John Moore - information from his son-in-law Charlie

John’s son-in-law, Charlie Peck, wrote:

I have sent some photos John has. The big photo was taken just before D-Day. John is far left, then Henry Willis, Stan Peckett, and Doug Thompson. John got a minor injury on the beach, Henry got a facial injury from shrapnel and John believes Stan got killed shortly after landing. John thinks his unit of four were equipped with 2 Stens and 2 rifles. John never used his rifle, but used a liberated German Schmeiser and an American Colt 45 instead.

Charlie also wrote:

John Graham Moore, born 30th July 1924, joined as soon as he could in September 1942 in Norwich.  After basic training, he was billeted in Brandon Mansions in Great Yarmouth (by 2021 it had been renamed The Nelson Hotel – Ed). He was turned down for aircrew, having had rheumatic fever as a child.  Instead, he trained as a wireless operator and before D-Day was based at a radar site in Northern Ireland, and also in the English Midlands – possibly Shropshire.

John can’t remember Stan’s surname (Peckett- Ed). He remembers once off the beach, his unit headed towards Cherbourg, but it’s hard work getting solid memories from him. He’s sure Henry Willis used a Sten gun as his eyesight wasn’t great, so he just used to spray it towards the target. Henry was also a talented musician and would often play the organ in churches they passed, with John as lookout at the door, even though German snipers were still active!

After Normandy John was attached to the Canadians in the battle of the Walcheren islands (Netherlands), and then near Antwerp during the V2 attacks. He finished the war in Northern Germany near Lüneburg.

And finally:

I think I have managed to find John’s service number via Forces War Records: it is 1629405, relating to a John Graham Moore who enlisted after October 1941 at Cardington. I just spoken to John and he confirmed he was taken from Norwich to Cardington before being sent to Great Yarmouth, and my wife could only remember his number finished 405, so I’m happy it’s him!