His parents lived in Plumstead, London, but he lived with his grandparents in Anchor St, Chatteris (which was renamed Clare St in his honour). His VC is held by the 16/5th Lancers, at Aliwal Barracks, Hampshire. A stained glass window was placed in the south side of Chatteris parish church in his honour, depicting Christ rewarding a faithful soldier; it was dedicated in Sept 1918. Clare had served in the Beds Imperial Yeomanry for eight years, then registered for the National Reserve in January 1914. As a result he was called up when war was declared and placed in the Remount Dept, before going into the 5th Lancers.

From Andy Pay's research into the Marquis de Ruvigny' s Roll of Honour Volume 1, Part 1, Page 129, the following:

FARRAR, Sir George Herbert 1st Bart D.S.O. Colonel and assistant Q.M General - Central Force, Union Defence Forces, late Hon. Col South African Light Horse.

Son of the late Charles Farrar, of Chatteris, co Cambridge, M.D., by his wife Helen, ( The Crescent Lodge, Bedford ), sister of Sir Frederick Howard and dau of John Howard. Born Chatteris 17 June 1859, educated Bedford Modern School and on leaving there entered the engineering business of his Uncle Sir Frederick Howard going in 1879 to South Africa to the Port Elizabeth and East London branches. Eight years later he and his brothers established themsleves at Johannesburg, where in a few years he became one of the leading men in the mining industry of the Witwatersrand. His cheif enterprise was the formation of the East Rand Proprietary Mines, of which he was chairman from its inception to the day of his death. He was for some time a member of the Legislative assembly of the Transvaal and Leadre of the opposition. For his share in the Jameson raid he was tried for treason and sentenced to death, but the sentence was remitted on payment of a fine of £25000.

When the South African war broke out he raised two Regiments of South African Horse, and was appointed Major, Kaffrarian Rifles, 1 December 191900 and served in this campaign as major on the staff of the Colonial Division 1899-1900. He took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, including the defence of Wepener, operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, aug to sep 1900, operations in the Orange River Colony 1900 including actions at Wittebergen 1-29 July) and in Cape Colony, south of the Orange River. His services were mentioned in despatches ( London Gazette 16th April 1901) and he was awarded the Queens medal with 4 clasps and the D.S.O (1900).

After the conclusion of peace in 1902 he took an active part in the work of re-organisation, and when responsible government was granted to the Transvaal, he was unanimously elected leader of the progressive party in the house of assembly, in opposition to the inistry of General Botha. In 1903 he was elected president of the Witwatersrand Chamber of mines, and took a leading part in the negotiations which led up to formation of The Union of South Africa.

He had been knighted in 1902 and on 2 February 1911 was created a Baronet for his services on this occasion.He was M.P. for Georgetown in the first parliament of the Union of South Africa 1910-11 but in dec 1911 business demands in connection with the east rand co compelled him to retire from political work in order to devote his whole energies to the re-organisation of that enterprise.

When the European war broke out he was in England on a visit and was about to join General Sir Hubert Hamiltons staff with the army in Belgium, but the day before he was to have left he was ordered by the authorities to South Africa. On arrival he was appointed to General McKenzies Force with the rank of Colonel and was despatched to German South West Africa as Assistant Q.M-General.

Proceeding to Luderitz Bay in advance of the main force he was engaged in the organisation of the base camp, and subsequently had charge of the restoration of the railway and of providing the water supply to the force, an operation of primary importance in that country.

On 19th May 1915, he was returning from a tour of inspection when the motor trolley in which he was travelling collided with a construction train at Kuibis, near Gidson, German South West Africa, and Sir George succumbed to his injuries early next morning.

Sir George Farrar was one of the best known men in South Africa to whose advancement he had, by legislative work, by attention to mining process, and to practical sympathy with agricultural, powerfully contributed.

He married at Johannesburg 2 June 1893, Ella Mabel ( Chicheley Hall, Newport Pagnell,Bucks & Bedford Farm, near Johannesburg, Transvaal), dau of the late Charles William Waylen, I.M.S. and had six daus, Helen Mabel b 2 October 1894, Muriel Frances b 6 April 1896, Gwendeline b 14 July 191897, Georgina Marjorie b 17 August 1901, Kathleen Elizabeth b 9 May 1907 and Ella Marguerite b 28 April 1911.

Also buried in Chatteris

Photograph Copyright © Martyn Smith 2002

Inside the church is w ooden plaue to the men who died in the Second World War

1939-45

Private 5831135, 4th Suffolk Regiment. 26 May 1943, age 24, Prisoner of War. Son of Mr & Mrs Herbert Arnold, of West Park Street, Chatteris; husband of Mrs Arnold, 14 West Park St, Chatteris. Buried in Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

Private 5783986, 5th Northamptonshire Regiment. 26 February 1943, age 20. Son of Ebenezer & Minnie Ash, of 43 Huntingdon Rd, Chatteris. Buried in Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.

YOUNG CHATTERIS
SOLDIER'S DEATH.
Sergt F. H. Barnes Dies
at Age of 27 Years.

His many friends in Chatteris learned with regret of the death of Sergt. Francis Herbert Barnes, of 27, Burnsfield-estate, Chatteris, which occurred at Ipswich on Sunday. He was only 27 years of age.

A native of Chatteris, he had many friends in the town. He was a very keen sportsman, being interested in football, cricket, running, etc. He had been in the Suffolk Regiment nearly nine years and served in India for six years. He returned to England just after war broke out and was a drill instructor. He represented his regiment in various sporting activities and was very popular among the men who served under him.

He was only married in August of last year, and much sympathy is felt for his young widow.

He will be buried with full military honours at Chatteris on Saturday. A service at the Parish Church at 2-30 p.m. will precede the interment at the parochial cemetery.

