War Memorial

Worcester (Astwood) Cemetery contains 95 scattered burials from the First World War. There are also 46 Second World War burials, some of them forming a small plot, and 13 war graves of other nationalities. Alongside a new Commemorative War Memorial obelisk situated on the right just before the exit, introduced in 2018.

There are a further 33 Commonwealth War Graves at St Johns burial ground.

Visit the War Graves Commission’s website.

With help from a local volunteer, we have been able to produce a list of the war graves with our cemeteries you can find the information in the table below which is in Alphabetical order.

SurnameGiven NamesMilitary NumberUnitDate of DeathAgeService HistoryCampaign Medals and other informationGrave Number
AtkinsReginald H.P/SMX461Royal Navy16th November 194730Artificer 3rd Class Atkins served with Royal Navy up until 16 Nov 1947 and died in service at Harwich Naval Barracks. Naval records indicate that an unspecified illness accounted for Reginald. He was returned to Worcester and buried on 23 Nov 1947.
13236
BallThomas L.T223517Royal Army Service Corps1st March 194322Born in Worcester circa 1921; enlisted in to Royal Army Service Corps. Casualty List No. 1077 from 6 Apr 1943 indicates that Private Ball was victim of an accident whilst in service. Awarded 1939-1945 Star and 1939-1945 War Medal.
68
BellWilliam A.5046363RAF1st July 1957Enlisted under the National Service Act. He was the pilot in English Electric Canberra WK129, stationed at R.A.F. Pershore, not far from Worcester. Along with his Navigator, Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Charles Frederick Shelley, he was taking part in tests in conjunction with a Ministry of Supply radar unit positioned on the summit of Drum, in North Wales. After the tests had been completed, Bell sent a message that Shelley and he were returning to base, but nothing further was heard from them. The wreckage was found on the Northern side of Carnedd Llewelyn, and it was assumed that the cause was engine failure, due to icing.
BandAlfred V.937201RAF26th April 194122Sergeant (Pilot) Alfred Vernon Band, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Son of Albert Victor adn Beatrice Band (Nee Tibetts) of Worcester. A record from Air Ministry from 12 Jun 1941 indicates that Sgt Band died of wounds or injuries received whilst on active service at his station in Cumbria.
Non-CWG Headstone11708
BanksWilliam12318Worcestershire Regiment10th January 1916Born in Worcerster circa 1893. Served with 4 Bn Worcestershire Regiment until his death. Died in Hospital in Southampton before being returned home for burial.
4128
BanksRonald T.920863Royal Artillery11th September 194021Born in Worcester circa 1919. Enlisted in to the Royal Artillery at the outbreak of WWII. Promoted to Lance Bombadier and posted to Royal Artillery 67 Field Regiment. Ronald Thomas Banks, occupation: soldier, resident 287 Bath Road, Worcester, died in the Isolation Hospital, The Slade, Headington, Oxford. Awarded 1939-1945 Star and 1939-1945 War Medal.
War Graves Garden
BarnhamGordon H.B1092335Royal Artillery8th September 194335Born 1908 in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Enlisted in 1940; posted to Royal Artillery 62nd Anti-Tank Regiment. Married Ivy Maud Roberts in 1933, Worcester.
Baring-GouldBenjamin G.88441RAF7th February 194122"Born 1918 in Weymouth, Dorset. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
He died aged 22, killed on active service.
His brother Trooper Jasper Julian Baring-Gould was also killed in service

Benjamin was the Pilot Officer of Tiger Moth T7160 of No2 Elementary Flying Training School. His aircraft hit high tension wires and crashed into Diglis Weir, Worcester. Benjamin was killed in the crash, however his pupil, Leading Aircraftman J Thompson survived the crash."
War Graves Garden
BarterHenry JamesM/10069Royal Navy30th October 191429M/10069 Junior Reserve Attendant Henry James Barter, Royal Navy Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve, H.M Hospital Ship "Rohilla". Son of Elias Charlton and Anne Barter, husband of Minnie. Appears in War Records for enlistment in 1914.
6958
BevanFrederick T.3/9795Northumberland Fusiliers21st September 1920433/9795 Private Frederick Thomas Bevan, Northumberland Fusiliers 3rd Battalion; transferred to (367978) Clearing Office Labour Corps to the end of his service following hospitalisation and transfer from France to the UK. Frederick died from sickness following being wounded in action in Flanders during the summer of 1915.
5537
BriggsThomas1227721RAF31st December 194324"Born Circa 1919 in Worcester. Enlisted for service with RAF Volunteer Reserve at Cardington in 1940. Died in an accident: Vickers Wellington Bomber X9666 of No21 Operational Training Unit took off from RAF Moreton-In-Marsh for bombing practice combined with a navigation exercise. Whilst over the Welsh mountains the crew flew into cloud and the aircraft began to ice over. Sighting water through a gap in the over-cast. The pilot, Flying Office Cyril Rowland Amos dived in order to try and establish their position, unfortunately he failed to realise that high ground, shrouded in mist, lay between the aircraft and the sea. Desending at high speed the aircraft sliced into Ffrith Caeneydd, above Aberdovery, Merioneth and burst into flames.

