The Attack on Walcheren

THE ATTACK ON WALCHEREN Memorial book for the Royal Marines, who died in OPERATION INFATUATE SECOND EDITION

By E.J.Sparrow 11/1/1944

INTRODUCTION This book is dedicated to the memory of all those who took part in one of the major battles of World War 2.

It is a Memorial Book in the form of an e-book, which is published FREE so that as many people as possible may learn of the magnitude of their achievement and their sacrifice.

The book is written from the point of view of the Royal Marines, who played key roles.

Involved were 41, 47 and 48 RM Commandos. There were Royal Marine gunners on HMS Warspite, and the monitors HMS Roberts and HMS Erebus providing fire cover for the landing beaches along with Royal Marne gunners on an assortment of specialist craft. .Also, Royal Maine engineers handled beach obstacles and mines plus booby traps and RM anti-aircraft batteries provided protection.

Special amphibian tanks were manned by Royal Marines.

Medical care was provided by the Royal Army Medical Corps and RN Sick Berth Attendants.

Royal Engineers dealt with booby traps, demolition etc.

The battle was a two pronged attack with the Canadians and the British Lowland Division

playing a significant role as well attacking across a narrow isthmus in the east to seize Flushing. There were 2 troops from number 10 Allied Commando operating with the Canadians. These were the Norwegian and the Dutch/Belgian troops.

Meanwhile the Royal Navy and the 4TH Special Service Brigade dealt with the gun emplacements controlling access to Antwerp on the south west via the Scheldt River and captured Westkapelle.

The odds were stacked significantly against the Allies

ALLIES

GERMANS

Killed Strength Wounded Missing

489 30 829 925 59

killed &wounded

1200

German Prisoners on Walcheren - around 40,000 were taken after the operation had terminated

SO PLEASE READ THEIR STORIES THAT THEY MAY LIVE ON IN OUR MEMORIES AND DONATE WHERE YOU SEE A COLLECTING BOX F OR A SERVICE CHARITY

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INDEX INTRODUCTION MAP BACKGROUND

PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 4

THE WALCHEREN ATTACK FORCE SUPPORT FORCE “T” THE RM ASSAULT FORCE THE ATTACK ON FLUSHING DAY TWO END OF NOVEMBER References APPENDIX 1

PAGE 5 PAGE 5 PAGE 9 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 12 PAGE 13

THE STORIES OF PARTICIPANTS

APPENDIX 2

PAGE 16

ROLL OF HONOUR FOR THE ROYAL MARINE ASSAULT GROUP AND LANDING

APPENDIX 3

PAGE 29

ROLL OF HONOUR FOR THE ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO UNITS

41 RM Commando

PAGE 29

47 RMCommando

PAGE 34

48 RM Commando

PAGE 42

RM 26th Light AA Battery

PAGE 53

ROYAL MARINE ENGINEERS

PAGE 53

10 COMMANDO TROOPS ATTACHED TO 41 RM COMMANDO

Page 3 of 56

PAGE 54

BELGIAN TROOP OF 10 COMMANDO

PAGE 54

NORWEGIAN TROOP OF 10 COMMANDO

PAGE 55

MAP

BACKGROUND As the Allies broke out of Normandy in 1944 the Canadians took the left flank and fought their way north and had liberated Antwerp. However the Germans had held onto the intermediary ports like limpets and the lines of supply were stretched. Although Antwerp was a port the fortified island of Walcheren controlled the access.

The Allies planned an attack to capture the island and then dredge the approach river to Antwerp to allow access by large freighters. The original plan mooted did not consider feasible but at a meeting on 20th September attended by Captain Pugsley DSO RN with the Canadians he not only considered it practical but probably necessary. From that point on planning went ahead on the basis that the Canadians would attack Flushing in the South with 4 ARMY COMMANDO and the 4TH with the 5th Battalions the Kings Own Scottish Borders while the Royal Marines would deal with the strong points around Westkapelle in the South West.

These strong points would be tough nuts to crack being built into the sea wall and made of 10 feet of reinforced concrete. One took 10 hits from 8 inch shells that merely made a 6 foot pit in the wall. Flamethrowers and grenades had to be called into action

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THE WALCHEREN ATTACK FORCE

Battleship HMS WARSPITE

Monitors HMS EREBUS and ROBERTS

In a tribute to the bravery of the Support Squadron, General Laycock, Chief of Combined Operations, wrote to Captain A.F. Pugsley with the following words: "I understand that the success of the landings and the comparatively light casualties sustained by No. 4 Special Service Brigade at Walcheren was due largely to the heroic efforts of the Naval Support Craft who, at great cost to themselves, effectively silenced the coastal defenses. I should like to express the appreciation of all ranks, Special Service Group, and particularly that of General Sturges and Brigadier Leicester and all ranks of No. 4 Special Service Brigade for the self-sacrifice shown by all naval personnel during the landings, which had such splendid results” SUPPORT FORCE “T” In the early evening of Tuesday 31 October Lieutenant G. Flamank RNVR Captain of LCMG (M) 101 told his crew they would go in to point blank range of the gun position W267 north of the gap and LCG (M) 102 was to engage W266 south of the gap Page 5 of 56

FLOTILLA LEADER LANDING CRAFT FLAK LCF 38 LCF.38, ex-LCT.714, LCT.714, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. L.C.F. 38 was a Flotilla Leader she was hit and set on fire at 10.20 2 ROYAL MARINES AND 2 SAILORS KILLED LANDING CRAFT FLAK LCF 37LCF.37, ex-LCT.725, ex Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. She was involved in convoy duty in the Channel. On DD Day she supported the Canadians and then served 2 months at anchorage followed by a refit.

She then took part in the Walcheren landings.

While she was still 3500 - 4000 yards from the shore and so well out of range for her own guns.

She was first hit on the port quarter on the water line at 09.20 hrs, but the hole was successfully blocked with hammocks.

At 09.45 hrs, she was engaged by German gun W13 and began to make smoke. However she was hit astern, a near miss on the port beam filled the bridge and upper deck with water, and two hits were sustained forward blowing away the bows and forward magazine.

09.48 hrs a shell hit the main magazine blowing up about 100.000 rounds of 22-pr pr Oerlikon ammunition, turning the ship forward of the bridge into a shambles and causing a large number of casualties. Most of the crew was blown into the sea 35 ROYAL MARINES AND 7 SAILORS KILLE KILLED LANDING CRAFT GUN (MEDIUM) LCG (M) 2

.

LCG (M).102, M).102, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. LCG (M) 102 beached down on the south side of the gap and engaged her target pillbox with her 3� guns and was immediately caught in a rain of shells at close range. Soon she had been hit several times and was on fire. Her crew got the fire under control but she was hit it again and again, she was broken and burning on the beach. There were no survivors.

13 ROYAL MARINES AND 18 SEAMEN KILLED LCG (L) 1,, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship loss She was part of the northern group LCG (L) 1 & she went in with her guns blazing independently and closed to 600 yards in spite of being hit three times by shells. Hit several more times, before a shell hit the bridge. All the officers were wounded and the craft came to a stop.

ROYAL MARINE CASUALTIES 2 DEAD and 20 WOUNDED

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LANDING CRAFT GUN (LARGE) 2 LCG(L).2, ex-LCT.323, LCT.323, ship loss, Walcheren LCG No 2 was repeatedly hit by 88mm shells, but managed to withdraw only to sink in deep water with only six casualties – 5 ROYAL MARINES 1 SAILOR.

LCG (M).101, Walcheren landings 2 SAILORS KILLED

LCG (L).10, ex-LCT.374 LCT.374

1 ROYAL MARINEKILLED

LCG (L).11, ex-LCT.392, LCT.392, ROYAL MARINE KILLED

1

LCG (L).17, ex-LCT.394 LCT.394 1 ROYAL MARINE AND 2 SAILORS KILLED

LCS (L).252, L).252, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship lost.

