Trafford

Born during the September quarter 1922 in the Chorlton upon Medlock R.D. -
ref: 8c/1144, the son of Edward Craven & Gertrude Lockwood (nee Nield).

1939 National Registration - No Trace - Probably alreday serving.  His
parents and 32 elder siblings were residing at 30 Mayfield Road,
Manchester.

Landed on Gold Beach at 11.00 hrs on the 6th June 1944.  The sea was rough
and most men of the Battalion were feeling ill effects of long sea journey.
The waves made landing difficult and some serials were waist high in water
as they went ashore.
At 05.00 hrs on the 7th, the advance continued to second objective - area
CONDE SUR SEULLES.   By 07.30 hrs the Mobile Column had reached final
objective and was straffed by our Thumberbolts:   Two Carriers were lost.
By 09.00 hrs the main body on final objective and to positions forecast in
Operation Order.   Dug in immediately.   Opposition on way down had been
slight consisting chiefly of snipers. Rear elements of mobile column met
convoy of German vehicles at road junction  and shot up three three-ton
trucks without loss.
At 11.00 hrs the Joint Post at CONDE was occupied by Captain D.J.Fenner but
no forces from 69 Infantry Brigade turned up. Post was counter-attacked by
enemy during the morning and our forces driven out.  Captain Fenner and 15
Other Ranks were wounded. 4/7th Dragoon Guards in support beat off any
threat to main Battalion positions and the post was reoccupied during the
evening. 
Anti-tank platoon claimed one lorry towing 37mm A/A Gun at crossroads

M.I. - "He died as he lived, bravely and for others".