Loughborough Roll of Honour

Private 4859072 Frederick Cameron

2/5th Bn., Leicestershire Regiment

Died on 22nd February 1943, Aged 28.

Buried Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia, VIII.C.11-15

Gunner 1090841 Clifford Carpendale
112 (The West Somerset Yeomanry) Field Regt., Royal Artillery Died on 10th July 1944, Aged 23. Buried St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France, IX. H. 5.

Corporal 4868415 Thomas William Chambers
1st Bn., Leicestershire Regiment Died on 29th October 1944, Agde 23. Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Holland, 7. C. 9.

Serjeant Arthur Chell
2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders Died on 1st November 1944, Aged 32. Buried Mierlo War Cemetery, Holland, VII. C. 11.
Official news has been received by Mrs. Chell, of the death in action of her husband, Sergeant A. Chell (32) in North West Europe. Sergeant Chell joined the Army in 1933 and served six years in India. He leaves a wife and two year old daughter, who lives with her parents at 51, Woodgate

Serjeant 1206770 Walter Chester
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 35 Sqdn. Died on 5th October 1942, Aged 28. Buried Lille Southern Cemetery, France, 5 - A 20.
Official news has now been received that sergeant Observer Walter Chester, of 131, Ainsdale Road Leicester, reported missing in October from an operational flight, is now reported missing, believed killed in action. He had been in the R.A.F. for 18, months, and was trained in U.S.A. and Canada. He was educated at Loughborough Grammar School and King Alfred College, Winchester, and previous to entering the R.A.F. was on the teaching staff at Braunstone Hall School, Leicester. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs., W, Chester, of 9, Bampton Street, Loughborough, and in 1938, married Miss Doreen Mallinson, youngest daughter of the late Councilor and Mrs., Harry Mallinson, of Toothill Road. Loughborough. Walter Chester was born in Loughborough in 1914, the only son of Walter Chester, hosiery trimmer, and Sophia Chester (née Gimson) of 17 Heathcote St, Loughborough. Walter Junior married Doreen Mary Mallison in 1938 in Loughborough.

Pilot Officer 65521 Peter Chubb
131 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 28th September 1941. Buried Mount St. Mary's College Churchyard Derbyshire.

Gunner 1810456 Patrick Close
130 H.A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery Died on 3rd June 1942, Aged 38. Buried Dipton Roman Catholic Cemetery, C. Grave W.10.

Driver 2015308 Albert Edward Coleman
4 Bomb Disposal Coy., Royal Engineers Died on 24th December 1944, Aged 29. Buried Loughborough Cemetery, 346/12.
News was received of the death in a hospital at Bury St. Edmunds of Corporal Albert Edward Coleman, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Coleman, 24, Herbert Street Loughborough. Corporal Coleman, who leaves a widow and a boy five years of age, was coming home on leave and was given a lift by an Army Captain, who was driving. The accident occurred on the Norwich - Thetford road at 9pm. On Saturday evening, when a collision occurred with a lorry. Corporal Coleman received a fractured skull and died in hospital as stated. Corporal Coleman, who was 29 years of age, had served for nearly four years in a bomb disposal squad of the Royal Engineers and had many narrow escapes during his exciting experiences in blitzed areas. He was in business as a butcher prior to joining the forces. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have two more sons serving in the Forces. L/CPL. George H. Coleman is with an Indian Regiment in the South East Asia Command, and Private. W.R. Coleman is at Wigston Barracks. He served with the Leicestershire Regiment in the Norwegian campaign and was wounded. The father, Mr. W. (Bill) Coleman, served in the Police Force for 34 years and now is a taxi driver at Messrs. Arthur Prince's Garages.

Sergeant 1151281 John Coltman
115 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 29th October 1942, Aged 24. Commemorated Runnymede Memorial
News was received from the Air Ministry by Councilor Howard Coltman and Mrs. Coltman, of Burleigh Hall, Loughborough, that their son, Sergeant Observer John Coltman, who was reported missing following an operational flight in 1942, must now be presumed as having lost his life as from October 29^th1942.Sergeant Coltman attended the Loughborough Grammar School from 1926 to 1935 and was Victor Ludorun during his last year at school in 1935. He played in the 1^stSoccer XI as goalkeeper and when he left school, for the Old Loughburians. He was troop leader of the School Scouts for four years. In 1933 he attended the World Jamboree held in Hungary. On leaving school Sergeant Coltman was articled to the town clerk. War broke out and having passed his Intermediate Law Examination he volunteered for the R. A. F. and was sent to Rhodesia to do his training. He was 25, years of age. He had many friends in Loughborough who will remember his bright personality and charm of manner. He was very keen to fly and was thrilled when he was briefed for operational flying.

