Raven | Sidney George
Biography
Sidney George Raven was killed in action on 12 October 1944. He was 33 years of age and a Sergeant in the 4th Battalion of the Coldstream Guards (Service No. 2655911). He was initially buried on the premises of Arn. Hendricks in Overloon and later re-interred in Grave III.E.7 in the Overloon War Graves Cemetery on 19 May 1947. The inscription on his grave reads: “Till we meet again”.
Family Background
Sidney George Raven was born on 1 May 1911 in Rugby, Warwickshire.
His father was Charles Edward Raven who was born on 21 May 1882 in Long Itchington, Warwickshire. Charles married Annie Mawby in 1903 in Rugby. They had children as follows, all in Rugby: William Henry 1903, Florence May 1904, Charles Edward 1906 and Ethel 1907. Both Charles Edward senior and junior were sometimes known as Edward Charles. However, Annie Raven died in 1908 in Rugby aged just 27.
Charles then married Florence Rhoda Nichols in 1910 in Rugby.
Florence had been born on 4 November 1880 in Stratford Market, Essex. In 1901 she was living at Stamford House, 191, High Street, Stoke Newington, Hackney. This was a house for young women. It 1888 it was described in the Islington Gazette of 29 February as:
“The London Female Penitentiary – 191 High Street Stoke Newington
This is the oldest home but one for the rescue and reclamation of Betrayed and Fallen Young Women from all parts of the United Kingdom. In no sense should it be confounded with a place of detention. The home has accommodation for 70 inmates, and is always full, the applications for admission being lamentably numerous.”
On 31 December 1905 she had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, Florence Evelyn Nichols, in St John’s Road Workhouse in Islington where she would have been admitted giving birth. Her daughter was baptised there on 16 January 1906 and the two were discharged from there on 27 February 1906 to St Elizabeth’s Home, Howard’s Road, Plaistow. This was a home where women could come either for or after their confinement with their children.
In 1911 Charles and Florence were living at Lawford Road New Bilton, Bilton, Warwickshire. With them were Charles’ four children by his first wife and also Florence Evelyn Nichols, Charles’ stepdaughter. Charles was working as a Bricklayer’s Labourer.
Sidney George Raven was born in Rugby on 1 May 1911, the first of Charles and Florence’s children. Their second child, Harold James Raven, was born in Coventry in 1913. Their first daughter, Elizabeth Priscilla Raven, was born on 20 June 1914. At this time, the family were living at 7 Ashgrove, Stoney Stanton Road, Foleshill, Warwickshire.
However, just a few weeks later, the Evening Despatch of 3 July 1914 contained the following report regarding Charles Edward Raven:
“Charles Edward Raven and Alfred Montgomery were charged with stealing 43lb of gun metal, the property of Messrs Rowland Hill and Sons Ltd., and Frank Harvard was indicted with receiving the same, well knowing it to be stolen on 1 and 11 June 1914 at Coventry. Raven pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months hard labour. Montgomery was found guilty and was sentenced to a like term, and Harvard was found not guilty and discharged.”
Perhaps as a consequence of this, his wife and children found themselves being admitted to the Coventry Union Workhouse on 31 October 1914. The children who were admitted were as follows: Edward Charles, Ethel, Sidney George, Harold James and Elizabeth.
Edward and Ethel were discharged quickly on 2 November to what was described as “scattered homes”. Edward was described as epileptic when admitted and Ethel as having been “removed from Westminster”. Sidney George was discharged on 19 November 1914 with it being stated that he was destitute when he was admitted and again was going to “scattered homes”. Their mother was discharged at her own request on 30 January 1915. It was noted that she had been of unsound mind for 3 days on admission. Finally, Harold James and Elizabeth Priscilla were discharged on 6 February 1915. They were discharged to their mother. Sadly, Elizabeth died on 4 October 1915 and was buried in an unconsecrated grave at London Road Cemetery in Coventry. Her address was given as 2 White Horse Yard, Days Lane, Coventry.
It seems that Charles enlisted in the Army in 1915.
Another child, Philip H Raven, was born in Coventry in 1916, though he died in 1917.
Meanwhile, on 26 March 1918, Florence Evelyn Nichols was discharged to her mother. It isn’t known when she had entered the workhouse.
A further daughter, Lilian E (or Eileen Lilian) Raven was born in Coventry in the summer of 1918.
Charles Edward Raven was demobilised in March 1920. However, he did not return to his wife. An article in the Coventry Evening Telegraph 25 February 1920 gives details of her summoning him for desertion as follows:
“Edward Charles Raven, 61 Whiteman Street, Goose Hill, Swindon, was summoned by his wife, Florence R Raven, who asked for a separation order on the grounds of desertion. This was admitted and complainant stated that she was married in 1910 and there were six children of the marriage. She asked for the custody of two children, her husband having charge of the others. It was stated that Raven enlisted in 1915, was demobilised about 5 weeks ago, and had not lived with his wife since.
Asked if he had anything to say, Raven replied: The reason of desertion is immorality, my wife having had a child by another man.
Applicant: That is untrue.
Defendant: It can be proved by the dates on my passes for coming home and the birth of the child.
