VI COMMANDO

Cpl. William James Bennett

(S/N 405888)

Cpl. William James Bennett, formerly of the Royal Armoured Corps, served in No.4 Troop of No.6 Commando from, at least, October 1942 and was later transferred to No.5 Troop whilst serving in North Africa.

William was KIA on 14th December 1942, aged 29 years, when his No.5 Troop Fighting Patrol (CO Lt. Winser) was ambushed  by German soldiers dressed in British and American uniforms. Despite receiving several bullet wounds he made it back to the Commando HQ with Lt. Winser but was killed by a shell when he was being transferred from the Commando A.D.S.

He was the son of Mrs. E. Bennett, and stepson of Mr. J. Masterton; husband of Lillian Maysel Bennett, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire. William was laid to rest in Tarbak Ras Rajel War Cemetery. Grave 2.B.18.

Picture courtesy of Mr. Harry Dennant

Picture taken pre-embarkation for Operation Torch (1942)
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