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'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).
 

ALEXANDER, Charles

Marine
RM 9234
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Charles Alexander, 'X' troop, died of wounds after an ambush in South Perak, Malaya. Mne. Alexander was mortally wounded, Cpl. Ireland was killed, and Mne. King and Lt. Langley were both wounded [1][2].

ARMSTRONG, Liam Peter

Marine Liam Armstrong MC
Marine
P056725F
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Liam Armstrong was awarded the Military Cross  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2002.
 
Sources
London Gazette 56920, page 5274.

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

Jack Aubertin 45 Commando
Sergeant
PO.X.2916
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Jack Aubertin from Coventry was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951 [1][2].

BAILEY, Nicholas

Marine
P037460R
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Nicholas Bailey who had served in the Falklands died from injuries received after a fellow Marine accidentally discharged a firearm when they were off duty at the friends house in Arbroath.

BAIZLEY, Michael John

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Michael Baizley was appointed M.B.E., (Military Division),  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 1st to 15th February 1965.
Citation

BAKER, Michael Jeffrey

Marine
P051350E
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Michael Baker from Dorset died whilst a passenger on a motor cycle involved in a road traffic collision near his base at HMS Condor, Arbroath. He joined the Corps in July 1991 and had just returned from service in Kuwait with Zulu Company.
 

BALDWIN, David

Sergeant
RM 7784
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Sergeant David Baldwin died near Akanthou in the Karpas Peninsula during operations in Cyprus. He and Marine David Whitham were killed when their patrol landed by helicopter and came under ‘friendly fire’.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Cyprus Emergency Deaths 1955-1960.

BALLANCE, John

Corporal
P060508L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal John Ballance was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
 

BEWLEY, Neil

Marine
PO33524C
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Neil Bewley was shot and killed during operations in Turf Lodge, Belfast, Northern Ireland. [Source:  AFM ROH / Northern Ireland - An Agony Continued author Ken Wharton.]
 

BIRCH, Marc John

Cpl. Marc Birch
Corporal
P057087H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Marc Birch died whilst deployed on operations with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines. The company was conducting an operation alongside Afghan National Army troops to dominate areas posing a dangerous threat to British forces and the local Afghan population.

BLAKEWAY, Benet Carr

Marine
CH/X 5377
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Benet Blakeway, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died during operations in Cyprus. He, and QMS Alfred Wheeler, both perished from exposure on anti-terrorist operations after their v

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

Colour Sergeant
PLY/X 5332
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Eric Blyth received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

BOTHAM, Grenville

Warrant Officer Class 1
P039153G
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Warrant Officer 2 Grenville Botham was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on the 19 June 2000 [1].
  • 25 April 2006 (Warrant Officer 1) awarded the Meritorious Service Medal [2].

BRADFORD, John Gwyther

Surgeon Lieutenant
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Navy
Mentioned in Despatches
Surgeon Lieutenant John Bradford, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December, 1956.
 
Sources

BREAM, George Leonard

Captain Leonard George Bream
Corporal/Captain
PLY/X 3273
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

George Leonard Bream, or 'Percy', as he was known in the Corps, was born on June 1st 1919 in the hamlet of Buckworth, Huntingdonshire. He was the middle son of a a family of six, his father being a farm labourer.

BREWER, Francis James

Corporal
RM 20905
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Francis Brewer, Mortar Mobile Fire Controller, received a Mention in Despatches for gallantry in Aden between the 27th to 29th May 1967.
 
Sources
London Gazette 44440, page 11787.

BROWN, Alfred George

Major
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Alfred Brown was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 1960 [1].
Service [2].
1937 enlisted Royal Marines.
Served aboard HMS Curlew, HMS Argus, and HMS Penelope.

BROWN, Christopher John Graham

Corporal
P033816X
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Christopher Brown received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on the night of 11/12 June 1982 against enemy held positions on the craggy hill feature known as Two Sisters, East Falkland.
 
Source

BROWNING, James Gardner

Corporal
P029435P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal James Browning, HQ 3 Commando Bde. RM,was reported missing presumed drowned, after the cessation of hostilities on the Falklands, when caught in a sudden squall whilst in a dinghy off Port Stanley. He had previously served in 45 Commando workshops.

BURDETT, Julian

Corporal
PO36660J
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal Julian Burdett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

BUTCHERS, Peter John

Marine
P041519X
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Peter Butchers from Paignton Devon was attached to the Mortar Platoon. He died when a mortar bomb exploded in the barrel during a live firing training exercise on Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland. Also killed were Marines Anthony Helstrip and Glenn Miller.
 

