December 1942
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981482
Date: 08.12.1942 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“GOD’S GARDEN OF SLEEP PEACE, PERFECT PEACE”
Sergeant Farthing’s death is recorded on a date when the battalion was travelling by road at night from Bone to Souq el-Khamis in Tunisia. The journey started at 11pm on 7 December and was completed at 5am on 8 December. The diaries record that a carrier operated by 14 platoon drove off the road and fell 50 feet down a mountain side and there were 14 casualties but no deaths. This information may have been outdated if Farthing had died of his injuries later in the day without the knowledge of the author of the diaries.
Son of Fred and Annie Farthing of Grimsby.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016720
Date: 10.12.1942 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE IN FREEDOM AND WITHOUT FEAR”
Rifleman Childs, a 22-year old member of the high-spirited carrier platoon, was killed when he slipped and fell on the Number 75 Hawkins anti-tank grenade he was carrying which was designed to be detonated when a vehicle drove over it. The grenade contained about 1lb of high explosives.
Son of Herbert and Edith Alice Childs of Kenton, Harrow.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022243
Date: 11.12.1942 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER HIM”
Rifleman Brady was in F Company and was accidentally killed in an unexplained incident that involved one other unnamed casualty.
Son of Samuel and Sarah Brady, of Leyton, Essex.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981938
Date: 11.12.1942 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Harry and Winifred May of Portskewett, Monmouthshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045512
Date: 21.12.1942 Age: 28 Place of burial: Massicault
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 14209861
Date: 26.12.1942 Age: 34 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Nicholson and Alice Kershaw.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached from Worcestershire Regiment Service number: 124194
Date 27.12.1942 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE HILLS, FROM WHENCE COMETH MY HELP”
Lieutenant Moore of B Company was ambushed and killed with three of his men in the Goubellat area while leading a patrol on the night of 27 December.
Son of Albert Victor and Alice Machell Moore of Stamford Lincolnshire and was a graduate of University College Oxford. Desmond Moore had been posted to the Faughs from the Worcestershire Regiment in October 1942.
8 Leonard Charles Thoroughgood
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982677
Date: 27.12.1942 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Thoroughgood, a member of B Company, was killed in the Goubellat area along with Lt Moore.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982382
Date: 27.12.1942 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Williams, a member of B Company, was killed in the Goubellat area with Lt Moore.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043103
Date: 27.12.1942 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“O SACRED HEART OF JESUS HAVE MERCY ON HIM AND GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST, AMEN”
Fusilier Downing, a member of B Company, was killed in the Goubellat area with Lt Moore.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Downing, of Sneem, Killarney.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043683
Date: 28.12.1942 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DARLING HUSBAND R.I.P.”
Fusilier Roche was a member of D Company in the Faughs and was wounded in the groin during a company operation across the Goubellat valley. He died almost instantly.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Roche; husband of Katie Roche, of Horsham, Sussex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982648
Date: 28.12.1942 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6977922
Date: 28.12.1942 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“MANLY AND BRAVE HIS YOUNG LIFE HE GAVE”
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kane; husband of Emma Kane, of Portadown, Co. Armagh.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6979320
Date: 28.12.1942 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Jean Montgomery; husband of Margaret Montgomery, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044953
Date: 28.12.1942 Age: 26 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary, Tunisia
“HIS DUTY BRAVELY DONE FOR HIS KING AND COUNTRY”
Husband of Myra Robinson of Clun, Shropshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046225
Date: 29.12.1942 Age: 33 Place of burial: Massicault
“HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE”
Fusilier Deakin was killed during the Faughs’ operations around Goubellat on 27-29 December 1943.
Son of Henry and Lizzie Deakin of Normacott, Stoke-on-Trent.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043678
Date: 29.12.1942 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR SON NORMAN, EVER REMEMBERED BY MOTHER AND FATHER”
Fusilier Kyle was killed during the Faughs’ operations around Goubellat on 27-29 December 1943.
Son of Annie Kyle of Carnmoney, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047601
Date: 29.12.1942 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“SLEEP ON, DEAR SON, AS LONG AS MEMORY LASTS WE WILL REMEMBER THEE ‘PEACE, PERFECT PEACE’”
Fusilier Eales was killed during the Faughs’ operations around Goubellat on 27-29 December 1943.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Eales, of Bulkington, Warwickshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046597
Date: 29.12.1942 Age: 29 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary, Tunisia
“GOD’S GREATEST GIFT, REMEMBRANCE”
Fusilier Cross was killed during the Faughs’ operations around Goubellat on 27-29 December 1943.
Son of Henry and Selina Cross of Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7012407
Date: 31.12.1942 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“INTO THE MOSAIC OF VICTORY WAS LAID THIS PRECIOUS PIECE”
Son of William and Jean Farnan of Higher Broughton, Salford.
January 1943
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6475959
Date: 03.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Lunn was killed during a patrol commanded by Lieutenant McCaldin which started on the night of 2 January when the battalion was based in around Goubellat. The patrol was ordered to probe west and to harass, ambush and inflict casualties on German Forces. It was spotted and attacked at around 230am on 4 January. In the ensuing fight, Lunn was shot and died.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 180162
Date: 04.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Dely Ibrahim, Algeria
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS”
Lt Carruthers, who was 6 Innisks’ Adjutant and intelligence officer, was hit in the head in a ME 109 attack on the car he was travelling in with the Skins’ commanding officer Lieutenant Terence Macartney-Filgate on the road between El-Aroussa and Bou Arada at 830am on 20th December 1942. He died of his wounds 15 days later at the Thibar dressing station. Macartney-Filgate recovered from his wounds, occupied staff positions and was awarded an OBE in 1945.
Son of Lieut.-Comdr. Robert Jardine Carruthers, R.N.V.R., and Georgina Rose Carruthers, of Blindley Heath, Surrey; husband of Doris Joan Carruthers, of Katesbridge, Co. Down.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 235692
Date: 04.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Lieutenant McKee led a patrol dispatched at the same time as that the one led by Lieutenant McCaldin on the night of 2nd January. He was reported overdue at 7am on 5 January. The war diaries record state that he and his whole patrol including 20 other ranks “must be considered captured”. McKee had been in fact killed on the night of 4th January.
Son of Phineas and Helen McKee.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 201012
Date: 05.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Massicault
“HE DIED AS HE LIVED WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH”
Commander of 18 Platoon in D Company of the Faughs, which was at the time led by Major John Coldwell-Horsfall, Lt Sutcliffe was accidentally killed by pickets during a night patrol.
Son of William Henry and Charlotte Sutcliffe, of Raglan, Monmouthshire. He joined the Faughs at the end of 1941.
25 Joseph Wilfred Francis Green
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983562
Daate: 06.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
A member of A Company and a bren-gunner, Lance Corporal Joseph (Dodger) Green had used up all his ammunition in a patrol action around Goubellat on 6 January. According to a wounded survivor of the action, Green stood with grenades in both hands “hurling abuse at his assailants in between pulling the pins of the grenades with his teeth. Still defiant, Green inevitably fell to enemy fire.” Page 23, Chapter 2, Clear the Way by Richard Doherty, 1993.
Son of Francis and Lydia Green of Burton-on-Trent.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7020719
Date: 07.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“MY LOVING HUSBAND GONE FROM US BUT NOT FORGOTTEN”
Son of Thomas and Alice Moore; husband of Gladys Moore of Highgate, Middlesex.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6986135
Date: 09.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary, Tunisia
Son of Henry and Mary Reid Varty; husband of Sarah Arm Varty, of Newhall, Staffordshire.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 140028
Date: 10.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“IN JESUS’ KEEPING”
Lieutenant Andrews of C Company was killed at around 1000hrs when a truck exploded, presumably as a result of bombing. Corporal Christie was injured in the eye in the same incident.
Son of Sydney and Jessie Andrews of Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6979800
Date: 10.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Beggs was buried on 10 January at 1500hrs. He was killed in the same incident as Lieutenant Andrews (above).
Son of George and Mary Beggs, of Burnley, Lancashire.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 2716183
Date: 11.01.1943 Age: 39 Place of burial: Massicault
“IN MEMORY OF MY SON JOHN. JESUS MERCY”
H Company Sergeant Hogan, who came from Croydon, was killed during an operation in the Goubellat plain to recover tanks that were immobilised in mud. Platoon sergeants up to this point wore wireless sets carrying an aerial that could be seen by snipers. This was the 2nd Battalion’s first significant action during which four men were killed and twelve wounded.
