46RM Commando

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46RM Commando

History of the Unit

On 1 August 1943 whilst based at 'A' camp, Piddlehinton, Dorset,  the 9th RM Bn., was redesignated No. 46 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines. Their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Campbell Richard Hardy,  remained as CO of the Commando.

46RM Commando Nominal Roll

Below is a nominal roll of those who served in 46RM Commando. It is listed by order of surname. The names are primarily compiled from the booklet issued to Veterans in 1946 entitled "The Story of 46 Commando, Royal Marines, by Captain P.K.W. Johnson, RM". The author specifies the Nominal Roll is of those who served between 6th June 1944 and 8th May 1945. However additional names will be added in the future whenever an individual's Commando Service has been established. 

BAILEY, Arthur, A.

46RM Commando
Marine Arthur Bailey, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
 
Notes
Service number on source at [3] is CH/X 104446 rather than 104476 as on [2].
 

BEGBIE, William Bell

Sgt Begbie 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Sergeant William Begbie, 'Y' troop, died aged 21 during operations at Rots and Le Hamel.
 
William was adopted as a young boy by James and Elizabeth Begbie from Dunoon. They had lost their own 19 year old son, 301321 Private William Bell Begbie in the First World War.  He was killed in action at the Battle of Arras in France on the 9th April 1917 whilst serving with the 1/8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial.
 

BIBBEY, Newman James

46RM Commando
Marine Newman Bibbey, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
[4] Commando Association newsletter 109 issued September 1999.
 

BURROWS, Derrick Trevor

46RM Commando
Lieutenant Derrick Burrows, 'Y' troop, No. 46 RM Commando, was killed whilst administering morphia to a wounded marine during operations at the River Aller.  He received a MiD for good service with the 21st Army Group.
 
Sources:
The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
MiD: London Gazettes Supp. 37251, page 4440.
 
Notes

BURTON, Harold Rex

46RM Commando
44RM Commando
Major Harold Burton, commanding  'A' Troop 46RM Commando, received a Mention in Despatches for good services whilst operating with the 21st Army Group in NW Europe [1][1a][1b].
  • October 1944 Second in Command 46RM Commando [2].
  • April 1945 3 Commando Brigade HQ [3].
  • June 1945 Second in Command of 44RM Commando in the Far East [4]][4a][4b].
Sources
[1]  London Gazette 36979, page 1386.

BUSCALL, John Allan

Capt Buscall RM
Commando School RM

Capt. John Buscall died whilst serving at the Commando School RM. [1]

In 1942 the then PLY/X 561 Sgt John Allan Buscall RM was promoted Lieutenant. [2] 

In August 1943 on their formation, he joined 46RM Commando and served with with 'Z' troop of 46RM Commando. [3]

He received a MID for distinguished services in NW Europe whilst Lieutenant (Acting Major). [4]

BUTTERY, George Desmond

46RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM

Quartermaster Sergeant George Buttery, 40 Commando RM,  who had served as a Marine in 46RM Commando during WW2, 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.  

CASSON, Robert

Mne Robert Casson 45RMCommando
4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Marine Robert Casson, 4 Special Service Brigade HQ, died during operations at Normandy on D Day. He was shot as his Landing Craft approached Juno beach.
 
He had served with 101 RM Brigade from 1940 and remained with the HQ when it was renamed HQ 4 Special Service Brigade in the reorganisation of commando forces in 1943. He  was then attached to 46RM Commando to complete his Commando training at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry, after which he rejoined HQ 4 Special Service Brigade.
 

CHANDLER, J.H.

46RM Commando

Marine Chandler, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

CHARLWOOD, Harry

Marine Harry Charlwood 46 Commando
46RM Commando

Marine Harry Charlwood, 'B' troop, was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the attack on Rots, Normandy.  Wounded and taken prisoner of war he was transported to Marlag and Milad Nord camp in Germany. Released when the prison camp was overrun by the 11th Armoured Division near Lubeck in May 1945. 

COFORD, A.E.

46RM Commando

Marine Coford, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives file ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

COOPER, Samuel

46RM Commando
Sergeant Samuel Cooper was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. 
 
