Frank Appleyard

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher

Frank Appleyard was born on the 9th August 1922, the youngest son of Charles and Bessie Appleyard (née Tubb) who had married on the 3rd of April 1907 in the Parish Church of St. George in the County of Stockport. They lived at 48 Rochdale Road, Shaw, Lancashire with their other children, Marie, Norman and Lily.

Acording to the 1939 Register, Frank was working as an apprentice bricklayer. It is not known when he joined up but he served with the Royal Marines.

He was to show himself as a very capable soldier and clearly looked after his comrades in battle as shown when he was awarded the Military Medal on the 20th of July 1943 at Massa Palato, Sicily when serving with 7 (Royal Marine) Commando. He was then aged 21 years. The citation states:

“This Marine was in 7 Platoon when pinned down in a gully. When the Platoon were evacuating the gully, he remained alone at a turn in the gully and continued firing his rifle every time the snipers fired a burst of M/G fire at the troops evacuating wounded. By so doing he diverted attention to himself and undoubtably greatly increased the chances of the survivors who were carrying the wounded back. Some time after the Platoon had been ordered to withdraw, Marine Appleyard returned to the gully to make sure that no wounded on our side had been left behind, and as a result of this further bravery was alone for 36 hours without food or water. He had previously gone up the gully to fill the water bottles at a well which was under fire from the enemy, completely disregarding the danger to himself. I consider he showed the greatest courage and gallantry. J.T.O WATERS, Lt Col Comd 7 RM.

After seeing service in Italy 7 (Royal Marine) Commando returned to the UK in February 1944 where it was re-formed as 48 (Royal Marine) Commando. They trained at Achnacarry ahead of the Normandy landings and on 6th June the Batalion landed on Juno Beach. Frank was killed at some point that day.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

If you are related to Frank Appleyard or know where we can find a photo of him we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.