Graf John McKenzie

Grave John McKenzie

Lance Corporal John McKenzie (2932406) of the 1st Bn King’s Own Scottish Borderers was 25 when he was killed in action on 1 November 1944. He was initially buried at Cemetery A. vd Wijst, Overloon and re-interred on 13 May 1947 in grave II. B. 8 at the Overloon CWGC Cemetery.

No photo of John has yet been found. Should anyone reading this have a photo of him or further information regarding him – or if they are aware of any errors in his biography below can they please contact the Foundation.

Family background

John was born on 20 January 1919 at 22 Clark Street, Pollockshields, Glasgow to John McKenzie, a Dock Labourer, and Sarah McKenzie (nee Cardwell).

Sarah Cardwell was born on 9 July 1885 at 180 Main Street, Glasgow in the Gorbals district in Glasgow. She was the daughter of Daniel Cardwell and Jane Kirk who had married on 25 April 1884 in the Gorbals. Her father was a Steam Crane Driver at that time. Daniel was born in 1857/8 in Glasgow and Jane in 1861/2 in Lugar in Ayrshire.

Daniel and Jane Cardwell had children as follows: Sarah 1885, Hugh 1886, Agnes 1888, Francis 1890, James 1892, Daniel 1897, Mary 1899, Maggie 1902 and John 1904. The first two children were born in the Gorbals and the rest in Tradeston or Kinning Park. Only Sarah, Agnes, Mary and Maggie are thought to have survived childhood. Pollockshields, Tradeston, Kinning Park and the Gorbals are all very close to each other on the south bank of the River Clyde near the docks.

In 1891 Daniel and Jane Cardwell were living in Tradeston. Only Agnes and Francis were present, though Francis died later that year. It is thought that Sarah was living with her widowed maternal grandmother, Bridget Kirk, at 132 Commondyke, Auchinleck, Ayrshire. Bridget was aged 52 and born in Ireland. With her were two sons, Francis aged 25 and William aged 23, who were both Ironstone Miners who were born in Auchinleck.

In 1901 Daniel and Jane were living at 45B Pollok Street in Kinning Park. Agnes, Jane and Mary were present. Daniel was a Dock Labourer. Jane was a laundress. Again, Sarah was not present. She would have been 16.

It is thought that Sarah had two children named James and Hugh Docherty out of wedlock in Kinning Park in 1903 and 1904 respectively. Hugh was born on 29 November 1904 at 45 Pollock Street. This address is where Sarah’s parents were living in 1901. His father was James Docherty, a Quay Labourer, and his mother was shown as Sarah Cardwell, a Laundress. No marriage was found for Sarah Cardwell to James Docherty and it isn’t known what happened to James Docherty (Snr).

Daniel and Jane Cardwell couldn’t be found in 1911 and it is thought that Daniel died in 1913 in Govan. Jane had also died by 1913.

In 1911 Sarah Cardwell was living in the household of John McKenzie at 13 Clark Street in Pollokshields. Also present were James and Hugh Docherty who were aged 7 and 6 respectively and shown as the sons of John McKenzie. This dwelling only had one room with windows and was one of a number of dwellings at this same address. John McKenzie and Sarah Cardwell were both indicated as married, though this was probably not the case. John was 35 and a Dock Labourer from Renfrewshire, Glasgow, while Sarah was 25 and a servant from Lanarkshire, Glasgow.

John McKenzie and Sarah Cardwell had a son, shown as Alexander Cardwell, on 12 January 1912 at 13 Clark Street, Glasgow. John was shown as a Dock Labourer and Sarah as a housekeeper, but formerly a Cotton Waste Worker.

John McKenzie married Sarah Cardwell on 27 November 1913 in the Pollokshields district at Shields Road in Glasgow. They were married in the Church of Scotland. The address given for both was 13 Clark Street, Glasgow. John McKenzie was described as a bachelor and was a Dock Labourer, aged 35. His parents were Alexander McKenzie who was a Mason and Christina McKenzie (nee Russell) who was deceased. Sarah was described as a Spinster, aged 29. Her parents were named as Daniel Cardwell (a Mason) and Jane Cardwell (nee Kirk) but both were deceased by this time. David McCluskie and Margaret Campbell were witnesses. Based on the information given in 1911, John would have been nearer 37 and Sarah 27.

John and Sarah went on to have four more children as follows in Pollokshields: Margaret Campbell 1914, Jane 1916, John on 20 January 1919 and Sarah 1925. John was born at 22 Clark Street. However, Margaret died in 1915 before her first birthday.

In 1921, John and Sarah McKenzie were living at 22 Clark Street which was shown as a dwelling with 2 rooms with windows, again part of a larger property. With them were Alex and John McKenzie and also Hugh Docherty who was now described as a boarder. John (snr) was working as a Dock Labourer for Stewart Stevedores. Hugh was a Van Boy for Montgomery, Baker. It isn’t known where Jane was at this time – or Hugh’s elder brother James Docherty.

Military career

John McKenzie (Service No 2932406) enlisted in the Territorial Army on 16 October 1939 as a Private. He was 20 years of age.

His address was given as 22 Clark Street, Glasgow. He was described as 5ft 3 ¾ in and weighed 109 lbs. He had grey eyes and brown hair. He was a general labourer and was declared Grade 1 medically fit. His religion was Presbyterian. At enlistment, his next of kin was given as his sister, Miss Jane “Mackenzie”, also of 22 Clark Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow, though this was later changed to his wife after he married.

On enlistment, he was sent to an Infantry Training Centre. On 13 February 1940 he was posted to the 5th Battalion, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. John’s service record shows that he was confined to barracks for 3 days on 25 April 1940 though it doesn’t say why – the first of several misdemeanours of varying levels of seriousness.

