42 Commando RM

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'42 Commando RM'

Formed in August 1943 from the disbanded 1st RM Battalion, the Commando saw service in India and Burma. 42 RM Commando took part in the Battle of Kangaw on the 31st January 1945.

Redesignated 42 Commando RM early in 1946, having been 42 RM Commando (Light) since August 1945. Postwar, the Commando operated across the Globe with combat operations in Malaya, Suez, Borneo and Brunei, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

42 Commando Royal Marines have been based at Bickleigh Barracks just outside Plymouth, Devon, since the 16th September 1971.

'Limbang Hostage Rescue'

Wednesday, December 12, 1962

Location

Limbang
Sarawak
4° 46' 17.4324" N, 114° 58' 26.76" E
In December 1962 a revolt broke out in Brunei, North Borneo, and 42 Commando, in Singapore at the time, was flown to Labuan and given the task of clearing Brunei Bay. 
 
'L' Company was detached to try to release eight European hostages, including a district officer, from the town of Limbang, which was held by a strong force of rebels. 
 

'Operation Vantage'

Saturday, July 1, 1961
1961 British military intervention in Kuwait in response to threats from Iraq.  42 Commando RM  'Charlie' Troop were the first to go ashore from HMS Bulwark in 848 Naval Air Squadron's Whirlwinds.
 
[Image] Royal Marines Commandos relax with Arab tribesmen volunteers, Kuwait 1961, credit Imperial War Museum.
© IWM HU 91209 (Non Commercial Licence).
 

ADAMS, Ross William

Corporal
P059720H
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ross Adams received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette 60095, page 5849.
 

ALDRIDGE, Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur

Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur Aldridge Royal Marines
Major
44RM Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Silver Star (USA)
7 January 1949 Captain Dennis Aldridge, who had served during the war with 44RM Commando [1], was appointed MBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948.

ALEXANDER, Samuel Giles William

Marine Samuel Alexander MC
Marine
P065042N
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Samuel Alexander MC and Lieutenant Oliver Augustin were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device whilst on patrol in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Friday 27 May 2011.

AUGUSTIN, Oliver Richard

Lieut. Richard Oliver Augustin
Lieutenant
30103050
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Oliver Augustin and Marine Samuel Alexander MC of 42 Commando RM were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device whilst on patrol in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Sources

BABBINGTON, Peter Murray

Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Peter Babbington, 'K' Company Commander, was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation

BARKER, Alfred

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
PO/X4213
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Alfred Barker was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 February 1952 during operations at Rawang, which is located in Selangor, Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39584, page 3523.

BARNETT, Nicholas John

Marine
P038293A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Nicholas Barnett, a GPMG gunner, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic on 12 June 1982.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

BERESFORD, David John

Corporal
P054093B
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal David Beresford was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette 57100, page 4.

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [1].
1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [2].

BOORN, Peter William

Lance Corporal
P037261V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Peter Boorn received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on 12 June 1982 at Mount Harriet, Falklands. 
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

CAMERON, Angus Arthur

Corporal
RM 16834
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Corporal Angus Cameron received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Brunei during the period 8-22 December 1962.

Sources
London Gazette 43009 page 4693.
 

CANTRILL, Richard John

Brigadier
N029210Q
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Major Richard Cantrill, 42 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 30 June 2011 promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 42 Commando, RM [2].

CHAPPELL, Reginald

Corporal
RM 15686
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Chappell was killed during operations in Sarawak, Borneo.
Extract from the Daily Mirror - Saturday 22 February 1964

CHISNALL, David Alan

WO1 David Chisnall
Captain
PO22798L
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant David Chisnall was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].

CLARK, Ian Campbell

Lt Ian Campbell Clark RM
Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Ian Clark died during a cross border operation to Sajingan Besar*, Indonesia.
He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in support of operations and had previously served in Aden with 45 Commando RM.

CLIFFORD, Richard

Captain Richard Cormac Clifford
Captain (Local Major)
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Lieutenant Richard Clifford received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation

COATES, Timothy Patrick

Marine
P048572A
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Timothy Coates, serving on attachment to the UNHCR in Sarajevo, was shot dead by personnel manning a Bosnian Government checkpoint in the city. He was off duty and wearing plain clothes at the time. 
 

