Page 113 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side

SIDNEY CARTER Leading Aircraftman - 2909 Squadron, RAF
1921 - 21st September 1943

Born at Deptford, the son of Owen and Annie of 11 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, Sidney Carter
had lived in Foots Cray since he was eight years old, attending Foots Cray School. He had
worked at Kolster Brandes factory and before he joined the RAF in June 1940, he was an
orderly at Orpington Hospital. Sidney served with 2909 Squadron, RAF. Formed in
Giannalis, Middle East in May 1943, the Squadron was meant for the light anti-aircraft role
and was selected to be part of Operation 'Accolade' (the invasion of Cos) whilst based at
Hadence.

In September, two flights were flown into Cos to protect the airstrip at Antimachia. The
squadron was later split to also defend the landing ground at Lambin and the Town of Cos
itself, as well as the airstrip at Antimachia. For their actions during this period, personnel
from 2909 Squadron were awarded two Military Medals and seven ‘Mentioned in
Despatches’. Sydney Carter died of his injuries on 21st September 1943. Unfortunately,
most of the Squadron was captured on 4th October by which time only five men were
uninjured. The squadron effectively ceased to exist on that day. No formal disbandment
ever took place.

In Memoriam Sidney Carter is remembered on the Battle of Alamein Memorial in
Alexandria, Egypt which has the names of more than 8,500 service personnel who fought
and died during the campaigns in Egypt and Libya and in the operations of the Eighth
Army.

PATRICK CROUCHMAN Staff Sergeant, London Irish Rifles
1909 - 16th January 1943

The second son of William and Katherine of Cray Road, Foots Cray, 30-year-old Patrick
joined the London Irish Rifles. His three brothers also served during the conflict. Patrick
had previously been a regular soldier, serving in India for eight years and when he left the
Army he found a job with Burroughs Wellcome in Dartford. A keen footballer he was a
regular player with the Chislehurst & Sidcup Council's football team.

The 2nd Battalion, London Irish Rifles had spent many months training in Scotland for
action under battle conditions but in November 1942, the exercise ended and they began to
receive new equipment of all kinds. On November 10th, they embarked at Glasgow on HMS
Duchess of York. When the troop-ship was out in the Clyde and amongst the vast convoy,
news was received of the allied landings in North Africa. Everyone knew then where they
were bound, and that it was likely that the 2nd Battalion could be first into battle.

Battle for Hill 286 - The night of 16th January had been spent just outside el Aroussa,
North Africa, and the next night the battalion moved into the plain to the west of Bou Arada.
The men moved towards the Point of Hill 286 and the two leading platoons went forward,
firing from the forward slopes. But a mortar bomb dropped by the enemy in one of the
trenches fatally wounded a captain and two signallers. Several were killed. Unfortunately,
Patrick was one of the men who did not survive this dramatic encounter.

In Memoriam: Patrick Crouchman has no known grave. He is remembered on the Mejez-
el-Bab Memorial, Tunisia.

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