- Name on Memorial: Berry, A W
- Memorial Panel: Centre
- Full Name: Arthur William Berry
- Rank: Trooper
- Service Details: 5387687, 46th Regt., Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
- Age at Death: 25
- Date of Death: 12/09/1944
- Place of Birth: Banbury
- Son Of: Arthur Charles and Elsie May Berry
- Mother's Maiden Name: Bates
- Parents' Marriage Details: Banbury Jun-19
- Husband Of: Violet Mary Berry, of Grimsbury
- Wife's Maiden Name: Lambourne
- Marriage Details: Banbury Sep-42
- Cemetery: MONTECCHIO WAR CEMETERY
- Additional Information: Arthur Berry was born in Wroxton, the son of Arthur Charles Berry and Elsie May Bates. He had 2 sisters and 3 brothers - Dorothy, Lily, Dennis, Frank and Ken. He attended the local school in Wroxton and was choir boy at the C of E church (where he is also listed on the war memorial).Arthur did an apprenticeship with a cabinet maker after leaving school, but then joined Alcan Extrusion as it paid more money and he wanted to get married. He married Violet Mary Lambourne on 12 September 1942 and their daughter was born the following year. However, when the war was over he intended going back to being a cabinet maker as he was brilliant at carpentry. During his time in the war he trained to be an electrical engineer which is why he was posted with the tanks.Arthur was with the 46th Regt., Reconnaissance Corps during the Battle of Gemmano, part of Operation Olive, an offensive on the German Gothic Line in August 1944. This was the Nazis’ last major line of defence along the summits of the Apennines during the fighting retreat of their forces in Italy.On 12th September 1944, his second wedding anniversary, Arthur was killed. He is buried at Montecchio War Cemetery.We are very grateful to Mrs Julia Bachelor for this information.
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These airgraphs were sent home by him before his death, and were kindly supplied by his daughter.
