WW2 Memorial Plaque - Elmbridge Museum: Elmbridge Museum Website

Memorial Plaque (136.1997).

This oak plaque bears the words ‘In Memoriam, 1939-1945, John M. Bell, Charles Coker, W.E. Dagwell, Robin H. Taylor, Members of Staff of Esher Urban District Council, St John, XV. 13.’ It was created in 1948 in memory of four members of staff of Esher Urban District Council who sadly died in the Second World War.

John Bell had been employed in the public health department and joined the R.A.F. He was shot down over Lorient in France whilst piloting a Lancaster bomber on 13th September 1943. He was 23 years of age.

Charles Coker had worked in the surveyor’s department and served in the Royal Armoured Corps. He was killed in action on 18th July 1944 in Normandy, a few days after his 21st birthday.

William Dagwell was a member of the surveyor’s staff and joined the Royal Artillery. He was an anti-aircraft gunner on board ship and died at his post on 29th May 1940 during the Dunkirk evacuation. He was 19 years of age.

Robin Taylor had been employed in the treasurer’s department. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese in Java and died three and a half years later on 26th September 1944 in Batavia. He was 31 years of age.