9 ROYAL MARINES KILLED

LCS (L).256, 4 ROYAL MARINES KILLED

LCS (L).258, MARINE KILLED

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LCF (L).258,

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCF.32, ex-LCT.623

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCH.98

1 SAILOR DIED OF WOUNDS

1 ROYAL

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LCA.506

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCA.510

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCA, 508th

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCS (L).252,

21 SAILORS AND 8 ROYAL MARINES KILLED

LCS (L).256

7 SAILORSAND 4ROYAL MARINES KILLED

LCS (L).258,

16 SAILORS AND 8 ROYAL MARINES KILLED

LCT 1133

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCT1147

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCT(R) 363

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCT513

1 SAILOR KILLED

LCT65O

1 SAILOR KILLED

ML146

4 SAILORS KILLED

LCF .37, ex LCT, 725,

1 ROYAL MARINE DIED OF WOUNDS

LCG (L).1, ex-LCT.360

LCT 839

LCF 37 ex LCT725

LCF 7

2 ROYAL MARINES KILLED

1 SEAMAN DIED OF WOUNDS

1 ROYAL MARINE DIED OF WOUNDS

1 ROYAL MARINE DIED OF WOUNDS

LCT(R).457, ship loss ON 5TH NOVEMBER

24 SAILORS KILLED

LST.420, ship loss ON THE 7TH NOVEMBER

55 SAILORS KILLED

THE RM ASSAULT FORCE D-DAY was set for 1st November and they left Ostend at 0330 to reach the forming up position offshore at 09.30 having travelled in convoy. They all had a reasonable passage in convoy from Ostend, although “101” began to roll a bit as she turned eastward about 0700 hours. G (M) s had a low centre of gravity and tended to gather speed and with only 18 inches freeboard aft and the bows 6 inches clear of the water they sailed with an uncomfortable corkscrew motion.

At 0725 the G(L)s were ordered to make “smoke” using their chemical smoke generators and duels began between batteries and support craft as the landing craft deployed ready for the run in.

About 0815 HMS Warspite and Roberts opened fire on the Westcapelle defenses but Erebus had trouble with the motor training her turret and this took an hour to repair. Roberts therefore took on her targets at 0830. Warspite’s targets were anti-aircraft and 2 coastal batteries near Domburg. She bracketed them on her second salvo at 26000 yards. The aircraft that should have reported the fall of her shot had been unable to leave the UK airfields because of fog.

The monitor Roberts’s battery first engaged the radar station (W154) just north of Westkapelle then (W15) AA battery which turned out to be captured British 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns mounted for coastal defense.

The Allied artillery across the estuary had also bombarded (W15) for 70 minutes before H hour with 179 shells from 155mm guns of the 1st and 59th Medium Regiments.

However, only 2 nearby AA guns were knocked out and all along the coast the Germans maintained a steady fire against the incoming support craft.

HMS Warspite and the monitors had engaged the radar stations and the anti-aircraft battery (W5) protecting the coast battery (W17) at Domburg. This battery at Domburg with its 4 French 8.7 inch was engaged by Warspite throughout the day but did not seriously interfere with the landings.

(W15) was a more organized adversary and its British 3.7 inch guns caused considerable damage from their concrete emplacements north of Westkapelle.

At 0830 the fire of HMS ROBERTS on (W15) was supplemented by fire from G (L) s 9, 10 and 11 Page 9 of 56

before they deployed with the southern group. Seventeen minutes later they split up to allow the LCTs to the beach. (W15) engaged LCF37 at a range of 3,750 yards from the shore and beyond the LCFs effective range of its 2 pounders and oerlikon guns. However she continued to the beach in the van of her group even though hit below the water line. The hole was successfully plugged with hammocks.

(W15) switched her target to the northern group as they came closer to the shore. LCT(R) 457 in this group was closer ranged on (W15) with smoke rockets then fired explosive ones which fell short.

LCG (M) 101 was expected to beach in 5 minutes when Typhoons came in low in an overcast sky still hit the dykes close to the points where that LCTs101 and 102 were due to beach. This was difficult flying as the typhoons only had 5 seconds to get their shot in

A direct hit on a pillbox by a salvo of rockets from an RAF Typhoon.

The ships bombarded the German defenses with everything at their disposal including the 15inch guns of HMS Warspite, Erebus and Roberts, the Landing Craft (Gun) s, and the rockets of LCT(R) s.

The first German fire at 8:09 was followed by the other batteries. Most of the German fire was concentrated on the support landing craft rather than those carrying the troops.

Several landing craft were hit including a rocket LCT which received a direct hit The remainder of the Commando, along with the two No. 10 (IA) Commando troops, then attacked in M29 Weasels and Buffaloes launched from Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs). Their mission was to clear Westkapelle and then move north. No. 48 (Royal Marine) Commando, under Lt-Colonel J. L. Moulton DSO, would use the same methods, but come ashore south of the gap. From there they would advance on Zoutelande some 3 miles (5 km) to the southeast. The first flight ashore consisting of three troops; each Troop in a tank landing craft, they touched down with Moulton being one of the first on the beach. Though constantly shelled on the way in their casualties were not heavy. They fought their first objective; a row of concrete pill boxes, on the southern shoulder of the gap. When this was accomplished they moved on to the next a radar station, only to find it had been hastily abandoned.

Three troops of No. 41 (Royal Marine) Commando, under Lt-Colonel E C E Palmer RM, landed on the north shoulder of the gap blown in the dyke to free the area between there and the village of Westkapelle. Intense machine-gun fire met Major de Stacpoole and a sub section of 'Y' Troop as they went into attack; they were all killed or wounded before they could reach the enemy. Unless artillery could be brought to bear on the position embedded in concrete, further assaults would suffer the same fate.

However, through dogged perseverance and guts progress was made as the Germans were winkled out one by one. Sadly de Stacpoole’s brother was killed the same day in Holland.

Royal Marines on Walcheren advancing along the waterfront near Flushing with shells bursting ahead - 1 November 1944.

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Marine Commandos operating 3" mortars behind the cover of amphibious tanks The landing craft Support Squadron of 27 small craft, under Commanders Sellar and Leefe, closed to engage the eleven still-operational operational German shore shore-based based batteries, on the direction of Captain A.F. Pugsley, R.N., DSO, the naval commander of the amphibious landings.

This they did with very heavy casualties. By 12.30pm, nine of the Support Squadron's craft had been sunk, eleven put out of action, and a high percentage of their crews killed or wounded. Ultimately the Support Squadron was recalled as so many of the craft had been damaged or destroyed, but their aim, of drawing the fire of the defending batteries helped significantly in aiding the troops to land land.

Members of 41 RM Commando in Westkapelle working their way to the light house

THE ATTACK ON FLUSHING 4 Army (Commando) was to land as .part of a separate but related operation by 155 Infantry Brigade to capture Flushing on the South East of Walcheren. It came ashore at 0545 hours. Their two LCP(Sy) and an LCA felt their way inshore, one becoming stuck 30 yards out, but the men swam ashore and found a suitable landing point for the assault Troop up the slipway used by the garbage lighters.

Lieutenant Hargreaves DSC RNVR, who had been a beach master at Dieppe and Normandy, set up the beach control point while whi the marines despite the muddy conditions cleared the obstacles just in time for the LCAs to beach with the first assault troops.

As 4 Commando fought to clear the western end of the town, including the fortified houses overlooking the landing area the 4th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers came ashore. However, their 5th Battalion did not land until the early afternoon.

Forty eight hours later after tunneling their way into German positions by blasting holes in house walls and climbing over rroof oof tops 4 Commando and the other units of 155 Infantry Brigade had taken the town.

DAY TWO The next day No.4 Commando, together with 5 King's Own Scottish Borderers, continued with the battle for Flushing. No.5 (French) Troop was involved in an action against ainst a strongpoint nicknamed Dover. One section of the troop gained the roof of a cinema and opened fire on the strongpoint with their PIAT. The other sections moved along the street and through back gardens. As the troop was preparing for the final assault, lt, Typhoons attacked the enemy position. That afternoon the Troop resumed their advance and reached the corner overlooking their objective. One house remained occupied by the Germans and as they made for the strongpoint they suffered several casualties from fr the fire of No.5 Troop. No.1 Section was now by the Anti Anti-Tank Tank wall and firing PIAT bombs into the embrasures of the strongpoint at very short range. Corporal Lafont was on the point of breaching the Page 11 of 56

strongpoint with a made-up charge at the ready when the German defenders surrendered.

