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WILLIAM ARTHUR INCE, Private, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment
1922 - 10th June 1944

Previous to joining the Armed Forces, 22-year-old William Ince had been employed by
Messrs. Stanley & Co., New Eltham, for seven years. He was born in Foots Cray, the
youngest son of Albert and Mary Victoria Ince of Maidstone Road, Foots Cray and was
educated at Foots Cray School. Once War had been declared, most men between the ages
of 18-30 years of age were immediately called-up by the Government and expected to serve
in one of the Armed Forces. William was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire
Regiment.

The Invasion of Normandy

At the beginning of June 1944, Private Ince, together with thousands of fellow servicemen,
was transported to the England's south coast under great secrecy. It was absolutely vital
that the enemy did not know when the expected invasion would take place, and exactly
where the Allied troops were likely to land. the Devonshire Regiment was just one of many
which made a vital contribution to the very dangerous and traumatic invasion of the heavily
defended German held territory. The men were aware that something 'big' was about to
happen, but not one of them knew when or where.

The invasion and establishment of Allied forces in Normandy, France was planned for early
June 1944, but the weather was appalling and the Allies' plans had to be deferred. Finally
the all important signal to begin the assault on the French beaches to drive out the German
armies was conveyed to the waiting Allied troops. D-Day ('Deliverance' Day- the date of the
initial assaults) was Tuesday 6th June 1944 and many of the thousands of Allied forces that
saw combat in Normandy on that historic day came from Canada, the Free French Forces,
the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It began with overnight parachute
and glider landings, massive air attacks and naval bombardments. In the early morning,
amphibious landings on five beaches codenamed "Juno", "Gold", "Omaha", "Utah" and
"Sword" began and during the evening the remaining elements of the Parachute Divisions
landed.

It was intended that the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment, should land at Le Hamel, on
Gold Beach behind the 1st Hampshires. However, owing to adverse sea conditions and an
unexpectedly high tidal surge, three of the four companies were carried over a mile to the
east before they could make landfall and had to make their way to their assigned assembly
point on foot. Of the four Company Commanders, two were wounded and one was killed.

Private William Ince, who was severely wounded during the invasion, was rescued by his
colleagues and given emergency medical aid before being transported by sea back to the
UK. Although his condition was serious, it was naturally hoped that once he could be
treated in hospital in England, he would have a chance to recover. Unfortunately, his
injuries were too severe and he died in hospital on 10th June, 1944.

In Memoriam: William's grieving parents arranged for him to be buried in St. James
Churchyard. The funeral, which took place on 16th June, was officiated by the Rev. H.B.
Mack, and pall-bearers and a bugler attended from the R.A.P.C. (Royal Army Pay Corps).

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