Messages posted by: GUY

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10569080/Sir-Alfred-Blake-obituary.html

Graham,
Ronald Geoffrey Lunt was the Chaplain attached to 7 Commando and Layforce. When Layforce disbanded he was attached to the Coldstream Guards. He won a MC for actions in the Knightsbridge box. He returned to the Commando's in July 1943 attached to the SRS and Commando Brigade HQ.

Father Albert Basil was a RC Chaplain attached to the Commando's and was seconded to the 1st US Rangers, prior to and during Operation Torch. Major Darby, CO of 1st Rangers tells his story.

"I asked if he could be permitted to stay with us until after we had landed in North Africa. In fact he stayed on with us through the Tunisian campaign until the British Army discovered they had one missing chaplain. Unfortunately for us, Father Basil was then returned to the British Army. During his nine months with the Rangers, he was a constant source of inspiration and comfort to us. Slight of build, about medium height, with large horn-rimmed spectacles punctuating a very sharp-featured, intelligent, and happy face, he became a familiar sight as his uniform began to look like that of the Rangers. His one unfailing exception to complete Americanization was his insistence on wearing the Commando's Green Beret and shoulder patch."

In North Africa he used his fluency in Italian to great effect. He talked an Italian Officer into surrendering his men, which limited causaulties in the mopping up operation.

Citation for Silver Star:

http://en.ww2awards.com/person/35033

Captain (Rev) C Pritchard was attached to 3 Commando and was photographed with the Officers at Limehouse in May 1944.

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/3/3+cdo+officers.jpg.html

In Normandy in July 1944, Pritchard and DJR Thomas were the Chaplains attached to the 1st Special Service Brigade.

The RAChD had their own battle school in Northamptonshire which introduced Padres to the rigours of the battlefield.

Regards

Guy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/telegraphchristmasappeal/10494670/Telegraph-Christmas-Appeal-Where-veterans-go-to-be-themselves.html

Nick, Sorry for the late reply. Good news about putting a name to the face.
Regards
Guy

Nick,
I found a Harold Baker listed on the electoral register for Southport as late as 2005.
Regards
Guy

Rod,
Some of the operations and places linked with 3 Commando prior to D-Day. Your Dad may have been involved in the early Opearations?

In 1941 they raided Lofoten and Vaagso in Norway. In August 1942, they were involved in the Dieppe raid.

Prior to D-Day, 3 Commando were involved in the invasion of Sicily and operations in Italy in 1943. Returning to the UK in January 1944.

Places in the UK linked with 3 Commando, Largs Scotland, Weymouth, Seaford and Worthing.

Regards

Guy

Rod,
Take a look at this photograph of 1 Troop prior to D-Day, you may find him there? Click on the photo to enlarge it. Do you know what Regiment he served with prior to joining 3 Commando?

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/3/trp+photos/4+troop+3+Cdo.jpg.html

Regards

Guy

Eileen picked up on the fact that his DOB is listed as 1905, not 1915 on the King's College website.
Regards
Guy

Eileen wrote:Was John Whatley of No.4 27 or 37 when he died?

Eileen, I checked on Find my Past, his birth was registered in 1915. So 27 years of age.
Guy

Nick,
I was sure he must be 5 Troop. Has Lowri seen the photograph, as I believe Gruffydd is also present? Where does the Southport connection originate?
Guy

Nick,
I agree that it is RASC. I had a look at Gruffydd's 5 Troop and may have possibly found "Harry" in the Limehouse photograph. Unfortunately, no name.
Regards
Guy

Peter,

This may be your man?

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/12/pinckney/

Regards

Guy

Hello Jane,

The Lost Legion list 10 has a Private R Siddall of 6 Commando. The photograph you mention features men of 3 Commando.

Regards

Guy

Richard,
You metioned in your post about Ripley, Derbyshire. There was a RASC Transport school at Ripley during the war. Men were posted there on driving courses. Many of the NCO's were older, ex London Transport men, this would tie in with your Grandfathers pre-war bus experience. It may suggest a RASC connection either pre or post 4 Commando?

Regards

Guy

Richard,

In answer to no.11, H53 was the Destroyer, HMS Dainty, lost off Tobruk in 1941.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Dainty_%28H53%29

Regards

Guy