Biographical Information - St Michael's Parish Church

Participant Info

Photograph

Last Name: Speed

First Names: Andrew Douglas

Date of Death: 17th January 1943

Unit: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Rank: Aircraftman 1st class

Link: Link to CWGC Record

Biographical information: Andrew Douglas Speed, younger son of David and Elizabeth Speed, was born in Kinglessie, Fife on 24th June 1906. The family moved to Edinburgh where Andy worked as a Gents’ Outfitter for Hope Brothers, Princes Street. In 1932 he married Mary Chapman. They lived at 6 Hermand Crescent, Edinburgh.

Don Wall, in his book entitled “Kill the Prisoners”, has the following entry for 18th January 1943:
“L.A.C. Speed, our Camp tailor since Tusik Malaja, and entertainer on the guitar, died this morning (dysentery and beri-beri of the mouth – being fed by rubber tube.)”

St Michael’s Church magazine (September 1943) states that “Andrew Speed died as a prisoner-of-war. This sad news follows very speedily upon reassuring word that he was alive and a POW. Thus his death causes a more poignant sorrow.”

The decorations awarded, and sent to his wife, were 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45.

He died at the age of 36 and his name is on the WW2 memorial of St Michael’s Church.

Below is a photograph of his grave in Labuan Cemetery, West Borneo (F.D.3 Labuan War Cemetery). Originally the graves were each marked by a wooden cross. This was replaced later, with an inscription chosen by the family.
Andy’s reads: “Dearly beloved and remembered always by the hearts that loved him.”

His name is on the WW2 memorial of St Michael’s Church.

Below is a photo of his grave with poppies placed by his daughter and son-in-law, on a visit arranged by the Royal British Legion.

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