Sister waits nearly 70 years to see brother listed on war memorial (From Times Series)

Sister waits nearly 70 years to see brother listed on war memorial

3:42pm Thursday 26th November 2009

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DOZENS of people have come forward with the names of forgotten war heroes from East and New Barnet.

A campaign to etch their names into existing war memorials in East and New Barnet has so far raised £2,200 of the £2,500 needed to add the East Barnet names but a further £5,000 is needed for New Barnet.

One of those who is looking forward to seeing her loved one's name on the memorial is Mary Johnson, 94, of Victoria Close, New Barnet.

Her brother, Charles James Sadler was 42 when he died serving in the Navy in 1942 off the coast of Africa.

She said: “I'd like to see him on the war memorial, he is listed but in Plymouth when he should be here.

“I've always wanted to do something about it but have never known what to do, until I saw the story in the paper. I think it's a very good campaign.”

Mr Sadler was born in Ferguson Road, East Barnet, now called Ellerbeck Road, one of nine children.

Had joined the Navy in 1918 when he was 18 and has stayed in until 1925, when he was placed on reserve.

In 1940 he was called up again to serve on the destroyer HMS Fame.

The last time she saw her brother when seeing him off at New Barnet station Mrs Johnson said he expressed concern about his new job as a stoker first class on the HMS Hecla supply ship.

“He said he didn't like big ships because they couldn't dodge around, they couldn't move quick enough,” she said.

Tragically, he was proved right.

By the time he died, Mrs Johnson was 25 and three of her brothers and her husband were all fighting in the war.

The blow came as the family were eagerly expecting Mr Sadler's return on leave.

Days earlier they had received a cheery message from him.

Mrs Johnson said: “He was off the coast of Africa and we got a telegram from him. It said “it's just a few more days and I'll be home for a pint.” He used to drink at the Warwick Arms pub.”

Mrs Johnson said his death was a huge blow to the family, who were very close.

Her other brothers returned from the war but one of them lost his legs in the conflict.

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