Tony began his education at the Dragon School in Oxford. Upon completing his studies at Wrekin, he developed an interest in pursuing a career in law. In 1940, Tony entered a solicitor's office in Tamworth, where he worked until he enlisted for military service. Although his time at the Tamworth office was brief, his colleagues noted his emerging talent for legal work.

Character and Approach to Law

A colleague later reflected on Tony’s character and professional aptitude, observing that ‘he demonstrated a quiet and methodical approach to his legal duties’. Tony threw himself wholeheartedly into common law actions, showing a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in pleadings and evidence gathering. He was not particularly talkative and required some encouragement to express himself, yet he was well-read and thoughtful, much like his father. He held strong views on people and events. Though shy and rather serious in demeanour, Tony’s subtle sense of humour and kind, generous nature would shine through when he smiled.

Military Service and Ultimate Sacrifice

Tony’s life was tragically cut short on saturday 13^th June at the age of 21 due to wounds he sustained during the disastrous Battle of Gazala, which took place between 26^th May and 21^st June 1942. His regiment fought valiantly in the battle, and Tony became the third OW (Old Wrekinian) to be buried in the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, in Libya..

The Battle of Gazala was one of several significant engagements during the Western Desert Campaign, occurring west of Tobruk. Axis forces, consisting of German and Italian troops under Generaloberst Erwin Rommel, faced the British Eighth Army commanded by General Sir Claude Auchinleck, who was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East. The British Eighth Army was composed mainly of British, Commonwealth, and Free French soldiers.

The catastrophic losses suffered by the British Eighth Army on 13^th June became so severe that the day was thereafter known as "Black Saturday." These setbacks, combined with additional failures, ultimately contributed to the fall of Tobruk.

Second of three sons of the Revd. Prebendary Ernest Henry Rogers & Lilian Mabel Rogers of Tamworth, Staffordshire. His elder brother Geoffrey served with the Royal Artillery in the Far East.

This brief story may be downloaded here.

Revised: November 2025