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No 2 Commando
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Displaying 1 - 150 of 292'2 Cdo. Roll of Honour'
The Fallen from No. 2 Commando
'Messina to Palermo railway raid'
Location
Sicily
38° 1' 19.6896" N, 14° 11' 7.9656" E
Friday, August 29, 1941
On the night of 29th/30th August, 1941, a small party of Commandos, led by Lt. Dudley Schofield, landed from the submarine 'Triumph' of the 10th Submarine Flotilla (operating from Malta), and successfully demolished one and a half spans of a bridge carrying the main Messina to Palermo Railway.
Log Book HMS Triumph 30 Aug.1941
'Operation Blackcock'
Sunday, August 15, 1943
Operation Blackcock was a British amphibious landing to take Scaletta on the north-east coast of Sicily. Planned by Lieutenant General Sir Miles Dempsey’s XIII Corps, of General Sir Bernard Montgomery’s 8th Army, the operation was designed as one of a pair of Allied operations to cut off the last elements of the German forces trying to fall back to their evacuation point at Messina in north-eastern Sicily.
2 Commando
The History
The first No.2 Commando was formed on the 22nd June 1940 for a parachuting role at Cambrai Barracks, Perham Down, near Tidworth, Hants. The Unit at the time consisted of four troops - 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'. Eventually 11 troops were raised. A nominal roll of 'C' and 'D' troops can be found in our documents album within the No 2 Commando gallery.
2 Commando Brigade, Dalmatian Islands Operations
Location
Vis, Yugoslavia
Croatia
43° 2' 41.298" N, 16° 6' 16.5024" E
Sunday, January 16, 1944
Commando operations on or from the Dalmatian islands.
Read more here in our No 2 Commando History section.
2 Commando Commanders
This history of No. 2 Commando was compiled at the request of The Commando Veterans Association, who wanted a record of the unit’s activities and first-hand recollections of its members as seen through the eyes of a No. 2 Commando veteran. There was a certain urgency about the request because this veteran, turned author, is old and just about one step away from the knacker’s yard. There is much to tell about the No. 2 Family and its Father, Charlie Newman.
Bob Bishop
Read more about each Commanding Officer below.
2 Commando Nominal Roll
In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units.
2 Commando Salerno Casualties
Type: Files
Year of Publishing: 2018
Keywords: salerno, casualties, 2 commando, avalanche, vietri, dragone hill, piegolette, piegolelle, the pimple, scaletta, sicily, italy
A document created by an officer of No 2 Commando with specifics relating to No 2 Commando casualties at Salerno, and locations of where they lay, or were first buried. It also includes details of three from the action at Scaletta, Sicily the previous month.
We also have a full Commando Roll of Honour for Salerno. [view].
nb. If the document below does not display, reload/refresh this page in your browser.
2 Commando War Diary 18/19th September 1943
No 2 Commando War Diary 18th September 1943, and part of the entry for the 19th.
[Transcribed from the 2 Cdo.War Diary]
2 Commando, Glomfjord, Norway
Operation Musketoon
"It was on a day in late July, 1942 that the author noted the absence from the ranks of his troop of Capt. Graeme Black, Pte. Eric Curtis and Rfmn. Cyril Abram. At the same time, men of other troops recorded that Capt. Joe Houghton, Sgt. Richard O’Brien, L/Sgt. Bill Chudley, Pte. Reg Makeham, Cpl. John Fairclough, T.S.M. Miller Smith and Pte. Fred Trigg had also vanished. No member of No. 2 Commando had any inkling as to the significance of these disappearances, but as usual, no questions were asked.
2 Commando, Lake Comacchio
Operation Roast.
"Remote from what was to be known as the ‘Battle of Lake Comacchio’, this author did not have a clue as to what was happening to his friends in No. 2 Commando. He had been inside Germany for some time and way out of touch.
It seems that No. 2 Commando had been joined by No. 9 Commando and Nos. 40 and 43 R.M. Commando to implement the task of grabbing a spit of land which extended from Lake Comacchio to the Adriatic Sea, with further exploitation northwards envisaged in the minds of the ‘planners’.
2 Commando, Operations from Vis
"No. 2 Commando started to arrive at Komiza on the Yugoslavian island of Vis on January 16th, 1944. They were to operate on Yugoslav soil for the next six months. The Commando was still much-depleted as a result of the battering it had taken at Salerno, and almost half the unit remaining in Italy consisted of the replacement men and those ‘old hands’ who formed the training cadres.
