In memory of the old boys of this school who gave their lives in the Second World War, 1939-45.

Cpl, 2090349, 287 Field Coy Royal Engineers. Died 31-8-43, age 30, Prisoner of War. Born 26-2-13, admitted to school 18-9-24, left 20-7-29. Son of Herbert Edward & Maud Beatrice Barrett, of Badgeney Rd, March; husband of Irene Barrett, of Wisbech. Buried Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar. Also listed March.

Notification that her husband. Lee.-Cpl. Keith Cecil Barrett, of the Royal Engineers, died of malaria in August, 1943, was received from the War office by his wife. He was a prisoner in Malaya Camp.

Aged 30 years. Lce.-Cpl. Barrett was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Barrett, of Badgeney-road, March. Before joining the Royal Engineers in May, 1939, he was employed in the Surveyor's Department at the County Hall, March. He was reported missing following the fall of Singapore in February, 1942, but the good news that he was a prisoner came in April, 1943, four months before his death.

The Union Jack at the County Hall was flown at halt-mast in his memory, when the sad news was received.

Flight Sergeant (Pilot) 968433, 260 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, North Africa Command. Killed in action flying out of LG 85, Egypt, in a Kittyhawk, when the aircraft was shot down by a Bf109 near Mersa Matruh during an escort for SAAF Bostons 26 June 1942. Aged 20. Native of Wsibech, Cambridgeshire. Son of John Weatherley Robinson Carlile and Muriel Louisa Carlile, of Wisbech. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 249. See also Queens School, Wisbech, Wisbech and Elm

Extract from London Gazette 27 July 1943:

Details from his recommendation AIR 2/9596

Pilot 260 Sqdn

During recent hard fighting in the Western Desert, F/S Carlyle has especially distinguished himself. In one day, he twice turned to attack a greatly superior enemy force and each time brought his aircraft home successfully in spite of extensive damage to it which made it extremely hard to handle. He is a fearless and determined fighter pilot and recently destroyed an enemy fighter when our forces were outnumbered by at least four to one. During the present battle, his characteristic keeness to engage the Hun has inspired confidence and courage in all who witnessed his energy and drive, his conduct throughout being such as to prove a valuable contribution to the successes his squadron has achieved. This airman was reported missing on 26th June 1942, and the recommendation was intiated on 2nd June 1942.

(Note - the D.F.M could not be awarded posthumously, so a lot of the time the recommendation would be post dated to the day before the airman went missing)

Extract from local newspaper:

WISBECH PILOT
MISSING.
Shot Down at Least One
Enemy Plane.

Pilot-Officer John Vyvyan Carlile, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J, W. R. Carlilet of Algethi, Lynn-road, Wisbech, has been reported missing as the result of air operations.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlile, who were first notified by telegram, have now received a letter of confirmation, stating that their son has shot down at least one enemy aircraft.

This is the second tragic bereavement of the war for the Carlile family. Mr. and Mrs. Carlile's daughter, formerly Miss Brenda Shawl Carlile, was married in July, 1940, to Pilot Officer John Whitsed, of the Royal Air Force, who was killed on active service towards the end of that year.

Leaving March Grammar School, Pilot-Officer Carlile became apprenticed to Wisbech Produce Canners. At the outbreak of war, when he was barely 18, he volunteered for service with the R.A.F., and after passing all his tests with great success, he qualified as a fighter pilot at the end of 1940. In May of last year he went to the Middle East, having previously been on operational duties in England for about six months.

Mr. Carlile only received news of his son's promotion to Pilot-Officer on Tuesday.

“Tony,” as he was known at the works and to his many friends, was very popular in Wisbech. He was a keen swimmer and was a member of the Wisbech Swimming club. He is 20 years old and was reported missing on June 26th.