DIED OF WOUNDS
Pte. C. E. Beeby, of
Chatteris

The sad news came through on Tuesday to Mr. and Mrs. S. Beeby, of 22, Burnsfield-estate, Chatteris, that their eldest son, Pte. Cyril Eric Beeby, died of wounds in France on July 9th. He had not been in France long. He left this country about, June 28th, 1944, and his parents received a letter from him dated July 7th in which he said he was within sound of the guns.

He was 21 years of age and had been in the Forces since Jan. 15th, 1942, about 12 months of that time being spent in Northern Ireland. Like his parents, he was a big worker in the Salvation Army Corps, having been a member all his life, and was one of their bandsmen.

On leaving school he became apprenticed to Mr. W. Simpole, of the Cash Clothing Company, Chatteris, and was there until he joined up. He was also an A.R.P. messenger at the Chatter's Control Room for about 18 months.

ORD. SEAMAN V. C. F. BULL.

Ord. Seaman Victor Oharles Frederick BuII, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bull, of 1, Willey-terrace, was 19 years of age. He volunteered for military service in September of last year, previously having been an agricultural worker. The last news received from Ordinary Seaman Bull was sent from Alexandria, Egypt.

DIED IN MALAYA
Sergt. G. A. Burkett, of
Chatteris

Mrs. Burkett, of 21, High-street, Chatteris, received news from the War Office on Monday morning that her husband, Sergt. George Alfred Burkett, 2nd Cambs., had died on September 4th, 1943, from beri-beri, in a Malaya prison camp.

Sergt. Burkett, who was 42 years of age, joined the Territorials in April, 1939, and went abroad in October, 1941. Mrs. Burkett received her last card from him on Christmas Eve, 1943, and this was dated ten months earlier.

Previous to being taken into the Regular Army at the outbreak of war Sergt. Burkett was employed by Mr. Alfred Heading for about two years as a gardener, and before that he worked for Mr. Bellamy, of Wimblington, for 10 years. Earlier still, he spent 11 years with Sir Leonard Brassey at Apethorpe, Northampton.

A memorial service will be held in the Parish Church, Chatteris, tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.30 p.m.

Dvr, T/274379, Royal Army Service Corps. Died 5 June 1942, age 21. Son of Cecil & Ethel Carley, of 105 Huntingdon Rd, Chatteris. Buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Libya.

CHATTERIS MAN KILLED.

The first Chatteris man killed in the war is Stoker Peter Kavanagh, an The sad news was received by his friends last week-end that he had been killed somewhere abroad.

Mr. Kavanagh joined the Navy in March, up to which time he resided in
High-street, Chatteris.

Prior to the war he was employed by Mr. E. Heading as a land worker.

Unhappy news has now come through to the effect that Sec.-Lieut. William Henry Clark, only son of the late Mr. John W. Clark and of Mrs. Clark, of The Gables, Chatteris, was-killed at Singapore on Feb. 13th, 1942.

Educated at March Grammar School, Sec.-Lieut. Clark, after a successful career, was awarded a major scholarship and proceeded to Liverpool University to study in the Faculty of Architecture.

In August, 1940, he volunteered for the Army and joined the Suffolk Regiment, and in February, 1941, went to the Infantry O.C.T.U. at Dunbar, where he was commissioned in July, 1941, at the age of 20.

In December, 1941, he was sent with the 1st Cambs. Regiment to the Far East, and in March, 1942, he was officially reported missing. No further news was received until last week, when Mrs. Clark was informed that her son was killed.

The deceased officer was well known in Chatteris and district and was very popular. Many letters of sympathy have been sent to Mrs. Clark in the irreparable loss of her only son.

FOUND DEAD IN
INDIA
Sad News for Chatteris
Family

Sad news reached Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cole, of High-street, Chatteris, on Saturday, when they received a telegram from the Admiralty saying that their second daughter, Margaret, serving in the W.R.E.N.s, had been found dead in India.

Details of the tragedy are not yet to hand, but the daily newspapers on Saturday published a report that Miss Cole had been found dead in a locked hotel room at Karachi on the previous Thursday, the day on which she was due to leave for Britain.

Miss Cole, who was 28, joined the W.R.E.N.s nearly five years ago and had served in India for three and a half years. Her parents had been looking forward to having her home again and had already received several parcels of clothes from her.

KILLED IN ACTION
Pte. F. W. Cooper, of
Smeeth Road

NEWS has been received by Mrs. Cooper, of Smeeth Road, near Wisbech, that her husband. Private Frederick William Cooper, was killed in action in France on July 8th.

Pte. Cooper, who was 29, was the only son of Mrs. F. Cooper, of 19, West-street, Chatteris, and in civilian life he was a postman. His first job after leaving King Edward School, Chatteris, was that of telegraph boy at Chatteris Post Office, where he became a postman serving in the town for about four months, after which he was transferred to Wisbech Post Office, where he remained for about seven years until he Joined the Forces in June, 1940.

In October, 1941, he married Miss Joyce Bassett, of Smeeth Road, and their baby, a little girl, was born on July 14th, 1944. News of her husband's death came to Mrs. Cooper while she was still in the nursing home.

Pte. Cooper had seen service in Northern Ireland for about twelve months, being stationed with Pte. C. E. Beeby, whose death was reported last week. They crossed to France together about June 28th, and both, apparently, received their fatal wounds on the same day. The last letter his mother received from Pte. Cooper was dated July 1st, in which he said he was quite well and he wondered if his baby had been born.

