No 3 Commando

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3 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. 

3 Commando

History of the Unit

3 Commando
Many of the original members of this Commando had served with the British Expeditionary force in France and had been evacuated from Dunkirk.
 

ALDERSON, John

Captain John Alderson MC, OC 6 troop,  died during the fighting at Leese, Germany. He had rejoined No.3 Commando after being wounded in the knee at Amfreville during the Normandy landings. He was awarded the Military Cross "In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy."
 
Citation

ALLEN, John Duncan

John Duncan Allen 3 Commando
On the 9th July 1943 the then Sergeant John Duncan Allen was awarded the George Medal in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. This was awarded for "saving a life in a rock climbing accident in Gibraltar." [1]
 
He had previously received a MiD whilst a Lance Sergeant for "gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy." [2]
 

An account of ops at Sicily and Malati Bridge

Type: Files
Author: Lieut. John Channon Erskine RE & No.3 Commando
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 3 commando bridge, lentini river, malati bridge, punta dei malati, sicily
Download
3 Commando Bridge.

On the 12th July 1943, two days after taking part in the invasion of Sicily,  No.3 Commando re-embarked on board the Prins Albert commando carrier at Syracuse to prepare for a second attack. This time they were tasked with taking and holding the Malati Bridge near Lentini, ten miles behind enemy lines and  five miles inland from the sea. They were to hold it until the arrival of the 50th Division.

BAKER, Fred

Lance Corporal Fred Baker, 1 troop,  died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
 

BANKS, Ronald Douglas

Private Ronald Banks, attached to Commando Group,  was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1]. 
  •  3rd November 1946 he was commissioned 2/Lieutenant [2]
  • The death of Private (later Lieut.) R.D. Banks M.M., (3 Cdo.) of of Auckland, New Zealand, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 62 issued March 1976.
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37616, page 3115 & Errata in LG 37799, page 5830.

BARTHOLOMEW, Peter Ian

Peter Ian Bartholomew No 3 Commando
Peter Ian Bartholomew served in No 12 Commando until their disbandment when he moved to No 3 Commando. He participated in the D Day landings as Captain of 2 troop.  On the Commando's return to NW Europe from the UK in 1945, he took command of No 3 Commando with the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel. 
  • Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe, the award being published in June 1945. [London Gazette 37138, page 3231.]

BENNETT, Maurice, W.J.

Maurice bennett, 3 Commando
Gunner Maurice Bennett, 3 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his successful escape from captivity on 7 July 1944 having been taken prisoner of war at Amfreville, Normandy, on 27 June 1944 [1][1A].
 
Bennett had been with No.3 Commando during operations at Dieppe and Agnone and was described by his Commanding Officer Lt Col. Peter Young as a 'tough, stout hearted and resourceful Gunner' [2].
 
Sources

BOYLE, Francis

Corporal Francis Boyle died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

BRADLEY, E.W. 'Bill'

Temprary Captain E.W. 'Bill' Bradley received a Mention in Despatches during operations at Vaagso in December 1941 [1].
  • 28 March 1942 particpated in Operation Chariot embarking for the raid on motor launch ML307 [2]. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [3].
  • 25 August 1951 (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) promoted Major [4].
  • 3 June 1963 retires from military service [5].
Sources

BROWN, Robert, F.

Corporal Robert Brown received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.  On 28 March 1942 he was part of the Commando raiding party at St Nazaire. Embarking on board motor launch ML 262 he was captured after the raid and later imprisoned at Stalag V111(b). 
Recommendation
"Brown was captured at St Nazaire on 29 March 1942 and subsequently imprisoned at various camps in France and Germany. His first attempt to escape while in hospital at Rennes resulted in recapture almost immediately.

BUTLER, Brian Dear

Major Brian Butler MC died [1] at Chateau d'Amfreville during severe mortaring of their HQ. Five others also died. Lt T.N. Skelly and three others were wounded [2]. He had previously been awarded the Military Cross [3] whilst a Troop Captain for gallant and distinguished services on the 4th October 1943 at Termoli, Italy [4].
 