John Hogan was a former Irish guardsman and was the son of Patrick and Mary Hogan, of West Croydon, Surrey.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014578
Date: 11.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR HUSBAND. O LORD JESUS, GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST. R.I.P.”
Lance Sergeant McLoughlin, a citizen of Eire, was killed in the tank recovery action in the Goubellat Valley.
Son of James and Kathleen McLoughlin; husband of Bridget McLoughlin, of Victoria, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022287
Date: 11.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Griffin was killed in the Goubellat Valley operation.
Son of Michael and Ellen Griffin, of Dublin.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7047572
Date: 11.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Hogan was killed in the Goubellat Valley operation.
Son of Ignatius Francis and Mary Hogan.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014465
Date: 12.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary
“YOUR DUTY DONE MY LOVING SON ALTHOUGH FAR AWAY MY MEMORIES OF YOU STAY”
Son of Alfred Charles and J. E. Fraser, of Fulham, London.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 233251
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Massicault
Lt Warren was killed in the first and failed attack on Two Tree Hill. Other casualties suffered in the attack included Captain Ferris wounded, Lieutenants Buck, George, Strickland and Power also wounded. A total of 11 other ranks were killed (see below) and 55 wounded. The diaries reported 16 missing (and possibly killed). Company sergeant major Stevenson was among the wounded. This suggests the battalion suffered 88-89 casualties during the attack. The Commonwealth War Cemetery records suggest that the final toll was 31 dead. This brought its losses since being deployed at the end of December to almost 200.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045064
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Massicault
“AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING I WILL REMEMBER YOU”
Fusilier Higgins was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Henry and Harriet Higgins; husband of Elizabeth Higgins, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985816
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Massicault
Fusilier Sipson was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7047659
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Massicault
Fusilier Holbeche was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6984667
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Massicault
“WE HAVE LOVED HIM IN LIFE WE WON’T FORGET HIM IN DEATH MAY HE REST IN PEACE”
Son of Michael and Agnes Quinn, of Dublin.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6210786
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Massicault
“AS TIME ROLLS ON WE MISS YOU, DEAR SON, MORE AND MORE. MUM AND DAD”
Son of James Pusey, and of Mary Ann Pusey, of Harlesden, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3137691
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Ellis was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981574
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“FOR EVERYONE HE DID HIS BEST GRANT HIM, O LORD ETERNAL REST”
Fusilier Birds was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of John and Sarah Birds of Youlgreave, Derbyshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985793
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS”
Fusilier Marlow was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044999
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS”
L/Sgt Boyle was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Michael Boyle, and of Susan M. Boyle, of Golders Green, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044543
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“FOR EVER IN MY THOUGHTS, DAD”
Fusilier Alcock was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Edward and Florence Alcock, of Basford, Stoke-on-Trent.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984481
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“FAREWELL, IN HOPE AND LOVE IN FAITH & PEACE & PRAYER TILL HE, WHOSE HOME IS OURS ABOVE, UNITE US THERE”
Fusilier Murphy was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Kenrick Bourne Murphy and Florence Gertrude Murphy, of Chiswick, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044630
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Ponton was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981985
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“WITH HIS HEAD HELD HIGH SLOWLY HE WENT TO HIS GOD IN THE SKY. DUTY NOBLY DONE”
Corporal Pidcock was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Wilfred Thompson Pidcock and Mercy Pidcock, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981851
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“WE SHALL MEET AGAIN TO BE PARTED NO MORE THEN UNDIVIDED BY A FOREIGN SHORE”
Fusilier Handley was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Husband of Fanny Handley, of Old Basford, Nottingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044486
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“AS WE LOVED, SO WE MISS YOU IN OUR HEARTS YOU’RE ALWAYS NEAR. MOM, DAD, WIN.”
Fusilier Skinner was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Alexander John and Clara Skinner, of Birmingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044987
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Ager was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Thomas and Susan Ager; husband of Jessie Helen Ager, of Newbury Park, Essex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3137720
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Battersby was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6979999
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal Brownlee was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4459986
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Sgt English was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Charles and Catherine English; husband of Veronica Ruth English, of Harpurhey, Manchester.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984636
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Sgt Hadden was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. David Hadden, of Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982565
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal McAteer was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of John and Hessie McAteer, of Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045115
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal Osborn was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of John and M. Osborn; husband of Gertrude Osborn.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981946
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Dumelow was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of William and Frances Martha Dumelow, of Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6148430
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Fray was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Henry and Hannah Fray; husband of Anna Christina Fray, of Spangle Hill, Cork.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 5734148
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier King was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Frank Edward and Beatrice Alice King, of Erdington, Birmingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982452
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Martin was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7046348
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Siviter was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Edward and Esther Siviter; husband of Susan Siviter, of Blackheath, Birmingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4986539
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Twells was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Joseph and Mary Ann Twells, of Boothorpe, Leicestershire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4398652
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Tyler was killed in the first attack on Two Tree Hill.
Son of Frederick Henry and Bertha Tyler, of Balby, Doncaster, Yorkshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3860470
Date: 13.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Massicault
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service Number: 7045151
Date: 14.01.1943 Aged: 28 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary
“HE LIVES FOR EVER IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO LOVED HIM”
Son of Samuel Douglas Smith and Hilda May Smith; husband of Mary Isabel Smith, of Harrow Weald, Middlesex.
Rank: Lance Serjeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service Number: 4459982
Date: 14.01.1943 Aged: 26 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary
“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART; FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD”
Son of Elizabeth E. Wood, of Sale, Cheshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985698
Date: 15.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982392
Date: 15.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Rose Hannah Woodley, of Wandsworth, London.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 14201669
Date: 17.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“WE LOVED HIM, HIS MEMORY SHALL NOT DIE, HOPE BIDS US CHEER WE’LL MEET HIM BYE AND BYE”
Son of John and Minnie Pinchin, of Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3608303
Date: 17.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Mr. and Mrs. M. O. Taylor, of Great Clifton, Cumberland.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981044
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Massicault
“TO THE EVERLASTING MEMORY OF A DEAR SON. ‘ABIDE WITH ME’ MOTHER AND FATHER”
L/Sgt Voss was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Charles and Nelly Voss, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire; husband of Norah Voss, of Cleethorpes.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 13086982
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Massicault
Fusilier Sullivan was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Herbert and Emily Sullivan, of Moss Side, Manchester.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981833
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Massicault
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DARLING HUSBAND. ASLEEP WITH ENGLAND’S HEROES”
Fusilier Chambers was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Stephen and Amy Chambers; husband of Sarah Ellen Chambers, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045071
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Massicault
“AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER HIM”
Corporal Jeffrey was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Percy John and Agnes Margaret Marian Jeffery, of Sittingbourne, Kent; husband of Kathleen Jeffery, of Sittingbourne.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046820
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Massicault
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS”
Son of Thomas and Mary Patterson, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982526
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Massicault
“MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU IS NOT THE SAME. O BEAUTIFUL STAR SHINE O’ER HIS GRAVE”
Son of Frederick and Bertha Welbourn; husband of Margaret Mary Welbourn, of Earls Barton, Northamptonshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981404
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“ONLY A BRITISH SOLDIER BUT A MOTHER’S SON BURIED ON A FIELD OF BATTLE HIS DUTY NOBLY DONE”
Fusilier Kitchen was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Kitchen, of Keal Cotes, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4459898
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS”
Sergeant Lloyd was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Hugh Davies Lloyd and of Sarah Ann Lloyd (nee Jones), of Abersoch, Caernarvonshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981088
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“DUTY NOBLY DONE”
Son of Thomas Henry and Rose Emma Slater; husband of Lucy Margaret Slater, of Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6979698
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“UNTIL WE MEET AT JESUS’ FEET REST IN PEACE. EILEEN”
Son of Patrick and Elizabeth Shortt, of Kiltyclogher, Co. Leitrim; husband of Eileen Shortt, of Kiltyclogher.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046765
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“HE TOILED WITH JOY FOR THOSE HE LOVED THEN LEFT US TO REMEMBER R.I.P.”
Son of William Henry and Laura Elizabeth Webb, of Walsall, Staffordshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6405646
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“OUR LADY OF WATERFORD INTERCEDE FOR HIM”
Son of Daniel and Katherine McCarthy, of Paddington, London.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982319
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“ALWAYS REMEMBERED, THOUGH FAR FROM HOME’ UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.”
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044664
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“NOBLY HE LIVED, NOBLY HE DIED GONE FOR EVER FROM OUR SIDE. FRANCES AND JOSIE”
Described as a promising NCO by his company commander John Coldwell-Horsfall, Fusilier Wood was killed during defensive fighting around Grandstand Hill.
