Lance Corporal William Parker 1940 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers Friday 24th May 1940

Do you have a photo of his grave? I have visited the cemetery several times over the years.

 

Hi Drew, yes I do have a couple of pictures of his grave. I'd be interested to see any photos you have. Thanks.

 

That's all I have photo wise and the battalion diary of course.

 

Very late in the day to add anything to the original enquiry, but worth sometimes checking for deaths in that Unit around the time of the reported death.
From the War Diary entries the impression is that the "first contact with the enemy" didn't happen until 27th May.
However, they did sustain casualties before 27th, although whether from direct enemy action isn't always clear.
JONES, ROBERT. Fusilier. Service Number 6459402. Died 23/05/1940. Aged 20.
2nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).
Son of Mrs. A. Jones of Deptford, London.
Buried at ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY. Cemetery/memorial reference: V. AA. 11.

Then there are often Concentration Reports and as was mentioned in an earlier post, there are 3 "Unknowns" buried at Adegem with Fusilier Jones, recovered from what looks to be Otegen Churchyard. (EDIT: It's Otegem)
Casualty

If Jones died on 23rd and was buried at Otegen, perhaps there was a Casualty Station there dealing with wounded, so they would not be recorded in the main 2nd Bn records. The Date of Death of 24th may therefore have come from the RAMC unit or whoever buried those 3 Unknowns.

 

Hi, do you know what I platoon your relative was in? My Grandfather was in that battle with the 2nd RF.

Regards
Barrie

 

Hi Barrie, I've not been able to find any more details. There are no references to any platoon in the limited paperwork I have. Sorry. I have added a photo of his grave ( General | WW2Talk ). Couldn't suss how to tie a photo to a thread

 

Hi Drew, I have added a photo ( General | WW2Talk ).

 

No problem. On holiday at the moment but back at the end of the week. I will look into which Company he was in. Will be in touch. Which cemetery is your relative buried in?

Cheers
Barrie

 

Oostdunkirk new cemetery 4 miles north of Furnes (veurnes). Enjoy your holiday

 

Hi Brian,
Your relative was in No 17 Platoon Z Company. My GF was in X Company No 11 Platoon. Both Corporals. You should buy a copy o A Short History of the 2nd Battalion 2nd Royal Fusiliers. It covers all their time in France up to Dunkirk.

Cheers
Barrie

 

Thanks Barrie, book is ordered. Cheers

 

My GF L/cpl Joe Sears. At the back of the book you will find names and their Companies/Platoons. Interesting read. Very fierce fighting. Have visited some of the graves of the 2nd RF men. My GF’s 2nd in command was killed. Captain Blair.
My GF was later killed with the 1st Royal Fusiliers in Italy November 43.