Home > Animals > Fishes > S > Sergeant Major
Headstone Major Gus March-Phillips, St Laurent sur Mer
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Headstone Major Gus March-Phillips, St Laurent sur Mer
The grave is in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. March-Phillips commanded a Small Scale Landing Force that came ashore here in a Commando operation named Aquatint on 12 September 1942. As the small team landed they came under fire and the engine of the Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) that had brought them was damaged and thus unable to take them off. Monitoring of German radio uncovered the fact that March-Phillips drowned while trying to swim out to the MTB. Sergeant A. Williams and Private R. Leonard were shot by the Germans on 13 September. They too lie in the churchyard. Date: 2009
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23215474
© Holts Battlefield Collection /
1942 Aquatint Ashore Cemetery Commanded Commando Commonwealth Grave Graves Landed Landing Named Operation Scale
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sergeant Major
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: In Memory of Headstone Major Gus March-Phillips and His Brave Commando Team This poignant photograph captures the graves of Headstone Major Gus March-Phillips and two of his soldiers, Sergeant A. Williams and Private R. Leonard, located in the tranquil Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at St. Laurent sur Mer. The graves serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during a daring Commando operation named Aquatint, which took place on September 12, 1942. Major Gus March-Phillips, a British military officer, commanded a Small Scale Landing Force that came ashore at St. Laurent sur Mer in an attempt to seize a German gun battery. The team, brought ashore in a Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB), faced heavy resistance from the enemy as they landed. Tragically, the engine of the MTB was damaged during the landing, leaving the team stranded and unable to retreat. As German radio transmissions were monitored, it was discovered that Major March-Phillips had drowned while attempting to swim out to the stranded MTB in an attempt to save his men. Sergeant Williams and Private Leonard were shot by the Germans on September 13, 1942, and also lie in the churchyard. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at St. Laurent sur Mer is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during World War II. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring bond between those who served and the lands they fought to protect. Date: 2009 Source: Mary Evans Prints Online (Rights Managed)
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