The Magistrates Clark (Mr DG Bolland): You should have given your wife notice of these allegations. If you allege adultery, you must be in a position to prove it.
The magistrates adjourned the case for a month to give the defendant an opportunity of bringing evidence.
Raven: I would rather the case go on.
The Clerk: It is no use saying that unless you are in a position to prove adultery.
Raven: Are not my passes enough evidence of that?
The Clerk: I don’t think so.”
A week later, the Coventry Evening Telegraph of 3 March 1920 told the end of the story:
“Edward Charles Raven, 61 Whiteman Street, Gorse Hill, Swindon, was summoned by his wife, who asked for a separation order. The case was part heard last week, and adjourned to give the husband an opportunity of proving an accusation he then made against is wife. Raven now wrote that he was unable to bring the necessary evidence, and informed the Magistrates that he was only in a temporary job, and was supporting four of the six children of the marriage. The Magistrate granted the order, with a weekly payment of 15s.”
Florence Rhoda Raven was again admitted to Coventry Union Workhouse on 12 October 1920. Another daughter, Winifred Maud Raven, was born there on 1 November but died on 3 March 1921 aged just 4 months. It was stated that she was legitimate, but no father’s name was given. An address of 2 Whitehorse Yard, Days Lane, Coventry was given.
Florence Nichols was admitted to the workhouse on 22 January 1921 and discharged to her Hill Street home on 1 February 1921. She was again admitted on 7 March 1921. Florence Rhoda Raven was discharged from the workhouse at her own request on 26 March 1921 as was Florence Evelyn Nichols. At this same time, Eileen Lilian Raven was discharged to her brother.
In June 1921, Charles Raven was still living at 61 Whiteman Street, Swindon, Chiseldon, Wiltshire. However, he was shown as a boarder and the head of the household was Blanche Golby. She had been born in 1882 in Swindon. Blanche was shown as widowed while Charles was shown as married. Charles was working as a Bricklayer Labourer for the Great Western Railways. With him, also shown as boarders, were Charles and Ethel Raven from his first marriage and Sidney and Harold from his second marriage. Charles (Jnr) was working as an Errand Boy for Laye’s Restaurant and Ethel was a Day Girl for Hamp of Wood Street.
At this time, Florence was living at 2, White Horse Yard, Days Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire. She was working as a Laundry Work, Washer & Ironer for Exhall Association. With her were Florence Evelyn Nichols and Eileen Lilian Raven.
Sidney had joined the Coldstream Guards in 1933 for 4 years in the colours and 8 in the reserves. He was transferred to the reserves on 8 January 1937.
Sidney then moved to London and initially worked as a Caretaker at ‘The Grampians’ on Shepherd’s Bush Road, an Art-Deco apartment building in Hammersmith which had just been built in 1935-37. Sidney lived in the Caretaker’s accommodation and was still there in summer 1938. By the summer of 1939 he was living at 39 Cromwell Grove which was nearby, just off Shepherd’s Bush Road. Also there were five other people at that address: Herbert William, Annie and Gertrude Emily McMahon and Patrick and Lillian Hurley.
Meanwhile, in September 1939, his future wife, Mary Ellen Sheehan, was working and living at 79 The Grampians as a domestic servant. In the same household was Enid Mabel Foster Hall, who was presumably her employer. Enid was born on 15 January 1910 and was a Doctor’s Secretary.
It is thought that Mary was born on 18 September 1906 in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. In 1911 it is thought that she was living at the Jellalabad Military Barracks, South Tedworth, Hampshire. Her father was probably Patrick Sheehan who was a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, based at the barracks. He was aged 35 and born in Caharciveen, Co. Kerry. He had enlisted on 20 July 1897. Also present were her mother, Hannah Sheehan, aged 25 and born in Killarney, Co. Kerry. They had married on 4 November 1905 in Killorglin near Killarney. There too were two more of Patrick and Hannah’s children: Elizabeth born 12 January 1908 and Daniel Clement born 2 February 1909 – both born in Limerick in Ireland. Patrick and Hannah had two more children: Patrick Francis on 2 August 1914 and Denis Anthony on 19 August 1916, both in Limerick. Patrick (Service No. 35006) was discharged from the Army on 20 February 1919. He had served from 13 December 1898 to 12 December 1901 in the East Indies and from then until 6 November 1902 in South Africa. The rest of his time in the Army was served at home.
In 1935 and 1936 Mary was living at 56 Chepstow Villas, Kensington in a household with Cecil Edmund, Enid Mabel and Pauline Lois Foster Hall. They were brother and sisters. On 1 January 1935 Cecil was promoted from Lt Commander to Commander in the Royal Navy. Also present were Camilla Mary and Catherine Harriett Clarke and Adelaine Emily Adlan and Dorothy Hemming. By summer 1937, Enid and Pauline Foster Hall, but not Cecil, were living at 79 The Grampians and were both still there in summer 1939. Mary was not shown as being with them. She could have been present but not on the electoral roll. However, Mary was certainly living with Enid by September 1939, but Pauline was not present. Cecil was later killed in 1940 on board HMS Kent.
