Derek Dew Cardy

Derek Dew Cardy, Lance Corporal 2372105, 51st (Highland) Divisional Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. Died of wounds due to friendly fire on the 19th of August 1944, aged 22.

Derek Dew Cardy was born in Essex on the 10th of October 1921, the son of Harold Donald Cardy, a bank clerk, and Florence Ethel Cardy (née Dew) of "Testwood", 26, Holly Bush Hill, Leytonstone.  He was the husband of Eleanor Gladys Hardy of 319, Eastcote Lane, Harrow in Middlesex. He worked at Lloyd’s of London where he served as a member of Fire Squad No. 7 in the London Branch of the Lloyd’s Civil Defence Volunteers.

On the 16th of August 1944, the 51st Divisional Signals moved to join the headquarters of 51st Division near St Pierre-sur-Dives in Normandy. Two days later the Divisional Headquarters was strafed by Allied fighters which left seven of their number wounded. Derek Cardy was among them and he died of his wounds the following day.

He was the second member of the family to be killed in the Second World War. His brother, Sergeant Harold Donald Cardy, C Squadron, 4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Royal Armoured Corps, was killed in action on the 19th of November 1941 during the Western desert campaign.

Derek Cardy is buried at Hermanville War Cemetery, Plot 2, Row K, Grave 5. He is commemorated on the war memorial at Lloyd’s of London.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Derek Cardy. If you are aware of one or you are related to Derek we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.