The country called. They went, but never to return.
They were aged from 16 to 42 when they died. The average age being just 25. They served on land sea and air. Dying in famous battles including: The Western Front of WW1, Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, El Alamein, Dieppe, Anzio, Normandy and Singapore. Their remains are spread throughout the world, often with no marker to call their own.
In WW1 of the 9 that served and died 8 were in the army and 1 in the navy. In WW2 13 were in the army, 2 in the navy and 21 in the air-force.
In the table below you will find information about each of the 45 who are remembered on the war memorial. In addition, links are provided to where they were referenced in the school magazines living their ordinary school life. I did this work so the memorial would not be just a list of forgotten names but, to show these were real people enjoying ordinary lives just like we did. Trying to bring them closer in our minds by showing for example, that they appeared in school plays, came 2nd in the egg and spoon race; won a prize on speech day. We can know their first name, who they left behind and where they lived and worked before they were called to war.
Please note: I have carried out the work as accurately as I can. I cannot guarantee against any mistakes. I will be happy to correct any mistakes that have been made as well as add any further information that others may want to provide. If you are a relative of any of the people mentioned here and you would like add or remove something, email me
OLDBURY COUNTY HIGH CASUALTIES OF WORLD WAR ONE
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| Cook, Walter Quest | About 1900 | Army | Machine Gun Corps, 51st Company. | Private | 146744 | Wed 28th Aug 1918 | Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas-de-Calais, France. | Son of Walter Henry and Harriet Cook, who lived in Prestatyn, Flintshire at the time of the war. The family was originally from Tipton. Brother Karl Benjamin Cook (Born 1903) | By 1911 they had moved to 61 Farm Road, Langley Green, Oldbury. Walter Henry aged 40, boot repairer, Harriet Ann 40, Walter Quest 11 and Karl Benjamin 8. | Formerly 41773, N. Lancs Regt. There is a website about him: https://www.flintshirewarmemorials.com/memorials/prestatyn-memorial/prestatyn-soldiers-ww1/cook-walter-quest/ | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Dexter, Edward | About 1899 | Army | Rifle Brigade, 13th Battalion | Rifleman | S/6736 | Fri 1st Oct 1915 | Son of George G. Dexter & Annie Dexter. Mother remarried and became Annie Smith. Brothers: George Fredrick (Born 1884), Charles W. (Born 1886), Frank (1891), walter Medvers (born 1900) and half brother Robert Barton Smith (born 1905). Sister Ethel Maud (born 1888) | in 1911 living with Mother at 15 New Street, Oldbury | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |||
| Evans, James Reginald | About 1895 | Clerk at a district council | Army | Royal Engineers, 3rd Reserve Battalion | Second Lieutenant | Sat 19th Oct 1918 | Cemetery/Memorial : Staffordshire United Kingdom SMETHWICK (UPLANDS) CEMETERY 5. NC.A 271. | Father James Evans, Mother Elizabeth Evans. Sister Lilian Mary Evans (born 1903) | Karona, West Hagley, Smethwick. In 1911 Bloomfield, Little Moor Hill, Smethwick | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
