Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters(Worcester Branch)

OBITUARIES I - J

It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you that Pte Michael Ihemere died whilst taking part in routine training at Catterick on Thursday 28 August 2013. Letters of condolence to Pte Ihemere’s widow should be sent to: Mrs B Ihemere c/o Captain Elms, Unit Welfare Officer, Welfare Office,1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL10 7NP. ........................................

It is with sadness that we report the death of Worcester Branch member 23856761 A/SSgt Barry Raymond IMMS on Tuesday 10th August 2021. Barry was born in Birmingham on 06/02/1942 . Barry enlisted into the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment on 27/03/1961. Barry served in B Coy at Worcester, Belize, Minden, Lydd, Gibraltar, Tobruk, HQ Coy Bulford, HQ Coy at P.O.W. Div HQ Lichfield, Cyprus, 1 WFR HQ Warminster, Berlin, Recruiting office Worcester and Finishing his service in Colchester in 1977. Barry was awarded the GSM NI and UN medals. In civilian life Barry worked at Headway, Aquired Brain Injury Unit and in his spare time he enjoyed amateur dramatics. Barry was also a great and loyal Baggies fan (WBA). Barry's service will be at Worcester crematorium September 3rd at 10.45am, a wake will be held afterwards at The Royal British Legion at Claines. All donations are going to St Richards hospice in Worcester. Letters Of condolence can be sent to Mrs S Imms. 161 Bromyard Road, St Johns, Worcester. WR2 5EA

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We regret to report the death of Major E A Ireland of Mere, Wilts on 24 January 2021 aged 88. Ted was called up for national service in 1952 and after attending Eaton Hall OCS was commissioned in the Suffolk Regt and served with them during the Malaya emergency. He was then seconded to the 3rd Bn The Kings African Rifles in Kenya during the Mau Mau emergency where he had two close shaves. While his patrol was struggling to move through a patch of dead bamboo in the Aberdare mountains it was straffed, fortunately without casualties, by a pair of Harvard aircraft and later, while camped on Mt Kenya he responded to a request to help a farmer to deal with an aggressive buffalo in thick bush. He took up a position where he thought he would be safe while the farmer went to fetch his tractor, but the buffalo found him and charged. His rifle failed to stop it and it tossed and gored him three times before the farmer returned and shot it as it was goring him again. “While recovering in hospital in Nairobi he met his future wife June who was a nursing sister there”. He transferred to the Worcestershire Regt during this tour and was then posted to the Depot at Norton Barracks as a training officer. Thereafter he served alternately on the staff, mainly in technical appointments, with 1 Worc R as adjutant in Minden in 1964,, as a company commander on the 1969 Cyprus UN tour, then in staff appointments in UK and BAOR. He retired in 1987 but continued as a RO until 1997. ....................................
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24211707 L/Cpl Peter Leslie Jackson It is with great sadness that we report the death of Peter Leslie Jackson who died on 7th July 2023. Peter was born on 18 May 1955 in Derby and he enlisted as a junior soldier in September 1970 at Derby and joined the 1st Bn in Berlin. Peter served in HQ (Drums platoon) Coy as a Pte and was a drummer most for of his career but was also employed as Ram Major, in the PRI shop and he also did an excellent job as Mess Steward for the Sgts Mess. He held the GSM NI, UN Cyprus, LSGC, Gulf Medals. He was discharged on 31 October 1993. ..................................

It is with regret that we inform you that 4975485 Sgt William Henry (Harry) JACKSON of Mansfield died on Saturday 7 July 2018 aged 99. Harry enlisted into the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 8 June 1937 and went with it in April 1940 to Norway where he managed to make his way to Sweden where he was interned. He subsequently returned to the Battalion and in July 1941 transferred to the Pioneer Corps. Harry was President of Mansfield Branch and was a long serving staunch supporter of both the Branch and the wider Regimental Family and Military Veterans groups.The funeral is to take place at St Edmund’s Church, Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 8AH, at 1100 hours on Tuesday 31 July 2018 followed by committal at Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield at 12.15 pm. Members and Standards welcome.

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It is with regret that we notify you that 24150977 A/CSgt Stephen Jaffrey of Worksop died on 23 October 2015 aged 66. Steve enlisted in 1976 with 3WFR and served with HQ and E Coy. He was discharged in 1988 after 12 years service. His funeral will be on Tuesday 3rd November 2015 at 1450 hours at Brimington Crematorium, Chesterfield S43 1AU. Association Standards and members welcome.

