Geoffrey Sherman

Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Collingwood Sherman (6 April 1915 – 22 March 2009)

Royal Marines

Berwick Sherman joined the Royal Marines on 1 September 1933 when he was commissioned as a probationary second lieutenant, and would serve in a variety of roles during his career, both on land and sea. probationary lieutenant on 1 September 1936, and confirmed in that rank on 18 December 1936. He served on commanding her detachment in an overall force of 746 marines which in May 1940 invaded Iceland during Operation Fork. The force suffered from the conditions and seasickness, however his detachment managed to capture the post office of Reykjavík and secure several key documents.

Africa, Italy and Singapore Sherman was sent to the General Bernard Montgomery's Eighth Army in Egypt, taking part in Operation Baytown in September 1943 before being sent to Italy in 1944 to serve under Lieutenant-General Browning and Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was planning his Operation Zipper. reverting to acting major on 18 November 1946. He regained the acting rank of lieutenant colonel on 1 January 1948, his substantive rank was still captain until 30 June 1948 when that was advanced to major. Eventually the injuries he sustained aboard HMS Berwick forced his retirement on 12 August 1950. Moving to West Africa, he worked with a trading company in Nigeria, and later as a superintendent in the Nigerian Special Constabulary. He then returned to England, joining British Aerospace in 1970. While there, he worked on the Panavia Tornado.

Personal life and sporting career Sherman married Evelyn in 1939, remaining married to her for 70 years and having three children. His son Nicholas's godmother was the secretary to General Browning during the latter part of the Second World War. Sherman was also an active sportsman. He played cricket for the MCC and for Nigeria as a bowler and wicketkeeper. He also played rugby for Wasps and the Royal Navy. He also worked for the Samaritans in Blackpool, and worked with rifle associations in Bisley until his death in 2009 at the age of 93. He died in West Sussex, England, and was survived by his two sons, daughter, wife; Evelyn and 5 grandchildren.