Lt James Wilkinson M.M. (3 commando)

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 30/10/2019 07:07:11

Good evening all,

I was wondering if anyone could please help. I am trying to find some information on Lt J Wilkinson MM (No 3 Commando). I believe he originally enlisted into the Bedfs and Herts Regiment (70th Young Soldiers Bn) and was awarded his MM for services in Italy as a Sergeant.

I have found some info in Cap Badge by Maj Medley on the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regiment and see his service number was originally 5957086.

Looked on London Gazette but couldn?t find any info when he was Lieutenant.

Many thanks,

Craig

Hi Craig,

Here is a link to James William Wilkinson, MM, whom I believe is the same person you described.
http://www.commandoveterans.org/JamesWilkinson3Commando

May I ask what your interest in him is - are you a relative ?

Nick

Good morning Nick,

Many thanks - sorry yes typing error on my part. I am a collector and researcher to the Bedfs and Herts Regiment and have a cabinet in the Glenn Miller Museum at Twinwood, Bedford to the Regiment. I recently purchased a Bedfs and Herts officers SD Tunic named to Wilkinson in the tailors label, the medal ribbons consist of Military Medal, 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star and Frace and Germany Star.

I am trying to piece together the history to display - the only Wilkinson can find mentioned with MM is the one listed and in the regimental history as mentioned as a Lieutenant in No3 Commando in my post but can?t seem to trace anything else of see mention of him becoming a Lieutenant in the London Gazette. All seeming coincidental hence looking for as much info as possible.

I will post a picture of the SD jacket and label and can send pictures of the display at Bedford - the focus display last couple years has been the Chindits.

Best regards,

Craig

324965 Lt. James William WILKINSON M.M. Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment
Commissioned 21st July 1944 (London Gazette 22nd September 1944 p. 4377)

Wow Guy,

Thank you, I spent ages trying to search the gazette and never got any hits - much appreciated.

Best regards,

Craig

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 30/10/2019 16:03:31

Deleted and reposted below.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/10/2019 20:31:06

I have now updated our Archive entry for James Wilkinson with some additional detail I discovered. The sources are shown. We know he was a Lance Sergeant with No.3 in September/October 1943, but as you can see he also served with No.6 Commando at some stage. If anyone can find a definitive source, such as their War Diary, to the dates he served with No.6 Commando let us know.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/JamesWilkinson3Commando

Excellent that is great thank you Pete - I will try to look through the regimental journals and see if there is anything post 45 can add. Will photograph the reference from Capbadge by Major Medley. Have attached a couple of photos of the tunic.

Are you able to send me a picture from the Commando association journal?

Best regards,

Craig

Hi Craig
Here is the photo of the extract from the newsletter referenced.