30 Commando Assault Unit

Commando Veterans Archive Header

There may be content on individuals that is not listed here. If you do not find a name use the different Search options within the Site. Contact the Archive to have a name included.

Displaying 1 - 123 of 123

'30 Commando Assault Unit'

nb. The following history is from different named sources and should not be taken as the "Official" history. 

In Sep 1942, the Director of Naval Intelligence authorised the formation of the Special Intelligence Unit, composed of 33 (Royal Marines) Troop, 34 (Army) Troop, 35 (RAF) Troop and 36 (Royal Navy) Troop. The Special Intelligence Unit was later renamed 30 RN Commando (Special Engineering Unit), and was redesignated 30 Assault Unit in December 1943 **.

'30 Commando IX Group'

30 Commando Information Exploitation Group
 
30 Commando was formed in WW2 and serves today as the ‘eyes and ears’ of 3 Commando Brigade.
 
30 Commando is a diverse, ever-evolving unit, made up of the best and the brightest Britain has to offer. Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron deploys ahead of the main force for reconnaissance behind enemy lines. A team of Royal Marines Mountain Leaders in the main, they operate in small groups, providing the initial battle picture to 3 Commando Brigade.
 

'The Asti Seven 30AU'

Extract from Commando Association newsletter 85 issued September 1987

 
Peter Jemmet (30 Cdo) writes: -" The Asti Seven ".
 
These seven members of No. 2 Section, 30 Commando (Special Operations), parachuted into the Asti area of N.W. Italy, ending the war in Turin (1945). They were:-
 
  • Major Strachan,
  • Lieut. Paterson,
  • Sgt. Eddie Smith, MM.,
  • Sgt. John Fairey
  • Pte. Denman
  • Pte. Anderson
  • Pte. Dan Whitcombe.

ALEXANDER, John Moir

Marine John Moir Alexander 40 Commando
Marine
PO/X4237
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
 Marine John Alexander was reported missing presumed killed during operations at Dieppe, France. He has no known grave. Son of Margaret Alexander [1][1a].
Extract from the Dundee Courier

ALLMARK, A.

Marine
PO/X 115984
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Last known address: Swinton, Lancs. Post war member of the original Commando Association. [Source: CA Lost Legion 1]
 

ASHTON, Colin William

Fusilier
14241646
30 Commando Assault Unit
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Colin Ashton, 34 Army Troop, died during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. He has no known grave. Son of Cyril and Mary Ashton; husband of Mary A. J. Ashton, of Trafford Park, Manchester.

AYLEN, Ian Gerald

Commander (later Rear Admiral)
30 Commando Assault Unit
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Post war member of the Commando Association from Honiton, Devon.

BAILEY, George, H.E.

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Captain Bailey was the Intelligence Officer RM Section. Post war member of the Commando Association from Onchan, Isle of Man.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 99 (1994).

BANCROFT, John

Bombardier
71141
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier John Bancroft, 34 Army Troop, was killed in action during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. Son of Abraham and Mary Bancroft, of Keighley, Yorkshire.

BAYBUT, George

Marine
PO/X 122041
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Worsley, Manchester.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 85 (1987).

List of RM Commandos from RY (former CA Sec and C.B.F).

BELCHER, Thomas Eaton

Captain
94064
30 Commando Assault Unit
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Thomas Belcher, 34 Army Troop, was killed in action during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. He has no known grave.

BENTLEY, Lennard

Marine
CH/X114551
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Lennard Bentley died during operations at Normandy, France. He died when anti personnel bombs were dropped from enemy aircraft. Son of Frederic Robinson Bentley and Dorry Juliet Bentley, of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BOOTH, David Herbert

Temporary Chaplain
30 Commando Assault Unit
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Padre of 30 AU. Appointed M.B.E. (Military) Division 8 June 1944. Post war Arch Deacon and member of the Commando Association residing Kent.
 
Sources
Commando Association (pre 2005) National Secretary Ron Youngman.

