France remembers a hero

Hi Wigan,
My name is Kevin Oliver. I was born in Wigan in 1944 and moved to America when I was three. My father, Frederick Oliver, was killed in WWII as an RAF machine-gunner in a Lancaster bomber. He is buried in Socx, France, where his aircraft was shot down. The people of Socx are honoring him and the pilot, Sgt. Cooke of New Zealand, by naming a new 12 family residence after them.
My family is going to Socx in September to attend the ceremony.
I am bringing my mother, now 85, who has never been able to visit the grave site, for what will be, I'm sure, a very emotional journey.
I just thought that you would want to know that the country French still think of the English as their saviors.
It was over 60 years ago, but we will never forget.
Thanks for reading this.
Wiganer at heart,
Kevin Oliver

Hi Kevin thanks for the information. Did your father originate from Wigan? Can you send details of where he lived etc .
Can you send some photographs of your visit to Socx? I am sure the local newspaper could do an article about the naming of the building. If you can send any info. to, ron@wiganworld.co.uk. I will pass it on to a journalist friend.

A wonderful story Kevin, your family must feel very proud

A wonderful story Kevin, your family must feel very proud

Casualty Details
Name: OLIVER, FREDERICK
Initials: F
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 622 Sqdn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 24/06/1944
Service No: 1006958
Additional information: Son of John and Agnes Oliver, of Wigan, Lancashire; husband of Kathleen Oliver, of Beech Hill Wigan.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Cemetery: SOCX CHURCHYARD
just in case you havent seen this,i had a uncle who died while serving his country in ww2...proud of them all,best wishes tommy

.Name: ELLISON, JACK
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Gunner
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 432 By., 61 (5th Bn. The South Lancashire Regt.) Searchlight Regt.
Age: 32
Date of Death: 29/09/1944
Service No: 1699506
Additional information: Son of George and Maud Ellison; husband of Dorothy Ellison, of Anfield, Liverpool.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. B. C. of E. Grave 89.
Cemetery: LIVERPOOL (WEST DERBY) CEMETERY
...this was my uncle who died doing his bit.