Richard Claverley Windle
Person details
| Forename(s) | Richard Claverley |
|---|---|
| Surname | Windle |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Regiment | Royal Armoured Corps |
| Age | 22 |
| Death | Missing, presumed drowned whilst being evacuated wounded on a hospital ship |
| Place of Death | North Africa > Off the African coast |
| Date of Death | 05/12/1941 |
| Year of Entry | 1932 |
| House Letter | E |
| School Notes | - |
| Comments | |
| Commonwealth War Graves Commission Link | https://www.cwgc.org/find-record... |
| Unit | 1st King's Dragoon Guards |
| Prefect | - |
| Military Decorations | MC |
| Album Number | 23 |
| Battle | |
| Previous Regiment | |
| Burial or Cemetery | Memorial > Alamein |
| Citations | Citation for the MC. On 21st November 1941, Tobruch Fortress broke out of Tobruch, led by tanks followed by armoured cars, the latter with the object of making gaps in the minefields. Lt. Windle's car was brought to a standstill in front of the 1st enemy post by a projectile piercing the bonnet. When the car stopped the NCO in the second driver's seat had opened his side door and received a bullet wound in the left shoulder. Lt Windle continued to fire on the enemy post until it was captured by British infantry. The car, having been repaired and restarted, was attached to one of the tanks and attacked a post containing field guns. Lt Windle circled the post throwing hand grenades into it. The car then struck a mine; he dismounted and ran across to make gaps for our tanks. The shelling having abated a little, they collected the crews and wounded from the other cars blown up on the minefield and took them back to Tobruch. Lt Windle showed exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy whilst under heavy fire and set a splendid example. |
| Archives | Correspondence file in OR files in Radley Archives |
| Post School | Courtauld School of Art; Shipping Office |
| Prep School | |
| Prisoner of War | |
| Radlein Obituary |
March 8 1942. Recorded as missing October 18 1942. Recorded on the Roll of Honour June 13 1943. In December, 1941, missing, now presumed drowned, RIchard Claverley Windle, Sec. Lt., K.D.G. He came to Radley (Hope's, E) in September, 1932, from Wellington House, Westgate-on-Sea. He was a quiet unobtrusive boy who always gave of his best, in school and out. He was popular, and had a keen sense of humour. He was not particularly quick to make friends but his friendship, once given, was loyal and lasting. On leaving Radley, he worked in a shipping office and, when war came, he joined up at once. He was commissioned in the Royals (Dragoon Guards). He fought all through the siege of Tobruk in 1941 and was reported wounded in December of that year. Afterwards came the news "missing, believed drowned" and there can be little doubt that he lost his life when a ship evacuating wounded was torpedoed off the African coast. He was awarded the M.C. for gallantry in the Tobruk fighting. November 21 1943. Correction . In the June, 1943, issue of the Radleian Lt C. Windle's regiment should have been given as 1st King's Dragoon Guards, and not as The Royals. |
| Service Number | 134987 |
| Place of Birth |