COWE, Michael

Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1)
P060082K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Michael Cowe was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
Citation

CRISP, Dominic John Delves

Captain Crisp RM
Captain
N029625N
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Captain Dominic Crisp suffered fatal head injuries in a fall at the Dewerstone on Dartmoor whilst off duty and climbing with members of his family. He died from multiple organ failure 10 days later in Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.
 

CURRY, Thomas Geoffrey

Mne. Tom Curry
Marine
PO63705H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Thomas Curry died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire when elements of 42 Commando were engaged in close-quarter fighting with

CUTHELL, Garry

Marine (Acting Corporal)
P036511U
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Corporal Garry Cuthell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

DICKSON, Kenneth

Marine
P051467E
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Kenneth Dickson died at Panaga Hospital, Brunei as a result of suspected septicaemia.  [Sources:  AFM ROH / Globe and Laurel Jan-Feb 1994, p57.]
 

DOLIVERA, Brian

Sergeant
P028117H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Brian Dolivera received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982.

DUNSTAN, Neil David

Mne Neil Dunstan
Marine
P061668D
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Neil Dunstan was killed by an explosion in the Garmsir District of southern Helmand, at 1647 hrs local time, while operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group. He was taking part in a routine joint patrol with soldiers from the Afghan National Security Forces w

ECCLES, Michael

Corporal
P028263C
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Michael Eccles was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

ELMS, Liam Michael

Cpl Liam Elms 45 Commando
Corporal
PO59207U
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Liam Elms, 45 Commando Royal Marines, Zulu Company, died as a result of an enemy ied explosion during operations in southern Helmand. The Company was conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops in order to reassure the local population.

EMSLIE, Hamish Brian

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Hamish Emslie was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in Malaya with 42 Commando RM [1][2].
Recommendation for MC:  
Perak, Malaya.  July 1950 to Nov. 1950.

EPHRAUMS, Roderick Jarvis

Major General Roger Ephraums Royal Marines
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Commander of the Order of St John (CStJ)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Served with 42 Commando in Malaya in the 1950's and was later the Brigade Major, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM in Sarawak. In 1969 he commanded 45 Commando RM *.
  • 1 January 1965 (Major) appointed O.B.E. [1].

EVANS, Tony

Mne Tony Evans 42 Commando
Marine
30005377
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Tony Evans died during operations in Afghanistan. He and Marine Georgie Sparks, both of J Company, had been conducting a foot patrol to the north-west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

EVES, Ernest Edward

Ernie Eves RM
Marine
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Notable dates of service
September 1946 - completed RM training 451 C.S. Squad, Depot RM Deal.
29 January - 17 May 1951 Commando School RM;
1 August 1951 - 29 January 1952 served with 41 Independent Commando in Korea.

FAIRBROTHER, David

Mne. David Fairbrother 42Commando
Marine
30114180
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine David Fairbrother, Kilo Company, died whilst deployed as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj in support of an Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol into the village of Old Khorgajat.  Just under two hours into the patrol they were engaged with small arms fire from close range and Marine Fair

FISHER, Daniel

Marine
P063328S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Daniel Fisher was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.

FOLEY, Colin

Sick Berth Attendant
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Sick Berth Attendant Colin Foley served in the Royal Navy from 1951 to 1961 with attachments to 42 Commando RM and 3 Commando Brigade RM.
 
Source
Obituary in Barry and District News 31 March 2015.
 

FOWKE, Roger Mansergh

Marine
CH/X 117104
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Roger Fowke died at the 28th Imperial General Hospital, Hong Kong, of head injuries sutained as the result of a car accident.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/130.

GARDNER, James Patrick

Captain (Local Major)
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant James Patrick Gardner, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross  for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].

GIBSON, Robert Grierson

Corporal Robert Gibson 42 Commando
Corporal
PO27283S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Robert Gibson was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of his distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1976.
 
Sources
London Gazette 47037, page 13771.
[Image] Bob Gibson.

