Discovering the stories behind personal memorials to those who served in war by those who knew them best
Wars Last Goodbyes
Individual Record
Inscription
In loving memory
Of a dear husband
Donald James Belben
Accidentally killed 4 July 1944
Aged 21 years
Time passes on but memories remain
Place of Inscription
Evesham Cemetery
Worcestershire
Who does this memorial relate to?
Forename:
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Date of Death:
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Age at death:
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Donald James
Belben
1922
Pontypridd, Glamorganshire, Wales
4th July 1944
Died from injuries received when an American troop truck hit his taxi near Bretforton and he later died in Evesham cottage hospital
21
Evesham Cemetery, Evesham, Worcestershire
Second World War
Civilian
Civilian
Royal Navy
An inquest was held into the death of Donald where it was discovered that the American Army commanders had already held their own investigation and found the American soldier driving the lorry was not guilty and that it was an accident. The Coroner found that the truck was going too fast around a blind bend, possibly on the wrong side, and declared that the death was due to misadventure caused by the American vehicle going too fast and without due care and attention. The Coroner was heavily critical of the entire American enquiry and behaviour. He had a real issue with what he saw was the demise of the rule of law. Donald had served in the Royal Navy at the beginning of the war - he had been serving with the navy since he was fifteen. He had been on board the HMS Royal Oak which was torpoedoed by a U-Boat at Scapa Flow in 1939 with the loss of over 800 men. Donald was taken off before this event suffering with rheumatism which led to his discharge.
Other Records from the same place:
First World War
James Kay
Horsfield
1st Battalion Canterbury Regiment New Zealand Expeditionary Force
