Stanley Reginald's Story.
Stanley was born in 1918 to parents James and Rhoda. He was the middle child with elder brother George and younger sister Rhoda.
In 1928 the family moved from the London area to Birkenhead and both Stanley and his brother George attended Birkenhead School. In 1939 the family is recorded as living at 12 Ashville Road. The father, as well as being a Barrister and Insurance Manager, had undertaken the role of an ARP warden as war had just been declared. Stanley was by now an undergraduate at Jesus College Oxford studying Law, and also an Officer’s Cadet Corporal in Oxford University.
At the outbreak of the Second World War Stanley was commissioned into the army and went to France with the Royal Engineers. He was awarded the Military Cross in May 1940 as a result of his brave action in detonating a bridge as the British Army were retreating towards Dunkirk - thus helping to slow down the advancing German Army. He was evacuated from Dunkirk.
He returned home but however his leave was cut short as he was ordered to join another company for special duties. In July 1940 whilst on these special duties Stanley sadly met his death, aged 22. At his inquest it was stated that he fell off a bridge and fractured his leg and also suffered a head injury. His death, resulting from a delayed cerebral haemorrhage, was recorded as an accidental death. His death was recorded in Colchester.
Sadly, Stanley died before the ceremony to award his Military Cross took place, which meant his parents travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive their late son’s medal from King George VI.
Stanley’s body was brought home and his funeral took place at Bidston Parish Church. He was then buried on 11th July 1940 in Flaybrick Cemetery in the family grave which is also recorded as a Commonwealth War Grave.
As well as being recorded on the Birkenhead War Memorial, Stanley’s name is also recorded on the war memorials in Birkenhead School, Bidston Parish Church, Gray’s Inn and in Jesus College Oxford.
Research by Chris