Private 5933072, 2nd Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. 18 January 1942, age 21. No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

DIED IN JAP PRISON
CAMP
Chatteris Man
Succumbed in 1943

Another Chatteris soldier has died while a prisoner in Jap hands. Mrs. Tate, of 4, Black Horse-lane, Chatteris, received the sad news from the War Office yesterday (Thursday) week that, according to a report handed in from prisoners of war recently arrived in the United Kingdom after being recovered from Jap hands at Luzon, her brother, Pte. Jack Dale, 2nd Cambs. Regt., died from cholera between May and August, 1943, while a prisoner of war in Thailand.

The last card was received from him about eighteen months ago.

Pte. Dale, 36 years old, was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dale, of Swing Brow, Chatteris. In peace time he was employed on agricultural work by Mr. Major, of Dawson's Farm, Warboys. He was a member of the Territorial Army and was called up at the outbreak of war. Going abroad in October, 1941, he was among those captured at the fall of Singapore.

A particularly distressing circumstance is the fact that his mother died on the day he set sail for the Far East, and he was unable to get off the boat, and his father passed away fourteen months later.

MISSING, PRESUMED
KILLED
Sad News of Chatteris
Petty Officer

The sad news was received on Monday by Mr. and Mrs. E. Desborough, of 9, Delve-terrace, Chatteris, that their eldest son, Petty Officer (A) Ernest Jack Desborough, telegraphist air gunner of the Fleet Air Arm, has been reported missing, presumed killed, in a flying accident.

Petty Officer Desborough, who would have been 21 on March 26th, joined the Navy as an ordinary seaman in August, 1943, and after a few weeks, took a course as air gunner. In the last letter his parents received from him, he said he had just been in hospital in Hong Kong for a fortnight, and that he was in the group of A.G.'s due for home.

Previous to joining the Navy, Petty Officer Desborough was a member of the Air Training Corps, which he joined on its formation. He was educated at March Grammar School, and before joining the services, was employed by Mr. A. S. Rickwood as an agricultural worker.

AIRMAN'S DEATH
CONFIRMED
Chatteris Man's 'Plane
Crashed in the Sea

Official confirmation of the death of their eldest son. Petty-Officer (A) Ernest Jack Desborough, has now been received, by Mr. and Mrs. E. Desborough, of 9, Willey-terrace, Chatteris. P/O. Desborough, who was a telegraphist air gunner in the Fleet Air Arm. was reported missing on March 1st and was presumed killed as a result of a flying accident.

Yesterday (Thursday) week his parents received a letter from his Commanding Officer, who stated that the 'plane crashed into the sea, and although a boat was on the spot within a few minutes, there was no sign of P/O. Desborough or of the pilot. The accident apparently occurred in the vicinity of Hong Kong and death must have been instantaneous.

Petty-Officer Desborough, who would have been 21 on March 26th, joined the Navy as an ordinary seaman in August, 1943, and very soon took a course as air gunner. After a fortnight in hospital at Hong Kong he was due for home at the time of the accident. He was engaged to Miss Tonics, of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and both were looking for ward to getting married as soon as Miss Tonics could reach this country. Before he went into the Navy P/O. Desborough was a member of the Air Training Corps since its formation. Educated at King Edward School Chatteris and March Grammar School, he was employed by Mr. A. S. Rickwood on agricultural work.

MISSING AT SEA
Sad News for Chatteris
Family

Unhappy news came to Mr. and Mrs. F. Fisher, of 24, Willey-terrace, Chatteris, on Tuesday, when they were notified by the War Office that their younger son, Pte. Donald Fisher, 2nd Cambs., a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, was missing at sea.

The official letter stated that the name of Private Fisher appeared on a list received from the Japanese authorities in Tokio [sic] of men missing following the sinking of a ship which was transporting prisoners of war from Thailand to Japan. The date of the sinking was not stated by the Japanese.

Pte. Fisher, who was 23 years of age, was called up with the Territorials at the outbreak of War. He went abroad In October, 1941, and was taken prisoner at Singapore.

His parents received two cards from him last Christmas, written while he was in No. 4 Camp, Thailand, one dated January, 1944, and the other June, 1944.

Previous to the war he was employed as a milkman by Mr. F. Noble, of High-street, Chatterls.

---

PRISONER PRESUMED
DEAD
Pte. D. Fisher, of
Chatteris

Mr. and Mrs. F. Fisher. of 24, Willey-terrace, Chatteris, received a communication from the War Office on Tuesday to the effect that, having in mind the long lapse of time without news from any source of their second son, Private Donald Fisher, 2nd Cambs. Regt., to indicate that he survived, it is with deep regret that the conclusion has been reached that he lost his life at sea when the ship on which he was travelling as a prisoner of war was sunk on Sept. 12th. 1944.

Pte. Fisher was 23 years old at the time of his death and was called up with the Territorials at the out-break of war. Previously, he was employed as a milkman by Mr. F. Noble, of High-street, Chatteris.

A memorial service will be held at the Parish Church on Wednesday, Nov. 28th, at 6 p.m.

LCE/BOMBARDIER R. GRAVES,
OF CHATTERIS.

L/Bdr. Reginald Graves, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Graves, of Marina Villa, Wood-st., Chatteris, was reported missing in the Middle East on June 14th, two days after his 22nd birthday.

He was called up into the Royal Artillery about 20 months ago, before which he worked for Mr. C. Peggs, farmer. He was a keen member of the Home Guard.

AIRMAN DIES IN
INDIA.
Former Bell-ringer at
Chatteris Church.

The sad news of the death of their elder son, L/Ac. Joseph Aaron Haylett, R.A.F., was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. A. Haylett, New-road, Chatteris, by means of a telegram on Saturday.

L / A c. Haylett had been serving with the Royal Air Force in India, as a member of the ground staff since May, 1942, and his death was caused through an illness he contracted abroad.

