The loss of Dennis Donovan - D Day Veteran - 48 Royal Marine Commando
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
A few days before Christmas the last surviving member of the wartime 48 Royal Marine Commando Dennis Donovan died peacefully at home surrounded by family at the age of 100.
He returned to Normandy many times over more recent years and lastly in June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
Dennis was called up to fight in World War 2 on January 1943, aged 18, and was first posted to Sicily then Italy before the formation of 48 Commando.
3 days after his 20th Birthday he was in an LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) approaching Normandy, 48's battle started close to shore before even reaching the sands, they battled their way off the exposed beach against concentrated fire through St. Aubin-sur-Mer and on to Langrune-sur-Mer suffering 25% casualties.
Dennis fought on through teh battle of Normandy and after attending a signals course in the UK (which in my interview with him he jokes about failing!) he rejoined his unit to fight across Holland and Germany.
Dennis was a true Gentlemen and loyal Royal Marine who will be sadly missed by all, he is now at the final RV with his comrades, many of which were still teenagers when they were killed liberating Europe.
His funeral was held in Le Boulou France, with the cremation in Perpignan.
Related Royal Marines 'Dits'
The Last Man Standing, the story of Dennis Donovan, 48 Royal Marine Commando Juno Beach
Dennis Donovan Interview - Listen to this episode of the RM History Podcast here
James Louis Moulton CO 48 CDO D Day
Further reading/ References
The Daily Telegraph - D-Day commando whose unit landed in Normandy without helmets dies aged 100
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