No.48 (RM) Commando pushed on at first light and took Zouteland, meeting only light opposition. No.47 took over the advance but soon came up against a strong fortified position with an anti-tank ditch and huge Dragon's Teeth. The weather had closed in and no air support was available so they attacked supported only by artillery. They came under heavy mortar fire and suffered several casualties. The other half of the Commando having moved along the dyke was confronted by another 150mm battery. Their approach was obstructed by pockets of resistance to the front of the battery which were not cleared until nightfall. The three Troops halted in front of the battery and repulsed a German counter-attack just after they had been replenished with much-needed food and ammunition.

Defensive stakes and mines embedded in the base of the dyke made it difficult for supply craft to land stores. By the third and fourth days the Commando were forced to 'endure' captured German rations. To the relief of all concerned supplies were parachuted in on the fifth day near Zouteland.No.41 and No.10 Commandos reached Domburg on the morning of D+1 where they encountered strong resistance. That evening Brigadier Leicester ordered No.41, less one Troop, to assist No.47 in the south, leaving the Troops of No.10 and one of No.41 to finish mopping up Domburg. No.4 Commando was relieved by 155 Brigade and embarked on LVTs to assault two batteries, W3 and W4 situated north-west of Flushing.

They had been fighting for 40 hours and needed a well earned rest. After landing in a gap in the dyke, about which little was known, Lt-Colonel Dawson asked Brigadier Leicester for a break of some 24 hours to rest his men. This was agreed but it was well after dark before the Commando was relieved by 155 Brigade. In the event No.47 (RM) Commando overcame the opposition south of Zouteland later that day and linked up with No. 4 Commando. Meanwhile No.10 cleared Domburg with the Norwegians showing particular courage in the face of heavy opposition which cost them a number of casualties

END OF NOVEMBER With the island fully in the Allies hands the river Scheldt had been dredged and cargo ships were freely carrying cargo into Antwerp. Royal Marine Anti-aircraft guns were protecting the port.

References (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

IWM CWGC THE NAVALHISTORY NET WEBSITE http://www.naval-history.net/index.htm For pictures of graves https://www.twgpp.org/index.php Saint Mary the Virgin Peldon Memorial Book “THE ROYAL MARINE’S STORY” Saint Mary the Virgin Peldon Memorial Book “THE SAILOR’S STORY” PLEASE NOTE that we obtained special dispensation from a number of agencies including the CWGC and the War Graves photographic project regarding copyright on their material used in this book. The IWM have granted a non commercial license for their material used in this book. This was granted in view of the nature of the book being commemorative rather than published for commercial reasons.

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Appendix 1 THE STORIES OF PARTICIPANTS GEORGE SCALES RNVR

I also discussed the operation with George Scales, the skipper of LCT 532 who had an eventful day as described in the book a much fuller account of his fascinating career as sailor, farmer & entrepreneur is given in "Full Ahead together" by Ian Baird.

.�W LCT 532 with LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) ahead The force sailed from Ostend with George leaving at 1030 hours, slightly behind those in the initial landings. Now followed one of the most adventurous days of George's life. Firstly. LCT 7011 hit a mine some 3 miles North-west of the island, which blew the bows off the craft, which then sank in 3 minutes with the loss of 15 soldiers. George was lucky to be picked up by a Landing Craft Infantry, LCI, before the bitter cold of the water killed him. Having removed his wet clothing & downed a whiskey, the LCI was hit by a shell from a German gun, setting the petrol tanks on fire. So once more he went into the sea to be rescued and taken aboard a hospital ship to have his wounds dressed. This ship in turn was hit & water poured into the ward where George was. Thus for the third time George was back in the sea in the space of an hour. At this point, he was rescued by an LCT heading back to Ostend, where his Page 13 of 56

wounds could be dressed. Having no clothes of his own George was given an Army private’s battledress, the only clothing available. It was in this costume that George was sent to skipper back to England an LCT, whose own captain had gone missing. This crew was somewhat surprised to be skippered by what looked like an Army private.

Post war George settled as a farmer in the next village of Peldon.

Marine Peter John Miller Ch/X 112922.

Peter lived in the next village of Peldon as well and served on Landing Craft at D-Day and at Walcheren. He died in 1998 and left the following account with his wife presumably taken from magazines published at the timed at the time.

The picture is of his ship at Walcheren and hangs on the wall of his house.

LANDING CRAFT, GUN LC G (M) 101, Landing Craft, Gun were intended to give anti-aircraft support to any landing. They were first used in the Dieppe Raid early in 1942. The ramp was welded shut, and a deck built on top of the Tank deck.

They were equipped with several light anti-aircraft guns - a typical fitting was eight 20 mm Oerlikons and four pom-poms and had a crew of 60. Royal Navy examples had mixed crews, with the operation of the craft being the responsibility of RN crew and the manning of the guns being done by Royal Marines.

They carried two naval officers and two marine officers. Landing Craft Gun (LCG) was also intended to give supporting fire to the landing. Apart from the Oerlikons as per a normal LCT they had two 4.7 inch destroyer guns. The LCGs were intended to be first in line of battle to put out shore defenses allowing troops to be landed far safer. With these heavier calibre guns they could take on enemy pill boxes & so give close artillery support for troops working their way across the beaches; as such they went in very close, getting in much closer than the big ships could. LCGs played a very important part in the Walcheren operation in October 1944. The LCG on which he served were the brain child of Winston Churchill and were on the secret list even after the war. Consequently not many people have even heard of them. The version shown below is the LCF the Flak ship At Westkapelle, on the island's seaward face, the Germans had been gunned up for invasion since last spring. The British, who had the job to do and knew it would be bloody, tried to soften up the Page 14 of 56

objective. Mosquito bombers peppered Westkapelle the night b before efore the attack. Next morning the battleship Warspite (15-inch inch guns) and two monitors stood offshore and poured shells into the German positions. The Allies had assembled 200 assault craft, some of them heavily armed with guns and rockets. The Landing Craft ft Infantry, LCIs, were packed with Royal Marine Commandos. The weather was against the Marines, and they went ashore without tactical air support. That was unfortunate, for neither the night air attack nor the big naval guns had knocked out the Germans. They T waited until the oncoming swarms of invasion craft were 1,000 yards then opened with at least nine guns ranging in size from 88s to 290-mm.monsters. mm.monsters.

LCG (M) 101,, which supported the landings at Walcheren Island on the 1st November 1944. After knocking out her first bunker, 101 were hit by a German 8.7 inch shell holing her astern. She rolled over and sank with only half of her crew surviving. The Price. Dozens of Allied craft slewed in the water, holed, burning, sinking, and their decks littered with crumpled c men and running with blood. One turned away with a splintered superstructure, with no one visible aboard except a single officer on the bridge. But the craft that were not hit bored on for the shore, throwing their rockets and small small-calibre calibre shells at the stout German casemates. A few Landing Craft Tanks, LCTs, sailed right through the breaches, previously blown in the dikes by the R AF several days before, before launching their amphibious vehicles. On the beach the battle was short, bloody, expertl expertlyy fought by both sides. But after four hours, the proud, tradition tradition-conscious conscious British "Jollies" beat the Germans down, swarmed up the dikes, and put the German guns out of action with grenades and flamethrowers. Four days later, the Admiralty disclosed that of 25 gunships all but five had been lost. Many ordinary troop troop-landing landing craft had also been destroyed and casualties were "severe." Westkapelle would go down in history with Dieppe and Tarawa This was typical of the hazards Peter faced along with mines. Hiss wife only learnt of his adventures at the end of his life.

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Appendix 2 ROLL OF HONOUR FOR THE ROYAL MARINE ASSAULT GROUP AND LANDING CRAFT AT WALCHEREN NOVEMBER 1944

WALCHEREN “OPERATION INFATUATE” NOVEMBER 1944 DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE ROYAL MARINES, WHO DIED IN THE SUPPORT VESSELS AT WALCHEREN PLEASE SEE THE SEPARATE ROLLS OF HONOURS FOR 41, 47 & 48 COMMANDOS, WHO DIED IN THE SAME ACTION.

A sistership of LCF. 37 LCF.37, ex-LCT.725, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. She was involved in convoy duty in the Channel. On D-Day she supported the Canadians and then served 2 months at anchorage followed by a refit. She then took part in the Walcheren landings. While she was still 3500 - 4000 yards from the shore and so well out of range for her own guns. She was first hit on the port quarter on the water line at 09.20 hrs, but the hole was successfully blocked with hammocks. At 09.45 hrs, she was engaged by German gun W13 and began to make smoke.

