1st Bn Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Tunisia/Italy 1943

Back in 2008 I went to Tunisia and before leaving offered to take pictures of cemeteries if I was in the area. I was asked to photograph a grave which none of that family had visited in Medjez-al-Bab which I was able to visit on my way back to Sousse from Le Kef and Dougga (that was a long day). The cemetery left an impression on me and I decided to look for a permanent reminder in the form of a medal group to a man buried there. This I achieved this week but it is a bit of a mystery.

Company Quarter-Master-Sergeant D. Daykin, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who died in Tunisia on 7 November 1943

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Regular Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (4606406 D. Daykin. D.W.R.), very fine and better (6)

David Daykin was born in 1902 and served with the 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment. The son of Edward Jackson Daykin, and husband of Maria Daykin of Hayes, Middlesex, he died on 7 November 1943, aged 41 and is buried in the Medjez-al-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. His loss was heavily mourned, as per the inscription on his headstone:

'Loved and Longed for always by his wife and children Margaret, David, Sylvia, Baby Peter and Ma.'

Of course by November 1943 fighting had ceased in Tunisia so what could be the cause of death? Died of wounds from Italy rather Tunisia, natural causes or accident? Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

Died as result of accident per casualty list.

 

Many thanks - appreciated.