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

ANDERSON, Andrew Alexander

Pte Anderson was killed during operations at Dieppe.

BAKER, Fred

LCpl Baker, 1 troop, was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

BARRETT, Cyril Ernest

Private Cyril Barrett died during operations at Dieppe.

BEESLEY, Harold Edwin

RSM Beesley died whilst a prisoner of war in Poland having been captured during operations at Dieppe.

His nephew William Patterson adds

BELL, Kenneth Sydney

Gnr. Bell was killed during operations on D Day at Normandy.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

BISHOP, Frederick Walter

Fus. Bishop was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

BOWLER, Walter Stanley

LCpl Bowler was killed during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.

BOYCE, John Douglas

Pte Boyce was killed during operations at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 262.

BOYLE, Francis

Cpl Boyle was killed during operations at Agnone and the Punta dei Malati Bridge.

BRADBURY, Cyril Thomas

Pte Bradbury died whilst a prisoner of war.

Source

Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.

BRIDLE, Desmond George

LCpl Bridle was killed during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.

BRIGGS, George William

WO2 George Briggs died of war wounds.

^{[Source: Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig. John Durnford-Slater.]}

BROADBENT, Fred Stanley

Pte Broadbent was killed during operations at Dieppe.

BROSTER, John

Pte Broster was killed during operations at Dieppe.

BRYAN, John Robert

Pte Bryan was killed during operations at Dieppe.

BUTLER, Anthony Danvers Cavendish

Lt Butler, 5 troop, was killed during operations at Agnone and the Punta dei Malati Bridge.

BUTLER, Brian Dear

Major Brian Butler MC was killed at Chateau d'Amfreville during severe mortaring of their HQ. He and five others were killed. Lt T.N. Skelly and three others wounded. He had previously been awarded the Military Cross whilst a T/Captain for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy".

Sources:

CWGC

No 3 Commando War Diary dated 11th June 1944.

London Gazettes publication date 25th January 1944; Supplement 36349; Page 518.

CAMPBELL, Leslie

Guardsman Leslie 'Jock' Campbell, 3 troop, was killed 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].

CARDOZO, Edward Albert

Pte Cardozo was killed on D Day during operations at Normandy.

CARLISLE, Alan

Lance Corporal Alan Carlisle died during operations at Vaagso.

CARTER, Thomas

Gunner Thomas Carter was killed in a training accident at Largs.

Sources

CWGC.

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

CATTERALL, James

Pte Catterall was killed during operations at Termoli.

CAVE, George Charles Montague Major

Lt Cave, 5 troop, was killed during operations at Agnone and the Punta dei Malati Bridge.

CHILLINGWORTH, Albert Edward

Pte Chillingworth died of wounds during operations at Normandy.

Enlisted 4th November 1940 and after volunteering for the Commandos, was posted to the Commando Depot on the 12th October 1942, joining No 3 Commando on the 11th November 1942.

^{Source: Extract from service record in gallery entry.}

CLARKE, Hilary Laurence

Fus. Clarke was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

His brother Stanley was also killed in the war.

CLELLAND, John McDonald

Gnr Clelland was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

There is a1942 photo of 4 troop with a Commando surname M'Clelland in the 3 Commando gallery but we cannot say as yet if this man is identical.

COAKER, Vernon

Troop Sergeant Major Vernon Coaker was killed during operations on D Day.

We have numerous photos in our gallery of him in both 3 and 4 troops and it is clear that he had served in the Commando since at least June 1942 (the first dated photo). Although we have only listed the two operations where we have confirmed references that he served, it is likely that he would have been with No 3 Commando on all their operations since at least June 1942.

COFFIN, Roland

Pte Coffin was killed during operations at Normandy in the Chateau d'Amfreville area.

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.

CONYARD, James

Gnr. Conyard was killed during operations at Cassibile, Sicily.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

COOPER, George William

Gnr. Cooper was killed during operations at Dieppe.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

CORK, Alfred James

Sgt Cork was killed during operations at Vaagso.

CORRY, Samuel David

Captain Corry was killed during operations at Dieppe.

He had also been Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.

^{(Source: LG Publication date: 31 March 1943; Supplement: 35510: Page: 1506.)}

COTTERELL, Leslie

Pte Cotterell was killed during operations at Normandy in the Chateau d'Amfreville area.

COULSON, Albert

Pte Coulson was killed during operations at Normandy.