2 Commando, Salerno
Operation Avalanche
2 Commando, Salerno Aftermath
"As the No. 2 Commando War Diary states, the remnants of the unit, following the Salerno campaign, were redeployed to Catania, Sicily. For once they were not lodged in their usual dusty field. By some accident they had been given a roof over their heads in the shape of a former Italian barracks.
2 Commando, Sarande, Albania
Operation Mercerised
2 Commando, Sicily
Operation Husky.
2 Commando, Spilje, Albania
Operation Healing 11
2 Commando, St. Nazaire
Operation Chariot
"If any reader of this attempt to record the history of No. 2 Commando has gotten this far, he or she will have noted that the pride of place, on Page 1, has been given to the remembrance of the men of the Commando who died in the course of No. 2 Commando operations, including the men who did not return from St. Nazaire.
2 Commando, Vaagso
"The frustrations of 1941 dragged on almost to the end. It had not been a good year from the offensive-action viewpoint of the men of No. 2 Commando. They had done nothing to speak of and were upset at being unemployed. However, the Vaagso raiding force announced the end to this inertia, commencing warfare on December 27th, 1941, landing on Maaloy Island and overrunning the place in less than ten minutes.
A breakdown of the Grohote raiding force
THE ATTACK ON THE GERMAN HELD VILLAGE OF GROHOTE IN THE ISLAND OF SOLTA, DALMATIA. SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 1944. SOMETIMES KNOWN AS "DETAINED 1".
A document about 2 Commando Overseas
2 COMMANDO OVERSEAS April 13th 1943 - May 8th 1945
An account from a booklet written by an unknown member of No 2 Commando detailing the period April 13th 1943 to 8th May 1945 Gourock – Ravenna. From the collection of Lance Sergeant Joe Rogers MM.A False start
A return by veterans to Yugoslavia
Written by Henry Brown OBE, Secretary of the Commando Association and first published in Commando Association newsletter 57 of September 1973. Image from our archive [view here] depicts Colonel Jack Churchill and his brother General Tom Churchill during the visit.
ABRAM, Cyril
Rifleman Cyril Abram was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
This was a raid on an electricity generating station at Glomfjord in German occupied Norway. They were taken by submarine to a remote Fjord, completed a difficult overland route, approaching their target from the rear and successfully destroyed it. Seven were captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's infamous Commando Order.
AINSLIE, Walter
Gunner Walter Ainslie served in 5 troop from mid 1942 to the end of the war.
AIRD, Michael Derrick
Private Michael Aird, 4 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 268.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society website.
ALLAN, Hugh Bryan
Lance Corporal Hugh Allan died [1] during the action at Jaconti, near Vietri. He was originally buried "at the bottom of Jaconti village (East side). Map Ref. 601307."[2].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] 2 Commando Casualties Salerno document below.
AMESBURY, Alfred Edmund
Alfred Amesbury, formerly No.2 Commando 3 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy serving with the Reconnaisance Regiment having left the Commando.
Sources London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519. National Archives file WO373/4/320. Notes On the National Archives file WO/373/4/320 his rank is shown as TrooperANCHOR, John Robert
Corporal John Anchor, 6 Troop, was awarded the MM for his gallantry during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje Albania.
The citation for his award is on our report on the Operation. [view report.]
The death of Cpl. John Robert Anchor MM, from Chelmsford, Essex, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 56 issued March 1973.
Medal Source London Gazettes Supp. 36730, page 4570. CVA Gallery.ANDREWS, Albert Mailly
Rifleman Albert Andrews, No 2 Commando, was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Stalag VIIIB Teschen. [2]
Citation
ASHCROFT, Arthur
L/Cpl Ashcroft was wounded and taken POW at St Nazaire.
Posted 25/4/40 to 'X' Company 1st Liverpool Scottish before volunteering for the Independent Companies. He was attached to No 4 (Liverpool Scottish) Platoon of No 4 Independent Company based at the time in Paignton. Then joined No 2 Commando 5 troop on its formation in Feb.1941. He was injured and captured during Operation Chariot - St Nazaire on the 28/29th March 1942.
AUKETT, Norman, J.
Post war Norman Aukett emigrated to Australia. He is in a photo of 2 troop here.
BAMPTON, Stephen Dorcas
Sergeant Stephen Bampton died during the short period when No 2 Commando were placed "in the line" near Ravenna.
