Corporal Harold Ernest Bevan Son of Joseph Henry and Bertha Bevan; husband of Winifred Elsie Bevan, nee Viner, of Stirchley, Birmingham, married in 1941, .served in the 7th Battalion Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment) with the service number 4036503. The 7th Green Howards formed one of the four battalions of the 69th Infantry Brigade of the 50th Northumberland Division of Montgomery’s 8th Army. Bevan died 21 Mar 1943 in North Africa, aged 25; elements of 50th Division assaulted the fortified Mareth line which formed part of the frontier between Libya and Tunisia forming a pocket west of Zarat on the 20th / 21st March 1943. This ground was retaken after a fierce counter-attack by the German 15th Panzer Division. Lt Colonel Derek Seagrim won a Victoria Cross in this action. Born and resident in Worcestershire. Commemorated on the MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL, Face 17.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Anthony_Seagrim
Bombardier Clifford John Parton Born 1917, son of John William and Maud Louisa Parton nee Cope; husband of Hilda May Brearwood, married in 1941, of Dawley, Shropshire. Served with 105 Anti-Tank Regt Royal Artillery with the service number 874828.This unit formed part of the 8th Army’s XIII Corps, and served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. Gothic Line. Died on the 08/07/1944 aged 26. Coll. grave I. E. 11-13 of AREZZO WAR CEMETERY, Italy.
http://ftr.wot-news.com/2013/12/16/the-archer/
Sergeant WILLIAM GEORGE McKay of 65 Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, husband of Kate McKay nee Ward, married in 1936; served with the 1st Bn Worcestershire Regiment, Service number: 5258356. Died 7th August 1944, aged 34. Buried in Grave XV. A. 26.of BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY.
Gunner REGINALD WILLIAMS Service No: 1092590, born in Kidderminster in 1908, son of Edward Henry and Nellie Williams; lived at 31 Hurcott Road as a child. Husband of Winifred Ida Gannaway who he married in 1936. 5th Regt. Royal Horse Artillery, 7th Armoured Division. Died 10/05/1943 aged 35. Buried Grave A. 20.THIBAR SEMINARY WAR CEMETERY tunisia.60 Wolverhampton Road, Kidderminster.
http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/ww2/middle_east/qme026.html
Private ROBERT PEARSON Born 1923 in Pershore, son of Bert and Hannah Pearson, nee Mason; husband of Kathleen Alice Pearson, nee Medlicott, married 1943 of Kidderminster, Worcestershire. 2/4th Bn. King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Service No: 5260266. Died 27/01/1944 Age: 21. Commemorated on Panel 9.of the CASSINO MEMORIAL
“On the night of 26th/27th January 138th Brigade began to attack and 6th Lincolns won a firm footing on the slopes of Monte Rotondo East, going on to capture it on the night of the 28th. In the sporadic fierce fighting that followed, on the night of 7th/8th February 6th Lincs twice reached Monte Faito and twice were pushed off it by immediate counter-attacks which forced them back to Ornito. Matters reached an impasse and from 9 February 1944 the whole of the division went over to the defensive as the focal point of the struggle became Cassino and Anzio.”
http://www.britisharmedforces.org/li_pages/regiments/koyli/kingyork_ww2.htm
http://www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk/documents.php?aid=65&nid=9&start=0
Drummer Charles Henry White born 1919, Son of Charles Henry and Ethel White, nee Gudgeon of Kidderminster; 7th Bn Worcestershire Regiment, served with the number 5250058 and died on the 23 May 1940. Buried in grave I. A. 16. of BRUYELLE WAR CEMETERY.Battalion ordered to take over line of canal from
“Battalion ordered to take over line of canal from BRUYELLE towards CALONNE after attack by 1st Camerons. BRUYELLE found to be held by 8th. Worc. R. and 5th Glos. R. already. Accordingly “C” Company acted as support on arrival late at night. “D” Company covered the canal north of BRUYELLE in a semi-circular position. 22nd May Battalion Headquarters in Wood 9436. Enemy shelled position at intervals during the day, and some sniping along canal side. One Platoon, Commanded by 2/Lieut. D. H. Lunt on the Battalion’s left – together with some Camerons cornered in a gully were badly knocked about by enemy Mortar Fire, and being unable to retire as their rear was covered by enemy machine guns. They remained all day, and managed to get back at night. There were several casualties including 2/Lieut. D. H. Lunt, who was badly wounded.”
Additional Information:
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_dunkirk_7thBn_diary
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/photo_7th_Worc_Band_1939.php
Great War Research Services 