MAJOR MICHAEL W. STILWELL, C.B.E., M.C. No. 2 Commando, 1920-2008

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 09/10/2008 12:26:07

MAJOR MICHAEL W. STILWELL, C.B.E. M.C.
NO. 2 COMMANDO
1920-2008

Dear Geoff:

Early today I was informed that the senior remaining member of No. 2 Commando, Major ?Mike? Stilwell had passed away on October 7th, 2008, peacefully at his home in Sintra, Portugal. He was 88.

The Stilwell Family served the Nation with utmost fidelity in the Second World War. I will never forget the inspiring leadership of the young Major ?Mike?, then 24, in action with his comrades of our No. 2 Commando. The Major?s two brothers, Lt. Anthony Stilwell, age 20, fell in Italy in 1943, and Lt. Peter Stilwell, age 21, died of wounds in battle in Tunisia also in 1943. My wife and I are so thankful to have had the privilege of visiting the family in Portugal in 2006.

I have been advised that the funeral rites for the Major will be tomorrow, October 9th. In attendance will be members of the Commando Association and the Royal British Legion. The Commando Veterans Association will be represented by Mr. Anthony Stilwell, the Major?s oldest son and C.V.A. member.

I am sure that all the old comrades of this gallant officer will be there in fond remembrance also and that we all extend our most loving condolences to the Stilwell Family.

Bob Bishop

My sincere condolences to Mr Anthony Stilwell and his family, and may Major Stilwell Rest In Peace

Nick

Bob, many thanks for informing us. I have sent our condolences to Anthony and will be in touch with him soon.

Kind regards

Geoff

Bob would want me to pass this site on to you. I'm sorry he didn't get to see it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/3454638/Major-Michael-Stilwell.html

I hope someone will make sure Johnny Morris gets to see it.

Thanks to everyone for their comments about Bob. The love and friendship means such a great deal to us.

Janet

Bob Bishop wrote:Bob would want me to pass this site on to you. I'm sorry he didn't get to see it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/3454638/Major-Michael-Stilwell.html

I hope someone will make sure Johnny Morris gets to see it.

Thanks to everyone for their comments about Bob. The love and friendship means such a great deal to us.

Janet

Janet,
Thank you for posting this at what is such a difficult time for you.

I know, from meeting Bob last weekend, that he had a huge amount of respect for Major Stillwell and also that Mike Stillwell owed Bob a huge debt of gratitude.
I think that Bob would have been quietly pleased.

With love and best wishes,

Nick

It has been brought to my attention that Major Michael Stilwell appears in one of our photos posted on the Gallery - Solta 1 which can be viewed at:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Solta+1.jpg.html

The Major's son, Anthony, called me yesterday with the exciting news and asked that I arrange to have this referenced on the site. With great pleasure. The Major is standing behind Piper McKee on his right (to the left as you look at the photo).

I don't know how Bob missed that :( but I hope he is as thrilled as I am to see it now.

My best wishes to all,

Janet Bishop

Photo updated. Thanks for the information Janet. Link to photo in gallery is here:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Solta+1.html

Remembering our dear friend, Major Michael Stilwell.

With love and best wishes to dear Ines and all the wonderful Stilwell family.

Janet

Another year has passed and once again, tomorrow, we remember dear Michael.

Love to all the Stilwell family.

Janet