GAMESTER, Frederick Walter

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Rank:

Lance Corporal

Unit / Base:

3 Commando

Prior Police Service:

Metropolitan Police

Regiment/Corps:

Royal Fusiliers

Service:

Army

Service Number:

14311514

Service Record:

WO422 / Apv000782092

Born:

Thursday, January 31, 1918

Birthplace:

Plaistow, West Ham

Died :

Wednesday, January 19, 1994

Age:

Frederick Walter Gamester was a Metropolitan Police Constable in 1939 residing in Newham. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and joined the 3rd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. On completion of his training he was attached to No.3 Commando and served in 2 Troop which was the Heavy Weapons Troop.

Taken prisoner 14 July 1943 along with several others during the fighting at the Malati Bridge, Sicily. Quickly escaped by taking and wearing a German Paratroopers smock and walking out of camp and making his way back to the Commando. Active service included Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Discharged from military service 23 January 1946 and re-joined the Metropolitan Police. Member of the Commando Association last known residing East Ham.

Military service timeline

15.10.1943 enlisted General Service Corps. Posted Commando Depot, Achnacarry.

21.12.1942 administratively transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, and attached Commando Depot.

19.01.1943 attached No.3 Commando.

20.02.1943 embarked UK for active service overseas.

04.01.1944 disembarked Liverpool, UK.

24.02.1944 appointed Lance Corporal.

05.06.1944 embarked UK for active service overseas.

06.06.1944 disembarked Normandy, France.

28.07.1944 embarked France for UK and admission to Royal Sussex Hospital.

28.08.1944 discharged from hospital. Re-joined No.3 Commando.

06.02.1945 posted to the Holding Operational Commando (HOC).

05.12.1945 posted from the HOC to 2/4 Bn., Essex Regiment. Reverts to rank of Fusilier.

23.01.1946 posted 'Y' List E (Class 'B' Release).

13.02.1946 relegated to Class W (T) Reserve.

Police service timeline

October 1938 joined the Metropolitan Police posted 'H' Division warrant number 127261. Re-joined the Metropolitan Police 19 February 1946. 14 March 1947 received a Commissioners Commendation in relation to the arrest of two persistent housebreakers. Retired 1965.

Sources

Service Record / Ancestry.

CVA Gallery images and Forum message [more....].

The 1939 Register covering West Ham.

Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 98 (1994).

WW2 Medal Cards Index (service number should read as shown here).

Police service: His son Fred Gamester and Tony Moore FRHistS and Police Historian.

[Image] His son and namesake Fred Gamester.

Photo of Commando in Gallery:

Yes

Additional content:

GAMESTER, F.W., capture and escape