| Foster, Harold Arthur | Tue 10th Jan 1893 | Navy | Drake Battalion, Royal Navy Reserve | Sub Lieutenant | ex-Clyde Z/743 Acting Chief Petty Officer RNV | Mon 13th Nov 1916 | Phip Val Memorial, Pier 2 face 1a | Father, Horace, The Terrace, Bantry, Co.Cork, later of: 45 Dog Kennel Lane, Langley, Birmingham, later of: 22 Barr St., Langley Green, Birmingham. | Temperance Hotel, Kirkconnel, Dumfries | Enlisted 16/10/14 ; Hawke Battalion C/29 9/3/15-29/5/16 transferred to 2nd Brigade MG Company, to GHQ Cadet School 2/8/16, Commissioned Temporary Sub Lieutenant RNVR in France & posted to Drake Battalion 19/9/16 | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Gee, Robert Coley | About 1893 | Box Fitter | Army | Devonshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion | Private | 70440 | Mon 27th May 1918 | Soissons Memorialo, Soissons, Departement de l'Aisne, Picardie, France | Son of Charles Henry and Ada Warden Gee. Brother Charles Henry (born 1890). Sisters: Ada Nora (born 1890), Elsie (born 1897) and Gladys Ada (born 1909). | 30 Hancox Street, Warley, Birmingham | Presumed dead on 27 May 1918 | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) Oldburian_1958( 44 ) |
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| Jackson, William Hickin | About 1895 | Army | Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, 15th Battalion | Temporary 2nd Lieutenant | Thu 3rd May 1917 | Cemetery/Memorial : Pas de Calais France ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 4 | Sister Florence Beatrice Jackson (Born 1888), Brother Fredrick William Jackson (Born 1890). Mother Mary Ann Holland. Step father Joseph Holland. | Born 1895 -Wednesbury, Lived 50 McKean Road, Oldbury in 1911. Lived 76 Oxford Road Smethwick in 1901. | Battles Of Arras - Third Battle Of The Scarpe - 03/05/1917. So on 3rd May a further major attack was staged east from Monchy-le-Preux along the River Scarpe valley. Other than the Canadian Division capture of Fresnoy little was gained and the attack was called off the following day after incurring heavy casualties. | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) Oldburian_1958( 43 ; 44 ) | ||
| Jacques, Frank | About 1892 | Army | Royal Welsh Fusiliers | Private | 16376 | Fri 13th Oct 1916 | Essex Farm, Ypres - there is a tribute to him on his fathers grave in Oldbury Cemetry | Son of William Henry & Lucy Jacques. Brothers: William (born 1878), Henry (born 1880) and Herbert (born 1885). Sisters: Emily (born 1888) and Lucy (1897) | 41 West Bromwich Street, Oldbury | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
| Malone, James Augustine | About 1892 | Taught Latin & French at Oldbury County High. | Army | King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 9th Battalion | Private | 28078 | Fri 26th Apr 1918 | Tyne Cot Memorial. Zonnebeke, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium | Father Ralph Malone, Mother Teresa Mary Malone. He had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Brothers: Cyril Anthony (Born 1896), Louis (Born 1898), Wilfred (Born 1903) & Stephen Archibald (Born 1910). Sisters: Cecilia Marie (Born 1897), Marguerite Agnes (Born 1900), Winefred (Born 1905). | In 1911: 363 Shoreham Street Sheffield | Enlistment place: Oldbury. James was born in Rotherham and raised in Sheffield. He did an arts degree at Sheffield University. | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) Oldburian_1958( 43 ; 44 ) |
| Rigg, Herbert Farrer | About 1899 | Army | Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment, 1st Battalion | Private | 28087 | Sun 1st Sep 1918 | Memorial in Vis-en-Artois, also tribute to him in Oldbury Cemetry on his parents grave. | Son of George Farrer Rigg and Eliza Jane Rigg. Brothers: George Farrer(born 1896). Sistersw Beatrice M. Farrer (born 1891) and Doris May Farrer(born 1898). | in 1911 living at 32 Hagley Street, Halesowen. | Age 19, Killed in action in France | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
