Private Francis J Belsham

Francis James Belsham was the son of Arthur William and Margaret Elizabeth (Graney) Belsham, of Shoredirch, London. He enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Belsham successfully completed glider training and was posted to 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry and took part in operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Pte Belsham was killed in action on 24 March 1945, aged 19, and was given a field burial at Hamminkeln and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery on 21 March 1947.

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