Wilfred Charles Bennett

Distinguished Conduct Medal
Wilfred was a Tank Commander Corporal in 4th Troop, B Squadron 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.

From the age of 16 Wilfred lived at the family newsagents – 32 Gloucester Road, as per the attached newspaper article about his award for bravery in Normandy.

He was an apprentice aero engineer at the BAC from the age of 16 in 1928. He was at the BAC during the daylight raid in 1940 and was a special constable who helped with rescues on that day. He went into the army in late 1940. 

Wilfred landed at 7.20am on D day on Gold Beach, King Sector at Ver Sur Mer, the commander of a Duplex Drive Sherman Tank which took out a German Pillbox that was firing across the beach.

On 14th June at Verrieres, 7 members of his troop of 18 men were killed – all buried at Bayeux.

Wilf went on to take part in more tank battles in Normandy, notably at Tilly sur Seulles and in operation Epsom. The enemy included the terrifying-sounding 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend (Hitler youth).

He was invalided out in August 1944 and returned home to the family newsagents where he worked until retirement – he didn’t return to the BAC. He also helped set up and was a director of a group buying scheme for newsagents called Knowle Confectionery in the 60s. He used to meet up with old army comrades until his death in 1995 at the age of 82. He was a member of the National Newsagents Federation and was elected National President one year.

He was a proud father of 2 children born in the 1950s (Heather and Alan) and a grandfather of 5. 

He died of MND and the family were in awe of his bravery with this.

“A brave man in life and death. Loved father and grandfather.”