"
War Graves Garden
BrooksFrank253731Worcestershire Regiment12th August 194021"Born Apr 1919 in Worcester. Enlisted in 1940, joining the Worcestershire Regiment and was present during the evacuation from Dunkirk. Reported to War Office Casualty Section in 1940 Report Number 291.
He died in hospital in Truro as a result of contracting polio, possibly as a consequence of standing in polluted sea water during the evacuation from Dunkirk. Because he died in England, this presented the opportunity for his body to be brought to Worcester for burial."
War Graves Garden
BrownAlbert E.831116Royal Field Artillery20th August 194426Born in Worcester circa 1894; enlisted in to Royal Field Artillery, 67th Division (Signalling). War Office Daily List No.5391 indicates that Driver Brown had been wounded in Summer 1917; an incident which ultimately led to discharged from Service in Jul 1919 due to sickness. Silver War Badge presented for honourable discharge due to medical reasons. Also awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal prior to his death in 1920.
31417
BurkeJoseph L.3973811The Lancashire Fusiliers31st May 194421Born in Manchester circa 1922. Indications from records that he was stationed in both North Africa and then Italy; the latter from where he was returned to the UK to recover from non-Battle sickness or injury. Records of burial state as follows: Joseph Leonard Burke, occupation: Soldier, resident 20 Paget Street, Collyhurst, Manchester, died in Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester.
War Graves garden 34959
CarmichaelGeorge L.95th Derbyshire Regiment29th January 190369Served with 95th Derbyshire Regiment and served in various locations within the then Empire; awarded Indian Mutiny Medal for action in 1858.
ChanceAndrew R.J/89449Royal Navy5th July 191818Born 11 May 1900 in Collingham, Nottinghamshire. Enlisted in 1918 in to the Royal Navy and sent to conduct training on HMS Powerful. HMS Powerful and her sister ship, HMS Terrible were the largest cruisers in the world during the 1890s. During the Boer war both ships were used to land naval brigades at the cape to take part in the relief of Ladysmith. She was used for harbour service in 1912 and then as a shore based training ship from 1915. Burial records state: Andrew Redvers Chance, occupation: sailor, resident Loves Grove Claines, died in the Naval Hospital, Plymouth after falling ill.
43
ClarkeJohn E.2009320Royal Engineers7th April 194326Born in Worcester circa 1918; enlisted in to Royal Engineers. Casualty List No. 1111 from 6 Apr 1943 indicates that Sapper Clarke had been serving with 266 Field Coy RE when he was victim of an accident. Awarded 1939-1945 Star and 1939-1945 War Medal.
31417
CollinsSydney F.918942Royal Artillery8th March 194752Born circa 1915 in Worcester. Enlisted at outbreak of WWII, promoted to Bombardier with The Royal Artillery 265 Battery 67th Field Regiment. Was resident at 15 Wakeman Street, died in the Royal Infirmary, Worcester.
500
CooperHerbert R.14584Army Pay Corps21st November 191822Born in Worcester circa 1896; enlisted in to Army Pay Corps. Herbert Cooper attended Worcester Royal Grammar School from 1910 to 1912. He died in Warwick from Spanish Flu.
26511
CotterillWilliam21518Gloucestershire Regiment10th November 191821Born in Worcester circa 1897; enlisted in to Gloucestershire Regiment, serving with 14th Battalion. Awarded both British War Medal and Victory Medal.
30
CropperAlfred F.2421Royal Field Artillery22nd February 191626Born in Worcester circa 1890; He married Jessie Day in 1913 and they had two daughters, Norah born in 1914 and Gladys E. born in 1915. Enlisted in to Royal Field Artillery, 2nd South Midland Brigade. Records indicate that he died whilst at a Military Hospital in Colchester. Appears in the Worcester/Worcestershire Roll of Honour Book for army casualties located in Worcester Cathedral. Awarded both British War Medal and Victory Medal; additionally family provided with War Memorial Plaque as Driver Cropper died during the war whilst in service.
10458
DarkeAlbert T.907704RAF7th October 194323Born in 1920 at Madeley, Shropshire. Enlisted into the RAF Volunteer Reserve in late 1939 at Cardington and appointed as a Class F Reservist. He was buried in consecrated ground in Astwood Cemetery on 11th October 1943, aged 23 years.
War Graves Garden 34928
DavisAlfred C.64831Royal Garrison Artillery29th November 191823Born circa 1895 in Worcester. Enlisted to the British Army in 1914. Assigned to The Royal Garrison Artillery No1 Siege Battery, which was first sent to France in September of 1914 seeing a host of initial skirmishes and offensives in support of British Operation including Mons, Marne, Aisne and the first battle at Ypres. The Unit was maintained in France/Belgium in support of a variety of British Units before returning to the UK for a refit in 1917. Alfred survived to see the end of the war though was hospitalised with sickness related to his service in Europe. Son of Charles and Sarah Jane Davis. Resident Fourfoot Row, St Pauls, died in the Military Hospital, Chelsea. He was buried in consecrated ground in Astwood Cemetery on 9th December 1918, aged 23 years. Awarded Victory Medal and British War Medal.
