Gerald Kitchener Bright enlisted into the Army on 9 January 1935 former trade Carpentry. He served in India with the Royal Tank Corps, 9th Light Tank Company. After the formation of the Commandos in 1940 he volunteered for Special Service and joined No.5 Commando.
On 27/28 March 1942 Lance Sergeant Gerald Bright was assigned to Lieutenant Smalley's Demolition Group 3A embarked on board HMS Campbeltown destined for Operation Chariot, a Combined Operations raid to attack and put out of action the heavily defended Dry Dock at St Nazaire. They disembarked from Campbeltown after it rammed the dock gates. Whilst under heavy enemy they completed their own specific demolitions task and attempted to make good their escape on one of the motor launches that accompanied HMS Campbeltown. However it was hit by enemy fire and the survivors were forced to abandon ship. Lance Sergeant Bright was initially reported missing but later found to be a prisoner of war. He remained in captivity until 14 April 1945 when he escaped from the forced line of march away from the prison camp near Kreutzer. He hid in woods for 3 days until making contact made with the advancing allied forces. Released to Reserve List in 1947. Member of the Commando Association last known residing Sheffield.