Lance Sergeant Lionel Wickson, 1 troop,  was one of the Commando contingent who had embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1]. 
Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland [2][3].​

Awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during the raid [4][4a]. 

Member of the Commando Association from Faifley, Clydebank [5].

On 28 March 1942 during the Commando raid at St. Nazaire, Sgt. Wickson was in a small party which was the first to land at the Old Mole. Under intense enemy fire this NCO displayed courage and determination of the highest order by immediately proceeding personally to eliminate an enemy blockhouse and kill the occupants.

A little later when his party was held up by enemy fire in a built up area, Sgt. Wickson, completely disregarding his own personal safety, took up a position in the open with his Bren gun, and proceeded purposely to draw all the enemy fire unto himself to make it possible for the remainder of his party to proceed. By this courageous action the advance into the built up area was able to proceed.

At a later stage when the Officer commanding this party was cut off from the troops, Sgt. Wickson immediately took command, and by his personal initiative and leadership. brought them safely through the enemy pocket to rejoin the Officer. In the subsequent street fighting this NCO's determination and personal gallantry was an inspiration to all, and although wounded, he continued to inflict casualties on the enemy until he had completely run out of ammunition [4a].