Friday 24 April 2015

Warburton, George Victor Cooper - Corporal

Cpl George V.C. Warburton
2734 Sqdn.
Royal Air Force Regiment
Died 7 July 1944
Age 23

Corporal George Warburton's squadron became part of 2nd. Tactical Air Force in April 1944. It landed in Normandy on 17 June 1944 and became responsible for the defence, with 40mm Bofors guns, of the forward air bases then established. George lost his life during a German attack on his base.

George was the son of George Victor and Elizabeth Warburton. He was 23. He had a brother, Cecil, and a sister, Flora. On leaving Haslingden Grammar School, he entered the family business of cotton spinners and manufacturers at Flash Mill, Grane Road. He attended St.Stephens' Church, Grane. On 7 January 1942, as a member of the R.A.F.V.R., he joined the R.A.F. He later transferred to the R.A.F. Regiment as an Armourer/Instructor in 2734 Squadron, a Light Anti-Aircraft unit.

George is buried in Hermanville-sur-Mer War Cemetery, France. The village is less than a mile from the site of 'Sword Beach', one of the main landing places. The cemetery contains 1,003 war graves, of which 103 are of men who could not be identified. George lies in Plot 2, Row A, Grave 4.