DOUGIE RODERICK R.I.P.
SECOND WORLD WAR VETERAN Dougie Roderick, who in a moving moment laid a wreath in memory of fallen comrades at the Upper Norwood Remembrance Day ceremony in 2014, has died at the age of 97.
Dougie died on the 19th January this year just a few days before his 98th birthday. The funeral was on Thursday 18th February at West Norwood Cemetery.
Sadly this was only four months after the death of his daughter Sylvie Townsend. Sylvie was secretary of the London branch, and an ardent supporter of the Commando Veterans Association helping organise events and in fund raising at those events.
The following tribute for Dougie was written by Major Geoff Murray, former Commando Veterans Association National Secretary :
“Dougie was an absolute legend, serving with No 3 Commando from the very early days, sustaining wounds during Operation Archery in Vaagso in December 1941.
“He was such a sparky character, always fully aware of what was going on, and always ready with a wise-crack to cheer you up.
“He was an ardent supporter of the CVA and the larger commando family, as was his close family who have given sterling support over the years, particularly his beloved daughter Sylvie, who we all know sadly passed recently. ”
Our thoughts are with all of the family during this very sad time. Rest in peace Dougie my friend, you will be missed and certainly not forgotten.” Major Geoff Murray.
Major Murray also wrote a most moving tribute to Dougie’s daughter Sylvie after she passed away last year,
“Although she had suffered far more than her fair share of pain and illness throughout her life, ‘our Sylvie’ was by far the most charismatic and proactive associate member (and later honorary member) that the CVA could have ever wished for.
“Daughter of the enigmatic Dougie Roderick (No 3 Commando/Vaagso Raid), Sylvie has not only helped raise many, many thousands of pounds for the good and benefit of our wartime Commandos, but she has also brought immense amounts of laughter and joy at our annual events whilst doing so.
“Sylvie’s passing will leave an immeasurable void in the lives of her family and also in the lives of her many CVA friends, who grew to love her dearly over the many years that she has been involved.
“Our annual events at Fort William, Alrewas, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Elmwood School, to name but a few, will be all the more quiet without our Sylvie.”
It is so sad that the biggest heart in the world has stopped beating. We love you very much Sylvie – rest in peace you beautiful Lady. Xxx.”
(Many thanks to Pete Rogers, website archivist, Commando Veterans Archive
www.commandoveterans.org for the above information – News From Crystal Palace)