James Frederick Read

A Sapper with 253 Field Company, James died on 3rd of July 1944 aged 26. 

James was born at Pakefield on 28 August 1917, a son of James and Marion Elizabeth Read. James’ father had died in July 1917. James was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 14 October 1917 and his family lived at Kirkley. In 1921 his family lived at 43 William Street. By 1939 they lived at 4 Wilson Road and James was a bricklayer. 

James enlisted in the Army on 14 May 1942 and joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was transferred to the Royal Engineers and joined 3 Division on 5 August 1942, being posted to 253 Field Company on 26 October 1942. James embarked, for Normandy on 3 June 1944 and, as part of 3 Division. On 6 June James’ unit landed at Red Beach near Hermanville.  

No details are known of how, or when, James was wounded, but from 1 July his unit were involved in laying minefields and seven men were wounded on 1 July and a further three wounded on 3 July, these due to mortar fire during minelaying operations. It is possible that James was among those wounded in early July. James died of his wounds on 3 July 1944.