BUXTON, James George

Colour Sergeant
PLY/X 1055
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant James Buxton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division), for gallant and distinguished service with 45 Commando, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952.
 
Sources

CALLAN, Paul David

Marine
P041627B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Paul Callan died on the 10th June 1982 of wounds received during an enemy bombing attack at Ajax Bay, Falkland Islands that oc

CALWAY, David Gerald

Marine
RM 24220
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine David Calway was gunned down by unknown Arabs in the back streets of the Crescent area of Aden while in civilian clothes.

Sources
AFM ROH.
British Casualties, Aden 1955-1967.
The Times 18th May 1967.

CAMPBELL, Robert Adair

Major (later Lieutenant Colonel)
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Major Robert Adair Campbell received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct  in recognition of distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area during the period 8th-14th May 1965 [1].

CAROE, Christian Thomas Gordon

Lieutenant
N0287517
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Christian Caroe received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations on the 12th June 1982. He commanded 2 Troop, 'X' Coy., during the attack on the feature known as Two Sisters, East Falklands [1][1a].

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 

CATES, William Arthur

Marine
RM 11386
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine William Cates from Colliers Wood, London, died from injuries received when he was flung from a Land Rover in which he was a passenger which swerved on the Castel Benito road south of Tripoli.
 
Sources

CATTON, Innes

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
September 2002 joined the Royal Marines.
2006 Troop Commander Special Forces Support Group.
Feb 2012 - May 2013 Operations Officer 40 Commando RM.
Jun 2013 - Dec 2014 Company Commander 40 Commando RM.

CAVILL, Niki Richard Dalgliesh

Major Niki Cavill
Brigadier
N029348R
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Niki Cavill was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011 [1].
  • 30 June 2013 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2]
  • 1 April 2019 promoted Colonel [3].

CHAPMAN, Patrick Roy

Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1) (later Major)
PO18990P
533435
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Royal Corps of Transport
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
RSM of 45 Commando RM during Operation Corporate (Falkland Islands) 1982 [1].
  • 31 December 1983 appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 2 March 1985 commissioned Lieutenant RM, to trained strength 2 March 1986 [3].

CHEESEMAN, Kevin John

Warrant Officer Class 2
P046175L
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Cheeseman was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources

CHEESMAN, Daniel James Edward

Major Daniel Cheeseman
Brigadier
N029047U
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Daniel Cheesman, 40 Commando RM, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008 [1].

CHICKEN, Simon Timothy

Major General Simon Timothy Chicken RM
Major General
N025815E
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Simon Timothy Chicken was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1994 to 31st March 1995 [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.

COLE, Michael Anthony Falle

Captain
NO17739E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Michael Cole, commanding 'Z' Company, received a Mention in Despatches during operations against enemy positions on the feature known as Two Sisters on East Falkland. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12842.

COLLINGWOOD, Frank Arthur

Quartermaster Sergeant
CH/X 2595
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Collingwood was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) for distinguished service in operations against terrorists in Cyprus between 1955 and 1956..
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 40987, page 653.

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

CULLEN, Michael

Marine
CH/X115442
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Michael Cullen died of encephalitis at the 28th Imperial General Hospital, Hong Kong.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/129.

DAVIDSON, David Kelly

Marine
RM 14644
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Marine David Davidson was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt [1]

DAVIES, Hadyn

Corporal
CH/X 4700
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Hadyn Davies received a MiD for distinguished services in operations in Cyprus during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 41305, page 851.
 

De VAL, Kevin Leslie

Kevin and Barbara de Val
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Served in the Royal Marines from January 1967 to 30 April 2002.
2013 - 2015 Chairman of the independent Royal Marines charity 'Go Commando' and a trustee since the charity's formation in 2010.

DEERING, Mark Anthony

Mark Anthony Deering 40 Commando
Marine
RM 20642
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Mark Deering drowned whilst crossing a river near the Sabah / Indonesian border.
  • 763 Squad (1961).
Obituary in the Globe and Laurel, December 1964.
"RM 20642 Marine M.A. Deering

DEWAR, Duncan Andrew

Colonel
N028453B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].
  • Commanding Officer, 45 Commando Group [1a].

DORLING, David George

Sergeant
RM 17505
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant David Dorling received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964.
 