Sources:
[1] CWGC
[2] No 3 Commando War Diary dated 11th June 1944.

CARTER, Thomas

Gunner Thomas Carter died in a boating accident at Largs.
 
Extract from the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Saturday 06 June 1942
Gunner Thomas Carter, Royal Artillery, fourth son of Mrs. L. Carter, of Scotton, near Richmond, has been drowned at Largs, Scotland. Carter, a Commando, and Mr. John Ramage, son of a member of the Paisley Police Force, were in a small boat which overturned. Ramage, who was able to swim, was rescued. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

CHAPMAN, Kenneth Harold

Private Kenneth Chapman was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Termoli, Italy, between the 3rd and 6th October 1943 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/4/313.
 

CHILLINGWORTH, Albert Edward

Private Albert Chillingworth died in the UK of wounds inflicted during operations at Normandy.
 
  • Enlisted 4 November 1940.
  • Posted Commando Depot 12 October 1942. 
  • Joined No 3 Commando 11 November 1942.
Sources
CWGC
Extract from service record in gallery entry.
[Image] His nephew Alf Austin.
 

CHURCHER, George

George Churcher 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant George Churcher, 5 Troop, took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent embarked on motor launch ML262.  Initially reported as missing he was later found to have been taken prisoner after the raid. He was transported to Stalag 344 (aka Stalag V111B) at Lamsdorf Poland.
February 1945 escaped making it to American allied lines.
Post war emigrated to Canada, had three children, after 20 years moved on to Singapore, Australia and then back to Vancouver Island.
 

CLARKE, Roy

Roy Clarke No 3 Commando
Private Roy Clarke enlisted aged 18  with the Loyal Regiment on the 20th May 1943.  On the 21st Sept 1943 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion of the Loyal Regiment. From there on the 14th Feb 1944 he was posted to the Holding Commando. After his commando training he was attached to No 3 Commando with effect from 24th May 1944..
 

COAKER, Vernon

Vernon Coaker 3 Commando
Company Sergeant Major Vernon Coaker, 3 troop, died during operations at Normandy on D Day [1][2][3][4]. 
  • July 1943 wounded Sicily [5].
  • 28 March 1942 (Lance Corporal) (No.3 Commando) took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He embarked on board motor launch ML307 and was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [6].
Sources
[1] CWGC

COLBERT, Thomas

Lance Corporal Thomas Colbert died during operations at Linne, Germany.
 
An entry in the War Diary states "1502 hrs; 10 shells (88mm) on Area LINNE from brg 40 degrees 749861  LCpl COLBERT wounded in 6 tp area when delivering mail - died on way to hospital."
 
Sources
CWGC
No. 3 Cdo War Diary 8th Feb. 1945. National Archives file ref WO 218/83.
 

CORRY, Samuel David

Captain Samuel Corry died during operations at Dieppe.
 
He had been Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 35510, page 1506.
 

CUNNINGHAM, James

Driver James Cunningham was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].  In May 1944 he was serving in the No. 3 Commando MT section (Motor Transport) [2].
 
The death of James Cunningham from Stanion Northants  was announced in Commando Association newsletter 98 issued March 1994 where it showed his last rank as Sgt.
 

DAVISON, John Cyril

Corporal John Davison, No 3 Commando, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. [1] 
 
  • Selected for officer training.  Officer Cadet John Cyril Davison was commissioned to be 2nd Lt., with the East Lancashire Regiment on the 28th July 1944 [2].
  • New service no. 326323.
  • The death of Lieut. John Cyril (Jack) Davison MM, of Birkinhead, Wirral, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 78 issued March 1984.

DAY, James Henry

Lance Bombardier James Day died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

DAY, William, C.

Lance Corporal William Day took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire. Embarking on motor launch ML262 he was taken prisoner after the raid and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
 
Sources
British Army Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
St Nazaire Society website.
His nephew William via Forum [view ....].
 

