VI COMMANDO

Prt. James Allender, formerly of the 1^st Battalion of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, served with No.1 (later renamed No.101) Troop of No.6 Commando from its formation in 1940 (in Scarborough) until, at least, 13^th March 1942. 

Prt. James Allender was awarded the Military Medal during his time as a Private in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) during the French campaign on 21^st May 1940 when he and Prt. William Stead volunteered, under bombardment in the Pont a Chin area, to mend the field telephone lines and restore communications.

Later promoted to Sergeant, on 26^th September 1943 he was awarded a Bar to his Military Medal. 

Sgt. James Allender was recommended for a Military Medal by Lt-Col. Derek Mills-Roberts following the Battle of Steamroller Farm on 26^th February 1943.  The citation reads:

‘During the action between VI Commando and a Battalion of Herman Goering Jaeger Regiment, Sgt. Allender showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty throughout. Whilst his section was moving up a hill under heavy MG and mortar fire, and without cover, Sgt. Allender fired his Bren Gun resting it on another man’s shoulders to get necessary elevation. During this period he was well exposed and all enemy LMG fire was directed at him. He was wounded but carried on.  The Troop later advanced over the same ground and it was found that a complete German MG team had been killed by Sgt. Allender’s fire, and the gun was captured.’ 

Whilst hospitalised from his wounds, Sgt James Allender eventually returned to No.1 Troop of No.6 Commando and was serving with them until wounded in Normandy on 10^th June 1944.

Pictures courtesy of Tom Allender