Private George H Wickwar

George Henry Wickwar, served with the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, in B Coy, He came from Mitcham in Surrey and he is buried in the Tabarka Ras Rajel military cemetery in Tunisia.

George was successfully parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 36. 201 officers and 176 other ranks were trained on this course that ran between 5 and 12 November 1942. There was 1 death and 2 serious injuries during this training. 

George was dropped behind enemy lines and was caught in the battle of Tamera in March 1943, bravely challenging enemy units situated near Beja and Bou Arada.  The 2nd Battalion captured the hill they were aiming for but then had to retreat due to heavy shelling.  George and the 2nd Battalion took up defensive positions on another hill called Cork Wood.

On the 8 March 1943 they were heavily attacked by a large enemy force and whilst the 1st and 3rd Battalions held off the attack, the 2nd battalion suffered many casualties and their ammunition ran very low.  It is believed that George lost his life in this battle fighting bravely with 1 Para, 3 Para, the 139th Infantry Brigade, the 5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, No1. Commando and some French Units.  The Paras eventually won Cork Wood Hill back, achieving their objective by the end of March 1943.  

George was killed 11 March 1943 during this action. He was just 20 years old. A brave young man who fought valiantly, but sadly gave his life in the defence of his country.