41RM Commando

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41RM Commando

Formed on 10th October 1942 primarily from the 8th RM Battalion as 'B' RM Commando before being quickly redesiignated as No. 41 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines.  Their operations included Salerno, Orne, Walcheren, before disbanding 20th February 1946. 

ALDIS, Alec George

41RM Commando
Lieutenant Alec Aldis MM died during operations at Normandy on 6 June 1944 [1]. 
  • 1942 (Corporal) (Temporary Sergeant) awarded the Military Medal for "gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East." [2].​
Recommendation
Royal Marines
Suda Sector Crete.

ALLISON, George Edwin

41RM Commando
Sergeant George Allison, born Abingdon Berkshire, died at 77 British General Hospital in Germany from post operative haemorrhage after a tonsillectomy.
 
Sources
CWGC
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths: Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/127.
 

BARCLAY, David Lovat

41RM Commando
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.
 

BARNES, John

41RM Commando

Marine John Barnes died of wounds at the 8th Canadian General Hospital in Belgium.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BELCHER, Ernest John

41RM Commando

Regimental Sergeant Major Ernest Belcher died during operations at Normandy on D Day. The announcement of his award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) was made 2 days after his death. 

Source
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.
London Gazette 36544, page 2594.

BELL, James

41RM Commando

Marine James Bell died during operations at Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BENSON, Robert Edwin

41RM Commando

Lance Corporal Robert Benson died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette).

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BETTS, Joseph

41RM Commando

Marine Joseph Betts was reported missing presumed killed during operations at Salerno, Italy [1]. At the time his Commando were engaged in the valley south of La Molina and the nearby hills close to Vietri.

Sources
[1] CWGC.
[1] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BIRCHER, Cecil Arthur Douglas

41RM Commando
Lieutenant Cecil Bircher, S.A.U.D.F. attached to 1 RM Armoured Support Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations on 6 June 1944 at Normandy [1][2][3]. He later served in 41RM Commando [4].
Recommendation
"Lt. Bircher was OC Tps in an LCT(A) carrying part of his Troop. The craft engines broke down and it was towed from a position of the Isle of Wight to the assault area by a LCT and LCI.

BROOKES, Arthur

41RM Commando

Marine Arthur Brookes died in Holland. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Maas. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/128.

BULLOCK, Donald Charles

41RM Commando

Sergeant Donald Bullock was reported missing presumed killed during operations at Salerno on the 13th September 1943 [1][2a]. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty on the 10th September 1943 [2][2a].
Recommendation
"Gulf of Salerno 9-10 Sep 43

BURNETT, T.

41RM Commando
Sergeant Burnett, R.A.M.C. attached to 41RM Commando was wounded on 7 June 1944 during operations in Normandy.
 
Sources
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 /National Archives file WO417/77.
 

BURTON, John George

41RM Commando
Temporary Lieutenant John Burton, Intelligence Officer, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36676, page 4010.
Navy Lists Aug'43 and Oct.'44 
 

CHRISTIAN, Thomas Edward

41RM Commando

Sergeant Thomas Christian died during operations at Salerno, Italy. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/128.

Notes
At the time of his death his commando were engaged in operations at the valley south of La Molina and the nearby hills close to Vietri.
 

COLE, Roland William

41RM Commando

Corporal Roland Cole was awarded the MM for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in Italy.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36583, page 3040.
National Archives file WO 373/47/162.
 

CREGAN, James Cyril Fraser

41RM Commando
Captain James Cregan, R.A.M.C. attached to 41RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distainguished service at Normany on the 6th and 7th June 1944 [1][2]. 
  • 23 August 1944 wounded N.W. Europe and evacuated to the UK [3][4].
Recommendation
La Breche - Lion sur Mer 6-7 Jun '44.

CROOKS, James

41RM Commando
Sergeant James Crooks was awarded the M.M. [1] for gallant and distinguished service during operations at the Pachino Peninsula, Sicily, on the 10th July 1943 [2].
 
His death was announced in the obituaries of Commando Association newsletter 43 issued 1966,  " C.S.M. Jim Crooks (41 Cdo.) of Warrington."
 
