John 'Jack' Stoddart

Private Stoddart, known as Jack to his family, was born on the 25th March 1903. He enlisted on a short service engagement with the Royal Scots (no.26333) on the 23rd October 1920 aged 17 years. He served in India from the 18th February 1922 until the 10th April 1926. He was discharged on the 22nd October 1932. On the 6th November 1939 he re-enlisted with the Royal Scots Fusiliers TA and was then transferred to the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He then joined No.4 Commando and served with them in North West Europe until he was killed in action at Flushing. His service medals were: 1939/45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal. Photo courtesy of his niece Anne Cole who adds " My uncle was not married and had had no children. He was my late father’s brother, and as his niece, I am one of his closest surviving relatives. You will see from the service record that his birth is recorded as 1903. This would mean he was age 41 when he died in 1944 not 31 as recorded on the headstone."

In Memory of 3046681 Private John Stoddart
Royal Berkshire Regiment and No. 4, Commando
who died on 01 November 1944 aged 41 years
Remembered with honour at Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery