Sub-Lieutenant Bernard Fawcitt

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Served on HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte and died on the 10th July 1943 aged 20 years.

This ship was a twin-funnelled railway steamer used for commando transport and was part of Operation Husky landing troops on the first night of the invasion of Sicily. On the night that Sub-Lieutenant Fawcitt was killed, 10th July 1943, the ship was hit by the Luftwaffe attacks and suffered much damage. The ship survived the war and was handed back to the Belgians from whom it was commandeered as a troop carrier.

Bernard was the son of Norman and Ethel Fawcitt of Rothley and brother to Jean Margaret Fawcitt. His father, Norman, was the principal of Norman Fawcitt & Co. Ltd., Wool Merchants, of Bradford and lived on The Ridgeway in Rothley

Buried after death in Sicily he was re-buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, on the 27th February 1944. His grave inscription is 'HE WAS OUR JOY IN LIFE, HE IS OUR PRIDE IN DEATH. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER HIM'

Sub-Lieutenant Fawcitt was Mentioned in Despatches. This (M.I.D) for a serviceman is not a medal, but is a commendation for an act of gallantry or service. His name would appear in the official report written by a Superior Officer and sent to the high command in which is described the Soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy. This action is published in the London Gazette newspaper of the state which has existed from 1665 and still published today.

Named on the War Memorial, Parish Church Triptych Roll of Honour and Parish Church Book of Remembrance.

The Choir Stalls and the Altar Rails in Rothley Parish Church are in his memory.

To look at the memorials dedicated to Sub Lieutenant Bernard Fawcitt please click on the following links: