An Immediate Military Medal Group of Four for the Attack on Port-en-Bessin, 7 June 1944, awarded to Private Roy Emsley, B Troop, 47 Commando Royal Marines, Military Medal, George VI Type 1 (PO. X. 105331. R. Emsley. R.M.), 1939-45, France and Germany Stars, Defence and War Medal, about very fine Military Medal: London Gazette: 12 September 1944: For gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army in Normandy. The following is taking from the official recommendation on 7 June 1944 Pte PO/X/105331 R Roy Emsley during an attack on Port-en-Bessin with 47 Commando. Pte. Emsley was providing covering fire for a comrade who was attempting to rescue 2 wounded men under heavy crossfire. Whilst doing so a mortar shell exploded, taking out his left eye and filling his body with shrapnel, despite being terribly wounded he continued firing his gun enabling the 2 soldiers to be rescued.

47 Commando landed on Gold Beach at 9.50 AM on 6 June 1944. They had already lost 28 men killed or drowned, 21 more wounded and another 27 missing, and were further hampered by the loss of considerable amounts of ammunition. They were directed to make a forced march nine miles west to the small harbour of Port-en-Bessin, which was to become the main port for fuel supplies until the liberation of Cherbourg. The port was attacked at 16.00 hours on the following day. After a fiercely contested battle aided by naval support the port was finally captured during the following afternoon. General Sir Brian Horrocks, commander of the British 30th Corps in Normandy, wrote of 47 Royal Marine Commando's capture of Port-en-Bessin: It is doubtful whether, in their long, distinguished history, the marines have ever achieved anything finer. Roy Emsley was born in Burnley, Lancashire 29 November 1922. He was still being treated for his injuries when presented with his Military Medal by the King at Buckingham Palace in February 1945. Roy Emsley died in 1991.