Sources
[1]  London Gazette Supp. 36229, page 4812.
[2] National Archives file WO373/47/135.
 
Notes

CUNNINGHAM, William

41RM Commando

Captain William Cunningham, 'Y' Troop Commander,  was appointed the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service [1] during operations at at the Pachino Peninsula, Sicily, on the 10th July 1943 [2].

Sources
[1] London Gazette 36229, page 4812.
[2] National Archives file WO373/47/132.

Notes for [2] above
Recommended for the M.C. subsequently awarded the D.S.O.

CUTTING, Vincent

Colour Sergeant Vincent Cutting
41RM Commando
42RM Commando
45RM Commando

Colour Sergeant Vincent Cutting RM was from Little Hulton, Greater Manchester. He also served in 41 and 45RM Commando [1].

His son Gunner Robert Steven Cutting, 29 Commando Regiment RA, was killed on active service in Northern Ireland [View ROH entry] [2].

Sources
[1] Commando Association newsletter 114 issued March 2002.
[2] + [image] His daughter Sandra Kennedy.
 

DABBS, William

41RM Commando

Marine William Dabbs died during operations at Normandy on D Day.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/129.

DEXTER, John

41RM Commando
Captain John Dexter was awarded the MIlitary Cross for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.
 
Recomendation
"Captain Dexter landed in Normandy on D Day as a Machine Gun Officer, and was very shortly afterwards to Command of the Support Troop of his unit. Throughout the campaign in NW Europe he has been engaged in every major and minor battle in which his unit took part.

DIGBY, W.

41RM Commando

Served in 'P'Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Northampton.

Sources
Commando Association list of RM Commando members.
Commando Association newsletter 93.
 

DIXON, Peter Cory

41RM Commando
Captain Peter Dixon, a Royal Artillery Forward Observation Officer attached to 41RM Commando, was killed during an enemy air attack on the Commando HQ. He received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe.
  • 25 November 1941 (Second Lieutenant) (3 R.H.A) wounded in action Western Desert, Middle East.
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 36917, page 679 published 1945.

DOANE, Herbert

41RM Commando

Marine Herbert Doane died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

DUNN, Alec

Alec Dunn 41RM Commando
41RM Commando
Acting Company Sergeant Major Alec Dunn received a Mention in Despatches for outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy (Salerno).
 
Sources
London Gazette 36903, page 518.
[Image] CVA Gallery 41RM Cdo. title "Rev Wallis, Sgts. Dunn and Tanswell, 41RM Commando."
 

FAWCETT, Denis

41RM Commando
Troop Sergeant Major Denis Fawcett served in 'Y' Troop.  A member of the Commando Association post war he organised many of his commando's reunions and in 1990 was appointed MBE (Civil Division) for services to 41Royal Marine Commando.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 91 issued August 1990.
London Gazette 52173 (HM Birthday Honours 1990).
 

FINCH, Ernest Walter

41RM Commando

Lance Corporal Ernest Finch died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action in the valley south of La Molina and the nearby hills close to Vietri.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

FISHER, Edward

41RM Commando

Marine Edward Fisher died during operations at Salerno and Vietri, Italy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

GARLICK, Horace

41RM Commando

Marine Horace Garlick died during operations at Salerno, Italy.

Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.
[3] Register of Births England Jan/Feb/March 1922.

Notes
Source at [2] shows year of birth 1921 which would make him 22. Sources [1] and [3] show age was 21.
 

GRAY, Thomas Malcolm

Royal Marines
Colonel Thomas Malcolm Gray DSO, MC, died in service whilst serving at HMS President.
  • Commanding Officer 41RM Commando on D Day, awarded the Military Cross.
  • Commanding Officer 46RM Commando from November 1944
Citation for the M.C.

GRINDROD, John Basil Rowland

41RM Commando
Lieutenant John Grindrod, Manchester Regiment, was attached to 41RM Commando on 23 November 1944 and was posted to 'S' troop [1].
  • Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Manchester Regiment, on the 1st March 1941 [2].
  • Lt. Grindrod relinquished his commission on the 26th July 1952 and was granted the honorary rank of Captain [3]. 