From August 1940, the 5th Battalion formed part of the reconstituted 152nd Brigade in the 51st (Highland) Division. The 51st (Highland) Division had suffered severe losses after the failed evacuation from Saint Valery-en-Caux in June 1940 and so had to be reconstituted from the 9th (Highland) Infantry Division. From October 1940 the Battalion spent almost two years on home defence and training duties on the south coast of England and northeast coast of Scotland against a potential German invasion, which never arrived.

On 28 December 1940 John was appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to Private at his own request on 23 August 1941.

In June 1941, the battalion had begun strenuous training for future operations overseas.

On 1 October 1941 John was deprived of 7 days’ pay because he overstayed a pass by 1 Day 22hrs 26 mins from 2359 hrs on 27 September 1941.

He was then declared a deserter on 9 December 1941 from Hayton Camp, Aberdeen. He was apprehended by civil authorities at Glasgow on 23 May 1942. He was wearing plain clothes, so not in uniform. He was tried by Court Martial on 5 June 1942. He was found guilty and sentenced to 9 months in detention and forfeited 165 days’ pay. On 11 June 1942 he was sent to the Fort Darland Detention Centre in Gillingham in Kent. This was an infantry fort built from 1870 to 1900 as part of the defensive network for Chatham Dockyard, used as a detention centre in WW2.

By June 1942, his Battalion was ordered to prepare for service overseas. They arrived in North Africa in August 1942. However, as he was in detention, John did not embark with his Battalion for the Middle East.

John’s sentence was regularly reviewed. On 2 July 1942 the Officer in Charge at the Darland Camp stated that “The conduct and industry of the above-named soldier under sentence whilst under detention at this Barrack has been to date satisfactory. On present sentence he may earn 91 days remission and subject to earning may be released 3.12.42.” He suggested a further review on 1 September 1942. At a subsequent review on 25 November 1942 his conduct was described as good while in detention. He had engaged in physical, military and weapons training. He was therefore released from detention on 3 December 1942, having earned 91 days remission. He was granted 7 days’ Privilege Leave.

He was posted to the 1st Bn Liverpool Scottish Regiment. The Liverpool Scottish had links to the Cameron Highlanders. These had been formalised in 1937 when that Battalion became the Cameron Highlander’s second territorial battalion but retained its own identity. It remained as a home forces unit throughout WW2 but suppled drafts to other units, especially Scottish ones.

However, he was again absent without leave for 1 day, 16 hrs and 41 minutes from 2359 hrs on 9 January 1943. He was confined to barracks for 10 days and forfeited 2 days’ pay RW. On 12 February 1943 he was again confined to barracks for 10 days for stating a falsehood to an NCO.

On 16 March 1943 he was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. It is understood that they were based in Sussex at this time.

John McKenzie married Robertina Burnside Boyd on 7 May 1943 at Kinning Park West Church, Glasgow.

Robertina, who was known as Tina, had been born in 1924 in the Plantation district which is in the same area of Glasgow as John came from. Her parents were William Boyd and Marion Burnside who had married in that district in 1918. They had children as follows: Maria McCormick Robertson Burnside Boyd, Fanny Boyd 1922, Robertina Burnside Boyd 1924, Melinda Watton Boyd 1926, Donald Gunn Boyd 1927, John Burnside Boyd 1929, Barabra Boyd 1931, Robert Smith Boyd 1932, Georgina Boyd 1933 and Muriel Denham Boyd 1936. The first four were born in the Plantation district, the next six in Pollockshields and the last in Tradeston. However, Donald and Georgina both died in childhood,

At his marriage, John described himself as a Merchant Navy Seaman – but currently engaged in War Service as a Private in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. He said he was aged 24 (although actually only 23) and still gave an address of 22 Clark Street. His mother had died and his father was still a dock labourer. Tina was working as an electric welder and was aged 18. It would appear she had taken on work, probably in the ship building industry, normally done by the men who were at war. She was living at 535 Scotland Street which again is in Kinning Park. Her parents were William Boyd and “Maria” Boyd (Nee Burnside).

Tina was named as John’s next of kin instead of his sister after his marriage. Her address was given for that purpose initially as 535 Scotland Street, Glasgow.

John was once again declared as a deserter when he absented himself without leave at 1400 hrs at Selkirk on 7 January 1944. He was still absent when a Court of Inquiry was held at Selkirk on 29 January 1944 to investigate his absence and assess what military clothing and equipment he had taken with him. There followed a long list of items from a pair of laces costing 1 ½ pence to his Battle Dress Blouse worth 17s 9d. It amounted to a total of £4/-/1 ½. He was arrested on 20 February 1944 and put under close arrest. He was tried by Court Martial at Hawick on 11 March 1944 and charged with desertion. However, he was found not guilty of desertion but guilty of being absent without leave. He was sentenced to undergo 150 days detention and forfeited 44 days’ pay by RW. He was sent to the Military Detention Barracks at Mossbank, Glasgow on 23 March. However, when his sentence was first reviewed on 27 April 1944 it was recommended that it was suspended with effect from 27 May 1944.

John and Tina McKenzie had a child in 1944, again called John McKenzie. His date of birth is not known, but it is possible that his birth may have had something to do with John’s absence without leave that year and perhaps also the charge was reduced from desertion to absent without leave as a result.

The 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers had arrived in Normandy on D-Day – 6 June. They assembled initially at Hermanville sur Mer before proceeding to St Aubin D’Arquenay to spend that night. However, John’s Service Record indicates that he only arrived in North West Europe on 8 June 1944.

The Battalion went on to play their part in Operation Goodwood in July as part of the larger battle for Caen. They saw some action at Vire on 9 August but was held in reserve during attacks at Tinchebray. From 20 August to 3 September, they had a period of training and received some reinforcements.

John was appointed as unpaid Lance Corporal on 1 September 1944.

From 5 to 16 September the Battalion was in Etrepangy where they again rested, receiving more reinforcements.

