In 2025, we will observe the 80th year since the conclusion of World War II, and the publication by the Ibstock Historical Society honors the contributions of 102 locals hailing from nearby towns such as Swepstone, Newton Burgoland, and Ibstock—individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Also featured in this work are narratives about 12 U.S. servicemen who perished when their B-17 aircraft went down over Nailstone Village. This comprehensive volume features thorough profiles along with individual anecdotes detailing their military experiences, ensuring that the legacy of these brave souls remains alive for posterity.
Edwin William Everett was one of numerous locals who managed both industrial jobs and military duties. The 1939 Register indicates that he worked at a place called “Tileworks,” which his various family members identified as being the Redbank factory located in Measham, approximately three miles away from his residence in Swepstone. Established in 1891 under the name Red Bank Brick Company, the Measham plant focused primarily on producing fireclay items like bricks, chimney pots, and sanitation pipes.
In 1941, Edwin departed from the factory to enlist with the Royal Air Force’s Military Police and was stationed in Iceland until 1942. The following year, he came back home to join the RAF’s 49 Squadron located at Fiskerton, Lincolnshire. Sadly, on July 8th, 1944, when he was just 27 years old, he lost his life during an operation involving a Lancaster bomber attacking a V1 launch site in France. Today, he rests in peace as Grave 288 within the Marissel French National Cemetery close to Beauvais, Oise. His tale stands out as a somber testament to all those who abandoned their workaday lives for military service, not knowing they would never come back.
Ian Vickers, the treasurer of the Ibstock Historical Society, showed appreciation for Forterra’s assistance: “This book initiative holds great significance for us because we strive to keep alive the memory of the contributions made by individuals from our area during World War II. The contribution from Forterra aids not just in covering printing expenses but also facilitates the distribution of these books to nearby schools, places of worship, and social organizations, thereby enhancing everyone’s knowledge about our past.”
The Ibstock Historical Society had earlier released a publication chronicling the local fatalities from World War I, named
Lest We Forget,
followed by another one that shines a light on tales of veterans who fought and endured in different battle zones, named
Lest We Grow Old
This newest endeavor upholds their commitment to preserve local heritage, making sure that the tales of enlisted soldiers, aviators, and others frequently disregarded are appropriately commemorated.
Joe Parker, Head of Marketing Communications at Forterra, said: “We are honoured to support the Ibstock Historical Society in their efforts to preserve and share the stories of local World War II heroes. As a company with a strong connection to this area, we take pride in being part of this important initiative to commemorate the contributions of people like Edwin Everett.”
