Sergeant-Major Lawrence Marsden

Bdr Laurie Marsden joined 'C' Coy 2nd Parachute Bn from the Royal Artillery, shortly after Bruneval, & served in Tunisia, being wounded several times, & Sicily, where he was again wounded then captured. He escaped several times, but was recaptured on each occasion. Having taught himself German, he remained in Germany working with the Military Police as an interpreter, hunting down War Criminals. He left the Regular Army for the TA in 1947, joining the 12th (Yorkshire) Bn. In 1953, he reenlisted, serving the next 9 years as a PSI with 12th & 12th/13th Bn. Again he joined the TA the day after leaving Regular Service. He stayed with 12/13 Bn until 1964, when he passed Selection for SAS (TA), & became SSM 'B'Sqn 23 SAS at Leeds. A couple of years later, he was asked to form the Cadre to found 'C'Sqn at Prudhoe. Laurie Retired from the Army, aged 50, in 1972, but it remained in his blood for the rest of his life, being involved with both PRA & SASRA for many years. Laurie had married Kath in 1947, & they had 3 children, Charlie, Jane & Sally. Kath passed away in Dec 2009, & Laurie soldiered on until 5th Nov 2012.