MACKENZIE, Roderick Gimson

Known as: 
Mac
Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
48RM Commando
Prior Police Service: 
Leicester City Police
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Honours & Awards: 
Died : 
Friday, November 3, 1944
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
24
Local Roll of Honour: 
Captain Roderick Mackenzie MC,  'X' troop, died in hospital in Belgium from wounds caused by enemy mortar fire during operations at Walcheren. Son of John Ross Mackenzie, and of Elizabeth Mackenzie (nee Gimson); nephew of Alice M. Gimson, of Leicester.
Previously awarded the Military Cross.
Recommendation
"June 6th and 7th 1944 St Aubin and Langrune
Rallied his troop on the beach under fire when his troop commander was hit and led them off the beach to the assembly area. During street fighting in Langrune, led his troop with gallantry and determination, and by working his way forward in advance of tank support was largely responsible for the capture of the Langrune strongpoint. He showed throughout complete disregard for his own safety and remained calm and cheerful in very trying circumstances on the beach".
  • Prior to enlisting Roderick Mackenzie was a Junior Clerk with the Leicester City Police. His name is on their WW2 Roll of Honour Board*.
Sources
CWGC
London Gazette 36676, page 4008.
Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/47/7.
D Day Commando - From Normandy to the Maas with 48RM Commando, author Ken Ford.
* Leicester City Police War Memorial Board at Mansfield House Police Station, Belgrave Gate, Leicester [view...].
* Article in the Leicester Daily Mercury 19 April 1945.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

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