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Victor Kensett Styles

Victor Kensett Styles

Male 1918 - 2001  (83 years)    Has 29 ancestors but no descendants in this family tree.

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  • Name Victor Kensett Styles 
    Birth 1918  Boreham Wood, Hertfordshire, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Death 2001  West Hampstead, London Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Siblings 3 Siblings 
    Person ID I369882  Geneagraphie
    Last Modified 10 Mar 2002 

    Father William Kensett Styles,   b. 1874, Islington, London, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1940, Seaford, Eastbourne, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 66 years) 
    Mother Annie Pimm,   b. 1890, Hampstead, London Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1975, Blyburgh Hospital, Suffolk, England Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 85 years) 
    Marriage 1911  St Pancras Registrar Office, London Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F146363  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Victor Kensett was born on the 2nd of May 1918 at Iseldon, The Common, Chorleywood, Rickmanworth, and Hertfordshire. During WW2 he was twice awarded for brave acts in North Africa, and North Italy. He was a POW in North Africa, he was transferred to a PG 52 Chiavari camp in Italy, when the allies moved into Southern Italy, his camp were transferred to Germany, whilst in north Italy in the Lake Como area, many jumped off the moving train and formed an irregular army, they paid by the British Government £500 per day, (but HMG would not recognise the irregulars) to cause in convenience to the Germans, when the allies reached Lake Como, he was nearly shot as a spy, because he could not speak English, and be blended well with the Italians. After the WW2 he became a schoolteacher, also he is a very good motor mechanic. His first marriage was with Jean THOMAS from 36 Sherwood Court, London W1 on the 12th of May 1945 at St Marylebone registrar Office. On the 11th of December 1952 at the Registrar Office Paddington London he married for the 2nd time Wendolyn Ruth MARMOY also a schoolteacher from 23a Warrington Crescent London W9, they divorced in 1958. He has been married twice; he lived in West Hampstead, London, and died on the 26th May 2001 A service of remembrance was held at St Mary's Tolleshunt D'arcy, Essex, England on Sunday the 19th of August 2001 and two addresses were given. Later V K Styles ashes were scattered at the RSPB site close to two seats which have been erected in memory of VKS

      PG 52 - CHIAVARI - PM 3100

      Region: Liguria, Italy. Location - Chiavari is on the extension of the Riviera, 20 miles from Genoa. It is an industrial town situated in a fertile plain at the mouth of the Entella, with a fine beach, cathedral and ruined castle. The POW camp was located about 15 kms inland in a winding valley, housed in large wooden bungalows partly built by British POWs. The floor was raised about half a metre above the ground, with two tier wooden bunks, blankets, sheets and even pillow cases. Red Cross parcels and post from home were received. There were many satellite work camps. Before the Armistice - A large camp, with 1 officer and 3499 other 'other ranks' on 30.06.43...2193 Br, 1268 SA, 39 Au. Submariners were transferred to Germany in July 1943, see p 15 in my book. At the Armistice - The 'stand fast' order was given and in a few days 'the whole camp was entrained for Germany.' Remarks - individual escapes reported during the movement of the POWs. PRO Camp Report - Yes, reference: WO224/119 [1942 April - 1943 September]. MET 31.09.01


      VICTOR KENSETT STYLES - (1918-2001) an address by Victor John Styles, VKS nephew

      Victor Kensett was my father's brother and the youngest of four of William Kensett STYLES and Annie PIMM. I was Baptisted Victor John, because Uncle Victor was in Italy in 1943, at the time engaged with the Italian partisans in the Lake Como area causing inconvience to the Germans and Italian Fascist. Gillian has found more information about Victor activities from the War Office, he was mentioned in dispatches for his outstanding courage, as you will hear in due course.

      When I was a young lad in the 1950's, he was my boy hood hero, at that time heroic WW2 events appeared in the cinema, and several comics such as the Eagle, Lion, and if you could read and go to public school you had the Wizard. I was lucky enough to hear from my father the tales of Uncle Victor's adventures in North Africa and Italy. I was impressed by his bravery. I can remember him as a very practical person, like my father especially with motorcars, he was always able to fix, adapt, or devise solution to problems. Victor Kensett inherited many skills passed down to him from his parents which I am sure he used to perfection in the management of Acol Court, and during his teaching career.

      After WW2 Uncle Victor had enough of conflict and became a pacifist, through his life he knew who to trust, I don't think he liked politicians. When he taught his pupils he guided them on how to go through life, using democratic persuasion, rather confrontation. If a neighbour needed help he was at hand, I am sure that Susie will go into more detail. I am the last of the family line, and I hope that I have inherited some of his skills, and I am sure Uncle Victor passed on many of his professional skills through his life, and his service to the community.

      © Victor John Styles - 19th of August 2001 - Tolleshunt D'arcy, Essex

      IN MEMORY OF VIC (Victor Kensett) STYLES.
      Revd Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen.

      For the last ten years my husband, Jim, and 1 live eight months of the year in the United States and come to Europe in the summer months. It was sad for us to return to London this summer to face the fact that we were not going to have our annual reunion with a dear friend.