Sergeant (Observer) 581270, 82 (United Provinces) Squadron, Royal Air Force (Bomber Command). Flying in a Bristol Blenheim IV, serial number L8829, out of R.A.F. Watton in a day operation, Foret-de-Gault, his aircraft was presumed to have crashed in the North Sea 13 June 1940. Aged 23. Born 14 December 1916, admitted to school 10 January 1929, left 31 July 1934. Son of Frank Henry and Violet Mary Carlile, of Hunstanton. Norfolk. Cousin of John Vyvyan Carlile (listed above). Buried in HARLINGEN GENERAL CEMETERY, Friesland, Netherlands. Plot E. Row 2. Grave 15. See also Elm and Wisbech Queens School

Extract from local newspaper:

ELM AIRMAN MISSING
“Old Boy” of March
Grammar School

An Elm airman has been posted as missing after a recent flight over France. He is 23-year-old Sergt.-Observer Neville William Carlile, of Algeiba House, Elm.

In a letter to Mr. Carlile, the airman's commanding officer states: “Your son has been doing extraordinarily good work and has set a fine example to everyone. He will be missing by us all.”

Sergt. Carlile was educated at March Grammar School, and, afterleaving there he spent some time at an English college in Rome, studying the priesthood. He returned home, however, to become articled to Mr. T. F. Parker, a Wisbech architect. He joined the Royal Air Force in June.

2nd Lt, 197126, ACompany, 9 platoon, 1st Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed in action 13-2-42, age 21. Born 18-12-20, admitted to school 17-9-30, left 26-7-38. Son of John William & Annie Clark, of The Gables, Chatteris. Attended March Grammar School and studied architecture at Liverpool University. Buried Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Also listed Chatteris.

Unhappy news has now come through to the effect that Sec.-Lieut. William Henry Clark, only son of the late Mr. John W. Clark and of Mrs. Clark, of The Gables, Chatteris, was-killed at Singapore on Feb. 13th, 1942.

Educated at March Grammar School, Sec.-Lieut. Clark, after a successful career, was awarded a major scholarship and proceeded to Liverpool University to study in the Faculty of Architecture.

In August, 1940, he volunteered for the Army and joined the Suffolk Regiment, and in February, 1941, went to the Infantry O.C.T.U. at Dunbar, where he was commissioned in July, 1941, at the age of 20.

In December, 1941, he was sent with the 1st Cambs. Regiment to the Far East, and in March, 1942, he was officially reported missing. No further news was received until last week, when Mrs. Clark was informed that her son was killed.

The deceased officer was well known in Chatteris and district and was very popular. Many letters of sympathy have been sent to Mrs. Clark in the irreparable loss of her only son.

Petty Officer Airman, L/FX 523614, HMS Natchatcher, Royal Navy. Died 1-3-46, age 20. Telegraphist/air gunner. Missing presumed killed in flying accident. Born 26-3-25, admitted to school 16-9-36, left 24-3-41. Son of Ernest William & Clara Desborough, of 6 Southampton Place, Chatteris. Employed as agricultural worker for Mr Arthur S Rickwood, Chatteris. Listed Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hants. Also listed Chatteris.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

MISSING, PRESUMED
KILLED
Sad News of Chatteris
Petty Officer

The sad news was received on Monday by Mr. and Mrs. E. Desborough, of 9, Delve-terrace, Chatteris, that their eldest son, Petty Officer (A) Ernest Jack Desborough, telegraphist air gunner of the Fleet Air Arm, has been reported missing, presumed killed, in a flying accident.

Petty Officer Desborough, who would have been 21 on March 26th, joined the Navy as an ordinary seaman in August, 1943, and after a few weeks, took a course as air gunner. In the last letter his parents received from him, he said he had just been in hospital in Hong Kong for a fortnight, and that he was in the group of A.G.'s due for home.

Previous to joining the Navy, Petty Officer Desborough was a member of the Air Training Corps, which he joined on its formation. He was educated at March Grammar School, and before joining the services, was employed by Mr. A. S. Rickwood as an agricultural worker.

2nd Lt, 314979, 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps. Died 3-8-44, age 19. Born 10-8-24, admitted to school 19-9-34, left 5-4-40. Son of Ernest & Agnes Dolby, of 130 Station Rd, March. Employed by Barclay's Bank, March. Listed Bayeux Memorial, Calvados, France. Also listed March.

