Victor Henry William BROWN

This message was edited 6 times. Last update was at 17/02/2023 03:46:43

Vic was born on 23 May 1922.

At age 14 he joined the Merchant Navy and served at Dunkirk.

At age 18 he joined the RAF, but was not eligible for air crew, so a year later he joined the Royal Marines and became a Commando.

He is the Uncle of a close friend and I am the proud custodian of his Medals, Beret & F/S Dagger. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star (North Africa 1942-43 Clasp), Italy Star, Defence Medal & War Medal 1939-45. He was subsequently awarded the Dunkirk Medal (Medaille Dunkerque 1940) & European Combatants Cross (Croix du Combattant de l'Europe).

I couldn't locate his Merchant Navy service number, but did find his RAF Number #1382095. Unfortunately his Wife couldn't locate his last Paybook, so do not have his RM service number and, accordingly, have tried unsuccessfully to find out what Commando Unit he served in, despite checking this websites roll lists.

If anyone could shine some light on "Uncle Vic", that would be wonderful, thank you.

Once I have figured out how to resize some old 'photos of photos' I will attach them.

Hi Nigel

Your friend should apply for a copy of his service record. If he explains on his application the details of his RAF and his later RM service both should be checked. How to do so can be found here: https://www.commandoveterans.org/ServiceRecords

Unlike today not all Royal Marines were Commandos in WW2. So it is not quite straightforward in respect of his service without the record. This page will tell you more: https://www.commandoveterans.org/site/history

Have you found any documents or letters mentioning his WW2 Commando service or even membership of the Commando Association after the war. Can you post a photo of his beret if it has the Globe and Laurel badge still on it ?

Pete

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 28/01/2023 05:23:55

Thanks Pete,

Thought we needed more info to apply for Service Records, so armed with your suggestion we will give it a go.

Photos of Beret & badge attached.

We have 6 men in the 46 Commando Nominal role with the surname Brown but sadly none with the forename initials.
Good luck with your search.
Jeff - lead contact for the 46 RMC Family and Friends Group

Hi Jeffhewitt

Thanks for helping with the 46Cdo enquirers..... that is very kind of you.

We would love it if any further history is discovered ,photos,documents etc, you would also share on this forum so other future 46Cdo members can read it.

We're all one big commando family.

Any other info about 46 please feel free to post here.

Thanks and regards

John M

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 31/01/2023 19:59:17

Victor's Merchant Navy service number was R147996 on his discharge, it also confirms his transfer to the Royal Air Force.
His service with the Merchant Navy and Royal Air Force would have made him eligible for the campaign medals he received.

If the medals reflect his service with the Royal Marine Commandos, men serving with 40, 41 & 43 Royal Marine Commando were eligible to receive the Italy Star.

The Queen's Crown cap badge on the beret is post-war, they may be replacements for an original?

All will be confirmed with a copy of his service record.

Good luck with your research

Thanks Guy,

Fantastic news, we will now have to do the service records search of all 3 branches.

Cheers,

Nigel