No 4 Commando

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ADLAM, William George Henry

Sergeant William Adlam MM 4 Commando

Sergeant William Adlam was awarded the MM whilst serving with the Glosters as part of the British Expeditionary Force 1939-40 [1]. On his return to the UK he volunteered for the newly formed No 4 Commando and in November 1940 was attached to 'G' troop [2].  In August 1942 he took part in Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe raid [3].

BALL, Joseph

Funeral of Fus. Joseph Ball No 4 Commando

Fusilier Joseph Ball was shot and killed in circumstances that remain to this day somewhat lacking of any official acount.  It is believed that the fatal shot was fired by a patrol of the Dutch Navy.

Photos of his funeral are in our gallery.  [Go to gallery.]

A report into the shooting written in 2012 by Jack Bakker can be found here [View report.]

BARRASS, Nicholas William

Lieutenant Nicholas Barrass died during operations at Flushing.
 
Whilst engaged in a house clearance, he was killed by a sniper who fired from an adjacent building. The author of the book below describes him as being "a tall quiet spoken policeman, who had played football for Gateshead. "
(Source: Swiftly They Struck by Murdoch C. McDougall who served as a Lieut. in No 4 Commando.) 
 

BOUCHER-MYERS, Bertram William Sydney

Major Boucher-Myers 4 Commando
Bertram Boucher-Myers took part in the Lofoten and Dieppe raids receiving a MiD for the the latter [1], after which he was posted to the Staff College at Camberley. In 1946 he served with the East Lancs in India during their transition to independence. In 1949 he was posted to the military mission in Greece followed by a 2 year attachment to the Sudan Army.

BROOKING, Alfred

Private Fred Brooking 4 Commando
Private Alfred 'Fred' Brooking was one of a group of early volunteers for No 4 Commando, serving in 'G' and later 'B' troop [1].  He took part in almost all their raids and operations throughout the war.  Our Gallery contains images of him back from the Lofoten Raid [view] and he is also named on the nominal roll for those from No 4 Commando who took part in Operation Jubilee at Dieppe [view].

BURT, Hutchison

Hutchison Burt 4 Commando
Captain Hutchison Burt, 'E' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Normandy [1].
  • 23 April 1942 commissioned 2/Lt. from the rank of Warrant Officer Class 11 (S. Gds) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36679, page 4045.

BYRNE, Patrick Joseph

Sergeant Patrick Byrne was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
Post war service
  • 27th May 1954 commissioned Lt. (Qr.Mr) in the Foresters [2].
  • 29th January 1957 received a MiD in recognition of distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st July to 3lst December, 1956 [3].
  • 2nd July 1959 promoted Captain (Qr.Mr.) Parachute Regiment [4].

CARR, Edward Lionel Knyvet Augustus

Captain Carr MC 4 Commando
Captain (E.L.K.A.) Knyvet Carr, Heavy Weapons Troop, was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2]. He remained in service with the Royal Artillery post war retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 20 July 1974 [3].
 
The death of "Capt. (later Lt. Col.) E.L.K.A. (Knyvet) Carr MC of Sheet, Hants.", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 111 issued September 2000.
 
Sources

CHITTY, John Albert

Lance Sergeant John Chitty, 'C' troop and a veteran of the Dieppe raid, died by drowning during a training exercise codenamed Exercise Brandyball. This was a mock seaborne raid on cliffs near Zennor, St Ives, Cornwall known as The Brandys.
 

CLARKE, Charles Thomas Alexander Carlos

Sandy Carlos Clarke No 4 Commando
'Sandy' Carlos Clarke was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on the 12th October 1940 [1]. He did his training at Achnacarry in late 1943 after which he joined No 4 Commando and fought with them at Normandy being wounded shortly after D Day and evacuated back to the UK.  After he had recovered from his wounds he rejoined No 4 Commando and took part in the Walcheren campaign. Later he was sent with the advance party of No 4 Commando to Recklinghausen [2]. 
 

COULSON, Leonard Nickson

Captain Len Coulson 4 Commando
Temporary Major Leonard Coulson was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Normandy on 6 June 1944 and the days following it [2].
 

On the 21st September 1954 he was promoted Major in the Royal Pioneer Corps [3].

Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37442, page 639.
[2] National Archives file WO373/56/813.
[3] London Gazette Supp. 40305, page 5958.
 

CUNNINGHAM, Harry

Lance Corporal Harry Cunningham, R.A.M.C. attached as Medical Orderly to No.4 Commando, was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallantry of the highest order whilst accompanying leading troops during prolonged and bitter street fighting in the town of Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36994, page 1543.
[2] National Archives file WO373/52/797.
 