The news received on Monday that 2nd/Lieut. Roy Ernest Dolby, 19 - year - old younger son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Dolby, 130, Station-road, March, was killed in action on August 3rd, has been sorrowfully heard by his many friends in the town.

He was killed serving in Normandy. His elder brother is also serving in France.

At March Grammar School Lieut. Dolby showed great promise, passing the Cambridge School Certificate Examination at the age of 14. He left to work at the March branch of Barclay's Bank, volunteering at 17½. He passed through Sandhurst and was commissioned on Easter Saturday of this year.

Keen on all sport, he played football and cricket for his school elevens.

Captian 79053, 'C' Company, 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed in action 25 January 1942. Aged 24. Born 12 December 1917, and resident, Cambridgeshire. Baptised 20 January 1918 in March, St P

Profound regret ham been expressed this week in the wide area in which he and his family are known at the news that Captain Frederick Ambrose Grounds, only son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Donald Grounds, of March, has been killed in action in the Far East. The first Intimation came on Saturday in a message from a fellow officer, and the report was confirmed on Wednesday In a telegram from the War Office. On every hand the deepest sympathy has been voiced with the young widow (nee Miss Kathleen Loughlin. of Upwell) and their baby boy and with the parents and family.

Although Captain Grounds, who was only 24 years of age, had spent much of his time away from home—first at school, then studying for his profession, and latterly on military service—he was widely known in March, Upwell, Wisbech and the districts around, and by everyone he was admired and esteemed as a fine type of young man.

SUCCESSFUL STUDIES.

As a boy he first attended March Grammar School, and later he went to Rushmoor Preparatory School, Bedford, and subsequently to Uppingham. At the last-mentioned school he spent five years and was very successful in his studies. While there he displayed much prowess in sport and was a member of both the cricket and rugby tennis. He was also a skilful boxer and on one occasion won a tournament, for which he received a silver cup. He also played cricket for March Town and rugby for the Peterboro' club.

After leaving Uppingham he studied auctioneering and estate management at the College of Auctioneers and Estate Agents in London and all three examinations of the Auctioneers' Institute he passed with honours, the final examination at the age of 21. He served his articles with Messrs. Elworthy & Grounds, of Upwell, the firm of which his father is the principal, and he continued with the firm until he entered on military service.

FOLLOWED FORBEARS' EXAMPLE

Captain Grounds had long cherished a desire to join the Territorials, but was I influenced to defer doing so until he had passed his final examination. Having accomplished that, he joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment, in which his great-grandfather, his grandfather and his father had served. When the national emergency threatened and the recruiting drive was launched he was given a Commission and the command of the March Detachment of the Regiment's second battalion. Largely through his example and his influence a strong Detachment was formed, and he enjoyed the confidence and respect both of those who served under him and of the officers above him.

His marriage to Miss Kathleen Mary Loughlin, daughter of the late Mr. J. W. Loughlin and of Mrs. Loughlin, of Upwell, took place in April, 1940, and a son, Frederick James, was born to them in September last.

A well-known Whittlesey lad, William Arthur Heard, R.A.F., the 24- year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Heard, of 24, Claygate, Whittlesey, was the pilot of a 'plane which crashed near the airfield at Sealand, Flintshire, on Wednesday night. The plane hit two bungalows, which were set on fire, and the pilot met his death.

Two civilians had narrow escapes from death.

Previous to joining the R.A.F. Mr. Heard was connected with the local A.T.C., and was employed by Mr. C. W. Gore, N.F.U. Secretary and auctioneer, Whittlesey. He was educated at March Grammar School.

The funeral service will take place at St. Mary's Church, Whittlesey, to-morrow (Saturday) at 3 p.m.

Sgt, 2091253, 18th Division HQ Royal Engineers. Died of cerebal malaria 26-8-43, age 28, Prisoner of War. Died at Sankra Camp,Thailand. Born 14-6-15, admitted to school 17-9-25, left 30-7-29. After leaving March Grammar School, he went to Wisbech Grammar School. Son of Thomas William & Mary Ann Jude, of Halls Farm, Guyhirn. Employed as sorting office clerk & telegraphist at Wisbech Post Office. Buried Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar. Also listed Guyhirn and Rings End, and also Wisbech St Mary, and also Wisbech Conservative Working Mens Club.

