Daniel 'Dannie' Serrick

This message was edited 5 times. Last update was at 31/10/2010 01:25:10

Greetings,

Wonderful forum & great information. I?m here seeking assistance as to the specific Commando unit that Daniel ?Dannie? Serrick may have served with. Here?s what we know:

Dannie left Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada September 1938 to enlist in the 2nd Manchesters. After being evacuated from Dunkirk in June 1940 he went to the Commandos. In 1942 he transferred to the 2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion & by December 1942 Dannie was in Helena, Montana training with the First Special Service Force. Dannie is one of the handful of men who had his British, Canadian & US jump wings.

Dannie was KIA May 29, 1944 & is buried at Anzio Beach Head Cemetery, Anzio, Italy. He was 23 years old. He was posthumously awarded the American Silver Star for actions dated April 23rd, 1944.

We have details of his time in the Manchesters as well as that for the FSSF but we don?t know any specifics about this period of his short life. We thought perhaps due to Lt. Col. Churchill?s connection to the 2nd Manchesters, No 2 Commando would fit but the timeline for No 3 Commando might also work. We simply don?t know.

One story is that Dannie & members of his unit were recruited to play German machine gunners/paratroopers in the 1942 released movie ?The Next of Kin?. I don?t know if that helps. I?ve never seen the movie myself so I can?t confirm if it?s true or not. Men who served with Dannie in the Manchesters place him as going to the Commandos. Men from the FSSF have Dannie coming from the Commandos.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time & continued success with this wonderful site.

Regards,
Dave

Commonwealth War Graves Commision records:

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2373954

Nick

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 13/11/2008 01:36:51

Here are a couple of more links featuring Dannie:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/001/048/001048-119.01-e.php?&mikan_nbr=3579936&&PHPSESSID=e8aecd0fbbc29735852792c897051932

(Dannie is back row, second from the left, facing away from the camera)

http://www.specialforcesroh.com/browse.php?mode=viewiroll&rollid=3534

I've also attached a clipping (Commando reference) from a Feb. 1947 Halifax Herald article which featured Dan's Silver Star presentation.

I realize it's not alot to go on - short of his actual service record but thank you in advance for any input you may be able to offer. I'm thinking the bit part in the movie may be the best lead...

Cheers,
Dave

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 27/09/2016 06:17:44

Long overdue update:
S/Sgt Daniel 'Dannie' Serrick (2-1) 1st Special Service Force KIA May 29, 1944 age 23.

Born September 1920 Jollimore, Nova Scotia, Canada
Enlisted 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment (M.G.)
September 21, 1938 (one of the 'Halifax 100').
Evacuated from Dunkirk ('B' Coy) May 31, 1940.
5 Commando (3 Troop) Jan-Oct 1941.
8th Canadian Recce Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars) 1941-1942.
2nd Company, 1st Regiment 1st Special Service Force 1942-1944
(arrived Helena. Montana December 1942).
Earned British (Ringway), Canadian (Fort Benning) & US (Helena) jump wings.
Buried Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy (XVII.A.3)
Posthumously awarded Silver Star for Gallantry - action dated April 23, 1944 near Cerreto Alto, Italy

I've just read this thread, thanks to the latest entry - so glad you found out who Daniel served with.

He'll, no doubt, be added to the Nominal Roll for No.5 Commando.

Well done!

Thanks Eileen. It has been important to fill in the gaps of this remarkable young man's life. The battle experience he gained with the 2/Mancs along with the training he undertook with 5 Commando certainly prepared him for his role with the 1st Special Service Force.

The initial photo I posted of Dannie was taken while with the 8th Canadian Recce Regiment 1942 just prior to going to the Force. Have attached a collage I did up for our family to honour his memory.

I do hope his name will be added with those of the other men in 5 Commando.

Thanks again.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 27/09/2016 21:18:12

Excellent work! I have added Danny to the No.5 Commando nominal roll.

In your original post you thought that because Danny had been in the Manchester Regt there may have been a connection to Lt Col Jack Churchill, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar ...

Well you were right to think this and I can understand why you may have thought Danny served with him in No.3 Cdo or, indeed No.2 Cdo - however, Major J M T Churchill, 2nd Manchesters, started his time with the Commandos in July 1940 - as 2nd in command (2 i/c) of No.5 Commando.

nick

It's wonderful that Dannie's name has been included in the 5 Commando nominal list - thank you Nick. I also appreciate the additional info on Lt Col Churchill as well. Let me know if you require anything else (i.e. S/N, specific dates).

Cheers,

Dave

Hi Dave,

Service number would be great - thanks, and rank whilst in the Commandos?

Cheers,

Nick

Sent you a PM Nick. At least I think I did.

yes you did Dave, thanks and replied to... )

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 27/06/2020 08:38:07

Hi, I am not sure if this thread is still active, but I would just like to thank everyone who contributed with information on Daniel Serrick. I have been researching my family tree for a number of years but have only started to look at my father?s Aunts & Uncles? descendants. This is how I discovered Daniel was in fact my father?s cousin and what an incredibly brave young man he was, I am very proud to be able to learn about him and record his brave acts on my family tree. Thank you.