HENDERSON, John Patrick Leo

Rank: 
Major
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Special Service (Commando) Group, Brigade, and Brigade Signals
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Engineers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
117132
Honours & Awards: 
Died : 
Sunday, January 16, 1944
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
31
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Lt Henderson 2 Commando
Major John Henderson MC, 2 Special Service Brigade, died during operations in Italy [1].
 
On the 8th May 1940 he transferred from the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry to the Royal Engineers retaining his seniority as 2/Lieutenant. [2]
 
​He was awarded the MC whilst a Captain (T/Major)  in No 2 Commando at Salerno. [3].
 
Citation
"At Salerno on the 9th Sept 43 this Officer's troop was one of two which attacked and held a part of the West of the town. Capt. Henderson was conspicuous in the attack, and when counter attacked by infantry and tanks, took a most active part in repelling the assaults, himself scoring two hits on the leading tank with a Piat mortar when the tanks were shelling the house in which he was, at 100 yards range. The tank turret was jammed and almost immediately the tanks drew off." ​[3]
 
Sources
[1] CWGC
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 34843, page 2701.
[3] London Gazettes Supp. 36327, page 266/National Archives ref. WO/373/4/41
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

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