However she was hit astern, a near miss on the port beam filled the bridge and upper deck with Page 16 of 56

water, and two hits were sustained forward blowing away the bows and forward magazine. At 09.48 hrs a shell hit the main magazine blowing up about 100.000 rounds of 2-pr Oerlikon ammunition, turning the ship forward of the bridge into a shambles and causing a large number of casualties. Most of the crew was blown into the sea BARTLETT, FRANK WILLIAM GEORGE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109104: Son of Frank and Violet May Bartlett; husband of Evelyn Bartlett. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL BREWSTER, PETER ALBERT Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 112900: Son of Albert John and Ruby Valentine Brewster, of Hove, Sussex. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL BROWNING, ANDREW Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109065 Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL BUTTS, RONALD JAMES Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.F. 37. Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115686 Grave Reference: 13. A. 6. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY CAVE, CYRIL JOHN Sergeant Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 25 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 2157: Son of Mrs. C. E. Cave; husband of Caroline Lilian Cave, of Allbrook, Hampshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, GEORGE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 27 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107065: Son of William and Mary Chambers, of Westport, Co. Mayo, Republic of Ireland. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL COLEY, RONALD HENRY Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 112212 Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL COX, ALBERT GEORGE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 109152: Son of George and Bessy Cox, of Hursley, Hampshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL CRABTREE, WILLIAM Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 112368: Son of Percy and Harriet Crabtree, of Rochdale, Lancashire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

Page 17 of 56

CURTIS, KENNETH WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109048: Son of William Issac Curtis and Mary Ann Curtis, of Gravesend, Kent. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL DIXON, PETER RUTTER Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 31 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107062 Additional information: Son of Eugenie Dixon, of Crookhill, Co. Durham. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL DRIVER, ALEXANDER WILLIAM RICHARD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Age: 22 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 110940: Son of William Alexander and Annie Driver, of Croxley Green, Hertfordshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL FULLERTON, ROBERT DENIS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 113217: Son of William A. and Eva A. Fullerton, of Fishersgate, Sussex. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL GILSON, JOHN WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109252: Son of John William and Edith Gilson; husband of Marjorie Elsie Gilson, of Bridlington, Yorkshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2.

Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL HALL, RICHARD Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 106589: Son of Richard and Sarah Hall; husband of Susan Runciman Hall, of Coupland, Northumberland. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL HONEY, CHARLES WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 27 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107131: Son of James George and Eva Kate Honey, of Westminster, London. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

INGHAM, NORMAN JOSEPH Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105125 Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7.

Grave 4. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Page 18 of 56

LIGHTFOOT, HAROLD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105984: Son of Harold and Ethel Lightfoot, of Salford, Lancashire. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 41. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY McPHAIL, STEWART WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 109132 Additional information: Son of William and Isabella McPhail, of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL McWILLIAMS, CHARLES Marine: Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 109133 Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL MOUNTFORD, ERNEST WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 111348: Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Mountford, of Longton, Stoke-onTrent, Staffs. Grave Reference: Row F. Grave 5. Cemetery: HOOK OF HOLLAND GENERAL CEMETERY Picture of his grave http://www.twgpp.org/information.php?id=1279626 NAYLER, FRANK ALFRED Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109530: Son of Charles Arthur and Phyllis Dorothy Nayler, of Colchester, Essex. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL POWELL, EDWARD ROY Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X: Son of Thomas B. and Ellen D. Powell, of Leagrave, Bedfordshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL SCHOFIELD, THOMAS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108960 Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL SELFRIDGE, ROBERT Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 108312 Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL SHARP, NORMAN ERNEST Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 117905: Son of Ernest S. and Gladys H. Sharp, of Eastbourne, Sussex. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL SIMMONDS, ERNEST RICHARD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 110748 Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3.

Page 19 of 56

Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

SMITH, DONALD ALFRED LEAGUE. Lieutenant Royal Marines H.M. L.C.F. 37.

Born 15 April 1924 serving as gunnery officer Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Additional information: Son of Edward Albert and Constance Leage, of Box Hill, Surrey. th

Captain of the School and Captain of Shooting Eight, Dulwich College. Memorial Reference: 79, 1.

Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL (listed by cwgc under name Leage) TAYLOR, FRANK Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109477: Son of Frank and Elizabeth Taylor, of Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL TAYLOR, FRANK Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 104335: Son of Fred and Martha Taylor, of Farnborough, Kent.

Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

THOMAS, WILLIAM JOSEPH Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 21 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Killed in action Service No: CH/X 109105: Son of William Charles and Louisa Violet Thomas, of Gloucester. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 40. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY THORNELEY, ERNEST Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 108813: Son of Nevin and Alice Ann Thorneley, of Uppermill, Lancashire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL TWEDDLE, THOMAS MOFFAT Marine H.M.L.C.F. 37. Posted missing presumed killed Age: 28 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 110876: Son of Robert and Margaret Tweddle; husband of Joyce Winifred Tweddle, of Pudsey, Yorkshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2.

Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL WHITTAKER, WILLIAM Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X108019: Son of George and Emily Whittaker, of Page 20 of 56

Stockport, Cheshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL WHYTE, WILLIAM RUSSELL Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 37. Age: 40 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 104433: Son of Andrew Kerr Whyte and Jean Murphy Whyte, of Glasgow; husband of Jean Ella Kennedy Whyte, of Glasgow. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCF.38, ex-LCT.714, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. L.C.F. 38 was a Flotilla Leader she was hit and set on fire at 10.20

MUNRO, DAVID Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 38 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115666 Memorial Reference: Plot 9. Row 6.

Grave 15. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY REYNOLDS, MARVIN Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.F. 38 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 114784: Son of Arthur Albert and Eliza Susan Ann Reynolds, of Romford, Essex. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCG(L).2, ex-LCT.323, ship loss, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate LCG No 2 was repeatedly hit by 88mm shells, but managed to withdraw only to sink in deep water with only six casualties 2 killed and 4 wounded.

DALE, LEONARD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (L) 2. Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 112808: Son of Wilfred and Vesta Dale, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL McEWAN, PETER LESLIE Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.G. 2. Age: 19 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Page 21 of 56

Service No: CH/X 109338: Son of Ronald and Doris Leslie McEwan, of Shripney, Sussex. Grave Reference: 6. D. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY KAY, EDMUND LEACH Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. 2. Age: 30 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 100380: Son of Edmund Leach Kay and Elizabeth Ellen Kay, of Oldham, Lancashire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL OVERTON, STANLEY ERIC Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.G. 2. Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 3655 Grave Reference: 5. B. 3. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY PARSONS, ALFRED Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.G. 2. Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 4008: Son of John and Amelia Parsons, of Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCG(L).10, ex-LCT.374, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate Shells began to fall all around the craft, with one piercing the side of LCG 10, killing several crew members, and fire soon spread in the craft threatening its ammunition store

SMITH, DONALD Sergeant Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. 10. Age: 23 killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 1741: Husband of Dorothy Smith of Whetstone, London. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 24. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

LCG (L).11, ex-LCT.392, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate

HARDING, JOHN ALLAN LEAP Lieutenant Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (L) 11. Age: 21 Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944: Son of Francis Joseph Harding, B.E.M., and Mary Alice Harding, of Elson, Gosport, Hampshire. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 26. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Page 22 of 56

LCG (L).17, ex-LCT.394

JOHN, THOMAS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. 17. Age: 24 killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105762: Son of Martin and Maggie Alice John, of Brynamman, Carmarthenshire. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 27. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY LANDING CRAFT GUN (MEDIUM)

LCG (M).102, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate. LCG (M) 102 beached down on the south side of the gap and engaged her target pillbox with her 3� guns and was immediately caught in a rain of shells at close range. Soon she had been hit several times and was on fire. Her crew got the fire under control but she was hit again and again, she was broken and burning on the beach.

There were no survivors.

ALLEN, ALBERT RONALD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M.) 102. Age: 22 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 103971: Son of Harry and Eliza Emma Allen, of Shepherd's Bush, London. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL BUTCHER, LESLIE BEATTIE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 122856 Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3.

