The History of 181 field Regt RA continues to grow through my website and book.

I was pleased to hear from Joe Gibbons of Peacehaven, who ‘Phoned me earlier this year to see if I could throw some light on his late Fathers War service.

Joe’s Dad appears on my Roll of Honour (page 69), he was killed in action 2nd November 1944, age 44 years, and is buried in Neederwert War Cemetery Holland.

Joe was just a lad at the time but can remember the news of his Dads death very clearly. Over the years he has struggled to find out the circumstances in which he was tragically killed. He can recall, that apart from the official War Office telegram, a letter was sent by one of the Officers, and remembers that their was an accident, Joe told me that his Dad was a Batman to an Officer named Matthews Consideration was given to older men with families and children, and if possible they would be given a job out of harms way.

I believe that Alf was Batman to Capt WM Matthews, Bill Matthews was the Regimental Adjutant, attached to HQ, which would have been some miles back from the front line. I have made enquiries with some of Alf’s ex comrades but unfortunately I have not been able to throw any more light on the matter. Joe told me that the family has visited Alf’s resting place many times, he can be assured that the people of Holland will always care for it.