BANTING, Gareth Bernard (Reverend)
Captain (Reverend) Gareth Banting, Padre of No 2 Commando, died during operations at Sarande.
BARE, Jack Stormont
Captain Jack Bare died during operations from the No. 2 Commando base on the island of Vis against the enemy held island of Hvar.
Extract from the No. 2 Commando War Diary
BARLOW, Jack
Jack served in 6 troop and also in the Intel Section of No.2 Commando.
The following is from his daughter Jennie Barlow. Click on his name for photos.
BARRON, Robert James
Sergeant Robert Barron, 1 troop, was one of the Commando contingent who participated in the St. Nazaire raid on ML 446. Evacuated back to the UK [1].
General Service [3].
- May 1935 T.A. 1st Bn. London Scottish.
- Sept. 1939 embodied 1st Bn. London Scottish.
- April 1940 posted No.5 Independent Company.
- May-June 1940 posted N.W.E.F.
- Nov. 1940 - March 1941 - No. 1 S.S. Battalion.
- March 1941 to Oct. 1942 - No. 2 Commando.
BARRY, John
Private John Barry died [1] of wounds received at Dragone Hill, Salerno, on the 13th September 1943. He died at 67 General Hospital CMF [2].
BARTON, Bernard James
Bernard James Barton was commissioned Second Lieutenant in The Buffs on the 22nd June 1940 (1).
On the 30th January 1941 he was transferred to the Recce Corps. (2)
BAVISTER, Robert John
Captain Robert Bavister, No. 2 Commando Administration Officer [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre [2].
- 30 September 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant [3].
BELLRINGER, Roy
Lance Sergeant Roy Bellringer served with 1 troop and took part in the raid at St Nazaire. He was on board ML 446 and was evacuated back to the UK. In July 1942 he was part of the No 2 Commando Boxing Team. We have numerous photos in the gallery of him both before and after St Nazaire, and in an image of the boxing team.
BENNER, Norman Joseph
Rifleman Norman Benner is buried in the UK. At the time of his death No 2 Cdo were overseas. Fuller details are not known at this time.
BENNETT, Derick S.
Private Derick Bennett, 6 troop, died [1] on the 13th September 1943 during operations at Dragone Hill, Salerno. He was originally buried by a house at the top of the steps on the West side of Hill. Map ref.
BIRNEY, David Leslie
Captain David Birney, Officer Commanding 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 447 and OIC of an assault group. The date of his death is confirmed by French authorities, and the CWGC, whose records show that he died of wounds.
Born in India, David Birney later attended Trinity College graduating with a BA in 1938.
Sources
BLACK, Graeme Delamere
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
He was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations, against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
BLACKWELL, Alun Trevor
In October 1939 Alun Blackwell enlisted with the South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers). When Independent Companies were raised he went with them as part of Scissorforce to Norway. He volunteered for the new No.2 Commando. Later he was handpicked from No.2 Commando for an SOE operation in Tunisa in 1941.
BLATTNER,Charles William
Lance Sergeant Charles Blattner, 5 troop, died during operations at Salerno. Follow this link to read more about him: No 2 Cdo 'Some of the Men'.
BLISSETT, Harry Harold
Major Harry Harold Blissett served as a Captain in No 4 Independent Company and No 2 Commando. He was appointed Brigade Major in the 1st Special Service Bde in preparation for DDay. In 1945 he received a MiD for gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe[1].
Source
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36994, page 1558.
BLOWER, Alfred
Private Alfred Blower, 4 troop, died [1] of wounds received at Dragone Hill, Salerno, on the 13th September 1943 [2]. He died at 67 General Hospital CMF [2] .
Extract from the Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 08 December 1944.
Private Alfred Blower (26), The King’s Regiment (Liverpool), serving with a Commando unit, of Fontenoy Street, Liverpool, 3, has been killed in action in Italy. He was an old boy of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Toxteth. [3]
BONDY, Theodor
Driver Theodor Bondy was awarded the BEM (Military Divison) in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.
Sources London Gazettes Supp 36209, page 4543 CVA Gallery No 2 Commando imagesBOON, Peter
Gunner Peter Boon, 1 troop, died during operations at Splije, Albania.
BOWMAN, Lionel George
Private Lionel Bowman, 5 Troop, died during operations at Salerno. Before enlisting Lionel was a newspaper representative from Wanstead.