John’s sentence had been again suspended on 26 June and once more on 6 September 1944. On 8 September it was recommended that the balance of his suspended sentence be remitted. A note on a review document stated that “this man’s conduct since the suspension of his sentence has been very satisfactory. He has performed his duties exceptionally well in the field.” It seems that John had redeemed himself.

The Battalion then moved quickly past Brussels and through Leuven to support the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Ulster Rifles and 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment as they crossed the Meuse Escault Canal and on into Belgium and the Netherlands, reaching Milheeze on 28 September. At this point the war diary mentions that the bath unit arrived and “the whole battalion felt clean again for the first time since Etrepagny”, which was over 3 weeks previously.

On 1 October they reached St Hubert where they were very well received by the inhabitants. They remained there until 12 October. They spent their time training but also had time for relaxation. A soccer match was arranged against the Regiment’s 6th Battalion on St Hubert’s football field. They lost 4 – 1 and the Pipe Band played at half time and at the end of the match. They also had two film shows on the 10th and 11th. The diary notes that they left St Hubert on 12 October after a pleasant stay of 10 days.

On 12 October they reached an assembly area just west of St Anthonis. On that day, the 1st Suffolks succeeded in capturing Overloon and took up a position just to the south of the town. The following day, the 1st KOSB attacked the wood to the south west of Overloon and reached the south of the wood, though coming under fire as they reached it. They remained there the following day while the Royal Ulster Regiment and Lincolns attacked the wood further east.

On the 15th they moved a little further south and, on the 16th, continued south, expecting to remain there that night. Instead, they were ordered to take over from the 4th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry east of Overloon in the area near Smakt, with the companies lining up north to south on the west of the railway. They only took over the position at 1930 hours in very heavy rain with the reconnaissance parties hardly able to see their positions before dark. They remained there until 4 November, often under heavy shelling and mortaring. On the 17th the War diary states that the battalion suffered its worst shelling and mortaring so far. Their time was spent patrolling the area west of the railway and monitoring enemy positions. The enemy were both still in Smakt and across the railway to the east.

John was confirmed as a Paid Lance Corporal on 19 October 1944.

On 22 October a platoon entered Smakt to find the enemy still present. Only 3 men escaped with two more returning later. One officer and 19 Other Ranks were assumed killed or taken prisoner.  During the period from the 14 to 31 October one officer was wounded but subsequently returned to duty, one was missing, 32 other Ranks were wounded, 10 were killed and 20 were missing.

The War Diary did not suggest that November 1st was a very eventful day, but it was the day on which John McKenzie was killed in action. In the early hours of the morning a platoon pinned an enemy patrol of six or seven men down in an area just north of a strip of trees with gun fire. However, the patrol succeeds in firing verey lights from the area of the railway in front of the platoon’s farm, where upon the platoon were heavily stonked by mortar fire. This may have been the incident in which John was killed, but this is not certain.

This was just 3 days before the Battalion was relieved by the Lincolnshire Regiment and moved back to St Anthonis for a rest period.

John had served in the Army for 5 years and 17 days in total of which 147 days were in North West Europe.

Aftermath

His wife wrote to the Regimental Paymaster on 14 November 1944 asking for further details of her husband’s death. She gave her address as c/o Boyd, 55 Honeybog Road, Penilee, Glasgow suggesting she was living with her family. Her letter was passed on to the Officer in Charge of Records at Perth who replied that he couldn’t tell her any more as detailed reports of death were not received in that office. He said it was usual for the Soldier’s Commanding Officer or someone on his behalf, to write to the next of kin, giving full particulars – but that this was not always possible and could take time to arrive. He expressed his sympathy at her sad loss.

On 27 April 1945, after his death, his personal effects were sent to Tina. These were as follows: Brooch, Notebook in case, Cigarette Case, Souvenir, 2 Letters, 5 Photographs, Wallet, 2 Medallions, 2 Propelling Pencils, Pen (Broken), Fountain Pen.

She was awarded a pension of £1/12/6 per week for herself and an allowance of 11s for their child. John was awarded the 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star and Defence Medal.

Tina went on to marry again. This was to Samuel Leith in 1949 in the Tradeston District. She had three more children with Samuel.

Tina died in Glasgow in 1985 aged 60.

John and Tina’s son, John McKenzie, married and had four children. He died in 1994 in Inverkeithing, Fife, aged 49.

Tina McKenzie front right next to her parents with John Jr on their knee at sister Melinda’s wedding 1949

Tina McKenzie front right next to her parents with John Jr on their knee at sister Melinda’s wedding 1949

From Scotland’s People website: Civil and Parish Birth, Marriage and Death Records; Scottish Census Records
From FindMyPast: Electoral Rolls; Military Records
King’s Own Scottish Borderers website
1st KOSB War Diaries (Royalscotskosbwardieries)
Service Record for John McKenzie from the National Archives ref WO 423/196929
Wikipedia: Cameron Highlanders, 51st Highland Division, Liverpool Scottish Regiment, Fort Darland
Help from Dr R Coles (Tina Leith’s nephew) and Carol-Ann McKenzie (John’s granddaughter)

Research Elaine Gathercole  

William Herbert Moore (Service No. 5774429) died of wounds on 16 October, 1944 in the vicinity of Overloon. He was aged 24 and a Lance Corporal in the 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. He was initially buried at Cemetery Th.J. Janssen, Overloon and re-interred on 19 May 1947 in Grave III. C. 11. at the CWGC Cemetery in Overloon. His grave is inscribed “Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his loved ones.”

Family background

William Herbert Moore (who was known as Billy) was born on 24 January 1920 to Herbert Charles and Rosetta Moore in the parish of St Andrew and Christchurch, Eaton, Norwich.

