Messages posted by: BradshawB

Thanks to both Bill Harvey and Pete, the archivist, for these replies. I've also had some good info from Phil Loyd, who I met on the IoW a few years back - he is secretary for 40 Commando 1942-46 @and, of course, 'A' Commando X Company became part of that outfit later in 1942.

One way or another, I'm determined to be in Dieppe next August 19.

By the way, my Dad's birth/death dates are:
4/4/1923 ... 28/5/1971.

Thanks chaps,

Bill Bradshaw

Hello all!
I intend to go to Dieppe next August to mark my late father's participation in the 1942 raid. He - Mne Leslie Charles Bradshaw - was part of "A" Commando No 10 Platoon/IAU and survived the raid. He was a Bren gunner and was awarded the MM for his actions that day.
I have not previously attended any memorial event in Dieppe and wondered if anyone on this forum could tell me where I should head for in the town re any ceremony/gathering. I have read online about a memorial in a theatre in Dieppe but presume there will be an outdoor space/memorial for such an event? An itinerary may or may not exist at this stage but any info would be most welcome. Am I also correct in assuming his landing craft was heading for "White Beach" before it struck rocks and pivoted just short of the shore?
My Dad survived the war, thankfully, but died quite young at 48 back in 1971 and I'd like to be there on August 19 to mark this anniversary. Thank you.
- Bill Bradshaw

Hi Guy (and apologies if I have addressed you as Mick, your father's name),

I also apologise for being off-radar just recently but I am very, very busy on a couple of projects.
Anyway, this makes perfect sense in one regard...that Easington address is/was the home of my grandparents and, therefore, my mother at the time she met my Dad. I guess he would have met her when based in the N.E. with the Berkshires?
I don't know if it is true, but Mum said he actually deserted from the "army" in order to join the RM Commandos and, the fact that he wanted "action", was instrumental in his avoiding a court martial!
So, if he was recuperating in early October, would that have been BEFORE the unit's raid on north Africa? I am guess it would have been.
Thanks for turning up that cracking cutting!

Bill

I am looking for any information about my father Les 'Brad' Bradshaw's wartime service. I know he was in 10 Platoon X Company, 'A' Commando and saw service at Dieppe, where he was awarded the Military Medal for his action. I belive he was then in action soon after with his unit (then known as 30AU ??) in North Africa, perhaps November 1942? He then had leave and married my mother, Vera, in December 1942. If that could be verified, that would be great. I really don't know what he did after that - other than Vera told me he became a PTI later in the war. Whether that was with the RM Commandos, I don't know.
For anyone who may be able to help...I'm never sure as to whether my father was in 40 Commando (as part of 10 Platoon X Company) or whether 'A' Commando took on another designation? Please help!
I'd be grateful for any info. My father died young, aged 48, back in 1971 and he did not open up much to me (or anyone) about his service. I was only 15 when he died of a sudden heart attack -- I guess 30-odd years of 40-50-a-day Players Navy Cut did him no favours. But he was, for all that, not too much above his 'fighting weight' when he died. Needless to say, I'm so proud of him and would like to fill in a few blanks.
- Bill Bradshaw