Corporal Roy Montague Smith

43 RM Commando 'A' Troop - Sugar section. Posted by Pete R. Photo and information courtesy of his nephew Roy Smith who adds these details:

Roy Montague Smith was born on the 17th April 1922, left school at about 14 and served an apprenticeship as a market gardener, he joined the Commando's in early 1943."

His nephew Roy also provided detail of some of the letters he wrote home :

A letter dated 31/3/44 to his brother tells about the death of his pal George Taylor (po/x107732) Minturno war cemetery).

"Very lucky so far Tony, George Taylor, one of the three of us is finished, heard tonight that he was to have had the MM but he was killed so guess he will only be in despatches at least thats what it looks like to me. Ginger and myself ok so far ????? had some very narrow squeeks guess you understand Tony, gosh hope we come through ok. George did some very good work Tony, a fine chap, I'd had him with me since Ramsgate. Must close now keep things going Mum and Tony, Yours Roy

Click on this link to view a photo of the Grave of Marine George Taylor

Another letter dated 18/10/44 says they" have a new Col, Black Watch RHR man", also that "Les is in hospital, Fowle ok in hospital after loosing his foot, plus another 4 more. Baille killed, he died after his foot went" and that he "raised £25 for Baille which he got from the lads."

He writes in one of the later letters that his girlfriend who lives in London is"living in fear of her life from V rockets one of which lands in her street blowing in all her windows, her grandmother is evacuated to Norfolk for her own safety being a nervous wreck from the bombing.

He is last heard of in a letter dated friday the 13th of April 1945. Near the end of the month a telegram arrives saying that he has been killed in action on the 18th.

There are several letters of condolence from his pals and also from Captain Martin Preston and the Chaplain, Revd. Ross Hook, who states that he buried him himself with full military honours.

One of the letters gives details of how he was killed, basically caught in the blast from two 88mm shells whilst leading his section.

In Memory of PLY/X106635 Corporal Roy Montague Smith
No. 43RM Commando, Royal Marines.
who died on the 18th April 1945 aged 23
Remembered with honour at Ravenna War Cemetery