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| Adams, Albert Ernest | Fri 25th Aug 1916 | Draughtsmen, Heating and Ventilation Engineer | Air Force | 2nd Ferry Transport Pool, Air Transport Axillary | Cadet | Mon 6th Sep 1943 | Oldbury Cemetery, Worcestershire | Son of Thomas Ernest and Bertha Adams; husband of Kathleen Emmie Adams | 156 Pencricket Lane | Stalled and Crashed on the Approach to Thame Airfield During A Training Flight on 2 Sep 1943. Died in Hospital on the 6th September. Flying a Hart(Trainer). | Oldburian_1931( 39 ) Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1933( 18 ; 32 ) Oldburian_1936( 50 ; 51 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Adams, Eric John | Sun 3rd May 1914 | Foreman of Metal Pattern makers | Army | The Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards), Royal Armoured Corps | Lance Corporal | 7940625 | Wed 20th Sep 1944 | VIII, D, 4., Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy | Son of Levi and Sarha Adams; husband of Vera May Adams (Nee Willetts) in 1940, of Blackheath, Staffordshire. | 43 Fairfield Road Halesowen | Oldburian_1928( 8 ; 49 ) Oldburian_1929( 15 ; 50 ; 91 ) Oldburian_1930( 83 ) Oldburian_1931( 6 ; 38 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Adams, Joseph Percy | Sat 16th Oct 1920 | Automobile Body Engineer | Air Force | 20 Service Fts, Ratg, Rhodesia, RAF(VR) | Leading Aircraftman | 1194507 | Tue 13th Jan 1942 | Gweru Cemetry, Zimbabwe | son of Hannah and Thomas Adams | 107 Malt Mill Lane, Halesowen. | Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1934( 48 ; 49 ) Oldburian_1935( 27 ; 28 ; 52 ; 57 ; 58 ; 59 ) Oldburian_1936( 9 ; 13 ; 14 ; 47 ; 51 ; 52 ) Oldburian_1937( 6 ; 13 ; 17 ; 19 ; 47 ; 50 ; 54 ; 55 ; 60 ; 68 ; 69 ; 71 ) Oldburian_1938( 10 ; 24 ; 25 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Blundell, Max | Tue 8th Oct 1912 | Manager of Grocery Provisions | Army | 1st Batalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers | Sergeant - Wireless Operator / Gunner | 7045180 | Thu 25th Feb 1943 | Birmingham (Quinton) Cemetery, Warley | Son of John William and Nellie Ann Blundell,; husband of Dacia Blundell, of Warley, Oldbury | 72 McKean Road, Oldbury, Worcestershire | Probably died in the defence of Grandstand Hill, Tunisia | Oldburian_1929( 81 ; 104 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Bolton, Arthur Frank | Sat 19th Nov 1921 | Monumental Mason & Letter Cutter | Air Force | 1404 Meteorological Flight, Coastal Command | 1177012 | Sat 4th Jul 1942 | Runnymede Memorial, Surrey | Son of Arthur & Ethel Bolton. Brother Alan Bolton (14 April 1912) | Elmington, Highland Ridge, Halesowen, Worcestershire | Flew Into High Ground Near St Eval in Low Cloud | Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1935( 60 ) Oldburian_1936( 53 ) Oldburian_1937( 9 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
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| Bottrell, William John | Mon 25th Jan 1915 | Pharmacist | Air Force | 207 Squadron, Bomber Command | Corporal | 158790 | Sun 2nd Jan 1944 | Plot V.C. 19. Salerno War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy | Son of William & Ruth Elizabeth Bottrell | 61 Ada Road, Smethwick, Staffordshire, | Lost during a raid on Berlin. Pilot of Lancaster I.Based in Spilsby Lincs. | Oldburian_1930( 23 ) Oldburian_1931( 73 ) Oldburian_1932( 14 ; 38 ) Oldburian_1933( 6 ; 12 ; 13 ; 17 ; 18 ; 30 ; 35 ; 36 ; 55 ; 60 ; 61 ; 67 ; 70 ) Oldburian_1934( 7 ; 11 ; 16 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Cashmore, Horace | About 1922 Q2 | Air Force | 8000 Ames, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve | Corporal | 1530081 | Mon 17th Jan 1944 | Plot V.C. 19. Salerno War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy | Son of Charles and Mary Jane Cashmore. Brother Isaac T. Cashmore (Born: 13 March 1918) | 16 Edward Road, Halesowen, Worcestershire | Oldburian_1934( 41 ) Oldburian_1936( 12 ) Oldburian_1938( 25 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 26 ) | ||
| Clegg, Robert Anderton | About 1910 | Army | 12th Divisional Provs Coy, Corps of Military Police. | Lance Corporal | 5566710 | Mon 20th May 1940 | The Dunkirk Memorial Part 1 (Abb-Day) | Son of John Ratcliffe Clegg, and of Margaret Adelaide Clegg. | Parents living in The Vicarage, Whiteshill, Stroud R.D., Gloucestershire. In 1901 they lived in West Bromwich.. In 1911 they lived inat 49 Palmerston Road, Earlsdon, Coventry | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
| Edmunds, Derek Roy | About 1920 | Air Force | 115 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve | Sergeant, Flight Engineer | 1677608 | Sat 29th Jan 1944 | Panel 228, Runnymede Memorial | Left his effects to Mary Kimberley. | Lived at 27 Little Moor Hill, Smethwick | Flew in Lasncaster II. Serial Number DS833. | No References | |
| Ensor, Norman David | Thu 25th Feb 1915 | Electrical Engineer | Air Force | 353 Squadron, India Burma | Sergeant | 1166158 | Wed 28th Apr 1943 | Singapore Memorial | SON OF CHARLES ALFRED AND MATILDA ENSOR, OF BIRMINGHAM. | 47 Brook Lane Birmingham | Flew in Lancaster II. Serial Number DS833. Dived Into the Sea Off Gangavaram Probably When Returning Early Due to Engine Failure During A Shipping Patrol Over the Bay of Bengal. Flew Hudson Liia. Based in Tanjore, India | Oldburian_1931( 39 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
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| Harper, Fredrick James | Thu 20th May 1915 | Gardener | Army | 352 Bty. 38 (6th Bn. The King's Regt. (Liverpool))Searchlight Regt. Royal Artillery | Gunner | 1592122 | Mon 21st Aug 1944 | Plot 10. Class C. Grave 15880. Smethwick (Uplands) Cemetery | Son of Arthur Middleton Harper and Carlotta Harper, of 86 Harborne Road, Oldbury, Oldbury M.B., Worcestershire, England; husband of Cecilia A. F. Harper, of Smethwick. Brothers Andrew S. Harper(Born 28 June 1921) Walter Middleton Harper (Born 1915) and sister Olive Harper 1923. His brother Walter was also a war casualty and died within 24hours of Fred. Walter went to King Edwards. | 8 Warwick Road, Oldbury, Worcestershire, England | Oldburian_1931( 16 ; 42 ) Oldburian_1933( 8 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Hindley, Edward James | About 1922 Q2 | Air Force | 111 squadron | Sergeant | 1217279 | Wed 19th Aug 1942 | Panel 85, Runnymede Memorial | SON OF HARRY AND DOROTHY Mauud HINDLEY. Brother Arthur John Hindley (Born: 3 April 1924) | 65 Victoria Road, Oldbury, Worcestershire, England | Shot down, probably by return fire, when attacking a Do217 during the Dieppe raid (Operation Jubilee). Crashed at sea. ore details can be found at: https://www.kenleyrevival.org/content/service-people/sergeant-edward-james-hindley and https://www.kenleyrevival.org/content/service-people/sergeant-edward-james-hindley | Oldburian_1933( 58 ) Oldburian_1937( 78 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Holden, Frank W. | Tue 23rd Jun 1914 | Potato & Fruit salesman | Army | Royal