Charles Richard Dell became a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable on 3 September 1939. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and joined the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry. On 24 September 1942 Private Dell, General Service Corps (Commando Depot), was transferred onto the roll of the East Surrey Regiment. Private Dell was attached to No.3 Commando and wounded Sicily 1943 (date not reported) and evacuated to No.11 General Hospital, Middle East Forces. Medically discharged from the Armed Forces 8 May 1944.