Sources

DOWLEN, Henry

Major Henry Dowlen
Major
C039771X
RM Reserve
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Acting Major Henry Dowlen, RM Reserve, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the field during the period 1 January to 30 September 2015 [1].

DRAPER, Michael Kenneth

Lance Corporal
P035591P
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Lance Corporal Michael Draper from Blackpool died in a road traffic collision when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a lorry on the A92 Arbroath to Dundee road. He was based at HMS Condor, Arbroath.
 
Sources

EATON, Nicholas John

Corporal
P031383P
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal Nicholas Eaton, a mountain leader in the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, died in a road traffic accident whilst cycling back to RM Condor, Arbroath. 

Sources
AFM ROH.

Carol Harrison.

EDWARDS, Brian Leslie

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Brian Edwards, Officer Commanding 'Z' Company, received a Mention Despatches in recogntion of gallant and distinguished service in Aden in 1967.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 44558, page 3863.

ELEY, John Graham

Acting Corporal
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Acting Corporal John Eley was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct in recognition of his courage and determination on 14 June 1968 

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.

ENEFER, Roger

Sergeant
PO24439G
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Roger Enefer died during an enemy bombing attack whilst on operations at Ajax Bay, Falkland Islands.

Sources
AFM ROH.
 

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].

ERSKINE, Dominic Steven

Dominic Erskine 45 commando
Marine
PO51575H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Bravery

Marine Dominic Erskine received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery whilst rescuing a passenger from a burning vehicle at Arbroath on 13th January 1999.
Extract from the Globe and Laurel

ESSEEN, David

Marine
RM 23464
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine David Esseen from Wallasey died whilst deployed to Aden.

Sources
AFM ROH.
British Casualties, Aden 1955-1967.

EVANS, Kenneth

Corporal
P020436E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Kenneth Evans died during an enemy bombing attack whilst on operations at Ajax Bay, Falkland Islands.

FELLOWS, Steven James

LCpl Steven Fellows 45 Commando
Lance Corporal
30005188
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Steven Fellows was part of a patrol in the Green Zone south of Forward Operating Base Jackson when a Jackal vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Helmand River Wadi.  All three of the vehicle occupants were wounded with LCpl Fellows’ position as the vehicle commander

FERGUSON, John Roy

Lance Corporal
P038879Y
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Lance Corporal John Ferguson from Kirkcaldy died in a road traffic accident whilst riding his motor cycle on the Glen Isla Road, near Kirriemuir. He was based at HMS Condor, Arbroath.
 
Sources

FITTON, Peter Ronald

Corporal
P033189P
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Peter Fitton died during operations on the Falkland Islands. He was part of a returning patrol from 45 Commando when they were mistaken by British forces for the enemy. He was killed along with Sgt. Robert Leeming, Cpl. Andy Uren, and Mne. Keith Phillips.

FORBES, Duncan Graham

Captain
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Duncan Forbes 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 Supp. 58396, page 10412.

FORD, Matthew Christopher

Lance Corporal
PO 59151Q
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Matthew Ford died when elements of 45 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate offensive operation to the south of Garmsir in southern Helmand, Afghanistan (Operation Glacier).

FORRET, Andrew

Warrant Officer Class 2
P034421E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Forret, 'Z' Company,  died during the annual deployment to Norway.  He was sitting in the cab of a BV 202 oversnow vehicle in which he had been awaiting the return of an overdue patrol group in atrocious weather.

FRANCIS, Michael James

Colour Sergeant
P021992F.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Colour Sergeant Michael Francis joined the Royal Marines in January 1963 and after basic training he served in both 45 and 43 Commando. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

FRASER, Hugh

Marine
P034213H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Hugh Fraser serving at 45 Commando Group died [1] at Coatbridge Lanarkshire as a result of a road traffic accident [2]
 
Sources
[1] AFM ROH

FRY, Robert Alan

Lieutenant General
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Legion of Merit (USA)
  • 1978 (Lieutenant) received Mention In Despatches for distinguished service in Northern Ireland [1].

GADIE, Philip

Lieutenant Colonel
N028121L
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Philip Gadie, 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanist

GARDINER, Ian, R.

Brigadier
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
1970 Second Lieutenant, 40 CommandoRM, serving in Hong Kong [1].
1982 Captain, 45 Commando RM, serving in the Falklands War [2].
July 1997 Lieutenant Colonel appointed Colonel [3].
 
