HOWARD, Roland Arthur
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Known as:
Ron
Rank:
Acting Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base:
5 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
South Staffordshire Regiment
Service:
Army
Service Number:
4852382
Service Record:
WO422 / Apv000384958
P.O.W. number:
18646
P.O.W. camps:
Born:
Saturday, July 8, 1905
Birthplace:
Canterbury, Kent
Died:
1963
Place died or last resided:
Staffordshire
Age:
58
Operations:
Acting Lance Sergeant Roland Howard was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed a prisoner of war until 18 April 1945. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown as part of Lieutenant Smalley's Demolition Party.
Service Record
12.01.1923 attested into the Leicester Regiment.
12.01.1923 attested into the Leicester Regiment.
06.01.1925 - 15.11.1927 Egypt.
16.11.1927 - 06.11.1930 India.
05.11.1930 discharged on termination of period of engagement.
01.11.1939 resided Aldridge, Staffordshire.
01.11.1939 attested South Staffordshire Regiment, trade on enlistment Labourer.
01.11.1939 resided Aldridge, Staffordshire.
01.11.1939 attested South Staffordshire Regiment, trade on enlistment Labourer.
20.01.1940 appointed Acting unpaid Corporal.
09.07.1940 appointed Acting Corporal.
20.07.1940 posted No.5 Commando at Bridlington.
09.10.1940 granted war substantive rank of Corporal.
05.03.1941 reverts to Private at own request.
12.05.1941 appointed Acting Lance Corporal.
06.03.1942 appointed Acting Lance Sergeant.
20.03.1942 taken on strength Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
28.03.1942 reported missing Operation Chariot. Confirmed prisoner of war.
19.06.1945 reverts to Private
03.10.1945 released to Class 'Z' (T) Reserve.
Conduct Exemplary. Honest, sober, trustworthy, hardworking and intelligent man. Thoroughly recommended.
Conduct Exemplary. Honest, sober, trustworthy, hardworking and intelligent man. Thoroughly recommended.
Sources
Service Record on Ancestry.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/185/182.
The 1939 Register covering Aldridge, Staffs.
St. Nazaire Society 75th Anniversary newsletter/booklet.
Notes
Acting rank shown as on service record immediately before and after captivity. Seen elsewhere as Lance Corporal.
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