O'Malley, Derek Keppel Coleridge, son of Barrett Leonard Albemarle O'Malley, barrister-at­ law, of Richmond, Surrey, and Lorna Josephine, d. of John Coleridge of Snettisham, Norfolk; b. 7 Nov. 1910; adm. Sept. 1923 (G), non-res. KS 1925; left July 1929; Ch. Ch. Oxf., matric. 1929, BA 1932; called to the Bar (Inner Temple) Jan. 1933; PO RAFVR Nov. 1938, FO May 1940; m. 21 Oct. 1939 Rachel, d. of Andrew MacDonald of Hilton House, Inverness; killed in action Sept. 1940.

Derek Keppel Coleridge O’Malley was born at 14A, Northcote Avenue, Ealing on the 7th of November 1910 the only child of Barrett Lennard Albemarle O’Malley, a barrister at law and a correspondent for the Morning Post, and Lorna Josephine (nee Coleridge) O’Malley later of 24, Montague Road, Richmond in Surrey. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Grant’s from September 1923 and was a non resident King’s Scholar from 1925 to July 1929. He was appointed as a Monitor in 1928. He was a member of the 2nd Rowing VIII in 1927, where he rowed at bow, and was a member of the 1st Rowing VIII in 1928 where he rowed at No. 3 and won School Colours in the same year. The Elizabethan wrote the following on his 1928 season: - “Another oarsman who improved during practice. He is beginning to use his leg drive effectively, but the blade work must become more accurate. At present rather liable to lose the rhythm in rowing, and to lose his steadiness forward. The only cure for this is to get the feet on the stretcher at the recovery, and to keep them there by not letting the knees rise too easily at any time on the swing forward.”
He was away from the school for a period of time due to illness and when he returned he was a member of the 2nd Rowing VIII in 1929, where he rowed at stroke. He was a member of the 1st Rowing VIII in the same year where he rowed at No. 4. The Elizabethan wrote the following on his 1929 season: - “With only two days to in the boat before the race at Henley, he settled quickly into the swing of the crew, although he was not as fit as the others, after a long absence from the School, and only six days’ rowing in the Second Eight. He has lengthened his swing, and acquired more control and spring, and is likely to improve into a sound oarsman.”
He matriculated for Christ Church, Oxford in 1929 on a Westminster Scholarship where he read History and rowed for the College boat. He was a member of the Oxford University Air Squadron from 1929 to 1932. He was awarded a BA in 1932. On leaving university he studied for the Bar examinations and was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in January 1933. He worked from chambers at 5, Paper Buildings, Temple.
He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on the 1st of November 1938, trained as a pilot and was mobilised for active service on the 18th of September 1939.
He was married at Henley-on-Thames on the 21st of October 1939 to Rachel Mary Genevieve (nee Macdonald) of Wharfe House, Henley-on-Thames; they had a son, Stephen Keppel, born on the 21st of July 1940.
He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 1st of May 1940 and was posted to 264 Squadron on the 22nd of May 1940.
At 4pm on the 24th of August 1940 Derek O’Malley was taxiing his aircraft, Defiant Mk I L6996 at RAF Hornchurch for a Squadron scramble during an enemy air raid. A bomb burst close to the aircraft and the dust cloud obscured his vision. In the confusion his aircraft collided with Defiant Mk I L7006. He was unhurt but his air gunner, Pilot Officer Anthony O’Connell, was slightly injured.
On the night of the 4th of September 1940, 264 Squadron was scrambled due to a report of an enemy aircraft in the area. Derek O’Malley took off from RAF Kirton-in- Lindsey at 10pm in Defiant Mk I N1628 PS- with his air gunner, Sergeant Lauritz Andrew Woodney Rasmussen RNZAF, for the night interception patrol. After takeoff the aircraft remained at a very low level before crashing near Northorpe, some three miles to the west of the airfield at 10.05pm, killing both men.
His mother received the following telegram dated the 5th of September 1940: -“Deeply regret to inform you that your son Flying Officer Derek Keppel Coleridge O’Malley is reported as having lost his life as the result of air operations on Sept 4th /40. Letter follows. The Air Council express their profound sympathy. His wife not informed. Address not available. Repeat not informed.”
His funeral took place on the 8th of September 1940.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at Christ Church, Oxford.
He is buried at Kirton-in-Lindsey Cemetery Block A, Grave 181.

