<![CDATA[Bill Johnson, Sammy Ryder, and another]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/4/bill+johnson.jpg.html
This information from John Martin who provided the photo. John's uncle was Sgt Don Martin of 1 trp : "Pte Bill Johnson, one of the snipers in 1 Troop 4 Cdo. It was taken in Flushing, Holland on or about 3rd November 1944, after the successful assault. Bill died some years ago in Canada, but I met him two or three times in Normandy on visits with my late uncle. He rejoiced in being known as the scruffiest and dirtiest man in 1 Troop but that probably went with the job! "

Photo posted by Pete R.)

Update 13/8/2011 by Pete R.- Peter Ryder adds the following " The guy behind Bill is my dad, Sammy Ryder. I have this picture. Dad always told me that the third guy, lying down, had been sent out to bring Bill and Dad (his spotter) back to the unit. Dad dropped with David Haig Thomas who was the liaison officer with the 1st Canadian. David Haig Thomas was killed in an ambush shortly after the drop. Dad rejoined 4 commando approx. 3 days later. I'd appreciate any more information about his service."]]>
en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:45:50 -0400 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/12059-15/bill+johnson.jpg <![CDATA[Bill Johnson, Sammy Ryder, and another]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/4/bill+johnson.jpg.html <![CDATA[]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058 <![CDATA[David Haig-Thomas]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058
I am David Haig-Thomas's grandson. I have not heard much about my grandfather's last day, the ambush etc. Do you know any more about it, perhaps though your dad, perhaps other sources?

Alex HT]]>
<![CDATA[Identification]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=12058
Dad dropped with David Haig Thomas who was the liaison officer with the 1st Canadian. David Haig Thomas was killed in an ambush shortly after the drop. Dad rejoined 4 commando approx. 3 days later. I'd appreciate any more information about his service.
Pete Ryder]]>