Sidney Harold Pickering
CH/X 106363 Sidney Harold Pickering 41 Royal Marine Commando 1941-46 posted by his Son Tony Pickering who put together this display and adds the following detail about his father:
"He was called up on 23/10/41 in Exmouth and joined 8th battalion RM, he was 19 years old. He completed his RM Infantry training in Dalditch camp in Devon and was assigned as a motorcyle despatch rider. On 11/07/42 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and became a Military Policeman at various areas. On 02/11/42 he was assigned to P troop 41 RM Commando. On 03/05/43 moved to Troon Scotland and completed Commando training. In June he was sent on operational duties and fought in the invasion of Sicily / Italy. He is in a photo in the book by Charles Messenger - The Commandos 1940 -1946, just before the invasion of Sicily. On 26/12/43 he returned back to the UK via Algeria on SS Ontranto. On 08/04/44 he was detached to Exton (Training Centre) as an instructor. 25/04/44 he was released back to 41 and took part in D day landings with the invasion of Sword. He was in action for 83 continuous days, 3 Commando was withdrawn, but 41 stayed to be deployed in Holland. On 30/10/44 he was awarded a good conduct medal 1st class. He was then involved in Operation Infatuate 2 including the invasion of Walcheren. He then pushed through to Germany and fought on the MAAS front. On 07/05/45 when the Germans surrendered, he took up occupational duties and on 30/10/45 was awarded the 4 years service award WSG whilst in Germany. On 13/05/46 he was discharged Class A in Hamburg.
He passed on 16 March 2004 (83 years) and was still so proud about being a Bootneck, God bless him"
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