GILBERT, Adam

Marine
P046138Q
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Adam Gilbert was the victim of an accidental shooting when his patrol tried to stop a stolen car at a checkpoint on the New Lodge Road, Belfast.

GILL, Martin Joseph

LCpl Martin Gill 42 Commando
Lance Corporal
30023088
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Martin Gill died whilst deployed with his Multiple as part of a patrol in the area of Adensee in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district in Helmand province.

GILLINGHAM, Graham John

Marine
RM 20270
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Graham Gillingham was accidentally shot and killed when the gun of another Marine went off in a busy market place in Brunei. The Sultan of Brunei paid for his body to be cremated and his ashes sent back to his mother, who by that time had moved to Radford Semele, Warwickshire. 

GOSTICK, Dale Edward

Mne Dale Gostick ASRM
Marine
PO 62818X
RM Armoured Support Group
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Dale Gostick died whilst serving as a Viking operator in 3rd Troop, Armoured Support Company, at the Sangin crossing of the Helmand River, southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. His troop were returning to their Forward Operating Base, after providing essential support to 2nd Battalion Th

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
General
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 

GRANT, Roland Stephen

Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Roland Grant was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978.
 
Source
London Gazette 47643, page 11153.
 

GREEN, Gary Edward

Lt Col Gary Edward Green OBE, RM
Lieutenant Colonel
N029055E.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2015.
Retired after 43 years and 67 days in the Royal Marines including deployment aged 19 to the Falkands with 42 Commando RM 'K' Company as well as Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.

HALL, Edward Charles Malet

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
2003 joined the Royal Marines and after training posted 42 Commando RM.
2018 appoined M.B.E. (Military Division).
21st July 2021 appointed Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group RM.
 
Sources

HAZELL

-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

HEWETT, Alan

Corporal
P056210P
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Hewett was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.

HILL, Ray

-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

HODGSON, Peter

Surgeon Lieutenant (D)
CO24973Y
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Died in service
Surgeon Lieutenant Peter Hodgson RN died from exposure during a training exercise with 42 Commando in Norway. He also served w

HOLMES, Matthew John

Major General Matthew Holmes
Major General
N028280S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Holmes, Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM, was appointed D.S.O. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].

HOOK, David Arnold

Major General David Hook RM
Major General
N028857Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel David Hook was appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM on 27 April 2001 [1].
  • 2009 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan [2].

HOOLE, Alexander

Marine
P060269B
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Alexander Hoole received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources

HOWARD, David

Marine
RM 15145
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine David Howard, from King's Lynn, died during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

HOWE, Gilbert Rex

Colour Sergeant
CH/X4522 & T004522T
40 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].

JACKSON, Ian

Colour Sergeant
P035346W
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Colour Sergeant Ian Jackson died during an exercise in the Swiss Alps when he fell during abseiling on the Wyssifrau (White Lady) mountain in the Bernese Oberland. 

JACQUES, Stephen

Marine Stephen Jacques 42 Commando
Marine
P040796F
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Stephen Jacques, a 'veteran' of the Falklands campaign aged 18, died from exposure during a training exercise in Norway in 1983 [1] [2]

JENNINGS, Richard

Mne Richard Jennings 42 Commando
Marine
RM 19233
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Richard Jennings, Lima Company, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarwak.

JOLE, Leslie Hugh

Captain Leslie Jole MC
Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)

Captain Leslie Jole, Officer Commanding 'Y' Troop since September 1950,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period June 1951 to 31st December, 1951.

JOLLY, Richard Tadeusz

Surgeon Commander
C030174V
Cdo. Log. Regt.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Richard Jolly, acting Surgeon Commander, commanded the Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines during Operation Sutton in the South Atlantic May/June 1982. He also had under his operational control two surgical support teams and a parachute

JONES, James

Marine
RM 8835
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Marine James Jones was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in 3 Commando Brigade operations at Perak, Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952.

KEMP, Dylan James

Marine
30009342
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Dylan James Kemp took his own life at his home after returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Lt Col Charlie Stickland, commanding officer of 42 Commando Royal Marines, said: "He was always at the fore of any activity and a respected member of the team."
 

