Leading Seaman Edward John Peasley RNBC, died on active service 18 May 1945 Genoa.
[Photo and information courtesy of Lewis Wood, Banstead History Research Group. Owner: Jane Hill]
Eddie joined the Royal Navy Boys Service at the age of 15yrs. By December 1940 he was serving on HMS Emerald and he remained on ships service with her until August 1942. After this he volunteered for the RN Commandos.
Leading Seaman Edward John Peasley, RN, served with 'H' Commando of the RN Commandos. He received a Mention in Despatches for outstanding services in planning and carrying out an operation in the Arakan in close co-operation with the Army. This was announced in the third supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, the 30th of June, 1944.
He was involved in mine clearing operations in Genoa and died in a diving accident not long after VE day aged just 20.
The last entries in his diary state the following:
1 May – Genoa. 3 letters from Molly.
2 May – War in Italy finished. Germans unconditional surrender.
6 May – Received two letters from Molly. Out sinking mines in the harbour.
7 May – Wrote to Molly. Unconditional surrender from Admiral Donitz at 2.41 today. Out sinking mines in the harbour.
8 May – Standing by for L.C.T. [landing Craft Tank] beaching. 6 L.C.T.’s beached 13.30. Churchill’s broadcast at 15.00 hrs and said the war would finish at 00.01 9th May.
9 May – 6 L.C.T.’ s beached at 12.20 hrs. War finished today. V day. Wrote to Molly.
10 May – 8 L.C.T.’s beached at 13.30 hrs. Received three letters from Molly and one from Mum.
12 May – Churchill spoke at 9.00 pm.
17 May – Wrote to Molly. Received photos from shop.
Having survived the whole of the war in Europe, to the very end, Eddie died the day after his last diary entry.
In Memory of P/JX 166792 Leading Seaman Edward John Peasley
Royal Naval Beach Commando 'H'.
who died on the 18th May 1945 aged 20
Remembered with honour at Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa
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