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It is with sadness we inform you that Lily JAKEMAN, wife of Roy, Dudley Branch, passed away in hospital this morning 2nd March 2015 after a short illness. Letters of condolence can be sent to Roy at 8 Quendale, Womborne.WV5 8JZ. Funeral arrangements will be posted here when known

It is with sadness we notify you that Pte Denis Roy JAKEMAN of Wolverhampton died on 5 March 2016. Roy served with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment as a National Serviceman from April 1956 to May 1958. He saw service in the Caribbean, Belize, North Africa and BAOR. On leaving the Army he served with the TA until 1964.

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It is with regret that we report that Mrs Zena James, widow of Maj H H H James The Worcestershire Regiment, died on 15 February 2012. Her funeral is to take place at Woking Crematorium at 1230
hours 8 March 2012.
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It is with regret that we inform you that 5253719 Pte Walter Arthur James of Worcester died on 11 August 2013 aged 94. He served with the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment from 1939 in India and Germany and demobilised in 1945. His funeral will take place at St John’s Church, Worcester WR2 5BS at 1315 hours on the 23 August. For those wishing to write in condolence his next of kin is his nephew Mr P James, Priest Hole, Priestfields, Hanley Castle, Worcestershire WR8 0AU.

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Lieutenant Colonel Keith H Jeavons TD Worcestershire Regiment, Mercian Volunteers 3rd December 1936 – 8th August 2023 Keith was born in Kingswinford and educated at King Edward VI, Stourbridge, where he enjoyed the Cadet Corps. Immediately after school he joined the Worcestershire Regiment to do his National Service training at Norton Barracks 14th September 1954 before joining 1st Battalion in Bulford before moving to Iserlohn early 1955.During his two years he rose rapidly and left in 1956 as a Platoon Sergeant in D Company. On returning to civilian life he immediately joined 7th (TA) Battalion. He attended Mons OCS and gained his TA Commission in July 1959. Between 1959-1967 he served in 7th Worcesters as a Platoon Commander, Mortar Officer and Company Second in Command in Halesowen, Kidderminster and Dudley. On the demise of 7th Battalion he was promoted to Major and reengaged in the 1st Battalion The Mercian Volunteers as a Company Commander in Kidderminster and Wolverhampton (1967-72) prior to becoming Battalion Second in Command (1972-75). 1975 – 1980 he was a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel on the RARO before taking over as Chief Instructor of the Western District Territorial Army Specialist Training Team from which he retired in 1987. Keith was instrumental in starting the Mercian Volunteer Regimental Association and played an active part throughout as Secretary and Treasurer.  He was the Acting Chair of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment Association, taking on the mantle temporarily in 2018. For many years he was a very active volunteer at the Regimental Museum in Worcester. He collected 7th Worcesters scrapbooks and was writing a history of the Worcestershire Regiment TA battalions. Aside from his military life on completion of National Service he went to St Paul’s College, Cheltenham, to train as a teacher also studying at Birmingham College of Art and Bristol University specialising in Art. He was a fine artist in his own right. He was a schools inspector for Walsall Education Authority (1993-1999) before becoming an OFSTED Inspector. He finally retired in 2002. Details of his funeral will be promulgated when known. He is survived by his three children and grandchildren. Letters of condolence can be sent to his daughter:  Rebecca Birkbeck. 103 Norwood Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 8PP or rebeccabirkbeck@rocketmail.com The Funeral of Lt Col (Retired) Keith Jeavons TD, the Chairman of the WFRA will take place on Wednesday 30 August at 1345 hours at St Marys Church Kingswinford DY6 8AY. All WFRA and MVRA members are invited to attend along with Standards. Please be aware that parking is limited and mourners are asked to be mindful of residents when parking. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made on the day to the Mercian Regiment Benevolent Charity or via donation to: Mercian Regiment Benevolent Charity. Royal Bank of Scotland. Sort Code: 16 19 26, Account Number: 20000562. Reference: KJeavons The funeral will be followed by a family committal at Gornal Wood Crematorium. All mourners are invited back to Keith’s house; 6 The Village, Kingswinford DY6 8AY. To assist with catering purposes for the Wake, those wishing to attend are asked to contact Keith’s children (Rebecca, Richard and Edwards) at wording.greens0f@icloud.com

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It is with sadness we inform you that 22672858 Cpl Peter Arbon JEFFREY of Ilkeston, Derbyshire died on 29 July 2012 aged 78. Peter joined the 2nd Battalion The Sherwood Foresters as a National Serviceman in 1951 and was discharged in 1954. On leaving the Army he worked for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Peter was a former Borough Councillor and Mayor of Erewash and was a founder member and Branch Secretary of Ilkeston Branch WFRA.

