Henry Wellesley, 6. Duke of Wellington
6th Duke of Wellington
Henry Valerian George Wellesley, 6th Duke of Wellington (b. 14 July 1912, d. 16 September 1943), was the son of Arthur Charles Wellesley, 5th Duke of Wellington and Hon. Lilian Maud Glean Coats. He was styled the Earl of Mornington between 1912 and 1934 and Marquess of Douro between 1934 and 1941. His career in the military began at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1935 with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding).
He died on 16 September 1943 at age 31 from wounds received in action while leading a group of Commandos. He is buried at Beach Head Cemetery, Salerno, Italy(which is the British cemetery and not to be confused with the American cemetery at Nettuno. See
Henry Wellesley, Captain the Duke of Wellington, was a Troop commander in No.2 Commando, itself commanded by Lt. Col. 'Mad' Jack Churchill - no relation of Winston as an American Veteran states on one web site. Both No.2 and No.41 Commando (RM) were engaged at Salerno, and both switched from their initial battle area around Vietri sul Mare (west of Salerno) to two to three miles inland of Mercatello (then south east of Salerno and now an encompassed suburb). The Germans held and were strengthening three highland positions. During daytime of 16th September, No.2 moved back though a valley around the village of Piegolelle (which they dubbed 'Pigoletti') that they already cleared the night before, to capture a hill at the far end referred to as 'Pimple'. In the early hours the Germans sent light forces back into the valley (which had to be cleared again) and decided to strengthen Pimple Hill. On assaulting the hill, two Troops were exposed to well positioned fire when the Duke was among the fatalities, taking a severe burst of Spandau fire.
The Duke is buried at Salerno War Cemetery (Commonwealth). The 'Beach Head' Cemetery is one of two Commonwealth cemeteries at Anzio, the other know as Anzio War Cemetery and distinct from the American Cemetery.
See http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/beachhea...ead_war_cem.htm ).
Source: http://forums.wildbillguarnere.com/lofiversion/index.php/t2978.html