Fred Wright

This story and photos are are shared by the Trust with kind permission from Brian Wright, Fred's nephew.

Our Uncle Fred was born in Shoreditch, London in 1915 to David and Mary Ann Wright. He had two sisters, Clara and Olive and four brothers, Dave, Tom, Alf and George.

He attended Morning Lane School in Chatham Place, Hackney. Then, similar to others in the family, worked in the furniture trade, he being a French polisher.

Fred was married to Ellen (Nellie) from Comber, Co. Down in Ireland. We believe he met Ellen when he was in Ireland for training.

He was an incredible dancer, regularly entering and winning marathon jitterbug competitions at the Empire Ballroom, Leicester Square in Soho, London. He was widely and affectionately known as the Tango King.

Back four, L-R: My grandmother, Mary Ann, Fred, Tom and Olive
Seated, L-R: Unknown

Dave and Alf had been medically excused but Fred, George (my dad) and Tom served in the Army. George was in the Pioneer Corps and had previously fought in the Spanish Civil War. Fred, was posted to the 2nd Batallion, Essex Regiment. His battalion and brigade sailed from Southampton and landed on Gold Beach on D-Day at roughly 1300 hours and immediately set off inland.

Included below is his last letter, written to his brother, George and wife, Lottie, from his ship on the evening of the 5/6th of June.

Pte F Wright 4923019
Essex Regt
At Sea
5 June

My dear George & Lottie
Just a few lines to let you know I am safe & well & all is OK so far. I guess you have had the news from no.9 what has happened to me, I can’t tell you much just now & I have no address but I will send it as soon as I can.
Well Pal, it is my turn now to get stuck in. I hope all will turn out alright for us all, don’t worry I will look after myself, by the time you get this, I shall be looking for my first Jerry & "will he get it". I know we have a big job to do, but once we get going it will not take long. I will be thinking of you all & please keep smiling all will be O.K. I can’t say when you will hear from me but I will let you know. I may see Tom on my way who knows. Well Pal I must close this quick letter. God Bless you all & all my fondest wishes. Lots of love,
Fred

They were involved in the taking of Le Havre then advanced, took Bayeux and fought through the Battle for Caen serving again with the 50th Division and briefly with the 59th Division.

However, Fred died on 18th June. His brother, Tom, was also serving in Normandy but was blown up in his tank and sent back to England for medical treatment. He would later return to the front and went all the way to Berlin. Whilst in hospital he heard Fred had been killed and he tried to find out the details about his death. The Adjutant of the Essex Regiment was able to find out some basic information and wrote back to him, addressing it to F.S. Wright in error.

"On the 17 Jun 44 your brother was wounded by a mine explosion and was evacuated immediately to a Field Ambulance ; from there it is understood he was evacuated the same day to a C.C.S [Casualty Clearing Station]. The loss of your brother is felt by all here, and I hope you will accept my deep sympathies"

Letter from the Adjutant, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.

Fred is buried at Ryes Cemetery, Bazenville near Caen.