Mr, and Mrs. T. W. Jude, of Hall's Farm, Guyhirn, have received the tragic news that their third son, Sergt. Harold Albert Jude, died on August 24th, 1943, while a prisoner-of-war in the Far East. This information comes from a friend of their son, who was with him when he died, and the grieving parents are now expecting an official notification from the War Office.

Sergt. Jude, who was serving with 18 Div., H.Q., R.E., is stated to have died, of cerebral malaria while a prisoner in Sonkra Camp, Thailand.

Aged 28, Sergt. Jude was educated at March Grammar School for two years and at Wisbech Grammar School for four years; he was then employed as a sorting clerk and telegraphist in the Wisbech Post Office until the outbreak of war, when he joined the Royal Engineers. He was with the 287 Field Company until a few weeks before he sailed for Singapore, when he was transferred to 18 Div. H.Q. and left this country for the Far East on October 25th, 1941.

Mr. and Mrs. Jude and family wish to thank all friends for kind inquiries during their anxious waiting, and for sympathy in their sad bereavement; also R.S.M. Morris for his great kindness.

Flight Sgt, Pilot, 1260997, 18 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 12-10-41, age 23. Born 17-5-18, admitted to school 18-9-29, left 20-12-34. Son of Charles & Lily Laws, of 16 Railway Lane, Chatteris. Buried Chatteris Parochial Cemetery, Cambs. Also listed Chatteris.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

SERGT.-PILOTS
FUNERAL.

Many Sympathisers at
Chatteris

The funeral took place at Chatteris on Friday afternoon of Volunteer Reserve Sergt.-Pilot Douglas Charles Laws the popular and respected son of Mr. Charles Laws and the late Mrs. Laws, of 16, Railway-lane, Chatteris, who was killed on Sunday week n active service.

Deceased leaves his father and sister, Mrs. E. Seymour, of Witchford, to mourn their loss.

The cortege was preceded by a horse-drawn lorry loaded with the many beautiful floral tributes. The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was carried a large cross of white heather, carnations and chrysanthemums, the floral tribute of the deceased’s father and sister, to whom a great many manifestations of sympathy have been extended.

The R.A.F. was represented by Sergeant J. E. Haden.

A service preceding the interment in the Parochial Cemetery, was held in the presence of a large number of mourners and sympathisers at the Parish Church, when the Vicar (the Rev. J. C. Hawthorn) officiated and Sergt. Haden read the lesson. The organist was Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M.

The coffin, which bore the inscription: “Sergt. Pilot Douglas E. Laws. R.A.F., died Oct. 12th. 1941. Aged 23 years,” was lowered into a grave lines with ivy and flowers from the deceased’s garden. A wreath from Sergt. Pilot Laws’ Commanding Officer and other ranks of the R.A.F. was placed in the grave by Sergt. Haden, who gave a salute during the burial service.

THE MOURNERS

The immediate mourners were: Mr. Charles Laws and Mrs. E. Seymour, father and sister; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Laws, Mr. E. Skeels, Mr. R. Pettit, Mr. J. Skeels, Mrs. Tatt, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Laws, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Loveday, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Laws, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Laws, uncles and aunts; Mr. E. Seymour and Mrs. H. Spurr, brother-in-law and aunt; Mr. F. Sole, Mr. and Miss A. Sole, Mr. t. Mayes and Mrs. T. Parkinson, uncles and cousins; Mr. and Mrs. W. Lilley, Misses P. and J. Laws, Mrs. Middleston. Miss F. Tegerdine, Mr. and Mrs. R. Skeels, Mr. Cyril Laws, Mr. L. Laws, Mr. H. Laws, Mr. J. Mayes, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Laws, Mr. and Mrs. E. Laws, Miss D. Spurr, Miss E. heading, Mr. Sid Laws, Mr. W. Mayes, Mrs. Rowe, Miss Ruff. Mrs. Barrett (Whittlesey), Mrs. E. Smith (Mereside). Mr. H. Edgley and Mr. S. E. Britsow.

