THOMSON, Robert George
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Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Essex Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
6014360
P.O.W. number:
18608
P.O.W. camps:
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Monday, October 4, 1915
Operations:
Private Robert Thomson, 2 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire on 28/29 March 1942 [1][2]. He embarked on board motor launch ML 262 [2].
Recommendation
"The Motor Launch in which Pte Thomson was travelling came under heavy fire when approaching the landing point. Without regard for his own safety this soldier displayed outstanding courage in tending to wounded men in the fo'castle of the motor launch, despite the concentrated fire which was being directed at the vessel.
The outstanding coolness and unselfishness displayed by this man under intense fire was of the highest order, and was instrumental not only in saving lives, but also, by his quick action in banding wounds, in enabling wounded men to continue the fight on land" [2a].
Initially reported as missing in action, subsequently found to be a prisoner of war [3a].
Awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Government [3b].
Awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Government [3b].
Formerly a farm worker in Essex, Robert Thomson joined the Essex Territorials before the war [3c][4][5]. He was from Mains of Seaton, Arbroath [3c][5].
His brothers also served [6].
His brothers also served [6].
- James Thomson served in the Royal Navy [6].
- Private Eric Thomson served in No 6 Commando and was killed in action in 1945 [7].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
[2] St Nazaire Society website.
[2a] National Archives file WO373/46/292.
[3] Casualty List 801 The Essex Regt.
[3a] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
[3b] National Archives file WO373/185/18.
[3c] Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/317/2.
[3c] Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/317/2.
[4][ Image] Dundee Courier - Thursday 07 May 1942.
[5] Dundee Courier - Saturday 6 July 1942.
[6] Dundee Courier - Saturday 3 February 1945.
[7] CWGC. [see linked content below].
Notes
Surname spelt as on [3], [3a], [3b], [3c], [4], [5], [6] and [7] above. Spelt as Thompson on [1] , [2] and [2A] above.
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