Recommendation

CUNDALL, Arthur

Marine Arthur Cundall
46RM Commando

Marine Arthur Cundall died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller near Hademstorf village.

Sources
CWGC.
Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/129.
The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines by Capt Johnson RM.
[image] Collection of Mne. Thomas Clarke courtesy of his grandson Nigel Tomsett.

DAVIES, John Charles

46RM Commando
Troop Sergeant Major John Davies, 'Y' troop, died in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller near Hademstorf. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for "good services with the 21st Army Group."
 

DEAN, F.E.

46RM Commando

Marine F.E. Dean, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

DEWBERRY, Charles William

Mne Charles William Dewberry 46RM Commando
Newspaper report on death of Marine Dewberry
46RM Commando

Marine Charles Dewberry, 'A' troop, died at the Royal West Sussex Hospital Chichester from injuries received in an accidental fall [1][2]. 

The Hamshire Telegraph reported that Mne. Dewberry who was from Gunton Road Upper Clapton, was found dead whilst taking a bath at the TOC H Club in Chichester. A post mortem came to the conclusion that his death was thought to be due to a fall, possibly as he got out of the bath. The Coroner recorded a verdit of Accidental Death [3].

DONNELLY, Peter

46RM Commando
Marine Peter Donnelly died in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller near the village of Hademstorf.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines by Capt Johnson RM.
 

DUROSE, Sam

46RM Commando

Marine Sam Durose died during operations at the River Rhine crossing near Wesel, Germany.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines by Capt Johnson RM.

FAULKNER, Jack

46RM Commando

Lance Corporal Jack Faulkner received a Mention in Despatches for good service with the 21st Army Group. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Leighton Buzzrd, Bedfordshire.

Sources
London Gazette 37251, page 4441.
46RM Commando War Diary September 1945 Appendix 'A' Awards.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.
 

FYVIE, George

George Fyvie 46 Royal Marine Commando
46RM Commando

Marine George Fyvie, from Bucksburn, Scotland, died during operations at Beuzeville, France. His death was reported in a local newspaper at the time [see Linked Content below].

GODDEN, A.J.

Marine Godden
46RM Commando

Marine Godden, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

GRAY, Thomas Malcolm

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

HARDY, Campbell Richard

Lt Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy
46RM Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy, commanded the 9th RM Bn., until it was redesignated as 46 RM Commando on 1 August 1943. He remained as Commanding Officer 46RM Commando until the end November 1944 when he left to take up the post of  Brigade Commander 3rd Special Service Brigade which was operating in the Far East.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, during the Normandy campaign, and later a Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order during operations in Burma [1] [2] [3] [4].  

HARRIS, Ian Walter

Ian Walter Harris MM 10 Commando
No 10 Commando

Corporal Ian Harris, born Hans Hajos, attached to No 10 (Inter Allied) Commando 3 troop ('X' troop), was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.

JOHNSON, Philip Kemble Walter

Capt. Philip Kemble Walter Johnson 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Captain Philip Johnson was the author in 1946 of a small but most detailed and informative book  issued to all who served in 46RM Commando titled The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines. In the forward to the book Lt Col. Hardy gives thanks to Capt. Johnson, Capt. Buglear and Sgt. Barrow for their contribution in the preparation and distribution of the book.
 
Philip Johnson had been with the Commando since its conversion from the 9th RM Bn. He received a  MiD for "good services with the 21st army Group."
 
Sources

KENNEDY, P.L.

46RM Commando

Marine Kennedy, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

LAWSON, Clifford

Cliff Lawson 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Sergeant Clifford Lawson, 'A' Troop, was seriously wounded on 20 August 1944 during the successful night attack by 46 Commando to capture the high ground South West of Dozule and spent the next five years in and out of hospital. He had lost his left leg below the knee.
 
Source
Obituary in the Globe and Laurel March/April 2000.
The Story of 46RM Commando.
'A' Troop image in gallery.
 

LEE, John

46RM Commando
Major John Lee, MC, LLB, the Second-in-Command,  died during operations at Beuzeville, Normandy.
 
He was awarded the MC, in the rank of Acting Major, for "gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy."
 
Sources
CWGC

MALLORIE, Herbert

Sergeant Herbert Mallorie 46RM Commando
46RM Commando

Acting Temporary Company Sergeant Major Herbert Mallorie was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37464, page 909.
National Archives file WO 373/47/99.
 

MAY, H.

Marine H. May
46RM Commando

Marine May, 'B' Troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 

Sources
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files ADM201/111.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
CVA Gallery image of B Troop.
 

MCCARTHY, Peter Francis

No 4 Commando
Sergeant Peter McCarthy was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].
 
He is also named as serving at the CMWTC and attached at some stage to 46RM Commando. [2]. 
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 35729, page 4328.
[2] Nom. Roll for 46RM Cdo 6th Jun 44  -May45.
 

MILLER, John

Mne. J. Miller 46RM Commando
46RM Commando

Marine John Miller, 'X' troop, died at the 77th British General Hospital, France, of wounds inflicted on the 20th August during operations at Hill 112, Dozule, Normandy.

MURRAY, J.

Marine J. Murray
46RM Commando

Marine J. Murray, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives file ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

PALMER, Eric Charles Ernest

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

PARKER, John

46RM Commando
Marine John Parker died in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller near the village of Hademstorf.
 

PIERCE, Barry Walter

46RM Commando
Captain Barry Pierce, 'Y' troop, died during operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf.  A footnote on the headstone of his grave reads "The first British soldier over the Rhine. 46RM Commando 'Y' troop. March 23 1945"
 
Sources
The book A Plain Russet-Coated Captain by Capt John Day 45RM Cdo.
CVA Gallery image of his headstone.
 

STANCOMBE, Christopher

TSM Christopher Stancombe
46RM Commando

Troop Sergeant Major Christopher Stancombe, 'B' Troop, was taken prisoner of war on 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots and Le Hamel, France.

Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.
Globe and laurel November 1944 edition.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 88 issued March 1989.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
 

SYMONDS, I.E.

46RM Commando

Marine Symonds was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files ADM201/111.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

TAYLOR, Eric

Eric Taylor 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Eric Taylor enlisted into the Royal Marines in 1939. After his training he served on HMS Suffolk from the 3rd April 1940 to the 3rd January 1941. After this he served on board HMS Malaya from the 6th August 1941 to the 13th December 1943. 
 
He served in 46RM  Commando from the 15th January 1944 until the 20th July 1945.
(Source: CVA Gallery/his son Keith Taylor.)
 

TITMUSS, William George

47RM Commando
Sergeant William Titmuss received a Mention in Despatches for good services with the 21st Army Group. [1]. He had served in 'S' Troop of 47RM Commando [2] and this unit (47RM Cdo.) is also reflected in the Commando Association newsletter announcing his death [3]. 
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37251, page 4440.

TOMKINS, Jack Samuel Richard

46RM Commando

Marine Jack Tomkins died at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex.  At the time of his death the Commando were engaged in cliff assault and seaborne landing exercises in preparation for DDay.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.
The Story of 46 Commando Royal Marines by Capt Johnson RM.

VARDY, Thomas

Mne Tom Vardy MM 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Marine Thomas Vardy MM, died during operations at the River Aller crossing.
 
Tom Vardy joined the Royal Marines on the 22nd May 1941 being attached to the Royal Marines Reserve Depot until 8th July 1941. From 9th July 1941 to the 2nd November 1941 he was posted Plymouth Division. On the 3rd November 1941 he was posted to the 9th RM Battalion, and from there on the 1st August 1943 he joined 46RM Commando.
 

Citatation for MM

WOOLLAM, George Arthur

Lt George Woollam 46RM Commando
46RM Commando
Lieutenant George Woollam died in an accident whilst serving at the Commando Basic Training Centre. The death certificate states he died of a fractured skull at the North British Aluminium Company's Works. 
  • 46RM Commando from 1943 onwards.
  • From Tunstall and remembered on their War Memorial.
Sources

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