Bravery

They often make the 'Supreme Sacrifice'

This page is the beginning of the "Bravery" section; all Links in this section are on this page. To follow the Links in order click-on the highlighted Links at the bottom of the page; or use the Links at the side.

The previous page was: "Zeebrugge 1918"

This page gives you an idea of the Bravery documented on the other pages; in World War II Thomas Peck Hunter a Royal Marine Corporal in 43 Commando Royal Marines was awarded the Victoria Cross in the battle of Lake Commachio in Italy.

He was born in Aldershot; His father was a serving soldier in the Royal Scots. He was brought up and educated in Edinburgh. He joined the Royal Marines when was eighteen years of age.

Corporal Hunter was leading his troop to attack German occupied houses at the end of Lake Commachio. They were in the middle of open ground 200 yards from the enemy and 200 yards from cover the other way.

Couragously, he chose to attack; he grabbed the Bren gun and the magazines and charged the enemy. He made himself the target for three Spandau machine guns that were facing him and six other Spandaus on the other bank.

Navy Seals

World War I action

Major Frederick William Lumsden VC CB DSO of the Royal Marines Artillery was without doubt one of the bravest of the brave.

January 1917 six German field guns had been captured but it was necessary to leave them in their entrenched positions because of the volume of fire.

The Germans could not get them back and they did not want them used against them.

They were in the middle of no-man's land; three-hundred yards from the German front line in France.

Falklands Synopsis Part 1 Falklands Synopsis Part 2

Royal Marine Pilots in action

The RM Pilots. During the Norwegian Campaign other Royal Marine pilots from the Ark Royal performed excellent service.

Captain E. D. McIver followed his leader into attack at Bergan harbour; he dropped his bombs with great skill in spite of the appalling weather.

Captain N.R.M. Skene RM won the DSC for leading a Swordfish squadron in two bombing attacks on Vaernes airfield, Trondheim. Destroying three hangers in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire.

Italy Madagascar Malta 1942

Madagascar.

The Vichy-held island of Madagascar was the target.

After the Japanese occupation of Malaya and Burma; it was imperative that the British get a foot hold in the Region.

The orders for the assault contained significant words: "Withdrawal is totally out of the question; the operation has to succeed at all cost."

One Commando

Tobruk Amphibious Landing

The aim was to gain control of the Tobruk harbour for twelve hours. At that time, September 1942, Tobruk was in the hands of Rommel, it contained among most other valuable materials, petrol storage tanks holding thousands of gallons of fuel.

If these storage tanks could be destroyed, together with the harbour installations and quays, a heavy blow would have been struck at a very crucial moment, since preparations for the decisive battle of El Alamein were already far advanced.

At the same time another raid was planned on Barce airfield, a third by Long Range Desert Group on Benghazi, an attack on the Giallo Oasis by the Sudan Defence Force, and a visit by the Special Boats Section Royal Marines to the Island of Rhodes.

So widespread a series of operations would, it was hoped, confuse the enemy.

Rhodes 1942 Tobruk

Army Commandos

The Men of all 4 Commandos Brigades were indeed very brave men.

Between them they won 8 Victoria Cross Medals, 37 Distinguished Service Order Medals with nine bars, 32 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 218 Military Medals.

They were also awarded Campaign Medals for each one they fought in along with General Service Medals that they were entitled to.

It was stated that every Commando desrved a Medal for Bravery.

Modern-day Pages Fast Boats Pages Joe Wezley Pages

One Commando Royal Marines in Sicily

The commandos were covered by the sprays from the rough seas; they would be well and truely drenched before getting ashore.

Memories of the key landmarks they had been shown in their preparations were clear in their minds, each man knew exactly what his job was, and nothing was going to stop him.

When the Commandos landed it was on a smaller beach that was close to the main beach, but separated by a large rocky mound. 'Commando Cove' they called it-at the most southerly tip of the island.

Two Commando units of One Commando Brigade landed first, scaling the rocky cliffs until they were over the top. Taking the enemy by total surprise they soon mopped up the determined German and Italian resistance.

They moved forward wiping out machine gun nest after machine gun nest. Then moving on and after overcoming strong resistance they cleared the huge pill boxes and heavy guns batteries.

They blew up anything that might prove to be an obstacle to the Canadians landing.

The next Link below will be: "Falkland Islands War"

Bravery Falkland Islands War

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