ROBERT LEONARD VARLEY
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.
Image courtesy of Margaret Mason (nee Varley),
Born: 6th September 1921, Ipswich.
Died: 14th March 1945; Age: 23; killed whilst serving with the Central Mediterranean Force.
Residence: 68, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich.
Employed: Metal Machinist – General Hand – Lawn Mower Works, Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ipswich.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 11062774.
Regiment: Leicestershire Regiment, 2/5th Battalion.
Grave Reference:
I.E.2.
Toscana,
Italy.
Father: (Vic) Arthur William Varley, born 1889, Ipswich – died 1940, Ipswich. A Plough Moulder – Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ipswich.
Mother: Florence Ethel Varley (nee Young), born 1891, Ipswich – died 1927, Ipswich.
Next of Kin: Sister – Mrs. Irene E. Lockwood, of 63, High Street, Ipswich – wife of Frederick George Lockwood.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
Robert was a Metal Machinist – General Hand. He lived with his widowed father at their family home – 68, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich.
Arthur, a Plough Moulder.
Robert is remembered by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies with entrance gates, dedicated in May 1958, at Ransomes Sports’ Centre, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich.
Image from 28th March 1945 Evening Star newspaper.
Leicestershire Regiment, 2/5th Battalion
2/5th Battalion:
The Battalion throughout the war was part of the 46th North Midland Division. It also became part of the BEF
May 1940: It was evacuated from Dunkirk and returned to the UK.
January 1943: Landed in North Africa. Saw action in Tunisia
February 1943: The Battalion was involved in action at the Battle of Kassarine Pass. Here it suffured heavy losses.
September 1943: Involved in action at Salerno in Italy.
January – June 1944: It moved to the Middle East where it was re-equipped and brought back up to strength.
August 1944: It returned to Italy to take part in the battle against the Gothic Line.
December 1944: The Battalion flew to Athens where it fought and where it remained until the Greek Government was restored in the Epirus.
1945: It returned to Italy.
May 1946: By now had moved to Austria where the Battalion disbanded.
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