52ME Commando

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'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.

'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

1st Special Service Regiment Officers Jul'42

The following is from the War Diary Nominal Roll of Officers on strength 4th July 1942.

Surname	Initials	Rank	Regt.

52ME Commando

The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940.

No.52 ME Commando formed up on 2 November 1940.

Nos. 50 and 52 ME Commando merged to form 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa on 28 March 1941.

'D' Bn. Layforce Operations included the rearguard action on Crete.

Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando.

Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa.

ABDALE, Edward

Corporal

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Private Edward Abdale was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/54.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith

Lance Corporal

ME Commando Depot

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/96
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BEAUMONT, William Blair

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Died on active service

Private William Beaumont was reported missing on 1st June 1941 during operations in Crete. He was later found to have died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war [2].

Sources

[1] CWGC.

[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/30, WO417/39, and WO417/34.

BLAKEMORE, John Joseph

Private

52ME Commando

Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private John Blakemore was killed in action during operations in Syria.

BOWEN, Alfred Leighton

Known as:

Leighton

Trooper

52ME Commando

'Layforce'

North Somerset Yeomanry

1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper.

20 February 1940 arrive in Palestine with his Regiment.

March 1940 injury to knee from horse kick.

August 1940 posted to Air Defence Operations Room at Haifa *.

5 January 1941 posted back to North Somerset Yeomanry.

BRADLEY, John Stanton

Guardsman

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Guardsman John Bradley, a Journalist born in Margate Kent, was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 23 October 1939 aged 26. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.

BRITTAIN, E.

Private

'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.

BUSBY, John Henry

Corporal

'Layforce'

York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.

Died on war service

Corporal John Busby from Hull was reported in the Casualty Lists as attached to 'D' Bn Layforce [1] at the time of his death through illness in the Middle East [2][3].

CASSIDY, Philip

Private

52ME Commando

Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Private Philip Cassidy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/60/115.

COCHRANE, Archibald Leman

Known as:

Archie

Captain

'Layforce'

Royal Army Medical Corps

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Archibald Cochrane, CBE, MB, FRCP, was the Medical Officer of 'D' Bn. Layforce (50 and 52 Middle East Commandos). He was taken prisoner of war during operations at Crete continuing his work as a Doctor in the prison camps.

1 November 1945 appoined M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst a Prisoner of War.

COLEMAN, Nicholas John

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Military Medal (MM)

Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman, M.M., was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B in Germany [1][2].

A Labourer from West Hartlepool he was attested on 21 October 1933 aged 18 years 11 months [3].

COOK, George, M.

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Lance Corporal George Cook was reported missing 1 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.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/75/194.

COUTTS, John Davies

Corporal

52ME Commando

York and Lancaster Regiment

Military Medal (MM)

Bar to the Military Medal

Corporal John Coutts was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during his escape from a Prisoner of War Camp at Salonika, Greece [1][2].

CRAIG, Robert, P.

Private

52ME Commando

Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Private Robert Craig was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported repatriated and no longer a prisoner.

Sources

Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/68.

CROOK, Roy Joseph

Known as:

Surname also seen as CROOKS

Sergeant

52ME Commando

North Somerset Yeomanry

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Sergeant Roy Joseph Crook * was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].

Recommendation

Crete

CROSS, Walter

Guardsman

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Guardsman Walter Cross from Hull was reported wounded and missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a][3].

Repatriated to the UK in 1944 [2] and medically discharged 25 December 1944 due to wounds resulting in the loss of his right eye and a fractured skull [3][3a].

CULLEN, John

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Private John Cullen 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 WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/84/355.

DREWITT, Glanville

Private

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.

FEASEY, F.

52ME Commando

Royal Marines

Post war member of the Commando Association from Leicestershire.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 93.

FLOOD, Joseph Patrick

Private

52ME Commando

South Staffordshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Joseph Flood died during operations in Eritrea.

FOX-DAVIES, Harley Edmond Fitzroy

Known as:

Harry

Captain (Acting Major)

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*.

FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry

Sergeant

52ME Commando

'Layforce'

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Sergeant William Roy McGarry Furnival was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hampshire.

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.

GANDER, D.

Corporal

52ME Commando

Household Cavalry Regiment

Corporal Gander was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources

Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

HARRISON, Charles, F.