Sources

GENGE, Thomas John Head

Thomas Genge 45 Commando RM
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
CH/X 4107
CH/X 108220
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Acting Sergeant Thomas Genge died of natural causes at the British Military Hospital Kamunting. Buried at Batu Gajah; later exhumed, Cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and ashes returned to the UK. 

GEORGE, Kenneth Robert

Marine
PO/X121699
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Kenneth George died as a result of an accidental fall at Tung Chung, Hong Kong.

Source
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/131.

GIBSON, Neil

Marine
PO21776Y
RM21776
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Neil Gibson received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in 1967 during operations in Aden [1].
Recommendation

GOLDSMITH, Leonard John

Marine
P041637T
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Leonard Goldsmith received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic (Falklands War).
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
 

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. 
 

GRIFFITHS, Patrick

Patrick Griffiths MC
Lieutenant (later Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Patrick Griffiths was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service with 45 Commando RM in Malaya during the period 1st August to 15th November, 1950 [1].
  • 1970 Lieutenant Colonel commanding 41 Commando RM [2].

HADDOW, Fraser

Lieutenant
N025804V
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Fraser Haddow, 3 Cdo. Bde R.M., Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre (M&AWC), received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service in operations on the Falkland Islands.

HALFORD, Jack Lovell

Colour Sergeant
PO/X 3058
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Died on active service

Colour Sergeant Jack Halford BEM was killed during operations in the Arabian Desert whilst seconded to the Northern Frontier Regiment o

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

HART, Jonathan Paul

Marine
P060214H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Jonathan Hart 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.

HAYCOCK, Jesse Hotchkiss

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Jesse Haycock, 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, October to December, 1956 [1].

HEBDEN, Ralph Michael

Marine
P062052W
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Ralph Hebden, a veteran of Afghanistan,  went missing after going for an early-morning run. His body was spotted in the sea by a passer-by 3 weeks later. A subsequent inquest heard how he drowned after falling from a cliff path in poor visibility,  and a verdict of accidental death was rec

HELSTRIP, Anthony John

Marine
P037325K
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Anthony Helstrip from London was attached to the Mortar Platoon. He died when a mortar bomb exploded in the barrel during a live firing training exercise on Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland. Also killed were Marines Peter Butchers and Glenn Miller.
 

HENRY, John

Corporal John Henry RM
Corporal
CH/X 5389
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John Henry, from Clarkleap, Newcastleton, died during operations in Malaya. His section were ambushed and pinned down in the Cameron Highlands and Cpl. Henry was killed as he went to get ammunition for them. [1]
 

HERRON, John

Lieutenant
45 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June 1952.

HILL, R.W.

Colour Sergeant
PO21339E
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.
 

HODGKISS, Richard George

Marine
RM 8740
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Marine Richard Hodgkiss was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding courage and leadership whilst operating as a leading scout of a patrol that engaged the enemy on 13 February 1951 in a forest south of Tapah, Malaya.
 
Sources

HOLLAND, Jonathan Mark

Mne  Holland 45 Commando
Marine
P060896Q
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Jonathan Holland died as a result of injuries sustained from a mine strike, while on a routine patrol in the Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
 

HUGHES, Jon-Paul Hudson

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Jon-Paul Hudson Hughes, 45 Commando RM, received The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1].
  • 30 June 2006 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
Sources

HUNT, Darren

Major Darren Hunt RM
Major
P035637B & N029390X
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Darren Hunt was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of distinguished service during operations in the South Atlantic in 1982 [1].

HYDES, Richard

Marine Richard Hydes 45 Commando
Marine
RM 21817
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Richard Hydes, from Bracebridge, Lincoln, died in a live firing training accident outside Dhala camp, Aden, while preparing for the initial Radfan operation.  A newly introduced GPMG went off accidentally whilst the gunner was moving position and hit his number two, Marine Hydes, who was

IRELAND, Luke

Mne Luke Ireland 45 Commando
Marine
30177040
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Luke Ireland went missing whilst on leave after going for a run in the Glen Clova area.  Despite an extensive search involving Tayside Police, five Mountain Rescue teams, three rescue dogs, search helicopters and 250 Royal Marines and Army commandos, the rescue attempt, in appalling

JACOB, Sydney George

Marine
CH/X115726
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Enlisted 9 November 1943. Completed RM training at RM Deal in April 1944. Served with 41RM Commando in NW Europe and 45RM Commando (redesignated 45 Commando RM in 1946) in the Far East. Released from service 5 January 1947.
 