Son of Josiah and Prudence Wood, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Emily Frances Wood, of Hanley.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985942
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“FATHER, IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING LEAVE WE NOW OUR DEAR ONE SLEEPING”
Described as a promising NCO by his company commander John Coldwell-Horsfall, L/Cpl White was killed during defensive fighting around Grandstand Hill.
Son of William and Mabel White, of Newark, Nottinghamshire; husband of Margaret Brown White, of Newark.
Rank: Major Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 53706
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. R.I.P.”
Major Murphy was commander of the Faughs’ A Company during a counterattack on Grandstand in the Bou Arada area on the afternoon of 18 January 1943 and was leading a charge against German positions when he was killed. Peter Murphy was born in 1912, was one of nine children the son of Major Frank and Marguerite Murphy who lived at Dunsland Court in Jacobstowe. Major Frank Murphy moved with his family to Jacobstowe in Devon in 1921. He was educated at Beaumont College and Sandhurst, before being commissioned into the East Yorks Regiment and then sent to India where he served on the North West Frontier and was also caught up in the 1936 Quetta Earthquake. Later, he also served in Palestine. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was a captain in the Royal Irish Fusiliers. While on a training assignment in Catterick he met Kathleen Margaret Sharpe and in early 1940 they were married. On 2nd October 1939, Murphy left for France in command of A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, to join the BEF. The battalion acted as rearguard to the bulk of the BEF in their retreat towards the River Escaut. During this withdrawal Peter Murphy was severely wounded having been hit through the lung. Nevertheless, he kept command and marched with his company for several days, before he collapsed and was evacuated back to England via Dunkirk in a critical condition. While in hospital, he received a visit from the Queen. For this rearguard action Murphy was awarded the Military Cross. He recovered from his wounds and was posted to Northern Ireland, where his son, Patrick was born. Murphy left a wife who he married in 1939 and a son Patrick with another, Peter, soon to be born.
Son of F. D. A. and Margurite Murphy; husband of Kathleen Margaret Murphy, of Parkstone, Dorsetshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045383
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3774708
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“SILVER STARS SHINE ON A GRAVE BUT COULD NOT SAVE. R.I.P.”
Son of Joseph Charles and Mary Ann Crawford, of Liverpool; husband of Margaret Crawford, of Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985767
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Casswell was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Mrs. H. Casswell, of Heckington, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3771594
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Dangerfield was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045607
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Hodson was killed in the German attack on Grandstand.
Son of Edward Arthur and Mabel Hodson, of Boston, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046918
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 34 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
“YOUR CAREFREE WAYS WILL BE MISSED BY YOUR LOVING WIFE LILIAN AND SON BRIAN”
Son of William and Kate Haywood, of Birmingham; husband of Lilian Beatrice Haywood, of Witton, Birmingham.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 235694
Date: 18.01.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Massicault
“TEDDY, LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ALL IN LIFE WE SHALL NOT FORGET YOU. SYB. AND THE BOYS”
Captain Spencer was killed by a mortar shell at 0845 during an attack on Irish Brigade positions around Grandstand hill by the 1st and 3rd battalions of the Hermann Goering Regiment and IInd Marsh battalion. The war diaries record the Inniskillings suffered nine dead (including Spencer) and 31 wounded.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles William Spencer; husband of Sybil F. Spencer, of Kingsbury, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3777369
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Massicault
“R.I.P.”
Fusilier Casey was one of five Skins killed during the second day of German attack on Grandstand (four others listed below).
Son of Timothy and Mary Casey, of Birkenhead.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 5124206
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Charles and Mary Whalley, of Penny Lane, Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3780995
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Edward and Anne Parry, of Leigh, Lancashire; husband of May Parry, of Leigh.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019085
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Connery was killed by mortar fire as the London Irish marched from Bou Arada to an area around Stuka Farm in preparation for the attack on Hills 279 and 286 early next morning.
Son of Samuel and Sarah Connery, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985831
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6979743
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Mrs. Mary Nicholl, of Bushmills, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985761
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rank: L/Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983411
Date: 19.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Frederick and Amy Harrison, of Rainsworth, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015279
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Massicault
Corporal Hall was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Edmond and Mary Hall, of Killenaull, Co. Tipperary,
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984125
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of George and Helen Elizabeth Livingstone, of Londonderry.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 217804
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt Pottinger of F Company was killed during fighting for Hill 286 in the Bou Arada area on the morning of 20 January (see London Irish War Diary for details).
Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Pottinger, of Reading, Berkshire; husband of Ellice Vivien Pottinger, of Reading.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016695
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Sinodorou was killed on Hill 286.
Son of George and Kalliopi Sinodorou; husband of Jeanette Sinodorou, of Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015737
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance Corporal Stanley Meager was fatally wounded by mortar fire as the London Irish marched from Bou Arada to an area around Stuka Farm on 19 January in preparation for the attack on Hills 279 and 286 early next morning.
Son of Henry Joseph and Harriett Daisy Meager, of Tottenham, Middlesex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6472465
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Baxter was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Arnold and Rossina Baxter; husband of Daisy Amelia Baxter, of Rainham, Essex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019499
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Wallace was killed on Hill 286.
Foster-son of Margaret Anderson, of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim,
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6472132
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Viney was killed on Hill 286.
Son of John Walter and Emma Jane Viney, of Canning Town, London.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3675683
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 37 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Sergeant Rock was killed during fighting for Hill 286 in the Bou Arada area.
Son of George Alfred and Elizabeth Martha Rock, of Bray, Co. Wicklow. His brother Robert H. also fell.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022330
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Norland was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Charles and Frances Norland, of North Kensington, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7020056
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Smyth was killed on Hill 286.
Son of William John and Mary Smyth, of Newtownards, Co. Down.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022323
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Murphy was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Michael and Bridget Murphy, of Kiskeam North, Co. Cork.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016181
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
A boxing champion, Sergeant Griffin was killed during fighting for Hill 286 in the Bou Arada area.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 5954799
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Deards was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Herbert and Edith Mary Deards, of Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015973
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Connolly was killed on Hill 286.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 219911
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt McGranahan of F Company was killed leading his platoon during the attack on Hill 286 on the morning of 20 January (see London Irish War Diary for details of the battle).
Son of Dr. John Benson McGranahan and Louisa Odlin McGranahan, of Carlton, Yorkshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015859
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Duncombe was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Mrs. E. Duncombe, of Leyton, Essex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7011302
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman McDowell was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Robert G. and Agnes McDowell, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045190
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Clara Bakewell, of Kates Hill, Dudley, Worcestershire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 4867691
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William Henry and Sarah Paddock, of Wednesbury, Staffordshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015092
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal Robinson was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Henry Charles and Hetty Robinson, of Fulham, London.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 1012459
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Sergeant Atkinson was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Fred and Francis Mary Atkinson.
Rank: Captain Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 156813
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Captain Carrigan, second in command of E Company, was killed instantly by a mortar bomb on Hill 279 during an Orders (‘O’) Group.
Son of Francis Vincent Carrigan, and of Mary Teresa Carrigan, of Harrow, Middlesex.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 5824219
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Sgt Crouchman was killed on Hill 286.
Son of William and Katherine Crouchman, of St. Pauls Cray, Kent.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7010955
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Sgt Whelan was killed on Hill 286.
Husband of Elizabeth Whelan, of Dublin.
Read more about Joseph Whelan.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6460602
Date 20.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Cooling was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Ernest George and Violet Cooling, of Shepperton, Middlesex.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015983
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Cpl Cram was killed on Hill 286.
Son of David and Alice Cram, of Hebburn, Co. Durham.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014550
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Fourt was killed on Hill 286.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6466849
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Hamilton was killed on Hill 286.
Son of John Finlay Hamilton and Robina Hamilton, of Clifton, Warwickshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6466851
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Harris was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Thomas William and Nellie Harris, of Hammersmith. London.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019600
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Cpl Loughbridge was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Elizabeth McIlwaine, of Parkmore, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019059
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman McCracken was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. S. McCracken.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019573
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Mills was killed on Hill 286.
Son of George and Mary Mills, of Larne, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022374
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Trivett was killed on Hill 286.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6470584
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Waller was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Mrs. A Waller; husband of Ethel Mary Waller, of Neath, Glamorgan.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6089737
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Williams was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Montague and Florence Williams, of Epsom, Surrey; husband of Ellen Elizabeth Williams, of Epsom.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6471812
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Thibar Seminary, Tunisia
Rifleman Gant was fatally wounded by mortar fire as the London Irish marched from Bou Arada to an area around Stuka Farm on 19 January in preparation for the attack on Hills 279 and 286 early next morning.