Among the many noticed its church and at the graveside were: Messrs. H, and Hugh Rayner. W. Simpole, J. Waterfield, C. Webb. S. Furnell, H. Smith, A. Kemp, R. Cooper, S. Barrett, W. A, Margetts, P. Simpson, H. S. Gibbs, A. Mason. H. Ibbott, W. Brewer. R. Gipson, W. Bates, J. Egdley, P. R. Moxon, R. Fitch, G. Norman, S. M. Lovell, R. Heading. E. Heading, S. Heading, G. Sole, A. D. Cameron, W. E. Precious H. Skeels, O. Ruston, S. Parsons, Inspector Bush (representing Chatteris Police), Major G. W. Walker and Corporal G. Herrick (representing the Home Guard), Mr. and Mrs. D. Mayes. Miss L. Hall, Mr A. Tindal, Mr. and Mrs. B. Brewer. Mr. F. Hayes, Miss W. Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Hazel (Manea), Mr. and Mrs. A. Mayes, Mr. and Mrs. W. Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. H. Coulson, Nurse Allen, Mesdames C. Skeels, R. H. Drake, Bassett, E. Evans, G, Rosher, J. Dunham, W. Cowley, A. Wool, H. Scott, A. Tindal, R. Davies, A. Porter, A. Haylett, H. Fitch. S. Jelly, F. Miller, H, Skeels, W. H. Smith, F. Gowler, S. Smith. H. Moule. Rowell. F. Giles, Newman. T. Martin, Murphy, Painter, E. Mould, E. W. Buddle, Hurry, Hawthorn, A. Goodger, Bell, S. P. Bush, H. Robinson, R. Salisbury. Misses E. Tegerdine, Lavender, L. Clarke, R. Gage, Mrs. R. Cooper and Miss Read. Mrs. Peppercorn and Miss D. Peppercorn, Mrs. A. Maltman Jackson and Mrs. Beecham.

Pilot Officer, Flight Engineer, Instructor, 182843, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 16-1-45, age 23. Born 3-4-21, admitted to school 16-9-31, left 1-8-39. Son of Fred John & Mildred Florence Marritt, of Horseway, Chatteris. DFM in June 1944 after 45 operational flights. Buried Chatteris Parochial Cemetery, Cambs. Also listed Chatteris.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

CHATTER'S D.F.M.
KILLED
Death of FIt.-Sergt. W. A.
Marritt

Mr. and Mrs. J. Marritt, of Horseway, Chatteris, on Wednesday afternoon received the sad news by telegram that their only son. Flight-Sgt. W. A. Marritt. D.F.M., has been killed on active service in this country. Flight-Sergeant Marritt was 23 years of age. The circumstances of his death are not yet known, but it is expected that the funeral will take place at Chatteris on Monday, a service being held in the Parish Church at 2.30 p.m.

Flt.-Sgt. Marritt was educated at King Edward School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School, where he gained the Cambridge School Certificate and twice obtained the Higher School Certificate. He joined the R.A.F.V.R. early in 1940, and held the Pathfinder Badge and the Pathfinder Force Certificate, which he gained after satisfactorily completing the requisite conditions in operational duty in the Pathfinder Force. He was awarded the D.F.M. in June of last year, when he had completed 45 operational flights. He then took over the duties of flying instructor.

Pte, 5826522, 1st Suffolk Regiment. Died 18-6-40, age 23. Born 21-9-17, admitted to school 19-9-28, left 7-4-33. Son of Robert & Margaret Salisbury, of Ryebury, Rosemary Lane, Chatteris. Buried Bruges General Cemetery, Belgium. Also listed Chatteris.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

CHATTERIS SOLDIER'S DEATH FROM WOUNDS.

Mr. R. Salisbury, of “Ryebury,” Rosemary - lane. Chatteris, whose son, Pte. Henry Stephen Salisbury, of the Signal Section, Suffolk Regiment, was previously reported missing, has now been informed through the American Embassy that his son was wounded in the retreat at Dunkirk, was taken to Bruges Hospital, Belgium, and, after having special treatment, died during the month of July.

