50ME Commando
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Displaying 1 - 104 of 104'Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit'
The Middle East 'Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit' came into being mid December 1940 and was formally established at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake under the command of Maj. D.W. Melville MC on the 25th January 1941.
Its role was to provide training and reinforcements for 50, 51, and 52 Commandos who were all deployed at the time, and also as a Holding Unit for Commandos.
'Kastellorizo - Operation Abstention'
Tuesday, February 25, 1941
Location
Kastellorizo
Greece
36° 8' 40.1352" N, 29° 35' 10.1724" E
Allied operation from 25 to 28 February 1941 on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (or Castellorizo).
'Layforce'
Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were initially combined within 'Force Z' for operations initially envisaged against Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Other elements of the Force included a number of men from No.3 Commando and the Canoe section of No.8 (Guards) Commando. They sailed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.
'ME Cdo. Roll of Honour'
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them."
'Rearguard action on Crete'
Monday, May 26, 1941
Location
Suda Bay
Island of Crete
Greece
35° 29' 13.0272" N, 24° 5' 7.6704" E
26th - 31st May 1941. The Commandos were No.7 Commando, and 'D' Bn Layforce which was formed by the amalgamation of No. 50 and 52 (M.E.) Commandos.
'Spanish Volunteers D Bn. Layforce - PoW'
The following is a list of Spanish volunteers for the Queen's Royal Regiment who were subsequently taken prisoner while serving in 'D' Battalion of Layforce.
Sources
War Office, Directorate of Prisoners of War: Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
* Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69
50ME Commando
To be updated.
ALBALADEJO, Alexander
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Alexander Albaladejo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been wounded, captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/30; WO417/34; and WO417/92.
ALVAREZ, Jose
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Jose Alvarez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
ANDREWS, William
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Sergeant William Andrews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bow, London.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BARNETT, William Henry
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier William Barnett was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BARROSO, Montiano
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Sergeant Montiano Barroso, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
BATE, James Howard
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bate was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
He had joined the Commando on 15 Ocotber 1940.
Report by Trooper Weston
BEEDELL, Harry
50ME Commando
Served 50ME Commando and Layforce. Post war Purser on Sealink vessel M.V. Hengist.
Source
Commando Association newsletter 69 issued September 1979.
BLACKBURN, Thomas
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Thomas Blackburn was reported missing presumed drowned during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Report by Tpr Weston
BOAST, E.A.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BOYLE, Peter, J.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Peter Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BRITTAIN, E.
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Brittain, attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26 and WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
BROWN, Jack
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was shot and killed whilst a prisoner of war and attempting to escape. The Casualty Lists show he was captured at Crete at the time of the evacuation of allied forces.
BULLEN, John
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private John Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CHAPMAN, Alfred James
50ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Royal Artillery
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
1937 attested into the Royal Artillery [1].
27 March 1938 transferred to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment [1].
29 May 1941 wounded during operations in Crete whilst attached to Layforce [2].
50 Middle East Commando [3].
204 Military Mission to China [3].
CHIVERS, Frederick, J.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Frederick Chivers was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
COOK, Frank, B.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Frank Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CORDA, Francisco
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. Reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 21A at Thorn, Poland.
Notes/Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/10 shows surname as CORDA (Stalag 21A)
CROSSAN, William George
50ME Commando
Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper William Crossan was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
DAWES, Ernest William
50ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ernest Dawes died during operations on the Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/23.
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger.
DREWITT, Glanville
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Glanville Drewitt, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He also served in 50 Middle East Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association, London Branch.
EDWARDS, Harry
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Harry Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
ENGLAND, Leslie Frank
50ME Commando
Life Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Leslie England was reported missing later presumed killed in action [1][1a].
At the time of his death his Commando were engaged on operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
26 October 1932 attested into the Royal Tank Corps [2].
5 November 1939 transferred to the Royal Household Cavalry [2].
FAJARDO, Joaquin
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joaquin Fajardo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C. Liberated in 1945.
