Ernest Millward 40 RM Commando Mortar Platoon

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 19/03/2018 22:00:06

Hi there,

I'm looking for information regarding my grandfather Ernest Millward. He was in the 40 RM Commando Mortar Platoon. I have no information at all of his time in WW2 so I would be very grateful for any info. I'm afraid I don't even know his rank or service number.

I've attached three photos, one is a picture of him another of his his unit and the third one he is with another man but I have no idea who that is. If anyone has any relatives in this picture or would like to use the pictures then feel free.

Many thanks,

Stu Millward

Hi Stu

Welcome to our Forum and thank you for the pictures.

Can you confirm where your Grandfather is sitting in the group photo. Also have you made checks with other members of your extended family to see if they have any other information ?

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 22/03/2018 00:07:35

Hi Pete,

I am pretty certain he is in the middle row third from the right.

There is no-one alive to ask anymore. My Grandad died when I was 11 and he suffered from dementia in the last few years of his life.

Hi
Not sure but the Sergeant 2nd from Right on the Front Row may be Wilfred Bond who was in 40 Commando from the beginning. I know he took a Mortar Course before the Commando was formed, sadly he passed away in 1985. I will seek a second opinion on the photo from his direct family.

Thanks for the reply Stu. At the bottom of the photo, part of the annotation written there is cut off. Can you tell me if your copy still has that and what it is ?

Hi have sent a message to Wilfred's Grandson to see if agrees with me on the photo.

To find Ernest Millward's Military records you will need a copy of his death certificate and to fill in the form found by following the link below (make sure you use the UK Government site and not a third party one). Close family should be able to obtain records for free. You need to provide as much information as you can i.e. was in 40 Commando Mortar/Heavy Weapons Troop in WW2 any dates you have etc inc birth date. You may get a page or so or if you are lucky as in Wilfred's case 50 pages plus.

Accessing Military Service Records (Royal Marine)
Note: A copy of a death certificate is required to access military service records and full records are available only to close family members until 25 years after a serviceperson?s death.
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

There is no fee if you were the person?s spouse or civil partner at the time of their death (or their parent, if there was no spouse). For anyone else there is a £30 fee. If the nearest next of kin applies then a photocopy of the full record will provided, otherwise a transcript with limited detail will be provided.

For more info on research see Part 2 of our Website and Research page. [View page]

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 22/03/2018 22:29:52

Hi again,

Thank you D. Bond much appreciated!

Thanks for the info Pete. At the bottom of the photo is the numbers 4: 43

Regards,

Stu

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 22/03/2018 23:24:08

Hi Stu

If the 4/43 is April 1943 it's possible that this group photo was taken in or around the Eglinton Commando Training Camp in Ayrshire Scotland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eglinton_Castle The Commandos would have billeted in peoples homes in towns such as Kilwinning around the camp.

Based on my research into Wilfred a couple of months later on 28th June 40 Commandos left the Firth of Clyde on LSI L Derbyshire (Landing Ship Infantry - Large) with convoy Convoy KMF-18 bound for the Allied invasion of Sicily in Operation Husky.

Duncan

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 23/03/2018 00:41:54

These 3 photos are now all on Page 1 of the 40RM Commando gallery.

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/40+RM+Cdo/

Note: If you register on the gallery you can post a comment against this or any other photo.

Hi D Bond & Pete,

Thanks for the help & info. Hope the photo is of help to others.

Regards,

Stu