3 Special Service / Commando Brigade

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'Operation Bean'

Operation 'Bean' report which took place on 23 November 1944.

Apart from No 1 Cdo this operation included elements of No 5 Cdo/ 8th Fd Regt/' V' Force .

All abbreviations have been transcribed as written to maintain the integrity of the original document.

OPERATION “BEAN”                                                                                                        SECRET

Copy of Original document supplied by John Mewett

Transcribed by Elaine Southworth-Davies

NA Document Ref:- WO218/63

Location

Maungdaw
Myanmar
20° 49' 26.7852" N, 92° 22' 8.4792" E

'Operation Screwdriver'

Saturday, March 11, 1944

Location

Alethangyaw
Myanmar
20° 41' 26.9988" N, 92° 24' 20.0016" E
 
Screwdriver 1 - 11th to 15th March 1944
A raid from the sea on the the village of Alethangyaw and the surrounding areas near to Maungdaw to harrass the enemy. 44 RM Commando were relieved by No.5 Commando.
 
Screwdriver 2 - 21st March to 12th April 1944.
44RM Commando again returned to this operation in the area to relieve No. 5 Commando and operate in front of the 9th Indian Infantry Brigade.
 

1 Commando, War Diary of Hill 170

Wednesday, January 31, 1945

Location

Formerly Burma
Myanmar
17° 49' 37.722" N, 95° 4' 52.2372" E
Source: 
War Diaries of No 1 Cdo.  ref.  National Archives WO 203/ 1792. Transcribed with the help of  John Mewett and Elaine Southworth-Davies from a copy typed on a ribbon type writer which was very hard to decipher.  ***** refers to a word that could not be made out.

Report by Lt. Col Peter Young on the Battle of Hill 170

1 Commando, Order of the Day by Lt Col Trevor 2nd Feb'45

 

Order of the day Serial No 8

2nd February 1945

Author:  Lt.Col. K.R.S. Trevor, Cheshire Regiment

Commanding, No. 1 Commando

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

Gentlemen, I can't say how proud I am of the unit, and honoured to command you.  During the whole time at Hill 170, every man in every Troop and in every department worked and fought magnificently.  There was not a weak link anywhere.  No. 1 was a perfect fighting machine.

1 Commando, Roll of Wounded Hill 170 Kangaw

Type: Nominal Roll
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Wounded Roll No1 Commando Hill 170 Kangaw Burma 1945
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This document is in the No 1 Commando War Diary held at the National Archives. It contains the names of soldiers wounded in the battle and they are are alloted into their troop numbers. Through research this list has been found to contain omissions but it was the list read out at the service held after the action by the troop leaders.
 
Original document is held in the National Archives.
 

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 3

Type: Files
Author: Edited by Capt. F.C. Rodger, RAMC 1944, June 1944
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando, jungle book
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One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade.  This copy from Nick Collins.

In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 4

Type: Booklet
Author: Editor Captain F.C. Rodger, RAMC
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando, jungle book
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One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade.  This copy from Andy Maines.

In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 8

Type: Files
Author: Edited by Capt. I.V. Carrel (RM) September 1945
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: jungle book, commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando
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One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade.  This copy from Julie Warren.

In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 9

Type: Booklet
Author: Maj. I.V. Carrell & Lt. G. Sheath (RM)
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: jungle book, 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando
Download

One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade. 

In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

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A Marine writes home after Hill 170

Type: Letters
Author: Philip Bennett 42RM Commando
Year of Publishing: 2019
Keywords: kangaw, hill 170,42 commando, 3 commando brigade, royal marines, burma
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This is a transcript of a letter sent by LCpl. Philip Bennett 42RM Commando to his wife recounting recent actions at the battle of Hill 170 at Kangaw. Courtesy of his son Chris Bennett who also provided the photo which has been added to the letter.

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ANDERTON, E.F.

Brigade Signals
Marine 'Andy' Anderton, 3 Brigade Signals, of Christchurch, Hants., was a member of the original Commando Association.
[Source: Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.]
 

BEECH, James Frederick

No 1 Commando

Private James Beech,  HQ 3 Special Service (Commando) Bde., reported initially by the War Office to have died a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, died in Poona Hospital, India, a victim of infantile paralysis. [1+2]

On the 31st January 1945 he is listed as being wounded whilst with No 5 Commando. [3]

CHRISTOPHER, Robert William

1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Corporal Robert Christopher, HQ 1 Commando Brigade, was awarded the M.M. (Periodic) [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services over a prolonged period during operations at Agnone in Sicily, Bova Marina and Termoli in Italy, and at Amfreville, Normandy [2].
 

