Messages posted by: Pete

Hi Sinead

Many of the postings you mentioned were in fact Royal Naval Air Station shore establishments rather than ships. I have added a few useful links below:

Gosling https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/FAA-Bases/Risley.htm

Condor https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/arbroath

Rajaliya and Ukussa https://www.defence.lk/Article/view_article/27236

Highflyer https://www.defence.lk/Article/view_article/27236

Highflyer https://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/thread.php?threadid=1103

Sultan https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/locations-and-operations/bases-and-stations/hms-sultan

HMS Braganza, a RN Base in Bombay, India.

Pete

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Obituary for Roy is here:

https://www.taxicharity.org/post/obituary-stuart-roy-cadman-26-march-1923-3-june-2025

It is with much sadness that we advise of the recent death on 3 June 2025 of Stuart Roy Cadman, known as Roy or Caddie, who served with No.3 Commando. Wounded in Italy. Later took part in the allied landings at Normandy and the advance into Germany. Rest in peace Roy.

Listen to Roy talking about his experience on this link:
https://www.commandoveterans.org/Stuart_Roy_Cadman_3Commando

Tich Cunningham is mentioned on page 71 of my copy of Murdoch McDougall's book Swiftly They Struck. Described as the "troop medical orderly" and "the smallest man in the entire unit" and "his dimunitive figure, topped by a shock of red hair".

In that book amongst the photos is the photo of the Sniper's Course at Aberdovey where the author adds alongside the image "...in the background Lance Corporal Harry Cunningham, troop medical orderly".

Copies of these and other photos are in the gallery courtesy of the McDougall Family.

https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/4/aberdovey+sniper+cse+snaps+045++copy.jpg.html

https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/4/aberdovey+sniper+cse+snaps+048+copy.jpg.html

He was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry at Flushing

https://www.commandoveterans.org/HarryCunningham4Commando

He was from Angus in Scotland. See newspaper extract below.

I have now noted a previous topic started by yourself where it is now evident that the commando in CA63 is not your grandfather but is that of George Graham Huddlestone as mentioned above.

https://forum.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/8300.page#27784

Hi Sonia

The name is amongst the very many in their obituaries. Unfortunately there is nothing else in that newsletter relating to him. The newsletter was issued to members in September 1976. Do you have a photo of your grandfather and any more details about him or his service ?

Can you confirm if your grandfather had a middle name of Graham. If so he is named in the Casualty Lists as wounded on 10 June 1944 at Normandy.

Can you confirm your grandfather's dates and places of birth and death ?

If you email me (see below) I can send you extracts of each.

Pete

Please be aware if this was a local Commando Association branch meeting the men are likely to be from different commando units

Items belonging to Reginald Frank Gapper No.3 Commando.
https://www.commandoveterans.org/Reginald_Gapper_3_Commando

Kelvin asks

My late father-in-law law, Reginald Gapper, was in No3 Commando. In clearing out old papers we found a photo of a reunion of old members. We think it was taken at the Royal Marines HQ in Bristol, where annual reunions were held. He is 3rd from left on back row. Can anyone assist in uploading as I would like to identify the others.

Hi Mark

Very sorry to hear of your family bereavement. The Forum isn't used as much these days so I put a monthly WW2 history page on the website home page. 83 years since the raid so thanks for remembering all who took part especially the Fallen and those who suffered life changing injuries. I have been adding some information from the Prisoner of War questionnaires to the Personnel A-Z pages or some time now.

Private William Amsted Hughes: https://www.commandoveterans.org/WilliamHughes2Commando

The Commandos who took part: https://www.commandoveterans.org/operation_chariot

ATB Pete

Vikki has provided her grandfather's certificate of service and some photos which can be viewed in the Gallery. Here is more about his service:

https://www.commandoveterans.org/Robert_Snee_Lindow_RM

Hi Teresa, I entered details about your grandfather into the archive sometime ago. Today I have updated it with what I believe to be your grandfather's dates of birth and death found in the registers shown on the sources. Do you have a photo of your grandfather ideally in uniform or civvies.

https://www.commandoveterans.org/PhilipHainsworth_RM

You can apply for a copy of his death certificate here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/order-a-birth-death-marriage-or-civil-partnership-certificate/

Regards

Pete

Hi Jon

I don't have a photo but found a newspaper article referencing a marriage in 1947 to Miss Valerie Iris Harris. Is this your great uncle and his wife? Was your great uncle's final rank Colour Sergeant. I can post the cutting from the paper if it is. In any case if can you email me via the link below a photo of the record referencing dates and commando service I will update the archive.

He may well be one of those not named in our gallery here:
https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/RM+Eng+Cdo/

Pete

Commando Speed March

https://commandospeedmarch.com/upcoming-dates/

names to above