Joe McGann, RN Commando, 1944

My siblings and me are looking for information about our dad Joe McGann, born 25/05/24, died 01/08/84. A Beach Commando on June 6th 1944 at Gold Beach, he was seriously injured in action and evacuated. Could anybody provide us us with his service details, name of unit, place of training etc? We'd be most grateful.

Paul, Joe, Mark, Stephen and Clare McGann.

Hi Paul,

These links to other posts may interest you for a starter...

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/421.page

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/419.page

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 22/02/2013 20:25:46

Assuming that your father was in RN BSS 9 as the signatures on Russell's photo suggests, then training for RN Beach Signal Sections took place in:

HMS Dorlin, Combined Operations RN Beach Signals and Royal Signals Sections Battle Training, Dorlin House, Acharacle, Argyll.

and

HMS Dundonald II, Combined Signal School (CSS), Auchingate, Troon.

Although I believe HMS Dundonald was from Oct 44 which was too late for your father.

Do you have any other info and/or photos of your father from his time in the RN?

Nick

Hi Nick,

we have a copy of his wounding certificate dated 6th August 1944. On it is his service number: D/Jx.404947.C.O.
Furthermore, it tells us that it was indeed HMS Dundonald 11.

Based on the little we have, how much is it possible for us to know of his movements and those of his comrades in RNBSS No9 leading up to and including D-Day itself? For example where were they stationed before their Channel crossing and where might they have sailed from? Where on Gold beach did their unit put ashore?

Paul

Paul,
The numbers of RN ratings consisted of a Prefix letter indicating their Port Division (responsible for their training, promotion and manning of ships), a forward slash, a Main Letter denoting their trade, and a 4-6 figure number. An additional letter "x" after the main letter indicates that the rating was engaged after the the new pay code of the early 1930s was introduced.

In your father's case we can determine that given his service number was: D/Jx 404947

D = Devonport Division
J = Seaman, Communications - Long Service (12 years plus optional 10 years to qualify for pension)
x = enlisted after the the new pay code of the early 1930s was introduced.

As you now have your father's service number you have enough information to apply to the MoD for his Service Records. Presuming that you are his next of kin (or can obtain his NoK's consent), fill out both the application forms at the links below and include the fee of £30 and send them off to the RN Disclosures Cell and you will receive notification of receipt and an estimate of how long the search will take.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/36206/request_for_service_details_nok_application_part1_v5.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/36202/request_for_service_details_rnrm_application_part2.pdf

The Service Records should contain all matter of information including enlistment, training, postings (drafts), promotions (and possibly demotions) wounds, hospitalisation etc.
From that point we can build up a more detailed picture of your father's service and experiences...

Nick

Thank you, Nick. We await the search results with great interest.

Paul

Paul,
I will keep looking and will add anything I find here.
Don't forget to add anything you find out or remember - every tiny bit of info can help your search or may even help someone else.

Nick