DALE, J.

Private J. Dale received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe 19 August 1942.
Recommendation
"Pte Dale, in the company of Pte Horn performed the Nos.1 and 2 of the 2" Mortar. They succeeded in getting thier Mortar forward in a dangerous crawl into a fold in the ground close up to the Heavy Battery.

DAWSON, Robert William Palliser

Lieutenant Robert Dawson was one of the first subalterns to join No 4 Commando in 1940, later taking part in the Dieppe raid  as Captain of 'C' troop.  
  • 1943 promoted Major and 2nd in command of No 4 Commando replacing Major Derek Mills-Roberts who left to command No 6 Commando.
  • April 1943 Lord Lovat left No 4 Commando and Major Dawson became Commanding Officer.  

DONKIN, Henry

Private Henry Donkin, 'F' troop,  a veteran of Dunkirk, was shot and killed whilst engaging the enemy during operations at Flushing.
 
Sources
CWGC
The Fighting Fourth by Maj James Dunning.
 

DOUGLAS, Walter

Private Walter Douglas served in No 4 Commando. He died in an accident at work in 1946 after being released from military service.
 
Sources
Hull Daily Mail - Tuesday 24 December 1946 - Family notices.
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.
 

DUNNING, James Edwin

Troop Sergeant Major Dunning
James Dunning 1992
James Dunning was one of the original volunteers for No. 4 Commando. Promoted Troop Sergeant Major he took part in the Lofoten Islands and Dieppe raids  before being commissioned Second Lieutenant on the 22nd May 1943. He then served as an instructor at the Commando Basic Training Centre. After recuperating from a spinal injury in a night parachute descent he was appointed Adjutant at the Commando Cliff Climbing Centre in St Ives.
 

ELMS, Frank

Second Lieutenant Frank Elms died during operations at Normandy.

The No 4 Commando War Diary records
"5th to 6th July 1944 Place: Hauger - A patrol under Lieut. Elms proceeded to recce the BOIS DU BOISSON - GONNEVILLE ROAD for the purpose of observing enemy movements and locating any possible new dispositions for the intended fighting patrol that was to put in an attack in that area at night. Lieut. Elms had the misfortune to be hit and severely wounded when approaching the FDLs and later died."
 

FUSSELL, Peter Lincoln

Peter Fussell 1 Special Service Brigade
Private Peter Fussell served in No 4 Commando, 'F' troop, and took part in operations at Dieppe on 19 August 1942. Later that year he moved to 1 Special Service Brigade HQ (Clerks) [1] and [2].
 
Post war he was commissioned and retired as a Major in the R.A.O.C. 
 
His award of the B.E.M., was for his service as a Staff Sergeant during the period 23 February 1949 to February 1951. He was the confidential short hand writer to Field Marshall Sir William Slim.
 

GILCHRIST, Donald Johnston

Donald Gilchrist was serving as a Captain in the Cameronians when he volunteered for the Commandos. After acceptance he went to Achnacarry in February/March 1942 and successfully completed his Officer Training after which he was retained there as an Instructor. Achnacarry had just opened as the new Commando Depot, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre, and staff were needed to assist with the initial intakes. 
 

HARRIS, George Francis

George Harris enlisted and was posted to the 6th Bn., The Border Regiment before being attached to 520 Petrol Unit, RASC. 
 
On the 26th April 1940 he volunteered for and was attached to No 10 Independent Company and embarked with them for overseas duty, sailing to Freetown, Sierra Leone and returning to the UK via Dakar and Gibraltar a month later.
 

HOODLESS, Donald Samuel

Lance Corporal Donald Hoodless, 'C' troop and a veteran of the Dieppe raid, died by drowning during a training exercise codenamed Exercise Brandyball. This was a mock seaborne raid on cliffs near Zennor, St Ives, Cornwall known as The Brandys.
 

HUNTER-GRAY, John Simon

John Simon Hunter-Gray 4 Commando
Lieutenant John Hunter-Gray was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36994, page 1542.
[2] National Archives file WO373/52/673.
 

KERR, J.

Former Corporal J. Kerr (4 Cdo) collapsed and died at the wheel of his car on the 20th April, 1962. (Source: CA Newsletter 35 issued Sept. 1962).
 

KING, Peter

Lieutenant Peter King was awarded the M.C., in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in NW Europe [1]. Post war he served as a Captain with the 16 NZ Fd. Regt. in Korea [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37302, page 5000.
[1] National Archives file WO 373/55/119.