COX, Anthony Francis

Rfn. Cox was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

In the book Storm from the Sea, the author, Brig Peter Young, describes a Commando named Cox as being batman to Major Walter Skrine, and both being severely wounded during the landings at Agnone.

CRAFT, Alfred James

Lance Corporal Alfred Craft MM was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge. [1]

CULLEN, James Kennedy

Pte Cullen was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)}

CULLING, William

LSgt Culling, 2 troop, was killed during operations at Vaagso.

DAVIES, Joseph Reginald

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.

DAVIES, Rodney Hugh

Pte Davies was killed during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

DAVIS, Stanley George

Pte Davis was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

DAY, James Henry

LBdr Day was killed during operations in the area of Cassible, Sicily.

DEAN, Ronald Cyril

Gdsm. Dean, 3 troop, was killed during operations on D Day at Normandy.

DORSETT, Richard

Pte Dorsett, 1 troop, died of wounds received on the 12th June during operations in Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

^Sources:

^{No 3 Cdo War Diary June 1944 Appendix E, No.1}

^{ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig. John Durnford-Slater}

DRANSFIELD, Keith Charles

Private Keith Dransfield died in an accident in Suez. He is believed to have drowned.

Sources

CWGC

Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 , author Brig John Durnford-Slater

Report in the Cheshire Observer - Saturday 28 August 1943 - Missing believed drowned.

DUNNE, Joseph

Pte Dunne, 4 troop, was killed during operations at Normandy in the Chateau d'Amfreville area.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig. John Durnford-Slater)}

EDMUNDS, William John

LSgt Edmunds was killed during operations at Amfreville.

EDWARDS, Reginald William

Brig. John Durnford-Slater records in his book Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 that CSM Edwards died of wounds.

2 months prior to his death in the UK, CSM Edwards and Tprs. Barnes, Bennett, Kingsley, O'Connell, and Roberts, had been reported missing when a patrol from 3 troop returned to Chateau d'Amfreville. The patrol had left at 0130 hrs on the 27th June 1944 for the area of GDE Fme du Buisson returning 5 hours later with a prisoner. ^{(Source: No 3 Cdo War Diary June 1944.)}

EDWARDS, William

The circumstances of the death of Pte. William Edwards are not known at this stage.

ELLIS, Arthur Alfred Burdon

Captain Ellis was killed during early Italian beach reconnaissance.

^{(Source: Memoirs of a Fighting Commando by Brig. John Durnford-Slater.)}

EVANS, Arthur David Henry

Fus. Evans, 5 troop, was killed during operations at Normandy to clear the Merville Battery. He is identified in a photo of No 3 Commando 5 troop May 1944 in our archive gallery.

EVANS, Francis George

Private Francis Evans died during operations at Vaagso.

EVANS, Gwilyn

Pte Evans was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

FERGUSON, Bryan Gratney

The circumstances of the death of Pte Ferguson are not known.

At the time of his death No 3 Commando were back in the UK and billeted in Worthing. They were engaged in training for the invasion in June, and spent time away at other places such as CTC Dorlin for this.

FISHER, Douglas Morton

Pte Fisher was killed during operations at Dieppe.

FLOYD, William Gerald

Cpl Floyd was killed during operations at Termoli.

FORRESTER, Herbert William Louis

Captain Herbert Forrester, OC 4 troop, died whilst leading an attack on the German Headquarters during the Vaagso raid.

Sources

CWGC

Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2, author Brig. John Durnford-Slater.

FOWLE, Charles

Gnr Fowle was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

FREESTON, John Graves

Pte Freeston was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

GEEAR, Edward James

LSgt Geear, 4 troop, was killed during operations at Vaagso.

GERRARD, Thomas Cecil

Corporal Thomas Gerrard died during operations at Dieppe.

Sources

CWGC

Image: His great niece Ann Wilkinson.

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.

GILLARD, John William

Private John Gillard died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations at Wesel.

GOODY, Edwin Walter

Pte Goody was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

GOWANS, David

Gdsm. Gowans was killed during operations at Normandy.

GRANT, James

LSgt Grant was killed during operations at Amfreville.

GREEN, Edward

Gnr Green was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

GREIG, Charles

Pte Greig is buried in a War Cemetery in India. The exact circumstances of his death are not known at this stage by this archive. At the time of his death No 3 Commando were based in Worthing, UK.

