RM CDOS 40 Commando 1943

• 10th July

PACHINO PENINSULA 10 JULY 43

As "A" Troop Commander for the initial assault on the PACHINO peninsula, Captain Ephraums led his troop with courage and skill through very difficult enclosed county, from which heavy enemy fire was being brought to bear on the beaches.

His resourceful leadership was responsible for the seeking out and getting to grips with the enemy, which resulted in their speedier extermination; thus enabling the follow-up troops to get ashore with very few casualties.

His bold and resolute leadership and disregard for personal safety was an inspiration to all.

In my opinion, this Officer is strongly recommended.

Click to expand...

• 8th September

VIBO VALENTIA 8.9.43
Mne TYMAN was sent forward by himself to try and locate a German LMG position which causing trouble to the main posn. He worked his way forward about 3/4 of a mile in front of our forward position and located a mortar position by the cemetery above PIZZO, which was firing. He threw a grenade into the bty and withdrew. Later one German was found dead. This action of Mne TYMAN caused the mortar to discontinue firing. The LMG had moved and could not be located. On his way back he saw an Italian section moving forward and he shot two with his snipers rifle. Throughout this patrol he displayed great initiative besides skill and determination, gathering valuable information.

Click to expand...

VIBO VALENTIA 8.9.43

The above officer led a patrol consisting of his platoon into PIZZA station. This was about 800 yds in front of the forward positions. As he arrived at the station a German platoon entered from the opposite side. Lieut MORGAN immediately put his sections in position and himself with 2 Cpls and a Marine entered and cleared the station with grenades. He himself shot one German with his revolver. He continued to take complete control of the situation until the station was cleared and on being fired at from his right rear withdrew his platoon in good order. Six Germans were accounted for. As a result of his good leadership the clearing of the station and the withdrawal of his platoon was carried out with the loss of only one man.

Click to expand...

• 3rd October

Sgt Convery in Q Tp. became the only S.N.C.O. in the Tp. remaining unwounded after all three officers had become casualties. He took command of the Tp. and carried on holding the left flank where severe fighting was taking place. Later when ordered over to the right flank he himself killed 15 Germans with a bren gun. Throughout the action Sgt. Convery displayed courage and leadership of the very highest order and he was responsible for organising the Tp. in its defensive position during two counter attacks.

Click to expand...

Captain Bradley was commanding Q Troop the leading troop in the advance through TERMOLI. At the Railway bridge he came under heavy fire from the houses in the vicinity. Very heavy fighting ensued and about 30 Germans were captured including a Headquarters. Later he was wounded by a mortar bomb in the arm and chest but carried on in command until ordered to the R.A.P. Throughout the action Capt.Bradley was an inspiration to his troop. He showed great courage. In spite of wounds he fought his troop out of a position surrounded by Germans and withheld some three counter-attacks.

Click to expand...

Sgt.Aylett was acting as T.S.M. to A Tp. whose objective was the port and Eastern end of TERMOLI. A L.M.G. post was located in a house which was holding up the advance of the Troop. His Tp.Comdr. had just been shot in the head from the position. In spite of a bullet wound through his arm causing great pain Sgt.Aylett proceeded clear of the house with a small party and killed two Germans in the position. Later he collapsed and was taken to the Hos. Sgt.Aylett displayed great courage and disregard for his own personal safety throughout this action.

Click to expand...

• 3rd - 7th October

TERMOLI, ITALY 3 - 7 OCT 43
At TERMOLI between OCT 3 and OCT 7 Lieut Colonel MANNERS was in command of No. 40 (RM) Commando. He commanded the initial successful assault on the town with great success, showing fine skill and initiative. Later at the cross roads WEST of TERMOLI he organized a road block which trapped eight German vehs, all personnel being killed or captured. During the critical counter-attack period he organized and held an important sector and preserved it intact in face of infantry and tank attacks with all supporting weapons. He showed a complete contempt of danger and was continually on the move visiting and organizing his posts. His general bearing was an example to all ranks during the critical period.

Click to expand...

At TERMOLI from OCT 3rd to 7th Major HELLINGS was 2 i/c No. 40 (RM) Commando. His first task was to capture the port and neighbouring buildings. He showed great skill and initiative during this phase and his party killed and captured a considerable number of enemy. Later, during the critical counter- attack period he showed outstanding leadership and was continually in the advanced positions encouraging and organizing his posts. He moved from post to post completely regardless of danger and by his cheerful and resolute bearing did much to save the situation.

Click to expand...

Cpl Usher was in command of a patrol ordered to the railway bridge two miles North of TERMOLI. He was informed by some Italians that the bridge was held by Germans. He decided to attack it. The sentry was surprised and shot by the Bren gunner and several Germans retreating over the bridge were wounded. He found the bridge prepared for demolition and although knowing little about it he cut all the wires he could see. Two days later he took out another patrol and succeeded in accurately finding out the enemy positions to our front. His initiative and leadership throughout the action were of a very high standard.

Click to expand...