ALDERSON, John
Primary tabs
Rank:
Captain
Unit / Base:
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Seaforth Highlanders
Service:
Army
Number:
113655
Honours & Awards:
Died :
Sunday, April 8, 1945
Killed in action or died of wounds
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
Captain John Alderson MC, OC 6 troop, died during the fighting at Leese, Germany.
Son of John Henry and Dorothy Alderson; husband of Diana Mary Alderson, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
1944 awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during which he was wounded in the knee. He later rejoined No.3 Commando.
Recommendation
On the morning of 8 June 1944, this Officer was holding a position astride the Le Plein - Languemare Road with one Officer and forty seven men. The Troop was attacked by a company of German Infantry which established itself in front of the position. Captain Alderson attacked with great determination leading the assault with a T.S.M.G. He himself accounted for a number of the enemy and his men were so inspired by his leadership that they carried on after he was wounded and cleared the entire wood which remains in our hands. Besides approximately 15 enemy killed there were 36 prisoners. Owing to Captain Alderson's skill and courage our own losses were no more than one killed and nine wounded. This success was largely due to Captain Alderson's fine leadership.
Sources
CWGC.
Award recommendations / National Archives file WO373/48/184.
MC - London Gazette 36679, page 4046.
Memoirs of a Fighting Commando by Brig. John Durnford-Slater.
[Image] His son Christopher Alderson.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
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