MM Neil (Niilo) Matias Nylund - Combined Operations RCNVR V31552

My cousin uncovered a uniform with intact insignia. I'm assuming this was from 1944, after being promoted to Motor Mechanic.

I put in a request at the Archives of Canada for Access to Information - Protected (ATIP), as previous reports were heavily redacted. I received a preliminary notice requiring a death certificate, even though it's been more than twenty years since his passing. They also mentioned the request would take upwards of five months to research, process and clear. This was late in November 2015 and I'm hopeful to see something by the end of April.

I also did some forensic analysis work on his medals from an image. The actual medals have been misplaced, but are being sought in the meanwhile.

At first, we thought his theater stars were Italy and Burma (or Pacific). However, given the order they are worn and the colors of the ribbons, this cannot be correct.

He participated in landings in North Africa during November of 1942. Operation Torch. We were uncertain whether this was was Morocco or Algiers, but I would have thought this may have been an Africa Star, but there is no N. Africa clasp and the ribbon patterns do not match. However, if he didn't transit Gibraltar this was probably an Atlantic operation. The ribbon closer resembles the Atlantic Star. Following this operation, they returned to the Clyde in preparation of the flotillas for the circumnavigation of Africa to Suez during Christmas of that year. This also supports that Neil was not at HMCS Stadacona as the Christmas card suggests, insomuch as a diversion from the secrecy of Operation Husky.

Likewise, subsequent stationing at the Jungle Training School in India was not a theater of battle.

Therefore it seems reasonable these are Atlantic Star, Italy Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Maple Leaf Clasp and the War Medal.

Hi again folks.

I've made considerable inroads gathering my uncle's service records. A recent package contained several documents (ie) medical and employment history, attestations etc. Medals awarded are listed as 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (with clasp) and War Medal. Also noted was G. C. B. presumed to be a Good Conduct Badge.

I've posted an image of his class at the diesel training school in Detroit. My uncle is in the back row, fourth from the right. Perhaps other contributors to this forum may recognize their relatives in this image.

However the date conflicts with the invasion of Sicily. In the bottom right corner shows the 4th of July 1943 (4-7-43). Is it possible this could be backwards in format from say... April 7, 1943? The latter seems to coincide with his timeline more accurately.

I've also included his service timeline, where it shows his entrance to HMS Copra (Combined Ops), Asbury, Dinosaur, Niobe and notes service in India. L.C.I 304 is referenced as his boat while he was rated Stoker I. Included in the package was a list of codes, but only one -- D.E. -- shows as a destroyer escort. Otherwise, I'm at a loss at what many of these codes mean.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Likewise, a cursory Google on "LCI 304" yielded the commission and layup dates from a builder in New Jersey, loan to the RN and it's return to the US in 1946. No images were found, but if any exist, I'd be thrilled to see them.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/07/2016 21:12:26

Hi,
You could ask here about the codes used : Abbreviations on Service Records http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7760

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=88

Below are some dates and locations for LCI(L) 304. Unfortunately I do not have the exact locations in each area.

LCI(L) 304
11/5/43 US Strategic Zone
8/6/43 "On Passage". To Mediterranean
29/6/43 Mediterranean Station
6/7/43 Mediterranean Station
20/7/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
3/8/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
31/8/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
2/11/43 2 LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
23/11/43 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. On passage to India.
14/12/43. 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. On passage to India.
4/1/44 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. India.
28/3/44 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. East Indies.
29/5/44 East Indies Station. Pooled Reserve.

You could be right about the date. Did the photographer in the US put the date on?

Regards

Danny

Danny L wrote:Hi,
Below are some dates and locations for LCI(L) 304. Unfortunately I do not have the exact locations in each area.

LCI(L) 304
11/5/43 US Strategic Zone
8/6/43 "On Passage". To Mediterranean
29/6/43 Mediterranean Station
6/7/43 Mediterranean Station
20/7/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
3/8/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
31/8/43 21st LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
2/11/43 2 LCI Flotilla. Mediterranean Station
23/11/43 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. On passage to India.
14/12/43. 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. On passage to India.
4/1/44 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. India.
28/3/44 12 LCI(L) Flotilla. East Indies Station. East Indies.
29/5/44 East Indies Station. Pooled Reserve.

You could be right about the date. Did the photographer in the US put the date on?

Regards

Danny

Once again Danny, thank you for your reply and knowledge.

Yes sir, the date was marked on the image (which was cropped for this thread) I'm certain the month and day are mirrored from the British method.

The dates you've mentioned coincide with photos and other deployment information.

Just for information I've posted a couple of photos which are supported by the dates you've provided. One from Port Aden and two from Bombay.

We've uncovered an album my uncle put together after the war. He wasn't always allowed to take pictures everywhere he went, but managed a few here and there. However, he did collect post cards from Algeria, Syracuse, Augusta, Messina and Bombay. It appears when he was at a location in the postcard, he made hand written notes below each one.

The last few pages of the album have the pictures missing, but several notes allude he worked with elephant handlers in India.

Some of the notes include :

GROUP OF SHOLIGARS AND KURUMBERS ACQUAINTED WITH JUNGLE LIFE

GROUP OF ELEPHANT TRACKERS AND BEATERS

WILD HERD IN THE FOREST

A CAPTURED TUSKERS BROUGHT TO THE RIVER WITH KUMKEES

REMOVING NEWLY CAPTURED ELEPHANTS BY THE AID OF KUMKEEES

KHEDDA GATE VISITORS PLATFORM

KUMKEES ON TRAINED ELEPHANTS ENTERING THE STOCKADE

WILD ELEPHANTS ENTERING THE STOCKADE

ROPE TYING OPERATION

PUTTING ON LEG HAWSER

NOOSING OPERATION WITH THE KHEDDAS

CAPTURED ELEPHANTS HOBBLED INSIDE STOCKADE

ELEPHANTS MADE FAST

TRAINING A TUSKER

TRAINED ELEPHANTS AT WORK

ELEPHANTS WATERING AT RIVER

Even in the absence of imagery and gathering by these notes, Hannibal would be impressed by commandos.

We also uncovered one of a few known pieces my uncle collected while abroad. He picked up clam shells and marked dates and events. My cousin is searching the remainder, but I've posted an image of one.

It's marked:

April 16th/44

Drafted Reliefs Achieved.

While not a broadly significant event, it certainly suggests a personal accomplishment with training relief. Likely for Burma deployment?

Although there's still much to do filling the gaps, I'm overjoyed to have a greater understanding of my uncle's service timeline and impressed by the highly diverse roles commandos undertook during WW2. I enjoy following threads and viewing the images posted on this site.

I'm grateful to everyone for helping researchers and sharing their stories.

Salute

Port Aden and Bombay

Clam Shell Keepsake