Private 14510724 5th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regt)
Died Friday 15th September 1944 (Age 20)
At Rest: Gradara War Cemetery, Italy
Grave Ref.: 1. D. 56.
Kenneth William Shooter (b. 4th Q 1923) was the son of Joseph Francis and Elsie (nee Mansfield) Shooter of Jacksdale, Nottinghamshire. His parents ran a general store at number 31 Albert Avenue, Jacksdale from 1938 to 1961.
Although Kenneth was employed as a metallurgist for the Butterley Company, and was therefore in a reserved occupation, he nevertheless volunteered for service in the Armed Forces. His younger brother has told us that after Kenneth enlisted they were never to see him again as, tragically, Kenneth was killed inaction on Friday 15th September 1944, aged only 20. The Eastwood and Kimberley Advertiser reported Kenneth’s loss as follows:
“ROLL OF HONOUR
JACKSDALE SIGNALLER KILLED IN ACTION
Mr. And Mrs. J. T. Shooter, Albert Avenue, Jacksdale, on Monday received the sad news that their eldest son, Kenneth William Shooter, aged 20, had been killed in action, while serving with the Sherwood Foresters in the Italy campaign, and much sympathy goes out to the family. Ken, who was a signaller, was very popular.
His captain wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Shooter advising them that Ken was wounded about mid-day on the 15th Sept. by a shell and died the same afternoon.
Signaller Shooter was educated at Pinxton Council School, and won a scholarship and this enabled him to attend Heanor Secondary School. He gained his matriculation and was actually accepted at St Paul’s, Cheltenham, but owing to the present hostilities took up employment in the laboratory at Butterley Works.
Joining the Forces in January 1943, he had served both in Italy and Egypt.
At Jacksdale he was attached to the Police Auxiliary Messenger Service.”
A memorial service was held on Sunday 5th November 1944 at St Mary’s Church, Westwood, for Pte Kenneth Shooter, Sherwood Foresters; Sergeant Ward, RAF; and Pte Joseph Winfield, Leicestershire Regiment.
The Roll of Honour at Heanor Grammar School mentions Kenneth Shooter.
Kenneth is acknowledged on the Bowmer family grave in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Westwood, as their nephew.
Kenneth’s father, Joseph, died on 12th January 1963, aged 70 and his mother, Elsie, on 12th February 1951, aged 54.