Pte. Salisbury was 23 years of age and had served 5½ years in the Suffolk Regiment. He was an old March Grammar School boy, and a good sport.

Writer, P/MX 80371, HMS Tamar, Royal Navy. Died 11-4-43, age 29, Prisoner of War since January 1942. Born 25-5-13, admitted to school 18-9-24, left 28-7-31. Son of Vincent Joseph & Jane Scally, of 11 London Rd, Chatteris. Attended Goldsmith's College. Teacher in Norwich. Buried Yokohama War Cemetery, Japan. Also listed Chatteris.

This extract is from the Cambridgeshire Times when he was a POW in the Far East in 1942:

NEWS OF CHATTERIS MAN.
Prisoner-of-War in Hong Kong.

Mrs. J. Scally, of 11, London-road, Chatteris, has at last received news of her younger son, Writer Dennis F. J. Scally, R.N., who was reported missing in the Far East in January of this year. He is now reported to be a prisoner-of-war in Hong Kong.

Writer Scally, who is 29 years of age, joined up in the Royal Navy in November, 1940, and went abroad in February, 1941. He was educated at the Grammar School, March, and Goldsmith's College, London. Prior to joining up he was a master at an elementary school in Norwich.

Flight Sgt, Air Gunner, 1604859, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died in flying accident 10-1-45, age 22. Previously wounded in July 1943. Born 11-12-22, admitted to school 19-9-34, left 26-7-38. Son of Frederick & Anne Margaret Vincent, of Mill House, Chatteris. Buried Chatteris Parochial Cemetery, Cambs. Also listed Chatteris.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

CHATTERIS FAMILY’S
TRAGIC LOSS
Fit.-Sgt. R J. Vincent
Killed

Sad news has come to a well-known Chatteris family, Mr. and Mrs. F. Vincent, of Mill House, who have been notified that their younger son, Flight-Sergt. Roger John Vincent, has lost his life while serving in the R.A.F.

Flight-Sergt. Vincent, who was 22 years of age, was educated at King Edward School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School. On leaving school in 1938 he spent 12 months on a poultry farm, prior to attending Chelmsford Agricultural College in 1939. The following year the college was closed down owing to the war and he returned home, where he joined the home guard.

In 1941 he volunteered for air crew in the R.A.F., and was called up the following year. In July. 1943, he was involved in a serious accident when his aircraft caught fire, and he was badly burned. After being grounded for six months he resumed flying and had almost completed his training course when the fatal accident occurred.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) week, the service at St. Peter's Church, Chatteris, being conducted by the Vicar (Rev. J. C. Hawthorn).

A large number of friends showed their sympathy with the family by attending the church service, and it was an impressive moment when the coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was borne into the church byR.A.F. personnel.

The service was fully choral, and Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M., was at the organ.

The family mourners present were: Mr. and Mrs. F. Vincent, father and mother; Mr. R. Gipson, grandfather; Mrs. Griggs, aunt; Mr. and Mrs. P. Gipson (Cambridge) and Mr. Mrs. C. R. Gipson, uncles and aunts; Flight-Lieut. F. B. Gipson., Miss V. M. Gipson and Mr. and Mrs. J. Palmer (Warboys), cousins, Major F. G. R. Vincent, who. is on active service overseas, was unable to be present. An officer and six N.C.O.s represented the R.A.F.

