Second World War Medal Group – Sapper Arthur Edward Cartwright, 256 Field Company, Royal Engineers – Accidentally Killed North Africa (Tunisia) 1943
1939-45 Star – unnamed as issued
Africa Star – unnamed as issued
War Medal – unnamed as issued
With box of issue addressed: Mr. J. Cartwright, 113 Edith Rd, Smethwick 40, Staffs.
Arthur Edward Cartwright was born on 25th January 1924 at Smethwick, Staffordshire, the son of John Cartwright (born 1876), a non-ferrous rolling mill labourer, and Fanny Cartwright (née unknown) (born 1885). The family were residing at 113 Edith Road, Smethwick, at the time of the 1939 Register, where Arthur was recorded as working as an Aluminium Moulder’s Assistant, reflecting the heavy industrial and metalworking trades typical of the Black Country.
He enlisted for service in the British Army on 2nd May 1941 at Smethwick, joining the Royal Engineers and serving as Sapper Arthur Edward Cartwright, No. 1947367. He was posted to the 256 Field Company, Royal Engineers, a unit responsible for essential combat engineering duties including the construction of bridges and defences, mine clearance, demolitions and maintaining routes of advance for Allied forces.
Cartwright served overseas in the North African theatre during the later stages of the campaign against Axis forces. Tragically, he was accidentally killed in North Africa on 22nd January 1943, aged 18 years. Contemporary records note that the incident occurred while on duty, and that no blame was attributed, stating that the circumstances did not amount to culpable negligence.
He is buried at Oued Zarga War Cemetery, Tunisia (Grave 1.H.1). This cemetery lies close to the front line reached by Allied forces during the winter fighting in Tunisia following the Allied landings in North Africa in November 1942 (Operation Torch) and the subsequent advance eastwards against German and Italian forces. The cemetery now contains 247 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, many of whom fell during the final stages of the North African campaign.
His campaign medals were later issued to his family at 113 Edith Road, Smethwick, confirming the identity and provenance of the group.
A poignant casualty of the Royal Engineers during the North African campaign, who died while serving his country at just 18 years of age.
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AJMS Medals