Russell, Henry John Dashwood, son of Henry Alexander Russell of Leatherhead, Surrey, and Ada Emily, d. of Henry Dashwood of Gosport, Hants; b. 7 Nov. 1906; adm. Sept. 1920 (R); left July 1923; farming in NZ 1925; Govt Monopolies Dept. Malacca 1931-42, transf. Singapore 1942; m. 21 Nov. 1931 Evelyn Millicent Violet, sister of Egerton Shelley Walter Hanbury Leigh­ Hunt (qv); killed in action (Malaya) 13 Feb. 1942.

Henry Neville Dashwood Russell was born at Clapham, South London on the 7th of November 1906 the son of Henry Alexander Russell, a civil servant, and Ada Emily (nee Dashwood) Russell of 29, Deauville Mansions, Clapham Park in London. He was christened at St Saviour’s Church, Pimlico on the 15th of December 1906.
He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Rigaud’s from September 1920 to July 1923. He was a noted swimmer while he was at the school. In 1925 he moved to New Zealand where he worked as a farm hand and lived at 6, Baretta Street, Canterbury. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Surrey Regiment, Supplementary Reserve of Officers, on the 26th of June 1929. He was appointed as Probationary Assistant Controller for the Straits Settlements on the 12th of December 1929 and he served with the Government Monopolies Department at Mallacca from 1931 to 1942 and as King’s Harbour Master at Malacca.
He was married at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore on the 21st of November 1931 to Evelyn Millicent Violet (nee Leigh-Hunt) and they had two daughters, one of which was Charmain Anne, born in 1932, and a son, born on the 23rd of February 1935. He was a member of a Malay Volunteer Regiment but following the Japanese invasion of Malaya he rejoined his old Regiment whose 2nd Battalion was serving in the colony. The Battalion was involved in heavy fighting following their invasion of Malaya on the 7th of December 1941 and throughout the retreat which followed. They suffered very heavy casualties during the campaign. On the 20th of December 1941 the survivors of the Battalion were merged with the remainder of the 1st Battalion, Royal Leicestershire Regiment to form the composite British Battalion. After further heavy fighting The Battalion withdrew to Singapore Island where Japanese forces began landing on the 8th of February 1942. Having come under a series of enemy attacks on the 12th of February, on the following day, the 13th of February 1942, the Battalion came under bombing and shelling with the unit protecting its left flank being forced to withdraw during the afternoon. During the day two groups of survivors were detailed to escape by boat from the colony but Henry Russell was not in either group and his fate is unknown.
When the Singapore surrendered two days later, the remaining 265 officers and men of the British Battalion passed into captivity.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at Gray’s Inn.
He is buried at Kranji War Cemetery Collective Grave 34 D 15-17.

Shearman, Philip Montague, brother of John Shearman (adm. 1926, qv); b. 9 May 1920; adm. Sept. 1933 (H); left July 1938; RASC 1941-6 (Capt.); m. 1944 Rachel Monica, d. of William Percy Townsley of Harrogate; d. in a fire on a liner in Hamburg 11 Jan. 1946.

Philip Montague “Phil” Shearman was born at Hampstead, London on the 9th of May 1920 the son of John Shearman OW and Ludmilla Isabelle (nee Davy) Shearman of 45, Devereux Drive, Watford in Hertfordshire. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1933 to July 1938. He was a member of the 2nd Rowing VIII in 1936 and of the 1st Rowing VIII in 1937 where he rowed at No. 2. He was fond of sailing and of bell ringing. He was a member of the Officer Training Corps and was promoted to Corporal in September 1937. He went on to study at the Institute of Automobile Engineers but did not complete his course before he joined the army. He attended an Officer Producing Centre as a Cadet before being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps on the 18th of January 1941.
He was married in Cheshire in 1944 to Rachel Monica (nee Townsley) of Leatherhead in Surrey; they had a daughter, Philippe Ann, born on the 6th of May 1945.
He was killed in a fire while on board a German liner at Hamburg harbour.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at St Nicholas’ Church, West Itchenor in Sussex.
He is buried at Hamburg Cemetery Plot 3A, Row F, Grave 13.