Son of William and Laura Gant, of Norwich.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 152217
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Frank Percy and Lena Hooper; husband of Edith Annas Eliza Hooper, of Loughton, Essex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6980809
Date: 20.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022307
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Massicault
Rifleman McInerney was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Michael and Susan McInerney; husband of Phyllis Joan McInerney, of Bayswater, London.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047643
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Massicault
Son of Albert and Frances Sarah Turner, of Weoley Castle, Birmingham.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6471992
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Rickard was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Ernest Alfred Rickard and of Mabel Rickard (nee Colley).
Rank: Captain Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 89200
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Captain Ekin of F Company was killed on Hill 286 in the morning of 20 January (see London Irish War Diary for details). He was the son of James and Josephine Alice Montrose Ekin. James Ekin worked for many years in the Belfast Bank in Cookstown and Dungannon before emigrating to Australia. The family returned to the UK in 1910 and lived in London. Sydney’s elder brothers Leslie (22) and James (19), both 2nd Lieutenants in the York and Lancaster Regiment, were killed on 1 July 1916 on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Sydney Ekin, who had a degree in law from Cambridge University, was married to Beatrice Ekin, of Knebworth, Hertfordshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3783498
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of, both burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Mangan was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Alexander and Catherine Mangan, of Edge Lane, Liverpool.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6475014
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Wyman was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Gertrude Wyman, of Upper Holloway, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014748
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Crofts was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Clement James Crofts and Annie Crofts, of Fulham, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019585
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman King was killed on Hill 286.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 233305
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt McKenna of G Company was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Thomas and Ethel McKenna, of Warwick.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 193855
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt Beechey of G Company was killed on Hill 286.
Son of the Revd. J. W. Beechey and of Emily Georgina Beechey (nee Clements); husband of Lucy Eleanor Beechey (nee Fairbrass), of Hove, Sussex.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7018526
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Booker was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Douglas Alexander Booker and Ada Booker; husband of Hannah Booker.
Rank: Captain Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 137933
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 34 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Captain Henderson was Second-in-Command of “H” Company when he was killed during fighting on Hill 286.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016157
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Dunham was killed on Hill 286.
Son of Henry and Isabella Dunham; husband of Ivy Esther Dunham, of Bow, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015019
Date: 21.01.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Figg was killed on Hill 286.
Son of William and Phyllis Grace Figg, of Croydon, Surrey; husband of Gladys Vera Figg, of Collier Row, Romford, Essex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6978889
Date: 22.01.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William J. and Winifred B. Craddock, of Crumlin, Co. Dublin.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016161
Date: 24.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045147
Date: 25.01.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal Sills was killed in a shelling attack at 335am. Two Royal Engineers were also killed in the attack.
Son of Edward Sills and of Evelyna Sills (nee Glover); husband of Daisy Vera Sills, of Walthamstow, Essex.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7040786
Date: 25.01.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William George and Ada Gertrude Slocombe; husband of Mary Bursey Slocombe, of Feltham, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6210233
Date: 26.01.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Massicault
Son of John Trotter, and of Ellen Trotter, of Dinnington Colliery, Northumberland.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4998510
Date: 28.01.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984041
Date: 29.01.1943 Age: 34 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Walter and Jane Swan, of Spondon, Derbyshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7017670
Date: 29.01.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 5507388
Date: 31.01.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of James and Alice O’Halloran, of Camberley, Surrey.
February 1943
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6976921
Date: 03.02.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Bone
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043461
Date: 09.02.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Massicault
Son of William and Jean Ross; husband of Elizebeth N. Ross, of Belfast.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6975296
Date: 09.02.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Massicault
Husband of Matilda McCartney, of Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3247959
Date: 09.02.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of James and Bridget McIntyre, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire; husband of Theresa McIntyre (nee Morris), of Coatbridge.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3774271
Date: 09.02.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of James Flanagan, and of Ellen Flanagan, of St. Helens, Lancashire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6461655
Date: 11.02.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Dely Ibrahim, Algeria
Son of Arthur and Kate Barrett; husband of Cecilia Barrett, of Holborn, London.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7010552
Date: 11.02.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3775823
Date: 11.02.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of James and Elizabeth Mansfield.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers attached from RUR Service number: 162687
Date: 18.02.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Commisioned into the Royal Ulster Rifles in January 1942,Captain Black joined the Faughs just before it left for Algeria in November 1942. He was initially second in command of A Company. It was decided to select 10-15 of the best night patrollers from each rifle company to be used exclusively for night patrolling. Black was made commander of the unit which was named Nighthawks. He was killed in its first operation on the night of 18/19 January.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046611
Date: 20.02.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Evan Arthur and Elizabeth Davies, of Rhydlewis, Cardiganshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985686
Date: 20.02.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of James and Florence Ethel Parker, of Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 166008
Date: 21.02.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lieutenant Page led a 20-person night patrol in the area of the Mahmoud Gap in the winter of 1942. After resting in a wadi, the patrol was ambushed. The patrol fought off the German attackers, but a new attack came after day-break. Page divided his men into two groups and ordered them to withdraw to the battalion lines, but Page’s own group was spotted by German armoured cars and attacked. Only one of them escaped. Three days later, however, French Spahis (local troops) brought Page in. He had been wounded but hidden by a French farmer. Page was recommended for a Military Cross for his leadership and valour in a battle in which it is estimated about two dozen enemy soldiers were killed or wounded. Page died later of his wounds.
Son of Charles Edward and Hilda May Page, of Tottenham, Middlesex.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7042903
Date: 21.02.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022276
Date: 22.02.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Albert Fitzgibbon was a member of cookhouse team which was preparing breakfast for 8 Platoon of E Company on Mosque Hill west of Stuka Ridge between 8 and 9am on 22 February 1943. He was working with Rifleman Maher. The area was hit by heavy shelling. Fitzgibbon and Maher took cover in a slit trench. As soon as the shelling stopped, they returned to their cooking duties. The cookhouse then took a direct hit. Fitzgibbon died from his wounds and Maher was evacuated with a bad head wound. E Company Colour Sergeant Edmund O’Sullivan said Fitzgibbon was a very popular member of E Company. He was a bricklayer by trade and a harmonica player which he took with him into the army.
Son of William Fitzgibbon and of Annie Fitzgibbon (nee Garland), of West Drayton, Middlesex; husband of Caroline Annie Fitzgibbon, of West Drayton.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3773041
Date: 22.02.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Joseph Hall Murphy and Jane Murphy, of Waterloo, Liverpool.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6979641
Date: 24.02.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Albert and Charlotte Reid, of Waterside, Londonderry; husband of Elizabeth J. Reid, of Fintona, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984981
Date: 25.02.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Patrick Joseph and Julia Jane Maguire, of Hollybrook, Co. Fermanagh.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6976088
Date: 25.02.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Robert and Mary Anne Crocker, of Belfast; husband of Elizabeth Crocker, of Belfast.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046911
Date: 25.02.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045180
Date: 25.02.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John William and Nellie Ann Blundell, of Oldbury, Worcestershire; husband of Dacia Blundell, of Warley, Oldbury.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022717
Date: 25.02.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Cassino Memorial
Son of Abraham and Lottie Needlestein. Both his parents are buried in Rainham Cemetery in Kent.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles (Royal Ulster Rifles) Service number: 6471376
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Massicault
Corporal Kawalsky was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Husband of Frances Kawalsky, of Stoke Newington, London.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 174285
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Captain Boyle was killed around 430pm in the Skins’ counterattack on Stuka Ridge during fighting on the afternoon of 26 February.
Son of Alexander Frederick and Eileen Mary Boyle, of Portnoo, Co. Donegal.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014282
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Ruddock was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Samuel and Esther Ruddock, of Belfast.
Rank: Company Quarter Master Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014506
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Colour Sergeant Brooks was killed at Stuka Farm during the German attack.
Son of Stanley and Ella Brooks; husband of Madge Winifred Brooks, of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7018891
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Scott was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of David L. and Annie Scott, of Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6470891
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Brooks was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Ernest and Daisy Brooks; husband of Marjorie Rose Brooks, of Desborough, Northamptonshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3784030
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Roberts was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of George and Mary Ellen Roberts, of Liverpool.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019478
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 16 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Hamilton was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of John and Mary Hamilton, of Shantallow, Londonderry.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 14211405
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal Dunsmuir was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dunsmuir; husband of Catherine Dunsmuir, of Leven, Fife.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022714
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Mills was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Charles Herbert and Florence Emily Mills, of Walthamstow, Essex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7048087
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Turner was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of James and Florence M. Turner, of Baddeley Green, Staffordshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 778549
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Tryers was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Edward and Kathleen Tryers, of Liverpool.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016046
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal Metcalfe was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Husband of Doris Irene Metcalfe, of South Harrow, Middlesex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6020287
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Watts was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Husband of Elsie May Watts, of Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022250
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Carey was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada–Goubellat road.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022242
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Booth was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arad–Goubellat road.
