WALK IN THEIR SHOES
Stories from army veterans that served during the First and Second World Wars.
BENJAMIN SOUTHWELL
SE/2264 - ROYAL VETERINARY CORPS
Private Benjamin Southwell served in Le Harve tending the horses, mules, and pigeons, during World War One. His great, great, grand daughter is now completing her veterinary training.
LES FRYATT
Over 70 years ago, Les was serving as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. As part of a 10 man team he played a critical part in demolishing German positions inland at Normandy during the Second World War. Les fought his way across Europe and was demobbed in 1947. He then went on to join the Reserves in which he served for 13 more years. In February 2016, Les was presented with the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur medal at the French Embassy in London, in recognition of his role in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
FREDERICK CYRIL DRIFFILL
TZ-2343 - ROYAL NAVY VOLUNTEER RESERVE, HAWKE BATTALION
Able Seaman Frederick “Syd” Cyril was born on 27th August 1881 in Goole, East Yorkshire and enlisted in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve service on 12th December 1914, aged 33, when he joined Collingwood Battalion in which he served until June 1915. Following this he served in Anson Battalion in Gallipoli, Nelson Battalion with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), and finally Hawke Battalion, also with the BEF before sadly being killed in action near Arras on 29th September 1918. His body was never recovered. He was awarded the Military Medal posthumously for “Bravery in the Field” in February 1919. His name can be found on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
HARRY HAYCOCK
ROYAL WORCESTERSHIRE
Private Harry Haycock, born 14 January 1898, served in the Royal Worcestershire Regiment. He came back from the war “remote and never spoke of what he saw”. He remained proud and patriotic to the end.
JOHN FERGUSSON BRUCE FRASER
14158 - 16TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
Born in 1898, Private John F B Fraser joined the Highland Light Infantry (HLI) when the call for more troops came in 1915. His battalion was known as “The Boys Brigade” Battalion, as it was made up of former and serving members of the Boys Brigade in and around Glasgow. He fought at the Somme, Beaumont-Hamel, Nieuport, Fayet, Passchendaele, Cambrai, Baupaume, and Amiens. His main role was as a runner, caring for the horses, but he was deeply sad after his beloved horse “Captain” was killed.
JOSEPH CONNOR
Joseph Connor is a 94 year old, sprightly WWII Veteran. Aged 18, as a Trooper he served in the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment driving a Humber light armoured vehicle for three years from 1942 to 1945. Joseph was involved in frontline action in France including the allied invasion of Normandy. His job was to go forward as part of the recce team, fire and pinpoint enemy positions and report back to his unit. Sometimes he was the front vehicle going towards German held positions. Joseph has since been awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur for his part in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
Joseph lives in his own home on the outskirts of Glasgow. He has limited mobility and his front drive did not allow him to easily leave his house. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity funded a new driveway in June 2017 so that Mr Connor could access his car and mobility scooter.
FRANK SYDNEY KEEBLE
8TH CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES
Born on 3rd December 1894, Private Frank Sydney Keeble volunteered for service while living in Canada. He had been sent there as a child by Barnardos as he had been orphaned. He returned to live in Kelvedon, Essex, after the war. He married, and had one son and one daughter. He died just six weeks following the birth of his son in 1923, just 27 years old.
GEORGE JOHN PAGE
81084 - ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY AND ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
Born in Erith in 1894, Driver George John Page enlisted in Woolwich, and served in France and Flanders. He is believed to have been killed at the second Ypres, most likely from a Chlorine Gas attack on 3rd May 1915, aged 21. He was awarded 15 Star, Victory, and British Medals. He is commemorated at the Menin Gate.
SIDNEY JAMES KING
G29945 - SECOND BATTALION, THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT
Sidney James King was born on 3rd June 1883. He survived a gunshot to the knees as well as a gas attack before being invalided out of the army in 1917. He lived with his injuries until 1937.