HARRIS, Andrew

41RM Commando

Marine Andrew Harris died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.
Records of Births registered in Jan Feb March. 1903 (Farnham).

HAY, John

41RM Commando

Marine John Hay died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.

HAYDON, Peter Hillyard

41RM Commando
Captain Peter Haydon, DSO, was killed during operations at Walcheren.
 
He had earlier been awarded the DSO for conspicuous gallantry and leadership in driving off repeated attacks by the enemy on the road from Salerno to Naples, though he was wounded and his men outnumbered by the enemy.*
 

HEY, Ashton Usher

41RM Commando
Sergeant Ashton Hey, 'B' troop, died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/132.
ROH in 'They Did What Was Asked Of Them', author Raymond Mitchell.
 

HOLT, Harry

41RM Commando

Marine Harry Holt died during operations in NW Europe.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/132.

HONEYMAN, Norman Frederick

41RM Commando

Lance Corporal Norman Honeyman died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/132.

HORSTED, Ronald Edward

41RM Commando

Marine Ronald Horsted died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/132.

HOWARTH, Edgar

41RM Commando
Marine Edgar Howarth died at St John's Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.
Registers of Births Skipton Oct, Nov, Dec. 1921.
 

HUNTER, Caley Lovell

41RM Commando
Marine Caley Hunter, ‘A’ Troop, died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.
[Troop source] ‘They did what was asked of them’ author Raymond Mitchell.
 

KENNEDY, Alexander

41RM Commando
Marine Alexander Kennedy died in Italy. At the time of his death his commando were engaged in operations at Vietri, Salerno.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
 
Notes

LEES, James Sykes

41RM Commando
Company Sergeant Major James Lees MM, 'B' Troop,  died at Heiden Germany from a cerebral haemorrhage sustained in a Jeep accident.
He had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery, skill, and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Allied Forces during the campaign in the Low Countries, over a period from January to April, 1945.
Recommendation

LEES, William

Marine William Lees 41 Commando
41RM Commando

Marine William Lees died during operations at Vietre Sul Mare, Salerno, Italy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
Manchester Evening News - Thursday 14 October 1943 / British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board / Image © Trinity Mirror.

LOMAX, G.J.

47RM Commando

Also served in 41RM Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Warrington.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 119 issued September 2004.
CA List of WW2 RM Commando members.

MOSES, Byron

41RM Commando

Marine Byron Moses died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/134.

MURRAY, Donald Frederick

41RM Commando
Lieutenant Donald Murray served in 41RM Commando and the RM Holding Commando during WW2. In 1946 he joined the Foreign Office.
  • 1962 Head of Chancery, Saigon.
  • 1973 Donald Murray, lately Counsellor, H.M. Embassy, Tehran, appointed C.M.G.
  • 1974 -1976 Ambassador to Libya.

MURRAY, John

41RM Commando
Sergeant John Murray died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/134.
 
Notes
Son of John and Jane Rankine Murray; husband of Agnes Murray, of Barrhead, Renfrewshire.
This man may be identical with Jack Murray who was a former goalkeeper with Greenock Morton FC.
 

MURRAY, William

41RM Commando

Corporal William Murray was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding gallantry in Sicily while serving in a Marine Commando, in leading an assault with fixed bayonets against an enemy machine gun post and in carrying the attack through with success in spite of a serious wound in the left eye.

Sources
London Gazette 36275, page 5334.
National Archives file WO 373/47/140.
 

MUSGROVE, Leslie

41RM Commando

Sergeant Leslie Musgrove was awarded the MM for gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36947, page 998.
National Archives file WO 373/47/45.
 

NIGHTINGALE, Frank Lewis

41RM Commando

Corporal Frank Nightingale was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren.

Sources
London Gazette 36947, page 997.
National Archives file WO 373/47/43.
 

PAGE, Henry

41RM Commando

Marine Henry Page died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths: Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/135.

PALMER, Eric Charles Ernest

41RM Commando
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Eric Palmer was appointed D.S.O. in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service during his Commando's landing at the breach in the dyke at Westkapelle, Walcheren, on 1st November 1944, and the successful attack and capture of the enemy battery  which had been causing considerable casualties in the landing area [1]. 
 
