36, Oakland Avenue, Thurmaston.

 

 

268, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

Although Frederick Stanley Garner was born in Leicester in 1906 his family were part of a long line of Garners that were from Thurmaston. He was the son of Frederick Garner and his wife Elizabeth, nee Hall; she came from Syston. Stan Garner, as he was usually called, spent his younger years at Syston, but on marrying moved to rented accommodation at 75, Checkland Road, Thurmaston. His early working life was spent with his father in the cane trade, but later he moved into the shoe trade and thereafter spent the rest of his career working for the Wilford family.

During the early part of the 1939-45 War he was a volunteer air raid warden in Thurmaston, but was called-up into the Royal Air Force in 1942. He initially carried out home service, but was later posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. There, as Corporal Garner, he ran a supply depot. He remained in Sierra Leone for the remainder of the war.

Stan Garner died in 1968 leaving his wife Violet, who died in 2000, aged 91. The three children from their marriage live in Syston, Leicestershire; Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands; and London.

 

 

218, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Flight Sergeant Gibbons, R.A.F., the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Gibbons, who had once lived in Oakland Avenue, Thurmaston, but moved to Poynton, Cheshire, was posted as missing in 1944.

 

 

Robert Wilding Godwin was born in the Lambeth district of London during 1916.

Sergeant, 2590507, Robert Wilding Godwin, Royal Corps of Signals died on the 10th September 1943, age 26 years.

He is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

Kenneth Reginald Gooch was born in Essex on the 26th September 1916.

In late 1945 Kenneth R.Gooch was serving with His Majesty's Forces. At that time his home address was 14, Colby Road, Thurmaston. In later life, and until his death in 1982, he lived at 270, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Leslie E. Goodacre was born in Leicestershire in 1912. He was the son of Fred Goodacre and his wife Rose Goodacre, nee Montgomery.

Leslie Goodacre and his wife Frances Eleanor, nee Hawley, lived at 8, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston.

In 1945 Leslie Goodacre was a serving member of His Majesty's forces.

 

 

Kenneth John Mawby Goodridge was born in Leicestershire on the 15th January 1924. He was the son of Richard E. Goodridge and his wife Mrs. Ethel A. Goodridge, nee Mawby. Kenneth J.M. Goodridge was serving with His Majesty's Forces in late 1945. At that time his home address was 3, Westdown Drive, Thurmaston.

Kenneth John Mawby Goodridge died in Leicestershire during 1992.

 

 

Manor Hotel, Leicester Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

308, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Able Seaman (Radar), Alfred Grant, C/JX 409108, died 20/07/1944 aboard HMS Isis. He was 20 years old. Alfred was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Grant, 2, Silverdale Drive, Thurmaston, Leicestershire. He is commemorated on the Chatham War Memorial, Chatham, Kent, England. Panel 75,2. Pre-war he was employed by Frigidaire Limited, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire.

He is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

Robert Ernest Greasley was born in Leicestershire in 1904.

409, Syston Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

17, Winster Drive, Thurmaston.

 

 

Lance Corporal, 14510407, Dennis Braithwaite Green, 2/5th Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) died on the 10th September 1944, age 24 years. Lance Corporal Green lived at 429, Syston Road, Thurmaston.

He is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

James Frederick Green was born in 1906, in the parish of Birstall, Leicestershire. He was the 5th child and second son of Ernest Harry Green and his wife Rebecca, nee Bell. When James Frederick was around one year old the Green family moved to Thurmaston, and set-up home at 6, Havelock Cottages. James Frederick Green's father, who had been born in Lichfield, in about 1868, worked a cowman on a farm.

Private, 1680079, James Fred Green, Pioneer Corps died on the 21st May 1943, age 36 years. He left a widow, Dora Green.

He is buried in Thurmaston Cemetery (Section C, Grave 796) and is also commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

In 1939 Owen Ernest Green of 429, Syston Road, Thurmaston, was serving in the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.). He was serving as A.C.2., 627021, O.E. Green, at No. 2. R.A.F. Depot, Cardington, Bedfordshire.

Owen Ernest Green of Noblethorpe, Melton Road, Thurmaston, was still serving with the R.A.F. in 1942.

 

 

Stanley Leonard Green of 429, Syston Road, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces from at least 1945 until late 1947.

 

 

William Green.

