MARRIOTT, Michael

Rank: 
Corporal
Unit / Base: 
40 Commando RM
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
RM 17999
Born: 
Wednesday, June 3, 1942
Died : 
Wednesday, January 1, 1964
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
21
Local Roll of Honour: 
Corporal Michael Marriott died during operations in Sarawak, Borneo.
Extract from the Birmingham Daily Post 
"Cpl. Michael Marriott aged 21, whose home is at Langer Lane Chesterfield and who was killed in action against Indonesian terrorists in Sarawak on New Year's Day, died gallantly his parents were told yesterday.
In a letter to his parents Capt. J. P. Gardiner of the Royal Marines described how a patrol of marines was outnumbered by 100 terrorists. Corporal Marriott took charge and fired a great many shots and so attracted the enemies fire to himself. By doing this he probably saved the lives of many others."
A further tribute was added by CpL Marriott's commanding officer Lt. Col. J. F. Parsons, who wrote: "Your son did his job very gallantly. He helped to break an enemy gang and restore peace to that part of Sarawak." 
Cpl. Marriott joined the Marines when he left school, and was hoping to obtain a commission. A few hours before a telegram announcing his death arrived at his Chesterfield home, his parents received a letter from Cpl. Marriott telling them that after spending Christmas on patrol he was looking forward to leave in Singapore."
 
Sources
AFM ROH
Birmingham Daily Post - Saturday 11 January 1964.
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

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