FARMER, H.
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.
Private Farmer was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (Operation Abstention), later found to be a prisoner of war.
FELLOWES, Hubert, H.
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Hubert Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).
FILMER, Ronald
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Corporal Ronald Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/120/167.
FOX-DAVIES, Harley Edmond Fitzroy
50ME Commando
52ME Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Attached from the Durham Light Infantry to MI (R) Military Intelligence in July 1940 to assist with the setting up of Commando units in the Middle East.*
- Second in Command of No.50 Middle East Commando July 1940*.
- Commanding Officer No.52 Middle East Commando November 1940. Left the Commando shortly afterwards due to illness*.
FROST, Terence Ernest Manitou
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Terence Ernest Manitou Frost, better known as the renowned artist Sir Terry Frost, was born in Leamington Spa. In 1933 he joined the Territorial Army.
GALERA, R.
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Galera, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 8C.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
GREENWOOD, Jack
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jack Greenwood died by drowning after taking part in operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He was reported missing believed drowned attempting to escape. His body was later found and identified.
Sources
CWGC
HARDING, John Aubrey, D.H.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal John Harding was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/162/90.
HARRISON, C.F.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Harrison, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
HERAS, Bravlio
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Died on war service
Private Bravlio Heras, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died [1] whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete in 1941 [2]. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C.
Sources
CWGC.
HEWITT, W.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Sergeant Hewitt, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
HILL, Francis William Amey
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Francis Hill was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 3D.
HODGSON, Albert
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal Albert Hodgson was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete; later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and 11.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and 11.
HOEBE, L.T.
50ME Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Holland.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 93.
HOLLINGSHEAD, Robert, W.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Corporal Robert Hollingshead was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A) and WO392/11 (Stalag 11B).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A) and WO392/11 (Stalag 11B).
IMPERATO, Robert Tony
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Corporal Robert Imperato was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
IRWIN, Thomas
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Thomas Irwin, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
JARY, James, W.
50ME Commando
Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper James Jary was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
JOHNSON, William Edward
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal William Johnson, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4D).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4D).
JOHNSTONE, Robert
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Robert Johnstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
JONES, Albert, G.W.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Albert Jones was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).
KNOTT, Harry Leonard
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
LAKER, Jesse, A.
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Jesse Laker was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in the Middle East, later found to be a prisoner of war. On this date his Commando were engaged in operations in Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/42, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).
LEWIS, John Thomas
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private John Lewis was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
LINDSELL, R.
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Lindsell was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. The report was later cancelled.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34.
LINSDELL, R.
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private R. Linsdell was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later reported no longer missing.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.
LLEWELLYN, Frederick, J.
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Frederick Llewellyn was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete , later found to be a prisoner of war.
LOCKINGTON, Arthur
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Died on war service
Trooper Arthur Lockington died whilst assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma.
Some additional detail can be found on this link to a message on our Forum.
LUMBRERA, Francisco
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francisco Lumbrera*, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete in 1941. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C Wistritz bei Teplitz,Germany.
Source
CWGC.
MALONE, Terence
'Layforce'
Rifle Brigade
Corporal Terence Malone, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
MARINO, Angel
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Angel Marino, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete 2 June 1941 later found to be a prisoner of war.
MARSON, Kenneth
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Private Kenneth Marson, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag 3D) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).
MATHER, James Henry
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Mather was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war [1]. He had been imprisoned at Stalag 4C, a prisoner of war camp at Wistritz bei Teplitz, Sudetenland ( part of former Czechoslovakia) [2a]. He died shortly after his release in 1945 due to ill treatment whilst a prisoner [3].
MCALLISTER, H.
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private McAllister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Repatriated to the UK in 1943.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/68.
MCCORMICK, John
50ME Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McCormick died during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/48.
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger.
MCGILL, Arthur, T.
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Arthur McGill was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
MEALOR, Joseph
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Joseph Mealor, aged 26, was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
MENA, J
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private J. Mena, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported as a prisoner of war in German hands (in Germany) after operations in Crete 1941. In 1943 he is reported as repatriated to the UK.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/69.