Sources
CWGC.
Troop notes kept by LSgt Rogers MM of 5 Tp.
Notes
There are photos in our gallery of the cross at his grave, and another with the CWGC headstone in place.
BRADLEY, Eric
Sergeant Eric Bradley died during the period when No 2 was a Para Commando unit.
He is not listed as a Commando on the CWGC database, however his name is on the Wesminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour.
BRADLEY, Richard
Lance Sergeant Richard Bradley, 1 troop, was awarded the MIlitary Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being wounded and captured during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 457.
BRIGHTY, John
Lance Corporal John Brighty, 2 troop, died during Operation Healing 11, the action at Spilje Albania.
BRISCOE, Harold R.
Lance Corporal Harold Briscoe, 1 troop, died during operatios at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
BROOME, Richard Frank
Captain Richard Broome, OC 5 troop, died [1] during operations at Salerno and was originally buried on the forward slope of Dragone Hill [2].
Richard Broome volunteered from the South Lancs for the Independent Companies when they were raised. He joined No 4 Independent Company as a Lieutenant and saw action during an operation in Norway.
BROWN, Robert Hall
Lance Sergeant Robert Brown, No 2 Commando, was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.
BRUNSWICK, Arthur Trotter
Lieutenant Arthur Brunswick died during operations at Salerno.
BRYAN, Edward Joseph
Lance Corporal Edward Bryan, 4 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 267.
BUCKBY, Raymond
Lance Sergeant Raymond Buckby, 1 troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
BUCKMASTER, Eric
Eric Buckmaster served in No 2 Commando 5 troop from mid 1942 until the Commando was disbanded in 1946. During the Salerno operations Eric was wounded and sent for medical treatment to North Africa. He returned to the unit in November 1943. Read some of his memories from that period below
His older brother Stanley Buckmaster [more....] also served in 5 troop, joining them when the Commando was reinforced after Salerno.
BUCKMASTER, Eric, Memories of No 2 Commando
Over the last few years Eric Buckmaster, No 2 Commando, has been a wonderful help to this Archive by providing information in response to our many questions, not only about those who served with him in No 2 Commando 5 troop, but also in providing other more general information about events and places.
Eric served alongside his brother Stanley Buckmaster [more...] in 5 troop. Here are some extracts from a few of his responses.
Joining No 2 Commando 5 troop
BUCKMASTER, Stanley Owen
Stanley Buckmaster served in No 2 Commando 5 troop joining them whilst they were overseas after the Salerno raid. His younger brother, Eric Buckmaster, was already serving in 5 troop at the time.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.
[Obituary written by Henry Brown OBE.]
BUNN, Norman
Trooper Norman Bunn, 2 troop, died of wounds in 11 Casualty Clearing Station, Brindisi, Italy.
BURKE, Edward
Edward 'Tiny' Burke enlisted into the 1st Bn Liverpool Scots TA (QOCH ) and volunteered for the Independent Companies. He was posted to No 4 Independent Company on the 23rd April 1940 and took part in the landings at Bodo Norway as part of Scissor Force. In February 1941 he joined the newly raised No 2 Commando and served as a Sergeant in 5 troop until it was disbanded at the end of the war.
BURN, Michael Clive
Captain Michael Burn, 6 troop, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during the raid at St Nazaire. He was in charge of the commando contingent on board ML 192 and was taken prisoner after the raid.
BURNS, Charles
Gunner Charles Burns, 6 troop, died [1] during operations at Dragone Hill, Salerno. He was buried as far as is known by the 6th Yorks and Lancs on the forward slope of hill [2].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] 2 Commando Casualties Salerno document below.
Notes
BURNS, Ronald Edward David
Rifleman Ronald Burns, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 268.
Sources
CWGC.
CAMERON, John Ewen
Corporal John Cameron died whilst No 2 Commando were based on the island of Vis in June 1944 and were taking part in operations against Brac, and other German held islands.
CAMPBELL, Norman Murray Priggen
Lance Sergeant Norman Campbell died during the 6 week period in February/March when No 2 Commando were placed "in the line" in Italy under 5 Corps. The War Diary records that he was seriously injured, later dying of his wounds, during shelling that took place between 1110hrs and 1550hrs.
CANT, Evelyn Arthur George
Corporal Evelyn Cant served in 4 troop of No.2 Commando. He attended Achnacarry as part of one of the Police Intakes being a member of Essex Police Force. There is a more about him in the No.2 Commando history section - The Men. His last known rank in the Commando was Corporal.