 

 

28, Melton Avenue, Thurmaston.

 

 

Thomas Whyman Grundy was serving with His Majesty's Forces between 1942 and 1945. He and his wife, Kathleen, lived at 130, Colby Drive, Thurmaston. He became a widower on the 19th October 1973. He died on the 27th August 1990, aged 80 years. Thomas Whyman Grundy and his wife Kathleen are interred in Thurmaston Cemetery.

 

 

Cherry Dene Cottages, Barkby Thorpe Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

Colby Drive, Thurmaston.

 

 

7A, Churchill Road Extension, Thurmaston.

 

 

35, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

George Caress Harris was born in Leicestershire on the 8th January 1914.

George Caress Harris was serving in His Majesty's Forces in late 1945, until at least 1947. He resided at 10, Colby Drive, Thurmaston.

George Caress Harris died in Leicestershire during 1985.

 

 

24, Oakland Avenue, Thurmaston.

 

 

Alan Hartshorn of 93, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, was serving with the forces in 1945, and remained with them until late 1947.

During the war Alan Hartshorn married Jessie Enid Josephine Chandler.

In 1945 Mrs. Jessie Enid Josephine Hartshorn (q.v.) was also serving with the forces.

 

 

Frank William Hartshorn was serving as an army signalman in 1940-1941. He lived with his wife, Ida, at 76, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

Jessie Enid Josephine Chandler was born in Leicestershire during 1924, the daughter of Alfred J. Chandler and his wife Florence, nee Rayns.

During the war she became the wife of Alan Hartshorn (q.v.). In 1945 she was serving in His Majesty's Forces.

At the end of the war her home address, and that of her husband, was 93, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Jimmy Hartshorn

 

 

291, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

Able Seaman Kenneth Hartshorn of 38, Main Street, Thurmaston, served in the Middle East.

 

 

Owen William Hartshorn was born on the 22nd April 1921 and was baptised at Thurmaston parish church on the 2nd October that same year. He was the son of Frank Hartshorn, a gardener, and his wife Alice Mabel.

Lance Sergeant, 4868440, Owen William Hartshorn, 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, died on the 10th May 1945, age 24 years. He and 12 others were killed in an ammunition dump explosion whilst they were involved in disarming German troops of the Hermann Göring Parachute Division, at Baarn, near Hilversum, in the Netherlands.

To see a larger image of Owen Hartshorn click on the link below

Lance Sergeant Owen Hartshorn

Owen William Hatrshorn is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

23, Methuen Avenue, Thurmaston.

 

 

In 1945 Thomas James Haseldine, who was then serving in His Majesty's Forces, was resident at 38, Hill Rise, Thurmaston. The house was also home to his wife Gertrude E. Haseldine, nee Allsopp.

 

 

Edwin Heathcote was born in Thurmaston in the year 1906, the son of Alfred Heathcote, a shoefinisher, and his wife Olive. His family are believed to have been resident in Canal Street. As a child Edwin attended Thurmaston National School. During the 1939-45 War Edwin Heathcote served with a unit that was part of the 8th Army. He died on the 30th August 1978 and is interred in Thurmaston Cemetery along with his wife Minnie.

 

 

39, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

1, Garden Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

Alan Hewing was born in Thurmaston in 1924, the son of James Henry and Hannah Hewing. He was the couple's third child.

During the 1939-45 war Alan Hewing served in the Royal Navy. After the war he and his wife, Winifred Vera, lived at a house in Brook Street, Thurmaston.

His elder brother, James Hewing (q.v.), served with the 153rd (Leicestershire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.

 

 

James Hewing, Jim as he was known, was born in Warwickshire on the 21st December 1915. He was the son of James Henry Hewing, a bricklayer, and his wife Hannah, nee Black.

Twenty four years' old Jim Hewing joined the army on the 30th May 1940. He was enlisted into the 153rd (Leicestershire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, at Leicester.

At the beginning of the war the Leicestershire Yeomanry had been a cavalry unit, however, in November 1939 it had been converted into the 153rd and 154th Field Regiments of the Royal Artillery. When Jim Hewing joined the 153rd (Leicestershire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, it operated with the 154th. However, in April 1940 the two regiments parted, each would go on to serve in different theatres of war - for Jim Hewing there would be much training for things to come.