GARDNER, James Willis

No 1 Commando

Temporary Captain Gardner received a Mention In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. During his 2 years of service in the Far East he served as Adminstration Officer for No.1 Commando, and as Acting Major in 3 Commando Brigade HQ in the role of Quartermaster General. He was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service. Resided in Rome post war.

GREIG, Charles

No 3 Commando
Private Charles Greig was accidentally killed in India. 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.  
 
Sources
CWGC.

HARDY, Campbell Richard

Lt Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy
46RM Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy, commanded the 9th RM Bn., until it was redesignated as 46 RM Commando on 1 August 1943. He remained as Commanding Officer 46RM Commando until the end November 1944 when he left to take up the post of  Brigade Commander 3rd Special Service Brigade which was operating in the Far East.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, during the Normandy campaign, and later a Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order during operations in Burma [1] [2] [3] [4].  

KIRKLAND, Robert

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Temporary Chaplain The Reverend Robert Kirkland, 3 Commando Brigade HQ, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Divsion) in June 1945.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37119, page 2941.
3 Cdo Bde Jungle Book issue 9.
 

MERCER, F.J.

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Served in 3 Commando Brigade.
Last known address Musselburgh.
 
Source
Commando Association newsletter 88 March 1989.
 

MILLS, Vivian Hayes

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
20 February 1942 promoted Captain, Essex Regiment [1].
3 Commando Brigade HQ Burma [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35740, page 4431.
[2] Burma Star Association Membership List.
 

NONWEILER, Wilfrid Ivan

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Brigadier Wilfrid Nonweiler RM was the first Commanding Officer of 3rd Special Service Brigade when it was formed in1943 [1].
  • November 1944 returns to the UK [2].
  • 9 June 1949 appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • Maj. General W. I. Nonweiler, C.B.E., R.M., ( 3 Bde.) died in hospital in Deal on the 12th January, 1953 [4].
Sources
[1] Navy Lists (see linked content below).
[2] Third Jungle Book issue 9.

PIRIE, Alexander Beverley

Sergeant Alexander Pirie MM, RM
RM Engineer Commando
Sergeant Alexander Pirie , 3 RM Engineer Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of his gallantry during operations at Myebon.
 
Recommendation
On 12 Jan.'45 Sgt Pirie was engaged in mine clearing operations on the landing beach at Myebon Peninsula. Assisted by two NCOs he cleared fields of mines of a type hitherto unencountered in this theatre of war and unknown to them, with great coolness, devotion to duty, and disregard for his own personal safety. By his efforts many casualties were undoubtedly averted.

RICHARDSON, Sam Scruton

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Captain Sam Richardson, 3 Commando Brigade HQ Signal Officer, received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service while operating with the Army in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India.
 
Sources

STOCKWELL, John Neville

Brigade Signals
44RM Commando
Marine John Stockwell, 3 Commando Brigade Signal Troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
 
In the Third Jungle Book Issue 9 page 57 at the end of an article on the Brigade Signal Troop (BST) the following is written, "To complete this story of the B.S.T. it is well to remember the BEM and three MiD's that have been awarded the troop, and to deplore the loss in action of an old member - Jack Stockwell. To his wife go the troop's deepest sympathy and sincerest wishes for the future."
 
Sources

TOZER, Bernard Gilbert

3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade

Captain Bernard Tozer was serving as Staff Captain in 3 Special Service Brigade HQ on its formation August 1943 [1]. On 13 June 1946 he was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

Sources
[1] Navy Lists August 1943- see linked content below.
[2] London Gazette 37598, page 2767 (HM Birthday Honours).

YOUNG, Peter

Brigadier Peter Young
Then then Major Peter Young
No 3 Commando
Peter Young was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1939. He served in France with the British Expeditionary Force before being wounded and evacuated back to the UK at Dunkirk.  Joining No 3 Commando in the first selction of officers after its formation, the next few years would see Peter Young rise to the temporary rank of Lieut. Colonel and assume command of No 3 Commando in late 1943. He took part in the early raids on Lofoten and Vaagso, being awarded his first MC for his "gallant and distinguished services" during the latter. 
 

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