Sergeant Ernest F Andrews BEM

Ernest Francis Andrews BEM was the son of Ernest John and Mary (McKeon), of Worcester. He enlisted in The Worcestershire Regiment and volunteered for airborne forces.

London Gazette 1 January 1945:

Sergeant Andrews was awarded the BEM posthumously “For exceptional leadership, drive and initiative…….This NCO, by his leadership and personal example inspired the men under his command at all times and under the most adverse conditions.”

Sergeant Andrews successfully completed glider training and was posted to 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and took part in operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Sgt Andrews was killed in action on 26 March 1945, aged 24, and was given a field burial at Hamminkeln and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery on 24 March 1947.

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