Posted missing presumed killed Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL DOWNES, ROBERT HERBERT Sergeant Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 106036: Son of Clarence William and Anny Downes; husband of K. May Downes, of Hall Green, Birmingham. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Page 23 of 56

HEMBROW, WILLIAM ALAN Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105835: Son of Arthur George and Kate Hembrow, of Bath, Somerset. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1.

Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL HILL, DESMOND Corporal Royal Marines H.M. L.C.G. (M) 102. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109781: Son of Jesse Frederick and Louisa Hill, of Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

HUGGINS, RONALD PERCY Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Age: 20 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 106053: Son of Charles Henry and Beatrice Presswood Huggins, of Bedminster Down, Bristol. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 11. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

LEE, WILLIAM FREDERICK Marine: Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M.) 102. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 615: Husband of Mary Emma Lee, of Gillingham, Kent. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL LUXTON, JOHN SAMUEL Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Age: 22 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108259: Son of Waldron John and Nellie Eve line Lupton, of Fishponds, Gloucestershire. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2.

Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL RATTENBURY, DENNIS HUMPHREY Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 106825: Son of James H. and Elsie E. Rattenbury, of Pett's Wood, Kent. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL RUSSELL, THOMAS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102 Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 110226: Son of Mary Russell, of Birkenhead, Cheshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL STOKES, FREDERICK GEORGE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 110484: Son of Samuel Albert and Emily Mary Stokes, of Willesden, Middlesex. Memorial Reference: 79, 2.

Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL TUCK, JAMES Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M) 102. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Page 24 of 56

Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 108985 Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL WILKINS, CLARENCE JESSE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (M.) 102. Age: 18 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 113464: Son of William and Maud E. Wilkins, of Charlton, Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

Picture of LCS (L) 257 similar to 252, 256 & 258 listed below

LCS (L).252, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship lost.

BROADHEAD, PHILIP SRIDMORE Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 252. Age: 21 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 111471: Son of Herbert and Laura Broadhead, of Harrow, Middlesex. Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL CORDNER, RICHARD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 252. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109127 Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1.

Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL FERNIHOUGH, JAMES Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L) 252. Age: 22 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105766: Son of James and Ethel Fernihough, of Dukinfield, Cheshire; husband of Lena Fernihough, of Dukinfield. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL FORD, HARRY Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L) 252. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 107829: Son of Peter Joseph and Charlotte Mary Ford, of Northfield, Birmingham. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1.

Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL GOODMAN, NOEL JOHN Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 252. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108680: Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Goodman, of Launceston, Cornwall; husband of Ethel Goodman, of Launceston.

Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL HALL, SIDNEY REYNOLDS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 252. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109501: Son of George and Lily Rose Page 25 of 56

Jessie Hall, of Carshalton, Surrey. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL HAWKINS, VICTOR GERALD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L.) 252. Age: 22 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 108360: Son of Albert Richard and Dorothy Daisy Hawkins, of Seven Kings, Essex. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL HUNTER, JAMES THOMSON Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L) 252. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 104117 Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL PASSEY, WILLIAM EDWARD Corporal Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L) 252. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 3451 Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1.

Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCS (L).256, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship loss ASHER, GEORGE PHIPPS Corporal Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 256. Age: 29 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 114925: Son of George Thomas Phipps Asher and Florence Asher; husband of Jessie Asher, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL HOPKINS, FREDERICK DAVISON Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 256 Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115677: Son of Frederick W. and Mary E. Hopkins, of Felling, Co. Durham. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL SOWTER, PETER JOSEPH Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 256. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 113053: Son of Joseph and Catherine Sowter, of Gravesend, Kent. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL THOMPSON, JOHN EDWARD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 256. Age: 23 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 106354: Son of James and Elizabeth Thompson, of Grays, Essex. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3.

Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCS (L).258, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship loss ADCOCK, MALCOLM KENNETH Marine Royal Marines H.M.S. Copra. Serving on LCS (L).258 Age: 20 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 110602: Son of John William and Gladys Dora Adcock, of Dinnington, Yorkshire. Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. 5. A. 11.Cemetery: BERGEN-OPZOOM WAR CEMETERY DUNKLEY, RUPERT ALFRED Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L.) 258. Age: 23 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105032 Son of Alfred and Mary Ann Dunkley, of Kingsley, Page 26 of 56

Northampton. Grave Reference: 6. C. 12. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY FLETCHER, SYDNEY DOUGLAS Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 258. Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 109493: Son of John and Annie Matilda Fletcher, of Hanwell, Middlesex. Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL GUY, RONALD Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. 258. Age: 27 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109412: Son of William Alfred and Sarah Ann Guy, of Altrincham, Cheshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL LAKELAND, JOHN Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 258. Age: 39 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105848: Son of John and Ann Lakeland, of Great Harwood, Lancashire. Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL POWELL, REGINALD FRANK Marine Royal Marines H.M. L.C.S. (L) 258. Age: 23 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105027: Son of Walter and Sarah Powell, of Crewe, Cheshire; husband of Marie Powell, of Crewe. Grave Reference: 6. C. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN- OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY RITCHIE, JAMES Marine Royal Marines H.M.L.C.S. (L) 258. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 111127: Son of Frances and Mary Ritchie, of Edinburgh.

Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

LCG (L).1, ex-LCT.360, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate, ship loss She was part of the northern group LCG (L) 1 &went in with her guns blazing independently and closed to 600 yards in spite of being hit three times by shells. Hit several more times, before a shell hit the bridge. All the officers were wounded and the craft came to a stop with two dead and twenty wounded.

CLARK, ROBERT Marine: Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (L). Age: 19 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 111645: Son of Florence M. Clark of Putney, London.

Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

Page 27 of 56

GREER, ROBERT Sergeant Royal Marines H.M.L.C.G. (L) 1. Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 3121 Memorial Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 33. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Page 28 of 56

Appendix 3 ROLL OF HONOUR FOR THE ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO UNITS AT WALCHEREN NOVEMBER 1944

41 RM COMMANDO WALCHEREN LANDINGS, “OPERATION INFATUATE” Wednesday, 1 November 1944

41RM Commando

OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

THE FALLEN

BRIND-SHERIDAN, SHERIDAN, PADDY KENDALL Major No. 41 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Grave Reference: 5. C. 12. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Page 29 of 56

HAY, JOHN Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Died of wounds Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 111511: Son of John Richard and Agnes Maude Hay, of Darlington, Co. Durham. Grave Reference: 6. C. 9. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

HEYWOOD, HERBERT WILLIAM Sergeant No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 106621 Son of Frederick Thomas Heywood and Alice Heywood, of Fallowfield. Manchester. Grave Reference: 5. C. 9. Cemetery: BERGEN-OPZOOM WAR CEMETERY

READ, JOHN WILLIAM Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107158: Son of Samuel and Florence Mary Read, of Northfleet, Kent; husband of Gertrude Mary Read, of Northfleet. Grave Reference: 5. C. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

ROBERTSON, JOHN BURT Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Died of wounds Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 105905 Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 14. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Sunday, 5 November 1944 Page 30 of 56

HAYDON, PETER HILLYARD Captain Royal Marines No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Killed in action Date of Death: 05/11/1944 Awards: D S O: Son of Rollo Hillyard Stafford Haydon and Annie Gwendoline Haydon, of Equador. Grave Reference: 15. B. 3.Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Citation for DSO London Gazette Issue 36367 published on the 4 February 1944 Temporary Lieutenant Peter Hillyard Haydon, Royal Marines. For gallant and distinguished services in operations leading to the capture of Termoli.

HOLMES, JOHN WILLIAM Lieutenant No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 05/11/1944: Son of John William and Mabel Holmes; husband of Barbara Holmes, of Lindley, Huddersfield. Grave Reference: 15. B. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

JOHN, REGINALD BRINLEY Marine No.41 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 05/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 104029 Grave Reference: 15. C. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN-OPZOOM WAR CEMETERY

MOSES, BYRON Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 05/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 103430 Grave Reference: 15. B. 2. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Monday, 6 November 1944 Page 31 of 56

SMITH, REGINALD Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Died of wounds Date of Death: 06/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 116673: Son of Arthur Owen Smith and Bessie Elizabeth Smith, of Kingsley, Northampton. Grave Reference: 5. D. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Tuesday, 7 November 1944

SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

BARNES, JOHN Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Died of wounds Date of Death: 07/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 117497: Son of William and Catherine Barnes, of Reddish, Lancashire. Grave Reference: III. D. 11. Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

COOKE, WILLIAM FRANK Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 07/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 115547: Son of Thomas Benjamin and Clara Jane Cooke, of Leicester. Grave Reference: 15. C. 6. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Page 32 of 56

PAGE, HENRY Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 25 Died of wounds Date of Death: 07/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 4323: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Page, of Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Grave Reference: 15. C. 1. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

SMITH, CHARLES EDWARD Corporal No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 29 Died of wounds Date of Death: 07/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 105869: Son of William John and Margret Sarah Smith, of Leytonstone, Essex. Grave Reference: 15. C. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Wednesday, 6 December 1944

BOND, ALFRED JOHN Lance Corporal No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 24 Date of Death: 06/12/1944 Service No: PO/X 100850: Son of Herbert and F. Allen Bond of Swindon.

