Herbert Winston Sidney Pye

A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 21st of May 1940 at the age of 28.

Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 3 August 1911, a son of James John and Florence Edith Pye. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 18 August 1911 and his family lived at 76 Whapload Road. In 1921 his family lived at 20 Chapel Street. 

Herbert served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment, service number 5770874, and by April 1940 he was a Corporal. He was due to marry Ada Louisa Reynolds, of 6 Rant Score, and banns were read at Christchurch, Lowestoft, but it seems that the marriage never took place. 

On 21 May 1940 the 2nd Battalion were holding a position on the River Escaut (also known as the Scheldt), south of Tournai, when they were attacked by German infantry who succeeded in breaking through beyond the company’s right flank. In the ensuing engagement five men of the 2nd Battalion, including Herbert, were killed. Company Sergeant Major Gristock, of the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his part in the action. 

Herbert’s brother James served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.