L/Ac. Haylett was 23 years of age and a keen footballer. He played for Chatteris Engineers before he joined up at the beginning of the war, and had written home several times saying that he had played his favourite game in India. Before joining up he was employed as a decorator on aerodrome construction, and was a member of the Parish Church team of bell-ringers. On several of his leaves from the R.A.F. he helped to ring the church bells for services. He was very well liked in the district.

A memorial service has been arranged to take place to-morrow (Saturday) in the Parish Church, at 3 p.m.

SERGT.-PILOT KILLED ON ACTIVE
SERVICE.

Sergt.-Pilot Douglas Charles Laws, only son of Mr. Charles Laws, 16, Railway-lane, Chatteris, was killed while on Active Service on Sunday.

Mr. Laws, who was 23 years of age, was educated at King Edward Council School, Chatteris, and, after winning a scholarship, at March Grammar School. He gained his Cambridge School Certificate when he was 16, and on leaving school helped his father in his poultry business. He was a member of the Home Guard until he joined the Royal Air Force in August, 1940. A few months ago he became a Sergt.-Pilot.

In peace-time Mr. Laws was a popular members of Chatteris St. Peter's Tennis Club and took part in many other activities. He was also a keen member of the Conservative Club.

The funeral will take place this (Friday) afternoon. There will be a service in the Parish Church, Chatteris, and the interment will follow at the Parochial Cemetery.

SERGT.-PILOTS
FUNERAL.

Many Sympathisers at
Chatteris

The funeral took place at Chatteris on Friday afternoon of Volunteer Reserve Sergt.-Pilot Douglas Charles Laws the popular and respected son of Mr. Charles Laws and the late Mrs. Laws, of 16, Railway-lane, Chatteris, who was killed on Sunday week n active service.

Deceased leaves his father and sister, Mrs. E. Seymour, of Witchford, to mourn their loss.

The cortege was preceded by a horse-drawn lorry loaded with the many beautiful floral tributes. The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was carried a large cross of white heather, carnations and chrysanthemums, the floral tribute of the deceased’s father and sister, to whom a great many manifestations of sympathy have been extended.

The R.A.F. was represented by Sergeant J. E. Haden.

A service preceding the interment in the Parochial Cemetery, was held in the presence of a large number of mourners and sympathisers at the Parish Church, when the Vicar (the Rev. J. C. Hawthorn) officiated and Sergt. Haden read the lesson. The organist was Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M.

The coffin, which bore the inscription: “Sergt. Pilot Douglas E. Laws. R.A.F., died Oct. 12th. 1941. Aged 23 years,” was lowered into a grave lines with ivy and flowers from the deceased’s garden. A wreath from Sergt. Pilot Laws’ Commanding Officer and other ranks of the R.A.F. was placed in the grave by Sergt. Haden, who gave a salute during the burial service.

THE MOURNERS

The immediate mourners were: Mr. Charles Laws and Mrs. E. Seymour, father and sister; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Laws, Mr. E. Skeels, Mr. R. Pettit, Mr. J. Skeels, Mrs. Tatt, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Laws, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Loveday, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Laws, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Laws, uncles and aunts; Mr. E. Seymour and Mrs. H. Spurr, brother-in-law and aunt; Mr. F. Sole, Mr. and Miss A. Sole, Mr. t. Mayes and Mrs. T. Parkinson, uncles and cousins; Mr. and Mrs. W. Lilley, Misses P. and J. Laws, Mrs. Middleston. Miss F. Tegerdine, Mr. and Mrs. R. Skeels, Mr. Cyril Laws, Mr. L. Laws, Mr. H. Laws, Mr. J. Mayes, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Laws, Mr. and Mrs. E. Laws, Miss D. Spurr, Miss E. heading, Mr. Sid Laws, Mr. W. Mayes, Mrs. Rowe, Miss Ruff. Mrs. Barrett (Whittlesey), Mrs. E. Smith (Mereside). Mr. H. Edgley and Mr. S. E. Britsow.

Among the many noticed its church and at the graveside were: Messrs. H, and Hugh Rayner. W. Simpole, J. Waterfield, C. Webb. S. Furnell, H. Smith, A. Kemp, R. Cooper, S. Barrett, W. A, Margetts, P. Simpson, H. S. Gibbs, A. Mason. H. Ibbott, W. Brewer. R. Gipson, W. Bates, J. Egdley, P. R. Moxon, R. Fitch, G. Norman, S. M. Lovell, R. Heading. E. Heading, S. Heading, G. Sole, A. D. Cameron, W. E. Precious H. Skeels, O. Ruston, S. Parsons, Inspector Bush (representing Chatteris Police), Major G. W. Walker and Corporal G. Herrick (representing the Home Guard), Mr. and Mrs. D. Mayes. Miss L. Hall, Mr A. Tindal, Mr. and Mrs. B. Brewer. Mr. F. Hayes, Miss W. Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Hazel (Manea), Mr. and Mrs. A. Mayes, Mr. and Mrs. W. Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. H. Coulson, Nurse Allen, Mesdames C. Skeels, R. H. Drake, Bassett, E. Evans, G, Rosher, J. Dunham, W. Cowley, A. Wool, H. Scott, A. Tindal, R. Davies, A. Porter, A. Haylett, H. Fitch. S. Jelly, F. Miller, H, Skeels, W. H. Smith, F. Gowler, S. Smith. H. Moule. Rowell. F. Giles, Newman. T. Martin, Murphy, Painter, E. Mould, E. W. Buddle, Hurry, Hawthorn, A. Goodger, Bell, S. P. Bush, H. Robinson, R. Salisbury. Misses E. Tegerdine, Lavender, L. Clarke, R. Gage, Mrs. R. Cooper and Miss Read. Mrs. Peppercorn and Miss D. Peppercorn, Mrs. A. Maltman Jackson and Mrs. Beecham.

