JOSEPH WILLIAM WINFIELD |
Private 4868330.
7th Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
Died Saturday 22nd. July 1944 aged 28
Grave ref. 13. 1. 18.Taukkyan War Cemetery Myanmar.
Private Joseph William Henry Winfield, who
originated from Jacksdale was known to friends and family as ‘Harry’. He was the son of John and Mabel Winfield and husband to
Kathleen Winfield of Brinsley, Nottinghamshire.
We have been in touch with Harry’s grand
daughter who has kindly provided us with further information.
Harry served with the 7th Battalion of the Leicestershire
Regiment which formed part of the ‘Chindits’. Harry died on Saturday 22nd July 1944, aged 28
years, when he was a predominant part of an ambush on the Japanese at Kyunslai
Pass in Central Burma. He was one of a small number of British casualties.
Harry’s Captain, RL (Polly) Perkins had
the task of sending the sad news of Harry’s death to his wife, Kathleen. Apparently Harry was seriously injured and was left with an
Army Medical Officer who was going to transport Harry to a small nearby village.
That was the last time he was seen alive.
Harry was the recipient of several medals including the Burma Star.
Another WW2 veteran from Jacksdale, Thomas
Morehen, served with Harry and has written an autobiography of his time during
the Burma Campaign. He describes it
as “ Hell of a place.
Nothing but trees and silence”. It
was during the Regiment’s time near Pungan that Harry was killed.
A memorial service was held in St Mary’s
Church, Westwood on Sunday 5th November 1944 and we have a copy of
the service. (Private Kenneth
Shooter and Sgt Kenneth Ward were commemorated during the same service).
Harry is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery,
Myanmar. (Burma) Grave Ref 13. J.
18.
Harry’s name is also listed on the Roll of Honour at Leicester Cathedral.
That is the
only news we have to date, but the family would like to know more. If you can
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Last updated 16th October 2002