STUTCHBURY, John Forbes

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Gordon Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
182409
P.O.W. number: 
18783
Lieutenant John Stutchbury, 3 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the raid on St. Nazaire on the night of 27/28th March, 1942.  Embarking on board HMS Campbeltown he was captured after the raid and later imprisoned at Oflag 9A/H Spangenberg Germany. 
MiD recommendation
"Lieut. Stutchbury was second in command of an assault group under Lieut. Roderick detailed to destroy enemy gun positions overlooking the Dry Dock and the disembarkment from HMS Campbeltown. Although very badly wounded in the leg Lieut. Stutchbury unremittingly assisted Lieut. Roderick in the execution of his group's task and by his display of dash and cheerfulness set a very fine example to his men.
Later, although suffering from loss of blood and consequent weakness, by his gallant action during the street fighting in the town, he not only caused considerable enemy casualties, but kept the morale high amongst the men by his excellent example."
  • 1945 awarded the Croix de Guerre.*
Sources
British Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
National Archives file WO373/46/294.
St Nazaire Society 75th anniversary newsletter.

* National Archives file WO373/185/15.


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