CHATTER'S D.F.M.
KILLED
Death of FIt.-Sergt. W. A.
Marritt

Mr. and Mrs. J. Marritt, of Horseway, Chatteris, on Wednesday afternoon received the sad news by telegram that their only son. Flight-Sgt. W. A. Marritt. D.F.M., has been killed on active service in this country. Flight-Sergeant Marritt was 23 years of age. The circumstances of his death are not yet known, but it is expected that the funeral will take place at Chatteris on Monday, a service being held in the Parish Church at 2.30 p.m.

Flt.-Sgt. Marritt was educated at King Edward School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School, where he gained the Cambridge School Certificate and twice obtained the Higher School Certificate. He joined the R.A.F.V.R. early in 1940, and held the Pathfinder Badge and the Pathfinder Force Certificate, which he gained after satisfactorily completing the requisite conditions in operational duty in the Pathfinder Force. He was awarded the D.F.M. in June of last year, when he had completed 45 operational flights. He then took over the duties of flying instructor.

Bdr, 1142787, 64 (The Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Rgt, Royal Artillery. 22 November 1942, age 27. Son of Matthew Henry & Mary Ann Minett, of Chatteris; husband of Winnie, of Chatteris. Buried in Tabarka Ras Rajol War Cemetery, Tunisia.

DIED IN JAPAN
News of Pte. G. F. Palmer,
of Chatteris

Mrs. Palmer, of 2, Dobb's-yard, Chatteris, has received news of the death of her husband. Pte. George Frederick Palmer, 5th Royal Norfolk Regiment, while a prisoner of war in Japanese hands.

The news came in the form of a letter from a lieutenant of the East Surrey Regiment, who was apparently with him when he died. The letter states that Pte. Palmer was taken to Japan in the Spring of 1943 and, on arriving there, was put to work at a nearby quarry. He soon developed severe dysentery and was treated by an American doctor and British medical orderlies in the small camp hospital. He received a great deal of kindness from his many friends, but in spite of treatment he passed away at 4.30 on Jan. 3rd, 1944. He was cremated the following day at a spot near by, and a Christian burial service was read for him.

Pte. Palmer, who would now have been 33, was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Palmer, of 46, Burnsfield-estate, Chatteris, and was called up in July, 1940, and taken prisoner at Singapore. The last card from him, written in March, 1943, was received by his wife at Christmas, 1944, and was from No. 7 Despatch Camp, Tokyo.

Before joining the Forces he worked for the County Council, and he leaves two small children.

A memorial service will be held at the Parish Church, Chatteris, tomorrow (Saturday) at 3 p.m.

Private 5827869, 1st Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. Missing in action, 13 February 1942, aged 23. Son of Mr & Mrs W Paul, 72 High St, Chatteris. No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

TWICE WOUNDED,
THEN KILLED
Chatteris Man's Death in
Action

Mr. and Mrs. William Bert Payne, of Stocking-drove. Chatteris, received the sad news yesterday (Thursday) week that their eldest son, Pte. William James Payne, was killed in action in Western Europe on March 2nd.

Pte. Payne, who was 22 years of age, joined the Forces in April, 1943, and went to France in June. 1944. In August he was wounded in the chin and shoulder and was sent home in September. He went across to the Continent again in November, first to Belgium and then to Holland, and on Feb. 11th his parents received a letter from him to say he was wounded in the back and was in hospital but expected to be out at any time. It appears that he was discharged from hospital, went into action again, and was killed.

Pte. Payne was quiet and reserved and well liked by all with whom he came in contact. From leaving school until his enlistment he was employed by Mr. Rowland Young on agricultural work.

Two extracts from Cambridgeshire Times:

MISSING, BELIEVED
KILLED
L. Cpl. H. G. Pettitt, of
Chatteris

News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. D. Brown, of 34, Wenny estate, Chatteris, that their son, L/Cpl. Roger Gordon Pettitt, was missing believed killed on May 20th, 1944, whilst serving in Burma. L/Cpl. Pettitt is 24 years of age. He wrote to his parents on May 8th, stating that he was perfectly I well. He joined up in March, 1940, and went abroad in February, 1942. Previous to joining the Forces he worked on the land for Mr. A. S. Rickwood.

---

KILLED IN BURMA
L/Cpl. R. G. Pettitt,
of Chatteris

Mr. and Mrs. D. Brown. of 34, Wenny-estate, Chatteris, received the sad news on Wednesday that their son, L/Cpl. R. G. Pettitt, 2nd. Suffolk Regiment, had been killed in action. The information came in the form of a letter from the Rev. W. Brown - Moffet Chaplain to the Forces. He said that Lce/Cpl. Pettitt was killed on May 19th, .1944 while putting in an attack against a Jap position. They had been able to recover his body, and he was buried near the spot where he fell, on the Assam— Burma frontier, in grave No. 6. The Chaplain said that a photograph had been taken of the grave and would be forwarded to his parents. L/Cpl. Pettitt had been reported “missing, believed killed,” on May 20th last. He was 24 years of age.

Sgt, 5933070, 2nd Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. Died at sea 21 September 1944, age 24, Prisoner of War. Son of Archie & Louisa Porter, of 17 New Rd, Chatteris. No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

CHATTERIS FAMILY
BEREAVED
GNR. D. S. Pritchard
Killed in Action

News was received on Monday that Gunner Desmond Stanley Pritchard, R.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Pritchard, of 17, Wenny-estate, Chatteris, has been killed in action in North-west Europe.

Gnr. Pritchard, who was 23 years of age, volunteered for the Army in March, 1942, and went abroad in December of the same year. He served with the Eighth Army in the El Alamain campaign and went on to Tripoli, Sicily and Italy. He went across to the Continent last June.

