Roll of Honour 2023

P AGE 255

W ORLD W AR II

S T . E DWARD ’ S S CHOOL , O XFORD R OLL OF H ONOUR

Name JOHN WILLIAM SIMMONDS (Lt)

Lef SES 1940

Roll Number 3253 Died 26:04:1943

Set / House D

Arrive SES 1937

Where BATTLE OF LONG STOP HILL, TUNIS Serving with 111TH FIELD REG, ROYAL ARTILLERY

Age 21

Buried Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunis Remembered The St. Edward’s School WW2 Memorial and a special screen in the School Chapel (see below). Born 1922. He was a sergeant in the OTC and a member of the Maths VIth Form on leaving. ‘He was a rich gifted boy and threw himself into his work and games with equal zest. Combined with a bubbly sense of humour, he had sympathy and insight beyond his years and it drew out confidence from everyone who knew him’ (Chronicle)’ His intention had been to be ordained after the war. He joined the Royal Artillery straight from School as a Gunner in 1941, then gained a commission a year later. In 1943 he was further promoted to Lieutenant with the 111th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery based in Italy. It was there he was killed in action during the Battle of Long Stop Hill at Enfidaville, Tunisia, as part of the 8th Army, in April 1943. ‘The Chronicle’ of December 1944 reported: - ‘A screen has been erected in Chapel between the aisle and the Memorial Chapel. It has been given in memory of John Simmonds (1937-41) who was killed, in action, at Enfidaville and in remembrance of all Old Boys who gave their lives in the War’.