Murray, John Alan Colin, son of Capt. George Shirley Kilby and Gladys Grace, d. of Keith Wil­liam Murray, Portcullis Poursuivant, and grand-daughter of William Powell Murray (qv); b. 19 Apr. 1920; assumed the name of Murray in lieu of Kilby 1932; adm. Jan. 1933 (R); left Dec. 1934; HLI 1940-2 (Lieut.), attd Army Film Unit; killed in action (Middle East) June 1942.

John Alan Colin Kilby was born at Kensington, London on the 19th of April 1920 the only son of Captain George Shirley Kilby, 11th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Finsbury Rifles), and Gladys Grace (nee Murray) Kilby of 1, Winchester Court, Kensington in London. He assumed his mother’s maiden name of Murray in 1932, presumably because of his parent’s divorce in 1927. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Rigaud’s from January 1933 to December 1934.
He attended an Officer Cadet Training Unit before being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry on the 20th of April 1940. He was later attached to the Army Film and Photographic Unit where he served with No. 1 Section.
On the 27th of May 1942, the Afrika Corps launched an attack on the left flank of the British held Gazala Line at Bir Hacheim. This was the first time the Army Film and Photographic Unit had found the opportunity to film a major battle. On the 30th of May, John Murray visited the Headquarters of 50th Division and when he returned to the unit he wrote the following: - “It is indeed most depressing to make every effort to take good filmic photographs and to go into places where it is by no means healthy, and know that with a “dual” camera the efforts may be worthless. Sgts. Travis and Berman both seemed in good spirits, though sorry that they could not be in the attack.”
By the 8th of June, he and his men were with the South African Division where they were taking both still photographs and cine film. On the 9th of June 1942, John Murray and Lieutenant Graham had been filming during heavy fighting in the area of the Knightsbridge Box when they returned to their jeep. While travelling in the rear area of the British lines they entered an unmarked minefield and their jeep ran over a mine. Lieutenant Graham was unhurt but John Murray had received a wound to his neck and was bleeding profusely. Graham tried to stem the bleeding but the wound was too deep and John Murray died a few minutes later from loss of blood.
He is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial Column 69.

Nares, Geoffrey Owen, brother of David Owen Nares (qv); b. 10 June 1917; adm. Sept. 1930 (G); left Apr. 1934; an actor and stage designer; first appeared (under his father's management) in The Winning Post at the Globe Theatre Dec. 1934; 2nd Lieut. RASC Oct. 1940, transf. 12 Lancers Aug. 1941; d. on active service 20 Aug. 1942.

Geoffrey Owen Nares was born at Hampstead, London on the 10th of June 1917 the younger son of Owen Ramsey Nares, an actor, and Marie (nee Polini) Nares, an actress, of 35, Hamilton Terrace, Westminster and of Highmoor in Oxfordshire. He was christened at St Augustine’s Church, Paddington on the 17th of November 1917. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Grant’s from September 1930 to April 1934. He won a Sir Henry Lucy Prize for Art in 1931. On leaving school he became an actor and a theatre designer, his first appearance being in the part of a stable boy in “The Winning Post”, starring Lawrence Olivier at the Adelphi Theatre on the 17th of December 1934. In June 1935 he played Kim Oldham in “Grief Goes Over” at the Globe Theatre and he played Martin Hilton in “Call it a Day” at the Glove Theatre, London in October of the same year which ran for more than a year; his father was also a member of the cast. As well as being an actor he was a designer of scenery for the stage and designed sets for “Candida”, “The Constant Wife”, ”Gaily We Set Out”, and “Blondie White”.
He enlisted as a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps before being attending an Officer Producing School and being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 26th of October 1940. He transferred to the 12th Royal Lancers in August 1941 and was posted to the Middle East where he contracted pappataci (sand fly fever) and died from a brain tumour in hospital at Cairo.
He is buried at Heliopolis War Cemetery Plot 2 Row D grave 14