Corporal

'Layforce'

Leicestershire Regiment

Corporal Harrison, '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 WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARRISON, Ronnie

Lance Sergeant

52ME Commando

Scots Guards 2nd Bn.

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Ronnie Harrison, 'C' Company, died during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia.

Son of Albert and Rose Annie Harrison, of Farsley, Yorkshire.

HAYE, James

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Private James Haye was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D in Germany.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (HAYE).
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (HAYE).

HEBBLEWHITE, Arthur

Trooper

52ME Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Arthur Hebblewhite 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 WO417/28, WO417/31.

HEWITT, W.

Sergeant

'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 John

Trooper

52ME Commando

Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper Francis Hill died during operations at Crete. He was attached to the Commando on the 13 January 1941.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

Tank Museum archives re Cdo service

HINDMARSH, George Peel

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Lance Corporal George Hindmarsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4D. Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact, last known residing Cyprus.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/31..

HOWARTH, George

Guardsman

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.

Killed in action or died of wounds

Guardsman George Howarth died during operations in Eritrea.

HUMPHREY, Bert

Private

52ME Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Bert Humphrey died during operations at Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941.

Sources

CWGC.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/188/253.

Casualty Lists 1939-45 National Archives file WO417/27.

IRWIN, Thomas

Private

'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).

IVERS, Henry Anderson

Sergeant

52ME Commando

Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.

Sergeant Henry Ivers was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/192/460 (Stalag 8B).

JENKINS, T.

Private

52ME Commando

Welch Regiment

Private Jenkins was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

JOHNSON, Bernard William

Trooper

52ME Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Royal Corps of Signals

Trooper Bernard Johnson was first attested into the Royal Tank Corps in 1919. Having left he rejoined at the beginning of the war on 2 September 1939. He was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations with No.7 Commando in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/33 and WO417/94.

JOHNSON, William Edward

Lance Corporal

'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).

KELLY, Peter

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Peter Kelly died during operations in the Western Desert.

Sources

CWGC.

British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.

KEMP, Idris John

Private

52ME Commando

Welch Regiment 1Bn.

Private Idris Kemp was reported missing in Greece later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 it was reported that he had been repatriated.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/69.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/206/311.

KENNEDY, James

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Private James Kennedy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/207/115.

KINGON, Stuart Cowan

Acting Corporal

52ME Commando

Leicestershire Regiment

Corporal Stuart Kingon, 52 Middle East Commando, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

LOGAN, Alexander

Private

Middle East Commando

Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Private Alexander Logan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 6 June 1941.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

LYNCH-GARDNER, Hugh

Known as:

Surname also seen as GARDNER

Captain

52ME Commando

Rifle Brigade

Intelligence Corps

2 November 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Rifle Brigade [1].
Served in 52 ME Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association. Emigrated to Australia [2].
10 April 1942 (Captain) (Rifle Brigade) wounded in Burma [3].
30 May 1953 granted honorary rank of Captain [4].

MacPHEE, John Peter

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Lance Corporal John MacPhee 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.
Stalag 4C - Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

MALONE, Terence

Corporal

'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

Known as:

Surname also seen as MARIONO

Private

'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

Private

'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).

MARTIN, Hugh

Private

52ME Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Private Hugh Martin was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 3A).

MATTHEWS, Donald

Private

52ME Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Private Donald Matthews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 18A).

McEWAN, Alexander

Trooper

Middle East Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Alexander McEwan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources

Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/29 and WO417/30.

Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MCTAGGART, George

Private

52ME Commando

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Private George McTaggart was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/242/349.

MILES, Hugh Logan

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Lance Corporal Hugh Miles 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 files WO417/27 and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MORRIS, Reginald

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Lance Corporal Reginald Morris was reported wounded during operations in the Middle East on 27 January 1941 [1].

2 June 1941 reported missing during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4F in Germany [2][3].

Sources

MURRAY, Alfred

Sergeant

Middle East Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Sergeant Alfred Murray was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/266/462 (Stalag 3D).

NAPIER, Alexander, McG.

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Lance Corporal Alexander Napier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/268/208.

NICHOLAS, John Harry

Trooper

52ME Commando

Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars

Died on active service

Trooper John Harry Nicholas died of malaria during an escape from a prisoner of war camp in Greece.