Herbert Moore had been born in Little Plumstead on 6 March 1881 though the Moores originally came from Felmingham. They were game keepers and gardeners. A number of them are interred in Felmingham and Sloley church yard and within the church. Some memorial stones in the church to people named Moore date back to the 16th Century. His parents were Mark Moore and Jemima Ling who had married in Yarmouth in 1866. Mark was born in Skeyton, Norfolk, around 1837 and Jemima in Witton, Norfolk around 1842. Just after Herbert’s birth in 1881 they were living at 11, Bye Road, Little Plumstead and Mark was working as an Agricultural Labourer, but by 1891 they had moved to Near Kilns, Sandy Lane, Little Plumstead where they still were in 1901. Mark was working as a Woodman / Market Gardener. Herbert was the second youngest of ten children, though one had died in infancy. In 1901 Herbert was working as a Bricklayer’s Labourer. In 1911 Herbert was living at Stratton St Michael as a boarder. He was described as a Wireman in the Army Reserve. He had enlisted in 1905 and went on to fight in the first World War. He was a telegrapher retained by the army. He lost the use of his left arm when it was shattered by a bullet at Ypres on 7 December 1915. As a result, he was discharged on 25 January 1916 as he was no longer fit for service.

Rosetta Wyatt had been born in East Dereham on 24 May 1884. Her parents were Robert Alfred Wyatt (or Alfred Robert) and Esther Wyatt (nee Cranmer). Robert was born in 1857 and Esther around 1852, both in East Dereham. In 1901 and 1911 Robert and Esther were living at 18 Malthouse Cottages, East Dereham. In 1901 Robert was working as a Railway Shunter and in 1911 as a Railway Porter. They seem to have had a daughter, Laura, in 1878 and then Rose in 1884, though they may well have had other children. In 1901 Rose was working as a Dressmaker. However, in 1911, she was visiting Harry and Alice Howlett at Moor Dickleburgh Scole, Dickleburgh, Norfolk.

Herbert Charles Moore, aged 31, married Rosetta Wyatt, aged 27, on 24 October 1911 in East Dereham in Norfolk. Herbert was a Postal and Telegraph Wireman at the time. Herbert’s father was shown as Mark Moore, a Gardener. Rosetta’s father was Robert Alfred Wyatt, a Railway Shunter.

Herbert and Rose appear to have had three children: Phyllis R in 1914, Alfred C in 1917 and William Herbert in 1920, though Alfred died in infancy.

By 1921 Herbert and Rose were living at 83, Muriel Road, Norwich with their two surviving children. Herbert was working as a Night Telephonist for the Post Office. Herbert and Rose were at the same address in September 1939 and Herbert was in the same occupation. Their children were no longer at home.

Military career

Billy enlisted at Norwich in the Territorial Army for a term of 4 years on 26 April 1939. He stated that he was born on 24 January 1920 in Norwich and was single at that time. He gave his address as 83 Muriel Road, Norwich, Norfolk. He had been employed as a Mechanic. He gave his father, Charles Herbert Moore, at the same address as next of kin.

He was described as being 6ft ¾ in tall and weighed 159 lbs, He had a fresh complexion, fair hair and blue eyes. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was declared medically fit.

He was posted as a Private in the 4th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment on 1 May 1939, but this would only be a part time role. He attended a camp for 14 days in 1939. He joined the 6th Battalion as a full time soldier on 2 September 1939. He was attached to 53 Infantry Brigade on 25 September 1939.

The 53rd Infantry Brigade had been disbanded in 1919 but was reformed as part of the Territorial Army on 18 September 1939. It initially consisted of the 5th, 6th and 7th Battalions of the Royal Norfolk Regiment. It was assigned to the 18th Infantry Division and during the early years of the war it remained in the United Kingdom mainly on training duties; on home defence and anticipating a German invasion. However, the invasion never arrived.

Billy married Maud Elizabeth Daynes on 14 January 1941 at Heigham, Norwich.

Maud had been born on 27 March 1921. She was the daughter of Albert E and Susan Daynes. Albert was born on 16 March 1885 and Susan on 23 August 1886. Albert E Daynes, who was working as a Carter, married Susan Mason in Norwich on 26 August 1907. Their address was given as 5 Annisons Yard, Bull Close. Albert’s father was James Daynes, a paperhanger. Susan’s father was William Mason, a Labourer. They had eight children as follows, all in Norwich: Edith Jane 1908, Susan Elizabeth 1909, Albert J 1911, Victor W 1912, Alice S 1914, Douglas C 9 November 1918, Maud E 27 March 1921 and Violet M 3 January 1923.

In 1911 Albert and Susan were living at 23 Turners Square, Rose Lane, Norwich with their first three children. Albert was still working as a Carter. By 1921 the family were living at 4, Lawrence Street, Norwich with their first 6 children. By now, Albert was working as a Fish Fryer for Mr J Daynes’ Fish Merchant. Albert and Susan were at the same address in September 1939 and Albert was in the same occupation. The three youngest children, including Maud, were still at home. Maud was working as a Shoe Operator as was her sister Violet.

After his marriage, Billy changed his next of kin to his wife at 151 Dereham Road, Norwich, Norfolk.

He suffered an injury whilst on duty on 1 August 1941. He stated that he was driving a motorcycle and took a corner a bit too wide and over-shot the kerb. He suffered abrasions to the head and for a few days he had dried blood-stained sputum but an X-ray did not show any injury to the chest organs. The injury wasn’t serious and was unlikely to affect his future performance as a soldier. However, the Army took the view that he was to blame for the accident as it was stated that he took the corner which he knew well at much too high a speed when the road was greasy.

He was posted to a Y List on 21 August which was a holding place for men not with their usual unit. This may have had something to do with the fact that the 53rd Infantry Brigade was sent, with the rest of the 18th Division, to the Middle East in late 1941 and William was not destined to go with them. He was then sent to an Infantry Training Company on 5 November 1941 and then posted to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment on 26 February 1942.

