ID: WW2_CUD

TitleHerbert John Cudmore - Royal Engineers
AbstractWW2 Memorial Profiles for West Mersea

HERBERT JOHN CUDMORE
Sapper 11004167
Royal Engineers 1206 'Z' Craft Operating Coy
Killed in air crash 21 December 1944, age 43.
Commemorated on the grave of his father in Barfield Road Cemetery, West Mersea, West Mersea War Memorial, and plaque in West Mersea School.

Herbert 'Basket' Cudmore was born 22 September 1901, son of Robert Charles and Ruth Cudmore, and husband of Agnes Marion Cudmore. Agnes was born Agnes Cook, 19 August 1902.
He attended West Mersea School.
18 January 1927 Herbert John Cudmore married Agnes Marion Cook at West Mersea Parish Church. Herbert, his father and Agnes's father are all described as mariners. By 1936 Herbert and Agnes were living at Lindondale (later 20), Rosebank Road, and were still there in the 1939 Register.

Z-craft were shallow-draught landing craft operated by the Royal Engineers. Designed in the UK, built in India and assembled in Egypt. 135 feet long, they were large enough to carry 10 lorries or 450 men on deck. With a draught of only 2 feet forward, 4 feet after, and a ramp forward, they proved very useful for moving stores and supplies around in the Mediterranean.

Herbert was killed in an air crash 21 December 1944 when coming home on compassionate leave. He was buried in Bari War Cemetery, Italy.
Commemorated on West Mersea War Memorial and plaque in West Mersea School.

Essex County Standard, 21st September, 1945
Cudmore - In loving memory of Sapper Herbert John Cudmore killed while coming home on compassionate leave Dec 21, 1944. Remembered on this his birthday Sept 22, 1945. From his mother, Ruth Cudmore, Mill Road, West Mersea.

Essex County Standard, 21st December, 1945
Cudmore - In loving memory of my dear son Hubert Cudmore, late Sapper R.E. killed in an air crash coming home on compassionate leave December 21st, 1944. From his loving mother, The Cottage, Mill Road, West Mersea.
[ Robert Charles of Melrose Road, died 24 Oct 1933.
Ruth, of 3 Lawn Cottages, Mill Road, died 6 Feb 1948 at Ashdene, High Street, West Mersea - from Probate records ]

Herbert John Cudmore

Herbert is commemorated on his father's grave in Barfield Road Cemetery, West Mersea

Agnes Cudmore

Left Mrs Agnes Cudmore on Regatta Day, 15 August 1992, aged 90

With thanks to:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Roger Bullen
Ron Green

SourceMersea Museum
IDWW2_CUD
Related Images:
Barfield Road Cemetery Plot 82. Dear Husband Robert Charles Cudmore who died 24 October 1933 aged 57 years Also of his dear wife Ruth Cudmore who died 6th February 1948 aged 70 years Also his son Herbert John Cudmore killed on active service 21 December 1944 aged 43 (?) years. CEM_BFD_0082_001
ImageID:   CEM_BFD_0082_001
Title: Barfield Road Cemetery Plot 82.
Dear Husband Robert Charles Cudmore who died 24 October 1933 aged 57 years
Also of his dear wife Ruth Cudmore who died 6th February 1948 aged 70 years
Also his son Herbert John Cudmore killed on active service 21 December 1944 aged 43 (?) years.
Date:19 September 2019
Source:Mersea Museum / Tony Millatt
On the green - Regatta Day 1992 L-R Mrs Agnes Cudmore ('Bunten' Cook) aged 90, Mrs Ivy 'Doll' Cook aged 96, 'Bump' Farthing aged 86, Jessie Mussett RG25_529
ImageID:   RG25_529
Title: On the green - Regatta Day 1992
L-R Mrs Agnes Cudmore ('Bunten' Cook) aged 90, Mrs Ivy 'Doll' Cook aged 96, 'Bump' Farthing aged 86, Jessie Mussett
Date:15 August 1992
Source:Ron Green Collection