40RM Commando

Formed 14th February 1942 as The RM Commando, it was briefly known as "A" RM Commando before being designated No. 40 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines. It was the only Royal Marine Commando formed entirely from volunteers as with the Army Commandos. Early training was on the Isle of Wight with the RM Commandos billeted in homes at Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor.

Their notable actions during WW2 are Dieppe [View the Dieppe ROH], St Benere, Termoli, Anzio, Dalmatian Islands, and Lake Comacchio.

40RM Commando - HMS Fidelity

HMS Fidelity was sunk by torpedoes during a U Boat attack (U435) on the 30th December 1942 off the Azores. The U-boat reported a large number of survivors on rafts and in the water. All drowned in the rough seas as the weather deteriorated. The only survivors were a few who had launched a motor boat from the ship before the attack. Among the casualties were 53 members of 'T' Company 40 RM Commando who were on board. The letter 'T' was never used again by 40RM Commando for a Company.

40RM Commando - HMS Queen Emma

On 17th July 1943 HMS Queen Emma was in Augusta Harbour Sicily with 40 Royal Marine Commando on board when there was a bombing raid on the harbour. This caused numerous casualties and damage on board when concussion and shrapnel from a bomb caused a box of grenades to go off on the mess deck.

Entry from the 40 RM Commando war diary

(Source: National Archive file ref ADM 202 / 87)

15 July 1943

1300hrs -arrive SYRACUSE harbour

40RM Commando at Dieppe

The role of 40RM Commando during the Combined Operations raid at Dieppe raid was to assault and secure the harbour area.

Follow this link for the ROH of all the Commando Fallen at Dieppe

40RM Commando Nominal Roll

Below is a nominal roll of those who served in 40RM Commando. It is listed by order of surname.

A return by veterans to Yugoslavia

Written by Henry Brown OBE, Secretary of the Commando Association and first published in Commando Association newsletter 57 of September 1973. Image from our archive [view here] depicts Colonel Jack Churchill and his brother General Tom Churchill during the visit.

AINSWORTH, Richard Harold

Richard Ainsworth was awarded the B.E.M. whilst an Acting T/ Corporal in 40 RM Commando, for gallantry in helping the wounded, in spite of his own injuries, when the ship in which he was serving was attacked from the air.

The death of "Sgt. Richard Harry Ainsworth (40 & 47 RM Cdo) of Farlington, York", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.

Sources

London Gazettes Supp 36259, page 5141.

Commando Association newsletter 96.

ALEXANDER, John Moir

Marine John Alexander died during operations at Dieppe. He has no known grave.

Extract from the Dundee Courier

"Royal Marine Commando J. M. Alexander, 58 Mains Road, Dundee, has been reported missing whilst on combined operation. Aged 21, he joined up three years ago. His brother William is in the Royal Navy."

Sources

[1] CWGC.

ALTRINGHAM, Ronald Leslie

Marine Ronald Altringham died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

ANDREWS, Charles

Marine Charles Andrews died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

ANGUS, David Charles

Captain David Angus was awarded the MC for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta.

The death of Captain Angus MC of St. Ninian, Stirling, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 98 issued March 1994.

Source

London Gazettes Supp.37013, page 1791.

ANSON, Harry Raymond Joseph

Marine Harry Anson died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

APPLEBY, William Thompson

Marine William Appleby died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

AYLETT, Basil McGonigle

Acting Sergeant Basil Aylett was awarded the MM [1] for gallant and distinguished services in operations with 40RM Commando leading to the capture of Termoli.

BAIN, James Sydney

Sergeant Major James Bain died during operations at Sarande, Albania.

BALDOCK, Royce Edward Leonard

Marine Royce Baldock died during operations in Sicily whilst aboard the HMS Queen Emma during an enemy air attack on the vessel.

Note

Awaits confirmation of Commando service.

BARCLAY, David Lovat

Major David Barclay was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day [1].

Born in May 1920, Dave Barclay entered the Corps in September 1938. He served in H.M.S. Norfolk for over two years and was appointed to 40th RM Cdo., subsequently transferring to the 41st Cdo. [2].

Sources

[1] CWGC

[2] Extract from the RM Globe and Laurel Nov. 1944 edition.

BARRINGTON, William Henry

Marine William Barrington died in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Termoli.

BASHAM, Cyril Edward

Marine Cyril Basham died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

BATES, George Henry

Marine George Bates died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia.

BEADLE, Jeffrey Charles

Temporary Lieutenant Jeffrey Charles Beadle was awarded the MC for gallantry, leadership and outstanding determination whilst serving in Commando operations in the Adriatic, June, 1944, and North West Europe, April, 1945.

Captain (Local Major) Jeffrey Charles Beadle, MC, was appointed MBE (Military Division) in the 1967 New Year's Honours.

Sources

MM - London Gazettes Supp. 37387, page 6085.

National Archives file WO 373/57/513.

