Just to make you aware of the recent death, on 10 August 2024, of my father's war time friend, Charles Ward, at the grand age of 105 years and 7 months. Charles was the last link to my own father's (Edmund O'Sullivan) war time service as they joined the army on the same day - joining the London Irish Rifles (LIR) on 18 October 1939 at Liverpool Street Station. Rifleman Ward trained with the 2nd London Irish Rifles right across the UK before sailing from Greenock with the battalion as they journeyed in November 1942 to Algiers with 38 (Irish) Brigade, as part of 1st Army's invasion of North Africa. Now a section leader, Sergeant Ward was heavily involved in the fighting in the hills and plains north of Bou Arada (Stuka Ridge et al) during January and February 1943 - he would suffer injuries during this period and, in mid-1943, was posted to join SoE (ciphers) based at Phillipeville in Algeria. Charles would meet his future wife, Margaret, while working there with SoE. Charles served with SoE in both Algeria and Italy over the subsequent 2 years before completing his time in Italy with the Royal Signals - he was de-mobbed in March 1946 and would marry Margaret soon after. The two would settle in south London and he returned to a career in the print industry. Charles would enjoy a long life with Margaret - they were married for 73 years before she died in 2019 - and there were plenty of children, grandchildren and great, grandchildren to keep them busy. Charles and Margaret would later take over the reins of an asparagus business when they were in their 70s - even supplying them to a big castle near here in east Berkshire. I was privileged to spend a lot of time chatting with Charles and Margaret over the past 15 years - they were great company and Charles even came out to Cassino for the 75 anniversary commemorations in May 2019 to lay poppy crosses at the final resting places of two of his mates, Sgt. Eddie Mayo MM and Sgt. Gerald Keegan MM. Charles is one of the "last" lads who joined the army in 1939, most certainly one of the "last" who served with 1st Army in North Africa and, undoubtedly, the "last" London Irish Rifleman to have served during war time. A remarkable man and we shall all miss him greatly. Charles Ward: 16 December 1918 - 10 August 2024. Quis Separabit Faugh a Ballagh