Billy and Maud’s first child, Peter William Moore, was born in Ealing, Middlesex in autumn 1942. Maud was staying with relatives of Billy’s mother to avoid the bombing in Norwich and because Billy was posted nearby.

Billy was sent to HQ 185 Infantry Brigade (of which the 1st Norfolks were a part) on 8 April 1943 and back to the 1stBattalion on 1 October 1943.

He embarked for North West Europe on 3 June 1944. He will have landed with the rest of his Battalion in Normandy at Sword Beach on D-Day (6 June 1944). It played its part in the fight for Normandy through to mid August, losing many men. Near the end of this time, on 12 August, William was promoted to Paid Acting Lance Corporal.

From 17 August until 3 September the Battalion had a rest period which also allowed them to take on reinforcements to replace the substantial number of men they had lost. It then moved to Villers en Vexin until 17 September.

By this time, the Allied troops were making a fast advance through France and Belgium to the Escaut canal south of Eindhoven in readiness for Operation Market Garden. From 17 September, airborne troops landed in a corridor from the Belgian/Dutch border via Eindhoven and Nijmegen to Arnhem to secure bridges and allow ground forces to move forward with speed – then to reinforce and strike east into Germany.

The role of the Battalion along with others was to protect the main line of communications northwards along this corridor. It moved on from Villers en Vexin on 18 September and reached Peer on 19 September then Asten on 23 September. They entered Helmond, just east of Eindhoven, on 25 September. It had just been taken by another Battalion and they received an uproarious welcome from the Dutch people.

On 29 September, it moved out of Helmond and on over the River Maas at Grave through Heumen and on to Maldens Vlak. Here they spent time patrolling the area facing the Reichswald Forest in Germany not far to the east.

Problems with supply lines had resulted in the failure of the Allies to hold the bridge at Arnhem, so plans changed. The Allies found themselves in a narrow salient through the Netherlands and so it was decided to clear the enemy to the south in Overloon, Venray and Venlo while also securing Antwerp to help with supply issues. American Troops initially attempted to take Overloon but did not succeed so the British Army took on the task.

The 1st Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment were one of many who then took part in Operation Aintree with the aim of widening the salient by taking Overloon to the south and then Venray before finally eliminating a German bridgehead on the River Maas near Venlo.

On 9 October the Battalion retraced its steps to Grave. On 11 to 13 October they continued south through Haps, St Hubert, Wanroy, St Anthonis and Oploo to reach woods just north of Overloon. The Battalion was in reserve while Overloon itself was taken on 13 October.

On 14 October they passed through Overloon along the road to Venray, through woods between the town and the Molenbeek (also known as the Loobeek) which was a wide channel crossing their path. They met heavy opposition that day and suffered 80 casualties. They remained in that position the following day in very bad conditions. Trenches could only be dug to a depth of 2-3 feet as the water table was so high.

On 16 October the Battalion was ordered to form a bridgehead over the Molenbeek, supported by an artillery barrage and tanks. While footbridges could be laid across the Beek, more substantial bridges were required for tanks and other vehicles to cross. Because of the wet and muddy conditions, attempts to create these bridges were unsuccessful until the following day, so the Battalion was left to cross the Beek without tank support. A large number of casualties were again incurred in the exposed, flat and muddy ground which was also mined. This was the day that Billy died of wounds.

No official details of how he was wounded have been found. However, a story passed down in the family suggests that threw himself on a mine on the banks of the Molenbeek to save his men which is the reason for the inscription on his grave. This story originated from a friend called Shingfield who was his best friend in the Battalion and a stretcher bearer who was in touch with the family after the war. While it is likely that he would have died outright rather than being wounded if had he thrown himself on a mine, it is very plausible that he stood on what was called a Schuh mine which was designed to only injure but then injure other men as they came to the injured man’s rescue. It may be that he was wounded by such a mine but then told men not to approach him to avoid them being injured too – a similar act of bravery to the family story.

Between 13 and 18 October, 43 men of the Battalion died and 200 were wounded.

A monument to the memory of the Royal Norfolk Regiment now stands near the crossing of the Molenbeek.

Another son, Dennis A C Moore, had been born to Billy and Maud in Norwich in late 1944. It seems that Billy was aware of the birth of his son before he died as he had a newspaper clipping announcing his birth in his wallet when he died.

Billy had served for a total of 5 years and 174 days from when he first enlisted in the Territorials, of which 136 days were in North West Europe. He was awarded the following medals: 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, France & Germany Star and War Medal 1939/45. His wife was awarded a pension of £1/12/6 payable from 29 January 1945 and an allowance of £1/2/- for their two children.

Billy’s mother, Rose Moore, had died in Norwich on 24 August 1944, just under two months before her son. His father, Herbert C Moore, died in Norwich in 1955.

Maud went on to marry again in 1948 in Norwich. Her husband was Donald R Rouse. They had two children, both in Norwich: Reginald D 1948 and Jayne W 1965.

Maud Eliza Rouse died in Norwich in 2000.

From FindMyPast website: Civil and Parish Birth, Marriage and Death Records; England Census and 1939 Register Records; Electoral Rolls; Military Records
“Thank God and the Infantry – from D-Day to VE-Day with the 1st Battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment” by John Lincoln
Wikipedia 53rd Infantry Brigade
Service record for WH Moore from the National Archives ref WO 423/1448886
Photo and assistance from Ann Moore, Billy’s daughter in Law

Research Elaine Gathercole

Grave William Robert Moore

Grave William Robert Moore

William Robert Moore (Service No. 5891734) was killed in action on 14 October 1944 aged just 20. He was a Private in the 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. He was initially buried at Vogelsangs Farm and subsequently re-interred on 15 July, 1946 in grave I. C. 6 at the Overloon Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Overloon. His inscription reads “He, like a soldier, fell”.
 
