John Robert Sheldon WW2 Commando need help with info

Hi there,

I need help finding out some information about my grandfather

John Robert Sheldon
D.O.B. 12/07/1919
NI number KN 48 84 92 D
Service no. unknown

My father says he was in Commando no.6.

Can anyone check if this is correct?

Many thanks
Andrew Sheldon

We know he was a trainer at Achnacarry in marksmanship
- He was at the D Day landings and was a runner for Lord Lovat we think relaying instruction between HQ and the front in the battle for Normandy

His best friend also in the commando's was S.J.BISELL who was also a trainer at Achnacarry in hand to hand combat. I wondered if this would help.

This is my Grandfather

I think he is on this group shot at Achnacarry

He is back row 6 in from the left

I also think this is him at the Pegasus bridge. He is the first man standing to the right of the jeep

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 14/06/2018 18:20:10

Andrew,
Your grandfather originally enlisted in the Royal Artillery prior to volunteering for the Commandos. His cap badge on his beret is a Royal Artillery collar badge. Many Commandos chose to use the smaller collar badge than the full size Royal Artillery cap badge.

There are three John Sheldons who enlisted in the Royal Artillery between 1940 and 1942.

You will be able to apply for his military service records with only his full name and date of birth.

The Commando you have identified in the Normandy photograph is Frank Barton of 6 Commando.

Good luck with your research

Guy

Thanks for that guy. I am going to apply for his service records. So the Normandy photo is not him but the group shot of commando no.6 could be?

What is the site I need to apply for his military record. There seems to be loads of sites?

What is the site I need to apply for his military record. There seems to be loads of sites?

Andrew,

Do not bother with online site for WWII service records!
The only custodian for WWII service records is the MoD.
You'll need to complete two forms and send a copy of your grandfather's death certificate to them and you will receive a scan of his original, handwritten records. It will cost £30 unless your grandmother is still with you and she signs the consent as next of kin...

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request-records-of-deceased-service-personnel

You'll need the 'Next of kin' form and 'British Army-part 2' form

Both straight forward but don't hesitate to ask here/PM me if you have any problems

Nick

Hi Andrew,

Andrew Sheldon wrote:

His best friend also in the commando's was S.J.BISELL who was also a trainer at Achnacarry in hand to hand combat. I wondered if this would help.

Do you have any anecdotes concerning your grandfather and his friend Stan 'Sonny' Bissell?
Maybe some photos of them together?

Incidently the group photo in which you think you can identify your grandfather isn't at Achnacarry.

Nick

S.J.BISELL

My grandfathers friend in the commando's

Unfortunately I have no photo's of them together but I do have some stories

NIC wrote:

Incidently the group photo in which you think you can identify your grandfather isn't at Achnacarry.

Nick

I got this photo off this site

Do we know where that was taken?

Hi Andrew,
Sorry about the delay in answering - I've been away on holiday!

The group photo is of No.6 Commando HQ Troop and is taken at Helensburgh, Scotland on 26th September 1942

nick