Death of town war hero (From Warrington Guardian)

Death of town war hero

A WARRINGTON man who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1944 has died.

In 1944, George Heywood was commanding a machine-gun platoon of the Cheshire Regiment's 6th Battalion in Italy. His platoon was pinned down but he organised a group of two guns in position before returning for the others. He then brought up the rest of his guns and ammunition, still under fire, resisting all attempts to dislodge them.

Tribute was paid to his courage and outstanding leadership in providing supporting fire to a hard-pressed company at a very critical moment. Six weeks later he was commissioned in the field.

One of 11 children, George Heywood was born at Warrington on January 5, 1916 and educated at the Oakwood Avenue School. When he was 14 he was given a second-hand cornet and played in the Cheshire Lines Brass Band.

He worked at Wyman's foundry where he met his wife, Elsie Haddock and in 1940 enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment.

After retiring from the Army in 1946 in the rank of captain, Mr Heywood returned to Wymans foundry where he became assistant manager. After moving to John Hall & Sons as manager, he became managing director and then president of North West Iron Founders.