downsmail.co.uk John “Jock” Hutton
The death of D-Day veteran John “Jock” Hutton (96) made national news. Jock – who lived in Maidstone and died in hospital on August 12 – was a career soldier with many adventures and notable events in his history. He came to national prominence again last year, when he parachuted back into France to mark the 75th anniversary of the parachute assault in which he had taken part with fellow members of the 13th (Lancashire)
Parachute Battalion on June 6 1944. Jock had taken part in similar commemorative jumps on the 65th and 70th anniversary of D-Day. His military career was lengthy and
lled with notable action. Having survived the hostilities of D-Day, he suffered a stomach wound from mortar re in France on June 22, 1944, and was evacuated home for medical attention. He recovered and re-joined his comrades as they fought their way to victory. Jock was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and eventually advanced all the way to the Baltic. He went on to serve in Palestine, Cyprus, Egypt and Java before moving to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where he served as a regimental sergeant major in Rhodesia Squadron SAS. Having turned 50, he was still involved
in erce ghting, notably a famous raid in which 200 airborne troops attacked a force of 10,000 Chimoio in Mozambique. Tributes and news reports have been fulsome in their praise for Jock’s courage and achievements, with the BBC and newspapers from his native Scotland and places where he was stationed all sharing the news. They have been joined by many
unofficial markings of his death, including social media tributes from people in Normandy, France, where he landed on D-Day. The official Twitter account of the Ministry of Defence noted: “We are saddened by the passing of D-
Day veteran John 'Jock' Hutton. “Last year, Jock touched the hearts of many, parachuting over Normandy at the D-Day75 commemorations. “His courage and spirit must never be
forgotten.” Ken Croft
A DEATH announcement has appeared for Kenneth “Ken” Croft (78), who died peacefully at his home. Ken was a postman in the village of
Wateringbury and the surrounding area for over 25 years. His funeral service has already taken place.
The death announcement noted Ken will be missed by “his wife, Iris, family and good friends.”
Ben Dance
TRIBUTES have been paid after an inquest into the death of Ben Dance (39), from Kings Hill. Ben’s body was found at his home in June. Friends and cricket colleagues have spoken out following his death, urging those with problems to seek help and talk about their feelings. A 40-over cricket match took place in Ben’s memory on August 29, featuring a Mote XI and a Ben Dance XI (the latter team made up entirely of players who had shared a pitch with Ben). There was also a fun run and a talk from the mental health charity Mind. All proceeds from the event are going to Mind. Ben’s skills as a fast bowler made him an automatic selection at the Mote for a number of years.
Originally from Sissinghurst, Ben had worked locally in recruitment and was married with a three-year-old daughter.
Roger Eiffert
A DEATH announcement has appeared for Roger Eiffert, known as “Roger the Dodger” and described as a “Stone Street boy through and through, a much loved dad and grandad.” Roger died on 10 Aug and his funeral service took place on 25 August.
Quentin Henderson
A NATIONAL obituary in The Guardian and an online tribute page have appeared to mark the death of a Kent man who made a massive contribution to life in the Caribbean. Quentin
Henderson (67) was known as “Beeman” in tribute to his peerless knowledge of the lives of the insects to which he
had devoted a lifetime of study. The Guardian noted he “transformed honey production in the Caribbean”. Raised in Elmstone, Quentin was known throughout Kent for his work on fruit farms and time at Hadlow College. He travelled widely, including to Scotland where his father’s family originated, before settling on the Caribbean island of Nevis. He returned to the UK for holidays and regularly visited Kent, where he had family. Tributes on his Facebook memorial page present a picture of a highly regarded and very individual character. Lise Marquis Lachmansingh noted: “It comes as no surprise to me how far reaching his open-hearted spirit and good humour was: how many people he touched from all over the world.” Peter Newell added: “He was a kind and engaging soul with a fanciful and caring imagination. I'm certainly the better for his having been my friend, and I will miss him greatly.” Quentin leaves two brothers, three sisters, 11 nephews and nieces and three great great-nephews.
David Watts
THE death has been announced of David Watts, a coach proprietor from Gillingham who retired to Devon. David Watts Coaches served much of the wider local area. A death
announcement stated that David “passed away peacefully in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, on August 4 after a ght with cancer”. A collection in David’s memory is being made with the donations going to Friends of Chatham Traction or Prostate Cancer UK.
THE STONE SHOP EAST FARLEIGH
• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed DipPFS MSWW
01622 720985
www.camrasswills.co.uk Wills | Probate | Powers of attorney | Funeral plans
• MEMORIALS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED
• ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS • CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT
01622 726633 FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
neilnixon22@gmail.com 31
Obituaries
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