He married Miss Blair, of Northampton, and they have a baby girl about a month old.

Previous to joining the Forces, Gnr. Pritchard was engaged on agricultural work for Mr. W. G. Ruston. He has two brothers now serving abroad with H.M. Forces, one in Holland, and the other in Egypt, the latter having taken part in the campaign in Tunisia and Italy.

Extract from Ely Standard 1945:

CHATTERIS MAN'S
DEATH CONFIRMED

Lost at Sea While a
Prisoner

Official confirmation has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, of Grantham, formerly of New-road, Chatteris, that their eldest son, Pte. John Francis Richardson, 2nd Cambs. Regiment, who was recently reported missing at sea, must now be presumed to have died when the Jaanese ship on which he was travelling as a prisoner of war was sunk in the autumn of 1944.

Pte. Richardson, who would now have been 24, was a member of the Chatteris Territorials and was captured at Singapore. He was employed by Mr. F. Wilderspin until he joined the forces.

Amemorial service will be held at the Parish Church Chatteris tomorrow (Saturday) at 6 p.m.

Two extracts from different Cambridgeshire Times:

CHATTERIS AIRMAN
MISSING

On Aeroplane Not Heard
of Again

News has been received from the Air Ministry that Flight/Sgt. John Chatten Ruston, R.A.F., youngest son of the late Mr. Walter Ruston and of Mrs. E. Ruston, of 13, Delve-terrace, Chatteris, is missing as the result of an aircraft accident while on air operations on September 5th, 1945.

The official letter says that a report from Air Headquarters, Bombay, states that he was a wireless operator on a Dakota aircraft which set out from Meiktila for Chittagong and was not heard of again.

Flight-Sgt. Ruston, who is 24 years of age, joined up in April, 1941. He had a narrow escape in September, 1941, when he and the rest of the crew were shot down in a battle over Holland. Flight-Sgt. Ruston and the other survivers were taken care of and hidden by the Dutch people, who eventually disguised them and got them through into Belguim. from where they got back to England by plane.

Mrs. Ruston has two other sons serving with H.M. Forces, her eldest son, Sgt. W. J. Ruston, and the second one, Major E. W. Ruston, who are both in the Royal Artillery.

AIRMAN'S DEATH
CONFIRMED
Flt.-Sgt. J. C. Ruston,
of Chatteris

Further confirmation of the death of her youngest son, Flight/Sgt. John Chatten Ruston, R.A.F. was received by Mrs. Ruston, of 13, Delve-terrace, Chatteris, on Friday.

He was reported killed on September 5th, 1945, when the Dakota aircraft in which he was travelling as wireless operator from Meiktila to Chittagong met with an accident.

A further report has now come through from Air Force Headquarters, Bombay, to the effect that 30 bodies have been recovered from the vicinity of the crash, and as the aircraft carried a total complement of 30 it would unhappily appear that, although no identification was possible, the report accounted for all personnel, and Flight/Sgt. Ruston must be presumed killed.

Flight/Sgt. Ruston joined the R.A.F. in April, 1941, and was 23 years of age at the time of his death.

A memorial service will take place at the Parish Church, Chatteris, tomorrow (Saturday) at 3 p.m.

LIEUT. D. L. RUTTER
KILLED IN ACTION
Formed Territorials at
Chatteris

Official notification has been received that Lieut. Dudley Leicester Rutter, who was in Barclay’s Bank, Chatteris, for eight years before the wat, was killed in action on January 20th while serving in the Far East.

Lieut. Rutter, who was 31 years of age, was educated at King Edward VII School, King’s Lynn. On leaving school he entered Barclay's Bank at Hunstanton, and later he was in the Wisbech branch for a time before going to Chatteris.

A keen footballer, boxer, and tennis player, Lieut. Rutter was a member of the Chatteris Engineers' Football Club and secretary during his last year in the town. He held his place in the First XI when the Club won the championship of the Peterborough League and the Cambs. Challenge Cup a few years ago.

Before the outbreak of war he was approached and asked to form a Platoon of the Territorial Army at Chatteris. He succeeded in forming two and was commissioned as Second-Lieutenant. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant after the war started.

During his period of service with the Home Forces he had the duty of arresting the crew of a German aircraft (including officers of high rank) which his unit had shot down somewhere in Norfolk.

On his way to the Far East in October he had gramophone records made at a port of call so that his mother, Mrs. M. Rutter, of Almond Lodge, Empire-avenue, King's Lynn, and Mr. E. C. Sutherell, manager of Barclay's Bank, Chatteris, could receive messages in his own voice. The last letter his mother received from him was dated November 27th.

Extract from Cambridge Daily News in 1942:

DEATH OF LIEUT.
D. L. RUTTER

Well-known
Chatteris Officer

THE death on active service during January of Lieut. D. L. Rutter, of the Cambridgeshire Regt., was announced yesterday. He is believed to be the first officer of the County Regiment to be killed in action in this war, but no particulars are available and it is not even known whether or not he was serving with the regiment at the time.

It was two years prior to the war that he join the Cambridgeshire Regiment. He was at that time employed at Chatteris, and his enthusiasm knew no bounds. He set about raising a platoon at Chatteris, and his excellent work gained for him the highest praise from his then Commanding Officer.

A GOOD SPORTSMAN.

This was prior to what may be called the “T.A. boom,” but his success was in no small measure due to the personal example which he set. He was a good sportsman, which was of considerable help to him in his difficult task.

He took unlimited pains to make himself an efficient soldier and passed on such knowledge as he attained in a manner understood by the young men of Chatteris who had great peace respect for him. The writer only served with him during peace time, but formed the opinion that he had all the makiings of the ideal leader of men.