Floral tributes were from: Mum, Dad and Eric; Uncle Charles. Auntie Ena and Emily (Wilburton); Auntie Clara and the girls (Crouch End)* Auntie Et. Dora and Elizabeth (Harlow); Auntie Lil (Peterboro'); Uncle Cyril, Auntie Con. Brian, Valerie, David and. Michael; Uncle Percy, Auntie Jude. Ken and Jean: Auntie Emily and. Ethel; all relatives at the Pelican, Warboys; Inspector Bush, Mrs. Bush and Kenneth. R.A.F.; Mrs. Desborough and family; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Francis: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Noble; All his old pals at Acre Fen Post, Home Guard; Mr. and Mrs. George Kemp; Mr. Smith Parsons; Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Young; Mr. and Mrs. Norman and family; Messrs. Crawley and Crawley; Mr. Jackson. C. H. Graves and L. Taylor; Harold Hammerton: Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Moore and Douglas (Histon); Rev. and Mrs. Hawthorn; Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Oldfield; Mr. Alfred Heading and Mrs. Starling: C.O., Officers, N.C.O.s and men. R.A.F.; Air Crew Section. R.A.F.; Officers. N.C.O.s and men, “A” Company, 3rd Isle of Ely Battalion Home Guard; Mr and Mrs. Reg. Heading; All at 4, Station-rd.; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Berridge; Mr and Mrs. Stan Heading; Mr. and Mrs. Alf Clarke; Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Ruston; Mr. and Mrs. J Rose, Stanley (P.O.W.) and Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith and Albert; Members of Conservative Club; Mrs. E. E. Smith. Rene. Ruby. Ted and Bessie; Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Rickwood and family; Messrs John and A. E. S. Caton (Ramsey); Dorothy and Gerald Heading: Headmaster, staff and boys of March Grammar School: Mr. and Mrs. R, N. Noble; Mr. and Mrs. A. Watts and family Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodson and Georcre: The staff of H. Larrett & Co., Ramsey The staff of H. Larrett &. Co., Chatteris: Wilf Coulson; Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins and Betty; Mr and Mrs. Green and Peter.

The interment took place in the Parochial Cemetery. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of mr. J. T. Martin.

Extract from Cambridgeshire Times:

CHATTERIS AIRMAN’S
DEATH
Funeral of Sergt.-Pilot
D. I. Whitney

The funeral took place at the Parish Church, Chatteris, yesterday (Thursday) week of Sgt.-Pilot Dennis Ivor Whitney, second son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Whitney, of Station-street, Chatteris, who lost his life while on active service. Sgt.-Pilot Whitney was 22 years of age. He was educated at King Edwrd School, Chatteris, and later at March Grammar School. From there he went as an apprentice draughtsman. to the Chatteris Engineering Company Limited, until he was called into the Forces in April, 1942. He had previously enrolled in the Volunteer Reserve. Most of his training in the R.A.F. was received in Rhodesia anal at the time of his death he was engaged on a course of final training in an advanced flying unit.

He was a gifted musician and was deputy organist at the Parish Church, Chatteris. Previous to his career in the R.A.F. he was a pupil of Dr. Conway, organist of Ely Cathedral.

The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, and a large number of people attended the church service, which was fully choral, Mr. Henri Reid, L.R.A.M., at the organ playing appropriate music. Psalm 23 was sung and the hymn “Christ will gather in his own.”

The immediate mourners were Mr. and Mrs. P. Whitney, father and mother; Mr. and Mrs. E. Whitney, brother and sister-in-law; Mrs. Harry Carter, grandmother; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Carter, Mr. G. Carter, Mrs. G. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. T. Anderson, Mrs. W. Green, sen., Mrs. J. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Green., jun., and Miss A. Turner, uncles and aunts; Miss L. Carter, Mr. J. Edwards, Mr. P. Anderson, Miss E. Anderson, Mrs. N. Bodger, Mr. and Mrs. John Green, Mr. and Mrs. C. Green, Mr. Colin Green and Mr. L. Green. cousin; Mrs. G. Barber (Somersham), the Rev. Ingle (Outwell), Mr. Philip Markwell, Mrs. G. Hammerton, Miss J. Hammerton, Nurse Mort and Miss K. Childs (representing -the First Aid Post), Warrant Officer W. Metson, (deceased's instructor), Sgt. S. Brown, R.A.F. Sgt. R. Clayton, R. Canadian A.F., Sgt. M. Perez, R. Australian A.F. (close friends of deceased), Messrs. J. Johnson, A, Stephenson, A. W. Packwood, E. A. Sharpe (representing the Civil Defence Rescue Service), Dr. M. P. Conway and Mr. Clayton (Ely).

Many friends were at the church.