Sidney and Mary had clearly met while living near to each other and begun a relationship. They married sometime between October and December 1939 and set up home at 30 Esmond Road, Kilburn, London NW6.
By the time Sidney was ‘Called-Up’ to re-join the Coldstream Guards in November 1939 his occupation was recorded as Postman / Mail Porter and he was employed by London General Post Office.
In September 1939, his father, Charles Edward Raven, was living at 17 Malvern, Swindon. Also there was Blanche L Golby, born 18 January 1882. Charles was still described as married and Blanche as a widow. Florence R Raven (born 4 November 1880) was living on her own at 100 Queen Margaret’s Road, Coventry. She was working as a Laundress and still shown as married.
Military Career
Following the outbreak war, the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Coldstream Guards were deployed to France with the British Expeditionary Force. They were evacuated from Dunkirk the following year. The 4th Battalion was formed in October 1940 at Elstree and the 5th Battalion in October 1941. In 1941, the 1st Battalion was converted to an armoured role and served with the Guards Armoured Division. In November 1942 the 4th Battalion switched from cars to Churchill tanks and was part of the 6th Guards Tank Brigade along with the 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards and the 3rd Battalion Scots Guards. While the 5th and 1st Battalions had entered France in June 1944, shortly after D-Day, the 4th Battalion remained at home until 20 July 1944 when they landed at Juno Beach. In France, they played their part in the battle at Caumont and assisted in the attacks at Vire and Tinchebray. From 15 August until 29 September the 4th Battalion had a relatively quiet time while the 1st and 5th Battalions proceeded through Belgium and the Netherlands to take part in Operation Market Garden. It was only after the failure of that operation to take Arnhem in late September that the 4thDivision was brought more fully into the conflict.
On 29 September they reached Eindhoven and headed towards Nijmegen the following day, crossing the River Maas and arriving in the forests at Mook that night. The initial plan had been for them to support the 8th and 185th Brigades of the 3rd Division in an attack on the Reichswald forest area to the east. However, this was cancelled on 7 October as higher priorities were given to securing the port of Antwerp and in widening the salient along the River Maas by turning south to capture Overloon and Venray. It was with this latter task that the 4th Battalion was to assist the 3rd Division. The country was flooded and heavily wooded making reconnaissance difficult. There was incessant rain and impassable roads. The attack was initially scheduled for 11 October but rain flooded the whole district, so it was delayed until 12 October to allow the ground to dry out to some extent.
The operation began with a heavy artillery barrage at midday on 12 October, after the battalion had spent a drenching night in the woods 2 miles north of Overloon. The Coldstream with 8 Brigade were to take Overloon, 1 Sqn. supporting the 1st Suffolks and 3 Sqn. helping the East Yorks., and the Grenadiers with 9 Brigade were to pass through to attack Venray 3 miles further South. The battalions were to be supported by A.V.R.E.s (Armoured Vehicles Royal Engineers – which were Churchill tanks modified in various ways to suit the needs of Assault Engineers) and flails. The Royal Engineers had worked hard to prepare approaches for the tanks through the bogs, dikes and copses which barred their path. At first the advance went briskly until mine-fields were encountered. Here 2 HQ tanks of 4 Tank Coldstream Guards were put out of action, thus destroying two sources of information within a few minutes of each other. Some of these two crews were injured but not killed. There was little first-hand news for some two hours and it was then learned that 2 more tanks from 1 Squadron had been put out of action by a Panther tank, several of which were previously reported in Overloon. This was the day on which Sgt. Sidney George Raven was killed.
Four other men died that day who are now buried at Overloon. They were Lt. Reginald Francis Longueville, Sgt Thomas William Lucas, Guardsman William Desmond Kendrick and also Guardsman Harold Shaw who was in 6 HQ Tank Brigade to which the Coldstream Guards belonged.
It is known that one of the two tanks put out by the Panther was commanded by Lt. Longueville and that Guardsman Kendrick was also one of that crew, the rest of whom survived.
Lt. Longueville, Sgt. Lucas and Guardsmen Kendrick and Shaw were all initially buried in a field grave at the Baansestraat in Overloon near the farm of Th. J. Janssen. This is north west of the centre of Overloon. Sgt. Raven was buried about half a kilometre east of this at the premises of Arn. Hendricks in Overloon. This is more to the north of Overloon centre.
It is thought unlikely that both Sgt Lucas and Sgt Raven were in the 2nd tank which was hit by the Panther as they are both understood to have been Tank Commanders. It is perhaps more likely that it was Sgt Lucas who was in this 2ndtank given that he was initially buried alongside Lt Longueville and Guardsmen Kendrick and Shaw. This might suggest that Sgt Raven was killed in a separate, unknown incident to the other four, but this is not certain.
All five are now buried alongside each other in the CWGC Cemetery in Overloon.
Aftermath
Sidney’s address for probate was given as 30 Esmond Road, London NW6. This was where his wife was still living until at least 1952. It isn’t known when she died.
His father, Charles Edward Raven, died in Q4 1944 in Swindon aged 62 so it isn’t certain if he was aware of his son’s death. His mother, Florence Rhoda Raven, died in 1956 in Coventry aged 75.