At the begining of August 1945 he took command of 46RM Commando until it was disbanded a few months later [2].
 
Sources

PRYOR, Frederick William

41RM Commando

Sergeant Frederick Pryor, M.M., died on board HMCS Algonquin during operations at Normandy, France. He was awarded the Military Medal for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in Italy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.
London Gazette 36583, page 3040.
National Archives file WO373/47/163.

 

RATCLIFF, Kenneth Leslie

41RM Commando
Marine Kenneth Ratcliff fromBearwood, Smethwick Staffordshire, drowned during operations at the River Maas.
 
On February 5th 1945 a raid was planned across the River Maas to snatch a German prisoner from behind the German lines. Bad weather forced the mission to be abandoned but a collapsible canvas boat used was left behind on the far bank. The boat was ordered to be retrieved and Mne's. Kenneth Ratcliff,  Charles Brandon, and David Williams were sent across the river to do so. 
 

READER, Ronald

41RM Commando

Marine Ronald Reader died during operations in Italy, this date being that of the action in the valley south of La Molina and the nearby hills close to Vietri, Salerno.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/136.

ROBERTSON, John Burt

41RM Commando

Marine John Robertson died at Ostend Belgium. His Commando were engaged in operations at Westkapelle, Walcheren. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/136.

Notes
It is likely that he died of wounds as there was a military hospital close to Oostende New Communal Cemetery where some of the wounded, had been taken.

ROBINSON, George Thomas

41RM Commando

Lance Corporal George Robinson died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/136.

ROBINSON, John

41RM Commando

Marine John Robinson died during operations at Santa Maria, Gulf of Salerno, Italy.

Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/136.

Notes
Date of birth shown on [2] is 4 September 1922 which would have made him 21.
 

SCOTT, William Cameron

41RM Commando
Marine William Scott died during operations at Salerno, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)
 

Extract from the Dundee Evening Telegraph Saturday 09 October 1943.

SMITH, Charles Edward

41RM Commando

Corporal Charles Smith died during operations at Walcheren Island, Holland.

Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

Notes
Source [1] shows age as 29 which conflicts with Source [2] which shows date of birth as 25-2-1921.

SMITH, John Alexander

41RM Commando
Marine John Alexander Smith from Londonderry, died at Rennes, France.
Extract from the Londonderry Sentinel Saturday 26 August 1944
There will be sincere regret among the wide circle of friends, by whom he was held in high esteem, of the death in German hands from wounds received in Normandy of Royal Marine Commando John Alexander (Jack) Smith, youngest son of Mr. Richard Smith and the late Mrs. Rebecca Smith, 22, Charlotte Street, Londonderry.

SMITH, Reginald

41RM Commando

Marine Reginald Smith died during operations at Walcheren Island, Holland.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

SPAWFORTH, Herbert

41RM Commando

Corporal Herbert Spawforth died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.
Records of Births registered in Wakefield Oct/Nov/Dec. 1920.

SPENCE, Ernest

41RM Commando

Marine Ernest Spence died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

STALKER, Hugh Henry

41RM Commando

Sergeant Hugh Stalker died in Holland. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in patrolling the Lower Maas. 

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

STILES, Arthur

41RM Commando

Marine Arthur Stiles was reported missing presumed died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills near the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/137.

STRADLING, Robert Fettes

41RM Commando

Sergeant Robert Stradling died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/137.

STRATFORD, Henry Ernest

41RM Commando
Captain Henry Stratford was awarded the M.C. [1] for gallant and distinguished service whilst commander of 'X' troop during operations at the Pachino Peninsula, Sicily, on the 10th July 1943 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36229, page 4812.
[2] National Archives file WO/373/47/134.
 

STREAMS, Albert Edward

41RM Commando
Marine Albert Streams, A.M., died during operations at Sicily.
 
Albert Streams enlisted on the 12th April 1921 with the RM Light Infantry, Plymouth Division. He was awarded the Albert Medal for his gallantry as a crew member on board HMS Devonshire on the 26th July 1929 after a massive explosion in one of the gun turrets on the ship.  Although injured himself in the blast he remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dying.
 
