Cyril William Radford – Rifle Brigade, 9th Battalion (1st Tower Hamlets Rifles)

Rifleman Cyril William Radford – Rifle Brigade, 9^th Battalion (1^st Tower Hamlets Rifles)

Birth and Family Background

Cyril William Radford 

Cyril William Radford was born in 1909 at Swansea. He was the son of Arthur Radford and Ada Elizabeth Hancock, who were married in 1902 at Bideford, Devon.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the Radford family were residing at 18 Tycoch Road, Sketty. Arthur Radford (31), born in Devon, was employed as a house painter, and his wife Ada Elizabeth (32), also Devon-born, undertook household duties. Their children were Ada (7), Frederick (7), Olive (4), and Cyril (2).

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family had moved to Llwyn Maws, Sketty. Arthur Radford (42) was working as a house decorator with W. H. Harding Ltd, and Ada Elizabeth (43) continued with household duties. Their children at this time were Ada Mary (17); Frederick Arthur (16), also a house decorator employed by W. H. Harding Ltd; Olive Jane (14); Cyril (13); Arnold George (10); Herbert Arthur (8); Arthur Edward (7); Ethel Sylvia (3); and Gwendoline (1).

Marriage and Civilian Life

1939 Register

In 1937, Cyril married Hannah Mary Davies at Swansea. At the time of the 1939 Register, the couple were living at Flat 3, 15 Orchard Street, Swansea. Cyril was employed as a house painter, while Hannah undertook household duties.

Military Service

Cyril enlisted in the British Army and served as a Rifleman with the Rifle Brigade, 9^th Battalion (1^st Tower Hamlets Rifles). The battalion saw active service during the North African Campaign of the Second World War, taking part in intense desert fighting against Axis forces.

Death and Commemoration

Cyril William Radford
Alamein Memorial, Egypt

Rifleman Cyril William Radford died of wounds on 13^th June 1942 as a result of injuries sustained during operations in North Africa. He has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt, which honours Commonwealth servicemen who died in the North African campaign and whose place of burial is unknown.