Artillery | Bombadier | 1642870 | Mon 27th Mar 1944 | Plot 34989 at Astwood cemetry, Worcester | Son of George W. & Alice Holden. Married Margueritte Marshall | 29 West Park Road, Smethwick | Stationed in Malta working on Radar. Died of Cancer possibly due to Radiation exposure. | Oldburian_1929( 8 ) Oldburian_1930( 76 ; 97 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Hopkins, Kenneth Davies (mr.) | About 1900 | Chemistry teacher at Oldbury County High | Army | Royal Warwickshire Regiment 8th Bn | Major | 7459 | Wed 16th Sep 1942 | Berlin 1939 – 1945 War Cemetery 14.E.6 Germany | son of Sherriff and Ethel Hopkins, husband of Lily Hopkins of Edgbaston | Edgbaston, Birmingham | Died as a prisoner of war in Germany. During the retreat to Dunkirk, he, having commanded his men to pull back, held a position alone to cover them. As a result he was taken prisoner of war by the Germans. | Oldburian_1928( 24 ; 32 ; 33 ; 37 ; 76 ; 81 ) Oldburian_1929( 14 ; 19 ; 56 ; 93 ) Oldburian_1930( 14 ; 20 ; 47 ; 52 ; 54 ; 86 ) Oldburian_1931( 11 ; 43 ; 75 ) Oldburian_1932( 14 ; 38 ; 73 ) Oldburian_1933( 15 ; 37 ) Oldburian_1934( 17 ; 25 ; 54 ) Oldburian_1935( 16 ) Oldburian_1936( 54 ) Oldburian_1937( 19 ; 72 ; 79 ; 80 ) Oldburian_1948( 3 ; 4 ) |
| Hoskins, Henry William | About 1917 | Air Force | 256 Squadron | Flying Officer (Navigator/wireless operator) | 145781 | Thu 27th Jul 1944 | 2. C. 4. Biguglia War Cemetery, France | Son of Henry and Vida Geraldine Hoskins; husband of Joyce Hoskins. Married Joyce Jarvis in Q3 1943, Stourbridge. | Amblecote, Stourbridge, Worcestershire | (I am not certain of this on the war memorial it is W H Hoskins, but this seems best fit) Flew in Mosquito Nfxiii. Lost Off Corsica During an Interception Patrol | Oldburian_1931( 65 ) Oldburian_1934( 10 ; 18 ; 47 ) Oldburian_1935( 6 ; 11 ; 16 ; 22 ; 24 ; 47 ; 49 ; 51 ; 57 ) Oldburian_1936( 12 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
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| Howse, Derek George | About 1922 | Salesman | Air Force | 51 Squadron. Bomber Command | Flying Officer - Air Bomber | 133877 | Sat 26th Jun 1943 | Woensel General Cemetery, Eindhoven, Netherlands | Son of George Henry and Mary Howse. Brother Robert E,(born 11 March 1914). Sisters Irene M. (Born 22 April 1915) and Kathleen M. (born 31 August 1919). | 73 Wentworth Road, Birmingham | Shot Down By A Night Fighter Near Wanroij 7 Miles East of Uden During A Raid on Gelsenkirchen. Flew Halifax 1i from base in Snaith, Yorkshire | Oldburian_1936( 14 ; 16 ) Oldburian_1937( 6 ; 11 ; 16 ; 17 ; 25 ; 47 ; 51 ; 68 ; 69 ; 71 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Johnston, Charles Arthur G. J. | About 1916 | Army | Royal Welch Fusiliers, 4th Battalion | Lieutenant | 249213 | Wed 20th Sep 1944 | I. E. 14. Valkenswaard War Cemetery, Netherlands | Son of Albert Edward and Helena Marie Johnson, Living at 32 Seymour Road, Oldbury in 1939. | Oldburian_1931( 16 ) Oldburian_1936( 14 ; 19 ; 20 ; 40 ; 44 ; 50 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |||
| Johnston, Dennis C. | About 1919 | Air Force | 582 Squadron | Flight Lieutenant | 48317 | Tue 6th Jun 1944 | Panel 202. Runnymede Memorial, United Kingdom | Son of Alec & Ethel Johnson of Brierley Hill. | Lived in Smethwick on 1921 census. | Lost Without Trace During A Raid on A Coastal Battery At Longues-Sur-Mer 5 Miles North of Bayeux. Plane Avro Lancaster III | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Jones, Arthur James | About 1924 | Army | 7th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. | Private | 14301491 | Thu 22nd Jul 1943 | Son of Frank Edwin and Mabel Alice Jones, of Langley, Worcestershire. | Killed in Sicily. | Oldburian_1934( 41 ) Oldburian_1935( 59 ) Oldburian_1936( 50 ) Oldburian_1937( 18 ; 68 ; 89 ) Oldburian_1938( 6 ; 24 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 26 ) | |||