Nash, Alexander Desmond Michael Flight Lieutenant 102131
258 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Killed in action on the 19th of December 1943 aged 21
Alexander Desmond Michael Nash was born on the 22nd of November 1922 the son of Captain Christopher Michael Nash, a rubber planter, and Ethelinda Jarman (nee Clarke) Nash of 17, Mount Avenue, Ealing in Middlesex. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1936 to July 1939.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve where he trained as a pilot and rose to the rank of Leading Aircraftman before being commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 23rd of July 1941. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 23rd of July 1942 and to Flight Lieutenant on the 23rd of July 1943. He was posted to 285 Squadron.
Alexander Nash took off at 2.45pm on the 19th of December 1943 in Hurricane Mk IIB BG688 with five other aircraft from his Squadron for a patrol over Dohazari. As they were climbing out after takeoff his aircraft collided with Hurricane Mk IIB PJ785 flown by Pilot Officer Peter Ireland Hickes. Both aircraft crashed and both pilots were killed. The remaining four aircraft completed their mission and returned to base at 4.20pm.
He is buried at Chittagong War Cemetery Plot 6, Row A, Grave 12.

Witherby, James Herbert, son of Bernard Oldham Witherby, stockbroker, of Purley, Surrey; b. 31 Jan. 1906; adm. Sept. 1920 (H); left Apr. 1924; lived in Malaya; Malay Defence Force 1941, p.o.w.; lost at sea off Sumatra Feb. 1942.

James Herbert Witherby was born at Acton, Middlesex on the 31st of January 1906 the only son of Bernard Oldham Witherby, a stockjobber and a Member of the London Stock Exchange, and Isabel Witherby of 64, Ramillies Road, Acton Green in London. He was christened at St Mary’s Church, Stamford Brook on the 20th of May 1906. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1920 to April 1924. He was a member of the Colts Football XI in 1920 and of the 1st Football XI from 1921 to 1924 where he played at centre half. The Elizabethan wrote of his 1922/23 season: - “Very clever dribbler and a splendid feeder of his forwards. Wants to show more pace in getting back to his own goal, when the opposing centre forward has beaten him. A poor shot at goal, who could improve with practice. Has been a most successful pivot to the whole side.” They wrote of his 1923/24 season: - “The only first class performer on the side. Has beautiful control of the ball, and has carved out many a glorious opening for his forwards – the hallmark of a good centre half. Is a little apt to give his opposition centre forward too much rope. His inability to get back quickly after taking a prominent part in an attack being largely responsible for this. Given opportunities, should go far in the game.” He was awarded his School Colours for Football in 1924.
He moved to Malaya as a rubber planter in 1927 where he worked as assistant manager at the Langkon Estate, a job he left in October 1929 to accept the position of assistant manager at the Menrtri Estate, Pahang, where he was later appointed as manager of the plantation. He played cricket for Malacca and for Jasin Cricket Club and was a member of the Malacca Tennis Club. He was also a member of the Jasin Rugby XV. He was married at St George’s Church, Penang to Joan (nee Wilkinson later Hale) on the 18th of October 1938.
He enlisted in the 4th (Pahang) Battalion, Federated Malay States Volunteer Force where he rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. On the fall of Singapore to the Japanese on the 15th of February 1942, efforts were made to evacuate as many people as possible from the colony. By late February, James Witherby was one of thousands of evacuees gathered at Emmahaven Padang in the hope of boarding a ship. He managed to find a place on board the 1,693 ton merchant ship SS Ban Ho Guan, under the command of Captain Van der Berg, which departed Emmahaven at around 5am on the morning of the 28th of February 1942 with 227 passengers and 8 to 10 crew on board. She was bound for Tjilatjap and then on to Freemantle in Australia. James Witherby was one of five members of the Federated Malay States Volunteer Force who were on board. During the early part of the journey the ship received a message from the Dutch naval authorities at Tjilatjap that the town was under Japanese air attack and that they should head for the nearest land instead of going there.
Several hours after her departure and having changed from her original course, the SS Ban Ho Guan was sailing to the south of Bali when she was sunk at 5.45pm by the Japanese submarine I-4, under the command of Lieutenant Haijam Nakagawa. There were no survivors, although there were unconfirmed reports that Captain Van der Berg had been captured and taken to Japan
The lack of survivors was very unusual at that time but Haijam Nakagawa gathered a reputation during the rest of the war for killing the survivors of his sinkings. He was tried for war crimes at the end of the war and was convicted in January 1947. He was sentenced to eight year in prison but served only four.
He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial Column 390.