64
EvansJohn W.45172Worcestershire Regiment25th February 191943Born circa 1876 in Worcester.Enlisted into the British Army first serving with the 6th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. Transferred to 424th Agricultural Company Labour Corps. Formed in January 1917, the Labour Corps grew to some 389,900 men (more than 10% of the total size of the Army) by the Armistice. Of this total, around 175,000 were working in the United Kingdom and the rest in the theatres of war. The Corps was manned by officers and other ranks who had been medically rated below the “A1” condition needed for front line service. Many were returned wounded. This may explain John Evans’ transfer from Worcestershire Regiment to Labour Corps.Was a resident Bromsgrove Street, Claines, died in Norton Barracks. Awarded Victory Medal and British War Medal.
17619
FirkinsWilliam G.5115805Parachute Regiment21st December 194329"Served with A.A.C 8th Battalion.

He was killed during a parachute training accident nr RAF Stoney Cross. The Albermarle aircraft of 197 Sqn in which they were flying crashed into a hillside during bad weather.

The Station flying log book report for the incident stated: The first aircraft of 297 squadron was to drop at 03:00 hours and the other aircraft at 2 minutes intervals. The weather conditions were far from ideal - there were a number of shower clouds about - but despite this, the exercise was carried out and quite sucessfully considering the conditions. The moon was obscured by cloud and the navigators had difficulty pin-pointing their position. Unfortunately, one aircraft pilot Flight Sgt Jubb crashed when making the run to the rendezvous (Ludgershall) at a position where there was low cloud. Of the six R.A.F. personnel, all were killed outright except one who was critically injured, and eight of the ten paratroopers carried were killed, the remaining two being badly injured. Upon returning to base, the 4th aircraft crash landed on the runway, with the result that the runway had to be changed and the last aircraft did not land until nearly 05:00 hours. Consequently 110 troops of the 8th Parachute battalion were dropped in the drop zone as well as 10 troops of the independent parachute company. Night flying time - 25.40 Hours."""
Non-CGW Headstone11957
HarrisCharles T.203868Worcestershire Regiment27th January 191851Born in Worcester circa 1867; enlisted at outbreak of WWI to The Rifle Brigade. Noted as previously holding Service Number 564. Served with 25th (Reserve) Battallion during the period 1914-1918; the Unit were detailed to remain in the UK at Falmouth for the entirety of the conflict. The next of kin for Charles Thomas Harris would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Over 1 million were issued in total. Also received British War Medal and Victory Medal.
201
HarrisPercy G.S.15875Royal Flying Corps11th August 191725Born 1891 in Wrexham, Wales. Enlisted in to British Army prior to War. Served with The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 17th Batallion attaining the rank of Serjeant prior to turning his hand to the rigours of RFC, serving with 21st Squadron where he was given the rank of Second Lieutenant. War records indicate that he was reported missing in Aug 1917 before being reported as killed in action on 7 September 1917; War Office Daily List 5358 refers, date of death given as 11 Aug 1917. Memorialised at Arras, Department du Pas-De-Calais, France which is a structure erected for personnel whose remains lie elsewhere. The next of kin for 2Lt Harris would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Also received British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Non-CWG Headstone, buried with parents
HartHubert H.913256Royal Artillery27th September 194124Born in Worcester circa 1916; enlisted at outbreak of WWII to Royal Artillery; eventually posted to 76th Anti-Tank Regiment. Records indicated that he was reported to War Office Casualty Section on 4 Oct 1941 and was Acting Bombadier at the time. The Unit embarked for North Africa on the date of Hubert's death and went on to participate in the battle at El-Alamein. Hubert reported as died in the Military Hospital, South Tidworth.
9548
HaywardWalter J.1211260RAF13th January 194321Born in Worcester circa 1921; enlisted in 1940 to Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in Cardington; posted to RAF Silloth as a Wireless Operator (Sgt) and was tragically involved in an Aircraft Accident whilst participating in air training. His aircraft a Hudson I N7226 from 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit crashed on 13 Jan 1943 killing all crew members.
24023
HeathRuben J.14446421The Gordon Hignlanders1st April 194821SUBMITTED REQUEST TO FORCES WAR RECORDS FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THIS SOLDIER.
HillAlbert85473Royal Defence Corps23rd February 191929Born in Worcester circa 1890; enlisted in to Royal Defence Corps reported as died in service at Norton Barracks on 23 Feb 2019.