| Judd, Kenneth Stanley | Sun 4th Jun 1922 | Junior Clerk, Water Department. | Air Force | 227 Squadron | Flight Officer | 135518 | Sun 23rd Jan 1944 | Grave 3. A. 19 Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya | Son of Stanley Ring Judd and Violet Louise Judd of Warley Woods | 98 Lightwoods Hill, Smethwick | Crashed At Berka When Returning From an Attack on Caiques Off Southern Greece With Flak Damage, the Nav Survived | Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1934( 49 ) Oldburian_1936( 6 ; 12 ; 40 ) Oldburian_1937( 11 ; 55 ; 78 ) Oldburian_1938( 6 ; 11 ; 16 ; 17 ; 22 ; 25 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 27 ) |
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| Kidd, Thomas Harold | Fri 31st Mar 1922 | Apprentice tailoring manufacturer | Air Force | 9th Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer | Sergeant | 1219716 | Wed 16th Sep 1942 | Reichswald Forest War Cemetery | Son of Hubert & Brenda Kidd of Oldbury | 63 Landswood Road, Oldbury | Took off Waddington (time not recorded) 16 Sept 1942. Crashed at Angermund 11 km NNW of the Flingern district of D_sseldorf. Aircraft Avro Lancaster I Serial Number W4765, Markings WS-T | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Orchard, Herbert John Dangerfield | About 1916 | Army | Royal Army Service Corps | Lance Corporal | S/57261 | Wed 12th Jun 1940 | Plot 21. Cons. C. Grave 15306, Smethwick (Uplands) Cemetry. | . Son of Percival John and Gertrude Florence Orchard, of Warley Woods, Smethwick | Oldburian_1929( 87 ) Oldburian_1930( 9 ; 82 ; 83 ; 84 ) Oldburian_1931( 9 ; 14 ; 40 ; 43 ; 44 ; 70 ) Oldburian_1932( 10 ; 15 ; 16 ; 18 ; 58 ; 60 ; 65 ; 66 ) Oldburian_1933( 9 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |||
| Pennell, Robert William | About 1915 | Air Force | 152 Maintenance Unit, Far East | Leading Aircraftman | 949022 | Tue 23rd Jan 1945 | Labuan War Cemetery Malaysia (Sabah) 1 | Son of William Thomas Pennell and Agnes Jane Pennell, Rooksbridge Somerset | Lived in Smethwick in 1921 | Taken Prisoner on 8 March 1942 When Java Fell and Died of Acute Enteritis in A Pow Camp At Sandakan, Borneo | Oldburian_1929( 23 ) Oldburian_1931( 71 ) Oldburian_1932( 7 ) Oldburian_1937( 19 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Preece, Chris Redvers | About 1921 | Air Force | 12 squadron, Royal Air Force | Flight Sergeant | 552603 | Thu 24th Jul 1941 | Panel 37, Runnymede Memorial | Son of Charles William Preece and Annie Matilda Preece of Oldbury. | Lost without trace during a raid on German cruisers at Brest. Flew Wellington II from Binbrook, Lincs. | Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
| Richardson, Ralph Major | About 1921 | Army | 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards | Guardsman | 2615046 | Sun 25th Jun 1944 | III, C, 6., Bolsena War Cemetery, Italy | Son of Major Hubert and Louisa Richardson; husband of Marjorie Joan Richardson, of Windsor. Mothers maiden name Hampton. | Born 1921 in West Bromwich. | Oldburian_1931( 65 ) Oldburian_1932( 66 ) Oldburian_1933( 6 ; 30 ; 55 ) Oldburian_1934( 6 ; 39 ; 47 ; 48 ) Oldburian_1935( 8 ) Oldburian_1936( 50 ; 51 ) Oldburian_1938( 26 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