On the 28th June 1944 the 153rd (Leicestershire Yeomanry) Field Regiment's 25 pounder guns, each mounted on a Sherman tank chassis, were embarked at Southampton for war service in France. Jim fought with the Regiment as the allied armies pushed back German troops through France, Belgium, Holland and on into the Reich.

Gunner, 986484, James Hewing was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the British War Medal for his services. He and his wife, Charlotte, nee Harrison, lived at 197, Main Street, Thurmaston.

To see a larger image of Jim Hewing click on the link below

Gunner James Hewing

Jim Hewing's younger brother, Alan Hewing (q.v.) served in the Royal Navy during the war.

James Hewing died in Leicestershire on the 28th August 1988.

 

 

Peacehaven, Manor Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

34, Unicorn Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

1, Brook Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

412, Melton Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

159, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

260, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Lived Maple Road and Manor Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

340, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Albert Ernest Hopewell was serving with His Majesty's Forces in 1944. He and his wife, Josephine, lived at Windermere, Churchill Road Extension, Thurmaston.

 

 

Frederick Joseph Horsfall was serving with His Majesty's Forces in 1945, at that time his home address was 32, Main Street, Thurmaston.

Frederick Joseph Horsfall was born in Leicestershire during 1923.

 

 

256, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

During 1941 Gunner Eddy Hughes, Royal Artillery, of 9, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston, was captured whilst serving in the Middle East. He was held as a prisoner of war in Italy. He was liberated from captivity in 1945. Prior to the war he worked for the firm of Eatoughs, Syston, Leicestershire.

 

 

9, Alexandra Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

2, Red Hill Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

432, Melton Road, Thurmaston.

 

Jack Hyman was born at Rotherby, Leicestershire, in the year 1910 and grew up in nearby Thrussington. Serving with the Leicestershire Regiment as Private, 4867491, J. Hyman, he fought in North Africa. After the battle of El Alamein he was reported missing, presumed killed. Severely wounded, he was taken to South Africa and, following treatments in hospitals in Johannesburg and Cape Town, would later return to England. The following link will open a picture taken in South Africa.

Following his return to Southampton he received further treatment at Netley Military Hospital. His final treatment was carried out at Leicester Infirmary.

On returning to his wife and family he lived out most of the rest of his life at Thurmaston, until his death on the 13th March 1997. Although he suffered disability as a result of his wartime wounds he enjoyed a full and active life. Prior to the war Jack and his wife Lily (nee Smith) lived at Glenfield, Leicestershire. She moved back to Thurmaston during the war to gain the support of her family who lived in the village.

Jack Hyman is interred in Thurmaston Cemetery along with his wife. She died on the 17th January 1996, aged 83 years. A photograph of two of the children of Jack and Lily Hyman can be seen by clicking on the following link - Brook Street VE-Day Party

 

Margaret Ellen Iliffe of Sunny Slope, Syston Road, Thurmaston, was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces in late 1945 until at least 1947. She lived at the same address as William Henry Iliffe (qv).

 

 

Lance Sergeant, 326674, Bill Iliffe, 153 (The Leicestershire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery died on the 21st November 1945, age 24 years. He was the son of Jack Cleveland and Ada Goode Iliffe of Sunny Slope, Syston Road, Thurmaston. Also at his parent's home address was Margaret Ellen Iliffe (qv).

He is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

Tom Harold Jacques was born in Leicester during 1904. He was the son of Tom Jacques, a chimney sweep, and his wife Eliza Ann, nee Riley.

When Tom Harold Jacques was a small boy he lived with his parents and two sisters, Ivy Harriett and Hilda, at 1, Wilton Street, Leicester. Tom Harold attended Bow Street School, Leicester.

In 1945 Tom Harold Jacques was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces; and at that time his home address was 416, Melton Road, Thurmaston.

It is believed that Tom Harold Jacques died in Leicestershire during 1954.

 

 

Walter Edward James was born in Leicestershire during 1924, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. James of Thurmaston.

On the 30th November 1944, Private James was in a platoon of 'C' Company, 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI). The commander of Private James' unit, Lieutenant Frank Walker, was an officer in the Green Howards, on attachment to the DLI. Lieutenant Walker and his men were tasked with an objective, the taking of the hamlet of La Capanna, which was occupied by German forces - this was part of the final phase of the fight for the Montone River bridgehead, which had begun on the 24th November 1944.

