A wreath has been laid at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) Memorial in memory of 41 Independent Commando RM.
29th of November is 41 Independent Commando Memorial Day. However due to COVID-19 the commemorations have not been possible. Phil Gilby MBE was asked to lay a wreath at the Memorial Wall at CTCRM, accompanied by RSM Ross Wilson, on their behalf.
In August 1950, shortly after the outbreak of the war between the communist North Korea and South Korea, 41 Independent Commando was formed in Plymouth for service with the United Nations who had gone to the aid of South Korea. Under command of Lt. Col. D.B. Drysdale RM 41 Independent Commando, with a strength of just over 200, was composed of three separate groups: a few Royal Marines and sailors from ships of the Royal Navy Pacific Fleet, approximately 100 from the UK, who were flown to Japan in civilian aircraft of BOAC and another 90 from a reinforcement draft who had left Plymouth for 3 Commando Brigade in Malaya and were diverted to Singapore.
Having succeeded in its aim the Commando was withdrawn from North Korea on 23rd December 1951. 31 members of 41 Independent Commando, whose names are recorded on a roll of honour in St.Mary’s Chruch, Bickleigh, where another wreath will be laid on their behalf on Sunday, were killed in action or died in captivity. There were numerous battle casualties, caused by enemy action and atrocious sub-zero weather. Another 31 were prisoners of war, some spending 3 years in the most grim conditions both physical and psychological, during which 12 were killed.
41 Independent Commando were recognised with numerous awards for their service in Korea.
