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History - those who came before, Coopers Hill Lane Englefield Green, Egham (2026)

15/10/2026

He survived the trenches of the First World War, only to lose his life to enemy bombing on British soil during the Second. Wing Commander William Charles Farley had served his country for more than 26 years when he was killed during the Nottingham Blitz.

Born on 31 December 1893 in Burwash, Sussex, William worked as a law clerk before volunteering for the Royal Sussex Regiment in 1914.

He later served with 8th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment).

For infantrymen, the First World War meant long days in muddy, waterlogged trenches, often infested with rats and lice. Shells could come crashing down without warning, while cold, snipers and disease were constant threats. Sleep was scarce, and even a quiet night could suddenly be shattered by artillery fire.

These were the harsh realities of the war William had joined, but his military career would eventually take a different direction. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and, in February 1918, gained his aviator’s certificate at Ruislip Military School, flying a Maurice Farman biplane.

He remained in the RAF after the war, serving in its Stores and Equipment branches. During the 1920s, he served with the RAF establishment aboard HMS Hermes, one of Britain's early aircraft carriers.

By 1940, he had been promoted to Wing Commander.

On the night of 8–9 May 1941, German bombers launched a devastating attack on Nottingham. William was killed by enemy action at Lower Parliament Street, where RAF stores premises were located.

He died on 9 May 1941, aged 47, having survived one world war only to lose his life during another.

Five days later, he was laid to rest with military honours at St Bartholomew's Churchyard in his home village of Burwash.

Earlier this year i purchased William's original First World War Victory Medal, bearing his name and service details around its edge.

I then made a 12-hour round trip to Burwash, taking his medal with me to visit his grave and pay my respects.

After spending time researching his life, it meant a great deal to stand at his graveside holding the medal he had earned more than a century ago.

Remembering:

Wing Commander William Charles Farley
10245
Royal Air Force
Formerly The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and Royal Flying Corps
Killed by enemy action, 9 May 1941, aged 47

Lest We Forget.

15/10/2026

Just six days before the Falklands War ended, 23-year-old Lance Corporal Antony Burke was killed when Argentine aircraft bombed RFA Sir Galahad, the ship carrying Welsh Guards reinforcements towards the front line.

Born on 6 January 1959, Antony was from Wrexham, North Wales. He served with 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, part of the British Army’s 5th Infantry Brigade during the Falklands campaign.

Following the Argentine invasion on 2 April 1982, the Welsh Guards prepared for deployment. On 12 May, the battalion sailed from Southampton aboard RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, later transferring to SS Canberra before reaching San Carlos Water on 2 June.

As British forces advanced towards Stanley, shortages of transport made moving troops and equipment increasingly difficult. Antony was among the Welsh Guards being transported aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing ship Sir Galahad towards Fitzroy.

On 8 June 1982, Sir Galahad was anchored in the Fitzroy area when Argentine A-4 Skyhawk aircraft launched an attack.

Bombs struck the vessel, causing devastating explosions and fires. Soldiers were trapped aboard as flames and thick smoke spread through the ship. Helicopter crews and rescuers fought desperately to evacuate the wounded and save those still trapped.

Forty-eight people lost their lives aboard Sir Galahad, including 32 Welsh Guards. Lance Corporal Burke was among those killed. He was just 23 years old.

Antony’s body was never recovered from the ship. Today, he is commemorated at St Margaret’s Churchyard, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, where a memorial ensures his name and sacrifice are remembered.

His name is also remembered in the Falkland Islands themselves, where Burke Lagoon was named in his honour.

He had lost his life thousands of miles from home, only six days before the Argentine surrender brought the Falklands War to an end.

Remembering:

Lance Corporal Antony Burke
24422490
1st Battalion, Welsh Guards
Falklands War
Killed in action 8 June 1982, aged 23

Lest We Forget.

14/10/2026

Four years ago today, on 14 October 2022, Sergeant Dean “Waldo” Walton tragically lost his life during an off-duty skydive in Spain. An experienced British Army paratrooper who had served in Afghanistan before joining the Red Devils parachute display team, he was just 36 years old.

Born on 9 January 1986, Dean joined the British Army in the early 2000s, determined to become a paratrooper. His first parachute jump was from a C-130 Hercules at just 800 feet, an experience that began his lifelong passion for parachuting.

Dean served with The Parachute Regiment, completing multiple operational tours, including service in Afghanistan. In 2016, he joined the Red Devils, the British Army’s official parachute display team.

As a Sergeant holding the appointment of team sergeant major, Dean helped organise displays and train fellow parachutists. In 2018, he became the Ministry of Defence’s first wind-tunnel instructor, passing on his expertise to both military personnel and civilians.

On 14 October 2022, Dean was skydiving near Seville, Spain, alongside fellow parachutist Nirmal Purja.