Woodward, Norman, son of Benjamin Douca Woodward of New Jersey, USA; b. 6 Jan. 1912; adm. Sept. 1925 (G); left July 1928; PO RCAF; killed in action over Holland Sept. 1941.

Norman Woodward was born at 60, Craigie Road, Perth, Scotland on the 6th of January 1913 the younger son of Benjamin Duryea Woodward, a banker, and Gladys (nee Piver) Woodward of 26, Pembroke Gardens in London W8, later of 41, Royston Park Road, Hatch End in Middlesex and of 7, Rue des Alpes, Geneva, Switzerland. He was educated at Mr Gibb’s School, London from 1921 to July 1925 and at Westminster School where he was up Grant’s from September 1925 to July 1928. He was a member of the 3rd Rowing VIII in 1928 and served as a Private in the Officer Training Corps from 1926 to 1928. He also took part in swimming and field athletics whilst at school. His hobbies included sailing, shooting and photography. On leaving school he worked as a reporter for the Press Association in London from 1930 to 1932 and as a sound recordist for Gainsborough Studios in London from 1932 to 1935. He worked as manager of the Lawns Club at Usk, Monmouthshire from 1935 to 1936 after which he emigrated to the United States where his mother had been born. He moved to San Francisco where he began work as an assistant editor on the Shipping Register in 1936 which was published by his mother’s family. He lived at 635, Montgomery Street in the city.
He attended an interview with a view to joining the Royal Canadian Air Force on the 13th of November 1939 but was probably considered to be too young. He enlisted for the duration of the war as an Aircraftman 2nd Class at the Royal Canadian Air Force Recruiting Centre at Vancouver, British Columbia on the 12th of July 1940. At a medical examination, which took place on the same day, it was recorded that he was six feet and one half of an inch tall and that he weighed 171 pounds. It was also recorded that he had a medium complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair.
A letter of reference in support of his application was written by Robin Kinkead of Reuters: - “Dear Sir, I have known the bearer of this letter, Mr. Norman Woodward, for six years. I first met him in London, in the latter part of the year in 1933, while I was working with Reuters Ltd. I have found Mr. Woodward to be a young man of unusually sterling character. I have had an opportunity of observing his conduct under various conditions, both in England and later here in San Francisco, where I have known him fairly regularly since 1937. I can attest in all sincerity to his presence of mind, sobriety, quick-wittedness, and ready understanding. I might add that his sense of humour is well developed, whether or not that may be considered as an asset. I should say his distinctive character trait is a strong sense of initiative and responsibility, together with a more than average intelligence. I have always found him a friend to rely upon, and can certify my profound conviction that he has what it takes.”
He was posted for training on the 16th of August 1940 and joined No. 2 Initial Training School at Regina on the 1st of September 1940. He was promoted to Leading Aircraftman on the 12th of October 1940 and was posted to No. 3 Air Observers School at Regina on the 19th of October. On the 6th of January 1941 he was transferred to No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank, Saskatchewan and was promoted to Sergeant on his qualification as an Air Observer on the 16th of February 1941. He embarked for service in England on the 6th of April 1941.
He disembarked on the 19th of April 1941 and was posted to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre at Uxbridge until the 28th of April when he joined No. 10 Operational Training Unit at RAF Abington. Having completed his training he was posted to 77 Squadron on the 17th of July 1941.
On the night of the 6th/7th of September 1941, Bomber Command dispatched 41 Whitleys, 27 Wellingtons and 18 Hampdens to attack a chemical plant at Huls. The weather was clear and the returning bombers claiming good results with their bombing.
Norman Woodward and his crew took off from RAF Leeming at 7.54pm on the 6th of September 1941 in Whitley Mk V Z6824 KN-W for the operation. While flying near Amseterdam the aircraft was coned by searchlights and was attacked and shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf110 flown by Oberleutnant Hans-Karl Kamp of 8./NJG 1. The aircraft crashed at Haarlo, near Borculo in Holland at 11.15pm with the loss of all but one of the crew. Theirs was one of an eventual twenty three victories for Hans-Karl Kamp before he was killed in action on the 31st of December 1944.
The crew was: -
Squadron Leader Alexander John Hannigan (Pilot)
Sergeant David Thomas (2nd Pilot) (POW No. 9578 Stalag 357 and Stalag VIIIB)
Pilot Officer Norman Woodward RCAF (Observer)
Sergeant Charles Max Evans (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Sergeant Ernest Charles Edward Myers RCAF (Air Gunner)
Theirs was one of seven aircraft which were lost during the operation.
His mother received the following telegram dated the 3rd of October 1941: - “Regret to inform you that information received through the International Red Cross Society states your son Pilot Officer Norman Woodward is reported missing and believed to have lost his life as the result of air operations on 6th/7th September 1941. Any further information will be immediately communicated to you.”
2nd pilot David Thomas was the first member of the crew to bail out of the aircraft and was the only one to survive when the aircraft exploded in mid air soon after he had left it. In a letter from prisoner of war camp dated the 9th of November 1941 David Thomas wrote the following on the events that night: -
“Dear Sirs, As regards your enquiry about P/O Woodward, I’m afraid I can give little information. On the night of Sep. 6 we were attacked by a night fighter off Amsterdam. The aircraft burst into flames, and I as second pilot, was the first to abandon the aircraft. At the time of the attack P/O Woodward was in the front turret. After having been captured I was told the aircraft had exploded in the air – whether P/O Woodward was killed during the attack, or whether he was killed by the subsequent explosion, I’m afraid I don’t know, but he did not leave the aircraft, because I was the only one seen to leave the aircraft. The time of the accident was about 2300 hours British Summer time. Would you please be kind enough to forward my deepest sympathies to his mother in her great loss.”
He is buried at Borculo General Cemetery Plot U, Collective Grave 1-5.

