Subject

Sicily

Text

Beatitude: And there shall be no night there and they need no candle, neither light fo the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light.

Inscription

Killed on active service Sicily 13th July, 1943 Captain William Eric Lloyd Royal Berkshire Reg. Commandos at Death

Description & History

Following a similar format to all other windows in the aisle series, the badge of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, (a 'China Dragon' representing the regiment's participation in the First Opium War) was placed below the theatre of war, 'Sicily'. An emblem of 'Beautitude' (stylised eye and eyebrow) an unidentified symbol (possibly an anchor) were set in the lower centre of the floral border.

William Eric Lloyd capped a brilliant school record with a degree in Arts from Jesus College, Cambridge. He tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the 2nd AIF, joining instead the Royal Berkshire Regiment. As Captain in No.3 Commando Squadron he took part in a successful raid in Norway, December 1941 where he was wounded, and then the Dieppe raid in August 1942. He was killed on 13 July the same year at the invasion of Sicily and posthumously mentioned in dispatches for his bravery in continuing to command his troops while severely wounded. He was buried in the Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily and an image of the grave site can be seen on the Commando Veterans Association website.

References & Acknowledgements

James Affleck, Geelong Grammarians at World War Two, The Old Geelong Grammarians Incorporated, Corio, 2002, p.51; The Corian, August 1943; Daily News, (Perth) 10 February 1942, p.3; http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/War+Graves+Italy/syracuse/we+lloyd.jpg.html