VI COMMANDO

TSM . Richard Cunningham, formerly of the Border Regiment, served with No.5 Troop of No.6 Commando from, at least, 9^th December 1941 until 14^th May 1942 when he was posted to No.12 Commando on promotion to RSM.

He is mentioned in the Board of Enquiry proceedings regarding the grenade accident aboard HMS Prince Charles on 9^th December 1941 during the preparations for the raid on Florø ( Norway ). As a result of the accident he required a ‘stitch in his right ear’.

Later Richard transferred to 1^st (Airborne) Battalion and was Killed In Action (KIA) on 9^th July 1943 , aged 29 years, at Monte Cassino. 

Richard was the son of John and Jean Cunningham of Parton, Cumberland; and the husband of Elizabeth Drummond Cunningham of Dumbarton. Richard is commemorated on Panel 7 of the Cassino Memorial.