World War 2
As we approach the 75th Anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War it is with honour we remember those who served our Country.
In 1939 the population of Gunthorpe was recorded as 549 on the National Register. 289 were female and 260 male.
66 men by 1945 had served in the Armed Forces. 2 of those died. Of those who returned, some had been prisoners of war.
Private George Samuel Allwood 5889588
George was born on 26th January 1913. He was the son of John Henry and Susanna Ellen Allwood. He was the husband of Ethel and in 1939 living at 7, The Avenue, Gunthorpe. Whilst serving with the 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment he was killed in action on the 4th May 1944 aged 31. He is buried in the Imphal War Cemetery India ref 8.F.4.
Private James Samuel Greaves 5117806
James was born 5thMarch 1914 in Preston to Robert and Rebecca Greaves. His family moved to Woodborough and ran a public house. He married Kathleen Pykett and they had one son, Colin. In 1939 they were living at the School House in Gunthorpe and he was working in a men`s textile factory in Calverton as a folder. Whilst serving with the 1st Bn. Worcestershire Regiment he died from illness on 6th July 1941 aged 27 in Port Sudan. He is laid to rest in the Khartoum War Cemetery ref 2D 20 J. Unjustly you may think, his widow and son were ineligible for a War pension since his death was not the result of direct enemy action.
We will remember…..
Richard Mills