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.
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