FAIRCLOUGH, John

Rank: 
Guardsman (later Sergeant)
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Grenadier Guards
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2619513
Honours & Awards: 
John Fairclough MM
Fairclough 2 Commando
Guardsman John Fairclough was one of the ten Commandos and 2 Norwegians who took part in Operation Musketoon. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. He was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during this raid.
Extract from the recommendation
Guardsman Fairclough was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Fairclough throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
 

The death of Sgt. John Fairclough MM of Wrexham, Clwyd, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.

Sources
London Gazette 35853, page 210.
Recommendations for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/76.
[Image 2] Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, sister of Captain Joseph Houghton MC.
 

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