No.6020527, Private, Claude WHYMER
Aged 24
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Claude Whymer was born in 1919 (Newmarket Q4-1919 3B:860), son of Arnold John and Mary WHYMER (née CLEMENTS).
He had three younger sister - Olive [1921-1975], Ruby May [1922-1991] and Mary [1926-1991]. On his death, administration was granted to his father Arnold John Whymer, plumber/painter, at Cross Green, Soham. None of them have been identified in the 1939 register. |
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The Essex Regiment adopted for its facing colour (collar, lapels and cuffs), a shade known today as "Rose-Pompadour", the favourite colour of the Marquise
de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XIV. Their smart appearance soon earned the Corps its nickname of "The Pompadours" or "The Saucy Pompadours".
The 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment was originally part of the 25th Infantry Brigade, attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division and served with the BEF in France in 1940. The battalion was evacuated from Dunkirk and became part of the 56th Independent Infantry Brigade Group and trained intensively for the Allied invasion of France. The battalion and brigade landed on Gold Beach on D-Day from roughly 1.00 pm. Taking part in the battle of Le Havre, elements of the battalion discovered the German payroll for the Le Havre garrison in the basement of the hospital. They fought through the Battle for Caen serving again with the 50th Division and briefly with 59th Division. For most of July the 2nd Essex were at Parfouru l'Eclin, under most fire from Launay Ridge. Then, from 8th to 17th August, under the command of the 59th Division, after several daring night marches they captured Forge-à-Cambro east of Thury-Harcourt. The battalion had 14 men killed on the 12th August 1944. Claude was originally buried at Thury Harcourt and moved to Banneville in March 1946. |
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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