RESCUED UNCLE AT DUNKIRK – Now Both are Serving in Italy
Four years ago Petty Officer Wilfred Padfield, age 23, took part in rescuing men from Dunkirk, among whom were his uncle, Sergeant Hubert Crane, who was badly wounded there. Now the two men are again quite near to one another, but this time they are trying to arrange a meeting. Petty Officer Padfield is at present on shore duty in Italy, while Sergeant Crane is serving in that country with the Royal Corps of Signals.
Petty Officer Padfield, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H Padfield, 76 Port Street, Evesham, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15½ years, and underwent his initial training in HMS St Vincent. He has since served in several ships, including HMS Prince Philip, from which he was a survivor. He passed out as a Petty Officer in Algiers in 1943. At this time his parents received several letters from friends he had made there who had entertained him.
Sergeant Crane, a native of Badsey, rejoined the Army in 1939, having previously completed his service as a Regular soldier during peace-time. In August 1942 he won the Military Medal in Libya. This was for conveying information in a jeep under heavy shell fire when communications broke down. His coolness and confidence were especially commendable since he had never before driven that type of vehicle. His wife is at present residing in London.
Gordon Padfield, the younger son of Mr & Mrs Padfield, has just passed out for the Navy. Mr Padfield served through the last war in France, receiving wounds and twice being gassed.