Grave Reference: New ground. Grave 773. Cemetery: RODBOURNE CHENEY (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD

Saturday, 13 January 1945 BALLYCAIRN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHYARD

Page 33 of 56

NICHOLSON, ROBERT FISHER Marine No. 41 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Died of wounds Date of Death: 13/01/1945 Service No: PO/X 100815: Son of Richard Fisher Nicholson and Hannah Nicholson, of Belfast. Grave Reference: Grave 16. Cemetery: BALLYCAIRN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHYARD

47 Royal Marine Commando

To the Everlasting Memory of the men of 47 Royal Marine Commando Who gave their lives in the liberation of Europe 1944-1945 Port-en-Bessin, Sallenelles, Sannerville/Dozele, Walcheren, Kapelsche Veer The following Roll of Honour is a composite compiled from many other websites including the Commonwealth War Graves & covers 47 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO at Walcheren On the wall of the R.K.-touristchurch in Dishoek (Veere community) in a plaque attached as a reminder of the 34 men of the 47 Royal Marine Commando, who were killed while taking over battery W 11 between Dishoek and Vlissingen.

Underneath this plaque where the names of the killed soldiers are written is another plaquette attached with the following text: Under the command of Lt. Col. Phillips D.S.O. 47 R.M. Commando made the assault landing through the gap in the dyke at Westkapelle on 1st. November 1944.The Commando liberated the South-West area from Zoutlande to the gap and the Nolle dyke and captured the batteries W11 and W4.The casualties among the 400 Page 34 of 56

commando's were 34 killed and 82 wounded.

BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Walcheren landings, operation “Infatuate” starting 1st November Accompanied by 1 Dutch troop of 10 (1.A.) Commando, No. 47 R.M. Commando were to land on the right side of a large breach in the seawall at Walcheren and clear the dunes South from Zouteland to take 2 gunnery positions, Batteries 11 & 12. In practice they were split into 2 groups when landing craft were beached both sides of the gap. However, their objectives were successfully taken though severe casualties were incurred.

DAY, JAMES EDWARD Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Killed in action Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 103343: Son of James William and Alice Maud Day, of Leicester. Grave Reference: 5. A. 10. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY HUBBARD, RONALD LESLIE Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 114110: Son of Frederick Charles and Elsie Maud Hubbard, of Enfield, Middlesex. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 3. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

LAWTON, EDWARD GERALD Lance Corporal No.47 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Died of wounds Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 115276: Son of Colonel K. Lawton and Mrs. Lawton, of Glengariff, Co. Cork, Irish Republic. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 28. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY TEED, KENNETH TALBOT Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando Age: 20 Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 103256(T): Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. F. Teed, of Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

Page 35 of 56

Thursday, 2 November 1944

BREHME, REGINALD HERBERT RONALD Sergeant No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 103637: Son of Albert Frank and Ada Ruth Brehme, of Southwark, London. Grave Reference: 5. C. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

BUCHANAN, JOSEPH Lance Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 111175: Son of George Ernest and Margaret Buchanan, of Seaforth, Liverpool. Grave Reference: 6. A. 3. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

DAVIES, ALBERT STANLEY Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 104395: Son of Samuel and Annie Davies, of Hawarden, Flintshire. Grave Reference: 5. C. 7. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

DERRICK, MARTIN Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 112062: Son of Martin and Mary Annie Derrick, of North Shields, Northumberland; grandson of Elizabeth Jensen, of North Shields. Grave Reference: 6. B. 6. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Page 36 of 56

DUKE, ANDREW Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 25 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 3651: Son of John and Sarah Duke, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Grave Reference: 6. B. 7. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

EVANS, EDWARD JAMES Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 112376 Grave Reference: 5. B. 2. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

FEE, DENIS Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115272 Son of James and Martha Fee, of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.

Grave Reference: 6. B. 11. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

FLETCHER, WILLIAM ROBERT DENNIS Lance Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 113640: Son of William Robert and Florence Alice Fletcher, of Barking, Essex. Grave Reference: 5. B. 7. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

GRIMSDELL, MAURICE HERBERT Lance Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115851 Grave Reference: 6. A. 1. BERGEN-OPPage 37 of 56

ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

HAYWARD, NORMAN ALBERT WILLIAM Lieutenant No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 30 Died of wounds Date of Death: 02/11/1944: Son of Albert Thomas Hayward and Freda Lucy Hayward; husband of Margaret Hayward, of Saltford, Somerset. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 1.

Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

LONGDEN, ALAN Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 108937: Son of Bertie and Pattie Longden, of Whaley Bridge, Cheshire. Grave Reference: 5. C. 8. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

McGREGOR, DUNCAN FERGUSON Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 111677: Son of John and Christina McGregor, of Glasgow. Grave Reference: 6. B. 12. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

NICHOLL, FRANCIS Lance Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108029: Son of Catherine Nicholl, of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Grave Reference: 6. B. 9. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

PAYNE, HARRY Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 103398: Son of John Henry and Annie Payne, of Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire. Grave Reference: 6. B. 10. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Page 38 of 56

PETTIT, ROBERT ALAN Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 114685 Grave Reference: 5. B. 11. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

PLANK, HAROLD HENRY Company Sergeant Major No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 26 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 3504: Son of William and Lottie Plank; husband of Anita Plank, of New Malden, Surrey. Grave Reference: 5. A. 3.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

PUDDICK, JOHN EDWARD Sergeant No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 108414: Son of Walter Edward and Minnie Hilda Mary Puddick, of Beckenham, Kent. Grave Reference: 5. B. 1. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY RACKHAM, ROBERT FREDERICK Sergeant No. 47 R.M. Commando. Posted missing presumed killed Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X Memorial Reference: 79, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

RIPINER, CHARLES STEPHEN Corporal: No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 4226: Son of Richard and Gladys Ripiner; husband of Elizabeth E. Ripiner, of Stirling. Grave Reference: 5. B. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Page 39 of 56

SPEAR, WILLIAM JAMES CLEMENT Company Sergeant Major No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 26 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 1264: Son of William James Spear and Emily Louise Spear; husband of Eileen Spear, of Camel's Head, Plymouth. Grave Reference: 6. A. 11. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

STYLE, MICHAEL GEORGE HURRELL Lieutenant Suffolk Regiment and No. 47 R.M. Commando Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: 113581 Grave Reference: 6. A. 6.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

THATCHER, ALBERT GEORGE MAY Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Died of wounds Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 110293: Son of Elsie Eveline Thatcher, of Knowle West, Bristol. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 6. Grave 39: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

UNSWORTH, JAMES Corporal No. 47 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 3886 Grave Reference: 5. B. 6. BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

WEBB, ROBERT EDWARD Sergeant No. 47 R.M. Commando. Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 103808 Grave Reference: 6. A. 4. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Page 40 of 56

WILSON, GEORGE MCLEOD Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Killed in action Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 102069: Son of William and Jessie F. S. McLeod. Wilson, of Elgin, Morayshire. Grave Reference: 6. A. 2. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

Friday, 3 November 1944

FLANNAGAN, JOE Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Killed in action Date of Death: 03/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 110268: Son of John Joseph and Elizabeth Jane Flannagan, of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Grave Reference: Sp. Mem. 5. D. 12. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

MUIR, JAMES Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Killed in action Date of Death: 03/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 105150: Son of James and Jessie Muir, of Ayr. Grave Reference: 5. D. 8.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

PATEY, KENNETH GORDON Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Killed in action Date of Death: 03/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 107499: Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Patey, of Mount Gold, Plymouth. Grave Reference: 6. B. 8. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

4 - 7th November 1944

Page 41 of 56

Marine No. 47 R.M. Commando. Age: 22 Died of wounds Date TURNER, ANTHONY Marin of Death: 04/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 105677: Son of John and M. E. Turner, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Newcastle Grave Reference: 6. A. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

FAWCETT,, JOSEPH Marine No. 47 R.M. Co Commando. mmando. Age: 20 Died of wounds Date of Death: 07/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109226: Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Fawcett, of Liverpool. Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 13. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY

SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

SOUTHAMPTON (HOLLYBROOK) LYBROOK) CEMETERY 48 RM COMMANDO

Page 42 of 56

A memorial, located Serooskerke Village, Island of Walcheren, Netherlands, to the ranks of 48 Commando RM and 79 Squadron Royal Engineers who lost their lives when the Landing Vehicles Track were hit by enemy fire.

