Mentioned in Despatches

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ALLEN, John Duncan

John Duncan Allen 3 Commando
On the 9th July 1943 the then Sergeant John Duncan Allen was awarded the George Medal in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. This was awarded for "saving a life in a rock climbing accident in Gibraltar." [1]
 
He had previously received a MiD whilst a Lance Sergeant for "gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy." [2]
 

ALLEN, Michael Rhys Harvey

Captain Michael Allen , Adjutant of No. 9 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].
  • Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre, rank Major (temp). [3].
  • Appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel [4].

ALLWRIGHT, Ian Donald Bruce

Corporal Ian Allwright served in No. 9 Commando before being sent to O.C.T.U. [1].
  • 3 October 1942 commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Scots [2].
  • 3 April 1943 promoted Lieutenant, Royal Scots [3]. Mentioned in Despatches in Recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [4].

ASKWITH, Graham

Marine Graham Askwith received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964. He had been recommended for the Military Medal.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO373/139/37.
 

ATKINS, Steven Mark

Marine Steven Atkins received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February 1979 to 30th April 1979 [1].
  • 1982 awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 47984, page 13234.
[2] London Gazette 49105, page 11945.
[2] Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct.1982 edition.
 

BACKHOUSE, Charles, R.

Charles Backhouse served with No. 2 Commando before joining the 1st S.A.S. [1].
He received a Mention in Despatches having been taken prisoner of war whilst serving with the 1st SAS [2].
 
Recommendation 
"Backhouse was taken prisoner on the Mareth Line, Tunisia, on 21 Jan.'43, and at the time of the Italian Armistice was Camp Leader in Camp 146/29 (Lodi). On 20 Aug.'43 Backhouse and one other walked out of camp; they were recaptured about 20 minutes later.

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Corporal Garry Banford received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 58776, page 11242.
 

BARNES, Charles Ernest

Sergeant Charles Barnes, 'B' Troop, died during operations at Hodo Pando, Korea. He was part of a raiding party that landed by canoe and were engaged in a daylong firefight. Sergeant Barnes received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. 
 

BARNES, William Walter

Lance Sergeant William Barnes received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1][1A].
  • December 1942 serving as a Fusilier in 6 Troop [2][2A].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36950, page 1041 dated 22 February 1945.
[1A] CVA Nominal Roll for 2 Commando.
[2] CVA Gallery list of 6 Troop names.

BARRON, Robert James

Robert Barron 2 Commando and SOE
Robbie Barron 2 Commando and SOE
Sergeant Robert Barron, 1 troop, was one of the Commando contingent who participated in the St. Nazaire raid on ML 446. Evacuated back to the UK [1]. 
 
General Service [3].
  • May 1935 T.A. 1st Bn. London Scottish.
  • Sept. 1939 embodied 1st Bn. London Scottish.
  • April 1940 posted No.5 Independent Company.
  • May-June 1940 posted N.W.E.F. 
  • Nov. 1940 - March 1941 - No. 1 S.S. Battalion.
  • March 1941 to Oct. 1942 - No. 2 Commando.

BARTON, Francis Christopher

Major Francis Barton received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Malaya [1].
  • 31 December 1960 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 1 January 1964 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 1 January 1966 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39361, page 5432.

BATES, William Stanley

Lieutenant William Bates received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 36886, page 323.
 
Notes
He is referred to as Captain in the document below.  Rank here as shown in Gazette entry.
 

BAVISTER, Robert John

T/Captain Bavister No 2 Commando
Captain Robert Bavister, No. 2 Commando Administration Officer [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre [2]. 
 
  • 30 September 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant [3].

BEARDMORE, Thomas

RSM Tom Beardmore No 9 Commando
RSM Tom Beardmore No 9 Commando
Regimental Sergeant Major Tom Beardsmore died during operations at Mount Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.
 
Before the war commenced, whilst a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Bn., North Staffs.,  he was amongst a group of service personnel whose names were brought to notice by the General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan, in recognition of distinguished services rendered in connection with the operations in Palestine during the period, 12th September, 1937 to 31st March, 1938.
 

BELL, Alan William

Sergeant Alan Bell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 48237, page 9373.
 

BENNETT, Maurice, W.J.

Maurice bennett, 3 Commando
Gunner Maurice Bennett, 3 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his successful escape from captivity on 7 July 1944 having been taken prisoner of war at Amfreville, Normandy, on 27 June 1944 [1][1A].
 
