Remembering Douglas Arthur Binns

Douglas Arthur Binns (1921-1943)


'Dougie' Binns was baptized on 18 May 1921 at Stowell Memorial Church in Salford.  He was the son of Lilian (née Cawdery) and Frank Binns, who were married on 24 July 1920. [1]   Frank had been employed by the Ford Motor Company in Trafford Park, but he moved his family to Ilford in Essex, when the car plant relocated to Dagenham in 1931.  At the age of 20, Douglas married Catherine Bell during the closing months of 1942.   By that time, he was already in uniform.

1942 Marriage of Douglas and Catherine

click on images to enlarge

To the left of Douglas are Frank and Lilian Binns, and. on the far
right, his sister Dorothy

Douglas was a Trooper (service number 7956678) in the 50th Royal Tank Regiment (50 RTR), a constituent part of the 23rd Armoured Brigade and the Royal Armoured Corps.  50 RTR was formed in Bristol during April of 1939, when Territorial Army Battalions were converted to Tank Battalions in preparation for war with Germany.  The 23rd Armoured Brigade left England for the Middle East in May 1942 to join the Eight Army, and became active in early July.  Considering the timing of Douglas' wedding, it is uncertain whether he saw action in the Second Battle of El Alamein.  By May 1943, Allied forces had driven Rommel's Afrika Korps and their Italian allies from North Africa, leaving Sicily as the next objective in the Mediterranean theatre.

video: Invasion of Sicily

Operation Husky

Operation Husky was the code name given to the planned invasion of Sicily. It was to be the largest seaborne operation to that date. Beginning on 10 July 1943, an armada of over 2500 ships would transport 160,000 Allied troops to the island.  Their objective was to defeat Axis forces, and establish a base for the eventual conquest of Italy.  The British Eighth Army landed on the beaches at the Gulf

click on image to enlarge
source: Garland & Smith

of Noto and then pushed northward along the island's eastern coast.   By 13 July, Augusta had been captured, and three days later the Primosole Bridge, which spanned the River Simeto, was secured, giving the British forces access to the plain of Catania. However, German resistance was stiffening, and casualties were mounting, which slowed the advance. The 50th Royal Tank Regiment, as part of XXX Corps, was assigned to the left flank.  Operating in support of the 51st Highland Division, the 50th RTR moved toward Gerbini, with its well defended aerodrome defences.  On the night of July 18/19, they met fierce resistance from the Panzer-Division Hermann Göring and its Italian allies.  It was a particularly bloody engagement that lasted until 21 July.  Douglas Binns was killed in action during this battle. He was 22 years old.

Douglas is buried at the Catania War Cemetery (Commonwealth War Graves Record)

Source: Virtual Catania War Cemetery
Thank You
Plot: I. C. 17.

Dougie and his sister, Dorothy

Manchester Evening News 8 May 1944

 ROLL OF HONOUR
LILY and FRANK BINNS.—Treasured birthday memories of our beloved grandson and nephew, DOUGLAS, presumed killed July, 1943, Sicily. Many a silent tear is shed for one we loved so well. Grandma CAWDERY, Aunty MAY, Uncle JOHN, and COUSINS. Birthday memories of one who was dear to us all. ELSIE. CHARLIE, and CHILDREN. 

Notes

[1] Parish record:

Marriage: 24 Jul 1920 Stowell Memorial, Salford, Lancashire, England
Frank Binns - 20, Coil Winder, Bachelor, 23 West Brownbill Street, Salford
Lilian Cawdery - 20, Armature Winder, Spinster, 23 West Brownbill Street, Salford
Groom's Father: Thomas Binns, Joiner
Bride's Father: Arthur Cawdery, Joiner [i.e. Francis Arthur Cawdery]
Witness: John Taylor; May Cawdery

Baptism: 18 May 1921 Stowell Memorial, Salford, Lancashire, England
Douglas Arthur Binns - [Child] of Frank Binns & Lilian
    Abode: 23 West Brownbill Street Salford
    Occupation: Labourer
    Baptised by: C. E. Leytham Rector
    Register: Baptisms 1921 - 1942, Page 7, Entry 49