KIERANS, Gerald

Marine
RM 16941
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Gerald Kierans, Lima Company, from Widnes, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarawak.

Sources
AFM ROH.
[Image] His sister Estelle Hart.

KITE, Colin Luther

Colour Sergeant
P032575L
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Colour Sergeant Colin Kite died in a road traffic accident in Scotland whilst travelling home to Arbroath.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Sherryl Hancock (Welfare Officer at Condor at the time).
 

LAMB, Richard

Lance Corporal
P057111G
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Lance Corporal Richard Lamb died of injuries sustained in road traffic accident at Bassingham, Lincolnshire.  

Sources
AFM ROH.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug.2007.
Special Forces ROH website.

LAWRENCE, Philip

Sergeant
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
In 1966 Sergeant Philip Lawrence, the first N.C.O. in the Royal Marines to be a pilot, joined the Royal Marine Air Troop in Borneo working alongside Lieutenant Cameron RM and Lieutenant Gregson RN in support of 42 Commando RM.
 
Source

LAWS, Kenneth

Marine
RM 15760
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Kenneth Laws died in service cause unknown to this archive. He is believed to have served with 40 Commando RM in the Brunei and Borneo campaigns c.1962-1966. 

[Sources:  AFM ROH / royal-marines.net website]

LAYTON, Jason

Sergeant
P048374V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Sergeant Jason Layton was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10411 published 19 July 2007.

LEWIS, James Austin Ellery

Lieutenant Colonel
N029581J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
2002 commissioned into the Royal Marines.
June 2021 appointed Commanding Officer 42RM Commando.
Awarded O.B.E. (Military Division).
 
Sources
London Gazette 63377, page B6 published 12 June 2021.

LISON, Adam

Corporal
P058086L
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Adam Lison received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10412.

MACKAY, Peter Lewis

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Peter Mackay died in Malaya. He was awarded the M.C.,[1] for gallant and distinguished service during an action in which he was shot in the head at Perak Malaya on the 1st May 1951[2].

MACKIE, Alastair

Sergeant
RM 15282
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Alastair Mackie was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in operations at Sarawak, Borneo, during the period June 1963 to September 1963.
 
Sources

MACKLIN, James

Marine
P027765H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James Macklin was fatally wounded whilst on patrol in North Belfast .
 

Extract from the Birmingham Daily Post - Friday 29 March 1974

MACNISH, Charles James

Charles James Macnish 42 Commando
Colour Sergeant
CH/X 4270
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal (Acting Sergeant) Charles Macnish, 'S' Troop [1], was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [2].

MADOC, Reginald William

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major General Reginald Madoc D.S.O., O.B.E., was appointed C.B. on 1st January 1959 [1].
  • 1951 (Lieutenant Colonel) (42 Commando RM) appointed O.B.E. for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya [2].

MAGOWAN, Robert Andrew

Brigadier Robert Magowan RM
Lieutenant General
N028330Y
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Legion of Merit (USA)
Lieutenant General Rob Magowan joined the Royal Marines in 1989. After successfully completing his training he assumed several Troop Command roles, including a tour of Northern Ireland [1].

MASON, Jeffrey Sinclair

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Mason was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
Service

MCCREA, Edward

Mne Edward McCrea 42 Commando
Marine
RM 17368
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Edward McCrea died when ambushed in the area of Padawan and  Bau, Sarawak, Borneo. His body was later exhumed, cremated

MCINTYRE, Mitchell

Sergeant
P022409Q
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Mitchell McIntyre received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on the night of 11/12 June 1982 against enemy held positions on Mount Harriet, Falkland Islands.
 
Sources

MEAD, Nigel Dean

Mne Nigel Mead 42 Commando
Marine
30069083
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Nigel Mead, Lima Company, was fatally injured in an improvised explosive device blast during a cordon and search operation, partnered with the Afghan National Security Forces, of compounds suspected of being associated with improvised explosive device facilitation in the Loy Mandeh wadi

MIDDLETON, Alan William

Marine
PO/X 6406
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Alan Middleton received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East at Suez, October to December, 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

MOORE, John Jeremy

John Jeremy Moore
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Major General John Jeremy Moore served as the commander of the British land forces during the Falklands War in 1982.

