Second World War — 1939 - 1945
In the Second World War 1939-45 the men of Hamsey once again answered the call to arms. Over 60 men and women joined the armed forces to serve their country. Seven men lost their lives and are named on the memorial. Sir Henry Shiffner and Robert Ashdown were killed in action in Egypt. Arthur Staplehurst gave his life courageously helping to defend an airfield on the island of Java. Percy Dadswell, an only child, died in Italy and Arthur Hyde survived the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy only to lose his life 18 days later. Robert Brooks joined the RAF to train as a pilot but unfortunately died of illness before seeing action. Robert Wingrove served in the Navy but became ill and died in hospital in Somerset. Both he and Robert Brooks are buried side by side in Commonwealth War Graves in Hamsey churchyard.
Major Sir Henry Burrows Shiffner Bt. OBE: 203 Field Battery, 51st Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Killed in action at Sidi Rezegh, Libya on 22nd November 1941, aged 39. He is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
Arthur Staplehurst: 49th Battery, 48th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Killed in action on at Kalidjati, Java on 21st February 1942 aged 25. He is commemorated at Jakarta (Ancol) Field of Honour, Java.
Robert C. W. Ashdown: Cpl. 6403031 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment.
Killed in action at El Alamein on 29th October 1942, aged 25. He is buried in the Military Cemetery at El Alamein, Egypt.
Robert Gordon Brooks: Ldg Aircraftman 1803601, Royal Air Force.
Robert died of rheumatic fever at Newton Abbot Hospital, Devon on 10th May 1943 aged 20. He is buried in Hamsey Churchyard commemorated by a Commonwealth War Gravestone.
Percy J. Dadswell: Cpl. 14245426 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers.
Killed in action at Vezzarola, Italy on 19th February 1944, aged 20. He is buried at the Minturno Military Cemetery,
Southern Italy.
Arthur J. Hyde: Gunner 1092004 Royal Artillery (i), 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment (ii). Killed in action in Normandy on 24th June 1944, aged 31. He is buried at La Deliverande British Cemetery,
Plot 8, Row J, Grave 1
Robert H. Wingrove: Able Seaman RN P/JX 318946 H.M.S. Thorough, Submarine D Class.
Robert died of illness in a wartime naval hospital near Clevedon, Somerset on 19th October 1944, aged 20. He is buried in Hamsey Churchyard commemorated by a Commonwealth War Gravestone.
