John Archer, son of Fred and Mary. He served in the RASC as Driver T/274791 and died on 20 August 1945 aged 31. John rests in Lubuan War Cemetery along with over 1700 other casualties. John left behind a widow, Alice Maud of Sandal.

NOTE :- Lubuan is a small island off Brunei Bay, Borneo

Ronald Davies was the son of William and Annie Davies (nee Heptinstall) of Bagnall Terrace, Wakefield. William and Annie married in the spring of 1896 in Wakefield. In the 1911 census William and Annie lived at 35 Providence Street, a 5 roomed dwelling, with their 7 children, William's brother Samuel and Frederick - a nephew. William and Samuel came from Staffordshire, as did many other miners in the area. Ronald was the youngest son of William and attended St Andrew's Church School and later was employed at the Refuse Assurance Co., thus making him well know in the area. He enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment, the Hallamshire Bn, as 315060. He won his commision from the ranks in March of 1944 and promoted to 1st Lieut shortly afterwards. Ronald was KIA on 14 April 1945, some 12 months after gaining his commission, and rests in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, with over 1500 other identified casualties(including Polish, Dutch and 3 former Commission employees).

A newspaper notice sent to me by *********

" Wakefield Officer Killed in Holland - News has been received by Mrs W Davies, 2, Bagnall Terrace, Wakefield that her youngest son, Lieutenant Ronald Davies, has been killed in action in Holland.  The first intimation was received in a letter from his Commanding Officer, who, in a letter Mrs Davies, said, "I am sorry to be writing to you on this distressing subject, but your son was killed in action on the 14th April last whilst gallantly leading his platoon against the enemy, who were firmly esconed in trenches round one of our main objectives. He had not been with us very long but as his Commanding Officer I had thought very highly of him in the few actions in which he took part. His death will be mourned by many here, as he had endeared himself to his men, being always cheerful and courageous in battle. In him I have lost one of my best officers, one hard to replace. He died a soldier's death for his country, and his death was not in vain, for his company was able to capture that position and those Germans who had not been killed were taken prisoner. In a further letter from the Chaplain it was stated that he volunteered for his dangerous mission. Lieut Davies won his commission direct from the ranks in March, 1944, and was promoted to First Lieut shortly afterwards. He was well-known in Wakefield, being connected with several organisations. He was educated at St Andrew's Church School, and prior to enlistment was employed at the Refuge Assurance Co. "
Additional info by Darran

Albert was the son of Albert and Frances. Albert and Frances (nee Geary) were married in the winter of 1904 in Wakefield. By 1911 they were living at Ash H, Jacobs Well Lane, Wakefield in a 3 roomed property. Also in the house was Lewis, Alberts 14 year old brother and John Geary, a nephew aged 3. All were born on Eastmoor except John who it was stated was from Westgate, Wakefield. Albert jnr served in the RN as Leading Seaman P/SSX22229 on HMS Dunedin and was killed on 24 November 1941 when Dunedin was hit with two torpedoes. The first hit sent the vessel lurching to one side while another seconds later hit the after 6" gun. Crew were blown off and men started to abondon ship, sinking within 17 minutes. According one source the U boat then circled the survivors but did not take any out of the water. Some of the survivors then sent out a roaring chorus of 'There will always be an England'. Left alone now, the men struggled to reach lifeboats and any floating debris. Over the next days many died due to the heat, exhaustion and wounds. All this whilst being circled now by sharks. The remaining survivors were picked up by a US merchant ship and taken to Trinidad.

Albert is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial along with over 24500 other seamen of all ranks whose grave is the deep blue sea.

Albert was the son of Clifford and Hilda. He served in the Royal Navy as Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class as D/MX 65348 on HMS Charybidis. He died on 23 October 1943 aged 27 and left his wife, Pearl.

Note :- Attacked at night by a German U-boat, Charybdis sank with the loss of 30 Officers and 432 ratings. Shortly after the sinking some of the sailors and marines were washed ashore on Guernsey where they were buried with full honours by the occupying forces - over 5000 islanders attended the funerals and laid over 900 wreaths. Each year a service held in commemoration