DOE, William Robert



No.23159758, Gunner, William Robert DOE
Aged 19


50 Medium Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Killed on Active Service on Sunday, 28th October 1956


William Robert Doe was born on 17th January 1937 (Chelmsford Q1-1937 4A:950), son of Thomas Walton and Marie Victoria DOE (née RICHES), later of Robb's Farm, Cavendish

It appears that in 1939 his father [1901] farm manager and his mother [1902] were at Bridges Farm, Gipping. There are four closed records (apparently at least in William's case, no one has recorded his death)



He was one of the 371 British Servicemen who died on active service during the four-year Cyprus Emergency April 1 1955 to April 18 1959, and whose name is among those remembered with honour on the British Cyprus Memorial. Serving with 50 Medium Regiment. Royal Artillery, he was one of two Gunners killed on October 28 1956 when their vehicle struck an electronically-operated landmine on the road from Polis to Ktima.

from the British Cyprus Memorial Trust website:-

Tony Baines writes [8th April 2012]:
I remember Bill well when we were at Dundonald Camp, Troon, Scotland. He was a happy go lucky mate, I remember walking into town with him on a Sunday morning so he could go to church, then we would have a coffee and make our way back to camp. I lost touch with him as I was sent on to dog handling where I learned of Bills tragic death.

Frank Busby writes [11th October 2011]:
We served in the same battery - 167 - and I can remember his smiling face when I was handing out the mail. Gunner Doe used to receive a letter every day from his girl friend and as the Battery Clerk is was my wretched duty to send his personal effects to his home.
We were the same age and next year I shall be celebrating my 75th. birthday. What a waste of such a young life over such a stupid conflict.


William Doe is buried at Wayne's Keep, the British Military Cemetery in Cyprus, 23:C:4

click here to go to the Veterans UK website for full cemetery/memorial details
The CWGC warrant only covers the two world wars


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