No photo of William has yet been found. Should anyone reading this have a photo of him or further information regarding him – or if they are aware of any errors in his biography below can they please contact the Foundation.

Military career

William Robert Moore enlisted at Northampton on 12 January 1942. He stated that he was born in Northampton on 2 January 1924, though he may actually have been born on 17 January so was still only 17 rather than 18. He was living at 31 Ash Street, Northampton and employed as a Tacker in the Boot and Shoe industry. He named his mother, Mrs Mary Alice Moore, of the same address as his next of kin. He was described as 5 ft 5 ¾ in tall, weighted 110 lbs and had a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was classified as Educational Grade D.
 
He initially enlisted in the Northamptonshire Regiment as a Private but was assigned to the reserves for a couple of weeks and only fully joined on 29 January. He was posted to the 70th Battalion and sent to No. 2 Infantry Training Centre. The 70th Battalion was a Young Soldiers’ Battalion. These provided training and had a home defence role. Its Infantry Training Centre was at Lincoln. The Battalion started off at Kettering but moved to Truro in July 1941, staying in the south-west thereafter. He ceased to be attached to the Infantry Training Centre on 9 April 1942. On 27 June 1942 he was selected to attend a course of training at the Physical Development Centre at the Occupational Therapy Centre at Taunton. He is thought to have completed this on 4 September 1942. He then went absent without leave from 2359 hrs on 18 December 1942 to 1830 hrs the following day.
 
He was transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment on 25 February 1943. He passed a trade test as a shoemaker on 30 October 1943. Perhaps his skills would prove to be of use in the Army? On 4 December 1943 he was given 168 hrs detention and forfeited a day’s pay for being absent without leave for 9 hours and 11 minutes from 2359 hrs on 11 November 1943.
 
He embarked for North West Europe on 5 June 1944, so will have landed with his battalion in Normandy on D-Day on 6 June 1944.
 
William was wounded on 8 July 1944 by a bomb blast on his left thigh. This was when the Battalion was involved in Operation Charnwood. This was part of the Battle for Caen which was an important objective for the Allies during the opening stages of Operation Overlord. By evening on 8 July the allies had cleared the villages in their path and reached the outskirts of Caen. However, the operation was costly for both the Allies and the enemy. As a result of his injury, he returned to the UK on 11 July. He was assigned to No. 2 Infantry Division on 28 July then 30 Reinforcement Holding Unit on 14 August 1944, suggesting that he was ready for redeployment to the field.
 
He returned to Europe on 19 August 1944 and rejoined his Battalion on 27 August. At this time they were based five miles south of Flers in Normandy. They remained there until 3 September. They spent time practicing river crossings and exercises in co-operation with Tank Regiments. Reinforcements were received which went some way to bringing the Battalion back up to its full strength. 
 
The Battalion left that location on 3 September and moved 150 miles to north of the River Seine. They remained there again carrying out training and having some relaxation until 16 September when they moved into Belgium and on the next day to the barrier created by the Escaut Canal. They succeeded with other Battalions in crossing this on 19 September reaching Hamont on 21 September. Here, they prepared to take over from the 11 Armoured Division after they captured Deurne. However, this was not captured as planned so the Battalion was still in Hamont on 24 September. William seems to have neglected some sort of duty that day for which he was given 21 days field punishment, though the nature of the offence is not known.
 
The Battalion moved into the Netherlands and reached Deurne on 25 September where they remained until 29 September, moving on to Haps on 1 October which is just south of Nijmegen and North of Overloon.
 
Following the failure to take the bridge at Arnhem in Operation Market Garden in late September, the Allied Forces were left in a very precarious narrow salient through the Netherlands. It was the aim of Operation Aintree to widen this salient by heading south from Nijmegen to take Overloon and then Venray before finally eliminating a German bridgehead on the River Maas near Venlo.
 
The Battalion was ordered to move south to St Anthonis on 11 October, but this was postponed to the following day due to bad weather. The move was completed on 12 October and they then moved slightly further west the next day, though with one man killed and 3 wounded.
 
On the 14 October, the day on which William died, the plan was for B Company to be guided through a wood held by the Royal Ulster Rifles to its front edge from where they would carry out a recce to check if a stream was passable and if the north eastern corner of a wood to the south was held by the enemy. However, the guides were late and the move through the wood was slower than expected, so the recce did not take place. At 7.30am the Company began to advance south out of the wood. However, before the Company had advanced 100 yds the enemy opened fire from a track about another 100 yds ahead. The advance continued but came under such heavy fire with so many casualties that the Company Commander issued an order to retreat back to the Royal Ulster Rifles’ position. By this point one Lieutenant and 34 other ranks had been killed or wounded. Following a recce by the Company Commanders, it was decided to launch an attack at 1530 hours with D and A companies in the lead. The enemy had been seen moving in the area of the stream in front of the wood. It was thought that the enemy holding the Battalion objective were probably a Company strong. Immediately the attacking force came into the open they were subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire but they pressed steadily on to reach their objective. During this action the Battalion suffered very heavy casualties including four officers killed and another four wounded.
 
A total of 27 men of the 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment who died that day are buried alongside each other at Overloon, including William Robert Moore.
 
He had served for 2 years and 277 days of which 16 days were in the reserves and 93 days were in North West Europe. He was awarded medals as follows: 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star and the War Medal 1939/45.

Family background

William was the son of Edwin Charles Moore and Mary Ann Alice Newbold who had married in Northampton in 1918. Edwin was born on 25 March 1898 in Northampton and Mary on 13 March 1896, also in Northampton. They had children as follows: Sarah Elizabeth 21 March 1919, Edwin George 12 April 1922, William Robert 17 January 1924, Emily Irene 25 September 1925, Eric 1926, Gwendoline 1929, Pamela Peggy 29 September 1931 and Charles Raymond 29 October 1933. It may be that two others died in infancy in 1920 and 1921. Edwin and William were born more specifically in the Hardingstone area of Northampton which is to the south east of the town.
 