During their descent, Dean attempted an unplanned manoeuvre involving stepping onto Purja’s open parachute. His own canopy lost lift, and he became entangled in Purja’s parachute as both canopies collapsed.

Purja managed to release his main parachute and deploy his reserve, but Dean was unable to free himself. He suffered fatal injuries when he struck the ground.

In December 2023, a coroner concluded that his death was a misadventure.

Dean left behind his wife, Shelby, whom he had married in 2021, and their young daughter, Stella.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral at The Oaks Crematorium in Havant, Hampshire. In a moving farewell, six of his fellow Red Devils parachuted into the garden of remembrance to honour their friend and comrade.

A memory book was also signed by mourners, preserving memories of Dean for his daughter as she grew older.

Four years on, we remember Dean not only for his military service and remarkable parachuting career, but also as a husband, father, friend and comrade.

Remembering:

Sergeant Dean John Andrew “Waldo” Walton
3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
Red Devils – Army Parachute Display Team
9 January 1986 – 14 October 2022
Aged 36

Lest We Forget.

14/10/2026

On 19 June 2010, Sergeant Steven Darbyshire phoned his young sons from Afghanistan. Ryan, the eldest, had won a goalkeeping award. His partner Kate later recalled Steven telling him, “You will have to show me when I get home.”

Steven was born in Wigan and had wanted to join the Royal Marines since childhood. He fulfilled that ambition in 1996. Known as “Darbs”, he served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, and played rugby league for both Wigan St Patrick’s and the Royal Marines.

Kate remembered how he changed the first nappy, gave the first bath and let the boys help with jobs around the house using their toy tools. During deployments, he phoned and wrote home, while Ryan and Callum helped decorate parcels to send him.

In April 2010, Steven deployed to Sangin in Helmand province with 40 Commando Royal Marines. He was the Troop Sergeant of 3 Troop, Alpha Company, based at Patrol Base Almas.

On the morning of 23 June, he was returning from a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army when insurgents opened fire at approximately 7.34am local time. In the firefight that followed, Steven was killed by enemy small-arms fire. He was 35.

His Troop Commander, Captain Dan Sawyers, recalled that “he died making sure that every last man of his troop was back in from patrol.”

Steven was laid to rest at Gidlow Cemetery in Wigan. His love of rugby was honoured through the Elms–Darbyshire memorial match between Wigan St Patrick’s and the Royal Marines, held in memory of Steven and fellow Royal Marine Liam Elms.

Sergeant Steven William Darbyshire
40 Commando Royal Marines — Alpha Company, 3 Troop
23 July 1974 – 23 June 2010 | Aged 35

Lest We Forget.

13/10/2026

A master welder and father of three, Sergeant Paul Justin Connolly was known to his fellow soldiers as “Billy”. In October 2004, he deployed to southern Iraq to support a Royal Engineers regiment working to rebuild essential infrastructure.

Paul joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1989, training as a metalsmith before becoming a master welder. During his 15 years of Army service, his skills took him to Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Canada and Kenya for operations and exercises. In Iraq, he remained a REME soldier, attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Cavanagh, described him as “a highly capable soldier and a hugely popular character”.

On Boxing Day, 26 December 2004, Paul was found dead from a gunshot wound at Shaibah Logistic Base, near Basra. He was 33. An inquest held on 17 May 2006 found that he had taken his own life. He died while serving on operations, not as a result of enemy action.

Paul was laid to rest at Snell Hatch Cemetery in Crawley, West Sussex. On the first anniversary of his death, his family left cards, a wreath and a small Christmas tree at his grave.

In September 2021, more than sixteen years after his death, Paul's name was added to Crawley’s war memorial. His mother, Helen, and sister, Michelle, were part of the commemoration. He is also remembered on the Basra Memorial Wall at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Sergeant Paul Justin Connolly
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)
Attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
Died 26 December 2004, aged 33

Lest We Forget.

13/10/2026

On 11 February 2025, Police Constable Francis “Frank” Hawkins was working from home on duty for the Metropolitan Police when he died unexpectedly. He was just 52 years old, having devoted more than two decades of his life to policing London and supporting fellow officers.

Frank joined the Metropolitan Police Service on 18 January 2004, beginning his career in Kensington and Chelsea. He was serving in London during the terrorist attacks of 7 July 2005, one of the most difficult days in the capital's modern history.

A passionate motorcyclist, Frank particularly enjoyed serving with the Kensington and Chelsea borough taskforce motorcycle unit. It became his favourite posting, combining his love of motorbikes with his pride in police work. In 2011, his service was recognised with a Commissioner's Commendation.

After sustaining an injury on duty, Frank moved into a role supporting newly recruited officers as they began frontline policing. He became known for his patience, encouragement and willingness to help colleagues through difficult situations.

