Commonwealth War Grave St Peter and St Paul Churchyard

On St Peter and St Paul Churchyard is one Commonwealth war grave from World War II.

Gunner A. W. Heyhoe, Royal Artillery

Service no. 1071227
Age 28 Royal Artillery 519 Coastal Regiment Born Norfolk.

Drowned 20/11/1940 (his birthday) after high seas swept him from the Knuckle Lighthouse, Southern side of Dover Harbour in Kent. His unit was manning artillery overnight on the harbour wall and at roll call he was found to be missing.

His body was later discovered by soldiers who were erecting coastal defences on the beach at Dymchurch. He was newly married to Grace Ketteringham at Tilney St Lawrence, Norfolk, in August 1940. Arthur was sent to Dover just one day after his wedding. His grave is the only Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard of St Peter & St Paul, Dymchurch, Kent.

Heyhoe’s posting came just one day after his wedding to Grace Ketteringham in Tilney St Lawrence, Norfolk. He had been due to go home on leave to see his new bride shortly after he lost his life. His unit only discovered he was missing at the end of their tour of duty.

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Source

• Text: Philip Linehan
• Photos: Philip Linehan (1, 2), Commonwealth War Graves Commission (3)