VI COMMANDO

Prt. Harold Robert Francis Kendall, formerly of 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment (Yorkshire Light Infantry, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division), served with No.1 (later renamed No.101) Troop of No.6 Commando from its formation in Scarborough in 1940. However, when No.101 Troop moved into the formation of No.2 Special Boat Squadron, Prt. Harold Kendall had opted to return to No.6 Commando.

L/Sgt. Kendall later served with No.4 Troop of No.6 Commando from, at least, October 1942 and was reported as wounded by shell splinters on 5^th August 1943.

It was reported that Sgt. Kendall (ex-No.4 Trp) was awarded the Military Medal on 24^th July 1945, for his actions during the Operation: Enterprise crossing of the River Elbe (Germany).  The citation reads:

‘Near Lauenburg on the night 28^th/29^th April shortly after crossing the Elbe, Sgt. Kendall was put in charge of nine men ordered to patrol to a bridge over the Elbe-Trave Canal and if possible to take it intact.

Approaching the bridge cautiously Sgt. Kendall saw a party of four German engineers preparing to fuse the charges that had already been placed on the bridge.  The engineer party was covered by two machine-gun teams.  Making his plan quickly Sgt. Kendall led his patrol as near as possible without being seen, then placing his Bren on the ground to cover his attack he led his patrol forward in a dash for the bridge.  The Germans were completely surprised and only had time to fire a few bursts of wild and inaccurate fire before they were overpowered, three being killed and the remainder taken prisoner.

Sgt. Kendall immediately disconnected the demolitions and rendered them useless, thus capturing the bridge intact, which was of supreme importance to the 6^th Airborne Division in their widening of the bridgehead.'

Picture courtesy of Mr. Harry Dennant.