CPL (TEMPORARY) DAVID CHARLES TURNER CH/X.101283 40 COMMANDO

Hello, I?m new to this site so hopefully some one can help me on the following please:

Having recently watched a documentary called Dieppe Uncovered, memory of the only story my late uncle ever told me of his war experiences came back to me. He was in 40 Commando and took part in the Dieppe raid in August 1942 and I now realise that he was one of the lucky ones to return. In the documentary another veteran, Paul McGrath recalled his experience which mirrored what my uncle told me: he was thrown into the water where after a significant time he was eventually pulled into a boat and subsequently returned to England. The only other thing he ever said was that he gave the sailor who pulled him from the water his commando knife but I never did get any other details from him.
I know he also was involved in the Sicily landing where he did receive a mention in dispatches and then served in Yugoslavia until the end of the war when he was then discharged.

Anyway having seen the documentary it got me wondering if my uncle was actually in 30th AU as it seems they were the only commandos not to make land?
Unfortunately he passed away in 2020 aged 98 and I really regret not having seen the documentary prior to his death and then having the chance to ask him more questions even though he was understandably reticent in telling much.

If anyone can help shed some light on my ramblings above I and my mother (my uncles sister who?s 101) would be grateful.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 06/09/2024 09:36:50

Hi Barrie

Have you or any member of your extended family got his service record. Sometimes these produce good information including confirming when his RM service commenced and ended. If not you can get a copy here: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/mod-closed-foi-request-step1
The initial check to find it is free but there is a small fee (used to be £30) to actually get the record sent to you once they do. You will have probably have seen entry for your uncle in our 40RM Commando nominal roll and here on the A-Z: https://www.commandoveterans.org/David_Turner_40RM_Commando

There were a small number from what was at the time of Dieppe still simply called the Royal Marine Commando before it was re-designated to 40RM Commando, that went on to serve in 30AU but from the locations that you mentioned regarding his later service, this mirrors that of 40RM Commando. Do you have a good photo of your uncle, either from his RM days or after n civvie street ? If so either attach it here or email me it via the link below and I will add it. Also do you know his exact dates and places (town or city) of birth an death and I will include those.

Pete

The Royal Marine Commando (40RM Commando) timeline: https://www.commandoveterans.org/40RMCommando

The initial assignment/role of the RM Commando was changed during the action. The RM Commando was placed at the disposal of the Canadian GOC, Major General Roberts. After passing through White beach, they were to join the Essex Scottish, believed to be in the town. As the first of the RM Commando landed they came under withering enemy fire and were ordered to re-embark within 10 minutes of landing. Their casualties are here, this list only showing those who died and not those wounded, or missing: https://www.commandoveterans.org/DieppeCdoROH