FLYNN, John

Rank: 
Corporal (later Sergeant)
Unit / Base: 
4 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
3192275
Honours & Awards: 
Lance Corporal John Flynn, a radio operator with 'B' troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the combined attack on Dieppe on 19 August 1942 [1].
Recommendation
L/Cpl Flynn landed on Orange Beach and was stunned by a bomb from a 4" mortar, which killed the men around him, and he himself suffered shock and injury. He recovered consciousness 10 minutes afterwards when the Commando had penetrated a considerable distance inland along the East bank of the River Saane. L/Cpl Flynn knew the plan and realising that he was of major importance as 'B' Troop had only the one signaller with them, he pulled himself together and under heavy fire made his way forward, covering a distance of nearly two miles in broad daylight before rejoining his troop, which he found despite the fact they had crossed through a large wood and were massing for the final attack in orchards and farm buildings. L/Cpl Flynn got his set working and a situation report was sent back to HQ in time to give the information required for firing the Verey Light signal for the final assault [2].
  • 3rd July 1944 part of the reinforcements for No.3 Commando in Normandy [3].
  • Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Bromsgrove, Worcs. His death was announced in their Newsletter 118 which mentioned that he had also served in No.7 Commando [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35729, page 4328.
[2] National Archives file WO373/93/843.
[3] Linked Content below.
[4] Obituaries of Commando Association newsletter 118 issued February 2004.
 
Notes
The NA file at [2] above only shows the initial as 'P' rather than a first name.
Both [1] and [4] above show first name as John.
 

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