Somerset monument Lochem - Lochem

The 43rd Wessex Division, consisting of the 4th Somerset Light Infantry, the 4th Wiltshire Regiment, the Sherwood Rangers and the 4th and 7th Dragoon Guards, were on their way from the south-east to the City of Lochem. The soldiers were often no older than 20. Young men who had just come of age, but who were now thus thrown into the deep end mentally in a very short time. They had to deal with whistling bullets around their heads and grenades hitting in front of their feet. The contrast with the peaceful nature around them could hardly be greater. On the German side, too, they were young men, some even children. German boys as young as 16 who had to fight, but often did not want to.

As for the lads of the 43rd Wessex Division, they may have been young and inexperienced, but they were victorious. But it was not without a struggle, especially in Zwiep. The Germans had entrenched themselves. This line of defence consisted of one-man holes, trenches and the natural cover of the raised tramway. There were many deaths on both sides and farms went up in flames, especially in Zwiep.

The next day they marched into Lochem with the German prisoners of war, as liberators of the people and homeland. They were quickly relieved by the Canadians because, after 72 hours without sleep, they were exhausted. Scarred for life, like many soldiers in that senseless war.

Dead men were quickly covered with rain capes during the battle and collected the next day. No one was left behind. The fallen were later buried in Barchem.

The 11 English liberators who died on Langense Enk, along with other soldiers who perished, were reburied in a special Honour Court at the cemetery in Barchem. They are:

Maurice Waterman Belton, Cavalryman 19yrs;
William Carwardine, Cavalryman 31yr;
Robert Collins, Private 35yr;
John Maurice Duke, Private 18yr;
David Evans, Corporal 20yr;
Gordon Graham, Cavalryman 25yr;
Leslie McCracken, Trooper 21yr;
Alfred O'Pray, Trooper unnamed;
Cyril Leonard Pearce, Private 18yr;
Thomas Henry Swarbrick, Private 22yrs;
Albert Sidney William Warr, Private 19yr.