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We regret to inform you of the death of 24049857 Pte Kenneth Charles JEWKES of Dudley died on the 21st June 2016 aged 70. Kenneth enlisted at Wolverhampton into the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment on the 3rd March 1965. Kenneth trained as a tracked vehicle driver in which "He showed great interest in his vehicle and cheerfully worked long hours on maintenance". Kenneth went on to serve in the UK, Gibraltar, Tobruk, and Cyprus. Kenneth was discharged on 29th October 1971 at Warminster, going on to serve with the reserve until 1977. In civilian life Kenneth worked in Highway Maintenance for Dudley Council until retirement. The Funeral will be held on Thursday the 7th July at 14:00hrs at Gornal Wood Crematorium, Chase Road, Gornal Wood, Dudley. West Midlands DY3 2RL. Association members welcome. Letters of condolence can be sent to, Rachael Bayliss 56 Bluebell Road, Dudley West Mids DY1 4EN

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It is with great sadness that we inform you that 24795405 WOII (CSM) Graham ‘Ted’ Johnson, of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire died on 7 July 2024 aged 55. Ted was born in BMH Hannover and lived in Retford prior to joining the 1st Bn WFR on 20 Jan 1987. He served in various locations throughout the world with the Regiment and then with the 2nd Bn, The Mercian Regiment, upon amalgamation. He also served with the RRT at Chilwell. Ted was awarded a Mention in Despatches in 2002 for gallantry. He was also awarded the UN Medal Cyprus, GSM NI (including oak leave), the NATO former Yugoslavia 2nd numeral, the NATO Medal with Clasp Former Yugoslavia, the Operational Service Medal Afghanistan with clasp, the Accumulated Service Medal and the LS&GC. Ted was discharged from the Army on 27 Mar 2011. He then worked as an Operations Manager in Iraq and for Lincolnshire Police in the Control Room. He leaves behind, his wife Emma and their daughter Aimee and his older daughter Bryce, step-sons Matthew & Joshua and grandchild, Scarlett . Messages of condolence can be sent to Emma at Elj5405@yahoo.co.uk The funeral of Graham ‘Ted’ Johnson, who died on 7 July will take place on Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 1130 hours at Lea Fields Crematorium, Gainsborough Road, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5PL. The family have requested no flowers and donations can be made on the day to St Barnabas Hospice, Lincoln. The wake will be held at Thonock Park Golf Club, The Belt Road, Thonock, Gainsborough,, Lincolnshire DN21 1PZ. All members of the Regimental Family are invited to both the funeral and the wake. Standard Bearers are requested.

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It is with regret that we inform you that Captain Kenneth William JOHNSON of Southend-on-Sea, Essex died on 31 January 2012 aged 91. Johnny was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and was then transferred to 2nd/5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in Italy in October 1944 and appointed OC A Coy. He was involved in the last few battles of the Gothic Line Assault before moving to Greece, Italy and Austria with the Battalion.

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It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 24653623 Pte Mark Anthony Johnson who passed away on 28 March 2022.
Mark enlisted in 1989 and served with B Company 3WFR at Sutton in Ashfield and HQ Company Chilwell with the Signals Platoon, he was discharged in 1999. Mark's funeral was held on 26 April 2022. ..........................................

It is with sadness that I report the death of 24252201 Private Philip S Jolly aged 68. Philip was born in 1952 and served with 1 WFR from 1969 until he was discharged 8 August 1975. The family have requested representatives from the Association to attend the funeral which will be held in Eastbourne. Further funeral details to follow.

