MORGAN, Francis Cecil
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Rank:
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
6468099
P.O.W. number:
33698
P.O.W. camps:
Honours & Awards:
Operations:
Lance Corporal Francis Morgan was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were captured [1][2][3].
Recommendation
"Morgan was embarked in HM Submarine Triumph for a commando raid against the main Messina - Palermo railway. Triumph first attacked the Italian battle fleet North of Messina, torpeding the cruiser Bolzano; this was immediately followed by heavy and accurate depth charge counter attack.
The submarine withdrew to carry out the Commando raid, but on approaching the shore, encountered a fishing vessel in mist and sank it, having again to withdraw as the gunfire had compromised the position.
The next evening, 29th August 1941, Triumph approached and launched the raiding party in canoes. At 0320 / 30th August, one and a half spans of the bridge were successfully demolished, but the Commando party could not be re-embarked and were taken prisoner.
Morgan showed great courage, determination and resource throughout this eventful and disturbing submarine passage, and throughout the successful raid" [3].
Recommended for award by Captain George Walter Gillow Simpson, RN.
Captain (S) 10th Submarine Flotilla Malta.
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37528, page 1835.
[2] National Archives WO 392/1 - 'Germany & German Occupied Territories, Imperial Prisoners of War; Section 1 - British Army. September 1944
[3] National Archives WO 373/101 (copy of completed W.A. Form 6)
Notes
The source at [2] above shows unit as S.S. Battalion. Post war Francis C. Morgan was a member of the Commando Association. His death was reported in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993. His unit shown as No. 2 Commando. Resided Tottenham London.
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