RAN BEACH COMMANDOS - Band, John Morrel | Special Forces Roll Of Honour

John Robertson

Administrator

Staff member

Sep 6, 2008

SURNAME

Band

FORENAME

John Morrel

UNIT

R.A.N.R. (HMAS Basilisk) (Beach Party)

RANK

Lieutenant Commander

NUMBER

DATE OF DEATH

23rd September 1943

AGE

GRAVESITE

Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery,Papua New Guinea B5.C.23

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

born 22.3.1902

son of John Oliver and Margaret Band

husband of Violet Band,Harlow,Essex,England

enlisted 1.9.1939

award Navy Cross (US) (posthumous)

KIA New Guinea (Battle of Scarlet Beach)

DATE OF DEATH:

23-Sep-1943

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/band-john-morrel.34528/

CITATION:

Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John Morel Band, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy, as Officer in Charge of the Naval Beach Party that landed at Japanese occupied Finschafen on 22 September 1943. Lieutenant Commander Band landed with the first wave in face of heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. In absolute disregard for his own safety he repeatedly exposed himself in efforts to execute successfully the task that had been assigned him, and in doing so, was mortally wounded. Demonstrating tenacious courage, he continued to direct his group and was successful in diverting one group of landing craft which were about to land on the wrong beach in the face of heavy enemy opposition. As the result of his wounds he fell unconscious on the beach and was returned to a field hospital where he died. His daring leadership and devotion to duty contributed to the successful completion of a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.