Three Generations United by Service and Remembrance

From the D-Day landings to today’s Army Cadets, one family’s remarkable story of courage, sacrifice and keeping the memory of a fallen Royal Marine Commando alive. 

For Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) Sean Hedley, Remembrance is deeply personal. His great-uncle, Royal Marine Commando Stanley Hedley, gave his life following the D-Day landings during the Second World War, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice that continues to inspire his family more than 80 years later. 

Today, Sean has served as an Army Cadet officer for over 24 years, while his 15-year-old son, Cadet Lance Corporal Luke Hedley BCyA, is following in the family’s footsteps as a member of Hebburn Parachute Regiment Detachment, A Company, Durham Army Cadet Force (ACF). 

Together, they are ensuring that Stanley’s story, and the sacrifices made by his generation, are never forgotten. 

A Young Commando’s Extraordinary Sacrifice 

Stanley Hedley was just 16 years old when he left school and enlisted in the Royal Marines, having given a false age to join up during the Second World War. 

Before taking part in the D-Day landings, he served in several locations, including Alexandria in Egypt, North Africa and the mountains of Sicily. 

It was during the D-Day landings in June 1944 that Stanley was shot in the neck by a sniper. Although he survived his initial injuries and was transported back to Britain, he sadly died a few days later, shortly before his 21st birthday. 

For Sean, discovering the extent of his great-uncle’s service has been an emotional journey. 

“So proud that he decided to go and fight for his country at the young age of 16,” Sean reflected. 

With few family stories passed down, Sean began researching Stanley’s military history with help from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 

What he discovered revealed a far more extensive military career than he had ever imagined. 

Preserving a Family’s Military History 

Sean initially believed that Stanley had only served during the D-Day landings and that his grave was in France. 

However, conversations with his aunt revealed that Stanley was buried much closer to home, at Preston Cemetery in North Tyneside, where the family originated. 

Another significant discovery came when Sean applied for his great-uncle’s military medals, which the family had never received. 

When a large padded envelope arrived in the post, Sean was surprised to discover far more medals than he had anticipated, reflecting Stanley’s service across multiple campaigns. 

Today, the family proudly preserves several treasured possessions, including Stanley’s original Royal Marines cap badge, Commando dagger, medals and death scroll presented to his parents. 

They also hold a rare book produced for members of Stanley’s unit and their families, documenting its wartime history. 

These items provide a lasting connection to a young man whose courage and sacrifice continue to resonate through the generations. 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

The family’s connection to military service has continued through Sean’s own 24 years as an Army Cadet officer and his son Luke’s involvement in Durham ACF. 

Before joining, Luke asked numerous questions about the organisation and visited several detachments before choosing Hebburn Parachute Regiment Detachment. 

Since joining, he has embraced the opportunities available to him, completing his Two Star training and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and earning the title of Best Shot in the County at Annual Camp. 

Luke has also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to helping others. 

Luke was nominated for an Honour for Service to Charity through the ACF and was awarded the Postnominals BcyA (Prémio Cidadão Britânico para Jovens) and the Medal of Honour. He has raised over £9,000 for Mountain rescue charities through 3D printing and selling safety whistles.

For Sean, seeing Luke develop his skills, confidence and commitment to community service is another meaningful chapter in the family’s story. 

Remembering Those Who Gave Everything 

Every year, Sean attends Remembrance events, including visits to the Gateshead Field of Remembrance and commemorations in South Shields. 

Seeing the wooden crosses laid in tribute to those who served, and speaking with veterans and families about their experiences, is particularly moving. 

For Sean, Remembrance is about recognising not only those who lost their lives but also the lasting impact of conflict on service personnel, civilians, families and animals. 

He believes younger generations must understand the realities of warfare and the sacrifices made by those who came before them. 

“It is vitally important that the cadets know about the experiences of past wars, not to glorify them but to educate them in how terrible warfare is on members of the Armed Forces, their families and civilians that are caught up in war,” he said. 

His message to today’s Army Cadets is equally powerful: 

“To remember all those who came before us to allow our freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted today, and to be mindful of the injured service personnel who continue to suffer their injuries mentally and physically they received during their service. We will remember them.” 

For Sean and Luke, Remembrance is more than an annual tradition. It is a commitment to preserving their family’s history, honouring Stanley’s sacrifice and ensuring future generations understand the true cost of war.