John Eskdale from Lydney in Gloucestershire saw combat with HMS Charybdis in the Mediterranean on the Malta Convoys in 1942 and was involved in the invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943. 

He survived the sinking of Charybdis by German Torpedo boats near the Channel Islands in late 1943 and went onto see action in Normandy and in the Far East.

During his visit to Lympstone, John was given the honour of presenting the Commando Medal to Marine James Barback, who had demonstrated the qualities that define the Commando Spirit and Ethos – unselfishness, cheerfulness under adversity, courage, and determination – throughout training.

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