43RM Commando

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ABRAHAMS, Robert Sydney

43RM Commando

Sergeant Robert Abrahams was reported missing presumed killed during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

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

ABRAM, John Arthur

43RM Commando
Acting Temporary Colour Sergeant John Arthur Abram received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service whilst attached to the Allied Armies in the Mediterranean during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1945 [1].
  • 2 January 1950 (Sergeant) (Acting Quartermaster Sergeant) awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37394, page 6158.
[2] London Gazette 38797, page 25.

BARNETT, David Soloman

43RM Commando
Captain David Barnett was awarded the Military Cross for outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy [1].
  • Mentioned in Despatches for good services during operations in Italy [2]. 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37170, page 3562.
[2] London Gazette 36903, page 518.
[3] See Linked Content below.
 

BLAKE, John Philip

Capt Blake MC 43RM Commando
43RM Commando
Captain John Blake MC died [1] during operations against the enemy held island of Brac. He had earlier been awarded the Military Cross [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].
 

BROOKES, James Alfred

43RM Commando
Marine James Brookes died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.

Those buried with him are Marines Hopper, Pickering and Tarrant of 40RM Commando, and Marines Cooper, Hurst, Ivens, and Williamson of 43RM Commando.

CAMPBELL, John

43RM Commando

Marine John Campbell died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

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

CATCHPOLE, Frank Ernest

Frank Catchpole 43 Commando
43RM Commando

Acting Regimental Sergeant Major Frank Catchpole received a Mention in Despatches for services in Italy 1st April to 8th May 1945. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 37505, page 1441.
Navy Lists (see Linked Content below).

Notes

A photo in our gallery of the Senior NCO's shows him at the time the photo was taken as RSM as does the Navy List entry below.

COOPER, William George Albert

43RM Commando

Marine William Cooper died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.
Those buried with him are Marines Hopper, Pickering and Tarrant of 40RM Commando, and Marines Brookes, Hurst, Ivens, and Williamson of 43RM Commando.

DALY, Edward Stewart

43RM Commando

Marine Edward Stewart Daly died by accidental drowning.

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

Notes
Source at [2] shows forename only as Stewart. Place of death shown as India. 43RM Commando never operated in that theatre of war. 
 

FOWLER, Harry

43RM Commando

Marine Harry Fowler died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

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

FRENCH, Richard Douglas

Richard French MM and bar 43 Commando
43RM Commando
Sergeant Richard French, 'A' Troop, was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service 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

FROST, George

Captain George Frost 43 Commando
43RM Commando
Captain George Frost, Intelligence Officer, received a Mention in Despatches for courage, tenacity, and skill whilst serving with the Allied Armies in the Mediterranean.

GARSON, Andrew

43RM Commando

Marine Andrew Garson died in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta.

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

GOODRICH, Kenneth John

43RM Commando

Marine Kenneth Goodrich died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito. He has no known grave.

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

GOSLING, John Jones

43RM Commando

Lance Corporal John Gosling died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito. He has no known grave.

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

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
43RM Commando
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]. 

GREGORY, Donald

43RM Commando

Marine Donald Gregory died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

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

HANCOCK, Frank Holgate

43RM Commando
Lieutenant Frank Hancock died 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."
 
Sources
CWGC
National Archives War Diary DEFE 2/49.
 
Notes

HEY, Richard

43RM Commando

Marine Richard Hey died in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta.

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

HOOK, Ross Sydney

40RM Commando
43RM Commando
Reverend Ross Sydney Wood was awarded the Military Cross (periodic) [1][2] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service with 40RM Commando from April 1944 [3] and later wiith 43RM Commando [2].
Recommendation
"Before his service with this Cdo., the Rev Hook had served some months with 40 (RM) Cdo. and had been into action with them several times, including one operation on the Island of Brac, where the Cdo. suffered very heavy casualties.

HURST, Cecil

43RM Commando

Marine Cecil Hurst died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.
Those buried with him are Marines Hopper, Pickering and Tarrant of 40RM Commando, and Marines Brookes, Cooper, Ivens, and Williamson of 43RM Commando.