BEAVEN, Harwood Frederick George

Troop Sergeant Major Harwood Beaven was awarded the MM for bravery and great devotion to duty whilst operating with the Allied Armies in North-West Europe.

Sources

London Gazettes Supp. 37127, page 3090.

Cdo. Assoc. Newsletter 65 issued Sept 1977.

Image: A Plain Russet Coated Captain author Capt. John Day

BEESLEY, Jack

Sergeant Jack Beesley died during operations at Dieppe.

BENNETT, Henry

Company Sergeant Major Henry Bennett was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe whilst serving with 45RM Commando.

The death of "CSM. Henry (affectionately known as 'Wiggie') Bennett, MM. (40 & 45 RM Cdos) of Matlock, Derbyshire", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 82 issued March 1986.

Sources

BEVAN, George Reginald

Marine George Reginald Bevan was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.

Citation for Mne. G.R. Bevan

BISHOP, Arthur

Marine Arthur Bishop died during operations in Sicily whilst aboard the HMS Queen Emma during an enemy air attack on the vessel.

BLAKE, Albert Henry

Corporal Albert Blake died of wounds in Italy.

Sources

CWGC.

Naval History website.

Notes

Bari War Cemetery

BLUCK, John Arthur

Marine John Bluck died during operations at Anzio.

BONE, Percy James

Marine Percy Bone died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia.

BOOTHROYD, Geoffrey

Marine Geoffrey Boothroyd died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

BOSTOCK, Stanley

Staff Sergeant Stanley Bostock was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) in the 1946 New Years Honours [1]. He had previously been attached to 40RM Commando [2].

He also received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [3].

The death of "S/Sgt. Stanley Bostock, BEM. (40 RM Cdo) of Wollaton, Nottingham" was announced in Commando Association newsletter 66 issued March 1978 [2].

Sources

BRADLEY, John William Evance

Captain John Bradley was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished services in operations leading to the capture of Termoli.

Sources

London Gazettes Supp. 36367, page 687.

National Archives file WO 373/47/146.

BRADLEY, William Joseph

Marine William Bradley died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

BRADSHAW, Leslie Charles

Marine Leslie Bradshaw was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.

His death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 108 issued March 1999.

Sources

London Gazettes Supp 35729, page 4328.

Commando Association newsletter 108.

BREEN, Terence Edward

Marine Terence Breen was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe. [Source: London Gazettes Supp.

BREMNER, Alexander

Marine Alexander Bremner died during operations at Lake Comacchio.

BROCKBANK, Maurice Chester

Captain Maurice Brockbank, 'C' troop, died during operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf. He had previously received a MiD whilst with 40RM Commando for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."

Sources

London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518

RM Officers 1939-45 www.unithistories.com

The book A Plain Russet-Coated Captain by Capt. John Day 45RM Cdo.

BROWN, Jack

Marine Jack Brown died during operations at Anzio.

Sources

CWGC.

Naval History website.

BROWN, Stephen Thomas Frederick

Marine Stephen Brown died of wounds in North Africa. He was originally buried in Borgel Cemetery (Military Plot), but was re buried at Medjez-el-Bab Cemetery on August 17, 1944.

Sources

CWGC.

Naval History website.

BROWNBRIDGE, Robert William

Marine Robert Brownbridge died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

In 1940 he received a MiD " for courage and devotion to duty during the withdrawals from Boulogne and Calais."

Sources

CWGC

London Gazettes Supp. 34941, page 5441.

BRYCE, William

Marine William Bryce died during operations on the Dalmatian Islands. The Naval history website record him as dying of wounds. 7 days before his death his Commando were engaged in Operation Flounced, an attack on the enemy held island of Brac.

BURFITT, Henry Thomas

Marine Henry Burfitt died during operations at Termoli.

BURGESS, Francis Edward Gualbert

Marine Francis Burgess died during operations at Anzio.

BUSTARD, Leslie Mears

Marine Leslie Bustard died during operations at Lake Comacchio.

CALDER, Harry Watt

Harry Calder report in Dundee Courier 16th October 1953

Private Harry Calder, RAMC attached to 40 RM Commando, was awarded the DCM for his outstanding gallantry during operations at Lake Comacchio. [1]

CALLOW, Arthur John

Marine Arthur Callow died during operations at Dieppe.

Notes

Escalles Churchyard

^{Escalles is a village and commune on the coast road (N.40) from Calais to Boulogne, 8 miles (14 kilometres) south-west of Calais, whence there is a bus service. The British grave is in the southern part of the churchyard, some 20 yards south of the main path. (Source: CWGC.)}

CAPES, Edward Albert

Lance Corporal Edward Capes died in Italy.

Notes

Bari War Cemetery

CATTERALL, John

Marine John Catterall died during operations at Dieppe.

CHAPMAN, Charles Clarence

Marine Charles Chapman died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

CHIVERALL, Richard Sydney

Lieutenant Richard Chiverall died during operations in Italy.

Notes

At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in Operation Ferdy at Vibo Valentia, known at the time as Porto San Venere.

