posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone; there he served with
128 Squadron, RAF, employed in aircraft maintenance. The
squadron had been formed in late 1941 from the Fighter
Flight of 95 Squadron, based at RAF Hastings, Sierra
Leone. The unit, which flew the Hawker Hurricane, was
commanded by Battle of Britain veteran Flight Lieutenant
John Ignatius Kilmartin. By 1943 Cecil Williamson transferred
with 128 Squadron to The Gambia. He was based at Jeswang,
which with Half Die and Yundum, was one of the airfields
around RAF Bathurst.
With the collapse of Vichy French forces
in Africa, there was no further need for 128 Squadron,
so it was disbanded in March 1943. Therefore, after 18
months in Africa, Cecil Williamson returned to Blighty
and was posted to RAF Pocklington, the home of
102 Squadron. It was during his time at the East Yorkshire
Bomber Command station that he met his wife to be, Ivy.
In 1945 he transferred to RAF Hendon,
and was engaged in work on Douglas Dakota aircraft,
where he enjoyed flights aboard the aircraft, tagging
along with a pilot for the experience of flying. Aircraft
were flown from Hendon to the site of the airfield that
would eventually become Heathrow airport.
Cecil and Ivy were married in 1945. The
following year, during 1946, LAC, 1043509, C. W. Williamson's
service with the RAF ended. For a period of six months,
following his demobilisation, Cecil worked at his pre-war
employers, Berridges, of Leicester, whilst Ivy
worked at a drapers shop in Pocklington. During this time
Cecil lived at his father's and step-mother's house at
26, Forest Avenue, Thurmaston. However, after the offer
of a job in Pocklington, Cecil was able to join his wife,
become an honorary Yorkshireman, and later have
a family. He eventually worked for the confectionary company
Rowntree of York, retiring from the business after
33½ years of service.
For his service during the 1939-1945 war
Cec Williamson, as he is known, received the Defence Medal
and the British War Medal.
Today, Cec still lives in his adopted
county, and he retains fond memories of his life spent
in Thurmaston.
Cecil's father, John
Henry Williamson
served in the army during the Great War, as did his uncle,
John
William Williamson,
who was killed in action in 1915. Another uncle, Robert
Williamson,
who lived with Cecil's grandparents at 22, Reading Street,
Thurmaston, served in the army during the 1939-45 War.
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Winterton, Leonard Ralph
 |
Leonard Ralph Winterton was born in Leicestershire
on the 12th February 1922. He was the son of Henry Winterton
and his wife Mary, nee Poole.
In 1939 Leonard was living with his parents
and siblings at 79, Barkby Road, Syston, Leicestershire.
At that time Leonard was employed as a turner in the engineering
trade.
In 1945 Leonard, then of 324, Main Street,
Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces.
He was still serving as late as 1947.
He was the husband of Mrs. Ruby Winterton,
nee Keeling. He died during 1992 and is interred in Thurmaston
Cemetery.
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Woodford, Frank
 |
Frank Woodford was born on the 4th May
1912. He was the son of George Henry Woodford and his
wife Louisa, the daughter of John and Harriet Coltman
of Thurmaston.
In 1939 Frank was living with his wife
Gertrude, at a house called Ticehurst, Avenue Road,
Queniborough. He was then employed as an engineers fitter.
Ticehurst was the home of Ronald Newby Adcock and
his wife Frances, nee Curtis, who were Gertrude's parents.
Frank served in the armed forces as AC2,
969057, F. Woodford, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
(R.A.F.V.R.).
In 1945 Frank was resident at 26, Brook
Street, Thurmaston. At that time he was still serving
in the armed forces.
Frank Woodford died in the Swindon area
during 1983.
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Woods, Arthur Eric George
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Arthur Eric George Woods was born in Thurmaston
on the 22nd April 1915. He was the son of Ernest George
Woods and his wife Florence Emily, nee Holmes, and a younger
brother of of Cecil
Herbert Victor Woods.
In 1939 Arthur was living with his parents
and siblings at 15, Reading Street, Thurmaston. At that
time he was working in a garage, employed in the valeting
of motor cars.
In 1945 Arthur was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Arthur Eric George Woods died on the 17th
February 1965 and was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery,
where his parents are also buried.
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Woods, Cecil Herbert Victor
 |
Cecil Herbert Victor Woods was born in
Leicester on the 10th April 1901. He was the eldest child
of Ernest George Woods and his wife Florence Emily, nee
Holmes, and an elder brother of Arthur
Eric George Woods. In
1911 the Woods family lived in Church Lane, Thurmaston.
In 1939 Cecil was living with his parents
and younger siblings at 15, Reading Street, Thurmaston.
At that time Cecil was employed as a labourer, engaged
as a pipe drainer.
In 1945 Cecil was a serving member of
His Majesty's Forces.
Cecil died on the 26th March 1972 and
was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery, where his parents
are also buried.
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Wright, Alfred
Ernest
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Alfred Ernest Wright was born in Leicestershire
on the 13th January 1910. He was the son of Albert Arthur
and Ellen Wright. In 1932 Alfred's father died and was
buried in Thurmaston Cemetery.
On the 5th June 1943 Alfred, who was then
a serving soldier, married Florence Emily Jackson of 11,
College Street, Leicester. Alfred's home address at the
time of his marriage was 34, Brook Street, Thurmaston,
the home of his widowed mother.
Alfred's mother died in 1965 and was buried
with her late husband.
Alfred Ernest Wright passed away in 1994
and was interred in the same grave as his parents.
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Wright, Lawrence
Robert
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Lawrence Robert Wright was born on the
26th June 1907 at a house in Benskin's Yard, Thurmaston.
He was the son of James Wright and his wife Ellen, nee
Tomlin.
On the 6th April 1931 Lawrence, who was
known as Lol, married Violet Ivy Gardner at Barrow-upon-Soar
Registry Office. At the time of his marriage he was living
at 34, Garden Street, Thurmaston. However, after their
marriage the couple lived at 27, Mill Lane, Thurmaston.
Lol and his wife, and their two children, were
living at that address when war was declared in 1939.
During the war Lol Wright served
as Gunner, 1717690, L. R. Wright, Heavy Anti-Aircraft
Section, Royal Artillery (RA). It is believed that he
did not undertake any overseas service. He was discharged
to the Army Reserve on the 3rd January 1946.
Lol and Violet Wright later lived
in a council house at 11, Charnwood Avenue, Thurmaston.
Lawrence Wright passed away during 1973,
his widow, Ivy, died during 1994. They are interred in
Thurmasto Cemetery.
To see a larger picture of this man click
on the following link Lawrence
Robert Wright.
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Wright, Leonard
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In 1940 twenty one years' old Leonard
Wright was serving as a Gunner with the 76th Battery Light
Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Leonard Wright was still serving
in His Majesty's Forces during 1943. Leonard and his wife,
Lily, lived at 145 Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston. Their
home was also that of Lily's parents, Arthur and Eveline
Withers.
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Wright, William
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William Wright was born in about 1917.
He was the son of James Wright.
In 1941 William, then a serving soldier,
married Rose Ellen, the daughter of John Thomas Saddington
and his wife Lucy Mary Saddington, nee Fuller.
William was still serving in 1945. He
and his wife lived at 2, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston.
William's brother-in-law, Thomas
William Saddington served as a soldier during
the war.
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