43RM Commando

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BLAKE, John Philip

Capt Blake MC 43RM Commando
Captain John Blake MC  was killed [1] during operations against the enemy held island of Brac. He had earlier been awarded the MC [2] for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in the capture of Mt. Ornito, Italy on the 3 Feb. 1944 [3].
 

FRENCH, Richard Douglas

Richard French MM and bar 43 Commando
Sergeant Richard French, 'A' Troop, was awarded the MM  for distinguished services in the field while operating with the Army [1].
 
It was announced on the 6th July 1945 that Sergeant King had been awarded a Bar to his Military Medal for outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy [2].
 

Citation for the MM

Patrol ambush on Hvar Island 12 July 44

GALLON, Thomas Christopher Dennison

Sergeant Thomas Gallon was awarded the MM for great courage and exemplary behaviour whilst carrying out commando operations under heavy enemy fire off the Yugoslavian coast.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36979, page 1386.
National Archives file 373/47/55.
 
Notes 
Middle names shown as in LG entry. The National Archives file records his middle names as Charles Dennis.
 

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.
 
  • M.C. (A/Captain 43RM Commando) for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta. [1 +2]. 

JEAL, Percy William

Mne. Jeal was killed during an air attack on Vis, their base of operations against enemy held Dalmatian Islands.
 
The 43RM Cdo. War Diary entry for 28th March 1944 states " Enemy aircraft attacked Vis town , and bombs also fell in Podselje . A direct hit was scored on the Cdo Orderly room,resulting in the death of Ty Lt. F.H. Hancock and two marines."
(Source: National Archives War Diary DEFE 2/49.)
 

MCCAUGHEY, Henry

Cpl. McCaughey was killed during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.
 
He received a MiD for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
(Source: London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.)
 

NEVIN, James Davidson

Mne. Nevin died in service of cancer.

James Davidson Nevin was born and brought up in Newburn in Northumberland and worked as a lorry driver for Walkers in Leamington on Tyne not long before the start of the war. On return from active service with 43RM Commando in Yugoslavia and Italy, Marine Nevin returned to the UK and was diagnosed with cancer from which he died in November 1945. He received a full military funeral. (Source: His nephew Martin Routledge.)

SAUNDERS, Samuel John Albert

Mne. Saunders was killed during an air attack on Vis, their base of operations against enemy held Dalmatian Islands.
 
The 43RM Cdo. War Diary entry for 28th March 1944 states " Enemy aircraft attacked Vis town , and bombs also fell in Podselje . A direct hit was scored on the Cdo Orderly room,resulting in the death of Ty Lt. F.H. Hancock and two marines."
(Source: National Archives War Diary DEFE 2/49.)
 

SCHOOLEY, Ralph Gerald

Capt. Schooley, 'B' troop, was killed during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia. He receieved a MiD for "outstanding service whilst operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."

Sources
​Commando Subaltern at War by Lt W.G. Jenkins DSO
London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.
 

SMITH, Roy Montague

Cpl. Roy M. Smith 43RM Commando

Cpl. Smith, 'A' troop,  was killed by enemy shelling during operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta, Italy.

Roy Smith left school at about 14 and served an apprenticeship as a market gardener before joining the Royal Marines and the Commandos in 1943. Read some of his letters provided by his nephew in our gallery entry here Cpl. Roy Montague Smith.

SQUIRE, John Robert

Marine John Squire was awarded the MM 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.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37220, page 4129.
National Archives file WO 373/47/80.
 

TUGWELL, Arthur

Cpl. Tugwell was killed during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.
 
He receieved a MiD for "outstanding service whilst operating with the Allied Armies in Italy." (Source: London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.)
 

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