He was posted to OCTU and commissioned as 2/Lt. on the 7th April 1945 [1]. It is not known if he was still with the Commando at this point.
Awarded BEM (Civil Division) in HM the Queen's birthday honours June 1969 [2].
CARRICK, George
Lance Corporal George Carrick, 3 troop, died [1] during operations on the 13th September at Dragone Hill. He was initially buried there (Map ref 602409) [2].
CARTER, Hugh John
Corporal Hugh Carter died in a training accident at Ringway during a parachute jump.
He was in the original No 2 (Parachute) Commando. More can be read about him on this link to the ParaData website.
CHADWICK, John R.
Lived in Gillingham post war
CHALLINTON, William Albert
Lance Sergeant William Challinton, 5 troop, was awarded the DCM [1] for his gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire. He was part of an assault party who disembarked from HMS Campbeltown, their role to destroy enemy coastal defence guns covering the dry dock area [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3493, amended (errata) by LG Supp. 37331, page 5317.
[1] National Archives file WO 373/46/273.
Notes
CHEETHAM, Gerald
Fusilier Gerald Cheetham, Heavy Weapons Troop, died of illness (pneumonia) whilst on active service in Italy [1].
A former pupil of Ashton Grammar School, Gerald Cheetham joined the Metropolitan Police. In July 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos [2]. Prior to this whilst serving as a Police Constable on " G " Division, Metropolitan Police, he was awarded the King's commendation for brave conduct in Civil Defence during an air raid [3].
CHUDLEY, William Henry Albert
Lance Bombardier William Chudley was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
CHURCHILL, John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming (Lt Col)
After a brief spell as 2i/c No 5 Commando, the then Major John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill (later affectionately known by some as Mad Jack) moved to 2i/c No 3 Commando.
CLARK, James
Gunner James Clark was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
Sources London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1427.CLARKE, Alfred John Douglas
Gunner Alfred Clarke died during operations at Sarande, Albania.
No 2 Commando War Diary entry: " 9th Oct'44. Sarande - 3 troop moving round left flank come upon enemy positions suddenly. Heavy spandau and rifle grenade fire. Capt. Parsons MC is hit. Lt Coyle takes over but is hit in the leg. Moves forward again but is killed by grenade."
COBLEY, Victor Charles
Victor Cobley served in the Heavy Weapons Troop of No 2 Commando. See this image : HWT Gibraltar 1943.
CONNOR, Stanley J.
Private Stanley Connor died during operations at Salerno.
His name is written in the diary of Victor 'Dusty' Miller No 2 Cdo
COOPER, Dudley Edward
Fusilier Dudley Cooper was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3495.
National Archives file WO 373/13/59.
COOPER, George
Post war George Cooper lived in Jersey, Channel Islands.
COPLAND, William Oranmore
Major William Copland was 2 i/c No 2 Commando. He served with No 4 Independent Company and then with the newly formed No 2 Cdo. He took part in Operation Chariot and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry on the raid. He was taken prisoner after the raid.
Citation
COUGHLAN, John
Lance Corporal John Coughlan, 4 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 267.
COX, Edward
Gunner Edward Cox died during operations at Scaletta, Sicily. We have a document in our gallery that gives additional details including that he was initially buried "on a terrace on the Shore side of the road at the North end of the beach North of Scaletta.
View this document here No 2 Commando casualties Salerno/Sicily.
COX, Cecil Ernest Robert
Corporal Cecil Cox, 1 troop, died on the 22nd March 1944 of wounds received on the 18/19 March 1944 during a raid on the village of Grohote in the island of Solta [1+2].
The No 2 Commando War Diary dated 23rd March 1944 states "Cpl. Cox, wounded in the Solta raid and who died of his wounds the previous evening, was buried in the British Naval Cemetery, Vis." [2].
COX, Hugh Wilfred
Private Hugh Cox, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942
COYLE, James Albert
Lieutenant James Coyle died during operations at Sarande, Albania.
No 2 Commando War Diary entry: " 9th Oct'44. Sarande - 3 troop moving round left flank come upon enemy positions suddenly. Heavy spandau and rifle grenade fire. Capt. Parsons MC is hit. Lt Coyle takes over but is hit in the leg. Moves forward again but is killed by grenade."