Son of Francis Milbanke Booth and Ethel May Booth, of Dagenham, Essex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015958
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Flaherty was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada–Goubellat road.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 14202595
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Henderson was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada–Goubellat road.
Son of William J. and Jane Henderson, of Clifton, York.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7017549
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal McGrath was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada–Goubellat road.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7016727
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Crush was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada–Goubellat road.
Son of Thomas and Emily Esther Crush, of Hanwell, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043299
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
He had lied about his age in February 1939 together with his friend Fusilier Andrew Gardiner who was killed fighting with the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles in the Simeto battle in August 1943.
Son of John and Mary McCabe, of Dublin,
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985895
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Thomas and Minnie Graves, of Leicester; husband of Florence Rose Graves, of Leicester.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6979136
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance-Corporal Reid from B Company was killed in the counterattack along Stuka Ridge at around 430pm on 26 February.
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth Reid, of Rasharkin, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014641
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal Church was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of Benjamin Hubert and Amy Church.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 4206358
Date: 26.02.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Smith was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7018840
Date: 27.02.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Taylor was killed in the German attack in the Djebel Rihane area west of the Bou Arada – Goubellat road.
Son of John and Ruby Taylor, of Belfast.
March 1943
Rank: Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7011718
Date: 01.03.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Thomas and Ellen Gardiner, of Larne, Co. Antrim; husband of Barbara Gardiner.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 174288
Date: 02.03.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Captain Daly was killed in a Skins attack on Stop Farm north of Grandstand to the east of the Medjez el-Bab to Goubellat road at 8pm 0n 2 March. The farm was occupied by the Germans and was believed to be the site of munitions including teller mines and used as a forward observation post for checking Grandstand Hill about two miles to the south. Daly led a fighting patrol drawn from the Skin’s career platoon. The attack on the farm started at 8pm. At least four German machine guns opened fire. Daly was hit but continued to direct the patrol until he realised the Germans were too strong and ordered a withdrawal. Attempts were made to move Daly, but he was too badly wounded. Daly died of his wounds at the farm. His body was retrieved by a Skins patrol on 9 March.
Son of Christopher and Alicia Daly; husband of Olive Margaret Daly, of Newtownbreda, Belfast.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4274785
Date: 02.03.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance Corporal Black was killed in the Skins attack on Stop Farm north of Grandstand to the east of the Medjez el-Bab to Goubellat road on the evening of 2 March.
Son of Robert Black, and of Adelaide E. M. Black, of Hebburn, Co. Durham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981289
Date: 02.03.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Towle was killed in the Skins attack on Stop Farm north of Grandstand to the east of the Medjez el-Bab to Goubellat road on the evening of 2 March.
Son of Thomas Walter and Sarah Ann Towle, of Spilsby, Lincolnshire; husband of Agnes Towle, of Spilsby.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4457039
Date: 03.03.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Hugh and Christiana Smart, of Kelloe, Co. Durham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982028
Date: 04.03.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Le Petit Lac, Algeria
Son of Robert and Mary Dougan, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6976611
Date: 05.03.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Husband of Louisa Thompson, of Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 2188386
Date: 07.03.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Daniels was killed while part of a 10-man fighting patrol led by Sergeant O’Driscoll which was sent out from the Skins’ base on and around Grandstand Hill to Carrier Farm, which lay west of the Goubellat-Bou Arada road. As Sergeant O’Donnell of the patrol approached the farm at around 9pm, he saw a sentry and opened fire with a machine gun. Several German machine guns replied, including from the west of the road. German soldiers advanced towards the patrol and it withdrew. Daniels was found to be missing and was later found to have died in the skirmish.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached from the Royal Ulster Rifles Service number: 2010007
Date: 07.03.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lieutenant Baggs joined the Faughs from the Royal Ulster Rifles on 7 February 1943. He died of wounds in an accident, which occurred during his return from patrol when the Faughs were based around Beja during a rest period. He was pulling an NCO up the 12 foot wall of a gully by his Tommy Gun, when it discharged, wounding him in the left shoulder and in the abdomen.
Son of Percy James Baggs and Beatrice Baggs, of Chaldon Herring, Dorsetshire.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043184
Date: 07.03.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Patrick and Kate Cahill, of Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers attached from Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, Canada Service number: D/61768
Date: 11.03.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Sergeant Lortie was killed during a B Company fighting patrol mission of 20 other ranks and one officer back to Stop Farm to blow up a Teller Mine dump. When about 200 yards from the farm, they were challenged in English and did not fire straightaway. The patrol commander decided that the people before him were a German patrol, so he opened fire. One of the enemy came in and threw a grenade. In the darkness, the commander could not get everyone together, and after firing most of his ammunition, decided to withdraw. Two men were wounded. All struggled to the battalion area, with the exception of Lortie, a French-Canadian NCO attached to the unit. His body was found near the scene of the action on the following night. One other patrol member was missing and believed to have been taken prisoner.
Son of Angelina Lortie, of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3130829
Date: 15.03.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022820
Date: 15.03.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Charles George and Elizebeth Dobson; husband of Norah Margaret Dobson, of Kingsbury, Middlesex.
April 1943.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers attached from Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Service number: 156654
Date: 03.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Captain Beeching, a Downing College Cambridge University graduate who was educated at Maidstone Grammar School, led a fighting patrol sent to test German defence positions on Djebel Mahdi on the night of 4 April 1943. He was killed with one other member of the patrol (below) when a booby-trap Teller anti-tank mine exploded.
Son of Hubert Josiah and Anne Beeching; husband of Betty Vera Beeching, of Solihull. Warwickshire. M.A. (Cantab). Beeching was the younger brother of Baron Beeching, who was chairman of British Rail in 1961-45.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3654324
Date: 04.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
War diaries suggest that Lance Corporal Rose was killed on the night of 4 April during a fighting patrol comprising 16 other ranks and led by Lieutenant Beeching that was sent to test German positions on Djebel Mahdi ahead of the planned Skins’ assault on the mountain.
Son of Emmanuel and Esther Rose, of Norris Green, Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3774392
Date: 04.04.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Maurice and Florence Quirk; husband of Marjorie Quirk, of Whiston, Lancashire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044883
Date: 06.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brookes; husband of Rose Anna Brookes, of Ironbridge, Shropshire.
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached from Royal Ulster Rifles Service number: 36245
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 37 Place of burial: Beja
Lieutenant Colonel ‘Heaver’ Allen, the CO of the 6th Inniskillings, was killed during the initial assault on Djebel el Mahdi. The battalion attack started in darkness at 4am following an artillery barrage. It reached its objective around 5am. A German machine gun was spotted on the reverse slope that was causing problems for C company. Allen directed a bren gunner who was unable to follow his instructions. He called the gunner to him but before he arrived, Allen looked up and was shot through the head. Allen had been promoted to command the Skins in December 1942 following the wounding of its original commanding officer Terence Macartney-Filgate who was seriously wounded in a strafing attack near Bou Arada. The death of Allen, the Skins’ first fatality on 7 April, was followed by increased enemy mortar fire and casualties. Major John McCann took over command. Allen was the first of 18 fatalities that the Skins suffered on 7 April (others are listed below). They were withdrawn and put under the command of TN Grazebrook.
Son of Maj. Henry George Allen, O.B.E., R.A.V.C., and Rosamunde Elizabeth Allen; husband of Katharine Elizabeth Mary Allen, of Barnby Dun, Yorkshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7606610
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Beja
Fusilier McCarthy was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of William and Mary Anne McCarthy, of Liverpool; husband of Ethel McCarthy, of Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022562
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Beja
Fusilier Heath was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Heath, of Leytonstone, Essex.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3775355
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Sgt Jones was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Wilfred James Jones and Alice Jones, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983418
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Hunt was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Alfred and Florence Hunt, of Radford, Nottingham. His brother William also died on service.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044508
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Wootton was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983317
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal Tinman was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Robert and Fanny Tinman, of Portadown, Co. Armagh.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4752524
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Gidney was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of William and Agnes Gidney, of Parkgate, Rotherham, Yorkshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3783400
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Clough was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022866
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Milton was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of John Henry and Mary Ann Milton; husband of Jennie Milton, of Richmond, Surrey.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985807
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Rice was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Bert and Olive Rice, of Raunds, Northamptonshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6980804
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Kerr was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Robert and Jeannie Kerr, of Castlederg, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044362
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Sgt Fraser was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Leslie and Florence Fraser, of Manchester; husband of Sally Fraser, of Manchester.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047680
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Gibson was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of William John and Sarah Jane Gibson, of Chapel End, Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044307
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Platoon Sergeant Ford of A Company was killed in the first attack on Jebel el-Mahdi on 7 April. He was replaced by Sergeant Walls.
