Lt. William Whitson (Bill) Etches, No.3 Commando

It is with sadness that I have to report I have just been informed, by Regimental Headquarters, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, that Colonel Bill Etches OBE, MC., died peacefully at home on 12 April 2015, surrounded by those who loved him most and whom he loved most.

Lieutenant Bill Etches was a member of No.3 Commando, was awarded the MC and taken prisoner at St Nazaire.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Requiescat In Pace.

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 15/04/2015 18:00:32

112866 Lieutenant Bill Etches served with No.3 Commando during the Lofoten and Vaagso raids in Norway 1941, and on the St Nazaire raid in France, 1942. He was a POW in Germany, 1942-1945. Post war he commanded the 3rd Bn Nigeria Regiment with United Nations forces in Congo, 1961-1963.

There is an IWM interview with him available at the IWM, but unfortunately it is not yet available online. However they have a lot more information on their description of the interview:

http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80012316

Lt Etches was assistant to Capt. Montgomery, RE, on the St Nazaire raid, supervising the demolition parties in the dry dock area. He was severely wounded on the approach on board HMS Campbeltown but continued with his duties, only withdrawing when the demolition was complete. He was awarded the MC "

His courage and devotion to duty was an example to all who saw him, and his own personal bravery encouraged other wounded men to follow his indomitable example and continue with the fighting". Source: Commando Gallantry Awards of WW2 by George Brown

Rest in peace Bill.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 16/04/2015 13:16:29

From London Gazettes:

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Her Majesty's Nigerian Ministers, to give orders, as on 30th September 1963, for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be an Ordinary Officer of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order :
Lieutenant-Colonel William Whitson ETCHES, M.C. (112866), The Royal Warwickshire Regiment ; formerly on loan to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria.

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD. St. James's Palace, S.W.1. 5th July. 1945. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of The Military Cross to Lieutenant William Whitson ETCHES (112866), The Royal 'Warwickshire Regiment (Kenilworth, , Warwickshire).

Appointed Colonel 8th January 1966.
Appointed Lt Col 28th December 1961.
Appointed Major 31st December 1952.
Appointed Captain 1st July 1946.
Appointed Lieutenant 1st July 1941.
Appointed 2nd Lt. 31st December 1939.