Hi All, Picked up this very interesting article about Wingate's death recently. Brings a more personal and family angle to our discussion.
Hello all, its been a while since I last put something to this website as I have been a little tied up with other duties. I would assume that the memorial in the Charlton Cemetery is there because this is where Orde undertook his early military training, which was in Woolwich. The army barracks and building are a 2 min walk from the main building. Orde also resided in Sidcup for a time. I am currently trying to locate exactly where this was as I am currently unaware of any reference to this 'great man' having any connection with this area. If I can find out where he lived, for how long etc I would like to see if the property still exists. There is a road called Wingate Road/Close but this is occupied by a 70's built estate. I'm hoping that this is not where the property once stood, but I'll have to wait until I have managed to find out exactly where he did live in Sidcup.
Hi Ed, The only reference I can find for Wingate's time in Sidcup is found in his biography written by Christopher Sykes. In the late 1930's the 56th Light Anti-aircraft Brigade moved to Sidcup and Wingate with them. The man threw himself into writing technical papers on gun placement etc. at the Drill Hall, Half-Way Street! I think he was totally bored at this time! Any use to you? Steve.
I also have never come across any suggestion of anything mysterious about the crash. Who knows? Regarding Wingate's earlier suicide attempt. He stupidly emptied flowers from a vase, and drank the water, giving himself cerebral malaria, which I think can cause suicidal mood swings. Mike
