FINNIS, Leslie Thomas

Known as: 
Tubby
Rank: 
Corporal
Unit / Base: 
4 Commando
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Army Air Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6297984
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Monday, February 27, 1922
Died : 
Friday, February 9, 1990
Leslie Finnis 4 Commando
Green beret of Leslie Finnis 4 Commando
Leslie Finnis was wounded 6 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. He was hit by several bullets in his legs and abdomen as he exited the landing craft onto Sword Beach. He also received burns from a phosphorous grenade. 
Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in NW Europe.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Sussex.
Service Record
21.04.1941 enlisted at Chatham into The Buffs and posted 70th Bn.,
10.11.1941 promoted Lance Corporal.
29.04.1942 appointed Acting Corporal. 
27.08.1942 granted war substantive rank of Corporal.
03.10.1942 posted Commando Depot.
17.10.1942 reverted to rank of Private (in line with Commando policy).
30.11.1942 attached No.4 Commando.
06.06.1944 wounded Normandy, France, and subsequently hospitalised.
30.07.1944 posted 30th Regimental Holding Unit.
18.08.1944 posted 54 Regimental Holding Unit.
20.02.1945 attached No.3 Commando.
06.09.1945 appointed Acting Lance Corporal.
21.09.1945 appointed Acting Corporal.
01.12.1945 transferred to Army Air Corps and posted 2nd Parachute Bn.
20.12.1945 granted war substantive rank of Corporal.
24.03.1946 posted to Home Details, then the Holding Bn. and Depot.
17.11.1946 Released to Reserve.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 /National Archives file WO417/77.
MiD - London Gazette 37340, page 5444.
MOD Service Record transcript sent to family 1991.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 91 (1990).
[Images] Candice Moore, granddaughter; Hartley Moore, great grandson.
 
Notes
The cap badge in photo (1)  is that of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders which remains a mystery at present. The second image is that of his own green beret with his regimental badge of The Buffs.
 

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