BRADSHAW, Leslie Charles

Marine Les Bradshaw
Marine
PLY/X105411
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Marine Leslie Bradshaw, 10 Platoon, 'X' Coy, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe. He later served in 30 Commando.
Recommendation

BRADY, Peter

Able Seaman
P/JX.384283
30 Commando Assault Unit
Killed in action or died of wounds
Able Seaman Peter Brady died during operations in France. Son of Patrick and Catherine Brady, of Liverpool.
 
Sources
[1] CWGC main entry.
[2] CWGC Grave Registration Report Form.

BRAYSHAW, T.F.

Marine
PO/X109973
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Burnley, Lancashire..
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 2.
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).

BRYSON, Thomas

Marine
PO/X1725
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Joined 30AU 31 October 1942, civil occupation Miner.

Sources
Nominal roll of a troop in 30AU War Diary signed by Capt. Hargreaves-Heap RM, 30AU.

BUCKLAND, Reginald Arthur

Fusilier
6482291
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Reginald Buckland was wounded during operations in Italy (date not reported). 
Reginald Arthur Buckland joined the Metropolitan Police on 2 September 1939 as a Special Constable and subsequently became a War Reserve Constable.

BURNS, James

Corporal
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).

COATES, John Gordon

John Gordon Coates 30 Assault Unit
Captain (later Temporary Major)
201507
No 10 Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Intelligence Corps
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
1942 Intelligence Officer No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando.
1943 Operations Officer 30 Commando AU Italy and Corsica
1944 Special Operations Executive.

CONNELL, Brian Reginald

Temporary Sub-Lieutenant
30 Commando Assault Unit
Mentioned in Despatches
Sub-Lieutenant Brian Connell R.N.V.R. received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service during the war in Europe. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bungay, Suffolk.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37380, page 5996.

COOK, Peter Donald

Sergeant
CH/X 100143
30 Commando Assault Unit
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Nantwich, Cheshire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 84 (1987).
Commando Association newsletter 93 (1991).

COWAN, Kenneth

Marine Kenneth Cowan
Marine
CH/X 3889
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Died on war service
Marine Kenneth Cowan, from Belfast, died in an accident. Son of Alexander and Isabella J. Cowan, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Extract from the Belfast Telegraph Monday 29 January 1945

CROWE, L.J.B.

Colour Sergeant
30 Commando Assault Unit
Post war member of the Commando Association employed at the Brittania Public House in Stepney in 1954.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 18 (1954).
 

CUFF, Kenneth

Marine
PO/X119188
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Also served 48RM Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Portchester, Hampshire.

Sources
Commando Association newsletters 93 and 108.
List of RM Commandos provided by Ron Youngman (Secretary CA and CBF).

CURTIS, Dunstan Michael Carr

Dunstan Michael Carr Curtis RNVR
Temporary Acting Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
  • 11 March 1937 enrolled R.N.V.R.
  • 28 March 1942 (Commander of MGB 314) awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for daring and valour in the attack on the German Naval Base at St. Nazaire (Operation Chariot).  Later joined 30 Assault Unit.

DALZEL-JOB, Patrick

Lieutenant Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. Officer, 1st Class.
1943 Temporary Lieutenant R.N.V.R. honoured by King Haakon of Norway for valuable service during the Norwegian Campaign.
1944/45 served in 30 Assault Unit.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Ross and Cromarty.
 
Sources

DAVIDSON, George, W.

Marine
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Morpeth, Northumberland.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 104 (1997).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec. and CBF).

DENMAN, Stanley

Gunner
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Artillery
Post war member of the Commando Association from Gedling, Nottingham.
 
Source
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 94 (1992).
 
Notes

FARRINGTON, Fred James

Fred Farrington 30 Assault Unit
Corporal
CH/X103708
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Served in 30 Commando Assault Unit 'X' Troop. Previously served on HMS Warspite. Post war served in the Royal Fleet Reserve from October 1948 to November 1960. Member of the Commando Association last known residing Wellingborough.
 
Sources

FOSTER, John, A.

Corporal
PLY/X116213
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Littlehampton, Sussex.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 75 (1982).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).

GALLAGHER, Edward Logan

Sapper
2001916
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Sapper Edward Gallagher was awarded the Military medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Italy.
Recommendation
Special Engineering Unit, Military Section.

GLANVILLE, Trevor James

Lieutenant Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Trevor James Glanville, R.N.V.R., was Mentioned in Despatches for gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy [1].

