WILLIAM ANTHONY WARD

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.

TONY

Photograph courtesy of John.

Born: 14th October 1920, Ipswich.

Died: 22nd August 1942; age: 21; at Bridgend, Glamorganshire.

Residence: 6, Ruskin Road, Ipswich.

Tony gained a commission in the R.A.F.V.R.

The London Gazette – 19th September 1941. As acting pilot officers on probation – 22nd August 1941.

Rank: Pilot Officer/Observer; Service Number: 104670.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Grave Reference:

X.G.1.28.

Ipswich New Cemetery,

Ipswich.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Aubrey Donald Ward & Daisy Frances Ward, of Ipswich.

Father: Aubrey Donald Ward, born December 1889, Ipswich. A Stores Controller – Mechanical Engineers.

Mother: Daisy France Ward (nee Ward), born November 1890, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1921   6, Ruskin Road, Ipswich.

William was 8 months old and lived with his parents and sister.

Aubrey Ward, 31 years & 6 months old, a Machine Shop Rate-Fixer for Reavell & Co., Ltd. – Air Compressing Machinery Manufacturers, of Ranelagh Works, Ranelagh Road, Ipswich.

Daisy Ward, 30 years & 7 months old, Home Duties.

Freda Marie Ward, 2 years & 11 months old, born Ipswich.

ENGLAND and WALES REGISTER 1939

William was an undergraduate Student – reading Physics and Mathematics. He lived with his parents and siblings at the family home – 6, Ruskin Road, Ipswich.

Aubrey, Store Controller – Mechanical Engineers.

Daisy, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Freda, a Secretary to the East Suffolk County Planning Officer.

Brian Michael Ward, born 1935, Ipswich.

Tony was educated at Ipswich School with a scholarship, he entered 1931. He became Head Boy at Rigaud House and Vice Captain of the School – he left the school in 1939 with an open Scholarship in Natural Science to Brasenose College, Oxford, and a Special Exhibition from the Grocers’ Company. He joined the Oxford University Air Squadron. His musical gifts were well known locally, and during two years at Oxford, he took honours in Mathematical Mods. and in Shortened Physics Finals.

http://www.ipswichschoolmuseumandarchives.co.uk

Tony is also remembered on the Chapel War Memorial at Ipswich School and Brasenose College, Oxford, which is situated on the wall in the chapel’s entrance.

William was a member of the congregation and church choir for St. Clement’s church, Ipswich. (Image courtesy of Chris Baltzer)

22nd August 1942

Aircraft – Bristol Beaufighter; Serial number – V8389; Code – Mk VIF; owner – 32 MU. Took off at 11.00hrs from R.A.F St. Althan, South Glamorgan on a test flight. The accident was due to the trimming tab control being crossed, thus reversing its normal function. The pilot could not hold the nose down and stalled in a steep climb after take-off. The aircraft crashed into the ground at St. Athan station. All the crew killed.

Fellow Crew:

Jack Elford Hicks; Flight Sergeant; age 21; R.A.F.

Josef Nejezchleba; Flying Officer/Pilot; age 25; R.A.F. (Czechoslovakia).