Recipient of the Military Medal (MM), Johnny Dowling of No. 3 Commando, was a fighting man. He learned to box at the famous St. Malachy’s Boxing Club in Liverpool, and after spending three seasons in the city’s tough boxing booths, he jumped at the chance to volunteer for “special service of a hazardous nature” and joined the Commandos.
Small in stature but big in heart, he was a formidable lightweight who was full of life. His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Durnford-Slater described him as “a wonderful boxer and soldier…action was what he wanted whether in the boxing ring or in the battle”.
A veteran of the commando raids in Norway and France, he was promoted to corporal and was first into the fray during the invasion of Sicily. Standing next to his CO at the front of the landing craft, he emptied magazine after magazine at the enemy’s defensive positions.
Awarded the Military Medal
Awarded the Military Medal for his actions on the night of 13th–14th July 1943 at Agnone, Sicily, his citation stated that: “Corporal Dowling exposed himself fearlessly in the final stages of the invasion of the landing craft while manning the Vickers K Gun. He fired many magazines and accurately directed fire at enemy pill boxes. On arrival at Punta Dei Malati with his section, he rushed and captured a pill box being wounded during this assault. He continued to operate cheerfully and efficiently showing fine leadership during the disturbance”.
D-Day: Sword Beach
After further operations in Italy, Dowling and No. 3 Commando returned to Britian to prepare for the Normandy landings. On D-Day at Sword Beach, Johnny Dowling led the advance down the ramp, however the craft had grounded on a false beach some distance from the water’s edge, and as he entered the water a shell exploded beside him. Wounded, he was evacuated back to England but was back in France within four weeks fighting fit and raring to go.
A Fighting Man
Fighting man Johnny Dowling MM epitomised the fighting spirit of the Commandos. He survived the rest of the war reaching the rank of Company Sergeant Major. A member of the post-war Commando Association, he died in Liverpool at the age of 74.
For books by Ian McHarg click the image or here
Follow | Subscribe | Buy