COCKITT, Herbert

Marine Herbert Cockitt died during operations at Anzio.

COLBY, Gordon David

Lance Corporal Gordon Colby died during operations at Lake Comacchio.

COMYN, Alan Douglas

Captain Alan Comyn died during operations at Dieppe.

CONVERY, John James

Sergeant John Convery, 'Q' Troop, was awarded the DCM [1] for gallant and distinguished services in operations leading to the capture of Termoli.

Citation

Termoli 3/10/43.

COOMBER, Arthur William George

Marine Arthur Coomber died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

COOMBES, Peter Lonsdale

Marine Peter Coombes died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

COOPER, Brian Arthur

Lieutenant Brian Cooper died during operations at Termoli, Italy.

COOPER, Charles

Marine (Temporary Corporal) Charles Cooper received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy in 1944 [1].

The following year, now a Sergeant, Charles Cooper was awarded the M.M. [2], for gallant and distinguished service displayed in the Italian campaign when taking part in the operations in April, 1945, north of the Reno and west of Argenta [3].

Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36676, page 4010.

COPE, Herbert James

Marine Herbert Cope died in Italy.

Notes

Bari War Cemetery

CORCORAN, James Ernest Bertram

Corporal James Corcoran died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

CORNISH, Arthur Henry

Colour Sergeant Arthur Cornish died during operations in Sicily.

CRADDOCK, William Herbert Charles

Corporal William Craddock died during operations in Italy.

CRAIG, John Henry

Marine John Craig died during operations at Anzio.

CROSS, Leonard

Lieutenant Leonard Cross died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia.

DAY, Albert Ernest

Marine Albert Day died during operations in Italy.

Notes

At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations to cross the River Garigliano.

DAY, Reginald

Marine Reginald Day died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

DELAP, Peter

Captain Peter Delap, M.B. (R.A.M.C.), attached to 40RM Commando [1], was awarded the MC in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [2].

Sources

[1] Commando Association newsletter 118.

[2] London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1427 published 15March 1945.

DENMARK, Robert Mclelland

Graves of Marines Wise, Porter, Denmark and Spencer

Marine Robert Denmark died during operations in Sicily. He is buried in a collective grave with Mnes. Albert Wise [more....], Ernest William Porter [more....], and Frank Spencer [more....], all from 40RM Commando.

DIMARCO, Paul

Colour Sergeant Paul DiMarco died during operations at Lake Comacchio.

An account by Ron Perry of the action

DIXON, David George

Corporal David Dixon died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

DOWSON, Harry

Marine Harry Dowson died during operations in Sicily.

DUERDEN, Alfred

Corporal Alfred Duerden died during operations at Dieppe.

DUTTON, Charles Llewellyn

Lieutenant Charles Dutton died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia.

His brother Lieutenant Derek Alan Dutton, No 6 Commando, also died in service 14 days later.

ECREPONT, Edward William

Captain Edward Ecrepont was awarded the M.C. [1] for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty on the 22nd January 1944 when, after the crossing of the River Gargliano, Italy, he led two troops in seizing and successfully holding the essential feature to the North of Mount Castellucio [2].

Sources

[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36583, page 3040.

[2] National Archives file WO 373/47/159.

EDWARDS, Maurice Albert

Marine Maurice Edwards died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

EPHRAUMS, Michael Jarvis

Captain Michael Ephraums MC died during operations at Termoli, Italy. He had previously been awarded the M.C. [2] for gallant and distinguished service whilst commander of 'A' troop at the Pachino Peninsula on the 10th July 1943 [3].

Sources

[1] CWGC

[2] London Gazettes Supp. 36229; Page: 4812.

[3] National Archives file WO373/47/133.

EVANS, George Albert

Marine George Evans died of wounds inflicted during operations in Italy.

Sources

CWGC.

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

EVERALL, Henry John

Corporal Henry Everall died during operations at Dieppe.

FALLAS, Robert Scott

Lance Corporal Robert Fallas died during operations in Sicily whilst aboard the HMS Queen Emma during an enemy air attack on the vessel.

FANTHAM, Maurice

Marine Maurice Fantham died in Italy on the 13th October 1943 of wounds received on the 10th October.

Extract from the Leamington Spa Courier - Friday 03 November 1944

FARRELL, Robert

Marine Robert Farrell died along with the rest of 'T' Company 40RM Commando, when the ship they were on board, HMS Fidelity, was torpedoed and sunk.

FINCH, Ernest Edward

Sergeant Ernest Finch died during operations in Italy.

FISHER, James

Corporal James Fisher died during operations in Italy.

Notes

At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations to cross the River Garigliano.

London Gazettes Supp. 36474, page 1777.

National Archives file WO 373/47/155.

At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations to cross the River Garigliano.

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40RM Commando

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Extract from the Navy Lists

Entry from the 40 RM Commando war diary

15 July 1943

Citation for Mne. G.R. Bevan

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