Douglas Harry Waylett was brought up in Widford. He died from wounds in February 1943 in Libya. His parents lived in Widford Chase.

Douglas was born in Norfolk in 1919, the son of Harry Waylett (1890-1947) and Annie Matilda Waylett (nee Twite) (1892-1930). Douglas had a younger brother, Claude William Waylett (1921-1994).

Douglas was educated at Widford School and was a chorister at the village’s church. He joined the Essex Regiment in 1935, with the service number 6011858. He died from wounds on 23rd February 1943 in Libya. At the time of his death his parents were living at 6 Widford Chase, Chelmsford.

Douglas Harry WAYLETT, Private, 1/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died from wounds in Libya. Aged 23

Today Douglas lies in Benghazi War Cemetery in Libya (grave 7. F. 24.). He is commemorated on Widford's war memorial as is his uncle Frederick Arthur Waylett who died in Egypt in 1917.

Douglas’ father had been one of the first men wounded in the First World War while serving in the Essex Regiment. He died in 1947 after being struck by an express train in fog at the New Hall Crossing in Boreham, where he worked as a gatekeeper.

111016