Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Maurice
2nd Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

At 0115 hrs several shells fell in the Bn area, one of which killed Lieut Col F.J. Maurice. Col. Maurice had comd the Bn for two years and was dearly loved by all ranks. His death cast a gloom over the Bn just as it was again to go into action.

(War Diary, 7 Jul 1944)

Born on 2 April 1905 in Marlborough, Wiltshire, Frederick Jack Maurice was commissioned with the East Surrey Regiment after graduating from Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1924. He became adjutant for 2nd Battalion in 1935, and by 1940 had been promoted to major. Home from France on sick leave, when German forces attacked Belgium, Maurice crossed to attempt to rejoin his battalion. In the chaotic situation he fought with an ad hoc group of troops before evacuation.

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