MORGAN, Timothy Dennis

 Lt Col. Timothy Morgan © IWM (MH 30869
Lieutenant (later Lieutenant Colonel)
40RM Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Temporary Lieutenant Timothy Morgan, 40RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services whilst leading a patrol at Pizzo, Italy, near Vibo Valentia, in September 1943 [1].

MULVIHILL, Damian

Cpl Damian Mulvihill 40 Commando
Corporal
P056134V
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Damian Mulvihill died whilst taking part in a joint ISAF - ANA patrol engaged in operations near Sangin. The marines of Alpha Company were conducting a clearance patrol to deter Taliban intimidation of local Afghans.

NUNN, Christopher John

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
Lieutenant Christopher Nunn received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].

O'HERLIHY, Simon

Lieutenant Colonel
N029112E
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Simon O'Herlihy was appointed M.B.E., (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011 [1].

OATES, Ashley

Corporal
P053529A
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ashley Oates received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources

OWEN, John Ivor Headon

Major General
45 Cdo. RM
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
John Ivor Headon Owen was Captain of 'C' Troop' 44RM Commando in Burma January 1945 [1][1a]. Post war he served in 42 Commando RM in Borneo and he commanded 45 Commando RM in Aden [2]

PILLAR, Andrew Robert

Lieutenant Colonel
N018853E
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Andrew Pillar, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches  in recognition of service in operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1].

PIMP, Don

-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.
 

RATCLIFFE, Nathan

Marine
P056424J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Nathan Ratcliffe died by gunshot wound in the Armoury at Bessbrook Barracks, South Armagh, N. Ireland.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
The Star online report 9th May 2002.
 

RAWLINSON, Robert Croft

Corporal
RM 17402
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Robert Rawlinson was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in operations. He commanded one of the two sections of the Commando that assaulted Limbang Police Station, Sarwak, on the 12th December 1962 to release hostages being held there. Cpl.

READING, Percy James Thomas

Regimental Sergeant Major
PO/X 1696
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Regimental Sergeant Major Percy Reading was awarded the B.E.M. for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June. 1952 [1].
 
Recommendation

REDDY, Benjamin

Mne. Benjamin Reddy 42 Commando
Marine
P063630K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Benjamin Reddy, 'K' Company, died when his unit came under enemy fire during a deliberate clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province.

RHYCE-REES, Stewart Duncan

Marine
RM 14261
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Stewart Rhyce-Rees died on a 9 mile cross country march carrying full kit during his Commando training.  An inquest heard evidence from pathologist Dr. G.A.C. Lynch that he died from a liver infection. Coroner Mr. W.E.J.

RIMINI, Alan John

Alan John Rimini RM
Marine
RM19123
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Service deployments circa 1960's.
Bickleigh with 41 Commando.
Dar es Salam with 45 Commando after the African Kings Royal Rifle mutiny.
Singapore and Kuwait with 42 Commando.
Live firing exercise to North Malaya with 42 Commando.

ROLLASON, Hayden

Mne Hayden Rollason 42 Commando
Marine
P062890G
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Hayden Rollason died when hit by a car whilst walking along the A38 road outside Plymouth in the early hours of the morning. Plymouth coroner Ian Arrow found Marine Rollason had died of multiple injuries and ruled the death was accidental.

ROLLS, Graham

Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Lieutenant Graham Rolls died in service in Sarawak. Precise details are unknown to this archive.
 
Notes
There is a photo of a plaque in our gallery for those who died in Borneo/Sarawak wnere Lt. Rolls is named.
 

ROSE, Harry Howard

Marine
RM 8908
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Harry Rose died in Ipoh General Hospital as a result of an accidental gunshot wound. He was originally buried at Batu Gajah Cemetery but was later exhumed and cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and his ashes returned to the UK.

ROTHWELL, Thomas Frank

Thomas Rothwell 41RM Commando
Marine
CH/X106256
RM 10386
41RM Commando
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Marine Thomas Rothwell joined the Royal Marines in 1941 and later served with 41RM Commando. He was seriously wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations at Salerno Italy on 18 September 1943. He served from 21 October 1941 until 23 May 1946 Class A Release.

SAGGERS, Ronald Frederick

Marine
PO/X 6552
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Ronald Saggers received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, Oct. to Dec., 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

SALZANO, Gerard Mark

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Gerard Salzano was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in June 2000 [1]
 
Following promotion he also received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service twice:

SHARP, Richard

Second Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant Richard Sharp received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources

SHERIDAN, James Maurice Guy

Major (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Sheridan, Second in Command of 42 Commando RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War. He commanded the Land Forces that repossessed South Georgia.

SHORT, Brian John

Marine
RM 11158
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Brian Short, from Parkstone, Poole, died during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

SILLITOE, Frederick Roy

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Frederick Sillitoe was serving at the RM Holding Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • 1956 (Captain) (42 Commando RM) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations at Suez between October and December [2].

SIMPSON, Peter Leash

Acting Sergeant
RM 8073
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Acting Sergeant Peter Simpson was awarded the MIlitary Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.[1]
 

Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express - Monday 14 April 1952

SMITH, Jeremy

Corporal
P036299J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jeremy Smith was killed in action whilst engaged in operations at Mount Wall, Falkland Islands.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.

SMITH, Philip Robert

Cpl Philip Smith 42 Commando
Corporal
P058741P
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Philip Smith died in a traffic accident in a lay-by near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. He was crushed between the military lorry he had been driving and another military lorry.  [Source: Mail Online]
 

SPARKS, Dennis

Captain
NO23305F
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Dennis Sparks, Quartermaster, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War.
 
Sources

SPARKS, Georgie

Mne Sparks 42 Commando
Marine
P064971V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Georgie Sparks died during operations in Afghanistan. He and Marine Tony Evans, both of J Company, had been conducting a foot patrol to the north-west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

SPEAKE, Terence

Marine (Acting Corporal)
RM 7092
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Terence Speake, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Medal for courage and leadership in operations in Malaya on 1st May, 1951 [1][2].
Recommendation
"Perak, Malaya.

STANNARD, Rodney Andrew

Colour Sergeant
PO18343Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Royal Marines 1959 - 1986. Served in 40 Commando during the Borneo and Malay peninsula confrontation, and later 42 and 45 Commandos. 12 June 1982 awarded British Empire Medal (Military Division).
 
Source

STEVENSON, Paul Timothy

Major General
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Paul Stevenson was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1974/1975 [1].
  • 1982 Divisional HQ; Staff Officer (Operations); Falklands Conflict [2].

STOREY, John

Marine
RM 7049
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine John Storey died in Malaya as a result of an accident.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.

STORRIE, David Robert Bruce

Lieutenant Colonel David Storrie
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
845 NAS Sqn
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant David Storrie served with B Coy, 40 Commando, Royal Marines in Cyprus, 1958; served as helicopter pilot with 845 Naval Air Sqn, Fleet Air Arm in Brunei and Borneo during Indonesian Confrontation, 1963-1964; served with 42 Commando, Royal Marines in Northern Ireland, 1972-1978

SUTHERLAND, Neil

Brigadier
N02S473L
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Neil Sutherland was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 29 December 2007.
  • 2009 promoted Lieutenant Colonel commanding 42 Commando RM.
  • 2022 Deputy Commandant General, RM.
Sources

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

Acting Brigadier
41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Croix de Guerre (France)
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].

THOMPSON, John Thomas

Corporal John Thompson 42 Commando
Corporal
P055927F
42 Cdo. RM
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine John Thompson, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1][1a].

TWEED, David Gratiaen

Lieutenant Colonel
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain (Acting Major) David Gratiaen Tweed received a Mention in Despatches in September 1945 for good services with the 21st Army Group [1]. He is shown that year as D.A.A. and Q.M.G. 116th RM Infantry Brigade [1a].

