I worked with Len Crossfield on and off for a few years when he worked as a asphalter. Len was always easy going and good for a laugh.

What a wonderful family history. You must be very proud. I hope you are keeping a record for future generations.

Thanks for the comments, yes Iris, It's all being written down/computerised for future generations, a bit of a never-ending task! Ken, thanks for the info, would you know when Len was working as an asphalter please?

Steve: I couldn't tell you when Len started work as an asphalter, but I started in 1964 and he was already working on the asphalt a number of years before that. I think he packed up around 1985-86, sadly I believe he died of bowel cancer.

Well done mate, my Mum told me you and other members of the Crossfield/Williams family were compiling a family tree... absolutely brilliant idea. If it is ok, I would very much like to be kept in touch! Warm regards.

Hi Sean, I assume your Mum is June? We only live down the road from each other I've discovered, so I'm going to see her when she has a chance.
You can email me your details if you like and I'll keep you in the loop. stevie@oddysee.net

Since writing the article, I have discovered that my grandfather, George Williams, did actually get to land on the continent in WWII! He spent from May to October 1945 in Belgium.  I think the serious message is though, that for every man that landed on the beaches at Normandy, or fought behind the lines, or faced Rommel's Afrika Corps, there were half a dozen for whom the war was a great upheaval too, even if their war meant serving on gun batteries, working in the coal mines, or munitions factories or fulfilling the many other roles that the war made essential. We owe a debt to each and every one of them.

Hi Steve, I don't know if you are spreading your search further afield with the Crossfield name? Myself and my brothers live in the West Midlands but just to say that I'm really impressed with what you have done!!

Hi, don't suppose in your research you came across a Dorothy Williams or a Francis Michael Martin her spouse?

Steve, I've got an article written by Dusty that featured in the SAS regimental magazine many years ago. Have you seen it? (it's about the ill-fated Operation Loyton). Regards, Gavin.

Please, can we be kept up to date with this most interesting family.

Hi my name is Peter Rogers my mother's maiden name was Crossfield and our family are from Halifax, West Yorkshire, didn't know if maybe somehow you might be related.

Pleased to meet you Steve. My grandfather was Ted Crossfield. Myself and my father, Alan Crossfield, are very appreciative of the time and effort you have put in to compile this family history. Could we please get access to the article written by Dusty, for the SAS regimental magazine? Can we get in touch with Gavin Mortimer? Kind regards, Ian Crossfield.

I am part of the Crossfield family - I am shocked at all the history I have found on the internet. I am very amazed!

This is a great article and story! My Grandmother was also called Doris Crossfield!! But she married an Edward (Ted), a Crossfield from York who came from a family of shoemakers! Funnily enough, she came from a large family who also had a Len and a Stan and also twin boys, one of whom died in WW2! Just a coincidence. Were your family always from the Brighton area?

I am a freelance writer and amateur WWII historian from Savannah, Georgia (U.S.). I write the blog: WWII War Time Memories - http://wwiiwartimememories.blogspot.com . I am seeking living WWII Veterans to interview and feature for my blog, which I hope to later turn into a book. I ran across this news article about your family and wondered if any were still alive and if so, would they be willing to be featured on my blog. I look forward to hearing from you.