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| Robinson, Arthur Thomas Meanwell | Mon 13th Jan 1913 | Local government Clerk | Air Force | Kallang, Singapore | Ac1 (Aircraftman 1st Class) | 1167696 | Sun 15th Feb 1942 | Singapore Memorial | Lodgings in 1939: 29 Cape Road | Presumed to Have Been Killed During the Evacuation of Singapore and Sumatra | Oldburian_1928( 9 ; 73 ) Oldburian_1929( 9 ; 81 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 6 ) | |
| Sidaway, William F. | About 1915 | Air Force | 84 Squadron | Sergeant (Pilot) | 565797 | Thu 14th Nov 1940 | Alamein Mem, Egypt | Son of William & Emily Sidaway. Brother Charles (born 1920) and sister Sylvia (born 1924) | 83 Parkfield Road, Oldbury | Believed to Have Flown into A mountain or Shot Down During A Raid on Mt Vehicles and A Bridge on the Pogradec-Koritza Road, Albania. Flew Blenheim 1 from base in Heliopolis, Egypt. | Oldburian_1931( 64 ; 66 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Sillitoe, Fred | Thu 12th Jun 1919 | Cost clerk, textiles | Army | 49th Division of Signals. Royal Corp of Signals | Acting Lance Corporal | 2589850 | Mon 21st Aug 1944 | Cambremer Communal Cemetery, France | Son of Fred and Elizabeth Adam Sillitoe; husband of Stella Nancy Sillitoe. | Fred was born in Frampton on Severn, Worcestershire. In 1939: 34 Dickens Road, Coventry. In 1921 Oldbury. | Oldburian_1931( 65 ) Oldburian_1935( 13 ; 24 ; 50 ; 51 ; 57 ; 58 ) Oldburian_1936( 12 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Slade, Norman Francis | Sat 28th Mar 1908 | salesman - collector | Air Force | 161 Squadron, Bomber Command | Warrant Officer | 939760 | Wed 30th Aug 1944 | Engelen General Cemetery, Netherlands | Married Ivy G. Spittle in 1931. Son of William Henry Slade and Sarah Slade. Brother William Alfred (born 1899). Sister Lily (born 1894) | Born in Langley, brought up at 42 Old Park Lane, Langley. In 1939 lived with his wifes family at 49 West Bromwich Street. | Shot Down At Hedel Near 's-Hertogenbosch During Special Operation Hendrick 1/Stalking on 28 Aug 44, 5 of the Crew Survived and Were Captured. Flew Halifax V from Tempsford, Bedfordshire. | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Tansley, Ronald John | About 1923 | Navy | H.M.S. Vansittart, Royal Navey | Able Seaman | D/MX 95913 | Tue 5th Dec 1944 | Plot 22. F.C. Class B. Grave 13771, Smethwick, (Uplands) Cemetery | Son of Jasper George and Mabel Gertrude Tansley of Bearwood, Smetwick | Oldburian_1937( 11 ) Oldburian_1938( 10 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |||
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| Thomlinson, Robert Edward | About 1919 | Army | 66 Field Coy, Royal Engineers | Lance Sergeant | 2016638 | Sat 17th Jul 1943 | Coll. grave VII. D. 14-16, Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy | Son of George Frederick and Ethel Julia Thomlinson (Nee Dyson), of Langley Green, Oldbury, Worcestershire; husband of Marjorie Marion Thomlinson, of Langley, Oldbury. | Oldburian_1930( 77 ) Oldburian_1932( 65 ; 66 ) Oldburian_1933( 13 ; 34 ; 35 ; 59 ; 61 ; 62 ; 63 ; 64 ; 69 ) Oldburian_1934( 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 15 ; 16 ; 43 ; 47 ; 49 ) Oldburian_1935( 6 ; 14 ; 20 ; 24 ; 27 ; 28 ; 47 ; 50 ; 53 ; 55 ; 56 ; 57 ; 58 ; 59 ; 62 ) Oldburian_1936( 13 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |||
| Walker, Geoffrey Clark | About 1922 | Air Force | Transport Command based at Portreath, Cornwall | 1232647 | Wed 15th Sep 1943 | Plot G1 Front Row Grave 11. Lisbon, Lisboa Municipality, Lisboa, Portugal | Son of John Fairclough Walker and Mabel Grace Walker | Crashed on Landing At Sintra, Probably Due to Bad Weather, When on A Delivery Flight to the Portuguese Air Force, Flew Blenheim IV. | Oldburian_1932( 59 ) Oldburian_1934( 14 ; 22 ) Oldburian_1935( 60 ) Oldburian_1936( 50 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 26 ) | |||
