Lionel James Bailey

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Lionel James Bailey was the eldest child of James Thomas and Pansy Gladys V. Bailey (née Lucas). He was born on the 26th December 1922. His parents had married in the Tisbury, Wiltshire Registration District in the June quarter of 1921. The 1921 census, which was taken on the 19th of June 1921, shows the young couple living with James’ brother and his wife in his household at 1, Farm Street, Deal, Kent. At that point, they were all recorded as being out of work.

We see the young couple again in the 1939 National Register, which was taken on the 19th of September 1939, living with their enlarged family at ‘LaMona,’ Slade Lane, Royal Sutton Coldfield, Sutton Coldfield M.B., Warwickshire. James was working as a Manager of a Poultry Farm, Pansy was at home/ Lionel was working as a Plumber's Labourer and his eldest sister was employed as a Laundress. There were 2 redacted or closed records, who I believe to be other two sisters of Lionel James, mentioned on his CWGC Citation.

Lionel James would have only been 17 years old when war broke out on the 3rd of September 1939 Sadly, andI have no information on him, neither his early or teen years, but he must have either enlisted early in the war as soon as he could or was conscripted. He first served in the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) before being transferred to 4 Commando.

He found himself in the midst of D-Day where he was to be killed. 4 Commando landed on Sword Beach and their main task was to to capture the German gun battery at Ouistreham. It seems he was killed shortly after they landed as he was first buried at Ouistreham. Then, on the 20th of July 1945, he was reburied at Ranville British Cemetery where he now lies.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

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