TYRIE, Ernest Campbell

Corporal
CH/X 117123
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal Ernest Tyrie died of smallpox at the 28th Imperial General Hospital in Hong Kong. 

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

UNDERWOOD, Bryan Albert

Marine
RM 20505
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Bryan Underwood received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Brunei during the period 8-22 December 1962.

Sources
London Gazette 43009 page 4693.

VARLEY, Richard James

Corporal
RM13875
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Richard Varley was awarded the M.M., [1] for distinguished services in support of Operations in Borneo between the 13th December 1965 and the 20th April 1966 [2].
 
Citation

VAUX, Nicholas Francis

Major General
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Vaux, Officer Commanding 42 Commando Royal Marines, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership, planning, and distinguished service during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

WARD, David, J.T.

Marine
P059829X
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Mne. David Ward was serving on HMS Albion at the time of his death. He had been diagnosed with depression and tragically took his own life. David graduated as a Royal Marine in July 2002.  He served with 42 Commando RM and the UKLFCSG, and his service included Northern Ireland and Iraq.

WASSALL, Joseph Desmond

Joseph Desmond Wassell Royal Marines
Warrant Officer 1
P0204071W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Joseph Desmond Wassall, from Shifnal, Shropshire, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of distinguished service on the Falkland Islands [1+2].

WATERS, Peter, S.

Lieutenant Peter S. Waters 42 Commando
Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Lieutenant Peter Waters, second in command Lima Company, was wounded in the hostage rescue at Limbang, Malaysia, on 12 December 1962. 

Sources
CVA Gallery photos of the unveiling of the Memorial Plaque at Limbang.
 

WATSON, Maurice

Marine
PO/X 124306(T)
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Maurice Watson died of injuries sustained in a road accident in Hong Kong.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.
 

WATSON, Richard John

Mne. Richard Watson 42 Commando
Marine
P062466D
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Richard Watson died during operations in Afghanistan. Elements from the UK Task Force were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, a district in the North of Helmand, when they came under attack from Taliban forces. During the contact Marine Watson was hit by small arms fire and fatally woun

WEAVER, Kevin William

Corporal
P043315K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Kevin Weaver died as a result of head injuries received in a criminal assault upon him in Plymouth on 2 March 2000. Married with a baby daughter, Corporal Weaver had served in the Corps for 17 years.
 
Sources

WHITE, Mark

Marine
P039455U
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Mark White died in a road traffic collision. 
[Sources: AFM ROH / naval history.net]
 

WHITELEY, Christopher Vivian

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Whiteley received shrapnel wounds to both legs whilst engaged in operations on Mount Harriet during the Falklands Campaign.
  • 13 June 1998 (Captain) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division).
Sources

WILLS, Terrance John

Lieutenant (Local Captain)
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant (Local Captain) Terrance Wills received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, Oct. to Dec., 1956.
  • 1 January 1970 appointed M.B.E. (Military Division).
Sources

WOOLMAN, Tudor Lloyd

Sergeant
RM24345
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Tudor Woolman, 42 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Aden in 1967 [1].
Recommendation

WRIGHT, James Robert

Mne James Wright 42 Commando
Marine
30071798
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James Wright, Juliet Company, died during operations as part of Combined Force Nad ‘Ali (North), Helmand. His patrol was involved in a significant engagement with insurgents in the Shpazh Gerebian area of Nad ‘Ali district. After being pinned down by accurate fire for several hours, the

WRIGHT, Robert

Marine
RM 8227
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine Robert Wright died of encephalitis in Malaya. He was buried in Batu Gajah, later exhumed, cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and ashes returned to UK.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.

YOUNG, Peter Shand

Corporal
RM 9957
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Corporal Peter Young received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East at Suez, November 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

YOUNGHUSBAND, Michael Dean

LCpl Younghusband RM
Lance Corporal
30136233
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Marines
Died in service
Lance Corporal Michael Younghusband died whilst crossing a railway line in the early hours of December 10th. He had completed his training at the CTCRM in October 2012 and joined 42 Commando.  In 2014 he moved to the Commando Logistic Regt. RM at Chivenor.

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