GRAY, Harry Richardson

Surgeon Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Volunteer Reserve Decoration (VRD)
Mentioned in Despatches
Temporary Surgeon Lieutenant Harry Richardson Gray, MB., ChB., RNVR., received a Mention in Despatches for gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy.

HARRIS, Sidney Bertram

Corporal
CH/X105299
40RM Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Cranham, Essex.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 110 (2000).

List of RM Commandos provided by Ron Youngman (Secretary CA and CBF).

HARRISON, Ivan

Ivan Harrison RM
Constable Ivan Harrison
Sergeant
PO/X113372
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Mentioned in Despatches
Ivan Harrison from Holt in Wiltshire joined the Oxfordshire Constabulary as a Police Constable in 1939. In 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos joining the Royal Marines on 12 August at the time of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

HODSON, John

Marine
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Preston, Lancashire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 118 (2004).
 

HUGILL, John Antony Crawford

Lieutenant Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Served with 30 Commando from 1943 to 1945. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy. 1945-6 in charge of the Forward Interrogation Unit in Hamburg, Germany.

HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY, Herbert Oliver

Herbert Oliver Huntington-Whiteley.
Captain
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Herbert Huntington-Whiteley died during operations at Le Havre, France. Son of Captain Sir Herbert Maurice Huntington-Whiteley, R.N., 2nd Bt., and of Lady Pamela Margaret Huntington-Whiteley (nee Baldwin), of Astley, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs.

JEMMETT, J.P.

Lance Corporal
PLY/X113546
30 Commando Assault Unit
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Member of the Commando Association last known residing York.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 85 (1987).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

KEAY, J.H.

Harry Keay 30 Assault Unit
Gunner (later RQMS)
14256713
30 Commando Assault Unit
SAS
Royal Artillery
Gunner in 34 Troop Special Engineering Unit 30 Commando until disbanded July 1945. Qualified parachutist.
Trooper in the 1st SAS Regiment from 14 September 1945 to 16 November 1945.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Co. Durham.
 

KELLAWAY, F.C.

Sergeant
PLY/X.1237
44RM Commando
46RM Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 89 (1989).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

LUND, Harry

Acting Temporary Colour Sergeant
PO.X.3143
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Colour Sergeant Harry Lund RM was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for distinguished service during the war in Europe. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Queensland, Australia.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37380, page 5990.

MACGREGOR, Eoin

Marine
PO/X110775
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Member of the Commando Association residing Little Braxted, Essex.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120 (2005).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).

MARTIN, Sydney

Marine
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Reading, Berkshire. 

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120 (2005).

MCDAID, Francis

Trooper
14317298
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Armoured Corps
Glasgow City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Francis McDaid, 34 Army Troop, was killed in action during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. He has no known grave. Son of William and Mary McDaid, of Glasgow.

MINES, Francis Norman

Marine
EX/4289
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Bath, Avonmouth.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 104 (1997).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec. and CBF).
 

MORGAN, Albert Stuart

Albert Morgan 30 Commando
Marine (Acting Lance Corporal)
PO/X115315
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Wallasey Borough Police
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Acting Lance Corporal Albert Morgan was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for good service in operations leading to the liberation of France. He enlisted from the Wallasey Constabulary and served with 30 Commando in the Mediterranean and as a photographer in 'X' Troop on D Day.

MULDOON, Daniel

Able Seaman
P/JX.380763
30 Commando Assault Unit
Killed in action or died of wounds
Able Seaman Daniel Muldoon died during operations in France. Son of Daniel and Philomena Muldoon, of Blackhill, Co. Durham.
 
Sources
[1] CWGC main entry.
[2] CWGC Grave Registration Report Form.

O'CALLAGHAN, Frank John

Marine
CH/X 111626
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Frank O'Callaghan was killed [1] by a sniper while attached to 30 Commando AU during operations at Normandy. He had previously served with 40RM Commando [2].
 
Sources
[1] CWGC

PIKE, Geoffrey

Temporary Lieutenant (Acting Temporary Captain )
45RM Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Captain Geoffrey Pike was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for distinguished service during the war in Europe. Post war member of the Commando Association from Canterbury, Kent.