Sources

JEFFERY, Reginald

Lance Corporal
RM 20777
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Reginald Jeffery from Penzance died whilst deployed to Aden [1][2].  He was part of a training party that accidentally strayed across into Yemen and was ambushed.

JENNINGS, Frank

Marine
PLY/X 1997
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Frank Jennings died in service whilst deployed overseas, cause of death not known to this archive  [Source: AFM ROH].
 

JONES, Christopher

Sapper
24484389
59 Ind. Cdo. Sqn. RE
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sapper Christopher Jones, 59 Commando Sqn., RE, attached to 45 Commando RM, died during during operations against enemy forces dug in on the Falkland Islands mountain ridge known as Two Sisters. 

JONES, Robert Daniel

Warrant Officer Class 2
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert Jones 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

KEYES, David Charles

Marine
RM8028
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine David Keyes was killed during operations in Malaya when ambushed in a jeep along the Tapah-Chenderiang Road in Perak at Tapah Road Station near Ipoh. Buried in Batu Gajah (later exhumed, cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and ashes returned to UK). Also killed was Marin

KNOWLES, William

Marine
RM 8052
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine William Knowles received a Mention in Despatches  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period from 1st January to 30th June, 1952.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39675, page 5528.

LAMB, Ernest

Marine
RM 7798
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Ernest Lamb died of wounds received during an ambush at Perak. His ashes were repatriated after cremation at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
RM Historical Group.

LAMB, Kenneth

Mne Kenneth Lamb 45 Commando
Marine
RM 14427
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Kenneth Lamb died during operations in Cyprus. He was accidentally shot and killed on anti-terrorist operations in the Troodos Mountains during the Cyprus emergency. They were reinforcing a Greek Police Station in Agros at the time. 
 

LANG, Dennis Charles

Colour Sergeant Lang 45 Commando
Colour Sergeant
PO36530N
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Bravery

Colour Sergeant Dennis Lang received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery following a traffic accident in Norway on 18th January 1999.
Extract from the Globe and Laurel

LANGDALE, Andrew John

Andy Langdale RM
Warrant Officer Class 2 (Acting Warrant Officer Class 1)
P042698J
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew Langdale was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 11 June 2011. 
Service
Served 08/03/1982 to 05/08/2011

LANGLEY, David Lionel Scott

Lieutenant
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Lieutenant David Langley, 40 Commando RM attached to 45 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya [1][1a][b].
Recommendation
Perak, Malaya.

LASKI, Michael

Mne. Michael Laski 45 Commando
Marine
P064386J
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Michael Laski died of the wounds he sustained in action on 23 February 2009 to the north of Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan. He passed away peacefully at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham on 25 February 2009 with his family beside him.

LAW, S.

Sergeant
PO23247K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.

LAZENBY, David Ian

Sergeant
PO25993A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
Recce Troop, Falklands War.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.

LEACH, Dennis Alfred

Corporal
P028362E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Dennis Leach was killed by the blast from an an IRA bomb hidden at an observation post at Drummuckavall, Northern Ireland. Also killed was Marine Michael Southern. 
 
Sources
AFM ROH.

LEAVER, Andrew

Warrant Officer 1
P051736R
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Sergeant Andrew Leaver, 45 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].

LEE, Oliver Andrew

Colonel
N028525A
45 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Oliver Lee, 42 Commando RM, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1][1a].

LEEMING, Robert Arthur

Sergeant
PO25875E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Robert Leeming died during operations on the Falkland Islands. He was part of a returning patrol from 45 Commando when they were mistaken by British forces for the enemy. He was killed along with Cpl. Peter Fitton, Cpl. Andy Uren, and Mne. Keith Phillips.

LITTLEWOOD, Peter

Sergeant
RM 17064
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Peter Littlewood was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the South Arabian Federation.
 
Recommendation

LUCAS, Alexander James

Mne Alexander Lucas 45 Commando
Marine
P062029J
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Alexander Lucas died of wounds received in an IED explosion.  He was a specialist Royal Marine Assault Engineer and his role within Victor Company placed him at the vanguard of troop action.

MACAFFER, Menzies

Corporal
P053084F
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal Menzies Macaffer died at home with his family, in Ardbeg, Islay, after a period of illness.  [Sources: AFM ROH / The Herald Scotland online 15th Feb.2012.]

MACKIN, Travis

Mne Travis Mackin 3 Commando Bde
Marine
P062780V
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Travis Mackin, Communications Squadron, United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group, died in an ied explosion in K

MALONE, Bradley

Marine, Acting Corporal, Bradley Malone CGC
Acting Corporal
P061156L
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Acting Corporal Bradley Malone was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2009.
 