17618
HillArthur57273Royal Welch Fusiliers4th November 191820Born in Kempsey, Worcestershire circa 1898; enlisted in 1914 in to Royal Welsh Fusiliers though records indicate that initial service with Worcestershire Regiment with service number 26738 prior to transfer. Saw service in Galipoli and Northern France/Belgium where he was likely injured; an order from 25 Sep 1917 indicates transfer to No.6 Convalescent Camp (Rouen) prior to transfer to No.53 Casualty Clearing Station before return to the UK where he ultimately succumbed to the effects of his injuries. War Office Daily List 5796 indicates a change of status from wounded to dead. War Office Daily List 5755 indicates entitlement for Arthur to wear "Wound Stripe". In addition records indicate awarding of British War Medal and Victory Medal.
17717
HillThomas25627Worcestershire Regiment16th November 192022Born in Worcester circa 1898; enlisted in to Worcestershire Regiment and served with 14th Bn before transfer to Labour Corps with Service Number 62713. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
6018
HoldenFrank W.1642870Royal Artillery27th March 194429Born in Kings Norton, Birmingham circa 1914; enlisted in to Royal Artillery and assigned to 19 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery which came under Gibraltar Command. Reporting from 6 Apr 1944 indicated that Frank had been listed as a casualty following an incident on 27 Mar 1944. Records indicate that Frank died at Ronkswood Hospital in Worcester. Awarded 1939-1945 medal.
War graves garden34989
HoleHarry L.P/J15922Royal Navy2nd August 194146Born in Worcester 18 Jul 1896; enlisted in to Royal Navy aged 18 in 1914. Served across many stations and ships prior to posting to HMS Victory (Training Establishment) & HMS Duke (Training Ship) at the outbreak of WWII where records indicate he was present during a Luftwaffe Bombing incident. It is not clear if this constituted his cause of death though he was recorded as being a casualty shortly after and died in Barrow Gurney Hospital prior to burial at Astwood. Recipient of all WWI and WWII medals for personnel in service during the period of these conflicts. His service record card is stored at Kew Archives.
31202
HooperCharles W.9134Hampshire Regiment16th January 192054Charles William Hooper was born in 1865 in Worcester. He enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 1754 on 29th October 1886 at Worcester, serving 18 years 8 months with the regiment and 4 years 8 months in the Army Reserve. In 1914 he enlisted as Private 3789 in the 2nd/8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. He was discharged as medically unfit due to chronic bronchitis and rheumatism on 25th February 1916 when his height was given as 5 feet 5 inches, his age as 52 years 5 months and he was described as having a fresh complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. Despite being discharged as permanently unfit, Charles re-enlisted in the Worcester Regiment on 11th July 1919 when he gave his date of birth as 13th September 1868. Five days later he transferred into the Hampshire Regiment as Private 09134. His next of kin was his wife Susan Jane, 1 House, 5 Fish Street, Worcester. On 12th December 1919 he appeared before a medical board and was once again discharged as permanently unfit for further military service due to myalgia.
17349
HoworthGerald S.161967RAF17th May 194439Born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester circa 1904. Enlisted to RAF Volunteer Reserve achieving Rank of Pilot Officer. Little is known of his service other than he was registered as dead whilst at RAF Hospital in Hereford in 1943; Air Ministry Casualty Communique from 17 Aug 1944 contains details of this report.
9152
JonesFrancis T.3552 Worcestershire Regiment23rd January 191630Born in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire circa 1898; enlisted in to Worcestershire Regiment and served with 1st/8th Battalion. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Kelly Edward J.4917343The Gordon Highlanders10th March 194523Born in Inverness, Scotland circa 1921; enlisted in to The Gordon Highlanders, serving with 1st Battalion. This Unit was forced to surrender to advancing German forces during the unsuccessful battle for France but quickly reformed to serve with distinction in both North Africa and Italy before ultimately moving to North Western Europe for the push to Germany. Edward is listed as being a casualty in the weeks before his reported death on Casualty List 1711. He died in Whitchurch Hospital, Glamorgan before moving to Worcester for burial close to his family in Astwood.
War Graves Garden55381
KellyWilliam H.125261Royal Army Medical Corps7th June 192029Born in Bromyard, Herefordshire circa 1890; enlisted in to Royal Army Medical Corps. Harold was called up for service, enlisting in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Blackpool on 29th August 1917. He was discharged as no longer physically fit for war service on 23rd November 1917 due to chronic blepharitis/myopia, a condition he had had since infancy which severely affected his eyesight. He had served just 87 days. At the time of his discharge Harold was 5 feet 6½ inches tall with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and black hair. His intended place of residence was 3 Spring Hill, Worcester with his wife, Eleanor Rose Kelly nee Hardwick, who he had married at St Peters Church, Worcester on 7th August 1916.
5639
KentRaymondHome Guard 15th June 194130Born in Norwich, Norfolk circa 1911; he moved to Worcester between the two major conflicts and enlisted in to Home Guard 1st Worcestershire (Worcester City) Battalion. The Home Guard was operational from 1940 to 1944, and was set up by the British Army during the Second World War. The nickname "Dad's Army" was due to the average age of the local volunteers who signed up for The Home Guard, who were ineligible for military service, usually because of their age. Originally called "Local Defence Volunteers" or LDV, the Home Guard's role was to defend British coastal areas, airfields, factories and explosives stores in the case of invasion by German forces and their allies. Reporting indicated that Corporal Kent was accidentally shot whilst participating in an exercise close to Perry Wood whilst instructing other recruits. He was laid to rest shortly after.