Bennett had been with No.3 Commando during operations at Dieppe and Agnone and was described by his Commanding Officer Lt Col. Peter Young as a 'tough, stout hearted and resourceful Gunner' [2].
 
Sources

BEST, James Nigel

Acting Lieutenant James best received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1962 to 23rd June 1963.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43189, page 10451.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE MC.
 

BEVIS, Kenneth John

Petty Officer Kenneth Bevis was killed in Italy. He received a posthumous MiD for "distinguished service in operations carried out in the face of determined opposition from the enemy which led to the capture of the island of Elba."

At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

BEVIS, Timothy John

Lieutenant Timothy Bevis received a mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1986 [1].
  • 13 December 2015 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 31 May 2016 promoted Major General [3].
  • 28 December 2019 appointed C.B. (Military Divisionj [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 50710, page 14517.
[2] London Gazette 61256, page B6. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.
[3] London Gazette 61603, page 12653.

BLACK, George

Leading Medical Assistant George Black, attached to 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Recommendation

BLACK, James William

Company Sergeant Major James Black was awarded the MM for bravery, skill and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Allied Forces during the campaign in the Low Countries, over a period from January to April, 1945 [1].

He also received a MiD in 1945 for good services while operating with the 21st Army Group. [2].

BLAKE, Alfred Lapthorn

Major Alfred Blake was awarded the Military Cross [1] for courage, tenacity, and skill whilst serving as Brigade Major, 2 Special Service Brigade HQ, in the Mediterranean. He had been appointed to this position on the 17th January 1944.  The citation covers the 11 months since then during which he took part in all operations including Anzio, Monte Ornito in Feb. 1944, Dalmatian Island operations such Miljet in May and Brac in June 1944, and the attack and capture of Sarande in October 1944 [2].
 

BLISSETT, Harry Harold

Maj. Blissett 2 commando
Major Harry Harold Blissett served as a Captain in No 4 Independent Company and No 2 Commando. He was appointed Brigade Major in the 1st Special Service Bde in preparation for DDay.  In 1945 he received a MiD for gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe[1].
 
Source
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36994, page 1558.
 

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

Sergeant Eric Blyth received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

BOSTOCK, Stanley

Staff Sergeant Stanley Bostock was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) in the 1946 New Years Honours [1].  He had previously been attached to 40RM Commando [2].
 
He also received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [3].
 
The death of "S/Sgt. Stanley Bostock, BEM. (40 RM Cdo) of Wollaton, Nottingham" was announced in Commando Association newsletter 66 issued March 1978 [2].
 
Sources

BOUCHER-MYERS, Bertram William Sydney

Major Boucher-Myers 4 Commando
Bertram Boucher-Myers took part in the Lofoten and Dieppe raids receiving a MiD for the the latter [1], after which he was posted to the Staff College at Camberley. In 1946 he served with the East Lancs in India during their transition to independence. In 1949 he was posted to the military mission in Greece followed by a 2 year attachment to the Sudan Army.

BRADFORD, John Gwyther

Surgeon Lieutenant John Bradford, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December, 1956.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 41092, page 3418.
 

BRADLEY, Arthur John

Sergeant Arthur Bradley died during operations at Normandy.
 
On the 6th October 1942 it was announced that he had received a MiD, along with others, for "bravery, endurance and sustained devotion to duty in H.M. Ships Aurora, Avon Vale, Lance, Legion, Kingston, Penelope, and at Malta, during and after the passage of an important Convoy."  
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 35733, page4353.
 

BRADLEY, E.W. 'Bill'

Temprary Captain E.W. 'Bill' Bradley received a Mention in Despatches during operations at Vaagso in December 1941 [1].
  • 28 March 1942 particpated in Operation Chariot embarking for the raid on motor launch ML307 [2]. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [3].
  • 25 August 1951 (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) promoted Major [4].
  • 3 June 1963 retires from military service [5].
Sources

BRAMBLE, George

Marine George Bramble was awarded the M.M. during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service  in operations in Korea. [1]. He later also received a MiD for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters. [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39230, page 2749.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 39660, page 5208.
 
Notes

BREAM, George Leonard

Captain Leonard George Bream

George Leonard Bream, or 'Percy', as he was known in the Corps, was born on June 1st 1919 in the hamlet of Buckworth, Huntingdonshire. He was the middle son of a a family of six, his father being a farm labourer. After leaving school with a basic education he moved to his eldest sister's home in Luton where he at first worked as a market trader, and then in a gent's outfitters. In 1938 with talk of trouble in Europe he joined The Royal Marines. In 1944 he joined the newly formed 48RM Commando after successfully completing his training at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.