LAUX, Pierre

Pierre Laux 4 Commando
Private Pierre Laux died during operations at Flushing, Holland.
 
A full report after the operation records the following under 3 Troop, page 24:
"The distance between the harbour area and the first objective, BRAEMAR, was covered as fast as possible, and the first objective was reached at first light, 0700 hours. On the way to the first objective Gnr. Harvey was killed by enemy MG fire.

LOVAT, Lord

Lord Lovat first enlisted in the Scots Guards in 1932, leaving the army in 1937. Two years later at the outbreak of war he rejoined the Army in the Lovat Scouts. Lord Lovat was part of a small but elite group of men who formed the idea of a Special Training Centre, agreed on the location, and devised and implemented a course of training once it was approved. This became the first of many Special Training Centres, STC Lochailort.

The training took place in and around the camp at Lochailort, Lord Lovat's role being Fieldcraft instruction.

MACKENZIE, Alistair Campbell

Lieutenant Alistair Mackenzie died in an accident at Troon.
 
Educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, he entered the University to take Economics, and became an enthusiastic member of the O.T.C., distinguishing himself in shooting. He took part in the Lofoten Islands raid.
 
He received his commission to 2/Lt on the 2nd October 1939. The entry in London Gazettes shows his first name spelt as Alister.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MANN, Richard

Lance Corporal Richard Mann MM
Lance Corporal Richard Mann, 'C' Troop, was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe. 
 

Citation for the MM

MAYBURY, John

Original grave of Cpl Maybury 4 Commando
Corporal John Maybury, 2 troop, was shot and killed during operations codenamed Intemperate 1 and 2, against the  German occupied island of Schouwen, Holland. 
 
His death is referred to in the book The Fighting Fourth by Maj. Dunning as "an ex-guardsman and one of the Commando's star footballers, who had been with the unit from its earliest days."
(Operation source: No 4 Cdo War Diary/Report by Capt. K. Wright No 4 Cdo. IO)
 

MCCARTHY, Peter Francis

Sergeant Peter McCarthy was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].
 
He is also named as serving at the CMWTC and attached at some stage to 46RM Commando. [2]. 
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 35729, page 4328.
[2] Nom. Roll for 46RM Cdo 6th Jun 44  -May45.
 

MCKAY, Donald Bell

Second Lieutenant Donald Bell Mckay receieved his commission on the 19th April 1942 [1]. He is listed as a Royal Engineers Lieutenant attached to No 4 Commando during the Dieppe raid on the 19th August 1942 [see document below]. Lieutenant McKay died on the 23rd March 1943 serving with 270 Field Coy. RE.,  and is buried in Tunisia [2]. 
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 35546, page 1964.
[2] CWGC.
 

MENDAY, Ronald Philip

Captain Ronald Menday 4 Commando
Ronald Philip Menday
Major Ronald Menday was second in command of No.4 Commando at Normandy on 'D' Day. Took command for a short period after Lt. Col. Dawson [more...] was wounded [1]. 
 
  • Commissioned Second Lieutenant May 1940 [2].
  • Received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [3].
  • Awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [4].

MERCER, Duncan Thompson

Lance Corporal Duncan Mercer died 5 days after operations at Dieppe. He has no known grave.

Stephen, son of Bill Lewis 3 Commando, adds, "He was in 4 Commando on the Varengeville Battery Raid. He is commemorated at the Brookwood Memorial in Surrey and at the little church in Varengeville- sur-Mer. He worked with my mother as a greengrocers delivery boy and then joined the Kings Regiment. He was very popular and terribly missed."
 

MULLARD, Sidney John

Sergeant Sidney Mullard was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe [1] +[2]. He was later recommended for O.C.T.U. and on the 27th July 1945 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant (Camerons) [3].
 
The death of Lt. Sidney J. Mullard (No. 4 Cdo.) of Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 119 issued September 2004.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36994, page 1543, 22 March 1945.

Operation Claymore

Location

Lofoten Islands
Norway
68° 10' 0.012" N, 13° 45' 0" E
Tuesday, March 4, 1941

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

PARK, John

Sergeant John Park was a veteran of the Dieppe raid. At the time of Sgt. Park's death units from his Commando were engaged on raids along the French coast (Hardtack raids). It is believed he may have drowned during one such raid at Gravelines, France.

View an entry about this Commando on our Forum Sgt John Park No 4 Commando.

PASQUALE, Joseph

Joe Pasquale 4 Commando
Lance Corporal Joseph Pasquale, a veteran of Dieppe, died when a mortar shell exploded near him during operations at Normandy on DDay.
 
