GWYNNE, John Edward Herbert

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
4 Independent Company
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Liverpool Scottish, Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2929834
Honours & Awards: 
Died : 
Saturday, March 28, 1942
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
21
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Private John Gwynne, 5 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action [1][1a]. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches [2][3]. Home address 26 Hampstead Road, Elm Park, Liverpool 6 [4].
Recommendation
"Pte. Gwynne proved himself to be a courageous and determined soldier. His disregard for personal danger in the attack and his efforts to destroy enemy gun positions mounted in the roof of the Pumping station were outstanding.
Later in the street fighting, although wounded, he continued showing a fine example until, when ammunition was exhausted and very weak through loss of blood, he was taken prisoner.
Later in the action this soldier gave his life in a brave and determined effort to escape his captors and rejoin his fighting comrades." [3].
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[1a] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/41 and WO417/44.
[2] London Gazettte 37162, page 3494.
[3] National Archives file WO373/46/298.
[4] Report in the Liverpool Echo newspaper 7 April 1942.
St Nazaire Society website
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.