MILNE, EDWARD FREDERICK WILLIAM
Rank:
Service No:
Date of Death:
Age:
Regiment/Service:
Grave Reference:
Trooper
14434642
29/11/1944
26
44th Royal Tank Regiment
II. E. 03
Additional information:
Killed during a training on the shooting ranges in Lommel, Belgium. The entire crew is buried at Valkenswaard, side by side.
From the service records of Edward Frederick William Milne, the following account can be reconstructed.
Edward Frederick William Milne was born on 5 August 1918 in Shanghai, China, to a British father and an American mother. He was described as being 5 feet 5⅝ inches tall, with hazel eyes and dark brown hair.
Edward began his military career as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force, serving from 13 December 1940 until 24 November 1942. On 16 June 1943, he transferred to the General Service Corps, and later, on 15 September 1943, to the Royal Armoured Corps.
He was deployed to North-West Europe on 9 June 1944 as part of the Allied campaign following D-Day. During his service, he was awarded the Africa Star for his contributions in the North African campaign.
Edward Frederick William Milne was killed in action on 29 November 1944. His father, James Milne, also served in the RAF with 223 Group in India.
On the spot of the initial burial at Voorheide, Belgium, this cross can be found.