236738 Marine Ernest Wheeldon Royal Marines 120 Squadron Plymouth Division Co. A from:5 Barnard Terrace,Off Wellington St. Matlock, Derbyshire Like many servicemen, my father gave very little away of his actions during the 2nd World War. He did tell me that he was in action as a gunner on board the cruisers HMS Columbo and Maritius in the Med.
He also took part in campaigns in French North Africa and Italy and was in Malta(also spending some time in hospital there). I believe, according to his service record papers, which an ex marine pointed out to me after my father's death, that it lists him being assigned to the Scottish training bases of Dinosaur, Quebec and latterly Copra. I'm also led to believe members of the Combined Operations Forces were specially trained on various forms of landing crafts whilst there - was he one of them?
I don't know for certain but some of his merits listed are Marksman and Superior Seamanship. Perhaps he took part in the 'D' landings as well, who knows? I would dearly love to know more about his war service, but so far I've drawn a complete blank. The archives at Portsmouth's Whale Island were not forthcoming. If anyone out there can help with further information I would be very grateful. Thank you.
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