During the unit's advance towards their objective a concealed German sniper shot dead Lieutenant Walker and three other soldiers, a fourth soldier was wounded in the advance, and he too died on the 30th November 1944. Private James was amongst those that were killed.

Private, 14647782, Walter Edward James, 1st Battalion, DLI was 20 years' old. He was buried in the Forli War Cemetery, Italy (Section V, Row D, Grave 18) . He lies with his comrades who died that day.

He is commemorated on the War Memorial at Thurmaston.

 

 

George Theodore Jarvis of 17, Westdown Drive, Thurmaston, was a serving member of the armed forces in late 1945 until at least 1947.

 

 

Leo Michael Jennett was born in Leicestershire in 1925. His father was John Jennett and his mother was Kate Jennett, nee Foreman.

In 1945 Leo M. Jennett was a serving member of the armed forces, and remained so until at least 1947. On leaving the forces he returned home to his parents house at 65, Highway Road, Thurmaston.

 

 

116, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

255, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

John Jones was born on the 16th December 1918, the son of Walter Henry and Nellie Jones. He came to reside in Thurmaston in 1939. In 1943 his younger brother, Private, 283839, William Jones, was killed in action in North Africa, whilst serving with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.

John Jones joined the Leicestershire Regiment. By 1944 he had been promoted to Sergeant. He fought with C Company, 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment in Northern France, after it had arrived at Courcelles on the night of the 3rd-4th July, 1944. During September 1944 he was wounded and returned to England.

He was married to Marjorie Elizabeth Foster and was the father of two children, Michael and Valerie Jones.

He died on the 17th April 1998 and is buried in Thurmaston Cemetery.

 

Leslie Ernest Jones was serving with His Majesty's Forces during 1944-1945. He and his wife, Phyllis Irene, lived at 76, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

23, Westdown Drive, Thurmaston.

 

 

Dennis Keeling was born in 1920, he was the son of Dan Keeling and his wife Hilda, nee Smith.

During the 1939-1945 war Dennis Keeling served in the Royal Navy.

In 1945 he married Velma Lillian Strong the daughter of Walter Strong and his wife Lillian Mary, nee Wright.

In 1945 Dennis Keeling's home address was 324, Main Street, Thurmaston.

Dennis Keeling died in Leicestershire during 1996. His widow, Mrs. Velma Lillian Keeling, died on the 14th June 2008.

 

 

157, Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

Sub-Lieutenant Jack Kershaw, served with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. Jack and his wife Joan lived at 40, Highway Road, Thurmaston. Jack Kershaw was still serving in the navy at the war's end.

 

 

Leslie William Ketteringham was serving with His Majesty's Forces in 1945, at that time his home address was at 26, Churchill Road, Thurmaston.

Leslie William Ketteringham was born in Lincolnshire during 1922. He died in Leicestershire during 1951.

 

 

Elsie May Kettlewell was born in Yorkshire during 1921, the daughter of Robert William Kettlewell. In 1942 she lived at 35, Hillcroft Close, Checkland Avenue, Thurmaston. At that time she was serving as Private W/221703, in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). Elsie May Kettlewell married Ronald Frederick Baldwin (q.v.).

 

 

2, Rookery Lane, Thurmaston.

 

 

John Frank Kirton and his twin sister Florence M. Kirton were born in the Grantham District of Lincolnshire in 1919. They were the children of Isaac George Kirton (1886-1968) and his wife Elizabeth Kirton, nee Cooper. During his early married life Isaac George Kirton worked as a farm labourer in and around Nottinghamshire. The couple had several children prior to the birth of their twins.

In 1945 Isaac George and Elizabeth Kirton were resident at 25, Roundway Road, Thurmaston, where they lived with their younger daughters, Florence and Kathleen, and sons John Frank, and Frederick.

In 1945 John Frank Kirton was a serving member of His Majesty's Forces. After the war John Frank Kirton married and he and his wife lived and had a family in Leicestershire.

John Frank Kirton passed away on the 7th March 2010. His body was interred in Thurmaston Cemetery on the 18th March 2010.

 

 

247, Main Street, Thurmaston.

 

 

George Harry Knight was serving with His Majesty's Forces during 1943-1945. He and his wife, Myrtle, lived at 56, Sandiacre Drive, Thurmaston.