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Displaying 1 - 250 of 343In 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.
Major B.D. BUTLER Major J.B. POOLEY Capt. J. ALDERSON Capt. S.D. CORRY Capt. A.A. ELLIS Capt. H.W. FORRESTER |
These are the main operations that No 3 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault. They are in date order and form part of our overall history of No 3 Commando. No 3 Commando were part of 1 Special Service/Commando Brigade from Autumn 1943.
Click on the links for more detail about each.
Sapper Rex Adderley died during operations at Dieppe.
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.
Private Andrew Anderson died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private R. Armstrong was reported missing on 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Transported to Stalag 18A in Austria.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Largs, Ayrshire.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/65 and WO417/66.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Obituaries in Commando Association Lost Legions No.1.
Lance Corporal Fred Baker, 1 troop, died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).
Private Cyril Barrett died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private E.C. Barrett was taken prisoner during operations at Dieppe and later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf Poland..
Sources
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Regimental Sergeant Major Harold Beesley died whilst a prisoner of war in Poland having been captured during operations at Dieppe.
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.
Private Fred Broadbent died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private John Broster died as a result of operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Corporal Robert Brown received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1][2]. On 28 March 1942 he was part of the Commando raiding party at St Nazaire. Embarking on board motor launch ML 262 [4] he was captured after the raid and later imprisoned at various camps including Oflag 64Z and Stalag V111B [3].
Recommendation
Private John Bryan died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Lieutenant Anthony Butler, 5 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.
Fusilier Caddis was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Guardsman Leslie 'Jock' Campbell, 3 troop, died during operations at Normandy on D Day [1]. The grave where he was first buried is shown in a film taken at Pegasus Bridge on the 28th July 1944 and now on the IWM website [view film]. [2].
Private Edward Cardozo died on D Day during operations at Normandy.
Lance Corporal Alan Carlisle died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private James Catterall died during operations at Termoli.
Sources
CWGC
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Lieutenant George Cave 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.
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. Wounded during Operation Archery at Vaagso 27 December 1941.
Sidney Clark, then a Private, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.
[Source: London Gazettes Supp. 35729, page 4328.]
Fusilier Clelland was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Gunner John Clelland 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.
Private Roland Coffin died during operations at Normandy in the Chateau d'Amfreville area.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Sergeant Alfred Cork died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Leslie Cotterell died during operations at Normandy in the Chateau d'Amfreville area.
Private Albert Coulson died during operations at Normandy.
Private James Cullen 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.
Lance Sergeant William Culling, 2 troop, died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Corporal John Dalgleish was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Prisoner of War Cards / National Archives file WO416/87/25.
Fusilier Joseph Davies died of wounds inflicted during operations at the River Alller, Germany.
Sources CWGC No 3 Cdo. War Diary Appendix D (No.1) List of Battle Casualties April 1945. National Archives WO/218/83.Private Rodney Davies died during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.
Private Stanley Davis 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.
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.
Guardsman Ronald 'Dixie' Dean, 3 troop, died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
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.
Lieutenant Raymond Dobson, M.B., was commissioned Lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. on 20 March 1943 [1]. In 1945 he was twice Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe [2]. Post war member of the Commando Association [3].
Private Frederick Drain was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940. He was later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 8B.
Sources
Casualty Lists /National Archives files WO417/16 and WO417/21.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
Storm from the Sea, author Brig. Peter Young.
Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2, author Brig. John Durnford-Slater.
Private Keith Dransfield died at sea. The exact circumstances of his death are not known. However a report in the Cheshire Observer 28 August 1943 notes him as missing believed drowned. This is supported by the Army Casualty Lists which list him initially as "At Sea - Missing 17 June 1943". A later entry corrects this to "At Sea - previously reported missing now presumed killed in action". No.3 Commando were at Suez preparing for the Sicily landings. The roll of honour in the book source below records his death as "accident in Suez."
Fusilier Driver was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Corporal D. Dumper was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940. He was later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 383.
On the 28th June 1940 Captain J.F. Durnford-Slater was appointed Lieut. Colonel and ordered to raise and command No 3 Commando after volunteering for Special Service whilst Adjutant of the 23rd Medium and Heavy Training Regt., RA.
Lance Sergeant William Edmunds died during operations at Amfreville, Normandy.
Guardsman Edwards was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Private William Edwards died in the UK.
Captain Arthur Ellis died during early Italian beach reconnaissance.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Francis Evans died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
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.
Private Douglas Fisher died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Casualty Records / National Archives file WO417/49.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
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.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Roy Bridge, Scotland
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 96.
Lance Sergeant Edward Geear, 4 troop, died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
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.
Private John Gillard died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations at Wesel.
Private Edwin Goody died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
Guardsman David Gowans died during operations at Normandy.
Lance Sergeant James Grant died during operations at Amfreville, Normandy.
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.
Guardsman Evan Griffiths died during operations at Normandy.
Private Ronald Griffiths 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.
Fusilier Grose was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Lance Corporal Albert Guest died during operations at Normandy on DDay.
Lance Sergeant William Gunningham died during operations at Termoli.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Leslie Hammond died during operations at Normandy.
Private Edward Hankinson 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.
Private Ernest Harding died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Lance Corporal Richard Harding died operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Norman Harrison died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
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.