MUNRO, George
No 11 Commando
50ME Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Munro, a veteran of the Litani River raid, died during operations with the S.B.S., on the island of Samos after leaving the Commando.
Postings
Sep 1940 - volunteered for 11 Cdo.
Mar 1941- arrive Middle East - 'C' Bn Layforce
Aug 1941- 11 Cdo absorbed into ME Cdo
NOBLE, A.F.
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private A.F. Noble was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
NUNN, R.R.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Sergeant R.R. Nunn was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
PEMBERTON, Hugh
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Hugh Pemberton was reported killed in action in the Western Desert.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
POLLARD, Jack Kenneth Verdon
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Pollard was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Report by Trooper Weston
POSTELLO, R.
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Corporal Postello was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels, Bavaria.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/20.
POUCHER, W.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Poucher, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4G.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ROBINSON, George Edgar
50ME Commando
Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper George Robinson was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Report by Trooper Weston
Report by Trooper Weston
ROUGH, T.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Rough, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4C.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
SADD, A.N.
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Sergeant Sadd was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 4A in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/3, errata in WO417/54.
SHARMAN, Richard
50ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Richard Sharman was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/48.
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger.
SHEEHY, Richard, W.
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Richard Sheehy was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
SHELTON, L.
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Corporal Shelton was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4B.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/49.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.
SIMMONDS, Frederick John
'Layforce'
South Staffordshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Sergeant Frederick Simmonds of 27 Sherborne Street Gloucester, died in Belgium.
SLADE, William Henry
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment West Surrey
Private William Slade was reported missing and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Sussex.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/30.
Commando Association newsletters 101 and 116.
SMITH, J.
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal J. Smith, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/32, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 and WO392/11.
SMITH, Michael Arnold
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Michael Arnold Smith was reported wounded and missing during operations between 25 -28 February 1941. He was later reported killed in action 28 February. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged on operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Sources
SQUIER, H.G.
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Corporal Squier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 8A.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
STEVENS, A.K.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Stevens was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4F.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
STEVENSON, Joseph
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal Joseph Stevenson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Leeds.
Obituary in Commando Association newsletter 59
SUMMERFIELD, J.
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Corporal Summerfield was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/93.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
SWINBURN, Arthur
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment & Royal Pioneer Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Arthur Swinburn enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment on 24th November 1928 for 9 years, and then a further 3 years in Reserve, before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940 [1].
TALBOT, D.G.
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Talbot was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 8B in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
TAYLOR, Alfred George
50ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Alfred Taylor died during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Sources
CWGC.
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger.
TAYLOR, Graham Cecil Gordon
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Graham Taylor was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations in Crete.
- 1 April to 30 July 1939 (Second Lieutenant) (2nd Bn. The Leicestershire Regiment) awarded the Military Cross for distinguished services rendered in the field in connection with operations in Palestine.
Sources
CWGC.
TAYLOR, Stanley Benjamin
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Stanley Taylor was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383 in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
TRUSTY, R.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Trusty, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
TUNSTALL, Francis Barnard
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francis Tunstall was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Report by Trooper Weston
TURNER, Edward
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Turner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
VAUGHAN, J.H.
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Vaughan, 'D' Batallion, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
WALDOCK, H.F.
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Waldock was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4F.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
WALKER, J.
50ME Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Great Bowden.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 93.
WESTON, Richard John
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry/Durham Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Richard Weston died during operations at Sicily whilst serving with the Durham Light Infantry. He had previously served as a Trooper in 50 ME Commando taking part in operations on Crete. When the main force left Crete he and others were left behind but he managed to escape back to allied lines.
Sources
WILLIAMS, G.J.
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Williams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
WILLIAMSON, C.E.F.
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal Williamson, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
WILSON, A.
50ME Commando
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Wilson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31, WO417/32, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1.
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