1099764 Gunner Robert James ESDELL, 137 Field Regt RA: 16/12/1941, Malaya

Hi Pals,

I'm researching Gunner Robert James Esdell (sometimes spelled Edsell) of 137 Field Regiment. Died during the defence of Malaya 16 December 1941. Any further info on him or the regiment at that time would be much appreciated.

https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/4018627/robert-james-esdell/
GUNNER ROBERT JAMES ESDELL
Service Number: 1099764
Regiment & Unit: 137 Field Regt., Royal Artillery
Date of Death: 16 December 1941
Age 30 years old
Buried or commemorated at SINGAPORE MEMORIAL
Memorial Reference: Column 17.
Location: Singapore
Additional Info: Son of Arthur James Esdell and Maria Esdell; husband of Irene Dorothy Esdell, of West Byfleet, Surrey.

TIA

 

For a brief overview of the Regiment see the 137 Field page on my site. Check the link at the bottom of the page 'History of the Regiment' which will give you more information. At the time of Gnr Esdell's death the Regiment was in the Jitra/Bagan Serai area.
Derek

 

For the Royal Artillery this a good starting point: Royal Artillery in World War 2 - The Royal Artillery 1939-45

A very different place as it is alternative history and this has a thread by a member here. It may have somewhere mentions of the unit: Malaya What If (this is my bookmark not the start)

If you search with "137 Field" or "137 Field Regiment" site:ww2talk.com it should produce the threads here where the unit appears. Note the surrender at Singapore may mean no War Diaries exist.

The name Edsell has not appeared here before.

 

Thanks guys much appreciated