Son of William and Laura Ford, of Saxilby, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984825
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of John William and Sarah Caroline Davis, of Leicester.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982166
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Gower was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Harry and Emma Gower.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7044343
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Trimble was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of John and Susan Trimble; husband of M. Trimble, of Antrim.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985242
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Fusilier Coffey was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Mary Coffey, of Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3137727
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Fusilier Evans was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Joseph and Alice Evans, of Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3527077
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Sgt Owen was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Owen, of Wigan, Lancashire; husband of Catherine Owen, of Wigan.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984687
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Fusilier Robinson was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Joseph Robinson, and of Elizabeth Robinson, of Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6986045
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Fusilier Pickford was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Francis Edwin and Ruby Pickford, of Higham Ferrars, Northamptonshire; husband of Lilian Laura Pickford, of Higham Ferrars.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043743
Date: 07.04.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Corporal Megarity was killed in the assault on Djebel el Mahdi.
Son of Samuel and Sarah Megarity, of Armagh.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982298
Date: 08.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Harry and Martha Ward, of Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire; husband of Beatrice Ward, of Wirkeworth, Derbyshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045240
Date: 08.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Walter and Margaret Ann Lake; stepson of John Dowson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044660
Date: 08.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
A member of 17 Platoon in the Faughs’ D Company, Fusilier Winston was badly wounded in the leg in the early part of the attack on Jebel Mahdi and died later on the same day.
Son of William and Hannah Mary Winston, of Aston, Birmingham.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982295
Date: 09.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Beja
Lance Sergeant Walls was killed when he stepped on a mine during the second Skins’ attack on Jebel Mahdi which started with a barrage at 1pm and ended at 6pm when the battalion was again withdrawn after failing to reach all objectives. The Skins suffered two fatalities and 12 wounded on the day. Some happened when three of the companies entered a minefield.
Son of Albert and Elizebeth Ann Walls; husband of Isabella Gladys Walls, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7849189
Date: 09.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance Corporal Nicholls was killed during the second Skins’ attack on Jebel Mahdi which started with a barrage at 1pm and ended at 6pm when the battalion was again withdrawn after failing to reach all objectives. The Skins suffered two fatalities and 12 wounded on the day. Some happened when three of the companies entered a minefield.
Son of James Albert and Eliza Jane Nicholls, of Knowle, Bristol.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Corps of Signals (with Brigade HQ) Service number: 140936
Date: 09.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Vincent and Eleanor Dale Strange.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047619
Date: 10.04.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of George Samuel and Agnes Nash, of Smethwick, Staffordshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 14206941
Date: 11.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Beja
The Skins’ battalion area was bombed on 11 April. One member of the battalion was killed (probably Fusilier Westerman) and two wounded.
Son of Arthur and Annie Westerman, of Leeds, Yorkshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3774575
Date: 12.04.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Thomas and Caroline Corless, of Rock Ferry, Birkenhead.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3608183
Date: 14.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Beja
Son of Thomas Henry and Gladys Tickell, of Raffles, Carlisle.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022164
Date: 15.04.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Henry and Florence Wise; husband of Beatrice Nellie Wise, of Dartford, Kent.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 172413
Date: 15.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt Slattery was killed instantly by enemy together with three other Faughs by defensive fire on Kef el Tior on the night of 15 April. The Faughs were heard to scream “Faugh a Ballagh” in their assault. Slattery had been wounded during the Faughs’ counterattack during fighting to the east of Grandstand Hill on 18 January 1943. Slattery went to Stoneyhurst School and then spent several years goldmining in South Africa. He returned to the UK at the start of the war and enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. Slattery was commissioned in February 1941 and joined the Faughs in July that year. He was wounded in January 1943 and returned to the battalion on 12 April. Slattery was in A Company of the Faughs during his entire period of service.
Son of Jerome Paul Slattery, and of Adela Mary Slattery, of Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
262 David Nicholas Jefferies MC
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 117829
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Beja
Captain Jefferies joined D Company of the Faughs and served as second-in-command of the company under Major John Coldwell-Horsfall. He emerged as one of the bravest officers in the battalion who specialised in night reconnaissance patrols. His exploits included leading a patrol on 29 December into enemy territory. Jefferies spotted and then joined a German patrol, taking one of them prisoner. For these and other actions, Jefferies was awarded the MC and was appointed commander of A Company. He was badly wounded by shell fire in the Faughs’ attack on Kef El Tior mountain on the night of 15 April. It took many hours to carry him off the mountain and he died of his wounds at the casualty clearing station in Beja where he is buried. Jefferies, who spoke German, famously captured the lagging member of a German patrol during a one-man operation in the Goubellat area of Tunisia on the night of 29 December. For his actions, Jefferies was awarded the first MC to a member of the Irish Brigade. He went to Marlborough School and joined the Faughs from officer training in February 1940.
Son of the Revd. Canon Arthur Charles Jefferies, M.A., and of Frances Doris Jefferies, of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Read about Nicholas Jefferies.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6982514
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins participated in the Irish Brigade attack on high ground north of the road to Medjez el-Bab which began in bright moonlight at 1 minute after midnight on 16 April. The battalion’s lead companies immediately suffer 12 casualties including Captain McCaldin and Lieutenant Lambert Porter as a result of British shells falling short of the target. The Skin’s objective was Jebel Tanngoucha but the battalion had not taken the objectives 430am and it was decided their position was untenable during daylight hours. It was withdrawn. The Skins’ war diaries say it suffered four fatalities among other ranks and a total of 36 wounded officers and other ranks. Fusilier Mandy, Sergeant Fenton and Fusiliers Picker and Curzon were killed in the attack.
Son of John Alfred and Matilda Mandy, of East Ham, Essex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981423
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins participated in the Irish Brigade attack on high ground north of the road to Medjez el-Bab which began in bright moonlight at 1 minute after midnight on 16 April. The battalion’s lead companies immediately suffer 12 casualties including Captain McCaldin and Lieutenant Lambert Porter as a result of British shells falling short of the target. The Skin’s objective was Jebel Tanngoucha but the battalion had not taken the objectives 430am and it was decided their position was untenable during daylight hours. It was withdrawn. The Skins’ war diaries say it suffered four fatalities among other ranks and a total of 36 wounded officers and other ranks. Fusilier Picker, Sergeant Fenton and Fusiliers Mandy and Curzon were killed in the attack.
Son of Thomas and Jessie Picker, of Ruskington, Lincolnshire.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981949
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins participated in the Irish Brigade attack on high ground north of the road to Medjez el-Bab which began in bright moonlight at 1 minute after midnight on 16 April. The battalion’s lead companies immediately suffer 12 casualties including Captain McCaldin and Lieutenant Lambert Porter as a result of British shells falling short of the target. The Skin’s objective was Jebel Tanngoucha but the battalion had not taken the objectives 430am and it was decided their position was untenable during daylight hours. It was withdrawn. The Skins’ war diaries say it suffered four fatalities among other ranks and a total of 36 wounded officers and other ranks. Sergeant Fenton and Fusiliers Mandy, Picker and Curzon were killed in the attack.
Son of Arthur and Emma Haynes Fenton; husband of Winifred Annie Fenton, of Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7017516
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William and Mary Carrig, of Kildysart, Co. Clare.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 4205977
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Maurice and Ann Reuben, of Moss Side, Manchester.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045176
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Husband of Grace May Addey, of Hull.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045795
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Charles Edward and Lilian Flowers; husband of Emma Bloom Flowers, of Smethwick, Staffordshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983374
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
The Skins participated in the Irish Brigade attack on high ground north of the road to Medjez el-Bab which began in bright moonlight at 1 minute after midnight on 16 April. The battalion’s lead companies immediately suffer 12 casualties including Captain McCaldin and Lieutenant Lambert Porter as a result of British shells falling short of the target. The Skin’s objective was Jebel Tanngoucha but the battalion had not taken the objectives 430am and it was decided their position was untenable during daylight hours. It was withdrawn. The Skins’ war diaries say it suffered four fatalities among other ranks and a total of 36 wounded officers and other ranks. Fusilier Curzon, Sergeant Fenton and Fusiliers Picker and Mandy were killed in the attack.
