Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Owen Seymour Herdon, Cdg. 2nd Bn., Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Hugh was born in Deolali, India on the 16th November 1905 to Captain, later Major General, Hugh and Laura Herdon. At the time, his father was serving with the 55th Coke's Rifles in the Indian Army.

After laving school Arthur became a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, passing out of the 25th January 1925, when he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Inkerman Barracks, Woking.

Three years later, Second Lieutenant Herdon was posted to India as ADC to a District Commander.

Promoted First Lieutenant on the 29th. January 1929, Hugh returned to England to become the Regiment's Adjutant on the 9th. December 2932.

From the 31st January1935 until the 17th December 1938 Hugh was an instructor at Sandhurst, during which time he was promoted Captain.

In 1939, Hugh married Sheena Nellice Maclean, remaining in England when war was declared and the couple went on to have two children, Stella and Stewart.

In 1942 Hugh was promoted Major. Taking command of the 2nd. Warwickshires, Lieutenant Colonel Herdon oversaw its Preparations for D Day. They had become part of 185 Brigade in 3rd. Division. Their role was to land on Sword Beach once the beach head had been secured, then advance in support of a mobile column towards Caen.

This plan was ambitious and did not anticipate too much opposition behind the beachhead. Unfortunately this was not achieved. The advance was held up, particularly by the German defence of Strongpoint Hillman.

The following morning the 2nd. Warwickshires continued their advance, clearing the village of Bieville and moving towards Lebisy Wood. Upon entering the trees the battalion encountered well dug-in elements of 21 Panzer. During the fight Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Herdon was killed.