NORMAN, Edward

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Scots Guards, 2nd Bn.

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Edward Norman was reported wounded and missing, later confirmed as killed during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia. He has no known grave.
Son of John and Mabel Norman, of Seaforth, Liverpool.

O'NEILL, James

Private

52ME Commando

Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Private James O'Neill was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/277/316.

OWEN, W.G.

Corporal

52ME Commando

Welch Regiment

Corporal Owen was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4D.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

PARKINGTON, Oswald

Private

'Layforce'

The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Oswald Parkington died during operations in Crete. Elements of Layforce were engaged in a rearguard action during the evacuation.

Sources

CWGC.

Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.

PATERSON, James, A.

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Private James Paterson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/283/431.

POUCHER, William

Private

'Layforce'

Leicestershire Regiment

Private William Poucher, '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.

ROUGH, T.

Private

'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.

SAINT, Reginald George

Guardsman

52ME Commando

Coldstream Guards

Guardsman Reginald Saint 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 files WO417/27 and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

SAMPSON, E.A.

Private

52ME Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment

Private Sampson was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

SHORTEN, Raymond Herbert

Lieutenant

52ME Commando

'Layforce'

SAS

General List

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Raymond Shorten left the Commando in July 1942 to join 'L' Detachment SAS. He died in October during operations with the SAS at Sidi Barrani.

Nov 40, enlisted General List
Dec 40, 52 ME Cdo
Jan 41, wounded
Mar 41, merged into D Bn,Layforce
Apr 42, merged into ME Cdo and 1st Special Service Regiment C Sqn

SIMMONDS, Frederick John

Lance Sergeant

'Layforce'

South Staffordshire Regiment

Died on war service

Lance Sergeant Frederick Simmonds of 27 Sherborne Street Gloucester, died in Belgium.

SMITH, J.

Lance Corporal

'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.

STARLING, R.E.

Private

52ME Commando

Welch Regiment

Private Starling was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

STONEHOUSE, Alfred

Private

52ME Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Prestwich, Gtr. Manchester.

Source

Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 109 (Sept.1999).

STOTT, Charles Henry

Trooper

52ME Commando

North Somerset Yeomanry

Died on war service

Trooper Charles Stott died whilst a prisoner of war. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete but later found to have been captured.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/27, 31, and 44.

TAYLOR, J.A.

Private

52ME Commando

Black Watch

Private Taylor 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 WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

THEOBALD, Richard

Sergeant

52ME Commando

Leicestershire Regiment

Sergeant Richard Theobald was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Leicester.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

THOMAS, Leslie

Trooper

52ME Commando

'Layforce'

Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper Leslie Thomas died during the evacuation of allied forces from Crete. No 52 ME Commando (as part of 'D' Bn Layforce) were engaged in a rearguard action whilst the evacuation took place.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/30.

TRUSTY, R.

Private

'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.

VAUGHAN, John Henry

Known as:

Jack

Trooper

'Layforce'

Royal Horse Guards, Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper John Henry 'Jack' Vaughan, 'D' Batallion Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

WAINWRIGHT, T.

Lance Corporal

52ME Commando

Welch Regiment

Lance Corporal Wainwright 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 WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WALSH, S.G.

Private

52ME Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Private Walsh 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 WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WARD, S.

Trooper

52ME Commando

Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper Ward was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations as part of 'D' Bn. Layforce in Crete [1].

Further wounded on 15 July 1941 during operations with 'D' Bn. Layforce in the Middle East [2].

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

WHITELAW, John

Private

52ME Commando

Queens Own Cameron Highlanders

Died on active service

Private John Whitelaw died as a result of an accident.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/29.

WILLCOCKS, William Arthur

Trooper

52ME Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper William Willcocks died during operations at Crete.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

WILLIAMSON, C.E.F.

Acting Lance Corporal

'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.

YOUNG, George Alan Dawson

Temporary Lieutenant Colonel

52ME Commando

50ME Commando

Royal Engineers

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Mentioned in Despatches

Lieutenant Colonel George Alan Dawson Young R.E., was the Commanding Officer of 50 Middle East Commando until November 1940 when he assumed command of 52 Middle East Commando after its former commanding officer, Harry Fox-Davies, was taken ill.

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