Eric Robert Charles Yetman was born on 27 August 1923, the son of Robert and Elsie Yetman. His father was an electricity depot supervisor.

He served with the 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. In northern Europe. On 31 July 1944, during Operation Bluecoat he was awarded the Military Cross for his actions:

“On the 31st July 1944, 'G' Company, 8th Bn, Rifle Brigade was attacking St. Martin des Besaces from the north. Lieutenant E.R.C. Yetman, Commander of 12 Platoon, was ordered to take his platoon round the right flank and establish himself on the level crossing. Lieut. Yetman's platoon advanced and immediately came under heavy mortar fire and sustained five casualties. In spite of this Lieut. Yetman led his platoon forward with such great skill and courage that they reached the level crossing and occupied it. For the next four and a half hours, Lieut. Yetman's platoon held out alone on the level crossing under heavy mortar and machine gun fire and out of touch with the rest of the Company as no runners could get through. On being relieved this platoon was only eleven men strong. Lieut. Yetman was wounded twice during this action but refused to either be evacuated or to be looked after and there is no doubt that his great personal courage and complete disregard for his own safety enabled his platoon to hold out in most difficult circumstances and thereby hastened the capture of the village.”

The Rifle Brigade were advancing through Germany when Eric was killed on 5 April 1945 at Steimbke, he was 21 years old. Eric was buried in Hamburg Cemetery in plot 2A.C.6.