PPA Porter, David J. (Dave)

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Porter
  • FORENAME
David J. (Dave)
  • UNIT
PPA P Patrol (R Patrol - Private Army - Popski)
  • RANK
Sergeant
  • NUMBER
2156419
  • DATE OF DEATH
10th November 1944
  • AGE
21
  • GRAVESITE
Ravenna War Cemetery,Italy V.A.9
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Engineers (also served SAS)
born 26.12.1922 St Helens,Lancashire
enlisted 19.2.1942 Elgin,Banffshire
son of Robert and Julia Porter,45 Earl Street,St Helens,Lancashire
award D.C.M.
glass worker in civilian life
joined PPA May 1943 Tebessa
KIA near Ravenna with Tpr Croghan (landmine)
"Perhaps the greatest PPA product.Stouthearted and unspoiled,a loveable character" (Popski)
"Broad and tall,with a round smiling face" (Popski)
"Tall and burly,resolute and reliable,unmovable by fear or by excitement,I had always thought him,of all our men,the most comforting to be with in a tight spot" (Popski)
IMAGES:
 

DATE OF DEATH:

10-Nov-1944

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/porter-david-j.27680/

CITATION:

Distinguished Conduct Medal :

On 29 Jun 44 at Castel San Pietro, Italy, Sgt Porter, in charge of a patrol of three, was ordered to reconnoitre a track leading to the village of Castel San Pietro. Finding the village apparently deserted, he entered it and in one of the houses he surprised a German Post. Two of the enemy were killed and a third one captured. When they came back into the street Sgt Porter's patrol came under heavy fire from three Spandaus concealed in the hillside above the village and also from a patrol of eight men armed with automatic rifles. With great gallantry and considerable skill Sgt Porter beat off the enemy who were attempting to cut off his retreat, and after two hours rejoined his own positions without suffering any casualties and brought back with him a prisoner and a German wireless set.

Recommendation by Major V. Peniakoff M.C. O.C. 1 Demolition Sqdn. P.P.A.

WEB LINKS:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/porter-david.57988/

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56499868/david-porter
Last edited by a moderator:
Serving with Popskis Private Army
By Leslie R. White & Anne Whyte
Top