| Walters, Raymond Leslie | About 1915 | Air Force | 10 Operational Training Unit, Bomber Command | Flying Officer | 159465 | Wed 11th Jul 1945 | Oxford (Botley) Cemetery | Wife: Joan Hilary Waring Walters (nee Willing) Married Q4 1943. | In 1939: 128 High Street Barnet, Hertfordshire. In 1921 Oldbury. | Dived Into the Ground At Pillerton Hersey, Warwicks During A Night Cross-Country Exercise, Probably Due to Loss of Control in Cloud. Flying Wellington X. 11/07/1945 Wellington LP873 of 10 OTU crashed at Pillerton Hersey, possibly after loss of control in cloud. F/O R L Walters, F/Sgt J E Fivash, F/O M E Tardif, Sgt J Grant and Sgt B W Kelly were all killed. | Oldburian_1928( 76 ) Oldburian_1932( 7 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | |
| Watton, Stanley Fred | Fri 11th Jun 1915 | Greengrocer | Army | 1st Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry | Corporal | 5255905 | Wed 2nd Feb 1944 | VI, F, 6. Minturno War Cemetery, Italy | Son of Ernest Victor and Annie Margaret Watton, of Bearwood, Smethwick, Staffordshire. | 108 Upper St Mays Road, Smethwick | Formerly of The Rifle Brigade. | Oldburian_1948( 4 ) |
| Watts, Raymond Phillip | About 1918 | Air Force | 83 Squadron. Group 8, Royal air Force Volunteers | Pilot Officer | 149335 | Mon 3rd Jan 1944 | Coll. grave 7. H. 1-7. Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany | Lived in Smethwick in 1921. | Flew Avro Lancaster III, serial number JB355. | Oldburian_1929( 7 ; 87 ) Oldburian_1930( 6 ; 42 ; 74 ) Oldburian_1931( 6 ; 38 ; 62 ) Oldburian_1932( 9 ; 66 ) Oldburian_1933( 6 ; 18 ; 30 ; 55 ) Oldburian_1934( 14 ; 22 ; 42 ; 47 ) Oldburian_1935( 8 ; 12 ; 24 ; 28 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ) | ||
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| Willetts, William Joseph | About 1920 | Navy | HMS Blackwood | Petty Officer Radio Mechanic | P/MX 124586 | Thu 15th Jun 1944 | Naval Memorials United Kingdom Part X | Son of Joseph and Florence Mary Willetts of Blackheath | HMS Blackwood was a Captain-class frigate of the Evarts-class of destroyer escort, originally commissioned to be built for the U.S. Navy. Before she was finished in 1942, she was transferred to the Royal Navy under the terms of Lend-Lease, and saw service during the Second World War. Blackwood was built by Boston Navy Yard, Massachusetts, United States and commissioned into the Royal Navy on 27 March 1943. She saw service on anti-submarine patrols and as a convoy escort. On 23 November 1943 she and the frigates HMS Bazely and HMS Drury sank the U-boat U-648 north-east of the Azores, and two days later on 25 November Bazely and Blackwood sank U-600 north of Punta Delgada. Blackwood was part of the 4th Escort Group and was on patrol in the western approaches to the English Channel on 15 June 1944, covering ships bound for the allied invasion of Normandy when she was sighted by U-764, which fired a Gnat at her. Blackwood was hit and damaged, killing 57 of the crew. She was taken under tow, but foundered off Portland Bill the following day. The wreck lies in position 50°07′00″N 02°01′06″WCoordinates: 50°07′00″N 02°01′06″W. in 60 meters (200 ft) of water, and is designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. | Oldburian_1934( 41 ) Oldburian_1937( 11 ) Oldburian_1938( 25 ) Oldburian_1948( 4 ; 27 ) |