Edward Leslie Widgery – Royal Air Force, 102 Squadron

Sergeant Edward Leslie Widgery – Royal Air Force, 102 Squadron

Early Life and Family Background

Sergeant Edward Leslie Widgery was born in 1908 in Sketty, Swansea, the son of Albert William Widgery and Ann Elizabeth Webber.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the family living on Dillwyn Road, Sketty, where Albert William, aged 37, worked as a Dealer in Toys and Fancy Goods, running his own shop, while Ann Elizabeth, aged 36, managed the home. Their children were Doris Annie, aged 9, and Elsie Averil, aged 7, both attending school, along with Edward Leslie, then 3 years old. Also living with the family was a niece, Florence Rose Webber, aged 14.

1921 Census

By the time of the 1921 Census, Edward, now 13, was recorded as a pupil at Taunton School, St Mary Magdalen Within, Taunton, Somerset—an indication of the family’s commitment to his education and future prospects.

1939 Register

Adult Life and Civilian Occupation

In 1938, Edward married Irish M. E. Jones, establishing his own household while remaining connected to his Swansea roots. The 1939 Register shows Edward living at 9 Wimmerfield Drive, Killay, where he was employed as a Dealer in General Household Goods, continuing the family tradition of working in retail and domestic trade.

Service with the Royal Air Force – 102 Squadron

102 Squadron and Its Role

Edward Leslie Widgery served with the Royal Air Force, attached to 102 Squadron, and held the rank of Sergeant. During the Second World War, 102 Squadron operated Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers, flying long‑range missions as part of Bomber Command. These operations were demanding and dangerous, involving night flights, adverse weather, and the constant threat of enemy action.

The Final Flight – 25 February 1943

Handley Page Halifax II

On 25 February 1943, Sergeant Edward Leslie Widgery was serving as a crew member aboard a Handley Page Halifax II when the aircraft encountered severe weather and crashed four miles north‑east of Colchester, Essex, bursting into flames and killing all on board. The crew who perished alongside him were Thomas Bertram Barfoot, buried at St. Leonard Churchyard, Birdingbury; John Dudley, buried at St. James Churchyard, Titsey; Charles Henry Bray, buried at St. Catherine Churchyard, Ringshall; Leonard Victor William Herbert, buried at Eltham Cemetery; Irving Louis Saintsky, buried at Norwich Cemetery; and Cyril James Drane Smith, buried at Patna Old Cemetery. Their loss illustrates the perilous nature of Halifax operations, where severe weather, mechanical strain, and the relentless demands of wartime flying often proved as dangerous as enemy action.

Edward Leslie Widgery
Oystermouth Cemetery, Mumbles
credit - findagrave

Burial at Oystermouth Cemetery

Following the crash, Sergeant Edward Leslie Widgery was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Oystermouth Cemetery, where his grave stands among those of other local servicemen who lost their lives during the war.