Bayeux War Cemetery, France

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APPLEYARD, Frank

48RM Commando
Lance Corporal Frank Appleyard MM died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
  • July 1943 (Marine) (7th Bn. Royal Marines) awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Sicily.
​Recommendation
"Masa Palato, Sicily, 20th July 1943

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.
 

BELCHER, Ernest John

41RM Commando

Regimental Sergeant Major Ernest Belcher died during operations at Normandy on D Day. The announcement of his award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) was made 2 days after his death. 

Source
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.
London Gazette 36544, page 2594.

BENTLEY, Lennard

30 Commando Assault Unit

Marine Lennard Bentley died during operations at Normandy, France. He died when anti personnel bombs were dropped from enemy aircraft. Also killed were Lieutenant Ionides and Corporal Wright. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/127.
Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of the Legendary 30 Assault Unit, author Nicholas Rankin.)

BRADLEY, Arthur John

47RM Commando
Sergeant Arthur Bradley died during operations at Normandy.
 
On the 6th October 1942 it was announced that he had received a Mention in Despatches, along with others, for bravery, endurance and sustained devotion to duty in H.M. Ships during and after the passage of an important Convoy. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/128.
London Gazette 35733, page4353.
 

BREACH, Ernest Thomas Lloyd

47RM Commando

Marine Ernest Beach was killed by enemy machine gun fire during operations at the inner harbour area of Port-en-Bessin, Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/128.
Professor (Capt) John Forfar MC. 47RM Cdo.  'From Omaha to the Scheldt.

CAPPLEMAN, John

48RM Commando
Sergeant John Cappleman died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/128.
 

CARTER, Arthur Edward

47RM Commando

Marine Arthur Carter died during operations at Normandy.

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

Notes
Source at [2] above shows 'Died at Sea'. See Linked Content below re operation.

COULTER, William Knowles

48RM Commando
Sergeant William Coulter died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Robert John and Jane Smith Coulter, of Falkirk, Stirlingshire; husband of Margaret Coulter, of Bainsford, Falkirk.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/129.
Newspaper report in the Falkirk Herald 24 June 1944.
 
Notes
CWGC record age as 31; Register of Deaths record date of birth as 2/10/1919 (24).
 

COUSINS, Terence Frederick

Capt. Cousins 47RMCommando
47RM Commando
Captain Terence Cousins died during operations at Normandy [1]. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for his gallantry and leadership whilst attacking an enemy bunker at Port-en-Bessin during which he was killed [2]. There is a memorial at this location in his memory. 
  • Freddy Cousins entered the Corps in September 1940. On completion of training he was appointed to H.M.S Cumberland where he remained until 1943. He later joined the Special Service Group [3]. 
Sources

CURTIS, Edward Geoffrey

48RM Commando
Lieutenant Edward Curtis, 'B' troop,  died during operations at Normandy , France
Extract from the 48RM Cdo. War Diary
6 June 1944 Langrune, 1300 hrs
'B'  troop reports "Deathshead" clear, they had found it unoccupied, and suffered only one casualty  (Lt.Curtis) wounded by own naval supportive fire.   
 
Sources
CWGC
48 RM Cdo. War Diary, National Archives file ADM 202/111.
 

DUTTON, Cyril

47RM Commando

Marine Cyril Dutton died during operations at Normandy.

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

FLAHERTY, John

47RM Commando

Marine John Flaherty died during operations at Normandy on D Day.

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

FLEET, Arthur

47RM Commando

Marine Arthur Fleet died during operations at Normandy.

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

FLETCHER, Teddy Pearce

47RM Commando

Sergeant Teddy Fletcher died during operations at Normandy. He was leading his section in attacking an enemy bunker at Port-en-Bessin when killed. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
 'From Omaha to the Scheldt' author Professor (Capt) John Forfar MC. 47RM Cdo. Medical Officer.

FOX, Walter

48RM Commando

Marine Walter Fox died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

HILTON, Arthur

48RM Commando

Corporal Arthur Hilton died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

HUGHES, Denis

47RM Commando

Sergeant Dennis Hughes died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.

HUNTER, Caley Lovell

41RM Commando
Marine Caley Hunter, ‘A’ Troop, died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.
[Troop source] ‘They did what was asked of them’ author Raymond Mitchell.
 

IONIDES, Theodore Alexander Maurice

30 Commando Assault Unit

Lieutenant Theodore Ionides, a RNVR underwater weapons expert attached to 30 AU, died when anti personnel bombs were dropped from enemy aircraft. Also killed were Corporal Wright and Marine Bentley. 

Sources
G.R.O. War Death Naval Officers Indices (1939 To 1948).

Linked content below.
Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of the Legendary 30 Assault Unit, author Nicholas Rankin.)

JONES, Noel

47RM Commando

Corporal Noel Jones died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.

See Linked Content below.

LUMSDEN, John

47RM Commando

Marine John Lumsden was shot and killed by a sniper died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
'47RM Commando From Omaha to the Scheldt', author Prof John Forfar MC (former MO 47RM Cdo).
 

MCCAIN, Gerald

48RM Commando

Marine Gerald McCain died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.

