Edward James Lapthorne

Private Edward James "Jim" Lapthorne
28 Jun 1923 - 14 Sep 2016
Biography

Always known as Jim he is recorded on the Nominal roll at his Grandfathers address at Strode Lodge, Ermington. His national registration number has him recorded as living in the family home at Penquit Farm where he remained for the rest of his life. Right up to his death he was reluctant to talk about his Auxiliary Unit role.

Jim and his father saved the life of an American airman who was pinned to the ground after an American bomber crashed in their field having been badly hit during a raid. A few months after he returned to Penquit to thank them.

Jim lived in Ermington all his life as did generations of his family before him. He was a member of the Ermington Parish Council for 30 years and was Chairman for 17. He was also on the Plympton Rural District Council, the South Hams Council and was on the Planning Committee as well as Chairman of the Young Farmers Club.

Jim always enjoyed a drop of "proper" rough cider.

Postings
Unit or location Role Posted from until
Ugborough Patrol Patrol member 31 Jul 1941 03 Dec 1944
National ID
WHUU 127/3
Commissioned or Enlisted
31st July 1941
Occupation

Farmer

Address
Strode Lodge, Ermington, Devon
References

TNA ref WO199/3391

1939 Register

Aspects of Ivybridge by Tony Barber 1988