SEARSON, Alfred Clarence

Known as: 
Alf
Rank: 
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Sussex Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6403917
Honours & Awards: 
LSgt Alf Searson MM 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant Alfred Searson, 1 troop, was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was later awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape from captivity in October 1943 .
He escaped to Switzerland with two others, LSgt. Dick Bradley (2 Cdo) and Pte. Jim Brown (5 Cdo). They were then interned. All 3 were later awarded the Military Medal.
An account by LSgt Bradley MM is on the website of the BBC WW2 People's War.
 
His death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 114 issued March 2002.
 
Additional sources
London Gazette 37194, page 3858.
Award Recommendation - National Archives file WO373/64/642.
British Army Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/47; WO417/68; and WO417/86.
POW - Escape /Evasion reports / National Archives file WO208/4269 and WO208/3324.
St Nazaire Society website.
Storming St. Nazaire, author James Dorrian.
 

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