Captain Peter Haydon D.S.O., from Penzance, was killed in action at Walcheren, Netherlands. Son of Rollo Hillyard Stafford Haydon and Annie Gwendoline Haydon, of Equador.

17.04.1943 commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant.

14.06.1943 promoted Acting Temporary Lieutenant.

10.09.1943 Italy. Recommended for the Victoria Cross, awarded an immediate Distinguished Service Order for conspicuous gallantry.

On 10 September 1943 at Vietri Sul Mare, 41RM Commando were holding a narrow defile immediately West of Vietri through which ran the road Salerno-Naples.

'A' Troop, who were in position on top of the left hill, had been attacked during the forenoon suffering heavy casualties. 'A' Troop Commander anticipated further infiltration on his left flank because of the very close country - terraced vineyards, etc - asked for a section of 'Q' Troop, who were on his left rear held in reserve for a counter attack role, to come up on his left since he had insufficient men to watch this flank himself.

Accordingly about 1430hrs Lieutenant Haydon, 'Q' Troop, took up a position with his section on 'A' troop's immediate left. At 1445 hrs his position was heavily mortared and Lieutenant Haydon suffered a large shrapnel wound in the buttock.

Realising that this mortaring was probably the prelude to an attack, Lieutenant Haydon, though in pain, refused to be evacuated and remained with his section, calmly directing the defense of his position and encouraging and inspiring his men in the attack which shortly came in and in which he was again wounded by a bullet in the thigh. This attack was successfully repulsed although firing continued and it was apparent that the enemy had not withdrawn.

During a short lull his wounds were dressed by the Troop Sergeant Major of 'A' Troop (C/Sgt Morgan). He again refused to be evacuated and moreover he refused morphia so as he might keep his mind alert. He asked for a rifle and Colour Sergeant Morgan procured one for him from a dead man. Subsequently two further attacks were put in on his position, one at 1700hrs, followed swiftly by a second at 1730hrs.

It was entirely due to Lieutenant Haydon's control, the use of his fire power and because of his splendid example to his men that these attacks were driven off. During the latter, though he had fainted three times during the afternoon, he killed four Germans at close range with his rifle, with great difficulty on account of his wounds. Lieutenant Haydon was finally left with seven men of his section which though outnumbered had successfully repulsed three attacks inflicting many casualties.

At dusk and when the enemy had been conclusively driven from the hill, Lieutenant Haydon was evacuated. He refused to allow any of his men to leave their positions, where they were vitally needed, to help him. He waited instead for the Signal Sergeant who was repairing a wireless set at 'A' Troop HQ to complete his task saying that he would make his way down with his assistance.

On being helped to his feet he collapsed and was finally carried by the Signal Sergeant to a place on the nearby road from which he could be evacuated to the R.A.P.

This offcer, although only 19 years old and having less than six months service in the Royal Marines, by his conspicuous gallantry and extreme devotion to duty, inspired by his example, and encouraged his few men to hold their position against superior numbers of the enemy, repelling three attacks on the position, the loss of which would have rendered the other Troop's ('A' Troop) position on the hill untenable. His courage, endurance, and example in the face of the enemy were of the highest order *.