CRAIG, Robinson Ostle
Private Robinson Craig died [1] during operations on the 11th September at Dragone Hill, near Vietri Salerno,and he was buried there the following day, his grave being marked with a cross. However it was never again found and Private Craig is one of the many who now have no known grave [2].
CRIPPIN, Ronald
Ron Crippin, then a Corporal in the HQ troop, took part in the raid at St Nazaire. He sailed on board ML 447 and was evacuated back to the UK. He was awarded the BEM ( Military Division) "in recognition of distinguished services during the raid". (1)
He had previously seen action with 2 Ind. Coy., in May 1940 at Bodo, Norway, as part of Scissors Force. (2)
CRIPPS, Arthur Raymond
Rifleman Arthur Cripps, 1 troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
CUNNINGHAM, Henry Peter
Private Henry Cunningham, 4 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on board ML 267.
Sources
CURTIS, Eric Gordon
Private Eric Curtis was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
DAVIES, Raymond Spencer
Lance Sergeant Raymond Davies, 5 troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
DAVIES, Ronald John
Corporal Ronald Davies died in a training accident. The No 2 Commando War Diary dated 27th March 1944 states "Cpl. R.J. Davies (No 2 troop) accidentally killed from a rifle shot whilst instructing a Squad."
His brother, 3909503 Private Douglas James Davies, aged 22 and serving in the Welch Regiment, died on the 25th December 1943 and is buried at Ancona War Cemetery.
DAVIES, Wyndam Francis
Fusilier Wyndam Davies, 6 troop, died [1] during operations at Dragone Hill Salerno. He was initially buried as far as is known by the 6th Yorks and Lancs Regt., on the forward slope of the hill [2].
DAY, Arthur Frank
Private Arthur Day died [1] on the 17th September at Piegolelle (aka Piegolette), near Salerno, Italy. He was initially buried jointly with two Royal Marine Commandos in a vineyard 30 yards South of Piegolelle [2].
DAY, Stanley Ambrose
Captain Stanley Day, adjutant of No 2 Commando, was awarded the MC in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of Lt. Col. Newman's HQ party on board MGB 314 and was taken prisoner after the raid.
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3493
St Nazaire Society website.
DE NOBRIGA, Derek John
Sergeant Derek De Nobriga, No 2 Commando, was awarded the DCM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.
His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was imprisoned at Stalag 344 Lamsdorf and his prisoner of war number was 220792. [2]
Citation
DEAKER, George James
Lance Bombardier George Deaker, 5 troop,died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
George Deaker joined No 2 Commando during the period in Italy when they sought replacements from those serving in units in North Africa. George volunteered from the Royal Artillery. His Commando training after selection would have taken place in Italy. (Source: Eric Buckmaster 2 Cdo.5tp)
DIAMOND, Thomas
Private Thomas Diamond, 4 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 267. His squad was to be a small HQ reserve for Lt. Col. Newman. However in the chaos of the action as the ML's tried to land their Commandos, ML267 came under heavy fire and the ML began to burn. They were ordered to abandon ship which they did.
DIXON, Herbert
Click/touch the image above to view more photos.
Click/touch the link below to read his wartime memories.
DIXON, Herbert, Memories of No 2 Commando
Herbert 'Herbie' Dixon wrote this document aged 75. It includes more than just his military service and is well worth reading. Our thanks to his grandson Tim Huelin for allowing us permission to reproduce on our website
DONALDSON, John
Lance Corporal John Donaldson, 3 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on HMS Campbeltown.
DOUGLAS, Edward
Corporal Edward Douglas , 5 troop, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
He was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 177 for Operation Chariot, and one of only five men from those of No.2 Commando who landed at St Nazaire, that evaded capture and escaped through France back to the UK.
Sources
London Gazettes 35776, page 4861.
National Archives Escape and Evasion file WO 208/3310/822.
DRANSFIELD, George David
Driver George Dransfield was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje, Albania.
DRURY, Charles Henry
Private Charles Drury, 2 troop, died [1] during operations at Dragone Hill, Vietri, near Salerno [2].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] 2 Commando Casualties Salerno document below.
Notes
The document @ [2] below differs in date to that shown on the CWGC database. The document states he died on the 14th September of wounds received at Dragone Hill, Vietri, on the 12th September.
DUFFY, Anthony Patrick
Sergeant Anthony Duffy died during operations at Scaletta. We have a document in our Gallery that outlines these details. He was buried " on terrace on Shore side of the road, at the North end of the beach, North of Scaletta."