11666
KleeBernard P.86340RAF4th May 194120Bernard Peter Klee was born in India where his father was in the army, the son of Major Bernard and Jennie Klee of Southall Avenue, Worcester. He attended Worcester Royal Grammar School from 1935 to 1936 where he won the Allen Cup for shooting. After leaving school he joined H.W. Ward & Co to follow a career in engineering. He volunteered for the RAF and after receiving his wings he was selected to be a fighter pilot. He flew Spitfires from RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, patrolling the East coast area with other pilots of his squadron. He successfully shot down a number of enemy aircraft. On the night of 4th May 1941 having taken off, he was flying across his aerodrome when he was shot down by a Ju88 German ‘Intruder’ aircraft flown by Lieutenant Hans Hahn. His body was brought back to Worcester and he was buried in Astwood Cemetery after a funeral service in St George’s R.C. Church in Worcester.
Non-CWG Headstone8972
Lewis Harry3054Royal Army Medic Corps21st March 191936Born in Worcester circa 1884; enlisted in to Royal Army Medical Corps in 1914. Records show that he was awarded "Wound Stripe" on 6 July 1916 though is believed to have remained in Belgium in support of British Operations. Image taken from Berro's Worcester Journal Supplement shows he was one of several family members serving in the conflict which tragically also accounted for his brother. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.




15
MackieAlfred9992Worcestershire Regiment12th May 191741Born in Worcester circa 1876; enlisted in to The Worcestershire Regiment in 1892, serving with 6th Battalion. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. Further, was recipient of Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and served 25 years in total. Alfred died in the Military Hospital at Devonport on 12 May 1917 prior to returning home for burial at Astwood.
28406
McKendrickJohn G.4717343Royal Engineers29th March 194534Born 14 Dec 1910 in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India to Lt Col Anderson Gray McKendrick who was formerly Indian Medical services. He came to call Inverness home and that was his listed address upon enlistment in 1933. Records show that he served in both India and UK (Aldershot) prior to outbreak of WW2. Promoted to Captain in 1941 and then field promoted to temporary Major in 1943, which he then substantiated in 1944. Likely participated in Battle of Normandy in 1944 prior to return to UK where he died at Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester in March 1945.
34866 War Graves Garden
MillerCyril H.5120848The Warwickshire Regiment29th August 194534Born in Worcester circa 1911; enlisted in to Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Mentioned in War Office Daily reports as being involved in an accident whilst at Infantry Training Centre ultimately succumbing to injuries sustained in this incident at Budbrooke Barracks, Warwick prior to returning home to Worcester for burial at Astwood.
War Graves Garden
MilnerWilliam372614Royal Engineers8th December 191845Born in Derby circa 1873; enlisted in to Royal Engineers serving as a Pioneer. Pioneers were introduced pre-war to accommodate untrained Engineer personnel within a Corps of men to be trained to achieve required engineering trade skills to become a sapper. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
71
MudgeJames31405Royal Engineers27th October 192058Born in Newton Abbot, Devon, circa 1862; enlisted in to Royal Engineers serving as a Sapper with 402 Highland Field Coy from 1914. Was discharged on 28 Jul 1918 due to no longer being physically fit for war service. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal in addidtion to Silver War Badge for honourable discharge due to sickness.
NewmanHerbert E.338072Royal Army Service Corps31st October 191832Born Evesham circa 1886; enlisted in to Royal Army Service Corps before transfer to Labour Corps in latter part of military service with Service Number 483139. Likely worked on staff duties at Eastern Command Labour Centre which provided personnel for general labour duties overseas. Died in Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire prior to return to Worcester for burial with family at Astwood. Son of John and Alice Newman, Nee Godwin of Pershore, Worcestershire, England. Husband of Winifred M Newman, Nee Hodges of 10 Northfield Street, Worcester.
7045
OberyEdward A.4244Royal Field Artillery4th December 191829Born in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, circa 1888; he was baptised on 10th April 1889, one of four sons and the 10th child of Richard and Selina Obrey of Carden Street, Worcester. Richard was a cordwainer, he died in 1912 aged 67. Edward signed up for active service in 1914 with Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner with 3rd/2nd South Midland Brigade. In the latter part of the war, due to illness he transferred to Labour Corps. Edward died from double bronchial pneumonia on 3rd December 1918. A coroner’s inquest was held on 6th December 1918 in Mapleborough Green, Redditch. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
72
OggelsbyFred H.921498The Wiltshire Regiment18th February 194521Born in Luton, Bedfordshire, circa 1923. Enlisted towards the latter years of the war, and following training was sent to Western Europe to assist in the allied campaign to liberate the lowlands and push to Berlin. Served with 5th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment. Records from April 1945 state that Lance Coporal Oggelsby had been wounded in action and had returned injured to the UK where he succumbed to his injuries in Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester on 18 February 1945. He was awarded 1939-1945 medal.