Son of Robert Curzon, and of Elizabeth Curzon, of Hyson Green, Nottingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047546
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047221
Date: 16.04.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Robert and Annie Henry, of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; husband of Margaret Henry, of Cookstown.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3196442
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William and Elizabeth Grant, of Glasgow.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6985820
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John and Annie J. Orr, of Limavady, Co. Londonderry.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043624
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 34 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of David and Margaret Crawford, of Beragh, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6985708
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Albert and Olive Ada Wild, of Clowne, Derbyshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6981991
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of James and Esther Rabone, of Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044792
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John and Mary Mason, of Tipton, Staffordshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6976278
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
A Faughs’ regular, L/Cpl Given was in 17 Platoon in D Company during the Tunisian campaign. He was in a trench on Kef El Tior when suffered a shrapnel wound to his head, and was then sent for medical treatment and, according to John Coldwell-Horsfall (The Wild Geese Are Flighting), “he found and consumed medical rum supplies.”…he headed back to the battle and the Inniskillings found him a week later, lying dead in the German positions on the col of Tanngoucha.
Son of Parnell and Sarah Given, of Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047670
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047634
Date: 17.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045941
Date: 18.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Alfred James Bishop and Kate Bishop, of Stirchley, Birmingham.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3603156
Date: 18.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of J. B. and Phoebe Louise Jewels, of Blyth, Northumberland.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7015170
Date: 20.04.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Charles Henry and Phoebe Alice Mizon; husband of Margaret Mizon, of Combpyne, Devon.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044812
Date: 21.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Fredrick Freeman Sanders and Mary Ellen Sanders, of Coventry.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 201008
Date: 21.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lieutenant Emmins joined the Faughs in early April from the 7th Battalion of the Royal Ulster Rifles. He was initially a platoon commander but was made battalion signals officer. He was killed on 21 April when the Faughs’ battalion headquarters was mortared during operations around Heidous.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046311
Date: 21.04.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez el-Bab Memorial
Son of Arthur and Joyce Mallen; husband of Winifred Maud Mallen, of Creswell, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3774655
Date: 21.04.1943. Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John and Mary Porter, of Liverpool; husband of Elizabeth Porter, of Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3608618
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: La Reunion, Algeria
Son of John William and Amy Kellett, of Butterknowle, Co. Durham.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7860798
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Millard was killed in the assault on Tanngoucha.
Son of Eli James Millard and Isabella Millard, of Astley, Lancashire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4511678
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Horsfield was killed in the assault on Tanngoucha.
Son of William and Annie Horsfield, of Colne, Lancashire; husband of Hilda Horsfield, of Colne.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983509
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Vann was killed in the second Skins’ attack on Jebel Tanngoucha which started at 9pm on the night of April.
Son of Frederick and Ada Vann, of Warsop Vale, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3783861
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl Graham was killed in the second assault on Jebel Tanngoucha.
Son of William George and Florence Graham, of Mossley Hill, Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4546237
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 18 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Poole was killed in the second assault on Jebel Tanngoucha.
Son of Frederick Charles and Sarah Alice Poole, of Bolton, Lancashire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7022993
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Ross was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of Thomas Edward and Elizabeth Emily Ross, of East Barnet, Hertfordshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019513
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Corporal Palmer was killed by machine-gun fire in the attack on Heidous.
Son of Arthur William and Alice Palmer, Or Killester, Dublin.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3250861
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman Watkins was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019231
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
L/Cpl McDonald was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of Dawson D. A. and Elizabeth Ann McDonald; husband of Lily Elizabeth McDonald, of Stepney, London.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044982
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Sgt Hobbs was killed in the assault on Hill 622 and Butler’s Hill.
Son of Robert James Hobbs and Elizabeth Hobbs, of Belfast; husband of Violet Hobbs, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6984357
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Irwin was killed in the second assault on Jebel Tanngoucha.
Rank: Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3251027
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Corporal Hamilton was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of John and Jessie Frame Hamilton.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7018574
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
L/Cpl Doherty was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of John and Helen Mary Doherty; husband of Frances Doherty, of Freemantle, Southampton.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6341336
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Linihan was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of Richard Francis and Elizebeth Linihan; husband of Mary Linihan, of Bethnal Green, London.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7045500
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rifleman Pasby was killed in the assault on Heidous.
Son of Alfred and Mary Pasby, of Brixton, London; husband of Margaret Evelyn Pasby, of Brixton.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022075
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of James and Sarah Hesketh, of Preston, Lancashire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7012003
Date: 22.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045000
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Lance Sergeant Bride was one of those that died in this period.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3195825
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Fusilier Hilton was one of those that died in this period.
Son of William and Lillian Hilton, of Leeds, Yorkshire; husband of Ada Hilton, of Leeds.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 14206949
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Fusilier Williamson was one of those that died in this period.
Son of John W. and Jane Williamson, of New Wortley, Leeds, Yorkshire.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 103025
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Captain Hill was one of two captains killed in the attack.
Son of Charles Hugh Hill and Ethel Annie Hill; husband of Joyce Edna Hill, of New Malden, Surrey.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047022
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Fusilier Dunne was one of those that died in this period.
Rank: Captain Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 121597
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
The Skins had advanced 1,000 yards from its start point in the early hours of 23 April in the second attack on Tanngoucha. After attempting to capture a German strongpoint on a rocky outcrop, B and C came under heavy fire from both flanks and were counterattacked. They withdrew but three out of four of their officers were killed. By daylight, D Company was pinned down. The war diaries record that the battalion lost four officers and 43 other ranks as casualties in the 24 hours after the start of the attack. Captain Megginson was one of two Skins’ captains killed in this period.
Son of Robert Frederick and Gertrude Megginson, of Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6209554
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Francis and Mary Hand, of Magheracloone, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 3531711
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Ulster Rifles, attached to Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 201006
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Michael Bernard and Marie Lillian Mahony; husband of Christina Mahony, of Selkirk.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045495
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Notley was one of the Skins killed on the second day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha on 23/24 April.
Son of Alfred and Laura Notley, of Battersea, London; husband of Annie Notley, of Battersea.
Rank: L/Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6982490
Date: 23.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John Willie and Gertrude Schofield, of Tapton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 14201861
Date: 24.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance Corporal Jennings was one of the Skins killed on the second day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha on 23/24 April. .
Son of Thomas and Florence Jennings, of Acocks Green, Birmingham.
Read more about Eric Jennings.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7045007
Date: 24.04.1943 Age: 25 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Bygrave was one of the Skins killed on the second day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha on 23/24 April.
Son of John and Clara Bygrave; husband of Phyllis Bygrave, of Walthamstow, Essex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3607851
Date: 24.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Hall was one of the Skins killed on the second day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha on 23/24 April.
Son of Samuel Hall, and of Alice Hall, of Frizington, Cumberland.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3778804
Date: 24.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Lance Corporal Hall was one of the Skins killed on the second day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha on 23/24 April.
Son of Frederick Herbert and Elizabeth Hall; husband of May Theresa Hall, of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6980470
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Boyd was one of the casualties suffered by the Skins on the third day of its second attack on Jebel Tanngoucha.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6975441
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Mary Blair; husband of Catherine Blair, of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045312
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Arthur Henry and Hellen Ball, of Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Dorothy Lois Ball, of Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent.
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached from Welch Regiment Service number: 219879
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lt Sillem joined D Company of the Faughs in February 1943 on transfer from the Welch Regiment. In the Faughs’ spirited but unsuccessful attack on Point 622 on the night of 22 April, Sillem commanded 18 Platoon. A and D Companies attacked Butler’s Hill in the same area on 25 April and Sillem, who was then commander of D Company, was killed. His company commander John Coldwell-Horsfall described him in The Wild Geese Are Flighting thus: “Peter was a swashbuckler. He had a heart of gold and he dressed like a pirate. He was a delight to serve with and he made his mark in our little history.” Sillem had been Mentioned in Despatches.
Son of Charles Augustus and Muriel Ada Isabella Sillem, of Surbiton, Surrey.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047828
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Charles and Lucy Jane Tilson, of Stockingford, Warwickshire; husband of Hilda Annie Tilson, of Stockingford.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047861
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of William and Jessie Gordon Constable, of Peterculter, Aberdeenshire.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7046925
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lance-Corporal Rogan was killed in the Faughs’ final attack on Hill 622 on Kef El Tior mountain.