F.N.D.D.

CHATTERIS SOLDIER'S DEATH FROM WOUNDS.

Mr. R. Salisbury, of “Ryebury,” Rosemary - lane. Chatteris, whose son, Pte. Henry Stephen Salisbury, of the Signal Section, Suffolk Regiment, was previously reported missing, has now been informed through the American Embassy that his son was wounded in the retreat at Dunkirk, was taken to Bruges Hospital, Belgium, and, after having special treatment, died during the month of July.

Pte. Salisbury was 23 years of age and had served 5½ years in the Suffolk Regiment. He was an old March Grammar School boy, and a good sport.

NEWS OF CHATTERIS MAN.
Prisoner-of-War in Hong Kong.

Mrs. J. Scally, of 11, London-road, Chatteris, has at last received news of her younger son, Writer Dennis F. J. Scally, R.N., who was reported missing in the Far East in January of this year. He is now reported to be a prisoner-of-war in Hong Kong.

Writer Scally, who is 29 years of age, joined up in the Royal Navy in November, 1940, and went abroad in February, 1941. He was educated at the Grammar School, March, and Goldsmith's College, London. Prior to joining up he was a master at an elementary school in Norwich.

Private 5933397, 2nd Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment. 30 May 1943, age 23, Prisoner of War. Died of cholera at Takanun. Son of Charles Henry & Ella Blanche Sinden, of 21 New Rd, Chatteris. Buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

SAD NEWS FOR C
HATTERIS FAMILY
Pte. C. F. Sinden Dies of
Cholera in Far East

News reached Chatteris last weekend of the death of Pte. C. Frank Sinden, of the 2nd Cambs. Regt., second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Sinden, of 21, New-road. Chatteris. He died of cholera in a prisoner-of-war camp in Thailand in 1943.

Pte. Sinden joined the Territorials early in 1930, when the late Lieut. D. Rutter was building up the Battalion in Chatteris, and was called up at the outbreak of war. He was taken prisoner at Singapore. During his training he w a s always keen to get at the big job to be done, and left England full of enthusiasm in 1941.

He was in the employment of Mr. Herbert Barrett, and was of a cheerful and generous disposition. He was always a favourite among his wide circle of friends, and there are many in Chatteris who grieve at his passing. A memorial service will be held in the Parish Church to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at 2-30.

DIED OF WOUNDS AT
SINGAPORE
Chatteris Soldier's Death
Confirmed

Confirmation of the death at Singapore of their elder son, Pte. Sidney Sneesby, 5th Suffolk Regt., came to Mr. and Mrs. Sneesby, of 13, Willey-terrace, Chatteris, on Tuesday.

Mrs. Sneesby had recently received a letter from Capt. Hely Hutchinson, stating that her son, who was a stretcher bearer, was hit by a shell while assisting the wounded at the Battle of Singapore, and that it was fairly certain he died in hospital as a result of wounds.

The War Office have now officially notified his parents that the conclusion has been reached he died of wounds during the fighting at Singapore.

Pte. Sneesby was called up in October, 1939, and went abroad in October, 1941. Twenty-two years old at the time of his death, he had been employed since leaving school as a men's hairdresser by Mr. C. J. Puller, of Park-street, Chatteris.

DIED OF WOUNDS
Pte. E. Steadman, of
Chatteris

Mrs. Steadman, of 110, High-st., Chatteris, received the sad news on Saturday that her husband, Pte. Edward Steadmen, serving with the B.L.A., had been killed.

The official notice said he died on Dec. 8th in the Western Europe theatre of war from injuries received. The last letter which Mrs. Steadman received from him was dated Dec. 8th and stated that he was on the move, but that he had been receiving this newspaper regularly.

Pte. Steadman was 38 years of age and was the third son of the late Mr, and Mrs. J. Steadman, of Bow, London. He came to Chatteris when he was 19 to work at the Chatteris Engineering Works where he was employed for many years. Later he worked for the British Gas Light Company, Chatteris, for a period.

He married Miss Grace Goakes, of Chatteris, in August, 1929, and they had four children, two boys and two girls.

Pte. Steadman joined the Forces in December. 1940, and remained in this country until he was sent abroad on “D” Day.

CHATTERIS FAMILY’S
TRAGIC LOSS
Fit.-Sgt. R J. Vincent
Killed

Sad news has come to a well-known Chatteris family, Mr. and Mrs. F. Vincent, of Mill House, who have been notified that their younger son, Flight-Sergt. Roger John Vincent, has lost his life while serving in the R.A.F.

Flight-Sergt. Vincent, who was 22 years of age, was educated at King Edward School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School. On leaving school in 1938 he spent 12 months on a poultry farm, prior to attending Chelmsford Agricultural College in 1939. The following year the college was closed down owing to the war and he returned home, where he joined the home guard.

In 1941 he volunteered for air crew in the R.A.F., and was called up the following year. In July. 1943, he was involved in a serious accident when his aircraft caught fire, and he was badly burned. After being grounded for six months he resumed flying and had almost completed his training course when the fatal accident occurred.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) week, the service at St. Peter's Church, Chatteris, being conducted by the Vicar (Rev. J. C. Hawthorn).

A large number of friends showed their sympathy with the family by attending the church service, and it was an impressive moment when the coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was borne into the church byR.A.F. personnel.

The service was fully choral, and Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M., was at the organ.

The family mourners present were: Mr. and Mrs. F. Vincent, father and mother; Mr. R. Gipson, grandfather; Mrs. Griggs, aunt; Mr. and Mrs. P. Gipson (Cambridge) and Mr. Mrs. C. R. Gipson, uncles and aunts; Flight-Lieut. F. B. Gipson., Miss V. M. Gipson and Mr. and Mrs. J. Palmer (Warboys), cousins, Major F. G. R. Vincent, who. is on active service overseas, was unable to be present. An officer and six N.C.O.s represented the R.A.F.