Whiskard, Richard Geoffrey, son of Sir Geoffrey Granville Whiskard KCB KCMG, UK High Commissioner to the Commonweath of Australia, and his first wife Cynthia Salome Caroline, d. of Edmund Whitelock Reeves; b. 31 Mar. 1920; adm. Sept. 1933 (H), KS May 1935; left July 1938; Univ. Coll. Oxf., matric. 1938; Welsh Guards 1940-4 (Lieut.); killed in action (Normandy) 2 Aug. 1944.

Richard Geoffrey Whiskard was born at Kensington, London on the 21st of March 1920 the elder son of Sir Geoffrey Granville Whiskard KCB, KCMG, MA, High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Australia, and Lady Cynthia Salome Caroline (nee Reeves) Whiskard of 156, Sloane Street in London and of 13, Mill Street, Mildenhall in Suffolk. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1933 to July 1938 and was a King’s Scholar from May 1935. From the beginning of his time at Westminster he took an intense interest in the School and in the Abbey and was already a considerable authority on their history and antiquities. He matriculated for University College, Oxford in 1938 but left before graduating for military service.
He attended an Officer Cadet Training Unit before being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Welsh Guards on the 2nd of November 1940. He was posted to the 2nd (Armoured Reconnaissance) Battalion of his Regiment on the 8th of September 1943.
The 2nd (Armoured Reconnaissance) Battalion, Welsh Guards landed in Normandy in late June 1944 and fought in a number of engagements during the following few weeks.
On the evening of the 1st of August 1944, the 2nd (Armoured Reconnaissance) Battalion, Welsh Guards moved to a position just to the north of the village of St Martin des Besaces. At first light the following morning Nos. 1 and 3 Squadrons moved through the village to La Tourneur and then to Catheolles where the two Squadrons split with No. 3 Squadron by-passing Courteil and Montchamp before reaching the village of La Marvindiere. No. 1 Squadron, which had been unable to leave the roads, lost two tanks early in the advance. In the evening all three of the reconnaissance Squadrons moved into the area of La Marvindiere where they were under heavy shelling, mortar and sniper fire throughout the night. They held these positions until the 5th of August when they were withdrawn at 5am. They had suffered casualties during this period of three officer and even other ranks killed with twenty other ranks wounded. Richard Whiskard was among the dead.
His commanding officer described his death as: - “One of our major losses.”
His father wrote the following after the death of his son: -
“My son was killed, early in August in Normandy. A fellow officer sent me a sketch map of the spot where he was buried. I sent this to a niece of mine, who is a nursing sister with the British Army, and two months after his death, she was able to visit the place. She found that at the foot of the grave where he and the driver of his tank, who was killed by the same shell, were buried, a flowering shrub had been planted and was in full blossom. At the head of the grave, under each of the two crosses, was a vase of fresh flowers. This had been done by the French family who lived nearby. When they saw my niece, they came to the grave and brought her back with them to the farm house and gave her tea. They told her that they would always, as long as they themselves were there, tend the grave. I feel that this may, perhaps give comfort to some of your readers. Other French people, no doubt, have done, and will do, the same.”
He is commemorated on the war memorial at Mildenhall and on the memorial at University College, Oxford.
He is buried at St Charles de Percy War Cemetery Plot I, Row G, Grave 14.

