Sapper Arthur Wellesley George Ward

3 Comments

1. 

   Gill Newell on 29th May 2021 at 2:56 pm

   Arthur Wellesley George Ward, known as ‘George’ was my uncle. I believe that he died while defusing a bomb. I have found a Lieutenant John Angus Willan, also of 12 Company who died on the same day, presumably in the same incident. As I am working on my family tree, I would like to know where George died. Family stories vary from Brighton to Folkestone or Dover, all familiar places to me but I’d love to know where exactly, if you can help with that information.

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   • 

     Richard George on 17th May 2024 at 1:47 am

     Hello Gill,
     Lt. Willan was an old boy from my old school and came from Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. I Have this from the National Archives:-
     Jan 1944 HORSHAM. Training. Heavy enemy activity on 21/22 Jan. so 3 and 71 Sections sent to Kent.
     Mar Dealt with 150 UXBs. Started on minefield clearance on South Coast.
     Apr 10th 1530hrs. Greatstone- on-Sea (near Lydd and Dungeness) Lt. J.A. Willan and 1910263 Sapper Ward A.W.G. received fatal injuries due to explosion of a mine whilst engaged in minefield clearance.
     Apr- Jun Altogether 6 officers and men killed by our mines!
     Hope this helps

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2. 

   Richard George on 17th May 2024 at 1:42 am

   Hello Gill,
   I’ve just come across your comment concerning your uncle. Lt. Willan was an old boy from my old school and came from Bishoip Auckland, County Durham. I have this fron the National Archives ‘Jan 1944 HORSHAM. Training. Heavy enemy activity on 21/22 Jan. so 3 and 71 Sections sent to Kent.
   Mar Dealt with 150 UXBs. Started on minefield clearance on South Coast.
   April 10th 1530hrs. Greatstone- on-Sea (near Lydd and Dungeness) Lt. J.A. Willan and 1910263 Sapper Ward A.W.G. received fatal injuries due to explosion of a mine whilst engaged in minefield clearance.
   Apr- Jun Altogether 6 officers and men killed by our mines!’
   If you do not already have this info. I hope it locates where your uncle and John Angus Willan were at the time of their deaths. I have inclided details of you uncle on Lt. Willan’s archive as they died together.
   Very best wishes,
   Richard George,
   Hull.

   Reply

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