Floral tributes were from: Mum, Dad and Eric; Uncle Charles. Auntie Ena and Emily (Wilburton); Auntie Clara and the girls (Crouch End)* Auntie Et. Dora and Elizabeth (Harlow); Auntie Lil (Peterboro'); Uncle Cyril, Auntie Con. Brian, Valerie, David and. Michael; Uncle Percy, Auntie Jude. Ken and Jean: Auntie Emily and. Ethel; all relatives at the Pelican, Warboys; Inspector Bush, Mrs. Bush and Kenneth. R.A.F.; Mrs. Desborough and family; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Francis: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Noble; All his old pals at Acre Fen Post, Home Guard; Mr. and Mrs. George Kemp; Mr. Smith Parsons; Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Young; Mr. and Mrs. Norman and family; Messrs. Crawley and Crawley; Mr. Jackson. C. H. Graves and L. Taylor; Harold Hammerton: Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Moore and Douglas (Histon); Rev. and Mrs. Hawthorn; Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Oldfield; Mr. Alfred Heading and Mrs. Starling: C.O., Officers, N.C.O.s and men. R.A.F.; Air Crew Section. R.A.F.; Officers. N.C.O.s and men, “A” Company, 3rd Isle of Ely Battalion Home Guard; Mr and Mrs. Reg. Heading; All at 4, Station-rd.; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Berridge; Mr and Mrs. Stan Heading; Mr. and Mrs. Alf Clarke; Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Ruston; Mr. and Mrs. J Rose, Stanley (P.O.W.) and Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith and Albert; Members of Conservative Club; Mrs. E. E. Smith. Rene. Ruby. Ted and Bessie; Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Rickwood and family; Messrs John and A. E. S. Caton (Ramsey); Dorothy and Gerald Heading: Headmaster, staff and boys of March Grammar School: Mr. and Mrs. R, N. Noble; Mr. and Mrs. A. Watts and family Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodson and Georcre: The staff of H. Larrett & Co., Ramsey The staff of H. Larrett &. Co., Chatteris: Wilf Coulson; Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins and Betty; Mr and Mrs. Green and Peter.

The interment took place in the Parochial Cemetery. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of mr. J. T. Martin.

CHATTERIS AIRMAN’S
DEATH
Funeral of Sergt.-Pilot
D. I. Whitney

The funeral took place at the Parish Church, Chatteris, yesterday (Thursday) week of Sgt.-Pilot Dennis Ivor Whitney, second son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Whitney, of Station-street, Chatteris, who lost his life while on active service. Sgt.-Pilot Whitney was 22 years of age. He was educated at King Edwrd School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School. From there he went as an apprentice draughtsman. to the Chatteris Engineering Company Limited, until he was called into the Forces in April, 1942. He had previously enrolled in the Volunteer Reserve. Most of his training in the R.A.F. was received in Rhodesia anal at the time of his death he was engaged on a course of final training in an advanced flying unit.

He was a gifted musician and was deputy organist at the Parish Church, Chatteris. Previous to his career in the R.A.F. he was a pupil of Dr. Conway, organist of Ely Cathedral.

The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, and a large number of people attended the church service, which was fully choral, Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M., at the organ playing appropriate music. Psalm 23 was sung and the hymn “Christ will gather in his own.”

The immediate mourners were Mr. and Mrs. P. Whitney, father and mother; Mr. and Mrs. E. Whitney, brother and sister-in-law; Mrs. Harry Carter, grandmother; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Carter, Mr. G. Carter, Mrs. G. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. T. Anderson, Mrs. W. Green, sen., Mrs. J. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Green., jun., and Miss A. Turner, uncles and aunts; Miss L. Carter, Mr. J. Edwards, Mr. P. Anderson, Miss E. Anderson, Mrs. N. Bodger, Mr. and Mrs. John Green, Mr. and Mrs. C. Green, Mr. Colin Green and Mr. L. Green. cousin; Mrs. G. Barber (Somersham), the Rev. Ingle (Outwell), Mr. Philip Markwell, Mrs. G. Hammerton, Miss J. Hammerton, Nurse Mort and Miss K. Childs (representing -the First Aid Post), Warrant Officer W. Metson, (deceased's instructor), Sgt. S. Brown, R.A.F. Sgt. R. Clayton, R. Canadian A.F., Sgt. M. Perez, R. Australian A.F. (close friends of deceased), Messrs. J. Johnson, A, Stephenson, A. W. Packwood, E. A. Sharpe (representing the Civil Defence Rescue Service), Dr. M. P. Conway and Mr. Clayton (Ely).

Many friends were at the church.

Also listed for this parish in the Ely Cathedral Second World War Book of Remembrance:

[Also listed as BROOKES] 5932917, Private CCompany, 2nd Btn. Cambridgeshire Rgt, Suffolk Regiment., died at sea, 21 September 1944, age 33. Husband of Prudence Brooks, Russell Square, Wimblington. No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Listed on the Wimblington memorial

Possibly: Pte. Joseph Leonard Rose, 2nd Bt. Cambridgeshire Reg., d 15/2/1942, age 23, No known grave. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Son of William Rose, and of Annie Rose, of Dudley, Worcestershire.

Officially evacuated [from Singapore] on 13 February 1942 but included in the list of missing. In a report in the Cambridgeshire Times 27 March 1942 it is stated that Pte Albert Ernest Squires Cambs Regiment of Chatteris had sent a telegram to his wife stating that he had escaped from Singapore and was now safe in Ceylon. Mr Squires died in Chatteris in 1983!