His name is not on the Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour, however his secondary unit is shown as No 3 Commando on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database.

It should be noted that 3 Commando Brigade (Nos 42RM, 44RM, 1, and 5 Commandos) were in India at this time.

GRIEVE, Garfield

Pte Grieve was killed during operations at Termoli.

GRIFFITHS, Evan William

Gdsm. Griffiths was killed during operations at Normandy.

GRIFFITHS, Ronald Eric

Pte Griffiths was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

GUEST, Albert Arthur

LCpl Guest was killed during operations at Normandy.

GUNNINGHAM, William John

LSgt Gunningham was killed during operations at Termoli.

HAMMOND, Leslie John

Pte Hammond was killed during operations at Normandy.

HANKINSON, Edward

Pte. Hankinson was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

HARDING, Ernest Frank

Pte Harding was killed during operations at Dieppe.

HARDING, Richard

LCpl Harding was killed during the Combined Operations raid at Dieppe.

HARPER, Leslie

Lance Sergeant Leslie Harper was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge. [1]+[2].

Extract from the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 28 August 1943.

"Commando Killed In Action :- Mr. and Mrs. S. Harper, 66 Broadway, Blackpool, have received intimation that their son, Sergt. Leslie Harper, of a Commando unit, was killed in action against paratroops in Sicily on July 13."

HARRISON, Norman

Private Norman Harrison died during operations at Dieppe.

HAYES, Harry

Pte. Hayes was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

HAYWARD, Robert Latewood

Rfn. Hayward was killed during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

HENDERSON, Robert Smith Jamieson

Cpl Henderson was killed in action during operations at Issel, Germany.

The image, shown here, of his original grave is located within our gallery.

HERBERT, Roy George

Lieutenant Roy George Herbert DCM, MM, was killed during operations in Normandy. [1]

The then Pte Herbert was awarded the MM for his gallantry with 5th Northants at Oudenarde. [2]

HERN, Gordon

Pte Hern was killed during early Italian beach reconnaissance.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando by Brig. John Durnford-Slater)}

HEWITT, John Lionel

Pte Hewitt was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

HICKS, James William

Private James Hicks died during operations at Vaagso.

HILLERNS, Michael Guy

Lieutenant Michael Hillerns died during operations at Dieppe. He was a Phantom patrol commander attached to No 3 Commando at the time.

HINDE, Fred

Pte Hinde was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

HITCHCOCK, John Edward

Pte Hitchcock was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

HODGSON, George

Lance Corporal George Hodgson MM, 3 troop, was killed during operations at Amfreville.

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."

HOPKINS, Frederick Walter

Corporal Frederick Hopkins MM was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge. [1]

HOWARD, Edward John

Pte Howard was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

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

HUGHES, Harold William

Gnr. Hughes was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

HUNT, James Harold

LCpl Hunt was killed during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.

HUTCHINGS, John Middleton

Original grave of 2Lt Hutchings 3 Commando

Second Lieutenant John Hutchings died [1] during operations in the area of Maasbracht and Brachterbreek, Netherlands.

The No 3 Commando War Diary entry for 23rd January 1945 at Maasbracht: "2400hrs 3 Troop patrol returns. Lieut J.M Hutchings, RWF's killed. Patrol met Mortar fire and MG fire. 729859."

JACKMAN, Leonard Thomas

Private Leonard Jackman died during operations at Dieppe.

The following is from a CVA forum message, "I believe that Len Jackman and my Grandfather Stan Hailes joined No. 3 Commando on its first day. Stan once told me that a small group of volunteers from the Duke of Wellington's were marched to the parade by Sgt Hobson. The group included:

4619717 'Buck' Caten
4620586 'Rasher' Gammond

JARROM, Eric Charles

LCpl Jarrom was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

JOHNSON, Denis Alan

Private Denis Johnson died during operations at Vaagso.

JONES, Gruffydd Meirion

Pte. Jones, 5 troop, died of wounds during the crossing of the Weser close by Stolzenau.

(Sources: Sion Jones and the No 3 Cdo War Diary April 1945, Appendix D, No 1.)

JONES, Hugh Emrys

Original grave of Fusilier Jones 3 Commando

Fusilier Hugh Jones died during operations at Linne, Holland.

JONES, Kenneth Edwin

Pte Jones was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

KEAST, Peter Hugh Joseph

Pte Keast was killed during operations at Vaagso.