BROCKBANK, Maurice Chester

Captain Maurice Brockbank, 'C' troop, died during operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf. He had previously received a Mention in Despatches whilst with 40RM Commando for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources 
CWGC.
London Gazette 36903, page 518.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.

BROWN, Christopher Charles

Captain Christopher Brown, 29 Commando Regiment RA, was a Naval Gunfire Spotter attached to Special Forces during the Falklands War. He received a Mention in despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service between 25 April to 15 June 1982 [1] [2].
  • 30 Sept 1987 promoted Major [3].
  • 30 June 1997 (Lieutenant Colonel) promoted Colonel [4].

BROWN, Jack

Trooper Jack Brown 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.
 
Service
The Tank Museum archives record the following:
  1. "X"1 list Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit 2/2/41 (Yorkshire Hussars 6/41) 

BROWN, Robert, F.

Corporal Robert Brown received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.  On 28 March 1942 he was part of the Commando raiding party at St Nazaire. Embarking on board motor launch ML 262 he was captured after the raid and later imprisoned at Stalag V111(b). 
Recommendation
"Brown was captured at St Nazaire on 29 March 1942 and subsequently imprisoned at various camps in France and Germany. His first attempt to escape while in hospital at Rennes resulted in recapture almost immediately.

BURTINSHAW, Robert James Glover

Lieutenant Robert Burtinshaw died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on HMS Campbeltown and OIC of a demolition team. He received a posthumous MiD for his "gallant and distinguished services in action against the enemy during the raid."
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 37162; Page: 3494 and Supp. 37629; Page: 3273 (errata).
 

BUSCALL, John Allan

Capt Buscall 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]

BYRNE, Kenneth

Colour Sergeant Kenneth Byrne received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories, and in supporting operations during the period 24th June to 23rd December 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43691, page 5981
 

BYRNE, Patrick Joseph

Sergeant Patrick Byrne was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
Post war service
  • 27th May 1954 commissioned Lt. (Qr.Mr) in the Foresters [2].
  • 29th January 1957 received a MiD in recognition of distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st July to 3lst December, 1956 [3].
  • 2nd July 1959 promoted Captain (Qr.Mr.) Parachute Regiment [4].

CARR, Francis Arthur

Sergeant Francis Carr was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] for his gallantry during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was the senior NCO of a demolition party led by Lieut Burtinshaw on board HMS Campbeltown [2].
 
He also received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services as a Royal Engineer in connection with operations in the field March-June, 1940.[3].
 
Sources

CARREL, Ian Vincent

Ian Vincent Carrel, Captain in No. 1 Commando, received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma [1].  He was appointed C.B.E. on the 7th June 1974 whilst Senior Technical Adviser, Ministry of Defence [2].
 
The death of Major Ian Vincent Carrel, CBE. (1 Cdo) of Old Oxted, Surrey, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 66 issued March 1978.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp.  37730, page 4698.

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [2] [3].

CLAPSON, Keith

Captain Keith Clapson
Captain Keith Clapson, 40 Commando RM [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [2].
  • May/June 2001 (Major) Commanding Officer Amphibious Trials and Training Unit Royal Marines (ATTURM) [3].
Sources

CLARK, Ian Campbell

Lieutenant Ian Clark died during a cross border operation to Sajingan Besar * in Indonesia. He received a posthumous MiD for distinguished services in support of operations.
 
The operation, codenamed Lively Cricket,  was against Indonesian forces who had been mortaring the 42 Commando base at Kampung Biawak, in Sarawak, Malaysia.
 
Also died in this operation
Marine Thomas Collins.
 

COLLINS, Trevor

Staff Sergeant Trevor Collins received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic in 1982.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12852.
Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982 edition.
 

COOK, Paul

Sergeant Paul Cook received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland (announced 11 May 1993) [1].

COOPER, Charles

Marine (Temporary Corporal) Charles Cooper received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy in 1944 [1].
 
The following year, now a Sergeant, Charles Cooper was awarded the M.M. [2], for gallant and distinguished service displayed in the Italian campaign when taking part in the operations in April, 1945, north of the Reno and west of Argenta [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36676, page 4010.

CORRIGAN, Ian Clifford

Corporal Ian Corrigan, R.E.M.E. attached to 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic in 1982. He served with the Air Squadron as a 'B' Flight Royal Marines Avionics Technician.