PORTER, Henry

Marine
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Coventry, West Midlands.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 104 (1997).

QUILL, Raymond Humphrey

Colonel Raymond Humphrey Quill
Colonel
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Legion of Merit (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Humphrey Quill was the Commanding Officer of 30 Assault Unit from November 1944. A veteran of World War 1 he had served with the RM Brigade at the Dardanelles 1914/15 and on board HMS Lord Nelson from October 1916 to November 1918 [1]. 

REED, G.

-
30 Commando Assault Unit
-

Post war member of the Commando Association residing Bishops Stortford, Herts.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).

REEVES, A.

Marine
CH/X105694
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Bracknell, Berkshire, formerly residing Guildford.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 93.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120 ((2005).

ROBERTS, D.A.E.

Corporal
PLY/X114033
30 Commando Assault Unit
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Marines
Also served at the Holding Operational Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).

ROBINSON, Anthony Denzil

Lt A.D. Robinson 30 Commando
Lieutenant
292209
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Anthony Robinson died of wounds in Italy. Son of Guy Denzil Robinson and Sydney Sophia Robinson, of Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Extract from the Derby Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 13 June 1945

RYDER, Sydney Arthur

Lieutenant (Acting Temporary Captain)
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Ross on Wye.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 97 (1993).
The Royal Marine Forces - Navy Lists, Quarterly, 1945, July, Vol.2.

SHAW, Geoffrey

Marine
PLY/X113759
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Geoffrey Shaw died during operations at Le Havre, France. Son of William Birch and Amy Shaw of Sheffield.
  • Also killed on that day from his unit and buried at Sanvic was Captain Herbert Oliver Huntington-Whiteley.
Sources

SMEE, C.R.

Marine
CH/X113890
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines

Served in HQ Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Birmingham.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 93.
Commando Association list of RM Commandos.

SPURRELL, Joseph

Joseph Spurrell 30 Assault Unit
Marine
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Joseph Spurrell enlisted in 1940 with the Royal Marines, Plymouth Divison. He served at Scapa Flow and on the Orkney Islands before being posted overseas to Suez, Egypt, for 18 months. He was then posted to India serving at Bombay, and Colombo in Ceylon.

SWADLING, Leonard, R.

Marine
PO/X 111409
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association from Langley, Buckinghamshire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 issued Feb.2003.
Commando Association - RM List.
 

TURNER, Arthur, T.

Marine
CH/ 2733
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Also served in Commando Group. Post war member of the Commando Association from Windermere, Cumbria.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 102 (1996).

WARD, Joshua Alfred

Temporary Major
105874
No 3 Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches
6 January 1940 Bombardier (Acting Sergeant) (Royal Artillery) commissioned Lieutenant [1].
Temporary Major Joshua Ward, 30 Commando, was wounded 1st August 1944 during operations in Italy [2].

WARDEN, Thomas

Petty Officer
30 Commando Assault Unit

Post war member of the Commando Association from Billington, Lancashire.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 109 (1999).

WELSH, J.L

Marine
PO/X116154
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Yes
Marine J.L. Welsh, joined 30 Commando Assault Unit on 29 January 1943. Ward Room Attendant. Served in Sicily and Italy. Former occupation Police Officer.
 
Source

WHYMAN, Leslie, H.

Colour Sergeant
CH/X1636
40RM Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Joined 30AU 31 October 1942, civil occupation - Turner. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bootle, Merseyside.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 99 (1994).

WOOLLEY, Arthur Rupert

Lieutenant Colonel
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Arthur Woolley joined the Royal Marines on 1 December 1939 and after his basic training was posted to the 5th Batallion Royal Marines Brigade.
  • Promoted Temporary Captain April 1940, Acting Temporary Major November 1941, and Second in Command of 5th RM Bn. June 1942.

WRIGHT, Leo Arthur Philip

Corporal
PO/X 4108
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Leo Wright died during operations at Normandy, France, when anti personnel bombs were dropped from enemy aircraft. Son of Leo Arthur Phillip Wright and Elizabeth Wright, of Stratford, London.
  • Also killed were Lieutenant Ionides and Marine Bentley.  

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]. 
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.