Sergeant Raymond Esther was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, determination and great devotion to duty during assault operations on Walcheren and Flushing on 1/2 November 1944 [1][2].

"During the assault on Walcheren Island by 47 RM Commando on 1 Nov 44, the LCT in which Sgt Esther was travelling was hit twice by shells and unable to beach, all LVTs had to swim off and owing to strong tidal conditions in the Westkapelle gap and heavy enemy shell fire, the LVT became disorganised and sub-units were landed at widely separated points.

Sgt Esther immediately rallied his men and went in search of other scattered bodies of the Commando. By his energy, a large part of the unit was reorganised, officers were contacted and a most difficult situation cleared up.

Later, on Nov 2, when the Commando were attacking enemy positions beyond Zouteland, Sgt Esther's troop came under very heavy and concentrated mortar fire while crossing a large enemy anti-tank ditch in the sand dunes. Two of the three officers were severely wounded and it seemed doubtful if a footing could be gained on the far side.

Sgt Esther collected a bunch of scattered and shaken men and at a most critical moment led a charge through the mortar and MG fire to gain a footing on a high dune overlooking the ditch. Although severely wounded, he remained on the position encouraging his men to hold on until further troops arrived and the situation was reorganised. Only then did Sgt Esther allow himself to be evacuated.

As an example of the great spirit of this NCO when in hospital, although he knew that the Naval authorities were evacuating all Royal Marine personnel to the United Kingdom, Sgt Esther insisted that the location of his unit should be found and on leaving hospital he immediately rejoined the Commando by getting lifts from passing vehicles.

Since the landings on 6 Jun 44, Sgt Esther's name has become famous in the Commando for his continued keenness to get at the enemy, for his coolness under fire and for his consistent cheerfulness " [2].