To the citizens of Serooskerke (W) on the 40e anniversary of liberation 8e Nov: 1984 for their friendship and hospitality To old comrades of 48 commando Royal Marines over the 40 years this plaque was unveiled by Maj. D.J. Flunder. M.C., V.R.D., (A Troop) of 48 Commando. ommando.

Page 43 of 56

WEDNESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 1944

BERGEN BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY

BROWN,, WILLIAM Private Royal Army Medical Corps attached 48 Commando RM16 Lt. Field Ambulance Age: 26 Date of Death: Page 44 of 56

01/11/1944 Service No: 7404141: Son of George and Jeannie Lawrence Brown, of Aberdeen; husband of Mary Brown. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 6. C. 5. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

BURGESS, NORMAN Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Aged 23 Service No: PO/X 108636 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 5.

B. 8. Cemetery: B BERGEN-OP--ZOOM RGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

DAVIS, S, ANTHONY DAVID Sergeant 48 R R.M. .M. Commando. Age: 21 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107012: Son of John and Elizabeth Jane Davis, of Watford, Hertfordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 6. A. 9. Cemetery: BERGEN-OPBERGEN ZOOM WAR CEMETERY killed in action Walcheren

De STACPOOLE Derick Roderick “Y” Troop 48 RM Commando; Major Date Of Death: 1st November 1944 Age: 25: son of George, 5th Duke de Stacpoole and Duchess (nee Palmer), Tobertynan, Enfield, Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland "A " gallant, handsome Irish gentleman and most admirable soldier, we owed much to the standards he had set" (Lt-Col Col J.L.Moulton) Gravesite: Bergen Bergen-op-Zoom Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands 6.B.2 Wounded in action 6.6.1944 Normandy. Killed in action Walcheren. His brother 56472108 was also killed in H Holland on the same day.

HAINES, LESLIE JAMES Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X104936: Son of James and Ethel Haines, of Radstock, Somerset.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: Sp. Mem. 6. D. 9. BERGEN-OP--ZOOM WAR Page 45 of 56

CEMETERY Died at Walcheren HUGHES,, HAROLD Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 20 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 109789; Son of Harold and Ada Hughes, of Hanley, Staffordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 1. Me Memorial: morial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Killed in action Walcheren

JORDAN, KENNETH JOSEPH Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 113603; Husband of Kitty Evelyn Jordan, of Ashton, Lancashire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Refe Reference: rence: 6. B. 1. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM BERGEN WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

LINDREA, CYRIL BRIAN Lieutenant 48 R.M. Commando. “Z” Troop Age: 19 Date of Death: 01/11/1944: Son of John Graham Lindrea and Mary Lindrea, of Clifton, Bristol.

Commonwealth lth War Dead Grave Reference: 6. A. 10. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren McARTHUR, Marine “S” Troop 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 107114 Additional information: Son of William and Isab Isabelle elle McArthur of Oatlands, Glasgow Commonwealth War Dead Memorial Reference: 79, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Killed in action Walcheren

McKENZIE,, GORDON MALACHY CRAWFORD South African Lieutenant South African Armoured Corps SECONDED 48 Commando RM Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: 110297V Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial Reference: Panel 11. Memorial: GROESBEEK MEMORIAL

SAMWELL, LAWRENCE ARTHUR Marine 48 R.M. Commando Age: 21 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 106993: Son of Arthur Alfred and Violet Emily Page 46 of 56

Samwell, of Lodge Hill, Rochester, Kent. His brother Vernon James Samwell also fell.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 6. A. 7. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

SHEARS, PHILIP D DESMOND ESMOND Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age 21 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 116356 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 5. D. 11.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren STEVENTON,, THOMAS Corporal 48 R.M. Commando Age: 221 1 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 117135: Son of Thomas Steventon, and of Florence Steventon, of Wednesbury, Staffordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Memorial Reference: Panel 87, Column 2. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Missing presumed killed kille Walcheren

WINSER, DAVID MICHAEL DE REUDA Lieutenant Royal Army Medical Corps attached 48 Commando RM Age: 29 Date of Death: 01/11/1944 Service No: 305697 Awards: M C: Son of Commander. Alfred Michael Winser, R.N. (Rtd.) and Elizabeth Marjorie Winser, of Hampstead, London. B.M. Scholar of Winchester and of Corpus Christi College, Oxford; rowed three years for Oxford; Newdigate Prize Winner Lieutenant Winser, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Military Cross for actions that took place before the 4th Special Service Ser Brigade was attached to the 6th Airborne Division. Note spelling (Winser as per cwgc) June 6th and 7th 1944. St Aubin and Langrune.

“Throughout Throughout the action, the medical personnel have behaved with great gallantry. I attribute this to the training, lead leadership ership and personal example under fire of Lieutenant Winser. He repeatedly attended the wounded under fire both on the beach and in Langrune.

His attitude was at all times calm, reassuring and unshaken however heavy the casualties or trying the circumstances. es. The casualty figures for 48 Commando will bear witness to the magnitude of the tasks which he accomplished successfully” successfully”.

Grave Reference: 6. B. 3. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren.

Page 47 of 56

PRESENTED TO THE PEOPLE OF ZOUTELA ZOUTELANDEIN COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR LIBERATION BY"A" TROOP 48 COMMANDO, ROYAL MARINES AT 11.00 HRS. ON 2ND. NOVEMBER 1944 FRIDAY 3RD - SATURDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 1944

MACKENZIE,, RODERICK GIMSON GRANT Captain “X” Troop 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 24 Date of Death: 03/11/1944 Awards: M C Son of John Ross Mackenzie, and of Elizabeth Mackenzie (nee Gimson); nephew of Alice M. Gimson, of Leicester. Lieutenant Mackenzie was awarded the Mi Military litary Cross for actions that took place before the 4th Special Service Brigade was attached to the 6th Airborne Division.

“June 6th and 7th 1944 St Aubin and Langrune. Rallied his troop on the beach under fire when his troop commander was hit and led the them m off the beach to the assembly area. During street fighting in Langrune, led his troop with gallantry and determination, and by working his way forward in advance of tank support was largely responsible for the capture of the Langrune strong point. He sho showed wed throughout, complete disregard for his own safety and remained calm and cheerful in very trying circumstances on the beach beach. “ Mackenzie was promoted to Captain on the 13th June 1944, and on the 23rd June was placed in command of "X" Troop. Commonwealt Commonwealth h War Dead Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 2. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY Died of wounds received 1.11.1944 Walcheren died of wounds in hospital, Belgium

Page 48 of 56

GODKIN,, NOEL HERBERT Captain “HQ” Troop 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 32 Date of Death: 04/11/1944 Awards: M.B.E Captain Godkin, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Godkin of Park Road, Loughborough. Mr. Herbert Godkin was head of the firm of Messrs, Herbert Godkin and Co, accountants, Baxter gate, Loughborough. Capt, Godkin was educated at Loughborough Grammar School and went to London for five years, where he was articled. Capt Godkin had many friends in Loughborough who will regret the passing of this gallant soldier. He joined up as a private in 1941, and later obtained his co commission. mmission. At the date of his death he was an administrative officer in the Royal Marine Commando. He was in the thick of the fighting on many occasions and was in the landings at Sicily, Italy and Normandy. Before joining the Royal Marines Capt, Godkin, who o was a chartered accountant, was a partner in the firm with his father and uncle.

