Fred appears to have been in two Patrols, Marldon and Flete in Devon.
His Grandson Martyn; "Grandad never spoke of his role in the war which, growing up as a teenager I assumed was that he was ‘Dad’s Army’ and as there was no invasion there was nothing to tell. But I understand that his role was quite different to the Home Guard and he was part of a highly trained unit. I am sure my dad did not know Fred’s role but I think grandma knew.
After she died in 1994, I cleared her flat and in a trunk found grenades, a machine gun and ammunition. I was a bit stunned and took it all to Paignton Police Station. That caused a bit of alarm!
Grandad was the loveliest guy. Full of humour and took things in his stride. He worked in agriculture all his life and in retirement managed some sizeable allotments of vegetables and flowers. We and the neighbours never went hungry and the quality of the vegetables was top notch - organic!"
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marldon Patrol | Patrol member | 09 Oct 1941 | 04 Oct 1943 |
| Flete Patrol | Patrol member | 04 Oct 1943 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Farm worker
Frederick Kerswell (or Keiswell as he is recorded) is entered twice on the Nominal Roll. The first entry records him as being transferred to 11th (South Hams) Battalion Home Guard on 4th October 1943 but this transfer was cancelled. The second entry records his address as Fancy Cottage, Modbury. His registration number on both entries proves a Marldon address.
In 1939 he is at Stantor Cottages in Marldon and a neighbour of Auxiliers Albert Dameral and Sidney Worth.
He appears to have moved from Marldon to Modbury and became a member of Flete Patrol.
Born in Woodleigh (nearer to Flete) to Henry and Sarah, he married Phyllis Skinner in 1935.
TNA ref WO199/3391
1939 Register
Grandson Martyn Kerswell