Sergeant 1580192 Frederick Ernest Dalby
142 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 22nd July 1944, Aged 28. Commemorated Malta Memorial Panel 14 Column 2.
In July last year a Loughborough R, A, F, Sergeant sent a airgraph to the Editor, of the Loughborough Echo asking if friends in Loughborough would send him a picture of the Bluebells in the Charnwood Forest woods as he was a lover of the Forest and it would remind him of the many happy times he had spent there. He was Sergeant E, F, (Fred) Dalby, son of Mr., and Mrs., Dalby, 64, King Street Loughborough, and by a tragic coincidence on the day the Echo published the letter he was reported missing whilst on operations over Czechoslovakia. Several readers of the Echo on reading the airgraph took pictures of the Bluebells to the mother, and Mr., Alan White a local artist, personally called with a water color he had done of the Bluebells in the woods, but on that day Mrs. Dalby had received the tragic news. She is now keeping these pictures in memory of her son. He was a member of a Wellington crew bombing an oil refinery and was the wireless operator. He was a very popular member of the crew and was always " the life and soul of the party." Mr. and Mrs., Dalby have now received official intimation that he is presumed killed. He was 28 years of age and had three years service. He was educated at the Loughborough College School and was a very popular boy, making many friends. He later went into the cashier's office at the Empress Works. Mrs. Dolby's other son Douglas, is serving with the R. A. During the war Mrs., Dalby has been an outstanding worker for the benefit of serving men and wounded soldiers and has been tireless in her efforts in organizing concerts and whist drives for the benefit of the boys.
Photo courtesy of Asia War Graves.com

J. A. Dale

Aircraftman 2nd Class 1833756 Gordon Walter Davidson
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 10th February 1943, Aged 22 Buried The Platt Cemetery, Amersham, Grave 436.

