Driver James Cunningham was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].  In May 1944 he was serving in the No. 3 Commando MT section (Motor Transport) [2].

This man was outstanding throughout the operation. He showed initiative and firmness worthy of a senior N.C.O. and set a fine example in the boat during the trying period of the Naval action. He made a toggle and eye rope to assist his comrades to climb the cliff; he was constantly alert to find the enemy's telephone wires and cut them.

He was most forward when the enemy engaged us by surprise and at close range.

He was the leader of a group of privates who covered the withdrawals to the beach and to the boats. Hit once on his bandolier, once on his arm, while the L.C.P. lay off shore he coolly continued to shoot at Germans on the cliffs and certainly accounted for some.

He helped greatly to make up for the absence of N.C.O.'s in this party."[3].

 

The death of James Cunningham from Stanion Northants  was announced in Commando Association newsletter 98 issued March 1994 where it showed his last rank as Sgt.