IVENS, Frederick Charles

43RM Commando

Marine Frederick Ivens died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.
Those buried with him are Marines Hopper, Pickering and Tarrant of 40RM Commando, and Marines Brookes, Cooper, Hurst, and Williamson of 43RM Commando.

JEAL, Percy William

43RM Commando
Marine Percy Jeal died 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."
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.

JENKINS, William Glyn

43RM Commando

Lieutenant William Jenkins was awarded the Military Cross 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.

LASKEY, Cyril

Cyril Laskey 43 Commando
43RM Commando
Corporal Cyril Laskey, 'A' Troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta, Italy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
'A' Troop image in Gallery.
Image: Christine Partington.
 

MACALPINE, Ian Ferguson

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Ferguson Macalpine
No 6 Commando
Private Ian Ferguson Macalpine was commissioned Lieutenant on 22 June 1940  [1].
  • 18 August 1942 promoted War Substantive Major [2].
  • 18 August 1942 promoted Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, OC No.6 Commando [2].
  • November 1942 (Operation Torch North Africa) hospitalised with heart problems during the battle for Green Hill [3].

MCCAUGHEY, Henry

43RM Commando
Corporal Henry McCaughey was reported missing presumed died. He has no known grave. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. He received a Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 36903, page 518.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
 

MCVEIGH, Charles

Marine Charles McVeigh
43RM Commando

Marine Charles McVeigh died during operations on the enemy held island of Miljet, Yugoslavia.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/134.
[Image] From a booklet titled South Mount Vernon Roll of Honour published on the Scottish War Memorials Project website credited to Anne Robertson, Mearns History Society.
 

NEVIN, James Davidson

43RM Commando
Marine James Nevin died of illness at the Military E.M.S. Hospital, Shotley Bridge, Co. Durham [1][2].
 
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 to the UK from active service with 43RM Commando in Yugoslavia and Italy, Marine Nevin was diagnosed with cancer from which he died in November 1945. He received a full military funeral [3].
 
Sources

NICHOLLS, Charles

43RM Commando
Marine Charles Nicholls was awarded the Military Medal for great courage and exemplary behaviour whilst carrying out commando operations under heavy enemy fire off the Yugoslavian coast.
Recommendation
Operation Flounced, ref Map Yugoslavia 1/100000 sheet 109.
Night Attack on Pt.622 (0960) 3 Jun.44.
Mne. Nicholls was one of a party who had to go forward from his Tp to blow a gap through wire and a minefield under very heavy MG and Mortar fire. He was badly wounded whilst doing this but he went back and brought the Tp. through the gap.

NUNNS, Malcolm Reeve

Malcolm Nunns 43 Commando
43RM Commando

Captain Malcolm Nunns, 'B' troop Commander, was awarded the Military Cross  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.

ODENDAAL, Jacobus Russell

40RM Commando
Acting Sergeant Jacobus Odendaal, 40RM Commando, was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for bravery in saving the life of two airmen when an aircraft crashed in a wood on the Isle of Wight [1][1a][Linked Content below].
  • 23 July 1943 listed as Lieutenant [2].
  • October 1944 listed as serving with 43RM Commando [3].
  • 21 May 1946 (Lieutenant) promoted Acting Captain [3].
Sources

PARKINSON-CUMINE, Ralph Nicholas

Capt Ralph Parkinson-Cumine RM
41 Ind. Cdo. RM

Captain Ralph Parkinson-Cumine MC, 'B' troop, was reported missing presumed killed during operations in Korea. His Commando were engaged in operations with US Forces as part of Taskforce Drysdale, named after their Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale , heading out from Koto-ri, Korea, in an attempt to relieve allied forces at Hagaru-ri.  This was during what later became known as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

PICKERING, Kenneth Richard

43RM Commando
Sergeant Kenneth Pickering was awarded the Military Medal for great courage and exemplary behaviour whilst carrying out commando operations under heavy enemy fire off the Yugoslavian coast.
Recommendation
Operation Flounced, ref Map Yugoslavia 1/100000 sheet 109.
Night Attack on Pt.622 (0960) 3 Jun.44.

