DOUGLAS JOHN CHARLES SYMONDS
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Images and extra help courtesy of Maureen.
Born: 28th February 1918, at 14, Charles Street, Ipswich – the home of his paternal grandmother, Leah Symonds, who was present at the birth.
Died: 27th August 1945; age: 27; died saving a dog (mascot of the regiment) that was digging up a mine.
Residence: 9, Upland Road, Ipswich.
Rank: Lance Corporal; Service Number: 139083.
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps.
The body was exhumed, identified and reburied on the 27th June 1947 at Cologne Southern Cemetery.
Grave Reference:
6.F.8.
Germany.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Victor Percy & Kate Beatrice Symonds; husband of Doris Marie Symonds, of Twickenham, Middlesex.
Father: Victor Percy Symonds, born 1885, Ipswich, a packer at a tobacco factory – died 31st December 1917; age 32, drowned at sea onboard (SS) H.T. ‘ARGON.’ Victor was ranked a Gunner, 631788, for the Royal Field Artillery, 874th Trench Mortar Battery, T.F. Victor was laid to rest at the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
Mother: Kate Beatrice Symonds (nee Ditcham), born September 1884, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 75, Hervey Street, Ipswich.
Douglas was 3 years and 4 months old and lived with his widowed mother and brother.
Kate Symonds, 35 years & 9 months old, Home Duties.
Humphrey James Symonds, 5 years old, at School, born Ipswich.
1 boarder – Dorothy Oliver Elvin, 25 years & 9 months old, a Boot and Shoes Sales Assistant for Stead and Simpson Ltd., of Tavern Street, Ipswich, born Princess Risborough, Buckinghamshire.
Douglas and his best friend, Frank Slinn, in Carr Street, Ipswich, 1937.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
Douglas lived with his widowed mother and brother at the family home – 9, Upland Road, Ipswich.
Kate, unpaid Domestic Duties.
Humphrey, an Air Compressor Engineer.
Douglas (left) and his best friend, Frank Slinn, 1940.
Douglas & Doris Symonds (left) with Lily and Frank Slinn.
Frank Slinn joined the 67th Medium Royal Artillery. He was captured in 1942 following the Battle of Tobruk and survived the War.
Douglas & Doris Symonds on their wedding day.
On the 25th October 1941, at St. Stephen’s Church, East Twickenham, Middlesex, 23 year old Douglas, a Driver for the R.A.S.C., of 9, Upland Road, Ipswich, married after the reading of Banns, 26 year old Doris Marie Burgess, a telephone operator, of 40, Napoleon Road, St, Margaret’s, Twickenham, born November 1914, Lambeth, London – daughter of Robert William Burgess, a tram conductor for London Passenger Transport Board, and Emily Burgess (nee Terry), of 49, Dulwich Grove, Camberwell.
The marriage was witnessed by Humphrey James Symonds and Robert William Burgess.
The wedding reception.
Probate to Humphery James Symonds – brother.
One Comment
Douglas was my Father’s best mate. He died saving a dog that was digging up a mine. I have photos of him with my Father and also of Douglas and Doris’s wedding and of them both with my parents.