      Vic had warned us three years ago in a frank statement, that he was dying from cancer, which was gradually spreading throughout is body. He also told us that he had refused to go down the route of conventional treatments and was letting things take their course. His upbeat and positive approach to the remaining time left to him was impressive and humbling. We didn't quite know how to respond to such an open statement and could only admire his courage.

      Over the next couple of years our contact with Vic lead us to wonder if perhaps he had been mistaken and had sounded a false alarm, since his activity level seemed to be as high as ever. But, we were reminded that Vic had a mission and had set himself important goals to accomplish before he would allow himself to be beaten. When Vic had sat us down to reveal his condition to us, he also revealed his sincere wish to use the precious time left to him to do good in the world, to give back to those around him and pass on any experience that would benefit others. With limited time he was determined to fulfil certain objectives and what he saw as obligations.

      Vic had taken on responsibilities in the place he lived and for over 25 years he took those responsibilities seriously and with unusual dedication. His criteria was to make the lives of all who lived there more comfortable and secure. Acof Court was a home for both of us. It was In Acol Court that I established my first home away from my parent's home in the early 70's, a few years after Vic had made his home there. Most of the residents of Acol Court were tenants in those early years that had lived there for many years, some since the end of the war. A few owned their flats, and this trend was increasing especially as old timers passed away or tenants moved on. Acol Court had been owned by a series of corporate organisations that paid little attention to the interests of its residents and only saw the block as another business interest to capitalise on.

      It was during this period that there was a nationwide reaction against callous Landlords and a move to resident ownership. If residents of a block of flats purchased the freehold of their building then they could determine the block's future, and manage and control expenditure. This idea took hold, and Vic took advantage of the situation at the time to drum up interest among residents who soon agreed that this would be the best course of action for us at Acol Court also. Vic steered us smoothly through this transition and orchestrated the establishment of Acol Court Limited. He guided us through every aspect of the running of what was now a business operation, and tirelessly researched the best way to handle our affairs, giving the best possible advantage to residents. He wowed owners to become shareholders in the company and thus boosted the coffers to embark upon important and necessary work to up-grade and improve the building. He saw that company rules were strictly adhered to so that the Board of Directors, made up of owners, would never falter in duties. He also went further in taking on responsibility of seeing that the little things that make all the difference to our living environment were kept up to scratch. He worked behind the scenes so that nothing was overlooked. He put Acol Court back on its feet and devised a long term plan of repair and maintenance, and above all showed a devotion and care for the block and its residents, that was to become an important legacy.

      Since so much information of Acol Court was in his domain, he then set about preparing a plan for passing on to those who would come after him his unique assembly of expertise. He wanted to leave things in good order and in the safe hands of the next generation of custodians. This became his mission and focus. It also became a driving force and probably extended his life for a bonus period of time.

      Despite his best efforts it was his physical condition that was beginning to let him down in his last year. He stuck steadfastly to his plan and was passing on his knowledge. His dear friend, constant companion and fellow flat owner at Acol Court, Gillian Sirkin, was always by his side during these last few years and she too took up the cause and helped Vic to accomplish his goals. She undertook to follow in his footsteps and shared the daily tasks along side Vic. How fortunate we have all been to have such a dedicated team.

      Many of us who had moved on have maintained our flats at Acol Court and installed transitory tenants who come and go without a real attachment to the place. Vic was my lifeline to the-goings on at Acol Court. The friendship that developed during the years 1 had lived there did not diminish when I moved to the States. Vic kept an eye on No. 28. He would assist the new tenants to learn the ways of the block and would never hesitate to pick up the phone on a long distance call to fill me in on important information that affected the flat. Not only were his actions in the best interest of the block, but there were also 'acts of friendship'

      As we have all come to know, there are few that are willing to put themselves out in the way the Vic did. People are happy to let others take responsibilities until they find a reason to be discontented. Never enough appreciation and thanks is given to those that keep the wheels turning, especially on a voluntary basis. Vic was an untiring volunteer and an example to us all of how to give unselfishly. Unfortunately the changing times meant that there was fewer and fewer people around who went back far enough to know the evolution that Vic had spearheaded. A changing of the guard took place and although Vic was so anxious to see the work he started completed, the changing mood left Vic no choice other than to relinquish his post, and he slipped disappointed into the background. The champion of champions had no more strength to fight this last battle, and to see the final stage of his work completed. But the work will go on, and it will be due to Vic that the foundation and future of this institution has been secured. Without his efforts over so many years the huge undertakings he had accomplished would have been imposed at far greater cost resulting in great financial hardship to many owners.

      Once Vic had let go these time consuming activities, there was time to devote to other pleasures that were dear to his heart. His love of the natural world could be nurtured and he and Gillian spent many happy peaceful hours bird watching and enjoying visits to Regents Park and beauty spots out of London. The bonds between them gave great support to Vic as his overpowering illness robbed him from physical strength. The precious relationship of friendship, love and companionship sustained Vic and were treasured by Gillian. She continues to trumpet his causes and has brought us here today to reflect on Vic's innate kindness and the many ways in which he has touched our lives. We shall remembered him today and continue to be reminded of his countless of friendship. Vic has left an honourable legacy of love and service to those in his community. He will be greatly missed, but we shall rejoice in his goodness and for the happy memories he has given us.

      © Susie from Acol Court.



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