Catterall, J

• Name on memorial: Catterall, J
• Memorial panel: Centre
• Full name: John Catterall
• Rank: Marine
• Service details: PO/X108069, No. 40 R.M. Commando, Royal Marines
• Age at death: 21
• Date of death: 19/08/1942
• Birth place: unknown
• Parents: Thomas and Elizabeth Catterall
• Mother's maiden name: unknown
• Parents' marriage details: unknown
• Wife: Phyllis Catterall, of Grimsbury
• Wife's maiden name: Lewis
• Marriage details: Middleton Sep-41
• Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY
• Additional information:
  Daughter Margaret born in Banbury.
  
  No. 40 Commando’s baptism of fire was in the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942. In support of the main Canadian assault force, Nos. 3 and 4 (Army) Commandos were to destroy the enemy coastal batteries covering the main landing beaches, whilst No. 40 had selected tasks in the port area and was to be responsible for reinforcements as required. In the pre-dawn run-in the landing craft of No. 3 were fired upon and scattered with the result that only two small parties managed to land, one was overwhelmed, but the other successfully engaged the Berneval battery for some hours before withdrawing. On the other flank at Varengeville No. 4, under the command of Lord Lovat, carried out what was officially hailed as a 'classic operation of war' and completely destroyed the Hess Battery, successfully withdrawing and re-embarking with prisoners. Unfortunately, No. 40, when committed to their landing, under well-nigh impossible conditions, suffered severe casualties. Of the 370 officers and men 76 were lost on the beaches. Among those killed was the CO.
  Source:http://www.royalmarinesonline.com/40-Commando.php

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