MCLAUGHLAN, John

Marine John McLaughlin 48RM Commando
48RM Commando

Marine John McLaughlan died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/134.

[Image] Daniel Kay.

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.

MOONEY, Edward

RN Commando
Able Seaman Edward Mooney, RN Beach Commando 'P', died during operations at Normandy [1].  Beach Commando 'P' was attached to Force 'J' for Operation Overlord [2].  
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] History of 'Peter' section RN Cdos National Archives file DEFE2/987.

MORAN, Patrick

RN Commando
Leading Seaman Patrick Moran, RN Beach Commando 'S', died during operations in Normandy. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazettes Supplement 36676, page 4008.
 

NORIE, George

47RM Commando

Marine George Norie died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.

O'CALLAGHAN, Frank John

40RM Commando
Marine Frank O'Callaghan was killed [1] by a sniper while attached to 30 Commando AU during operations at Normandy. He had previously served with 40RM Commando [2].
 
Sources
[1] CWGC
[2] The book Attain by Surprise edited by David Nutting.
[3] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/135
 
Notes

OATES, Brian

47RM Commando

Marine Brian Oates died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/135.

PERRY, James Lawry

48RM Commando
Captain James Perry was killed by a sniper's bullet during operations at Langrune, Normandy.  There is a street called Rue du Capitaine Perry named in his memory in the village.
 
Sources
CWGC
48 RM Cdo War Diary, National Archives file ADM/202/111.
 

POLLEY, Joseph James

Grave of Marine Joseph Polley
48RM Commando
Marine Joseph Polley died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.
[Image] Collection of Mne Rumming 48RM Cdo courtesy his niece Rebekah Sloanemather.
 

POOLEY, John Bertram Vaughan

No 3 Commando
Major John Pooley MC died during operations at Normandy. 
 
He had been promoted from the rank of Gunner in the Royal Artillery (TA) to be 2/Lt from the 10th January 1940.  After joining No 3 Commando he was awarded the Military Cross whilst a T/Captain in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Publication date:  5 January 1940; Supplement:  34768; Page: 147.

RIGBY, Frederick Ralph

48RM Commando
Lieutenant Frederick Rigby, 'Z' troop,  died when his Landing Craft struck beach defences at Normandy on D Day. He drowned attempting to swim to the shore under heavy enemy fire.
 
Sources
CWGC
D Day Commando - From Normandy to the Maas with 48RM Commando, author Ken Ford.
 

SMITH, John Alexander

41RM Commando
Marine John Alexander Smith from Londonderry, died at Rennes, France.
Extract from the Londonderry Sentinel Saturday 26 August 1944
There will be sincere regret among the wide circle of friends, by whom he was held in high esteem, of the death in German hands from wounds received in Normandy of Royal Marine Commando John Alexander (Jack) Smith, youngest son of Mr. Richard Smith and the late Mrs. Rebecca Smith, 22, Charlotte Street, Londonderry.

SPAWFORTH, Herbert

41RM Commando

Corporal Herbert Spawforth died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.
Records of Births registered in Wakefield Oct/Nov/Dec. 1920.

SPENCE, Ernest

41RM Commando

Marine Ernest Spence died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

UPTON, Leslie

48RM Commando

Corporal Leslie Upton died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WARDLE, George

48RM Commando

Marine George Wardle died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WEINBERGER, Ernest George

No 10 Commando
Ernest Weinberger was of the Jewish faith and served in 3 troop, also known as 'X' troop, of the inter allied commando under the alias of Ernest Webster. He was killed in a landing craft with Max Lewinsky [more...] during operations in Normandy on D Day.
 
Sources
CWGC.
10 Commando, author Ian Dear
Jewish Virtual Library.
 

WELLESLEY-COLLEY, Phillip Anthony

Lieutenant Wellesley-Colley
No 4 Commando
Lieutenant Phillip Anthony Wellesley-Colley died during operations at Normandy, France.
1929 to 1936 attended Downside School.
1937 joined the South Nottinghamshire Hussars T.A.
1940 posted to the Middle East. Injured and hospitalised playing rugby after which he volunteered for the Commandos.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Downside School Roll of Honour [view].
See notes below.

WILKINSON, Robert Moorelvin

47RM Commando

Marine Robert Wilkinson died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

Notes

His brother also died in the war. T/223900 Private Arthur George Wilkinson, aged 26, RASC, was accidentally killed on the 13th July 1942. Grave: Slough (Stoke Road) Cemetery.

WRIGHT, Leo Arthur Philip

30 Commando Assault Unit

Corporal Leo Wright died during operations at Normandy, France, when anti personnel bombs were dropped from enemy aircraft. Also killed were Lieutenant Ionides and Marine Bentley.  

Source
CWGC.
Registers of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/139.
Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of the Legendary 30 Assault Unit, author Nicholas Rankin.)

YATES, Thomas David

Lieutenant Thomas David Yates 48 Commando
48RM Commando
Lieutenant Thomas Yates, 'Y' troop,  died when his Landing Craft struck beach defences at Normandy on D Day. He drowned attempting to swim to the shore under heavy enemy fire.
 
Sources
CWGC
D Day Commando - From Normandy to the Maas with 48RM Commando, author Ken Ford.
 

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