Sergeant 1575222 Arnold Ernest Davies
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 8th November 1942, Aged 20. Buried Loughborough Cemetery, 378/30.
The loss on active service of Sergeant Observer Arnold Ernest Davies, of the R.A.F, was heard with great regret by his many friends in Loughborough and Borrow-on-Soar district. Only recently he was home in Loughborough on leave and a few days later Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies who reside in Swingbridge Lane, Loughborough received the official intimation of the death of their son. Aged 20 years, the late Sergeant Observer Davies had completed his training in Canada and USA, and recently on returning received his promotion. He traveled by the same train on which was the late Duke of Kent when the Duke was proceeding to his ill-fated last journey. Arnold, the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J T Davies, was educated at the Humphrey Perkins Grammar School, Borrow-on-Soar. He was a keen all round sportsman, adept at Rugby, Tennis and Swimming, and was a member of the School Rugby XV. He had been on the staff of messrs, H Morris, LTD of Loughborough for two years. While on leave in Loughborough he renewed the acquaintance of two colleagues in the R.A.F., who had been training in America. The funeral took place with military honors at Loughborough on Friday. The was a large attendance of friends and sympathizers at the Woodgate Baptist Church, where the service was conducted by the Rev, Vernon Moss and the Rev, J.V. Culer, a friend of the family. Mrs. Milnes was the organist and the hymns sung were "Hush, Blessed are the Dead" and "Safe home, safe home in port." The family mourners were Mr. and Mrs. J.T Davies (Father and Mother), Jose, Cynthia and Roy (Sisters and Brother), Mr. B. Davies, Carmarthen (Grandfather), Mr. and Mrs. Prosser, Cardiff (Uncle and Aunt), Mr. H. Davies, Ferryside (Uncle). Those present included two Sergeant Observer pals in the R.A.F, Mr. T.G Wilkinson (Headmaster, Humphrey Perkins School) and two senior boys, members of the staff and former colleagues of messrs. H. Morris Ltd, representatives of the Fire Guards from D1 and D3 areas, Loughborough. The R.A.F were represented by Group Captain. Six Sergeants of the R.A.F acted as bearers and the coffin was enshrouded on the Union Jack. The Group Captain of the Station wrote a message of sympathy to the parents. He said: "I would like to take this opportunity of assuring you of the deepest sympathy, not only of myself, but of the whole Station, on your sad bereavement." Floral tributes were from:- To our darling big boy from his broken hearted Father and Mother; From his loving Sisters and Brother, Jose, Cynthia and Roy, Granpa and Granma, Carmarthen; Uncle Arthur and Aunt Doris, Cardiff, Uncle Henry and Aunt Tegwen, Ferry-side; Uncle Ernest and Aunt Enid, Carmarthen; Uncle Walter and Aunt Gwen, Carmarthen; Uncle George and Aunt Mary, Carmarthen; From his oldest pal, Donald Underwood; In memory of happier days, Bernard (Cartwright), in remembrance of our pal, Hobbie and Pick; With tender memories: Mrs. Smythe and Joan and of a long and sincere friendship from Peter (R.A.F), East Africa; Mr. and Mrs. Keeley and Vincent, R.A.F, Mrs. Thornhill and Geoff, R.A.F, in loving memory of a "Dear Boy", Mr. and Mrs. S.E Grayston, With fond remembrance: Maurice and Biddy, Kegworth; in honored memory, Headmaster, Students and past students of the Humphrey Perkins School, Directors, Herbert Ltd, Staff of Herbert Ltd; W, and F Stanley and Family, Birmingham, Mr. and Mrs. Sparks and family; Mr. and Mrs. H. Onion and Winnie; Mrs. Lewin, Miss Doris Hemsley, Miss G.A Lewis C.O. and officers, R.A.F, of his station Sergeants MES, R.A.F of his station Mr. and Mrs. H. Gutteridge and Jean, Mr. and Mrs. Bell and family, Head Fire Guard, Street Captains and Street Leaders, D.1 area; Senior Fire Guard, Street Captains and Street Leaders of D.3 area; Fire Guard members and all in Swingbridge Road. IN MEMORIAM. ARNOLD ERNEST DAVIES, R.A.F (Humphrey Perkins School, Barrow, 1933-1938. He lived many years in a single hour, And crammed into his shortened span An odyssey which well might flower The bud of youth to make a man. He left his Midland market-town And heard the tide up Fundy roar; He saw the Trade-winds bending down The palms on the blue Miami shore. And in the summer sun and rain When Moray Firth with beauty fills, Air-Bourne he saw below again "The Spey in her enfolding hills". His torch of life to one clear end Was held as one would hold a flame; So clear and strong that it would lend A light to all who near him came I honor this young eagle died; Home they brought him to his nest, In pride he spread his wings out wide; In pride we'll fold them on his breast. 8^thNovember, 1942 T.G.W

Flight Lieutenant 168659 David Wyndham Davies
74 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 10th July 1946, Aged 23. Buried Bridgend Cemetery, Sec. C. Grave 39.

Lance Corporal 2694120 Frederick Davies
Scots Guards. Died on 17th May 1940, Aged 27. Buried Mo I Rana Churchyard L-5 8-11
Mrs., E, Davies, of 2, Malt- cottages, Long Whatton, has received official notification that her husband, L/Cpl, Fred Davies, of the Scots Guards, who was posted as missing from the Norwegian campaign, in May, 1940, must now be presumed killed in action. L/Cpl, Davies was a native of Wallasey, Cheshire, and on coming to Loughborough he worked for some time as a joiner on Messrs Fletcher's housing estate, and he was popular amongst his work-mates. He leaves a widow and one small child, both of whom reside at Long Whatton.

Stoker 2nd Class C/KX 122092 Arthur Vernon De-Hayes

H.M.S. Galatea, Royal Navy

Died on 15th December 1941, Aged 20.

Commemorated Chatham Naval Memorial, 48, 1.

HMS Galatea was an Arethusa-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was built by Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. (Greenock, Scotland), with the keel being laid down on the 2 June 1933. She was launched on the 9 August 1934, and commissioned 14 August 1935.