War Graves Garden
OrgeeWilliam54759Royal Defence Corps20th November 192060Born in Worcester circa 1860; William enlisted for service in 1914 at the outbreak of WWI. Ultimatlely he was too old to be considered for front line service and so settled in Royal Defence Corps; providing security at key national infrastructure points and a guard force for PoW camps. Post-War, William briefly returned to his general Labourer work and was resident in John Street, St Pauls. He died in Hollymoor Hospital Northfield before burial at Astwood.
17756
OsborneEric W.742135RAF17th August 194026Born in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire circa 1914; Enlisted in to Royal Air Force achieving flight status as a Sgt Pilot. On 17 August 1940 Eric was sadly involved in a training flight accident whilst training at 6 Service Flying Training School (RAF Little Rissington) when his Anson I L7907 aircraft crashed causing the death of Eric and his fellow crewman Sgt D Duncan.
War Graves Garden34957
OwenEdward J.62572 Worcestershire Regiment26th November 191920"Born in Worcester circa 1899; enlisted in to The Worcestershire Regiment, serving with 6th Battalion. Although the gravestone gives his name as E.J. Owen, the burial records have him as Alvin George Owen, which may, or may not, be the same Elvin Edward Owen who was born in the first quarter of 1899 in Pershore, and died in the last quarter of 1919 in Worcester. To make matters even more complicated, his Discharge Card shows:

""Owen, Edward John. Worcestershire Regiment. 62572 Private. enlisted 17.2.17, discharged 4.4.19 under King's Regulation para 392 (xvi) and Army Order 29/19 for Sickness, with List L.A/1309 [for a Silver War Badge].""Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. "
921
PearceCharles F.5777520Royal Norfolk Regiment26th September 194731Born in Sheffield, Yorkshire on 25 December 1915. Enlisted in to British Army in 1940 with The Royal Norfolk Regiment. Charles was sent to Malaya with the Norfolk Regiment to try and counter Japanese Forces who had undertaken a huge land grab across South East Asia at this time and was reported as being taken as a Prisoner of War, held in Thailand. He survived to be able to return to the UK and his wife; Jean Sybil Pearce of Worcester. He was still in service when he died in hospital at Ronkswood before burial at Astwood.
War Graves Garden
PingreePercy V.14499485Worcestershire Regiment17th February 194418Born in Worcester circa 1926. Enlisted in to British Army in 1944 with The Worcestershire Regiment; serving with 1st Battalion. The Battalion were in a training and preparation cycle during Feb of 1944 for what would become the D-Day landings. Unfortunately Percy died during this training phase whilst stationed in Hythe, Kent before returning home to be buried at Astwood.
War Graves Garden
PriceErnest87772Kings Liverpool Regiment13th December 191840Born in Worcester circa 1879. Enlisted in to British Army in 1914 with The King's Liverpool Regiment; serving with 1st Battalion. The Battalion were involved in action at Mons, Marne Ypres and Loos during the initial years of the war and remained campaigning in Northern France and Belgium throughout the rest of The Great War. Ernest was reported as injured and entitled to wear a Wound Stripe in War Office Daily List 5680 on 26 September 1918. It was not until Feb 1919 a report (5794) indicated that he had reportedly died from his injuries whilst at Rainhill Military Hospital (Liverpool). He was then returned home and buried at Astwood on 7 Jan 1919.
69
PriorEric A.512490RAF10th May 194133Born in West Ham, London circa 1908. Enlisted in to RAF between the two great conflicts in 1925 and joined as Aircrafthand as a Class F Reservist. A report (AIR 81.6364) from 1941 states that multiple casualties resulted from enemy bomb raids on London and that Flt Sgt Prior was sadly a victim of one of these raids succumbing to injuries whilst being cared for at Worcester Royal Infirmary on 10 May 1941 before burial at Astwood on 15 May 1941.
War Graves Garden34834
ProbertSidney134870Royal Engineers17th March 191936Born in Worcester circa 1883. Enlisted in to British Army in 1914 with The Royal Engineers as a Sapper, promoting to LCpl in 1916. He served with London Electrical Engineers, spending the majority of the WWI conflict on home duties in London implementing searchlight defences at major ports along the south coast of England. This task expanded to include establishment of Anti-Aircraft defence to protect against Zeppelin raids. Sidney died whilst still in service in London on 17 March 1919 before burial in Astwood on 25 Mar 1919.
2240A
ProdgerDennisLTJX387763Royal Navy19th September 194318Born in Worcester circa 1925. Enlisted in to Royal Navy in 1943 establishing himself as Signalman RN. He was assigned to H.M Trawler Brabant which was detailed to act as minesweeping craft by the Navy during the war. Naval records indicate that Dennis died on active service as a result of an accident whilst onboard the Brabant. He was returned for burial at Astwood on 25 Sept 1943
War Graves Garden
ReynoldsGladys M.W17985Auxiliary Territorial Service18th December 194344Born in Martley, Worcestershire circa 1899. Enlisted in to The Auxilliary Territorial Service during WW2. Daughter of Richard and Emily Mary Reynolds.
