Pte R.E. Johns Parachute Regiment

Whilst searcing for something tottaly different, I came across the following photograph of the grave of Private R.E. Johns of the Parachute Regiment in Ranville War Cemetery.

Robert Edward Johns aged 16 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

on checking up his CWGC entry, I am amazed that he was only 16. Is he the youngest Second World War II British Casualty ?

Private ROBERT EDWARD JOHNS

14434704, 13th (2/4th Bn. The South Lancashire Regt.) Bn., Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
who died age 16
on 23 July 1944
Son of William Henry and Daisy Nellie Johns, of Stamshaw, Portsmouth.
Remembered with honour
RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY

 

Im not sure if he is the youngest WW2 casualty, but I think he was the youngest casualty in the Parachute Regiment. I think the words placed by his family say it all 'He died as he lived fearlessly'

I have spoken to a chap in the past who said he was a sniper with the 21st Independent Parachute Company at Arnhem, he was 17 at the time. He didnt speak much about what happened when he was there, everything else but.
Thing is I cant remember his name!

I will look in the cemetery at Oosterbeek in April when I am over there to see if I can find the youngest casualty

Regards

Andy

 

The youngest paratrooper to serve in the D-Day landings is being honoured with a plaque in the street where he lived.

Portsmouth City Council is placing information panels on each of the roads where the 119 men from the Hampshire city lived who took part in the Normandy campaign.

They served with all three armed services as well as the Merchant Navy.

They ranged in age from 16-year-old Private Robert Johns, who served with the Parachute Regiment, to 47-year-old Warrant Engineer William Smith, who was killed when HMS Mourne was torpedoed.

Pte Johns ran away from home at the age of 14 and was the youngest to pass the jump course.
Youngest paratrooper to serve in D-Day landings honoured with plaque


Private JOHNS, ROBERT EDWARD
Service Number 14434704

Died 23/07/1944

Aged 16

13th (2/4th Bn. The South Lancashire Regt.) Bn.
The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.

Son of William Henry and Daisy Nellie Johns, of Stamshaw, Portsmouth.


INSCRIPTION
HE DIED AS HE LIVED, FEARLESSLY


https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2014/63/56096398_1394061943.jpg

 

1939 Register
129 Jervis Road, Portsmouth C.B., Hampshire
Johns household (3 people)
Name - DOB - Occupation - Marital status
William H Johns - 01 Mar 1890 - Electric Crane Driver, Heavy Worker - Married
Daisy N Johns - 08 Apr 1892 - Unpaid Domestic Duties - Married
Ivor T Johns - 15 Apr 1930 - At School - Single