WAKEFIELD, Alfred

Rank: 
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Engineers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2001461
Born: 
Saturday, August 11, 1917
Birthplace: 
Derby
Died : 
Wednesday, January 24, 1945
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
27
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Original grave of LSgt Wakefield 6 Commando
Lance Sergeant Alfred Wakefield from Leeds was killed in action during operations in Holland [1][2]At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting in the area of Maasbracht and Brachterbeek [3].
Service History [4].
  • 15 February 1940 enlisted at Leeds into the Royal Engineers.
  • 27 July 1940 attached No.6 Commando 5 Troop. 
  • 10 November 1940 (Commando restructuring) 5 Special Service Battalion.
  • 15 October 1942 (No.6 Commando) embarked for North Africa.
  • 3 May 1943 disembarked UK.
  • 5 June 1944 embarked for North West Europe.
  • 6 June 1944 disembarked North West Europe.
  • 12 June 1944 wounded (gunshot wound to left leg) [4][5].
  • 14 June evacuated from N.W.E. to UK and admitted to hospital.
  • 30 July 1944 to Holding Operational Commando.
  • 10 September 1944 to No.6 Commando.
  • 18 September 1944 appointed Lance Sergeant.
  • 13 January 1945 embarked for North West Europe.
  • 14 January 1945 disembarked North West Europe.
  • 24 January 1945 (3 Troop) killed in action.
  • Son of Thomas Alfred and Elizabeth Annie Whinham Wakefield, of Leeds, Yorkshire.
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/88.
[3] 1 Cdo. Bde. HQ War Diary January 1945.
[4] British Army, Royal Engineers Record Cards 1900-1949.
[5] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/77.
[Image] Collection of LCpl Emmerson 1 Cdo Bde.HQ.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

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