In February 1945, just after his eighteenth birthday, Bill received his 'call-up' papers and on 22 March 1945 reported to the Guards Training Depot, Caterham, Surrey. Here he joined L/Sgt Prince's Squad and was under the constant supervision of Trained Soldier Dickenson. His Superintendent Sergeant was Sgt Brassington. On completion of Depot Training, he moved to Victoria Barracks, Windsor where he became a member of L/Sgt Leadbetters' Platoon. Bill served in Windsor, with the 4th Battalion in Germany (at a small town called Bergedorf, approximately ten miles from Hamburg, a city 80% destroyed by allied bombing), as 'batman' to Regimental Sergeant Major Arthur Spratley, MM, with the 1st Battalion at Neumunster, Pirbright, Chelsea, then back to Windsor until he was de-mobbed in 1948. He then became a Policeman in the City of London and remained in the Square Mile, (City of London) until retirement from the Police in 1977. He then took up employment in Hotel Security until his final retirement at the age of 65 years. Throughout his Service with the Colours, Bill was a very proud and supportive Grenadier. He was an extremely dedicated and loyal member of the East Kent Branch of our Association for very many years and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

Added on: 11 September 2016, 12:11