BREWER Roger Victorien John

Recorded as John Roger Victorien Brewer on Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Appears on the Army casualties list for Worcestershire as John R.V. Brewer, 1518877, Gunner, Royal Artillery.

The birth of Roger V. J. Brewer is registered in the March Quarter 1919 under the Stourbridge Registration District, mother’s maiden name: Renaux

The following information has been researched by The Black Country Society:
John Brewer came from Oldswinford and enlisted in the Royal Artillery.  He was sent out to the Middle East and joined 44 Battery, 61 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment in the 1st Armoured Division.  This unit was present in the battle of Gazala in May 1942 which led to a British retirement into Egypt.  Rommel’s advance was eventually halted by the defence of the Alamein Line which was followed by a long pause while Montgomery built up his forces.  Then came the turning point of the whole campaign with the battle of Alamein starting on 23 October.  The 1st Armoured was at the centre of Montgomery’s main thrust north of Kidney Ridge.  It took nine days to create the breach in the German line and then the armoured divisions were ordered to cut off Rommel’s retreat.  Although this was not achieved, German power had been effectively broken.  In the pursuit along the coast road skirmishes took place and in one of these on the 14th November Lance Bombardier John Brewer was killed in action.