Halstead, Philip Edmundson - Lieutenant

(No soldier photo available)

No.7 Bomb Disposal Company,

Royal Engineers

Died 27 November 1944

Age 23

Lieutenant Philip Halstead and a colleague had been clearing a beach near Bridlington, Yorkshire, of mines, and were returning with them to Hornsea in a 13cwt. vehicle, when it was in collision with another Army vehicle. Philip's vehicle overturned and caught fire. Philip was trapped inside and died immediately. His colleague suffered severe burns and so was unable to help him.

Philip was the youngest son of William Arthur and Emma Halstead. Philip was the husband of Joan. He was aged 23. On leaving Haslingden Mixed School, he went to Haslingden Grammar School. He then worked in the Surveyor's Department of Ramsbottom District Council. Philip was a member of Manchester Road Methodist Church. He joined the Royal Engineers on 1 December 1942.

Philip was buried in Stubbins Congregational Churchyard on Friday 1 December 1944, after a service conducted by the Revd. J.A. Waites. Six men from No.7 Company acted as bearers. Amongst the many floral tributes from family and friends, were wreaths from the Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of No.7 Company and also No.3 Bomb Disposal Company. Philip lies in a family grave, Grave 4, in the North Plot. N.B. Philip's brother, Derek, died in August 1944.