ROBERT JAMES CROSS

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.

Images courtesy of Sarah

Born: 9th July 1920, Ipswich.

Died: 15th July 1942; age: 22.

Residence: 275, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

Occupation: Art Student Teacher.

Rank: Trooper; Service Number: 7941449.

Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps, 6th Battalion.

On the 16th December 1943, the body was exhumed, identified and reburied at El Alamein War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

XII.D.16.

El Alamein War Cemetery,

El Alamein,

Matruh,

Egypt.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George Robert & Emma Sarah Cross, of Ipswich.

Father: George Robert Cross, born June 1889, Norwich, Norfolk.

Mother: Emma Sarah Cross (nee Gardiner), born January 1884, Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk.

CENSUS

1921   13, Upland Road, Ipswich.

Robert was 11 months old and lived with his parents.

George Cross, 31 years & 11 months old, a Grocer’s Assistant for the Co-operative Society, Carr Street, Ipswich.

Emma Cross, 37 years & 5 months old, Home Duties.

visitor – William John Neville Rayner, 9 years & 5 months old, at School, born Diss, Norfolk – son of William Rayner & Ada Mary Rayner (nee Double).

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Robert was an Art Student Teacher. He lived with his parents at the family home 275, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

George Cross, a Grocery Counter Hand.

Emma Cross, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Tank Crew.

Cooking Bully beef stew!

6 RTR

In 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed in Egypt, with the “Heavy Armoured Brigade”. They were equipped with Mk VIb light tanks, Mark II medium tanks, and Mk I Cruiser tanks.

First Battle of El Alamein

(1–27 July 1942)