Book of Remembrance

Endersby, Maurice R Guardsman (2624085) (V) Born Biggleswade,Beds. DOB 12th December 1924 Joined the Regiment in April1943 until July 1947. After training joined the 5th Battalion in Italy as a Bren Gun Carrier Driver/Gunner. _______________________________________ This tribute was given at his funeral by his Stepdaughter Clare. Maurice Ronald Endersby was born 12th December 1924 in Biggleswade Beds. He was the eldest of three sons, born to Cathleen and Arthur Endersby. Life in that era was very hard, money was not plentiful, there were many hardships, but the family always lived well. Maurice grew up to be a strong, upright, very fit, 6ft tall man. Maurice joined the Grenadier Guards as soon as he could, after the outbreak of World War Two. At the age of 18, he served his King and country and after training was sent to the 5th Battalion for the Anzio Landings as a Bren Gun Carrier Driver/Gunner for the long push through Italy. He rarely spoke about the campaign, but it was to make a big impression on him as a teenager. He fought through the campaign, during the extremely bad weather and the losses were immense. He was with the South African Armoured Division where he made lifelong friendships. Sadlly, whilst he was away, his beloved mother died. Maurice was beside himself with grief and would have walked on water to come home. He returned many times to Italy throughout his life, to visit the country he had learned to love. One night , 32 Grenadiers went out on patrol and only 2 returned, Maurice was one of them. What was left of the Battalion, was billeted at Piano Di Sorrento, where they were made up to strength with the remnants of the 6th Battalion. Then the 24th Guards Brigade, of which they were part, joined the 6th South African Armoured Division and fought in the vanguard from the breakthrough at Casssino to Monte Sole in the mountains north of Florence, where finally at the end of the year, the battalion was disbanded, some returning to England and some to the 3rd Battalion. He decided that when the end of his life came, he would be repatriated to Italy to rest with his comrades whose graves my mother and he visited. This wish is being carried out. He was decorated and was very proud of both his Regiment and Country. On the 50th Anniversary, Maurice donated his personal possessions from the Guards along with two photo's, one taken in 1944 in Italy amd one taken on a later Heroes return visit. His pack,books, standing orders, mess tin etc. are now in the museum at Anzio. All we have left at home are his medals and some proud memories. On returning home at the end of the war, Maurice married Joan and they had one son, David - of whom he was immensely proud. David has three sons who have grown in to upstanding successful men. Maurice left the Grenadier Guards in 1947 and had a variety of jobs working long hours away from home to support his family, eventually settling into the Lord Chancellors Department Bailiff Service in the County Courts. He had many hobbies, and did very well with showing Budgerrigars, Guinea Pigs and his love of all things growing, Showing Chrysanths and Dahlias. In the latter he was National Champion Grower for thee years running. Maurice also had a keen interest in photography and enjoyed wine making - probably drinking it also.He was always interested and involved with the Grenadier Guards Association, the British Legion and latterly Horse societies and Dog clubs. His first marriage ended, and later, whilst at the County Court he met and married my mum Pat in 1984. He became stepfather to Jon and Clare. I was 12 when my mum married Maurice, I have to say any man eho takes on a 12 year old is a good man. I WAS HARD WORK !!! And there were fireworks on many occasions! Maurice was good to me, strict, but I needed that. I didn't think so at the time tho!!! But I know NOW, through having children of my own. Mum says he adored me and I became the daughter he never had, and he also had a good rapport with my brother Jon. He enjoyed our successes and of course the step grandchildren - six in total - his step son - in law and daughter- in law also brought him much happiness, and made him proud. On my wedding day, Maurice was very proud, as was I. He always would joke with my husband Matt saying'don't say I didn't warn you, she's trouble...!!! It was avery happy marriage and he and my mum were deeply involved with horses with Maurice showing Welsh Cobs in hand, and making up a champion. They thoroughly enjoyed caravanning - especially enjoyed Caravan Rallies with the Grenadier Guards Caravan Club, staying on several officers estates. The men sitting around in the evening reminiscing over their service careers. They always had dogs, and started out in the show ring with some success, including several firsts at Crufts. Maurice was an active member serving on the committe of the Easern Counties Dachshund Association where many friendships were formed. Starting with Irish Wolfhounds, then Standard Wire Dachshunds and for the last 15 years, miniature smooth Dachshunds, as he said downsizing due to less mobility. My mum says once they were married, she was afraid the flowers had to give way for the dogs, ruining all thoughts of a beautiful garden! My mum and Maurice attended some garden parties at Buckingham Palace, taking me to the last one he attended and was presented to the Queen, which was a huge honour for him, and of course for me. I felt very proud to have been with him on that day. He thoroughly enjoyed the Grenadier Guards meetings, Regimental days and meeting up with his Army friends. He had serious health issues starting 5 years ago, but he still enjoyed life. But being such an active man, less mobility irked him greatly. People remember Maurice as a proud smart man, with a twinkle in his eye, especially for the ladies!! He had a quick wit, and was dependable, but as my mum says subtle as an avalanche. Maurice had a fall in November 2011, suffering a broken hip. This was operated on, but whilst in re-habilitation, he fell, breaking it again. This all proved to much, and on February 21st he lost his battle in this life. In my mum's words, She has lost her friend, her rock and the love of her life. She loved him to the end and beyond. And she did an amazing job looking after him. Maurice will be sorely missed.