View the document here: Casualties and Missing.
ELDRIDGE, Leonard Frederick
Sergeant Leonard Eldridge, 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 447.
ELLWOOD, William Cyril
Lance Sergeant William Ellwood was awarded the DCM for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy" [1].
Citation
Gulf of Salerno 13 Sept. 1943
EVANS, Ralph
Driver Ralph Evans died in a parachute training exercise at Ringway whilst serving with the original No 2 (Para) Commando. He was the first casualty of the newly raised Commando units.
FAIRCLOUGH, John
John Fairclough was one of the ten Commandos and 2 Norwegians who took part in Operation Musketoon. He held the rank of Guardsman at the time. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. Gdsm. Fairclough evaded capture after the successful raid and made it back to the UK. He was awarded the MM for his actions during this raid.
FERGUSON, John Ronald Alexander
Lance Corporal John Ferguson was awarded the M.M.,[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Campo 102 L'Aquilla from which he escaped on the 12th September 1943 [2].
Citation
FISHER, Norman Lucas
Corporal Norman Fisher, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 192.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society website/James Dorrian.
FORMOY, Donald Neville
Lance Corporal Donald Formoy, 6 troop, died [1] during operations on the 13th September 1943 at Dragone Hill, Salerno, and was originally buried by house at the top of the steps on the West side of Hill. He was buried with a religious ceremony in a communal grave with Capt. Mason and Pte Bennet D.
FOWLER, Henry Francis
Lance Corporal Henry Fowler served in 2 troop and was a veteran of the St Nazaire raid. He was one of the commando contingent on board ML 443 and was evacuated back to the UK . The circumstances of his death some 10 months later are not known to this archive.
Sources
CWGC
St Nazaire Society.
FYNN, Francis West (Lt Col)
Lieutenant Colonel Francis West Fynn became the Commanding Officer of No 2 Commando from June 1944 after Lt Col Churchill was taken prisoner of war.
A former Lance Sergeant in the Royal Artillery T.A., he was appointed Second Lieutenant on the 23rd December 1939 [1]. On the 11th July 1942 the then Lieutenant Fynn was posted from the RA to the Gordon Highlanders [2].
GARLAND, Lindsay Ernest Albert
Acting Troop Sergeant Major Lindsay Garland, 2 troop, died during operations at Salerno. He was with Captain the Duke of Wellington [more...] during the attack on 'The Pimple' in the village of Piegolelle, Salerno, and they were both killed. He had previously served in 1 and 4 troops within 2 Cdo.
GARRATT, Arthur Ernest
Lance Corporal Arthur Garratt, 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 447.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society/James Dorrian.
GEE, Harold
Corporal Harold Gee, 3 troop, died during operations at Sarande, Albania.
The No 2 Cdo War Diary dated 11th October 1944 states " Cpl H. Gee (3 Tp) died of wounds. Funeral of Padre, Cpl. Gee, and a RM. CO read Burial Service. Officers acted as Pall Bearers for Padre. 2 i/c as Chief Mourner. Last post sounded."
GELDER, John Wille
Lance Bombardier John Gelder was awarded the MM for his gallantry during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje Albania.
GIBSON, William
Lance Sergeant William Gibson, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 268. Like all those on the raid they were given an opportunity beforehand to write their will or last letters. Bill Gibson wrote to his Father. Read it below.
Sources
GILL, Richard
Rifleman Richard Gill was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
The death of Rfn. R. Gill. MM. (2 Cdo) of Salisbury, Wilts. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 62 issued March 1976.
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1428.
CA Newsletter 62.
GOSS, Leonard George William
Fusilier Leonard Goss, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 192.
GOULD, Norman Patrick
Rifleman Norman Gould died [1] during operations at Dragone Hill, Salerno, and was initially buried there ( Map ref. 612409) [2].
His name is also in the Diary of Victor 'Dusty' Miller , No 2 Cdo.
GRAY, Andrew
Fusilier Andrew Gray, 5 troop, was awarded the M.M., in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [1].
Recommendation
Gulf of Salerno 13 Sep 43.
GRAY, Frank Herbert
Private Frank Gray died during the 6 week period in February/March when No 2 Commando were placed in the line in Italy under 5 Corps.
GROSE, William Ernest
Guardsman William Grose, 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 447.
