The Tank Museum Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Not often visited – but moving in its simple purpose - a stone memorial bench sits in a wood in Bovington, not far from The Tank Museum. It is inscribed: “In Loving Memory of Sgt RW Essex, 50th Royal Tank Regiment Killed at El Alamein, November 2nd 1942 Aged 30 years He loved and spent many hours here.” On the front of the seat is an added line: “And his wife Mary Frances 1907-2003 Together at Last” It was seventy years ago this morning that Ronald Essex was killed in his Valentine tank by German anti-tank guns as the Battle of El Alamein raged. He has no known grave but is recorded on the Alamein memorial to the missing in Egypt. We would like to know more about Ronald Essex – whose memorial sits so near to the Museum and whose sacrifice we remember at this time of year. If anyone has any further information please contact us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 A very sobering memorial. I do like it. May he rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny_doyle Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 a family tree on Ancestry has his birth registered in the first quarter of 1912 in Devon. Ronald William Essex, 3rd child of George Edmund Essex (1884 - 1966) and Louisa May Barnfield (1886 - 1974). Married Mary F O'Dwyer in the third quarter of 1938, Dorchester, Dorset. Daughter Hilary born fourth quarter of 1939, Dorchester. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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