Sources

MANUEL, John Henry

Sgt. John Manuel
Sergeant
P048268A
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant John Manuel died whilst deployed on operations with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines. The company was conducting an operation alongside Afghan National Army troops to dominate areas posing a dangerous threat to British forces and the local Afghan population.

MARSH, Leslie George

Leslie George Marsh MC RM
Captain (later Brigadier)
40RM Commando
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Leslie Marsh, a veteran of service with 40RM Commando in WW2, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service on 29 November 1950 in the Korean War during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He was wounded during this operation.

MARTIN, Ian Campbell

Lieutenant Ian Martin 45 Commando
Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Ian Martin, a Troop Commander in 'Z' Company, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1][1a].

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

MCGILL, Alistair Iain

Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major)
P042976W
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Warrant Officer 2 Alistair McGill was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 2004 [1].
  • 2007 (RSM) 45 Commando Group [2].

MCGRATH, Edward

Edward McGrath 45 Commando
Corporal
RM 16924
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edward McGrath, from Kirkdale Liverpool, died during fighting between dissident tribesmen in the Radfan mountains. 
Obituary in the Globe and Laurel, December 1964.

MCKINLEY, Angus John

Sergeant
RM 10024
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Sergeant Angus McKinley was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) announced in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours list on 13 June 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 43343, page 4963.

McQUEEN, Benjamin David

Marine
30112763
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
RM Poole
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Benjamin McQueen drowned during a military diving exercise in Portland Harbour, Dorset. He joined the Royal Marines in September 2010 and later joined 45 Commando RM. Marine McQueen deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 14.
 
Sources

MEAD, Michael Edward

Corporal
RM 11157
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Michael Mead, Section Commander, No.7 Section, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt [1] [2].

MORGAN, Thomas

Lieutenant
PO/X 4905
41RM Commando
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Colour Sergeant Thomas Morgan, 41RM Commando, was awarded the Military Medal for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty at Salerno, Italy [1][1a]
Recommendation

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].

MUNSON, James

Colour Sergeant
RM 10957
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant James Munson received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

NETHERY, Steven

Marine Steven Nethery 45 Commando
Marine
P063177B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Marine Steven Nethery was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Afghanistan.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15640.

NICELY, Michael

Medical Assistant Michael Niceley
Medical Assistant
D162979K
45 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Mentioned in Despatches
Medical Assistant Michael Nicely RN, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations in the South Atlantic.
Recommendation

NOWAK, Michael John

Marine
P036098F
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Michael Nowak died during during operations against enemy forces dug in on the Falkland Islands mountain ridge known as Two Sisters. 

O'CONNOR, David Lloyd

Marine
P037962R
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine David O'Connor received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
 

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].

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]

OWENS, Paul Andrew

Sergeant
P044863B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Sergeant Paul Owens died when his motorcycle was in collision with a car on the A933 Brechin-Arbroath road at Kinnaird Dykes.
[Sources: AFM ROH / The Bolton News online.]
 

PALLISTER, Jamie

Colour Sergeant
P056709L
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Colour Sergeant Jamie Pallister, a veteran of Afghanistan, was found dead at his base at RM Condor.  At the inquest acting Teesside Coroner Clare Bailey recorded a verdict that he took his own life.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.

PARR, Dennis

Marine
PLY/X 111607
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Dennis Parr was killed when the truck he was in surprised bandits in the act of robbing a bus in the Gopeng-Kampar hills, Malaya. Also killed in the same incident was Marine Leslie Turner.

PATERSON, George Begg

Sergeant
RM18511
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant George Paterson was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13th April to 15th October 1964 [1][2].
 
Sources

PETTIGREW, James

Marine
RM 18582
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine James Pettigrew died whilst deployed overseas to Aden, cause of death not known to this archive.

Sources
AFM ROH.
British Casualties, Aden 1955-1967.
 

PHILLIPS, Keith

Marine
PO39185R
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Keith Phillips died during operations on the Falkland Islands. He was part of a returning patrol from 45 Commando when they were mistaken by British forces for the enemy. He was killed along with Sgt. Robert Leeming,  Cpl. Peter Fitton, and Cpl. Andy Uren.

PHILLIPS, Mark Christopher

Lieutenant Colonel
N029239W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Mark Phillips was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field in 2004 [1].
  • 30 June 2010 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].

