Henry Wellesley, 6th Duke of Wellington
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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 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1935 in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding).
He died, aged 31, on 16 September 1943 from wounds received in action while leading a group of Commandos. He is buried in the British Beach Head Cemetery, Bivio Pratole in the province of Salerno, Italy.
At the time of his death he was a Captain in command of a Troop in No2 Commando, commanded by LtCol 'Mad' Jack Churchill, who was not related to Winston Churchill despite some media statements to the contrary.
Both No2 and No41 Commando Royal Marines were engaged at Salerno, both switched from their initial battle area around Vietri sul Mare, west of Salerno, to a position two to three miles inland of Mercatello, then south east of Salerno, today it is an encompassed suburb. The Germans held and were strengthening three highground positions. During the daytime of 16 September No2 commando moved back though a valley around the village of Piegolelle dubbed 'Pigoletti', which had been cleared the night before, intending to capture a hill at the far end referred to as 'Pimple Hill'. However; in the early hours the Germans had sent light forces back into the valley and also strengthened 'Pimple Hill'. On assaulting the hill two troops of commando's were exposed to well-positioned machinegun fire. The Duke was among the fatalities, hit by a severe burst from a Spandau position.
The Beach Head Cemetery is one of two Commonwealth cemeteries. The other is known as Anzio War Cemetery and distinct from the American Cemetery which is in Nettuno.
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| Peerage of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Arthur Wellesley |
Duke of Wellington 1941–1943 |
Succeeded by Gerald Wellesley |
| Titles of Nobility | ||
| Preceded by Arthur Wellesley |
Duque de Ciudad Rodrigo 1941–1943 |
Succeeded by Anne Rhys |
