Normandy 7th June 1944

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S

Sue

New Member
Hi, I am trying to find out information about my uncle.

Surname: Underwood
Forename: Lionel Harold
Unit: 3 Commando
Rank: Lance Corporal
Number: 5956944
Date Of Death: 7th June 1944
KIA Normandy

Dad told me he was killed when his tank was blown up. Would anyone know what sort of tank he would have been in please? Would there maybe any groups photos around that anyone knows about? Apparently a year or two before my uncle was killed he was in Scotland doing Commando exercises? up and down cliffs and stuff like that. The only reason we know is that a girl from his home town happened to be in Scotland at the time and saw and recognised him and it was a srprise to both of them. However, I don't know where or when. He went to the Commandos from the Beds & Herts Regiment.

A few years ago the newsagent was selling a series on soldiers. The first one was a commando from the 6th Commandos and there was a little figurine to go with the magazine. I assume the uniform would be the same, just the patches would be different. They are now bringing out a series on tanks, and I thought it would be nice to have a tank to go with the figure.

Can anyone help me please.
Thanks.

Sue Given
Australia
 
hi

as far as tanks goes its a wide possibility with them just off the bat but the most likely two candidates are either a Cromwell tank or a Sherman ( possibly one of the variations of the Sherman). I find it strange a commando would be part of a tank crew so there could be more to that story. there is a book called commando country that tells of all the commando training up in Scotland, it can be bought from amazon. also if you know his regiment just googleing it with d-day might come up with something, either that or do the same for an amazon search and you might find a book or two covering their time in Normandy. if its the 7th then its likely he was killed during the drive for caen, they were held by the Germans on the 7th I believe about 3-5 miles outside caen. hope that helps If I have a quick look and see what I can come up with I will add to this

phil
 
found some other bits including a book on 3 commando and a website that seems to have a group photo taken in 1943 in italy. I know they took part in the invasion of Sicily ( operation husky) so that somewhere you can look for more detail. the website is the commando vetrens website so you might find some old comrades of his there


1st Special Service Brigade comprising No. 3, No. 4, No. 6 and No. 45 (RM) Commandos landed at Ouistreham in Queen Red sector of Sword Beach.
In the beginning of the afternoon the n? 3 Commando crossed Pegasus Bridge and bivouaced in Amfreville foreseeing a German counter-attack.

FIGHTING WITH THE COMMANDOS: Recollections of Stan Scott, No. 3 Commando ( available amazon)


http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoF...861FD549F#1847
 
Hi Geronimo,

thanks for the reply. My uncle was posted to 3 Commando in 1942, and was awarded the Italy Star, so he may well be in that book. I will see if I can get it and have a look. As a Commando he received the Defence and War Medal and 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star.

Thanks again

Sue Given
 
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