KENWARD, Peter John

Lt Kenward died during operations at Dieppe.

Gunner Peter John Kenward, late Cadet Sgt. Bradfield College contingent June Div., OTC, was commissioned on the 2nd September 1939. He had joined No 3 Commando on the 17th August 1942, embarked with them on the 18th, and was killed in his landing craft on the 19th. Brig. Durnford-Slater described him as "A fine young officer."

^Sources:

KIAER, Eric Arnold

Lt Kiaer was killed during the Normandy landings.

He had previously received an MiD for "gallant and distinguished services in the field."

^{Award Source: LG Publication date: 25 April 1944; Supplement: 36486; Page: 1927}

KNILL, Ivor Richard

Pte Knill was killed during operations in Le Plain Gruchet, France.

Whilst the actual circumstances of his death are not known by this archive, No 3 Commando, with the rest of the 1st Special Service Brigade, were engaged at the time in an operation in the area of Le Plain Gruchet to infiltrate enemy lines and continue the offensive towards the Seine.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig John Durnford-Slater).}

LACEY, John Anthony

Pte Lacey was killed during operations at Dieppe.

Follow this link to an image in our gallery of No 3 Commando 5 troop Dec.1941 where there is a possible photo of him.

LAMBERT, Clifford

Pte Lambert was killed during operations in Normandy.

LANE, William

Lance Corporal William Lane died during operations at Vaagso.

LEA, Charles

Pte Lea was killed during operations at Termoli.

[Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.]

LEDDINGTON, Edward Roy

Private Edward Leddington died during operations at Dieppe.

LEESE, Lincoln

Capt Leese was killed during operations at Termoli after an enemy shell hit the building they were using as Commando HQ . He had previously lost an eye after being shot during operations at Punta dei Malati whilst Captain of 1 troop.

^{Source: Memoirs of a Fighting Commando by Brig John Durnford-Slater}

LITTLE, Robert William

Pte Little was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

LLOYD, William Eric

Capt. Lloyd, 4 troop, was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{Sources: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.}

^{LG Publication date 5 Dec.1944; Supplement 36828, page 5616.}

LOUSTALOT, Edward Vincent

2/Lieut. Loustalot, 1st US Ranger Bn., was killed during operations at Dieppe. He was the first American soldier to die on European soil in WW2.

Posthumous Mention in Despatches

LUSTED, George Arthur

Pte Lusted died in a training accident when he was accidentally shot while on duty at Tamerton Foliot , Devon.

^{(Source: No 3 Cdo War Diary September 1940.)}

MACDONALD, Alan Kenneth

Cpl Macdonald was killed in an accident at Lensahn, Germany.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig John Durnford-Slater).}

MACKIE, David Robert Goode

Sgt Mackie was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

MALLETT, Ernest Raymond Cecil

Pte Mallett was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

[Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.]

MART, Gordon Geoffrey Joseph

Pte Mart was killed during operations at Leese (Weser Crossing).

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

MCCAUGHAN, James Andrew

The details surrounding the death of Sgt McCaughan are not known to us. As the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database states No 3 Commando he has been added to our online ROH, however that unit was in a different theatre of war at the time. We do not therefore know what unit he was attached to at the time of his death, nor the details of his Commando service.

MCDONALD, Alexander

Gdsm. McDonald was killed during operations at Normandy.

MCGERTY, Francis

Sgt McGerty was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

MCGONNIGLE, James

Gdsm. McGonnigle was killed during operations at Issel in Germany.

MCKENZIE, Thomas

Pte McKenzie was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

^{n.b. Spelling of surname differs on CWGC online record of Mackenzie to that of McKenzie on the CWGC grave registration (finals) report and his headstone. Enq sent to CWGC.}

MELVILLE, Hugh Montgomery

Gdsm Melville, 3 troop, was killed during operations at Normandy in the Plain Gruchet area. He had been one of the replacements who joined No 3 in July 1944. [view]

MILLS, Joseph Wallace

LSgt Mills was killed during operations at Dieppe.

MILLS, Reginald Ashley

Gdsm Mills, 4 troop, was killed during operations in Normandy.

Extract from a letter sent by Herbert Beddows (3 Cdo) to the family of LCp Lionel Underwood who was killed in the same action:

MILLS, Stanley Walter

Pte Mills, 1 troop, was killed during operations at Normandy.

