Sergeant James E Rose

James Edward Rose was born in 1912 in Darlaston Staffordshire. His father, also named James was killed in action near Loos in Belgium in 1916. James’ mother remarried and James was raised by his stepfather. James worked as a steel worker when he enlisted into the 6th Battalion of The South Staffordshire Regiment Territorial Army as a boy solider in May 1929.

In July 1929 he enlisted into the Devonshire Regiment, as a boy soldier at 17, and went to India in 1933. He saw action with them on the North West Frontier fighting local tribesmen in Razmak. He received an Indian Frontier Medal.  Whilst in Dehli he volunteered for airborne forces in July 1942 and was posted to The 151st Parachute Battalion which soon after became The 156 Parachute Battalion. 

In February 1943 Lance Corporal Rose returned to the UK and in June was posted to 12 Platoon, C Company, The 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion and went on Operation Overlord.

Sergeant Rose died on 8 June 1944 and is now buried in the Ranville War Cemetery.

Profile image taken at  the Pegasus Memorial Museum.