Grave of Wednesfield war hero discovered in Singapore

We recently received an email from former Mayor of Wolverhampton and Labour councillor Phil Bateman…

Recently during some research into my wife’s Family history we found out that a member of my wife Mary’s family had been killed whilst defending the island of Singapore from the Japanese during World War Two.

Following research we found that George Hill’s brother- Frank Hill was commemorated at Kranji War Cemetery, 22 kilometres north of the city of Singapore, on the north side of Singapore Island overlooking the Straits of Johore.

Following arrival in Singapore we made straight for the cemetery then the task of finding the grave of Frank Hill.

Frank was a Wednesfield man. He died in Singapore fighting a defensive battle for the island at the tender age of 22.

We found his resting place and the memorial in the neatest of war graves cemetery imaginable! It was a beautifully looked after and after some local help we found what we were looking for- after being taken to the site.

Whilst we had never met Frank it was nonetheless hugely emotional for the three of us who were gathered at his graveside 69 years on.

Frank Hill was a Gunner in 5 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery and he died defending our democracy on the 10th February 1942. He was a 22 year old man born in Wednesfield and deserves like the many thousands of others who gave their lives for their Country to be remembered.

We felt very proud of this young man- who none of us had ever met.

Thanks to Phil for sending us this touching story – you can read the extended article on Phil’s website.