Remembering The Fallen
In November we remember the fallen of the two world wars and all wars across the years.
In previous years I have written about the soldiers from our community of St George’s who have given their life for others. This year I thought I would focus on those in our wider community in Maghull.
In the churchyard of St Andrews there are 13 commonwealth graves which are a lasting tribute to the brave men. I have managed to find some information on five of the servicemen to help us remember them and their sacrifice.
John Byrne he was part of the 119 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery he died on the 21/11/1943 aged 33. John was the husband of Freda Byrne ( Nee Rimmer), they married in 1939. He died in Ormskirk on 21/11/43
J Byrne remembered on the war memorial at St Andrews
Ewbank Firth he was an Aircraftman 1st Class part of 106 Squadron, Royal Airforce, aged 35. Died 24/05/1940. Sydney was the son of Reginald Howe Firth and Elizabeth Ann (Eastham), later of 29 Melling Lane, Maghull. Husband of Mary Kathleen (Hamilton Taylor) who he married in 1931 in Manchester. Henry was killed when his plane crashed and exploded in Coventry.
E Firth remembered on the war memorial at St Andrews
Leslie Jesse who was a Private with the Royal Army Pay Corps, aged 29, he lived at 14 Kingsfield Road, Maghull. Leslie was the son of Earnest Smart Jesse and Margaret (Nee Salts) of Maghull. He died at Westwood Emergency Hospital, on the 02/10/1943. Bradford, Yorkshire.
Hugh Allen Rankin is also buried in St Andrew’s he was a member of the Royal Army Service Corps. He died on 24/11/40 Hugh was the son of Hugh Lucas Rankin and Mary Rankin of Maghull.
L Jesse remembered on the war memorial at St Andrews
H.A. Rankin remembered on the war memorial at
St Andrews
John Rimmer a Private in the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry died aged 21 on 12/10/18. John was the son of Robert and Ellen Rimmer of Maghull and he died at King George’s Hospital in Ilford, Essex, but the circumstances are unknown. His body was brought home for burial in St Andrews Churchyard.
There are many more remembered on the St Andrews Memorial at the gates of the entrance to the Church grounds. If you want to find information on local soldiers who lost their lives visit:
Maghull’s Fallen WW2 – Sefton WW1
Information taken from these sites has been used in this article.
Prayer for the Fallen:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, remembering those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. Grant them eternal rest in Your heavenly kingdom, free from pain and suffering. May their courage inspire us to live with honour, compassion, and selflessness. Comfort the families and loved ones they left behind, surrounding them with Your love, strength, and peace. Let their sacrifice never be forgotten, and may their memory remain a blessing to all who cherish freedom and justice
Taken from: 25 Effective Prayers For Fallen Soldiers (2026) - PrayerLit
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed Rest in Peace. Amen