RM CDOS Operation Flounced (40 Cdo)

Lt Beadle, 40 RM Commando, took part in the night attack on Sat 3rd June 1944 on Hill 633, Island of Brac, Adriatic, by 40 and 43 RM Commandos. In this attack his troop captured the hill top almost by themselves, but suffered very heavy casualties. The troop leader was killed, then the 2nd in command.

Lt Beadle, the last remaining officer, took command and pressed forward until the summit was taken. Here he consolidated his position and was violently counter-attacked by the enemy. However he refused to withdraw and finally the hill was retaken by the Germans. Lt Beadle was wounded and fell into the enemy's hands. There is no doubt that but for this young officer's gallant leadership the hill top would probably never have been taken, and but for his stubborn defence and truculent fighting spirit its recapture by a numerically much superior enemy was greatly delayed.

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3/4 June 1944 BRAC.
This Officer was the Troop Commander of the leading Troop in the assault on Pt. 622. During a long approach to the objective under continual fire he kept his Troop well under control and never ceased to encourage them on. He formed his Troop up in most difficult circumstances and pressed home his attack through wire and mines under particularly heavy fire. His Troop successfully reached their objective killing numbers of the enemy and taking prisoners. He then reorganised his Troop under heavy mortar fire and beat off a counter attack. Only when he found himself surrounded by Germans, out of touch with Headquarters, and running short of ammunition did he order his Troop to withdraw. This he succeeded in doing with remarkably small losses. His example and high standard of leadership were largely responsible for the success of his T....

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Sgt Kinnear was acting in the capacity of Troop Sergeant Major during Operation 'IMPACT' 10-13 Apr 45, and became at once an outstanding figure on the battlefield. In the area of MENATE the Commando met stiff enemy opposition on a narrow front, with the additional hazards of deeply sown minefields. Heavy toll was taken of unit personnel. During this critical period, with morale badly shaken and the success of the operation in the balance, Sgt KINNEAR emerged as a leader of the highest qualities. Tirelessly applying himself to the welfare of his men he moved freely through his section positions, succouring the wounded and exhorting tired men to renewed effort. In so doing he was repeatedly exposed to enemy SA fire, but by demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety he so stimulated the Troop that it was able to resume the attack and capture the objective.

During the many operations carried out by 40 (RM) Cdo from SICILIY to ARGENTA, Sgt Kinnear has been conspicuous by his gallantry.

During an operation on the DALMATION Island of BRAC in June 1944, he was again acting as Troop Sergeant Major. When heavy casualties had been sustained he went out alone over open ground to evacuate many of them under fire. Again in the same action he evacuated two casualties from the middle of a Schu minefield, and later returned to the summit of a hill within easy range of the enemy positions to evacuate wounded left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate sniping.

Within his troop and within the unit, Sgt KINNEAR has been a tower of strength. With always a helping hand for the weak, a word of encouragement to the faint hearted and above all, by his own shining example he has upheld the highest traditions of his Corps and of the British SNCO.

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