What sad news.

I knew him through the monthly Ditchling sessions. I saw him at other venues here and there, but it was at Ditchling where I had the chance to talk to him a bit, as well as enjoying his excellent performances.

Last time I saw him, he was fascinated to learn that his rendition of the song "D Day Dodgers" ( in sunny Italy)at the previous Ditchling session had reawakened my interest in my dad's war service. It had led to me finding out from the date of the casualty list I found in Kew Records Office that he hadn't been wounded at Monte Cassino, as the family had always thought, but at the first battle of Monte Camino in early November 1943. Further research through the Italy Star Association let to me not only finding out the battle plan for the Guards Brigade assault, but pretty well pinpointing the exact location of the pill box containing the Spandau machine gun that had wounded him.

If it hadn't been for hearing Stuart sing that song again, I don't think I would have had the impetus to re-visit my dad's war record. I'm now planning a battlefield visit to the location next year.....all thanks to Stuart. RIP.