DE LA TORRE, Luis Eric Rupert

Luis Eric de la Torre 3 Commando
Lance Corporal Eric de la Torre took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. Embarked on motor launch ML262, taken prisoner after the raid, and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland [1][2].
  • Post war honorary Secretary of the St. Nazaire Society for many years [2]. 
  • 31 December 1996 appointed M.B.E. (Civil Division) for Services to the St. Nazaire Society [3].
Sources

DENHAM, Joah Selwyn

Lieutenant Denham MM

Corporal Joah Selwyn Denham was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Cape Spartivento, Italy, between 27 August and 5 September 1943 [2]. 

On the 30th August 1944 Cpl. Denham, M.M. was granted an Immediate Emergency Commission from the ranks in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant [3].

Post war his death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 106 issued March 1998. He is listed there as Capt. Joseph Selwyn Denham (1 Bde HQ. & 3 Cdo)  of Birchwood, Lincs.

DICKASON, Samuel Edgar

Company Sergeant Major Samuel Dickason served in No. 8 and No.3 Commando [1].
 
  • 13 June 1970 appointed M.B.E. (Civil Division) whilst Chief Office Clerk, House of Commons Library [2].
Sources
[1] Commando Association newsletters 83, 87, 108.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 45117, page 6378.
 

DIX, James Frederick

Jimmy Dix 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant James Dix served in 4 Troop. He stayed on in the Army after the war. On 9 June 1949 he was a Sergeant in the Beds and Herts., and was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) in H.M. Birthday Honours list.
 
The death of L/Sgt (later CQMS) James Dix, B.E.M., of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 115.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 38628, page 2819.
 

DONNELLY, Terence Alfred

Captain Terence Donnelly, General Staff Officer (GSO 111) 1st Special Service/Commando Brigade HQ [1], was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the allied crossing of the River Rhine to capture Wesel. Captain Donnelly was in sole charge of beach control, including loading and launching of waves of buffaloes and storm boats, and was under constant enemy mortar fire [3].
 

DUNN-BUTLER, Eric Henry

Lance Sergeant Eric Dunn-Butler took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Embarking on motor launch ML307, he was wounded and evacuated back to the UK [1][1a].
  • 11 September 1943 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Worcestershire Regiment [2].
  • 28 September 1953 relinquishes commission on appointment to the R.A.F. [3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/41.

EVANS, Arthur Walter

Lance Sergeant Arthur Evans was awarded the M.M. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Normandy on 8th June 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 36961, page 1181.
National Archives file WO373/52/238.
 

EVANS, Frank

Private Frank Evans took part in the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He embarked on motor launch ML262 and was reported missing after the raid, but was subsequently found to have been taken prisoner.

EVANS, Gwilyn

Private Gwilyn Evans died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

FLYNN, John

Lance Corporal John Flynn, a radio operator, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe on 19 August 1942 [1].
 
Citation

FOWLE, Charles

Gunner Charles Fowle died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

GILES, John Frederick

Captain John Giles, 3 troop, died during operations at Vaagso. He had served with No 3 Commando since their first raid on Guernsey.

John Giles received his first commission into the Gloucestershire Regiment and won the heavy-weight boxing championship of the Army Southern Command. He also played rugby for Clifton Rugby Football Club.

His brother 2/Lt. Bruce Giles also served in No 3 Commando and was at Vaagso.

GRAHAM, Thomas

Private Thomas Graham No 3 Commando
Private Thomas Graham served in the TA between 1927 and 1929. He enlisted into the regular Army on the 17th June 1929. On the 5th July 1940 he volunteered for, and after training was attached to, No 3 Commando serving in 4 troop.  He served with them until the 22nd May 1944.
 