PIERSON, Matthew Fraser

Matthew Pierson RM
Brigadier
N028298Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
1988 commissioned into the Royal Marines. His early career included operational tours in the UK and overseas and with the United Nations. Early Commando units included Comacchio Group, 45 Commando, and 40 Commando. Later commanded 43 Commando FPGRM.

PILCHER, Joseph Henry

Marine
CH/X116874
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Joseph Pilcher died by accidental drowning whilst deployed to Hong Kong.  

Source
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/135.
Royal Marines Association

POUNDS, Edgar George Derek

Edgar George Derek Pounds
Major General
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Mentioned in Despatches
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Edgar George Derek Pounds enlisted with the Royal Marines in 1940 and was awarded the King’s Badge as the outstanding recruit of 384 Squad. To date he is the only King’s Badgeman to have reached General rank [1].

QUINN, Bernard Anthony

Marine
RM 18421
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Bernard Quinn, No.1 on an 81mm mortar crew, received a Mention in Despatches for gallantry in Aden between the 27th to 29th May 1967.
 
Sources
London Gazette 44440, page 11787.

RICHARDS, John

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Richards, Second in Command of 45 Commando RM, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].

RIES, Norman Charles

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ries RM
Colonel
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Ries was the first Commanding Officer of 45RM Commando on its formation in August 1943 [1] and remained as such until June 1944 when wounded by enemy gunfire in Normandy.

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.

ROBERTS, Terence

Marine
RM 9243
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Terence Roberts died in an ambush at Pano Amiandos, a village in a densely wooded area of the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus.
 

ROBSON, Thomas

Marine
PLY/X2596
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
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."

ROBSON, Troy

Marine
P039243H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Troy Robson died [1] in a traffic accident in Arbroath whilst returning a hire car for the military. Originally from Seaburn, he lived with his wife, Rhona, 38, and five-year-old son, Jed, in the Condor Camp, Arbroath. Troy had served in the Royal Marines for 20 years incl

SALISBURY, Geoffrey

Marine
RM 15170
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Geoffrey Salisbury received a MiD for distinguished services in operations in Cyprus during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 41305, page 851.
 

SAWCZYSZAK, M.J.

Corporal
PO32584M
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.

SAWYER, Thomas Herbert John

Captain Tom Sawyer
Captain
556455
29 Cdo. Regt.RA
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Thomas Sawyer died in an explosion while taking part in a joint operation with a Danish Battle Group and the Afghan National Army north east of Gereshk in central Helmand. He was in a fire support team that was engaged in an operation to clear compounds in a known Taliban stronghold.

SHACKLETON, Scott James Sinclair

Scott Sutherland RN
Chaplain
C037459Y
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Chaplain Doctor Scott Shackleton RN, Christian chaplain for 45 Commando Royal Marines, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of his distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period April to November 2011 [1].

SHEMMANS, Terence

Marine (Acting Corporal)
CH.X.5361
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Corporal Terence Shemmans received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39215, page 2389.

SHEPHERD, Steven

Warrant Officer Class 2
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Warrant Officer Steven Shepherd M.B.E. 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

SIDDALL, Harry

Corporal
P027128B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Harry Siddall was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

SIM, Ernest James

Sergeant
CH/X 4768
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Ernest Sim received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East at Suez, October to December, 1956.
 
Source
London Gazette 41092,page 3419.

SMITH, Derek

Marine
RM 9883
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Derek Smith was shot and killed by a Malayan Police Inspector. He was originally buried in Pasir Panjang Cemetery before being reinterred at Kranji.
 
Sources
AFM ROH

SMITH, Robert William

Quartermaster Sergeant (Acting Regimental Sergeant Major)
PO/X 6620
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Quartermaster Sergeant Robert Smith was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in the New Years Honours List 1st January 1965 [1].

SMITH, Sydney Davidson

Captain
45 Cdo. RM
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Temporary Captain Sydney Davidson Smith, 42RM Commando, received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service whilst attached to the Allied Land Forces South East Asia, announced in Gazettes 23 October 1945 [1][1a]. 

SPENCE, T.

Lance Corporal
PO28844U
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.

SPENCER, Ian Frank

Corporal
P032324V
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Ian Spencer died during operations against enemy forces dug in on the Falkland Islands mountain ridge known as Two Sisters. 

