https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/ Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:35:09 +0100 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/23782-11/Eric+Groves+MM.jpg https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/ https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/cmdocert+eric+groves+mm.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/cmdocert+eric+groves+mm.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:02:14 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves++Pollard+letter.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves++Pollard+letter.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:04:25 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+MM+2+cdo+and+his+father.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+MM+2+cdo+and+his+father.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:59:43 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+mm+medals.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+mm+medals.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:00:25 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+letter+from+the+king.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+letter+from+the+king.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:02:48 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+laycock+letter+re+mm.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+laycock+letter+re+mm.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:03:48 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+laycock+letter.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+laycock+letter.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:04:58 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+2+cdo+beret.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/eric+groves+2+cdo+beret.jpg.html
[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer].
Eric Groves joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent some time in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No.2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.
Citation for the award of the Military Medal
Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando
On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left flank
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:01:03 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+groves+2+cdo+kitbag.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+groves+2+cdo+kitbag.jpg.html
Photo courtesy of his daughter April Richer.
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:01:45 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+copy+of+RK+if.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Eric+Groves+MM/Eric+Groves+copy+of+RK+if.jpg.html
No. 2 Commando 2 troop. Photo courtesy of his daughter April Richer.

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
In album LCpl. Eric Groves MM, RASC and No.2 Commando 2 troop.]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:05:40 +0000