Rifleman Robert Hayward died during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.
Served in 6 troop
Corporal Robert Henderson died during operations at Issel, Germany.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Notes
The image, shown here, of his original grave is located within our gallery.
Trooper William Hendry was reported missing on 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Transported to Stalag 18A in Austria.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Perth, Scotland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 84 issued March 1987.
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.
Private John Hewitt 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.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Lieutenant Michael Hillerns died during operations at Dieppe. He was a Phantom patrol commander attached to No 3 Commando at the time.
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.
[Image] His daughter Carol.
Gunner Harold Hughes died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
Lance Corporal James Hunt died during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.
Sergeant Derek Ion served with No 3 Commando and on the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
Private Denis Johnson died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Thomas Jones was reported missing on 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Transported to Stalag 18A in Austria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Lieutenant Eric Kiaer died [1] during the Normandy landings. He had previously been Mentioned in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished services in the field. [2]"
Troop Sergeant Major Edward 'Lofty' King, at the time a Lance Sergeant, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Agnone, Sicily.
Sources; London Gazettes Supp. 36217, page 4663. Storm from the Sea, author Brig Peter Young. Image: Greenhill Books (Pen & Sword).Private Clifford Lambert died during operations at Normandy.
Lance Corporal William Lane died during operations at Vaagso.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Charles Lea died during operations at Termoli.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Edward Leddington died during operations at Dieppe.
Lance Sergeant Hugh Lewis was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.
Sources London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519. National Archives file WO 373/4/287.Lance Sergeant Samuel Leyland, HQ Troop, from St Helens Lancashire, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [1][3].
1938 attested into the Royal Artillery [2].
16 February 1942 joined No.3 Commando [2].
Award Recommendation
Private Robert Little 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.
Captain William Lloyd, 4 troop, died during operations at Agnone and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/5.
London Gazette 36828, page 5616.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Captain Frederic Hugh Long was captured at Lentini, Sicily, on 14 July 1943. He was taken via Messina to Capua and then to Bolgna. He was associated with Captain R.H. Bridgeman-Evans (2nd SAS) in the tunnel escape attempts at Capua and Bologna, and also in the attempt to escape from the Modena to Brenner train. They finally made their escape together from Fort Bismark, Germany. They were both later awarded the Military Cross.
Sources
London Gazette 36382, page 827.
National Archives file WO373/94/200.
MI9 Escape Evasion report WO208/5582.
Corporal Alan Macdonald died in an accident at Lensahn, Germany.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Thomas MacKenzie 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.
Sergeant David Mackie 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.
Charles Mager served in 1 troop No. 3 Commando.
Charles Mager wrote his memories of D Day some 50 years after he took part with No 3 Commando in the Normandy landings
Private Ernest Mallett 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.
Private Gordon Mart died during operations at Leese (Weser Crossing).
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Guardsman Alexander McDonald died during operations at Normandy.
Sergeant Francis McGerty 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.
Gunner J. McGoldrick was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst serving as part of the British Expeditionary Force in France. After volunteering for No.3 Commando he took part in Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey, in July 1940. He was reported missing presumed drowned during the raid, but later found to have been taken prisoner of war, being held at Stalag 344 until 1945.
Guardsman James McGonnigle died during operations at Issel in Germany.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Fusilier McLean was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Lance Sergeant Joseph Mills died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Private Stanley Mills, 1 troop, died during operations at Normandy.
Born at Marlow in 1922 and educated at the Dragon School, Oxford, and Uppingham. He enlisted in the Army immediately on leaving school in 1939 and served first in the Royal Artillery and then in the Commandos. It was when leading a bridgehead commando in Germany in the spring of 1945 that he was hit by a sniper's bullet which blinded him [2].
Lance Corporal Sydney Mitchell died during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.
Private Henry Needham 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.
Lance Corporal Leslie Newell died during operations at Dieppe.
Sources
CWGC.
ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.
Fusilier William Nixon died during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.
Private Robert Nolan died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
Christina Orr adds "Albert, George, Mercier O’Hare, was my Mom’s youngest brother. He married Aunt Anne who is now 93. Uncle Albert survived the war but when he did die a few years ago he had a beautiful soldier’s funeral and the whole took his ashes up to Spean Bridge to be scattered around the Commando Memorial overlooking the Cairngorms where he did his training."
Post war Albert was very active in organising the Lancashire reunions for the original Commando Association.
The Force consisted of Nos. 3 and 4 Commando, approximately 50 Royal Engineers, and a group from the Free Norwegian Forces. They were transported on board two converted ships, the Princess Beatrix and the Queen Emma, now loaded with LCA's or Landing Craft Assault vessels. Leaving from, and returning to Scapa Flow, they were escorted by 5 Royal Navy destroyers
Lance Corporal Vincent Arthur 'Ozzie' Osborne, 3 Troop, a veteran of the Dieppe raid, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Normandy.
He was presented with his award at a ceremony at L'écarde quarry, Amfreville on the 16th July 1944 [view].
Post war in the 1950's he served in the Federation of Malaya Police as a Police Lieutenant: Platoon Commander in the Field Force.
Joe Rogers MM
No 2 Commando
Bob Mewett
No 12 & No 1 Commando
Mick Collins
No 5 Commando