Heroes are so often quiet people who do little to arouse notoriety until they are called on to do superhuman things. They are abound today in the mountains of Afghanistan, a legacy of past generations cemented on tradition and loyalties established by giants like Cyril Ellis. Cyril answered the call along with others of his generation and his family; his brother Ronnie was a sergeant of Guards, Cyril became a Royal Marine and was one of the original Commandos.

When Britain was able to go on the offensive to Free Europe, it was the types of Cyril Ellis who led the way. He fought with great distinction, and many say he ought to have been decorated, at Salerno where, as an acting colour-sergeant, led his troop to capture German artillery and prevent a massive counter-attack from a strong and well equipped foe.

Subsequently, whilst with 41 Commando, he was involved with the assault on D-Day beaches of Normandy, and in late autumn of that year in the reckless and magnificent assault