Bugle Corporal Leonard George Rayfield, RM (No. 41 Commando)

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 18/05/2020 16:11:36

Dear All,

I am looking for any information on CH.X.567 Bugle Corporal Leonard George Rayfield, RM.

What I know so far:

1) Medal entitlements - 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medals, RN Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, GVI 1st type bust (CH.X.567 L.G. RAYFIELD. BUGLE.CPL. R.M.). The last was awarded Oct. 16, 1948.

2) Rayfield is pictured in a photograph on the Forum as part of "The volunteer drum and bugle band of the 8th Battalion RM in 1942" - " Cpl L G Rayfield (Drum Major)".

Would it be safe to assume that Rayfield served with the 8th Battalion all the way through the war?

Many thanks in advance for any assistance,

Glenn

The 8th Battalion became 41 Royal Marines Commando so he would have finished his war with them as the battalions disbanded. 41 was the second RM Commando formed.

Hi Craig,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, that's what I thought, so he presumably would have landed in Sicily, on the Italian mainland, and on D-Day.

Glenn

Yes Glenn.

Do you have the service records.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 18/05/2020 23:14:00

No, I do not have his service record.

My understanding is this can be a long process, without any guarantee of a favorable outcome.

Glenn

The manpower establishment of RM Battalions was larger in size to that of Commando units. When the changes occurred there were many who did not go on to Commando training, and, if they passed, serve in the Commandos for this and other reasons, these Marines usually being posted for Combined Operations Landing Craft duties. RM service records can sometimes be lacking in specific detail however I have seen many that show much more. Without applying for it you will never know what it contains.

Extract from the book Tracing Your Royal Marine Ancestors, authors Richard Brooks and Matthew Little and published in association with the Royal Marines Museum

Thank you, Pete.

Because Rayfield was in one of the original commando groups, it looks as though he would have been engaged in their primary role through the rest of the war. However, I will now attempt to get his service record.

With much appreciation,

Glenn