He took a great interest in literature, art, and music, and was a fluent French speaker. He was a popular member of the Loughborough Rugby Club. Quiet and unassuming. Capt, Godkin elected to join some of the toughest fighters in the world, the Royal Marines. He acquitted himself with great credit, and his many friends will remember him with respect, whilst sympathizing with his family. He was engaged to Sister A. Collins, of Loughborough Hospital.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 5. Cemetery: OOSTENDE Died of wounds.

WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 1944

BEAN, WILLIAM GEORGE Marine 48 R.M. Commando. “A” Troop, Aged 22 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 103570 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15.

B. 1. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

BRANCH, WALTER JAMES Private Royal Army Medical Corps attached 48 Commando RM Age 23 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: 7387468 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15. C. 3. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Died Walcheren

ENGLAND Walter Hugh 48 RM Commando (A Troop) Lieutenant Number: 92327 V Date of Death: 8th November 1944 Age: 25: parent unit South African Tank Corps son of Henry W.T. and Janet K .England, Durban, Natal, South Africa Gravesite: BergenBergen op-Zoom Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands 21.B.1 Killed in action Walche Walcheren Page 49 of 56

FOGG, DENNIS Lance Corporal 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115897: Son of Thomas Harvey Fogg and Lydia Maria Fogg, of Alum Rock, Birmingham. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 16. B. 11. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM OOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

GIBBS, ROBERT MAURICE Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 121475 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 5. C. 6. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY killed in action at Walche Walcheren

LAW, JAMES ERNEST Corporal 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 24 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 105624 Additional information: Son of Arthur Law, and of Annie Millicent Law, of Ashwell, Hertfordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 21. B. 2.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

MEE,, ALFRED JOHN Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 23 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: CH/X 105114: Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Jewell, of Kentish Town, London. Commonwealth War Dead Grav Grave e Reference: 16. B. 8. Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM BERGEN WAR CEMETERY killed in action at Walcheren

PEACE, HAROLD Sergeant 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 24 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 104977: Son of William Bryan and Rebecca Peace, of Beeston, Nottinghamshire. shire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 16. A. 7. Cemetery: BERGENBERGEN OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

POTTER, FREDERICK Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Date of Death: Page 50 of 56

08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 107809: Son of Fred and Mary E. Potter, of Hull.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 16. B. 9. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

SAVAGE, CYRIL CHARLES Royal Marines 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 21 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 110740: Son of Kate Sav Savage, age, of Patchway, Gloucestershire.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 16. B. 10. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN--OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren

SHRIGLEY, ERNEST Corporal 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 29 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 120590: Son of Thomas Arthur and Emma Jane Shrigley, of Talke, Staffordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15. C. 8. Cemetery: BERGENBERGEN OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY Kill Killed in action Walcheren

SKELLAND, COLIN Marine “A” Troop 48 R.M. Commando Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 1909 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15. C. 9.

Cemetery: BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM WAR CEMETERY killed in action Walcheren STEPHENS, KENNETH WILLIAM Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age 22 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108058 Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: Panel 103.

Column 2. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Died Walcheren

TITMUSS, PHILIP GEORGE Marine 48 R.M. Commando Commando.. Age: 19 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 108464: Son of James and Violet Mary Titmuss, of Lilley, Bedfordshire. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15. C. 7. Cemetery: BERGEN-OPBERGEN ZOOM WAR CEMETERY & Lilley (now Herts) War Memorial Killed in action Walcheren

WALL,, NORMAN F. Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 19 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 4240 Son of Frederick and Daisy Wall. Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 6. B. 2. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP-ZOOM ZOOM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY Killed in action Walcheren Page 51 of 56

WARE,, CHARLES JOHN Marine 48 R.M. Commando. Age: 29 Date of Death: 08/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 100016: Son of James and Anne Ware, of Copnor, Hampshire.

Commonwealth War Dead Grave Reference: 15. C. 2. Cemetery: BERGEN BERGEN-OP OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERYY Died of wounds Walcheren MONDAY 13th NOVEMBER 1944

SAGE, WILLIAM COLSTON Marine .48 R.M. Commando Age: 21 Date of Death: 13/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 106647: Son of Edward Colston Sage and Ethel Elizabeth Sage, of Bristol. Commonwealth War Dead Grave R Reference: eference: Plot 9. Row 7. Grave 33. Cemetery: OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY died of wounds Walcheren

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RM 26th Light AA Battery, Walcheren landings, operation Infatuate

ALDRED, JOHN FREDERICK Marine Royal Marines 26 R.M. Lt. A.A. Battery. Age: 21 Killed in action Date of Death: 04/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 115495: Son of Edward and Emma Aldred, of Atherton, Lancashire. Grave Reference: Joint grave III. D. 3. Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

EVASON, FRANK Lance Corporal Marines 26 R.M. Lt. A.A. Battery. Age: 39 Killed in action Date of Death: 04/11/1944 Service No: PLY/X 106353: Son of Arthur and Lillian Evason, of Prestwich, Lancashire; husband of Evelyn Marie Evason, of Prestwich. Grave Reference: III. D. 2.

Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

GRANT, ERNEST JESSE Marine Royal Marines 26 R.M. Lt. A.A. Battery. Killed in action Date of Death: 04/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 110244 Grave Reference: III. D. 1. Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

WASHER, THOMAS Lance Corporal Royal Marines 26 R.M. Light. A.A. Battery.

Killed in action Age: 27 Date of Death: 04/11/1944 Service No: PO/X 102242: Son of Thomas William and Florence Washer, of Brighton, Sussex; husband of Rose Helen Washer, of Brighton. Grave Reference: Joint grave III. D. 3. Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY Page 53 of 56

ROYAL MARINE ENGINEERS

RM Engineers, F Company (possibly wounded at Walcheren) TEW, THOMAS BULLEY Marine Royal Marine Engineers F Company Died of wounds Date of Death: 10/11/1944 Service No: RME/11368 Grave Reference: Sec. 9. Grave 8350. Cemetery: SOUTH SHIELDS (HARTON) CEMETERY

RM Engineer Commando (possibly wounded at Walcheren) GOMM, ARTHUR GEORGE Sergeant Royal Marines R.M. Engineer Commando. Age: 25 Died of wounds Date of Death: 23/11/1944 Service No: EX/4520(T): Son of Ernest James Gomm and Ethel Maud Gomm; husband of Edna Gladys Gomm, of Ashford, Middlesex. Grave Reference: Sec. D. Grave 37. Cemetery: FORT WILLIAM (GLEN NEVIS) CEMETERY 10 COMMANDO TROOPS ATTACHED TO 41 RM COMMANDO Belgian and Norwegian troops participated in the amphibious landing near Westkapelle as a unit of the 41 Royal Marine Commando on 1 November, 1944. The target of this operation was to occupy the strip of land from Westkapelle to Breezand. They had eliminated the German coastal batteries near Westkapelle, Domburg and Oostkapelle On November 4th, the Belgian and Norwegian units arrived in Domburg. They conquered several batteries and cleared the area of German soldiers which has cost many lives.

The memorials to their sacrifice are placed in the opening of the entrance to the Boulevard of Schagen.

THE COMMANDOS KILLED They are all buried in the cemetery at Domburg on the island of Walcheren

BELGIUM on 6 November 1944 Lieutenant Meny Adolphe Corporal Francois Dive Page 54 of 56

BELGIAN MEMORIAL As a reminder to the participation of Belgian Commandos to the glorious battles for the liberation of the city and the island Domburg Walcheren in November 1944 National Alliance Belgian War Department of Antwerp Small plaque text: This memorial was adopted by the Primary school of Domburg

NORWAY November 1944 Lieutenant Alf Kristian Solbu, (Walcheren) 2/Lieutenant Gabriel Smith, (Kapelsche Veer) Corporal Olav Bjørndalen, (Kapelsche Veer) Corporal Ivar Marius Haga, (Stord) Trooper Ola Christophersen, (Westkapelle) Trooper Peter Emil Hopen, (Kapelsche Veer) Trooper Lars Hovstad, (Domburg) Trooper Leif Ludvik Larsen, (Westkapelle) Trooper Bernt Myrvåg, (Kapelsche Veer) Trooper Sven Røsland, (Westkapelle)

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NORWEGIAN MEMORIAL

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

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