Extract from London Gazettes

STURGIS, John Russell

41RM Commando
Acting Captain John Sturgis, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of bravery, skill and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Allied Forces during the campaign in the Low Countries, over a period from January to April, 1945 [1]. More specifically on the night of the 14/15 February 1945 whilst in a Fighting Patrol of 20 men at Kapelsche Veer across the River Maas [2].

TAAFFE, William

41RM Commando

Marine William Taaffe died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/137.

TANSWELL, John William

John William Tanswell 41RM Commando
41RM Commando
Acting Company Sergeant Major John Tanswell was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Normandy and Walcheren.
Recommendation
"This NCO landed in Normandy on D Day, and since then he has led his sub-section continuously during the campaign in N.W. Europe with outstanding bravery and devotion to duty. He has several times been called upon to perform the duties of Section Officer when his officers became casualties, and his leadership has always been of the highest quality.

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Captain John Taplin was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours dated 31 May 1956 [1].
  • December 1942 (Acting Temporary Captain) Adjutant of 41RM Commando [2].
  • August 1943 Captain serving in 41RM Commando [3].

TAYLOR, Ernest

41RM Commando
Marine Ernest Taylor died in Holland.
 
Werkendam Protestant Cemetery
Werkendam is in the Heusden-en-Altena region, which is bordered by the Brabant bulrush wood. Throughout the German occupation, particularly in the winter of 1944-1945, this wood was a favourite "hide-out" for airmen and soldiers trying to escape capture by the enemy. There was an emergency hospital in Werkendam where the wounded were cared for, and those who died there are buried in the village cemetery. (Source: CWGC.)
 

THOMSON, Hugh

Lance Corporal Hugh Thomson 6 Commando
41RM Commando
Lance Corporal Hugh Thomson died [1] during operations at Salerno, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.) [2]
 
Extract from the Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 13 October 1943
"Commando Marine Killed :-  Mrs Thomson, 12 Walton Street, Dundee, has received intimation that her husband, L/Cpl. Hugh Thomson (34), Royal Marine Commando, has been killed. He was reported missing over a week ago.

THWAITES, Henry

41RM Commando

Marine Henry Thwaites died during operations in France. On the date of his death his Commando were operating in the area of Beuzeville.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.
 

TIERNEY, Norman

41RM Commando
Regimental Sergeant Major Norman Tierney died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action in the valley south of La Molina and the nearby hills close to Vietri. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for "gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty in leading a successful counter-attack against a strongly held enemy position in Italy. He did not return from the attack." 
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] London Gazette 36433, page 1328.

TONER, Peter

41RM Commando

Marine Peter Toner died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.
 

TWIGGER, James Thomas

41RM Commando

Colour Sergeant James Twigger was reported missing presumed died during operations at Salerno, Italy. He received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in Sicily.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.
London Gazette 36454, page1557.

WALLIS, John Charles

Reverend John Charles Wallis RNVR
41RM Commando
Reverend John Charles Wallis, BA, attached to 41RM Commando, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for great courage and fortitude in tending the wounded and bringing in casualties during the operations at Salerno, Italy September 1943.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36537, page 2497 and errata in LG 36551, page 2705.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.

WASSALL, George

41RM Commando

Marine George Wassall was reported missing presumed died during operations at Salerno, Italy, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.)

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WILLIAMS, David

41RM Commando
Marine David Williams drowned during operations at the River Maas. 
 
On February 5th 1945 a raid was planned across the River Maas to snatch a German prisoner from behind the German lines. Bad weather forced the mission to be abandoned but a collapsible canvas boat used was left behind on the far bank.
 
The boat was ordered to be retrieved and Mne's. David Williams, Kenneth Ratcliff,  and Charles Brandon were sent across the river to do so. 

WITHER, Russell John

41RM Commando

Acting Colour Sergeant Russell Wither was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. *

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

Source
* London Gazettes Supp. 36676, page 4008.
 

WRAY, Peter Francis Hugh

41RM Commando
Lieutenant Peter Wray died during operations at Salerno, this date being that of the action on the hills by the village of Piegolelle (or Piegolette in English.) He received a Mention in Despatches for "distinguished services in Sicily."​​
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazettes Supp. 36454, page1557.
 

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