Remembering all the Fallen from the Army and RM Commandos at Salerno, including Lieutenant Charles William Lea, No 2 Commando and recipient of the George Medal 2 years earlier.

Read more here about Lieut. Lea GM here: http://www.commandoveterans.org/Lea2Commando

More can be read about 2 Commando involvement here: http://www.commandoveterans.org/Salerno2Commando



The War Graves of Commandos in the area are a visible reminder of the casualties. Remembering also all those who have no known grave.

The following Commandos fell at Salerno during Operation Avalanche and have no known grave.

No.2 Commando

Remembered on the Brookwood Memorial

Gunner Charles Burns, age 23, who died on 13th September 1943

No.41 RM Commando

Remembered on the Portsmouth Memorial

Marine Harry Brotton, age 22, was died on the 9 September 1943
Marine Alexander Kennedy, age 21, who died on the 10 September 1943
Marine Robert Felstead, age 22, who died on the 10 September 1943
Lance Corporal Henry Smith, age 22, who died on the 11 September 1943.
Lance Corporal Ernest Finch, age 21, who died on the 12 September 1943
Sergeant Major Norman Tierney, Mentioned in Despatches, age 35, who died on the 13 September 1943.
Marine Andrew Harris, age 41, who died on the 17 September 1943 - 18 September 1943.
Marine Peter Toner who died between 17 and 18 September 1943.

Remembered on the Plymouth Memorial

Lance Corporal George Bowering, age 24, who died on the 10 September 1943
Captain, Ronald Stott, age 22, who died on the 10 September 1943
Colour Serjeant, James Twigger, Mentioned in Despatches, age 30, who died on the 10 September 1943
Marine George Wassall who died on the 17 September 1943

Remembered on the Chatham Memorial

Marine Robert Ball, aged 19, who died on the 10th September 1943
Marine Joseph Betts who died on the 13th September 1943
Sergeant Donald Charles Bullock DCM, who died on the 13th September 1943
Marine Patrick Joseph Cuff, who died on the 10th September 1943
Marine Arthur Stiles, who died on the 18th September 1943.

A Prayer by L/Sgt Tommy Parsons No. 2 Commando, read out at Battapaglia, Salerno, 1993

Lord
As we stand here today may we remember those comrades and friends who now rest for ever in this holy place.
Our minds go back to those perilous and violent days in 1943, when they, and we that remain, fought in these hills that now overlook this gentle and peaceful spot. We remember them, we see them now as ever young; they are the smiling ghosts that visit us in these moments when our thoughts return to that part of our lives which has brought us here today.
We are proud to have served with them, their honoured graves serve as a reminder of the price that has to be paid in the cause of freedom. We give thanks O'Lord to you, for sparing us to pay homage to them at this time. Therefore Lord, hold them safe under the umbrella of your love, for ever and ever.
Amen

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