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09/10/2017 18:14:51
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grahamjp69
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Joined: 10/06/2013 17:58:37
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Hello, my family and I have just returned from a visit to the D-Day beaches, which has spurred us on to try and find out more information about my Grandfather, John George Patterson.
We have his military record (attached) and a picture of him getting married in 1946 in uniform (badge on sleeve), but we can't find him mentioned in any nominal rolls on this site. We have some info - some from my Grandfather while he was alive (he died in 1969) and some from photos and investigations.
- We have a wedding photo of him with a "Combined Operations" badge on his sleeve
- He mentioned to my Father that he was a "Navy Commando" and that he landed on Sword beach
- We believe he trained at Achnacary as well as Hayling Island
We'd be really grateful if someone recognises the name or has any information that would help us, or would point us in the right direction.
Thanks
Graham Patterson
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John George Patterson Wedding Photo - Smaller.jpg |
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 09/10/2017 18:15:33
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10/10/2017 09:50:26
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dleblanc
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Joined: 14/10/2015 10:33:07
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grahamjp69 wrote:we can't find him mentioned in any nominal rolls on this site
Naval commandos were trained in the same manner as other commandos, but were not attached to the numbered units. Instead were attached to vessels and vessel services.
In the case of your grandfather, he was a shipwright. It's likely he accompanied or followed the main assault on D-Day, but remained near the beach maintaining, repairing or making vessels seaworthy for returning to the UK.
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Dave LeBlanc - Grand Nephew of Petty Officer Neil (Niilo) Matias Nylund - Combined Operations RCNVR V31552 |
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10/10/2017 10:00:31
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dleblanc
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Joined: 14/10/2015 10:33:07
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I noticed he was attached to three flotillas. Some research of those flotillas would likely yields some results, including photos, vessel designations and their destinations.
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Dave LeBlanc - Grand Nephew of Petty Officer Neil (Niilo) Matias Nylund - Combined Operations RCNVR V31552 |
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10/10/2017 10:27:52
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grahamjp69
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Joined: 10/06/2013 17:58:37
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Hi thanks very much for the information sorry for my lack of knowledge can you point me in the right direction for discovering those vessels / flotillas? I was thinking of booking an appointment at the Royal Naval Museum archive. Thanks Graham
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10/10/2017 13:12:45
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Pete
CVA Website Archivist
Joined: 23/09/2008 00:08:02
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I think a good place to start would be to read up on the history of Combined Operations which encompassed many different groups. There is a good website on Combined Operations here: http://www.combinedops.com
This was a time of great change, new specialist units being formed, others redesignated, reorganised, restructured, etc. To fully appreciate it from the RN side of things I would recommend reading more about it, then you should have a much clearer understanding of the situation at the time. A good start would be the book 'The Beachhead Commandos' by A. Cecil Hampshire.
There is also a good website here that I recommend you visit: http://www.relaysystem.co.uk/id3.html
Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 10/10/2017 13:13:49
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Pete Rogers, son of LSgt Joe Rogers MM & nephew of TSM Ken McAllister. Both No2 Commando.
God and the Soldier, all men adore, In time of danger and not before.
When the danger is passed and all things righted, God is forgotten, and the Soldier slighted.
**** nb. I no longer monitor the pm facility **** |
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11/10/2017 21:03:56
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grahamjp69
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Joined: 10/06/2013 17:58:37
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Thanks for the help, I have ordered a copy of the book and I will do some more digging.
Thanks
Graham
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