Cyril Ellis - former Royal Marine and hero

Cyril Ellis (right) on his 80th Birthday with his lifelong friend Jim Baker.

Heroes are so often quiet people who do little to arouse notoriety until they are called on to do superhuman things. They are abound today in the mountains of Afghanistan, a legacy of past generations cemented on tradition and loyalties established by giants like Cyril Ellis. Cyril answered the call along with others of his generation and his family; his brother Ronnie was a sergeant of Guards, Cyril became a Royal Marine and was one of the original Commandos.

When Britain was able to go on the offensive to Free Europe, it was the types of Cyril Ellis who led the way. He fought with great distinction, and many say he ought to have been decorated, at Salerno where, as an acting colour-sergeant, led his troop to capture German artillery and prevent a massive counter-attack from a strong and well equipped foe.

Subsequently, whilst with 41 Commando, he was involved with the assault on D-Day beaches of Normandy, and in late autumn of that year in the reckless and magnificent assault on Walcheren where lightly armed Commandos assailed the fortress of Europe with nothing more than side arms and raw courage.

After the war he gave more of his time to his country and was rewarded with a Warrant in the Territorial Army Royal Artillery. With a wealth of experience behind him he later gave his time to the cadets and served his beloved Royal Marines as an instructor at Laycock Gate. He was partly instrumental in the acquisition of the present cadet location of HMS Penelope at Bispham Square. In the late 50’s and early 60’s ranks of young people became thankful for the care and devotion that Cyril gave to them through his work with the Royal Marine cadets.

What this generation will never appreciate is that Cyril’s timeless selflessness was given at a epoch of severe austerity. There was no Social Service in those early days, when he could not work because he had been severely injured working on a coal conveyor belt, he had to go cap in hand to the Charities to feed his family. He was given a pittance of a loan which he repaid, but surprisingly this episode did not leave him bitter, such was the magnitude of this most excellent of human beings. He could be found selling Poppies for the same charities who had, years earlier, ignored his plight because ‘others were in greater need!’ He had the kind of charity within his heart that is so absent from the society of today

I spoke to a former colleague of his, a man who had not seen Cyril since they worked together for the Coal Board over 60 years ago. Instantly he recalled Cyril’s war record and what a good friend he had been. The man is my uncle Brian and I can only reflect the sentiment on behalf of him and all my family. Farewell to a much underrated hero and friend.

The forgotten battlefield at Walcheren. This region was essential to Germany being able to resupply her troops and counter the Allied advances. War is not as romantic as it is portrayed by Hollywood and the freezing wetlands of this region was the worst of conditions, the attrition rate was enormous as the survivors still living in Blackpool will witness.

Cyril died earlier this week after a long and typically hard fight against cancer. May there be a heaven where you can play with your tigers, watched by your loved ones.

GET ON PARADE

Peacefully in the loving care of Trinity Hospice, on Tuesday October 13, 2009, aged 85 years. Dearly loved dad of Peter, Steven, Susan and Lorraine, dear father in law of Susan, Jenny, John and Paul, much loved granddad and great granddad and a very dear brother of Ronnie and Marion. "Cyril will be greatly missed by all his loving family and friends" Service to be held at Park Crematorium, Lytham St Annes on Wednesday October 21, at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations if so desired may be made for Trinity the Hospice in the Fylde. All donations and enquiries, please, c/o D. Hollowell and Sons, Devonshire House Funeral Home. Tel 01253 355663