Fusilier Gerald Cheetham, No.2 Commando died 27 Oct'43 Italy

Fusilier Gerald Cheetham, Heavy Weapons Troop, died of illness (pneumonia) whilst on active service in Italy. Son of Thomas James Cheetham and Charlotte Cheetham.
A former pupil of Ashton Grammar School before joining the Metropolitan Police from which he later volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942.
Gerald Cheetham, warrant number 127676, joined the Metropolitan Police on 11 April 1939, and left on 27 Oct 1943 (died). Last posted to 'G' Division as a PC. In 1941 Police Constable Cheetham,'G' Division, Metropolitan Police, was awarded the King's Commendation for Brave Conduct in Civil Defence during an air raid.

In Memory of 6482292 Fusilier Gerald Cheetham
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) and No.2 Commando
who died of illness on the 27th October 1943 aged 24
Remembered with honour at Catania War Cemetery.

Photo cropped from this Heavy Weapons Troop photo in the gallery.