War Graves Garden
RobinsonAlfred58733Essex Regiment20th July 192134Born in Netherton, Worcestershire circa 1887. Enlisted in to The Essex Regiment in 1915, 3rd Battalion before being removed from service due to sickness, no longer physically fit for service in October 1919. Silver Badge issued (B324937) in addition to Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Number of his brothers also served. Berrows Journal shows family, 2 brothers also KIA. His brother Ernest buried plot 17495
RobinsonErnest J.32611Royal Field Artillery14th April 192040Born in Worcester circa 1880. Enlisted in to The Royal Field Artillery 3rd Division Ammunition Column in 1914. One of the first British formations to move to France as part of the original British Expeditionary Force and one of the first into action, the 3rd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. Participating in famous battles such as Mons, Marne, Aisne and Le Cateau and Ypres. Ernest has no reports to indicate he returned from the front at any time, however, he did return to Worcester at War's end and died whilst at home in Worcester in April 1920 and this is recorded in military records. Received Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Number of his brothers also served. Berrows Journal shows family, 2 brothers also KIA. His brother Alfred buried plot 17492
RuffErnest5250423Worcestershire Regiment29th May 194024Born in Worcester circa 1916. Enlisted in to the Worcestershire Regiment in 1939 and served with 8th Battalion who were a Territorial Army unit at the time though were quickly stood up and sent as part of the BEF in France. In 1940 the Battalion saw action in France at Wormhoudt and the retreat to Dunkirk . One night in April 1940 a patrol from the 8th snuck out and through German lines to a church from which the Germans had been flying a large Nazi flag. They managed to climb up the steeple and steal it, eventually making it back to their own lines 22 hours after leaving; I'd like to think that Ernest had fun witnessing this event! Sadly Casualty List #222 indicates that Ernest sustained injuries whilst at Dunkirk and died in Hospital in Bradford before returning home to Worcester for burial at Astwood.
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RutterFrederick23715Worcestershire Regiment27th June 191837Born in Worcester circa 1880. Enlisted in to the Worcestershire Regiment 6th Battalion. Stationed at Worcester at the outbreak of war, but moved to Plymouth in Aug then later onto Harwich, Essex. The death of a Frederick Rutter, aged 38 is registered in the September Quarter 1918 under the Worcester Registration District and may relate to this casualty.
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SaltGeorge E.5248799Worcestershire Regiment23rd February 194228Born in Worcester circa 1913. Enlisted in to the Worcestershire Regiment serving with regular and territorial batallions. Rose through the ranks to achieve WOII (CSM) and was posted to Infantry Training Centre attached to Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in 1942 where he was reported as a casualty in Casualty List 772 on 16 Mar 1942.
War Graves Garden
SavageFred2574Queens Own Worcestershire Hussars28th February 191532Born in Alvechurch, Worcestershire circa 1887. Enlisted in to the he Worcestershire Yeomany, Queens Own Worcestershire Hussars. Records indicate Fred received 1914/15 Star and British War Medal. His funeral was captured in Berrow's Journal.
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SharrattWilliam J.14822628Army Catering Corps13th April 194733Born in Birmingham circa 1913, William enlisted in to The Army Catering Corps during WW2. Son of James and Alexandra Franks Sharratt, Nee Beckett of Birmingham. Husband of Nora May Sharratt, Nee Gamble of Small Heath, Birmingham. He was buried in consecrated ground in Astwood Cemetery on 17th April 1947, aged 33 years.
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ShelleyKenneth C.F.4070110RAF9th December 195727Born in Malta on 6 Oct 1930; Enlisted in to RAF in 1951. Was stationed at RAF Pershore in 1957 and was killed in a crash whilst conducting trails of radar on his Canberra WK129. Records state that both Flt Lt Shelley and his colleage Flt Lt William Bell were found below the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn still inside the aircraft, whose engine had failed due to ice.
SmithJohn W.9306Worcestershire Regiment17th March 192163Born in Cheddar, Somerset circa 1858; enlisted in to The Worcestershire Regiment in 1892, serving with 6th Battalion. Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
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SpaldingErnest J.830031Royal Field Artillery24th July 191941Born in worcester circa 1878; enlisted in to The Royal Field Artillery 2 South Midland Bde in 1914. Saw service in both Europe and India before being invalided out of service in 1919. Records from the time are not specific; he was discharged from service due to sickness and given silver badge 496081 in addition to Victory Medal and British War Medal. It is likely that as he died in Powick Psychiatric Facility, Worcestershire he had suffered from what may today be recognised as post traumatic stress disorder though was called "Shell Shock" at this time. He was buried in Astwood on 30 Jul 1919
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StaiteThomas1160228Royal Artillery18th October 194438Born in Worcester circa 1905, Thomas enlisted in to The Royal Artillery; 173 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment. Initially known as Anti-Aircraft Regiments, they added Heavy to their title when the Light Anti-Aircraft units were formed early in the war. Originally armed with the 3 inch 20 cwt Gun, they soon rearmed with the 3.7 inch Gun (mobile & static) and the static mounted 4.5 inch and 5.25 inch Guns. Thomas would have been responsible for providing deterrence to raiding German aircraft. Thomas died in service and his casualty status is written in to a War Office report though no cause of death is given. He was buried on 23 Oct 1944.
