Eric Webster
Educated at High Oakham School.
Joined the Sherwood Territorials in March 1939 whilst working for Mr A Hardy, wholesaler, and was called up at the outbreak of war.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Son of Albert and Fanny Webster of 22 Albert Street mansfield. Albert owned his own clothes/draper shop and he died in 1925. He left over £11,000 in his will to Fanny.
In 1939 Fanny was living at 20 Edgar Avenue, Mansfield with 2 of her daughters, Hilda (1909) and Dorothy (1918).
Other siblings: Wilfred R born in 1900. On 5th June 1918, a month after his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters. Leonard Arthur (1907) and Bernard Leslie (1912).
In 1942 Eric married Joyce Mary Pilkington of 16 Sherwood Street, Sutton in Ashfield. Joyce was a hosiery worker and she married Arnold Thompson in 1951.
He had been in France at the time of the Fall of France and had been evacuated via Dunkirk. He was then stationed in North Africa and took part in the invasion of Italy at Salerno in September 1943.
After the advance into Italy ground to a halt at the Gustav Line, south of Rome in December 1943 Churchill decided on an attempt to bypass the German forces by flanking them at Anzio. Operation Shinlge was launched on 22nd January 1944. The landings were essentially unopposed but instead of pushing forward the Allies choose to defend their position which allowed the Germans to set up a defensive line. Several attempts were made to break through the Germans
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 9/3/1944: News of Local Soldiers: Pte E Webster.
The sad news has been received that Pte Eric Webster of the Sherwood Foresters died of wounds in Italy in January 31st. He was 23 years of age and the youngest son of Mrs and the late Mr A Webster of 20 Edgar Avenue, Mansfield. Pte webster joined the Territorials in March 1939 and was called up at the outbreak of war. He took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk and fought in North Africa and had just received the African Star.
Before the war he was employed by Mr A Hardy, wholesaler, educated at High Oakham School. His two older brothers are serving in the forces, Pte L A Webster and Sgt B L Webster also his youngest sister is a clerk in the A.T.R..
In 1942 he married Miss J Pilkington of Huthwaite, by whom his loss will be greatly felt.
No photos