His final posting was as a Metropolitan Special Constabulary Coordinator, supporting volunteer special constables who served alongside regular police officers.

Behind the uniform was a man remembered for his warmth, generosity and humour. One colleague recalled Frank enthusiastically singing “Call Me Maybe” from a car window, while others remembered how he opened his home to colleagues needing somewhere to stay after long shifts.

On 11 February 2025, Frank died unexpectedly while carrying out police duties from home. His death was officially recorded as medical, although the precise cause has not been publicly established.

He left behind his wife, Nadia, and their two daughters, Deanna and Lucia.

Frank was honoured at National Police Memorial Day in September 2025 and remembered again at the Care of Police Survivors Service of Remembrance in August 2026.

Police Constable Francis (Frank) Hawkins
Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Special Constabulary Coordinator
Died on duty — 11 February 2025, aged 52
21 years of police service

Lest We Forget.

12/10/2026

R***eman Cyrus Thatcher had plans for when he came home from Afghanistan: a trip to Amsterdam with a friend, a new television and a bedroom he wanted to sort out. He had also written a very different letter — one for his family to read only if he did not return.

Cyrus grew up in Caversham, Reading, the middle of three brothers. He joined 2nd Battalion, The Ri**es, in December 2007. During a training exercise, he earned a battalion award for valour. His prize was a tandem parachute jump from 12,000 feet. His commanding officer recalled that Cyrus was frightened of aeroplanes, but he made the jump with his family watching.

He went on to mentor recruits at Catterick and serve in Kosovo before deploying to Afghanistan in April 2009. During Operation HERRICK 10, he served as a General Purpose Machine Gunner with 10 Platoon, C Company, in Helmand Province.

His letters home carried his humour. He complained about the heat, food and guard duties, and joked that despite having a builder for a father, his DIY skills relied on sticky tape and Blu Tack. On 12 May, he described receiving five letters, including family photographs. He spent about an hour looking at them.

Just three weeks later, on 2 June 2009, Cyrus was caught in an explosion while on patrol near Gereshk in Helmand Province. His mother later spoke of the improvised explosive device that took her son’s life. Cyrus was just 19. The homecoming he had been writing about would never happen.

Cyrus was buried at Henley Road Cemetery in Caversham, near his old primary school.

His father, Robin, later recalled how Cyrus’s younger brother Steely found the farewell letter and read it aloud to the family. Its closing words would become the title of his mother Helena’s book, Chin Up, Head Down:

“Remember chin up head down. With love Cyrus ###x”

R***eman Cyrus Thatcher
2nd Battalion, The Ri**es · British Army
Aged 19 · 2 June 2009

Lest We Forget.

**es

12/10/2026

He survived the Falklands War itself. Ten days after the Argentine surrender, Lance Corporal Budhaprasad Limbu was killed while helping make the battlefield safe.

Born in Sakhewa in eastern Nepal in 1958, Budhaprasad followed his father, former 1/7 Gurkha Ri**es warrant officer Deoman Limbu, into the regiment. His education helped lead him into signals, and by 1982 he was a trained regimental signaller with 1st Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Ri**es.

During the Falklands campaign, his comrades knew him as “Buddhi”. He served as D Company’s signaller as the battalion moved through the campaign towards the final operations around Mount William.

The fighting ended with the Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982, but the danger did not.

On 24 June, Budhaprasad was with D Company near Goose Green, helping fill former Argentine trenches during battlefield-clearance work. As he dug, his spade struck a buried unexploded round, believed by his battalion to have been British M79 grenade-launcher am******on.

It detonated instantly, killing him at just 23. Two other Gurkhas were wounded.

An early report wrongly suggested that Budhaprasad had picked up unexploded am******on. His own battalion took the unusual step of publicly correcting the story, stressing that he had been carrying out ordered work and describing him as “a skilled and professional soldier”.

At his first funeral in the Falklands, Islanders travelled by tractor and Land Rover to pay their respects. Contemporary comrades remembered him as “popular and with a great sense of humour”.

At his father’s request, Budhaprasad was later reinterred at Aldershot Military Cemetery. He was 1/7 Gurkha Ri**es’ only fatality of the Falklands campaign.

Forty years later, the Falkland Islands formally named Limbu Point in his honour.

Lance Corporal Budhaprasad Limbu
1st Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Ri**es
D Company signaller
Aged 23

Lest We Forget.

11/10/2026

🌺 “𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗮 𝟮𝟱-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻” — 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝟮 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 🌺

On 29 July 2008, Private Peter Joe Cowton of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment lost his life during an operation against Taliban forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He was just 25 years old.

In only a few days, Peter was due to return home to Britain for a short period of rest and recuperation.

But he would never make that journey home alive.

Peter was born on 24 October 1982 and grew up in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where he attended John Hunt of Everest School.