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StaplesWilliam C.43691Dorsetshire Regiment23rd October 191818Born in Worcester circa 1900, enlisted in to The Dorsetshire Regiment in 1918 just ahead of their move to Northern Ireland where they were based in Londonderry. William died shortly after arriving in NI and was reported as deceased in War Office daily casualty reporting indicating a death on 23 October 1918. He was returned to his home town and buried at Astwood on 29 Oct 1918.
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TaylorThomas A.21064Royal Welch Fusiliers6th January 191719Born at Yarkhill, Herefordshire cira 1899. Enlisted to 62nd Training Reserve Battalion and likely would have gone on to serve with Royal Welsh Fusiliers, however, died whilst with training Unit in Wales. Returned to Astwood for burial on 11 Jan 1917
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TustinCharles H.1019873Royal Horse Artillery1st March 192130Born at Ledbury, Herefordshire cira 1891. Enlisted to he Royal Horse Artillery in 1908. The RHA was responsible for light, mobile guns that provided firepower in support of the cavalry. It was the senior arm of the artillery, but the one that developed and grew least during the Great War. Charles saw service along the Western Front primarily as a driver. A report from 16 August 1917 indicates that he was medically evacuated to No.2 General Hospital at Le Havre with neurasthenia. He was returned to duties a week later and survived the war to return home before being recorded as dead on 1 Mar 1921.
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Tyler Harry S.7602112Royal Army Ordnance Corps9th September 194042Born in Worcester cira 1898. Enlisted to he Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Prior to enlistment he attended Worcester Royal Grammar School from 1911 to 1912. The only son of Harry and Annie Tyler, he married Florence Staples and they had two sons, Gordon born in 1923 and Bryan born in 1925. During the last war he served in a Transport Corps. He took over as the proprietor of the Royal Mail Garage in Farrier Street, Worcester after the death of his father in 1938, and was also a member of Worcester Rifle Club. He enlisted into a special unit of the R.A.O.C. shortly before the outbreak of World War 2. In January 1940 he travelled to Lille in France with his Army Field Workshop, where he was stationed before taking part in the advance into Belgium and the subsequent evacuation from Dunkirk. Casualty List No 338 from 11 Sep 1940 indicates that Harry was Killed in Action, likely linked to the Dunkirk evacuation. He died in Hospital in Hampshire before being returned to Worcester for burial on 10 Sep 1940.
War Graves Garden
WebbWalter299720RAF23rd October 191822Born on 21 May 1896 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire. alter enlisted in the Royal Air Force on 30th September 1918 when he gave his age as 22 and his occupation as a Turner. He was 5 feet 7½ inches tall with brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion. Walter died on 23rd October 1918. He was training to be a mechanic working on military airframes at the time of his death. He was buried in Astwood cemetery on return from his duty station in Belfast.
1982
WhiteheadChristopher D.969671RAF26th May 194225Christopher was born on 4th January 1917. He joined the RAF in between the great conflicts and worked his way to Flight Sergeant as an air-gunner. He was reported as killed on active service during correspondence from 17 Sep 1942. Armstrong Whitworth Whitley P5092 of No19 Operational Training Unit took off from RAF Kinloss for a night bombing exercise over the Innes Links bombing range in Lossiemouth, Scotland, the crew all being from No36 Course. At around midnight eye witnesses saw debris falling from the sky over the bombing range. At daybreak the bulk of the wreckage was found near Innes House, the aircraft having broken into two sections. The cause of the crash was put down to the photoflash exploding. He was buried at Astwood Cemetery on 1 Jun 1942.
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WilliamsJason G.30058674Mercian Regiment8th August 200923"He was deployed with the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Private Williams died after he stepped on an improvised explosive device while on patrol east of Gereshk in Helmand province. His platoon had been tasked with retrieving the body of an Afghan National Army soldier killed earlier in the day.

Aged 23, from Worcester. He joined the regiment in November 2008 after completing infantry training in Catterick. He was described as a natural soldier and a shining star with an exceptionally bright future. Comrades appreciated his cheerfulness and enthusiasm as a boost for morale. His family paid tribute to a loving son and brother. Private Williams is survived by his mother Linda, sister Jennifer and other family members."
War Graves Garden
WintersRobert520087RAF18th September 194528Artificer 3rd Class Atkins served with Royal Navy up until 16 Nov 1947 and died in service at Harwich Naval Barracks. Naval records indicate that an unspecified illness accounted for Reginald. He was returned to Worcester and buried on 23 Nov 1947.