Wildman, F.G. Mne.

Personal Information

Fred Wildman turned 18 in 1940, the year described as the war's Darkest Hour. He applied for the Navy but was re-directed to the Royal Marines.

During 1941 it wasn't at all clear what he was going to do in A Company of the 10th Battalion. Soon he was put to work on three-inch mortars and Vickers machine guns.

In August 1943, Fred joined the brand new 47 Royal Marine Commando - Heavy Weapons Troop. To win the coveted Green Beret, he was sent to ground breaking and back breaking training at Achnacarry. He left Scotland as fit as a lion and early in 1944 was sent on a cliff climbing course. Then in June he arrived in Southampton alongside thousands of Americans. This was D Day ... one day later than planned. Near the shore, the front was blown off Fred's craft. He was thrown into the sea and began to sink. He just managed to release that weighty mortar sight, saving his life. When he found Cpt. O'Connell soaking next to him he explained his lucky escape. His Captain replied: "Marine Wildman, the wrong object has reached the beach". More heavy fighting followed in France before 47 Royal Marine Commando launched another amphibious landing on the Dutch Island of Walcheren. For the second time in six months, Fred faced ferocious fire from Hitler's Atlantic wall. Somehow Fred had become separated from the rest of Heavy Weapons Troop and was on the wrong landing craft. This was hit by a shell and he prepared to dive into the sea. He gave a yell to Captain O'Connell who shouted something uncomplimentary but brought the Buffalo Landing Craft round to Fred. By this time his Captain had learnt all too well that this was an object that was needed on the beach. Fred had become the unit's Number One Mortar Man. After heavy losses in freezing conditions, the combined efforts of the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and all the other wartime Commando Units, 47 achieved its task.