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It is with sadness that we report that Worcester Branch member 23327202 Pte Arthur Jones died at Redditch Hospital on Sunday 24th July 2022. Arthur enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment on the 19th July 1956. Arthur served in the 1st Battalion at Honduras. He was discharged on 18th July 1958. In civilian Arthur was a driver working for a bread delivery company and then Midland Red Buses.
Arthur was a much liked member of Worcester Branch who along with his late wife Mo raised funds by holding garden parties at their home that were very enjoyable and well appreciated. As well as the parties Arthur and Mo are fondly remembered for the pickles they made for the members and the mince pies that were brought to the December branch meetings. Arthur`s funeral will take place at 10:00hrs on Wednesday 24th August 2022 at Worcester Crematorium, Tintern Avenue, Astwood Road, Worcester. WR3 8HA.Standards, Bugle and members welcome.
Letters of condolence can be sent to Arthur`s son:- Mr Andrew Jones 29 Oldbury Road, St Johns, Worcester. WR2 6AA.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Mo Jones the wife of Arthur. Mo Passed away on the 12th September 2020 at home.
Mo will be remembered for her support of the branch and for her baking, especially the mince pies at Christmas. Mo and Arthur held garden parties raising funds for the branch and other charities. She will be missed by all. Letters of condolence can be sent to :-Mr Arthur Jones 29 Oldbury Rd, St Johns. Worcester. WR2 6AA ...........................................

It is with regret that we notify you that 22847593 CSgt G. Thomas JONES died on 14 July 2018. Tom enlisted into 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment and after amalgamation served with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment until he was discharged on 30 July 1976 on Completion of Service. Funeral details will be notified when known.

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It is with sadness that we notify you that 14845660 Sgt Peter Rowland JONES of Coventry died on 29 January 2018 aged 93. Peter was called up into the DCLI in 1944 and after transfer to the Worcestershire Regiment served with the 9th Battallion. When it disbanded and after several moves Peter was posted to the Depot at Norton Barracks and became Orderly Room Sergeant until being released in 1949. Whilst there he developed an interest in welfare and formed the Coventry and South Midlands Branch, remaining as its Secretary and Standard Bearer for the rest of his life. An enthusiastic and tireless supporter to the Regimental Association for many years he held both the WRA and WFRA Merit Awards His funeral will be held on Friday 9 March at Canley Crematorium, Charter Avenue, Coventry CV4 7DF 1030 hours followed by the wake at The Standard Club, Tile Hill Lane, Coventry CV4 9DG. The family have requested donations only to Myton Hospice in Warwick. All Standard Bearers, Association members and their families are invited to attend. Letters of condolence can be sent to his daughter, Mrs Carol Clark at 10 Westcotes, Tile Hill, Coventry, CV4 9BD.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 23447861 Pte Malcolm Bernard JUDD of Netherfield, Nottingham died on 25 April 2018 aged 79. Malcolm was called up for National Service on 23 January 1958 and served with 1st Batalion Sherwood Foresters HQ Coy in Malaya. He left the Army on 21 January 1960 and was a long-time member of Nottingham City Branch. The funeral is to take place on Wednesday 23 May 2018 at 0930 hours in St. Georges Church, Victoria Road, Netherfield NG4 2NN. As a boy Malcolm was a choir boy at this church. The church is next to the St George's Community Centre. Afterwards to Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, Gedling NG4 4QH for a 1030 hours short service. The Wake will be at The Railway Club, by the Netherfield railway crossing. Standards welcome.. .........................................

It is with regret we inform you that 24326991 Pte Paul JUKES of Peat Inn, Fife died on 16 September 2014 aged 58. Paul served with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment 1973 to 1980 in Belize and Northern Ireland before being posted to the Y6 List after an accident at a RUC Station in 1975. His funeral took place at Kirkcaldy Crematorium on Friday 26 September 2014. For those wishing to write in condolence, his father Ron Jukes (Ex Sherwood Forester) is in Trinity House Nursing Home, Mace Street , Old Hill, Cradley Heath B64 6HT

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It is with regret that we inform you that 22435117 Private Ronald James JUKES of Birmingham died on 5 October 2015 aged 83 years. Ron was called up as a National Serviceman in November 1950 and served with the RASC until May 1951 when he transferred into the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in Germany. He completed his service on 30 November 1952. Ron was the Standard Bearer for Birmingham Branch and when that Branch went into suspended animation he continued to carry the Standard at the Annual Pilgrimage to Crich and many other events. His funeral is to take place on Monday 19 October 2015 at Rowley Regis Crematoriam, Powke Lane, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 0AD at 1345 hours. Family flowers only. Donations for the Stroke Association may be sent c/o Andrew Jones of F P Gaunt Sons Ltd, High Street, Blackheath B65 0EE.