ETZDORF, Roderick Rudiger Otto Ulrich von
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Served as :
ELLERMAN, Roderick
Known as:
Roderick
Rank:
Sergeant (later Honorary Captain)
Unit / Base:
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Pioneer Corps
Service:
Army
Number:
13111286
334987
Born:
Friday, April 30, 1920
Died :
Thursday, August 15, 1996
Rudiger von Etzdorf, a refugee to the UK from Germany, was granted exemption from internment on 9 January 1940. His occupation was recorded as a Student and his residence as 47 Chester Road, SW1 [1].
He enlisted in the Royal Pioneer Corps serving under the alias of Roderick Ellerman. Later he joined No.1 Commando becoming a Sergeant in their Intelligence Section [1a][4][6].
- 18th November 1944 - commissioned 2nd Lieutenant [2].
- 25 February 1947 - Certificate of Naturalization granted: von Etzdorf, Rudiger Otto Ulrich (known as Roderick Ellerman); Germany; of no occupation; Browns Hotel, Dover Street, London, W.1.[3].
- March 1948 - Selected for a squad of skiers from which the 1948 Olympic Ski Team will be picked [4].
- 26 September 1953 Lt. R.R.O.U. von Etzdorf relinquishes commission and granted honorary rank of Captain, Royal Pioneer Corps [5].
Sources
[1] Internees Index / National Archives file HO 396/171.
[1a] Commando Association newsletter 104 obituaries issued March 1997 listed as "Sgt. Roderick von Etzdorf (Later Ellerman) (1 Cdo) of Great Cheverell, Wilts".
[2] London Gazette 36861, page 5941.
[3] London Gazette 37908, page 1276.
[4] Commando Association newsletter 6 issued March 1948 "Roderick Ellerman of No. 1 Cdo Intelligence Section in North Africa, has now reverted to his original name of Roderick R. von Etzdorf. He has been chosen to join the group of people from which the Olympic Ski Team will be picked and is now in Switzerland training. Here's hoping we see his name in the headlines as being a member of the team."
[5] London Gazette 39969, page 5102.
[3] London Gazette 37908, page 1276.
[4] Commando Association newsletter 6 issued March 1948 "Roderick Ellerman of No. 1 Cdo Intelligence Section in North Africa, has now reverted to his original name of Roderick R. von Etzdorf. He has been chosen to join the group of people from which the Olympic Ski Team will be picked and is now in Switzerland training. Here's hoping we see his name in the headlines as being a member of the team."
[5] London Gazette 39969, page 5102.
[Image] J.Garrard via Forum message.
Notes
As can be seen by numerous documents, official (marriage and death registers) and unofficial, he kept the first name of Roderick and included his full birth name after it.
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