Pte. George Hugh Farrer, No.2 Commando 5 Troop

Also seen as: FARRER, Patrick George Michael Hugh
Known as: Patrick or Gash
Regiment/Corps: Essex Regiment 1/4th Bn.
Number: 6025733
Born: Wednesday, March 1, 1922
Birthplace: Clapham, London
Died : Saturday, February 13, 1993
Place died: London, Ontario.

George Hugh Farrer was born on 1 March 1922 in the London Borough of Wandsworth to parents Charles and Beatrice [1][1a]. In 1939 he was employed as a Progress Clerk residing with his father, now widowed, and his siblings Charles and Marjorie at 18 Deauville Court, Clapham, London [2]. Enlisted Essex Regiment 20 June 1940 [3]. Volunteered for the commandos in 1942 and was attached to No.2 Commando 5 Troop who were based in Ayr at the time. Billeted at 71 Lochside Road, Ayr. Qualified as a Rifleman and Sniper before becoming the No.2 on the 2" Mortar [4].
Deployed overseas for operations in the Mediterranean. Active service included Sicily, Italy, Dalmatian Islands off the coast of the former Yugoslavia, Albania, and back to Italy [5]. 17 April 1945 wounded Italy during operations at the Fessina Canal East of Argenta [6]. On return to England the Army Commandos were disbanded [5].
Eric Buckmaster of 5 troop recalled "Gash Farrer was slightly reserved and had one particular Pal who probably came into No.2 Commando from the same Unit as himself, Tony Woods. 'Gash' was a tall, slim fellow, much like myself at that time. He earned the name 'Gash' because if you found that you had more food on your plate than you could eat at that time, he would ask for it and eat it !"[7].
Post war service [3]
From September 1945 to 23rd September 1946, Private Farrer was attached to a Royal Marine Commando Unit for police duties. It is assumed he returned to his parent unit until his discharge from the Essex Regiment on 20th July 1948. The following day, he re-enlisted in the Buffs as 22221303. He was posted to 2nd Buffs at Stanley Fort, Hong Kong on 18th August 1948, and was assigned as officers mess steward and batman/driver. He served in the Sudan from January to December 1950 before returning to the UK with the Battalion. Papers show Farrer served in Kenya from March to June 1953 when he returned to the UK prior to discharge on 11th August 1953. The advance party of the Buffs did not land until 30-31st March so Farrer probably missed the 91 day qualifying period for the AGS by a matter of days. From 1951 to 53, he was officially MT Storeman and issuer but unofficially took part in operations as part of normal infantry duties.
Farrer enrolled in the Canadian Army on 25th May 1954 and served with the 1st Bn., Royal Canadian Regiment in Europe and Canada. He was appointed unpaid L/Corporal 1st April 1955 and paid from 10th August 1955, being promoted to Corporal 7th October 1956. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1955 and his clasp in 1965. He was posted to Ipperwash with 1st RCR in November 1957. Corporal Farrer transferred to the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals on 21st November 1965 and was finally discharged on 24th June 1970 [3].

Sources
[1]Registers of Births Wandsworth; births registered Apr/May/June 1922.
[1a] London Metropolitan Archives; Church of England Parish Registers of Births and Baptisms; Ref. No. P70/All/007.
[2] The 1939 Register.
[3] Clive Manning, Researcher of Essex Regiment.
[4] Notebook of LSgt. Joe Rogers MM, No.2 Commando 5 Troop.
[5] No.2 Commando History / Commando Veterans Archive.
[6] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/92.
[7] Pte. Eric Buckmaster No.2 Commando 5 Troop.

Notes
Forenames shown either as George Hugh, George H., or G.H. on sources [1], [1a], [2], [6].
Source [4] has initial only of P.
Source [5] shows forenames as in 'Also seen as'.