MITCHELL, Sydney Albert John

LCpl Mitchell was killed during operations in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville, Normandy.

MITCHELL, William

Trooper William Mitchell was killed near Agnone, Sicily during the battle at Punta dei Malati Bridge, which was later renamed by Montgomery as 3 Commando Bridge. [1]+[2]

MOON, Leonard Walter

Private Leonard Moon died of wounds inflicted during operations at the River Aller.

Sources

CWGC

MURRAY, Hugh

Fus. Murray was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

MURRAY, James Gardner

Private James Gardner Murray was killed during operations at Vaagso. [1]

Second Lieutenant Bruce Giles wrote to his parents "l was with your son at the time, and he met his death like a soldier and a gentleman. Thank God it was instant." [2]

NEEDHAM, Henry Joseph

Pte Needham was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

NEWELL, Leslie Scott

LCpl Newell was killed during operations at Dieppe.

NIXON, William Allan

Fus. Nixon was killed during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

NOLAN, Robert Joseph

Pte Nolan was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

OWEN, William Richard

LCpl Owen was killed during operations at Normandy.

PARSONS, Arthur Joseph

Pte Parsons was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

PEEL, Clifford

Gnr Peel was killed in a firing range accident at Fort de L'Eau, Algeria.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig. Durnford-Slater.)}

PERRIE, Thomas

Sgt Perrie was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

Thomas Perrie had served in No 3 Commando since at least December 1941 as can be seen in this photo of him in 5 troop No 3 Commando.

PICKERSGILL, Ernest

Fus. Pickersgill was killed during operations at Dieppe.

PIENAAR, W. F.

Lt Pienaar, seconded to No 3 Commando from the SA Forces, was killed during operations at Agnone and the Punta dei Malati Bridge. He had been taken prisoner during the action, but with a group of others managed to escape thier captors. Lt Pienaar was shot and killed during this escape.

^{Source: 'Storm From The Sea' by Brig. Peter Young.}

POOLEY, John Bertram Vaughan

Major John Pooley MC was killed during the action in Normandy.

He had been promoted from the rank of Gunner in the Royal Artillery (TA) to be 2/Lt from the 10th January 1940. After joining No 3 Commando he was awarded the Military Cross whilst a T/Captain in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.

^Sources

^CWGC

^{London Gazettes Publication date: 5 January 1940; Supplement: 34768; Page: 147.}

POVEY, Harold Thomas Andrew

LSgt Povey was killed during operations at Vaagso.

PRITCHARD, Wilfred Prestley

Gnr. Pritchard was killed during operations at Vaagso.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)}

QUINN, Patrick Christopher

LCpl Quinn was killed during operations at Normandy.

RABBETTS, Frederick Charles Norman

Pte Rabbetts, 3 troop, was killed during operations in the Chateau d'Amfreville area of Normandy.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

RACE, James Andrew

LCpl Race was killed during operations at Normandy.

RHODES, Francis Mons

Pte. Rhodes was killed during operations at Dieppe.

Reference is made to him in our entry for Captain Richard Wills.

RICHARDS, George William

Pte Richards was killed during operations at Normandy in the Plain Gruchet area.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater

RILEY, John

Pte Riley was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

ROBB, James

Pte Robb was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

ROBBINS, Albert William Frederick

Private Albert Robbins was killed during operations at Normandy in the Plain Gruchet area [1+3]. He married Miss Doris Adelaide Standing a month earlier on the 10th May 1944 [2].

Sources

[1] CWGC

ROBINSON, John James

Cpl Robinson, 1 troop, was killed by a sniper during operations at Le Mesnil.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

RUXTON, Anthony Fane

Captain Anthony Ruxton MC, 6 troop, was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge. In 1942 he had been awarded the MC for "gallant and distinguished services" at Dieppe.

Sources

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

London Gazettes Supp. 35729, page 4328.

SARGENT, Charles Edward

Gnr Sargent died of gunshot wounds. Whilst it is not known exactly where or how this came to be, eg. training, accident, etc., we do know that shortly before his death No 3 Commando had taken part in the Vaagso raid.

^{(Source: No 3 Cdo War Diary 1942 ref WO/218/34.)}

SHARP, Thomas Robert

Fusilier Thomas Sharp died during operations at Dieppe.

SHAW, Harry

WO2 Shaw, 6 troop, was killed during the Normandy landings. Follow this link to a possible photo of Harry Shaw in an 'image of 6 troop.'

