PARKINSON-CUMINE, Ralph Nicholas

Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
'41 Independent Commando RM'
43RM Commando
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Monday, July 10, 1922
Died : 
Wednesday, November 29, 1950
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
28
Local Roll of Honour: 
Capt Ralph Parkinson-Cumine RM

Captain Ralph Parkinson-Cumine MC, 'B' troop, was reported missing presumed killed during operations in Korea. His Commando were engaged in operations with US Forces as part of Taskforce Drysdale, named after their Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale , heading out from Koto-ri, Korea, in an attempt to relieve allied forces at Hagaru-ri.  This was during what later became known as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

  • 1944 pictured in a photo taken at the Commando Basic Training Centre Officers Mess.
  • 1945 (Acting Captain) (43RM Commando) awarded the Military Cross  for "gallantry, zeal, and skill during the attack on Sarande (September 1944), and the seizure of the island of Solta".  
  • 1945 April, Captain of 'E' Troop during operations at Argenta in 1945.

Sources
AFM ROH
British Casualties, Korean War 1950-1953.
Korean Vets. Assn. website.
Devon Heritage website.
Award: London Gazette 37013, page 1791.
Image: Castle Commando by Donald Gilchrist.

Notes
There is a memorial to him at St. Annes Church, Killough, Down.

Primary Roll of Honour: 

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