Pte. Patrick 'Gash' Farrer
Served 5 Troop HQ 2" Mortar; Civil occupation Clerk; Single, aged 20 in 1942; next of kin Father residing Clapham (from the notebook of LSgt Joe Rogers MM of 5 Troop); Wounded 17 April 1945 in Italy (from Casualty Lists WO 417/92)
The following details about 'Gash 'Farrer of No.2 Commando 5 troop were provided to the CVA by Clive Manning who has been researching aspects of the Essex Regiment’s history for a number of years. Clive also provided one of the photos in this album
Patrick George Michael Hugh Farrer was born in Clapham in May 1922, son of Charles Henry and Beatrice. He joined the Essex Regiment on 20th June 1940 and after basic training at the Infantry Training Centre, Warley was posted to the 7th (HD) Battalion, later transferring to the 70th (YS) where he was appointed L/Corporal. After volunteering for Commando service in 1942, Farrer was attached to No2 Commando. In 2 Commando, he qualified as Rifleman, 2" Mortar man and Sniper. By the time of the Salerno landings he was serving in No 5 Troop as No 2 Mortar man. He served with No.2 Commando throughout the war. Farrer returned to England with No.2 in June 1945. From September 1945 to 23rd September 1946, Farrer was attached to a Royal Marine Commando Unit for police duties. It is assumed he returned to his parent unit until his discharge from the Essex Regiment on 20th July 1948. The following day, he re-enlisted in the Buffs as 22221303. He was posted to 2nd Buffs at Stanley Fort, Hong Kong on 18th August 1948, and was assigned as officers mess steward and batman/driver. He served in the Sudan from January to December 1950 before returning to the UK with the Battalion. Papers show Farrer served in Kenya from March to June 1953 when he returned to the UK prior to discharge on 11th August 1953. The advance party of the Buffs did not land until 30-31st March so Farrer probably missed the 91 day qualifying period for the AGS by a matter of days. From 1951 to 53, he was officially MT Storeman and issuer but unofficially took part in operations as part of normal infantry duties. Patrick Farrer enrolled in the Canadian Army on 25th May 1954 and served with the 1st Bn Royal Canadian Regiment in Europe and Canada. He was appointed unpaid L/Corporal 1st April 1955 and paid from 10th August 1955, being promoted to Corporal 7th October 1956. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1955 and his clasp in 1965. He was posted to Ipperwash with 1st RCR in November 1957. Cpl Farrer transferred to the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals on 21st November 1965 and was finally discharged on 24th June 1970. Patrick Farrer died on 13th February 1993 in London, Ontario.
Eric Buckmaster of 5 troop adds this about 'Gash' Farrer " He would have been a 2" Mortar man in 5 Troop. He was slightly reserved ,and he had one particular Pal who probably came into 2 Commando from the same Unit as himself, Tony Woods. 'Gash' Farrer was a tall, slim fellow, much like myself at that time. He earned the name " Gash " because if you found that you had more food on your plate than you could eat at that time, he would ask for it and eat it."
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Date: 01/12/2011
Size: 2 items
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