Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Edmund Reynolds Willoughby Radcliffe

Born at 45 Kensington Square, London on 3rd December 1899.

Father Alexander N. Radcliffe. Mother Isabel G. Henderson. Siblings: John H, Maud M, Ruth I, & Margaret J.

Edmund was educated in East Sussex and Eton College. In 1918 he enlisted in the Coldstream Guards but did not see action. He was demobilised in 1919 and commenced a career as a solicitor in the family practice.

He married Sybil Enid Elliot on 15th July 1924. They had 3 children: Twin sons Gilbert C & Edmund L, & daughter Georgina E. Edmund married a second time in 1939. This time to Valentine Eleanor Tennant.

The Radcliffe family owned Bag Park in Widecombe and other land in the village. In earlier times the children spent much holiday time in Widecombe.

At the outbreak of the Second World War Edmund took up a Regular Army Emergency Commission with the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry. In 1941 on Government instruction part of the regiment transferred to create an enlarged Airborne/parachute force. Captain Radcliffe was part of this transfer.

On 29th November 1942 Captain Radcliffe, now serving with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, was parachuted into Depienne, Tunisia, in order to capture the strategic town of Oudna. The 2nd Battalion unfortunately became trapped six miles behind enemy lines and were forced to conduct a fighting withdrawal to regain Allied lines. This action took the next 5 months.

Fighting in early March 1943 was extremely fierce around the town of Tabarka, where the 2nd battalion were located.

Edmund Radclife features in the Widecombe Roll of Honour for his service in World War One.

You can view Edmund’s entry here

Edmund Radclife’s older brother John was one of the fallen in World War One

You can view John’s entry here