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

STEVENS, Terence Morton Patrick

Acting Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
41RM Commando
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Captain Terence Morton Patrick Stevens, 41RM Commando,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1]
Recommendation 

STEWART, David James

Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant David Stewart was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation

STRACHAN, Michael Andrew

Capt. Strachan 45 Commando
Captain
N029857K
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Captain Michael Strachan, and his sister, Dr Maia Strachan, 26, both died after their car crashed on the B979 Stonehaven to Netherley road in Aberdeenshire.
[Sources: AFM ROH / Mail online report 19th Nov. 2010.]

SWALLOW, Charles

Regimental Sergeant Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
RSM Charles Swallow was Regimental Sergeant Major of 45 Commando RM between November 1963 and January 1964. 
 
Sources
Andy Holloway. WO2 RM.

SWINDELL, Roy Goldthorpe

Marine
RM 20743
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine Roy Swindell, from Huntington, York, died whilst deployed overseas to Aden, cause of death not known to this archive.

Sources
AFM ROH.
England and Wales Government Probate Death Indices for 1963.
British Casualties, Aden 1955-1967.
 

SYRAD, Stuart Lawrence

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Stuart Syrad was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service on 6 November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt [1][2].

TAGG, M.L.

Corporal
PO31166R
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

45 Commando Group.
GOC Northern Ireland Commendation for distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1981.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel March / April 1982 edition.

TAILYOUR, Norman Hastings

Lieutenant General
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant General Norman Tailyour was knighted in June 1966.
  • 1945, 8 January, Commanding Officer 27RM Battalion [1].
  • 1945, Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe with 27 RM Bn. [1][ 2].

THOMASON, Perry

Marine
P038632D
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Perry Thomason received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134, page 12843. 
 

THOMSON, Jonathan James

Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier)
45 Cdo. RM
SBS
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thomson O.B.E., was awarded The Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallantry within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey  in 1991[1].
Citation 

THORNTON, Brian Richard

Marine
RMV 201716
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Marine Brian Thornton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for distinguished service in operations in Cyprus during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957.
 
Sources

TUCK, Keith

Marine
RM 19139
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Keith Tuck, from Ilkeston Derbyshire, died at the Royal Air Force Hospital, Aden.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
England and Wales Government Probate Death Indices.
 

TURNER, Leslie James

Marine
CH/X 5369
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Leslie Turner, HQ 3 Commando Bde. RM,  was killed when the truck he was in surprised bandits in the act of robbing a bus in the Gopeng-Kampar hills, Malaya. Buried in Batu Gajah (later exhumed, cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and ashes returned to UK).

TYDD, Herbert Henry

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
PO/X 4078
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Herbert Tydd was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service in operations in Malaya during the period August to October 1950.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.

UREN, Andrew Bryan

Corporal
PO35194P
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Andrew Uren died during operations on the Falkland Islands. He was part of a returning patrol from 45 Commando when they were mistaken by British forces for the enemy. He was killed along with Sgt. Robert Leeming, Cpl. Peter Fitton, and Mne. Keith Phillips.

VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert

Lieutenant Colonel
N028003Q
SBS
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service

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

WADE, Edward Alan

Sick Berth Attendant
P/M 958690
45 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Mentioned in Despatches
Sick Berth Attendant Edward Wade RN, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964.
 
Sources

WALKER, George

Marine
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
1954 conscripted into Royal Marines (2 years National Service). Served with 45 Commando in Malta and Cyprus [Source: Obituary in the Globe and Laurel, March/April 2023].
 

WANT, Thomas Alfred

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
PO/X 3951
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Thomas Want 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.
Recommendation

WARREN, Paul

Mne Paul Warren 40 Commando
Marine
P064885K
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Paul Warren, Charlie Company, was injured in an explosion when Patrol Base Airport Lounge was attacked by insurgents. Despite being given immediate first aid by his comrades, Marine Warren’s injuries proved to be fatal.
 

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].

WESTWOOD, George

Sergeant
PLY/X 4229
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Westwood died [1] when his patrol was ambushed in the Cameron Highlands area of Malaya [2][3].
 

WHITEHEAD, Andrew Francis

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Whitehead, commanding 45 Commando Royal Marines, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands. He also recieved a Mention in Despatches during operations in Northern Ireland.

WHITHAM, David Glyn

Marine
RM 16250
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine David Whitham died near Akanthou in the Karpas Peninsula during operations in Cyprus. He and Sgt. David Baldwin were killed when their patrol landed by helicopter and came under ‘friendly fire’.
 

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