In 1921, Edwin and Mary Moore were living with their first child, Sarah, at 22, Freeschool Street, Northampton. Edwin was a Trainee Iron Founder. With them were two lodgers: Isaac Newbold aged 61 and Ada Newbold aged 16 who presumably were related in some was to Mary. Both were born in Northampton. Both were working for Hawkins & Co in the shoe industry for which Northampton was famous.
 
Their eldest daughter, Sarah, married Alfred Craddock in Northampton in 1938.
 
By September 1939, Edwin and Mary were living at 31 Ash Street, Northampton. With them were their married daughter, Sarah Craddock and also Edwin, William, Emily, Pamela and three unnamed children who were probably Eric, Gwendoline and Charles. Edwin was now working as an Iron Moulder. However, many other family members were working in shoe manufacturing. Mary and her daughter Sarah were both Shoe Machinists, Edwin was a Leather Dresser and William was working as a “Stiffner’s Boy” in a “Shoe Operator Making Room”.
 
Sadly, William Robert Moore was killed in action on 14 October 1944 in Overloon.
 
His remaining brothers and sisters all seem to have married in Northampton between 1946 and 1955. Several had children. Some went on to marry a second time.
 
William’s father, Edwin Charles Moore, died in Northampton in 1963. His mother. Mary Ann Alice Moore, died in Northampton in 1984.
 
Most of William’s brothers and sisters seemed to remain in Northampton and died between 1989 and 2005.

From FindMyPast website: Civil and Parish Birth, Marriage and Death Records; England Census and 1939 Register Records; Electoral Rolls; Military Records
Lincolnshire Regiment War Diaries via Traces of War Website
Wikipedia – information on the Lincolnshire Regiment, Operation Charnwood
WW2Talk Idler re 70th Bn Northamptonshire Battalion
Service Record for WH Moore from the National Archives reference WO 423/443077

Research Elaine Gathercole

Sydney John Gilbert Williamson (Service No. 3655853) was killed in action on 14 October 1944. He was a Private in the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment and was aged 25. He was initially buried at Cemetery A. vd Wijst, Overloon and subsequently re-interred on 13 May 1947 in grave I.B. 14 in the Overloon Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. His inscription reads “O God, how mysterious are Thy ways to take our Syd in the best of his days.”

Family background

Sydney was the son of John Williamson and Sarah E Birkett who had married in Birkenhead in 1917. John had been born on 26 July 1885 and Sarah on 15 September 1895. They seem to have had children as follows: Edith Margaret 12 January 1918, Sydney John Gilbert 8 May 1919, Edna 9 May 1922, James 1926 and William L 1934, all in Birkenhead.
 
In 1921, John and Sarah were living at 124, Oliver Street, Birkenhead, Cheshire. John was working as a Labourer for J A Bains. Edith and Sydney were with them.
 
By September 1939, John and Sarah were living at 151 Livingstone Street, Birkenhead. John was working as a Ship’s Plater. Edith, Sydney and Edna were living with them and another unnamed child – presumably either James or William. Edith was working as a Shop Assistant Multiple Stores; Sydney as a Flour Mills Labourer and Edna as a Daily Domestic Servant.

Sidney married Jean Kirton on 17 June 1944. Jean was born on 13 August 1923. In September 1939, she was living with her parents, Richard and Anne Victoria Kirton, at 1 Gray’s Terrace in Durham. Richard was born on 11 December 1898 and worked as an underground miner. Anne was born on 27 October 1900. Also present were their son, John Kenneth Kirton, born on 25 September 1921, and another unnamed child. John worked as an assistant steward at a Works Club and Jean worked as a general factory worker.

Military career

Sydney enlisted on 20 October 1939. He stated that he was born on 8 May 1919 in Birkenhead. He gave his address as 151 Livingstone Street and his religion as Church of England. He initially gave his father, John Williamson, of the same address as himself as next of kin, though he changed this to his mother at the same address on 19 December 1940. He was described as being 5ft 4in tall and weighed 140 lbs. He had brown eyes and black hair. He was declared grade A fit but this was changed to A1 on 12 March 1940. He had been working as a storeman when he enlisted though also described himself as a labourer in his Pay Book. He was posted as a Private to the 1/4th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment. The 1/4th Battalion was a Territorial Battalion which served in the 164th Infantry Brigade, part of the 55th (West Lancashire) Infantry Division. He attended a War Course in May 1941. At some point it seems that he qualified as a driver.

He suffered an accident on 25 November 1941 at Newhaven. He was acting as batman to a Captain. He and another soldier were carrying an urn full of boiling water up the stairs at their billet for the Captain. The urn tilted and splashed Sydney on his right hand. He suffered 2nd degree burns. However, it was not considered to affect his ability as a soldier. No blame was attached to him or anyone else for this incident and it was considered to have occurred while he was on duty.

He was attached to the HQ of 55 Division at Durham with effect from 8 May 1942 and ceased to be attached on 2 June 1942 at Yarm.

During 1941 to 1943 he had three or four periods of leave of between 7 and 9 days each year. One in September 1942 was when he was stationed at Oxley near Wolverhampton.

He had a further 9 days’ leave from 28 February to 8 March 1944 followed by several training courses in May to July. This included passing through a gas chamber, rifle courses and a light machine gun course. He passed a Basic Personal Training Course on 12 July. During this time, he was again declared A1 fit.

Sydney was granted compassionate leave from 16 to 22 June 1944. During this time, on 17 June, he married Jean Kirton of 1 Gray’s Terrace, Redhills, Durham City in Durham. After his marriage he altered his next of kin to his wife at this same address.