Galatea joined the Mediterranean Fleet on commissioning and acted as flagship, Rear Admiral (Destroyers). After the outbreak of war she was ordered home, and between February and March 1940 she took part in the operations to intercept Axis merchantmen attempting to break out of Vigo. In April 1940 she was involved in the Norwegian Campaign, leaving on 25 April transporting part of the Norwegian National Treasury to Britain, and in May joined the Nore Command as Flagship of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. On 4 April 1940, the Polish destroyers Burza, Grom and Blyskawica reached their new homebase Rosyth. In the afternoon they left the harbour with Galatea, her sister ship Arethusa and three destroyers. They were ordered to conduct a patrol in the North Sea and were later ordered to intercept German invasion groups heading for Norway.

On 7 September 1940 the code word Cromwell was issued meaning that the Germans might land in Kent at dawn. During that night Galatea was sent to patrol the Straits of Dover but made no contact with the enemy. At dawn while returning to port struck a mine off Sheerness and spent three months in dry dock.

She remained with the Home Fleet (under refit, between October 1940 to January 1941) until May 1941, and was involved in hunting the Bismarck operations. In July 1941 she joined the Mediterranean Fleet via the Red Sea, and by November was based at Malta with Force "K", operating against the Axis supply convoys to North Africa.

HMS Galatea

On 14 December 1941 before midnight Galatea (Captain E.W.B. Sim) was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-557 off Alexandria, Egypt. Captain Sim, 22 officers and 447 ratings were killed. Some 100 survivors were picked up by the destroyers Griffin and Hotspur. Less than 48 hours later, U-557 and sunk with all hands.was rammed by the Italian Torpedo Boat Orione

Chatham Naval Memorial

Private 14415092 James Parker Denike
2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders Died on 26th June 1944, Aged 18. Buried St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, IX. J. 16.
Official intimation of the death in action of Private Jim Denike was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harrison, of Garendon Avenue Hathern. A member of St Peters Choir, and formerly of St John's Cadets. Jim volunteered for a Highland Division. He quickly proved an apt soldier, secured the distinction of being first home in the Battalion cross country run in full kit, and was number one on the Bren gun in Normandy. His loss is keenly felt, not only by his parents, but also by his many friends at the Brush Co Ltd, where he was employed until he was nearly 18. It was his intention to make soldiering his profession with a Scottish Regiment.

Flying Officer 114251 Edward Patrick Deville
7 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 12th June 1943, Aged 28. Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Panel 124.

Sergeant 1388107 Stephen Nelson Dougan
630 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died on 27th April 1944, Aged 23 Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany, 9. F. 17-21.

Able Seaman P/J 82621 Mark Downs D.S.M
H.M.S. Gladiolus, Royal Navy Died on 21st October 1941, Aged 40. Commemorated Portsmouth Naval Memorial Panel 47, Column 3.
Official notification has been received that Seaman Gunner Mark Downs, of 38, Moore Lane, Loughborough, has been presumed killed. He was recommended for D.S.M. some months ago. He was 40 years of age, and had been a Naval Reservist for 14 years. He rejoined the Navy on the outbreak of war, after 25 years previous service. He was at one time employed at Messrs, H. Morris Ltd. He leaves a wife and four children.

Corporal 7045573 Basil Leslie Duesbury
2nd Bn., West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) Died on 27th March 1945, Aged 31. Buried Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar, 20. D. 13.
Corporal Basil Duesbury (31) only son of Mrs. Duesbury, of Hathern is reported killed in action in Burma. He had been in the forces five years. He leaves a widow and two young daughters. His home is at 47, Woodlands Drive, Loughborough. He lost his father in the last war.
Photo courtesy of Asia War Graves.com

Sergeant 1435865 Walter Thomas Dunning

158 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Died on 22nd June 1943, Aged 33.

Commemorated Runnymede Memorial.

News has been received by Mrs. Dunning, Highfields Drive, Loughborough, that her son, Sergeant Navigator Walter Thomas Dunning, is missing from operations over enemy territory. Sergeant Dunning was on leave in Loughborough last week. He went to Shakespeare Street school as a boy and then to the junior College, later entering Winchester Training College. He was appointed to the junior staff at Cobden Street Boys School in 1930, and in 1941 volunteered for the R, A, F. He went to South Africa for his training. He is 34 years of age and before the war lived with his widowed mother and sister, Miss Ella Dunning.

Photo showing Cobden Street School Football Team of 1931-32.

Standing on the left is Sergeant Walter Thomas Dunning