CORRY, Samuel David

Captain Samuel Corry died during operations at Dieppe.
 
He had been Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 35510, page 1506.
 

COUPE, Leonard

Lance Sergeant Leonard Coupe died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead. He received a posthumous MiD in recognition of "gallant and distinguished services in Italy." 
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 36886, page 318.
 

COUSINS, Terence Frederick

Capt. Cousins 47RMCommando
Captain Terence Cousins died during operations at Normandy [1]. He received a posthumous MiD 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. 
 
Born in April 1922 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 S.S. Group [3]. 
 
Sources

CRAMER, John

Lance Corporal John Cramer, R.A.M.C. attached to Commando H.Q. (M.I. section) was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distiguished service during operations at Lake Comacchio on 13 April 1945. This was known as Operation Impact Royal [1][2].
  • The previous year he had received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37235, page 4270.

CRIPPIN, Ronald

RQMS Ron Crippin 2 Commando
Ron Crippin, then a Corporal in the HQ troop, took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He embarked on motor launch ML 447 and was evacuated back to the UK.  He was awarded the British Empire Medal ( Military Division) "in recognition of distinguished services during the raid". (1)
  • He had previously seen action with 2 Ind. Coy., in May 1940 at Bodo, Norway, as part of Scissors Force. (2)

CROMBIE, Richard Dennis

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crombie was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in 1963 [1].
  • 1956 (Major) (45 Commando) Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Operations in the Near East at Suez, October - December, 1956 [2].

CROXTON, Michael, J.

Lance Bombardier Michael Croxton, 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
 
Recommendation
"Croxton was captured at Guabelat Plain, Tunisia, on 26 Feb 43. He was first at Camp 66 and then Caserta Hospital. He remained in the hospital after he was fit by bribing one of the Italian M.Os. The Germans put a guard around the camp and earmarked certain fit men to be transportated to Germany, among whom was Croxton.

CURRY, Thomas Geoffrey

Mne. Tom Curry
Marine Thomas Curry died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire when elements of 42 Commando were engaged in close-quarter fighting with the Taleban near Kajaki, in Northern Helmand. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and disting

CURTIS, Daniel Gad

Marine Daniel Curtis received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan between 1st April to 30th September 2007 [1].
  • 30 December 2017 (Colour Sergeant) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 58633, page 3613.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 62150, page N6.
 

CUSACK, Shane Barry

Major Shane Cusack received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st May 1983 to 30th September 1983. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 49709, page 5591.
 

DALE, J.

Private J. Dale received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe 19 August 1942.
Recommendation
"Pte Dale, in the company of Pte Horn performed the Nos.1 and 2 of the 2" Mortar. They succeeded in getting thier Mortar forward in a dangerous crawl into a fold in the ground close up to the Heavy Battery.

DAVIES, Hadyn

Corporal Hadyn Davies received a MiD for distinguished services in operations in Cyprus during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 41305, page 851.
 

DAVIES, John Charles

Troop Sergeant Major John Davies, 'Y' troop, died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller near Hademstorf. He received a posthumous MiD for "good services with the 21st Army Group."
 

DAVIS, Alan

Sub Lieutenant Alan Davis  was killed in Italy [1]. He received a posthumous MiD for "distinguished service in operations carried out in the face of determined opposition from the enemy which led to the capture of the island of Elba."[2]
 

DAWSON, Robert William Palliser

Lieutenant Robert Dawson was one of the first subalterns to join No 4 Commando in 1940, later taking part in the Dieppe raid  as Captain of 'C' troop.  
  • 1943 promoted Major and 2nd in command of No 4 Commando replacing Major Derek Mills-Roberts who left to command No 6 Commando.
  • April 1943 Lord Lovat left No 4 Commando and Major Dawson became Commanding Officer.  

DAY, John Eddy

Captain John Eddy Day received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 37464, page 910.
The book Four Five, author David Young.
 

De STACPOOLE, Derek Roderick

Major de Stacpoole
Major Derek Roderick de Stacpoole, 'Y' troop,  was shot and killed during operations at Walcheren. He had earler been wounded during the Normandy landings rejoining the Commando and taking part in operations at Dozule in August.
 
He received a MiD for " good service while operating with 21st Army Group."
 
Sources
CWGC
D Day Commando - From Normandy to the Maas with 48RM Commando author Ken Ford.
London Gazettes Supp. 36979, page 1386.

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