Kavanagh, Wilfred Henry - Corporal

(No soldier photo available)

16th./5th. Lancers

Died 11 August 1946

Age 24

Corporal Wilfred Kavanagh was the commander/observer of a Daimler 'Dingo' scoutcar as it was on a routine trip to Klagenfurt, Austria. Because vision for the driver was restricted through a rather narrow visor, the commander needed to stand in the turret to advise the driver, if necessary, of any hazards. As the scout-car approached an unmanned railway crossing near St. Veit, a small town near Klagenfurt, a train travelling at high speed came into view, forcing the scoutcar driver to brake sharply. This caused it to run off the road and overturn. The impact killed Wilfred outright.

Wilfred was the son of Elizabeth (Bessie) and the late Thomas Kavanagh. He was aged 24. He went to St.John's, Stonefold, Church and School. He was also, for some time, the organist at St.John's Church at Baxenden. Before joining the Army in 1941, he worked as an accountant in Manchester. Wilfrec_ had survived all the heavy fighting in which his regiment was engaged during the 1944/1945 campaigns in Italy.

Wilfred was laid to rest in Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. It is the only British War Cemetery in Austria and holds 589 graves. Wilfred lies in Plot 6, Row F, Grave 14.