QMS Norman F. 'Ben' Lyon, 40 and 41 Commando RM 1943-66.

Norman Frederick 'Ben' Lyon was born in Shepherds Bush but evacuated in WW2 to his Grandfather's farm in Devon near Ivybridge. On 2nd November 1943 he enlisted in the Royal Marines at Plymouth aged 17. The following year whilst in Plymouth Division he voluntarily transferred from Hostilities Only service to Continuous Service in the Royal Marines. His World War Two service was recognised with, amongst other medals, the award of the Italy Star and the France and Germany Star. His distinguished career spanned more than 22 years in the Royal Marines and included sea service on board HMS Orion and HMS Aurora, Commando service with 40 and 41 Commandos, and a technical role which resulted in his being appointed Acting RSM (T) 41 Commando by the end of his service. Immediate post war postings include the I.T.C.R.M., the T.T.C.R.M., and the Signals School at Eastney.
On 13 April 1950, then a Corporal attached to 40 Commando RM, he deployed with them for operations in Malaya during which he was wounded/injured and returned to the UK.
After a 5 month posting to the T.T.C.R.M. commencing on 13 October 1950, he was then posted to the RM Amphibious School and remained there until 1955, during which he was promoted Sergeant. Following 15 months service at the Signals School, in January 1957 he deployed to Malta (St Angelo's Barracks) for 30 months. On return to the UK and whilst based at Eastney he was promoted Colour Sergeant (T) and then Quarter Master Sergeant (T) of 41 Commando RM. In 1965 he was temporarily promoted Acting Regimental Sergeant Major (T) 41 Commando RM and remained as such until 25th May 1966. Q.M.S. Norman Frederick Lyon, known as Ben, retired from service on the 2nd July 1966.

Medals awarded.
1939 – 45 Star, Italian Star, France & Germany Star, War Medal, Defence Medal, General Service Medal, Naval General Service Medal with 'Malaya' Clasp, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

Read more in a Forum post from his son [ go to forum .... ].

Norman Frederick 'Ben' Lyon.
b. 28-06-1926.
d. 21-06-2013.

Sources
Service Record.
His son Martin Lyon.