Joseph was the son of Joseph Pasquale (Snr) and Winifred (nee Tunney) of Liverpool. He was born in 1919, and married Jean Marion Lucille (nee Carter) in Lewes, Sussex in 1943. Joseph is commemorated on the family headstone in Ford Cemetery, Liverpool. The inscription on his headstone in Hermanville War Cemetery reads: "Sweet and treasured memory of my darling husband who gave his life on D-Day".

PORTEOUS, Capt. Patrick Anthony, VC

Lieutenant (T/Captain) Patrick Anthony Porteous was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during operations at Dieppe. 
 
During the later Normandy landings he commanded 'D' troop of No 4 Commando. He held the war substantive rank of Captain and was confirmed in the rank on the 26th August 1945.(1) 
 
Post war and after the Army Commandos were disbanded, he remained in military service with the Royal Artillery retiring as a Colonel on the 11th April 1970. (2) 
 

ROBERTS, Richard

Richard Roberts served in 'C' troop of No 4 Commando. He contnued his military service after the war serving in Korea. He was awarded the George Medal in 1947 whilst attached to 1st Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers.
 
His death was announced in Commando Association Newsletter 60 of 1975.
 
Recommendation for the George Medal

SCANLON, George

Sergeant George Scanlon, RAMC attached to No.4 Commando, a veteran of the Dieppe raid, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.

Post war George Scanlon, a resident of Troon, was an active member of the Troon and District Branch (later the Central Ayrshire Branch) of the Commando Association being their Honorary Secretary in 1951.  He died in 1969.

SIEVEWRIGHT, John

Private John Sievewright died during operations at Normandy after volunteering to go forward to assist his seriously injured troop officer Captain Style.
 
Sources
CWGC.
The Fighting Fourth by Major James Dunning.
 

SMITH, Anthony, D.C.

Lieutenant Anthony Smith was the Intelligence Officer for No. 4 Commando at Dieppe, and later Brigade Intelligence Officer, rank Acting Captain, 1st Special Service Brigade HQ at Normandy.
 
Sources
The Fighting Fourth, author Major James Dunning.
1st Special Service Brigade HQ War Diary 1st July 1944.
 

SMITH, Fred

Gunner Fred Smith died of wounds during operations at Normandy on DDay. He received a posthumous MiD for "gallant and distinguished services in Normandy."
 
Source
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 36720, page 4474.
 

STODDART, John

Pte John Stoddart 4 Commando
Private John Stoddart died during operations at Flushing, Holland.
 
John 'Jack' Stoddart enlisted on a short service engagement with the Royal Scots (s/n 26333) on the 23rd October 1920 aged 17 years. He served in India from the 18th February 1922 until the 10th April 1926. He was discharged on the 22nd October 1932. On the 6th November 1939 he re-enlisted with the Royal Scots Fusiliers TA and was then transferred to the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He then volunteered for No 4 Commando.
 
Sources

SUTTON, George Henry

George Sutton 4 Commando
Private George Sutton died during operations at Dieppe.
 
In a letter to his parents Lord Lovat wrote, " Your son fought magnificently and died in the hour of victory. No man can do more. He is a credit to his Commando and his Country. "
 
​Sources
CWGC.
Commando Veterans Archive entry for Pte Sutton.
 

TUCKER, George Arthur

Signalman George Tucker died during operations at Dieppe.
 
Commonwealth War Grave Commission inscription
"Killed in action and buried at the time in Ste. Marguerite-Sur-Mer Churchyard whose grave is now lost. Their glory shall not be blotted out."
 

WALKER, Alfred John

Lance Sergeant Alfred Walker, a veteran of the Dieppe raid, died during operations at Flushing.
 
It was while marshalling the prisoners into loading parties that L/Sgt. A. J. Walker was fatally wounded by a shell which burst on the Oranje Molen promontory.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Intelligence Report quoted in a forum message HERE.
 

WARD, Arthur William

LCpl AW Ward 4 Commando
Lance Corporal Arthur Ward died during operations at Normandy.
 
He served in the Wolverhampton Police Force for 3 years before the war. His three brothers also served in the Armed Forces, and his sister nursed in a military hospital.
 
Sources
CWGC.
CVA Gallery newspaper cutting.
 

WEBB, Gordon Geoffrey Henry

Capt Gordon Webb MC 4 Commando
Gordon Webb was called up for military service as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery on the 9th September 1939. [1]  However in 1936 at Trinity College he had completed the requirements  necessary for the Officers Training Corps and was therefore eligible for consideration for a commission which he received. [2]
 

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