C.Y.R. graffiti from Dover, UK.

[Phil Eyden]

I've managed to track down one of the two commandos. It was George Leonard Akerley of Saint-Léonard, Canada (G/21001). I believe he came to the UK in 1939 and married, having two children. His brother Percy Akerley was part of the same military group. He was assigned to D. Company of the CYR.

He was sent with the CYR as part of the first wave during Op. Husky, the invasion of Sicily on the 10th July 1943 and sadly killed in action the following day at the age of 30.

He is buried in Grave 338, Row F, Plot C, of Agira War Cemetary, Sicily.

I'd love to track down a relative and send them a photo and some information of my discovery. Fortunately I managed to find out the above and incorprate it with a photo into our display board in the nick of time for our open days at the Drop Redoubt last weekend.

Still no joy with Pvt. Spring unfortunately. If anyone could help it would be much appreciated.

[Phil Eyden]

I've now found evidence of Pvt. Everett Ricker at the fort. He served in D. Coy CYR, went on to be wounded twice in Italy but survived the war.

Is this topic of interest to anybody?

[Private_collector]

Hey Phil,

A lot of us will be hugely interested.

This is great stuff.

A piece of history brought alive by your research.

Thanks for your efforts!!!!!

[jason meade]

The CnY Regiment later turned into 1 Royal New Brunswick Regiment which is my old reserve regiment out of Frederiction New Brunswick.
Had some great times and not so great times.
Jason

[Phil Eyden]

Thanks Tony and Jason.

Here is G17817 Pvt Everett Ricker's name for you. The other photo is one of the old 1860s caponiers where I've worked out the CYR were billeted. It wasn't quite as derelict as it appears now, as 70 years ago the fort had wooden floors and electric lighting. Still, the place was pretty ghastly to be holed up for a few nights as for security reasons they were not allowed out down town.

To pass their time the soldiers played darts - I've found the trace of where they hung up a board as it is circular mark, just the right height and defined by pin pricks. The pillar in the centre of the photo is covered in pencil score marks.

Does anyone here have the CYR War Diary covering the period of the raid? I'd love to have a look at the report.

[jason meade]

Phil, Best place to start would be the war museum in Ottawa, I have a list of unit dead some where in my office could take a bit to find.
I have to go to town in the next few days can swing by the armorys and see the historical officer...but i have my doupts that will help you as no reserve unit is good records keepers..I will see what i can find.
Jason

[jason meade]

Pte Rickers is that B coy or D coy...or is that even what it is?