GROVES, Eric Richard Clifford
Lance Corporal Eric Groves was awarded the MM for his gallantry at Argenta, Italy, on the 17th April 1945.
GWYNNE, John Edward Herbert
Private John Gwynne, 5 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on HMS Campbeltown and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettte Supp. 37162, page 3494.
St Nazairer Society/James Dorrian.
HAINES, George Ernest
Troop Sergeant Major George Haines, 5 troop, was awarded the DCM for his gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire [1]. He was on board ML 177 but during the raid took command of the HQ Reserve [2].
On the 27th April 1946 he was commissioned 2/Lieutenant with the East Surreys [3]. He remained in military service transferring to the Pioneer Corps retiring on the 18th Feb. 1973 with the rank of Major [4]. His death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 99 of September 1994.
HARDING, Victor Philip
Private Victor Harding, 1 troop, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
HARKNESS, Peter
Lance Sergeant Peter Harkness, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 268. He is referred to in the last letter of his good friend LSgt Bill Gibson who also died on the raid.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society/James Dorrian.
HARRINGTON, Jack Lonsdale
Lance Corporal Jack Harrington was awarded the MM in recognition of distinguished services during the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of the Commando HQ contingent on board MGB 314 and was captured after the raid.
He has been identified in a photo in our gallery. [view photo.]
HARRISON, Maurice
Lance Sergeant Maurice Harrison, 6 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 192.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society/James Dorrian.
HARRONS, Charles Edward
Corporal Charles Harrons, 1 troop, died after No 2 Commando had just taken part in the raid on Spilje, Albania.
An entry in the No 2 Cdo War Diary dated 24th August 1944 states " Burial Service for Cpl Harrons (1 Tp) who died in hospital at Bari was held in the afternoon."
HAUSMANN, Fritz Sigmund
Fritz Sigmund Hausmann was born in Bingen Am Rhein, April 27th 1921. He was a German Jew who at age 13, fled Germany alone and went to school in Palestine. When he was of age he enlisted and did his basic training in Sarafend, Palestine and he then joined the 462 RASC. On May 1st, 1943 he was on board the Erinpura, which was attacked and sunk in the Mediterranean with heavy loss of life. Having survived the sinking, he joined No.
HAY, William
Lance Corporal William Hay died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 267.
Sources
HAYES, Frank
Guardsman Frank Hayes, 4 troop, died during the raid at Vaagso.
HEATHER, William Bernard
Lance Corporal William Heather, 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 447.
Sources
HEMPSTEAD, Stanley
Sergeant Stanley Hempstead, 2 troop, died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 262.
Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society/James Dorrian.
HENDERSON, John Patrick Leo
Major John Henderson MC, 2 Special Service Brigade, died during operations in Italy [1].
On the 8th May 1940 he transferred from the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry to the Royal Engineers retaining his seniority as 2/Lieutenant. [2].
He was awarded the MC whilst a Captain (T/Major) in No 2 Commando at Salerno. [3].
Citation
HIGGINBOTTOM, Edwin Alexander
Lance Corporal Edwin Higginbottom died during the 6 week period in February/March when No 2 Commando were placed "in the line" in Italy under 5 Corps.
HODGSON, Eric Stewart
Captain Eric Hodgson, Officer Commanding 1 troop, died during the raid on St Nazaire. He was OIC of the commando contingent on ML 446.
HOLT, Frederick
Corporal Frederick Holt, 5 troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942 [1]. He was initially reported missing in action until it was discovered he had been taken prisoner of war [2]. He was released from captivity in March 1945. Fred, who was from Wallasey in the Wirral, died in 1964 aged 49 [3].
HONEY, Peter
Private Peter Honey served in 5 troop No 2 Commando and was one of the Commando contingent who sailed on board HMS Campbeltown for the raid at St Nazaire. He was taken prisoner and was subsequently awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services during the raid. [Sources: London Gazettes supp. 37162, page 3493 / St Nazaire Society.]
HOOPER, Richard Henry
Captain Richard Hooper was awarded the MC for his gallantry during operations at Scaletta Sicily on the 16th August 1943. He had previously taken part in operations at Vaagso and St Nazaire. During the latter raid he was in charge of an assault squad on ML 156, badly wounded, and evacuated back to the UK.
On the 21st September 1951 it was announced that Capt. (Hon. Maj.) R. H. Hooper, M.C. of the King's Regiment had been awarded the Efficiency Medal Territorial.
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