Son of Thomas Patrick and Catherine Rogan, of Belfast.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044662
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Fusilier Willis was killed in the final attack on Hill 622 on Kef El Tior mountain.
Son of Samuel and Sarah Jane Willis; husband of Lillian May Willis, of Coventry.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044575
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John Henry and Rose Duval, of Perry Common, Birmingham.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043641
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Husband of Lily Clarke, of Lisburn, Co Antrim.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043583
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Johanna-Keating McEnery, of Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7022743
Date: 25.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Edward John and Madeline Ella Young, of Ashington, Dorsetshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7047851
Date: 26.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Alcock, of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983769
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
The Skins’ third attack on high points north of the road to Medjez el-Bab started with an artillery barrage on Kef el-Senach at 1130am on 27 April. Kef el-Senech which is about 1,200 feet above sea level. It consisted of four separate high points, all of which were held by the Germans. The battalion took two of the four by midday. It suffered a total of 13 fatalities on 27 April including Lance Corporal McMullan.
Son of Robert James McMullan and Isabella McMullan; nephew of John Cairns, of Newport, Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3718747
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Brown was killed in the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of Alfred and Agnes Brown, of Edge Hill, Liverpool.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3132834
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Campbell was killed in the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6978607
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Sergeant Heron was killed in the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of John and Annie Heron, of Coagh, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6981648
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Lance Sergeant Shimwell was killed in the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of Joseph and Lydia Shimwell.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3135708
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Connell was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Connell, of Glasgow; husband of Mary Jane Connell, of Glasgow.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3784010
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Evans was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of John and Ruth May Evans.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3607860
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier McLaughlan was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of John and Grace Ann McLaughlan, of Carlisle.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3607649
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Newman was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of Joseph and Florence Ann Newman.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3607688
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Parkinson was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Parkinson, of Blackburn, Lancashire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 14206442
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 20 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Persechino was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 5436998
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Rice was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of John and Rose Rice, of Belfast,
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 3195335
Date: 27.04.1943 Age: 31 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Fusilier Swanson was killed during the Skins’ attack on Kef el-Senach.
Son of George and Marion Swanson, of Peebles.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6983555
Date: 28.04.1943 Age: 22 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Christopher and Ivy May Grosse, of Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7014470
Date: 28.04.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Rifleman McRory was acting as driver for Irish Brigade commander Nelson Russell when he was killed by shelling in an incident witnessed by London Irish E Company Colour Sergeant Edmund O’Sullivan.
Son of John and Mary McRory; husband of Rosemary Ellen McRory, of Hornsey, Middlesex.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3608619
Date: 28.04.1943 Age: 19 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of John and Grace Linton, of Hunwick, Co. Durham.
Rank: Sergeant Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7045494
Date: 28.04.1943 Age: 28 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Sergeant Norman of F Company died from wounds sustained during the second attack on Heidous on the night of 22 April 1943. He was found by the London Irish Rifles when they captured Heidous in the second attack on the village on the night of 25 April.
Son of Arthur Henry and Ann Maria Norman; husband of Evelyn Mary Norman, of Whitton Park, Middlesex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 2722770
Date: 30.04.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Son of William and Priscilla Potton; husband of Hilda Potton, of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6980546
Date: 30.04.1943 Age: 30 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
Son of George and Mary Green; husband of Ellen Green, of Londonderry.
May 1943.
Rank: Company Sergeant Major (D Company) Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7043002
Date: 01.05.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Oued Zarga
CSM Fincham was Colour Sergeant in B Company at the start of the Tunisian campaign, and was promoted Company Sergeant Major of D Company to replace “Tug” Wilson on 28 January 1943.
Son of Frederick and Kathleen Fincham; husband of Norah Eileen Fincham, of Tiverton, Devon.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 13081936
Date: 06.05.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: El Alia, Algeria
Son of Frederick William and Florence E. Herbert, of Hanworth, Middlesex.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019390
Date: 06.05.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab Memorial
Rank: Sergeant Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 6976983
Date: 08.05.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Sergeant McAleer achieved notoriety during the Skins’ operations in the Goubellat plain on the morning of 24 February 1943 when he unilaterally and single-handedly went out from his position south of Hill 286 in revenge for the loss of a patrol the previous night. His military mission was information, but his own object was to obtain revenge for the loss of a patrol on night 23/24 Feb 43. He spotted machine gun post, went to the flank of it, surprised the crew of two, collected the gun and disabled the two prisoners. McAleer was awarded a DCM for this action.
Son of Frank and Elizabeth McAleer; husband of Grace McAleer, of Aldershot, Hampshire.
Rank: Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6975608
Date: 13.05.1943 Age: 33 Place of burial: El Alia, Algeria
Son of Patrick and Hannah Stewart; husband of Lucy Georgena Stewart, of Bearney, Co. Tyrone.
Rank: Captain Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 124647
Date: 13.05.1943 Age: 36 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Captain Thornton, an Oxford graduate and professional actor, was seriously wounded during the London Irish attack on Heidous, a village in high land north of the road to Medjez el-Bab. The attack was led by F Company under Captain Dunnill with G Company under Thornton in support. The attack started with an artillery barrage on Heidous and Jebel Tanngoucha at 545pm on 22 April. F Company advanced to Heidous but came under heavy machine gun fire and Dunnill was wounded. G Company’s radio connection with F Company failed and Thornton went forward to Heidous to find out what was happening. He was hit in the legs by machine gun fire and taken prisoner. The fighting in Heidous continued until the village was taken by the evening of 23 April. Thornton died of his wounds on 13 May. Thornton was born in Frome in Somerset, the only son of the Reverend Robert Thornton, vicar of Corringham, and his wife Ethel. They lived at 19 Holdenhurst Avenue, Boscombe in Hampshire. Thornton went to school at Lancing College. He went to Hertford College Oxford in 1925. After, he went to Sudan to work as a cotton planter and then to South Africa where he was a salesman. Thornton married Kathleen Roulston at Cape Town Cathedral in 1932. Their daughter Jill was born in 1934. Thornton and his family returned to the UK and he became an actor with the Oxford Repertory Company. He was conscripted into the army and completed officer training in March 1940, when he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers. Thornton was transferred to the Royal Ulster Rifles and then to the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles.
Son of the Revd. Robert Thornton and Ethel B. Thornton, of Bournemouth, Hampshire. B.A. (Oxon.).
Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 247963
Date: 13.05.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Lieutenant O’Gorman was examining a grenade which detonated. O’Gorman had served for nine years in the Royal Berkshire Regiment before being commissioned into the Faughs.
Son of Hugh and Catherine O’Gorman.
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7044389
Date: 14.05.1943 Age: 26 Place of burial: El Alia, Algeria
Son of William Henry Moores, and of Mary Lilian Moores, of Woolton, Lancashire.
Rank: Platoon sergeant Major (PSM) Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 6975298
Date: 23.05.1943 Age: 35 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
PSM O’Brien joined the Faughs in 1925. His father had been regimental sergeant major and two of his elder brothers were already in the Faughs. O’Brien was commander of the pioneer platoon when he was wounded. He died of his wounds on 23 May 1943.
Son of Owen and Katherine O’Brien, of Armagh, Northern Ireland.
June 1943.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7017597
Date: 15.06.1943 Age: 23 Place of burial: Abney Park, UK
Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Lane, of Dalston.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 14211959
Date: 19.06.1943 Age: 38 Place of burial: El Alia, Algeria
Son of Ben and Cathie Carr; husband of Mary M. M. Carr, of Dundee.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 3771936
Date: 25.06.1943 Age: 24 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of John William and Nellie Thomas, of Willenhall, Staffordshire.
July 1943.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 7047556
Date: 05.07.1943 Age: 27 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Joseph and Annie Myatt; husband of Susan Myatt, of Newcastle, Staffordshire.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 6350946
Date: 06.07.1943 (grave marker incorrect). Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Oliver and Ruth Keepin; husband of Dilys Keepin, of Morriston, Glamorgan.
Rank: Rifleman Unit: London Irish Rifles Service number: 7019209
Date: 06.07.1943 Age: 32 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of James and Katherine Kiely, of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Irish Fusiliers Service number: 7045513
Date: 14.07.1943 Age: 29 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Robert and Christina Purvis; husband of Blodwen Purvis, of Caerau, Bridgend, Glamorgan.
Rank: Fusilier Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Service number: 4209641
Date: 19.07.1943 Age: 21 Place of burial: Medjez-el-Bab
Son of Willie David and Annie Mary Anthony, of Penybank, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.