Teed, Denis Theodore, brother of Geoffrey Wilmot Teed (qv); b. 12 May 1907; adm. Jan. 1921 (A); left July 1923; an incorporated accountant; Cpl RAF, killed on active service 24 Feb. 1941 in a workshop accident in Singapore.

Denis Theodore Teed was born at Camberwell, Surrey on the 12th of May 1907 the second son of Harry Williamson Teed, a gas examiner for the London County Council, and Ethel Sinclair (nee Rees) Teed of 158, Camberwell Grove, Camberwell, later of 34, Brodrick Road, Balham in London.
He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Ashburnham from January 1921 to July 1923. On leaving school he became an incorporated accountant.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force where he rose to the rank of Corporal and was posted to Singapore. He was serving at RAF Seletar when he was killed by an electric shock in an accident at a workshop.
He is buried at Kranji War Cemetery Plot 37, Row D, Grave 3.

Tyrwhitt, Cuthbert, son of Thomas Tyrwhitt ARIBA, of Fulham, and Dorothy Nina, d. of Reginald Godfrey Marsden, barrister-at-law; b. 11 Apr. 1912; adm. Sept. 1925 (H); left July 1930; 2nd Lieut. Worcs. Regt Jan. 1932, Lieut. Jan. 1935, retd Mar. 1936; regazetted Sept. 1939 (Capt.); m. 23 Mar. 1936 Delia Gurnee, d. of Edward Norman Scott of New York; killed in action (Singapore) 15 Feb. 1942.

Cuthbert Tyrwhitt was born at Hampstead, London on the 11th of April 1912 the younger son of Thomas Tyrwhitt ARIBA, an architect, and Dorothy Nina (nee Marsden) Tyrwhitt of 4, North Court, Great Peter Street in London. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1925 to July 1930. He was a member of the Officer Training Corps and was promoted to Corporal in September 1929. He attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst from where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment on the 28th of January 1932. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 28th of January 1935 and he resigned his commission on the 21st of March 1936.
He was married at the British Consulate at 10, Ma Ta Jen Hutung, Peiping in China on the 23rd of March 1936 to Delia Gurnee (nee Scott later Lane), an author, of Greenwich, Connecticut.
On leaving the army he returned to London where he joined the Diplomatic Service and lived at 4, North Court, Great Peter Street, London SW1.
Following the outbreak of war he was recalled to his Regiment on the 9th of September 1939 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. In December 1939 he was posted to Singapore where he was attached to the Far East Combined Intelligence Bureau as an Intelligence Officer. He was tasked with creating a card index of security information which was being gathered from intercepted communications between Japanese consular officials and their attachés in Singapore, Hong Kong and their bases in Japan.
Following the Japanese invasion of Malaya in December 1941 and subsequent assault on the island of Singapore in February 1942 Cuthbert Tyrwhitt was reported to have been killed in action and buried at the British Headquarters at Fort Canning on the day that Singapore surrendered.
In October 1947, his wife donated the sum of £150 towards the Westminster School War Memorial Fund in his memory.
He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial Column 67.