PROCTOR, Bert

43RM Commando

Corporal Bert Proctor died during operations in Italy.  At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

RICHES, Ian Hurry

43RM Commando
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hurry Riches, G.S.O.1 Special Service Group, was appointed Officer Commanding 43RM Commando in November 1944 [1][1a] .
10 July 1945 appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy [2].
1st January 1959 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [3].
11 June 1960 (Major General)  appointed K.C.B. (Military Divsion) [4].

ROBERTS, David Lister

43RM Commando
43 Cdo. RM
40 Cdo. RM
Captain David Roberts received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service whilst serving with 43RM Commando in the Mediterranean during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1945 [1] [2].
  • 27 April 1951 (Captain) (40 Commando RM) Mentioned in Desptaches for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [3] [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37394, page 6157.
[2] Commando Subaltern at War, author Lieut. W.G. Jenkins DSO, 43RM Cdo.

ROBSON, Thomas

45RM Commando
Marine Thomas Robson died of accidental drowning at Kowloon whilst deployed to Hong Kong. He was attached to HM Motor Fishing Vessel 1044 at the time. He had previously received a Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/136.
Royal Marines Association.
London Gazette 36903, page 518.

SABERTON, Edward Charles

43RM Commando

Lance Corporal Edward Saberton was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy.

Sources
London Gazette 37170, page 3562, errata in LG 37191, page 3831.
Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards.
Nothing Much to Lose, author Michael McConville.
 

SAUNDERS, Samuel John Albert

43RM Commando
Marine Samuel Saunders died 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."
 
Sources
CWGC.
National Archives War Diary DEFE 2/49.
 
Notes

SCHOOLEY, Ralph Gerald

43RM Commando
Captain Ralph Schooley, 'B' troop, died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia. He received a Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service whilst operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.
​Commando Subaltern at War, author Lt. W.G. Jenkins DSO.
 

SIDDALL, Ernest

43RM Commando

Marine Ernest Siddall received a Mention in Despatches for courage, tenacity, and skill whilst serving with the Allied Armies in the Mediterranean.

Sources
[1] London Gazette 37136, page 3191 dated 19 June 1945.
[2] Obituaries - Commando Association newsletter 113 issued September 2001.

SIMISTER, Charles Arnold

Cpl Charles Simister MM 2 Commando
No 2 Commando
43RM Commando

Corporal Charles Simister, attached to No 2 Commando from the RAMC, was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 307 during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942.  He was one of those evacuated back to the UK after the raid. [1]

SIMMONDS, R.W.B.

43RM Commando

Lieutenant Colonel R.W.B. Simmonds, Officer Commanding 2nd Battalion Royal Marines since 1942, was appointed Commanding Officer 43RM Commando on its formation in August 1943. He remained as such until September 1944.

Sources
Navy Lists.
Nothing Much to Lose, author Michael McConville.
 

SMITH, Roy Montague

Cpl. Roy M. Smith 43RM Commando
43RM Commando
Corporal Roy Smith, 'A' troop, died in the blast from two enemy 88mm shells whilst leading his section 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.
 
Sources

SQUIRE, John Robert

43RM Commando
Marine John Squire was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service displayed in the Italian campaign in April 1945.
Recommendation
Op. 16-20 Apr. Advance North between R. Reno and Canals West of Argenta.
Ref. Maps Italy 1:25,000 - Sheets 88 I NW and NE.
Moving at the head of the right hand Troop of the Commando during the dawn attack North along the completely coverless West bank of the R. Reno, Mne Squires' Troop was pinned down by a Spandau from a well dug-in position in the river bank ahead.

TAYLOR, George

George Taylor 43 Commando
43RM Commando
Marine George Taylor died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.
 
In a letter home L/Cpl. Roy Montague Smith*, 43RM Commando, wrote the following,
"George Taylor, one of the three of us, is finished, heard tonight that he was to have had the MM but he was killed so guess he will only be in despatches at least thats what it looks like to me. George did some very good work Tony, a fine chap, I'd had him with me since Ramsgate".
 

TUGWELL, Arthur

43RM Commando
Corporal Arthur Tugwell died 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 Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service whilst operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.
 

WILLIAMSON, Fred

43RM Commando

Marine Fred Williamson died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.
Those buried with him are Marines Hopper, Pickering and Tarrant of 40RM Commando, and Marines Brookes, Cooper, Hurst, and Ivens of 43RM Commando.

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