Sydney was declared fit for overseas service on 3 August 1944 and embarked for North West Europe on 10 August 1944. He was posted to the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment on 22 August 1944. 

By D-Day, the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment was part of the 8th Infantry Brigade (which included the 1st Suffolk Regiment and 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment) attached to the 3rd Infantry Division, nicknamed Monty’s Ironsides. With this division, it landed at Sword Beach on D-Day and fought its way through Normandy, taking part in the battles for Caen and the Falaise Pocket.

By 22 August, when Sydney joined them, they were at La Chappelle-au-Moine. Here they had a period of rest and training until 3 September. On that day they moved across the Seine to Les Andelys, south east of Rouen. They remained in this new area, again training for what was to come and with some recreation until 16 September.

From 16 to 18 September they then moved in three stages through Belgium to reach Lille St Hubert, just south of the Dutch border, south of Eindhoven. Here they were to assist the East Yorkshire and Suffolk Regiments to make a bridgehead over the Escaut Canal which they crossed on 20 September to reach Hamont, just west of the Dutch border and then reaching Weert in the Netherlands by the 22nd, despite the Allied forces facing difficulties from bridges which had been destroyed.

They remained in this vicinity until 25 September when C Company moved eastward towards Schoor as part of a plan to clear the west bank of a canal which lay further east. The whole Battalion were expected to take part in this the following day, but it had been decided that they were to move to Maarheeze that day, so only C Company took part in this. Their progress was slow, so they were ordered to disengage and continue after the rest of the Battalion to Maarheeze. On 27 September they moved on again to reach Bakel which is just north east of Eindhoven. The following day they moved again slightly further north to Mortel to allow the American 7th Armoured Division to occupy the area at Bakel. The Americans were moving through to St Anthonis. The Battalion remained at Mortel until 1 October when they moved further north to Heumen which is just south of Nijmegen and north of Cuijk and then to nearby Mook on 3 October.

By this time, Operation Market Garden further to the north had failed to take the bridge at Arnhem. This left the Allies in a narrow corridor through the Netherlands. An attempt was made by the American 7th Armoured Division on 30 September to widen this corridor east to the River Maas by attacking Overloon from their position at St Anthonis, but this attack failed.

The 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment remained at Mook until 8 October when they moved south to Wanroij. It had been decided that the Americans were to withdraw and leave widening the corridor through Overloon, Venray and Venlo to the British. Initially, it was intended that the attack on Overloon would begin on 11 October. However, this was postponed until 12 October due to the very wet weather and ground conditions.

On 12 October the attack started at noon with a very heavy artillery barrage. The 2 East Yorks. led the attack on what was described as Dog Wood to the west of Overloon while the 1 Suffolks targeted Overloon itself. Both achieved their objectives by 1500 hours, but with some mopping up still to do. The 1 South Lancs. were initially held in reserve but at 1700 hours A and D Companies were ordered to advance to clear a remaining area with one troop of the 3 Grenadier Guards in support of each forward Company. They met very little opposition and by dusk were in position on the forward edge of a clearing to the west of Overloon. They moved a little further south the following day, but were then instructed on 14 October to move to a road between Rouw and Halfweg north east of Overloon to secure control of a junction leading from that road to Schaartven. This was the day on which Sydney was killed in action.

He had served for a total of 4 years and 360 days of which 65 were served in North West Europe. He was awarded medals as follows: 1939/45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.

His wife was awarded a pension of £1 a week from 29 January 1945. The letter notifying her of this which was dated 3 January 1945 was sent to her at his parents’ address at 151 Livingstone Street, Birkenhead though on 8 December 1944 it had been indicated that any personal effects were to be sent to her at 1 Gray’s Terrace Redhills, Durham.

The Birkenhead News of 28 October 1944 reported Sydney’s death as follows:

“Local Footballer Killed
Private Sidney John Gilbert Williamson of 151 Livingstone Street has been killed in action in N.W. Europe. He was 25 years of age, and worked at Buchanan’s Flour Mills until October 1939 when he joined the Army. Private Williamson went over to France about two months after D-Day and was killed this month. He was a keen footballer and had played for local clubs. He leaves a widow.”

It seems that Sydney’s mother was still trying to find out where her son was buried in September 1945 as she received a letter from the War Office dated 6 September 1945 saying that this had not yet been reported to their office. Further communications in 1952 and 1954 from what was then the Imperial War Graves Commission regarding his headstone and entry in their Register were addressed to his mother who still lived at 151 Livingstone Street, Birkenhead.

Sydney’s wife had gone on to marry Fred Story in Durham Central in 1947. It is thought that they had two children in the Durham area. Sydney’s sister Edna kept in touch with his wife Jean for many years after she remarried.

Sydney’s mother, Sarah Ellen Williamson, died in 1973 in Birkenhead. Her address was still 151 Livingstone Street. It isn’t known when his father died, but it is thought to have been before his mother. Both are believed to be buried in the Landican Cemetery in Birkenhead.

Sydney’s name is recorded on the memorial plaque to be found on the brass panel on the 1st floor landing in Birkenhead Town Hall.

From FindMyPast website: Civil and Parish Birth, Marriage and Death Records; England Census and 1939 Register Records; Electoral Rolls; Military Records
Service Record for SJG Williamson from National Archives ref WO 423/827149
1 South Lancashire Regiment War Diaries from Normandy War Guide and Traces of War Websites
Wikipedia for information on the South Lancashire Regiment
Wikipedia for information on the 55th (West Lancashire) Infantry Division.
National Army Museum for information on the 1 South Lancashire Regiment
Birkenhead News 28 Oct 1944 – photo and information on Sydney – found with assistance from Wirral Council Community / Customer Services
Photo, Sydney’s Pay Book and other information provided by Sydney’s nephew Malcolm Waterman.

Research Elaine Gathercole, Jane Hope