GREEN, Edward

Gunner Edward Green died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

GREIG, Charles

The circumstances of the death of Private Charles Greig are not known to this archive. He is buried in a war cemetery in India and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission list his secondary unit as No. 3 Commando.  This Commando unit never served in that theatre of war. However the 3rd Commando Brigade (Nos. 42RM and 44RM, and Nos.1 and 5 Army Commandos) did serve there.  
 

GRIEVE, Garfield

Private Garfield Grieve
Private Garfield Grieve died during operations at Termoli.
 
In 2013 the CVA received the following communication from a Dr. John McLeod.
"I was never in the army, but I knew Garfield Grieve well - very well, because we shared the same double desk in Standard 5 at St Aidans C.E. Elementary School in Mill Hill, Blackburn. I was an overweight ten - or maybe eleven year old, my mother was a seamstress and dressmaker whose father bought her a small draper's shop, so was busy with funeral orders in 1917-8.

GROVE, Ronald

Ronald Grove 3 Commando
Troop Sergeant Major Ronald Grove, 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
Recommendation
"Grove was taken prisoner at Dieppe on the 19th August 1942 and was in Stalag 344 throughout his imprisonment from 3 September 1942 to 30 April 1945. From July 1943 onwards he played a leading part in the escape organisation in the camp and for his outstanding work in this connection he has been highly praised by the S.B.M.O. and a Senior N.C.O."
 

HAILES, Stanley

Lance Corporal Stanley Hailes was one of the Commando contingent on board ML307 during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was evacuated back to the UK and later particpated in the Dieppe raid during which he was taken prisoner of war.
 
Sources
St. Nazaire Society website.
CA Newsletter 111.
 

HARPER, Leslie

Sergeant Leslie Harper 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant Leslie Harper died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). [1]+[2].
 
Extract from the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 28 August 1943.

HAYES, Harry

Private Harry Hayes died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

HEAD, Charles Searle

Charles Head 3 Commando
Acting Captain Charles Head was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on the night of 13/14 July 1943, after landing at Agnone and during the advance to Malati, Sicily [2].
 
11 October 1945 Captain Charles Head relinquished his commission on the grounds of disability and was granted the honorary rank of Major [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36217, page 4661.

HERN, Gordon

Private Gordon Hern died during early Italian beach reconnaissance. 

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

HINDE, Fred

Private Fred Hinde died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.

HODGSON, George

Lance Corporal George Hodgson MM, 3 troop, died during operations at Amfreville, Normandy.  
 
In his book Storm from the Sea, Brig Peter Young states " Whilst I was visiting 3 troop, a random shell mortally wounded LCpl Hodgson who did not live to wear the MM he had won on D Day."
 
Citation for the award of the Military Medal

HOPSON, Donald Charles

Donald Charles Hopson
Second Lieutenant Donald Hopson was commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers which later converted to an armoured unit of the Royal Armoured Corps. He served in No 3 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade in both Italy and NW Europe . His last rank whilst in the Commando was Temporary Major.
 
Post war he had a distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service. He held posts of Ambassador to countries such as Laos, China, Venezuela, and Argentina. He was subsequently knighted.
 

HUBBARD, Sydney

CSM Sydney Hubbard 3 Commando
Company Sergeant Major Sydney Hubbard was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] for his gallantry on numerous occasions whilst serving with No 3 Commando in France, Holland, and Germany. He had been a member of the Commando for 3 years [2].
 
His death was announced in Commando Association Newsletter 104 of March 1997.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37442, page 640.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/56/900.
 

HUGHES, Charles Richard

Lance Sergeant Charles Hughes, 2 troop, died during operations at Vaagso. The incident where he was shot is described in the book Storm from the Sea by Brig. Peter Young.
 
Service Record entries
27/1/40 Posted as a Lance Corporal to 309 ITC (Infantry Training Centre) at Blandford Camp, Dorset
24/2/40 whilst at 309 ITC appointed Acting Corporal (unpaid). 
24/2/40 whilst at 309 ITC now appointed paid Acting Corporal 
24/5/40 whilst at 309 ITC granted War Substantive rank of Corporal

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