SINCLAIR, Alexander Innes

LSgt Sinclair was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

SKELTON, John

LCpl Skelton was killed during operations at Vaagso.

SMITH, Joseph

Gnr Smith was killed "as a result of a ricochet from a bullet, or a fragment of stone or other hard material, cast up from the strike of a bullet in the course of military training."

^{(Source: No 3 Cdo War Diary June-Dec. 1940, ref WO/218/3.)}

SPIERS, Eric

Sgt Spiers was kiled during operations in Normandy.

He had served with No 3 Cdo since at least June 1942 where he is pictured in a photo of 4 troop No 3 Commando.

STEWARD, John Arthur

Pte Steward died of wounds in the UK.

The No 3 Commando War Diary records the fact he was wounded in September 1943, and hospitalised from then and until December when the Commando embarked for the UK, arriving back in Liverpool on the 4th January 1944.

^{Additional Sources:}

^{Photo - His nephew Alan Martin.}

SUTTON, Harry Slater

Pte Sutton was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

TEASDALE, Fred

Sgt Teasdale was killed during operations at Dieppe.

THISTLEWOOD, Ronald Harry

Corporal Ronald Thistlewood, 5 troop, was killed during operations at the River Aller, Germany. The image of his original grave is located within our gallery.

THOMAS, James Howard

Capt. Thomas, 1st Forward Observation Unit RA, was attached to No 3 Commando for the Dieppe raid when he was killed.

[Source: Grave Registration Report on the CWGC database.]

TICKELL, Richard Maurice

Gnr. Tickell was killed during operations at Cassibile, Sicily.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

TUCHMANN, Bernard

Bernard Taylor , birthname Bernard Tuchmann, was attached to No 3 Commando and was killed during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

^{(Sources: CWGC and the ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

TUPPER, John William

LCpl Tupper was killed during operations

TURLEY, Frank William

Private Frank Turley died during operations at Vaagso.

Sources

CWGC.

ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2, author Brig Durnford-Slater.

UNDERWOOD, Lionel Harold

LCpl Underwood was killed during operations at Normandy.

Extract from a letter sent by Herbert Beddows (3 Cdo) to the family of Lionel Underwood:

VASEY, Godfrey

Sgt Vasey was killed during early Italian beach reconnaissance.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando - Memoirs of a Fighting Commando by Brig. John Durnford-Slater)}

VERNON, Charles Thomas

Pte Vernon was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day.

WADSWORTH, Hubert Samuel

Gnr. Wadsworth was killed during operations at Dieppe.

WALL, William

Gnr. Wall was killed during operations at Dieppe.

WAREING, Nicholas

WO2 Wareing was killed during operations at Agnone and the Punta dei Malati Bridge.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

WARREN, Edward

Pte Warren was killed during operations at Normandy in the Plain Gruchet area.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)}

He had only joined the Commando the previous month as one of the July replacements to No 3 Commando.

WHARTON, Bernard William

Gunner Bernard Wharton died during operations at Vaagso.

Sources

CWGC.

ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2, author Brig Durnford-Slater.

WHITTLES, Graham

Pte Whittles was killed during operations at Normandy in the area of Chateau d'Amfreville.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

WILLIAMS, Albert

Fus Williams was killed during the action at Termoli.

WILLS, Herbert Charles

Pte Wills died whilst a prisoner of war in Poland.

^{(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by}^{Brig Durnford-Slater}^.)

WINSER, Frederick Jack

LSgt Winser was killed during operations at Amfreville.

WOODCOCK, Mark

Lieutenant Mark Woodcock died during the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on ML 262 and OIC of a demolition team.

WOODWARD, Sydney George

Cpl Woodward was killed during operations at Agnone and 3 Commando Bridge.

(Source: ROH in Commando-Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 by Brig Durnford-Slater.)

Add your information

Register on the Forum to add information, or photos, or to ask questions [register now].

Your message will then be seen by our Research Group and the many knowledgeable members of our Forum. Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].

All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.

www.commandoveterans.org

Association Membership

Registering on the Commando Veterans Archive, or on the Commando Veterans Association Facebook page, does not make you a member of the Association. The Commando Veterans Assciation needs your support and membership. Find out more here.

You are here

3 Cdo. Roll of Honour

Primary tabs

Extract from the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 28 August 1943.

Posthumous Mention in Despatches