Hundred-year-old Commando inspires Royal Marines with stories of survival

A 100-year-old Second World War veteran has visited the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon to offer his insights to Royal Marines recruits.

John Eskdale, from Lydney in Gloucestershire, served on HMS Charybdis during the Malta Convoys in 1942, took part in the invasion of Sicily in 1943 and survived the sinking of his ship by German torpedo boats near the Channel Islands.

He later saw action in Normandy and the Far East, where he assisted in disarming the Chinese National Army and maintaining security at key checkpoints.

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During his visit, Mr Eskdale presented the Commando Medal to Marine James Barback, who demonstrated the Commando qualities of unselfishness, cheerfulness under adversity, courage and determination throughout training.

Royal Marines is a family

"It's important you get into a routine, know what you are doing, it's important that everyone knows you and everyone knows what you can do and be relied on, you've got to remember that you are very much together," he told the recruits.

"The Royal Marines is a family, whilst you are serving, and more so afterwards, it can go on forever. You'll have good times and awful times… take it as it comes, I wish you all the very, very best and good luck to you all."

Recruit Sean Brennen, preparing to restart training, described meeting Mr Eskdale as an honour.

"An unbelievable gentleman, so inspiring and a real honour to chat with and find out what he did during the Second World War, quite remarkable," he said.

Survival and service

Mr Eskdale initially attempted to join the Armed Forces in 1940, but was too young. Instead, he volunteered with the fire service in Bristol before joining the Royal Marines in 1942.

After earning his green beret, he served on HMS Charybdis, which was sunk off the Channel Islands by German torpedo boats.

He spent five hours in the water on a Carley float before being rescued. Of the 533-strong crew, only 107 survived.

Following the sinking, Mr Eskdale volunteered for hazardous service and trained at Dalditch Camp before joining 30 Assault Unit (30AU), later reformed as 30 IX Commando.

He took part in the Normandy campaign and later assisted in disarming the Chinese National Army in Hong Kong.

Now, at 100 years old, Mr Eskdale remains connected to the Royal Marines community, sharing his experiences with the next generation.