Memorial Lt. Colonel Augustus C. Newman

This memorial at St. Peter's Church commemorates Augustus C. Newman who died in Sandwich on 26 April 1972. As Lieutenant Colonel of the Essex Regiment, he commanded No. 2 Commando during the raid on St. Nazaire (Operation Chariot). For his heroic conduct during this operation, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945.

'As a Lieutenant Colonel in The Essex Regiment, attached to No. 2 Commando, aged 37, Augustus C. Newman took part in 'Operation Chariot' for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross'

On the plaque is the following text:

'On 28 March 1942 in an attack on St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant Colonel Newman was in charge of the military forces and he was one of the first ashore, leading his men and directing operations quitte regardless of his own safety. Under his inspiring leadership the troops fought magnificently and held vastly superior numbers of the enemy at bay until the demolition parties had done their work. Newman then attempted to fight through into open country and not until all the ammunition was spent were he and his men overwhelmed and taken prisoner'

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Chris Dijkshoorn