Away from military life, Peter enjoyed football, golf, reading and horse racing.

In January 2004, while working at a golf club, 21-year-old Peter chose a life that offered challenge, adventure and the chance to travel.

He joined the Royal R***e Volunteers, part of the Territorial Army, and went on to complete two operational tours of Iraq.

Having already experienced military service overseas, Peter decided to make the Army his full-time career.

In 2007, he joined the Regular Army and completed his infantry training at Catterick.

In September that year, he joined C (Bruneval) Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, as the battalion prepared for deployment to Afghanistan.

Despite being relatively new to the regiment, Peter's previous experience, professionalism and determination quickly earned him the respect of those around him.

He became the lead scout for 9 Platoon — a demanding and dangerous role usually given to experienced soldiers.

Peter would be at the very front of his platoon, helping identify threats and guide his comrades through hostile ground.

But there was another side to him too.

His friends remembered someone with a good sense of humour who was always willing to help others, especially younger or less experienced soldiers.

He was often the first to volunteer for difficult jobs and was known for making the morning brews for his mates.

In March 2008, Peter deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation HERRICK 8.

Serving in the Upper Sangin Valley, his company operated from Forward Operating Base Gibraltar, carrying out patrols and operations against Taliban insurgents.

On Tuesday, 29 July 2008, Peter and his comrades set out on another patrol.

At approximately 6 am, troops from C Company, supported by elements of 3 PARA, left FOB Gibraltar.

At 8.47 am, the patrol came into contact with enemy forces and fighting broke out.

Peter was at the front as lead scout, moving forward to help suppress the enemy when an explosive device detonated.

He was critically wounded.

Company medics and a doctor fought to save him, but Peter died from his injuries before he could be evacuated by helicopter.

He was just 25 years old.

Only days away from coming home.

The loss devastated those serving alongside him.

One fellow paratrooper later recalled Peter's section commander sitting in tears, while another soldier carried his webbing.

Three soldiers had shared a brew with Peter only the evening before.

Now their friend was gone.

Back home, his parents Karen and Robin Rolfe were left grieving the loss of their son, alongside his brother and sister.

In their tribute, his parents spoke of how proud Peter had been to serve his country, particularly as a member of the Parachute Regiment.

They said his “Maroon Beret” would hold loving memories in their home.

His fellow soldiers remembered a young man who never hesitated to volunteer, who looked after those around him and who had earned enormous respect in such a short time with the battalion.

Peter had been considered a strong candidate for promotion after the tour.

But that future was never to come.

Today, Private Peter Joe Cowton rests in Aldershot Military Cemetery, Hampshire.

On his headstone are the deeply personal words:

“𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔
𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗔 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢
𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗
𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦”

His sacrifice is also remembered at St James's Church in Bramley, where a memorial plaque bears his name.

Years after his death, his family continued to honour his memory, decorating the plaque with poppies for Remembrance Sunday.

Peter was only 25 when he died.

A young man from Basingstoke who had already served twice in Iraq before joining the Parachute Regiment and deploying to Afghanistan.

A soldier who had earned the trust of those around him and who had been looking forward to returning home.

He never got that chance.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗻 — 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

🌺 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 — 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗻
𝟮𝟱𝟭𝟵𝟬𝟰𝟳𝟴 | 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝗗𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝟵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟴 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝟱 🌺

11/10/2026

At only 18 years old, Private Neil Grose had already spent two years serving with the Parachute Regiment. His final battle came on the slopes of Mount Longdon, where he fought with 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment during the Falklands War.

Born on 11 June 1964, Neil joined the Parachute Regiment in 1980 as a 16-year-old boy soldier. By 1982, he was serving with B Company, 4 Platoon, 3 PARA, when the battalion deployed to the Falkland Islands following the Argentine invasion.

After landing at San Carlos Water on 21 May, the paratroopers faced harsh conditions as they advanced across the islands towards Stanley, carrying heavy equipment through freezing weather and difficult terrain.

On the night of 11–12 June 1982, 3 PARA launched its attack on Mount Longdon, a strategically important position overlooking the approaches to the Argentine-held capital.

The battle quickly became one of the fiercest engagements of the Falklands campaign, with intense close-range fighting taking place across the rocky ground.

During the fighting, Private Grose was killed by Argentine fire. He died on 12 June 1982 — just one day after his 18th birthday.

Neil was laid to rest at Aldershot Military Cemetery, Hampshire, alongside many other servicemen remembered from the Falklands War.

His Army career had begun when he was still a teenager, and within only a few years he found himself fighting thousands of miles from home in one of Britain’s most significant post-war conflicts.

Remembering:

Private Neil Grose
24576855
B Company, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
Falklands War
Died 12 June 1982, aged 18

Lest We Forget.

History - those who came before

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