ROBERT LEONARD VARLEY
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 was living 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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