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 M.C.[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].
 
  • Received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre, rank Major (temp). [3].
  • Appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel [4].

ASKWITH, Graham

Marine Graham Askwith was recommended for the M.M. and received a MiD for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO 373/139/37.
 

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Corporal Garry Banford received a MiD 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.
 

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 was killed 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.
 

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.

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 M.C. [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.
 

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.

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.
 

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 MiD whilst with 40RM Commando for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources 
London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518
RM Officers 1939-45 www.unithistories.com
The book A Plain Russet-Coated Captain by Capt. John Day 45RM Cdo.
 

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.

Lance Corporal Robert F. Brown received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 377787, page 5606 & Supp. 39355, page 5284 (errata).
 

BURTINSHAW, Robert James Glover

Lieutenant Robert Burtinshaw died during 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, 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 DCM [1] for his gallantry during 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
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3493.

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

Lieutenant Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1].  He was also awarded the M.C. [2] for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [3].
 
Lt. Colonel Carter M.C. was appointed O.B.E. on the 1st January 1966 [4].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.

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.
 

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.

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, RAMC attached to No. 9 Commando, received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy in 1944 [1]. 

The following year in 1945 it was announced that he had been further awarded the MM for his gallantry in Italy [2].

Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36668, page 3935, 24 August 1944.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 37235, page 4270, 23 August 1945.
 

CRIPPIN, Ronald

RQMS Ron Crippin 2 Commando
Ron Crippin, then a Corporal in the HQ troop, took part in the raid at St Nazaire. He sailed on board ML 447 and was evacuated back to the UK.  He was awarded the BEM ( 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)
 

DALE, J.

Private J. Dale received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 35729, page 4328.
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
 
Notes
Last known address Felixstowe, Suffolk.
 

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]
 

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.

DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair

Lieutenant George Duncan served in No 11 Commando. We have a possible photo of him in our gallery which we would like verified by family in due course.

His gallantry medals were awarded after leaving the Commando and whilst he was further attached to the Special Boat Section *.

In addition there is reference in a book to a Lt Duncan MC as being a prisoner of war in Camp 21, Chiete, Italy in 1943. **

ECCLESTON, Gary

Gunner Gary Eccleston, Bty. Cmdr's radio operator, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic on the night of 11/12 June 1982.

EDWARDS, Brian Leslie

Major Brian Edwards, Officer Commanding 'Z' Company, received a Mention Despatches in recogntion of gallant and distinguished service in Aden in 1967.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 44558, page 3863.
[2] National Archives file WO373/138/70.
 

EMSLIE, Hamish Brian

Hamish Brian Emslie was killed in a rocket propelled grenade attack whilst serving as a Major with the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan of Oman Armed Forces.
 
Earlier, whilst a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines, he was awarded the Military Cross for "Distinguished Service in operations in Malaya".
[Source: London Gazette supp. 39215 published on the 27 April 1951. Page 2389.]
 

ENGLAND, James Paterson

Troop Sergeant Major James England was awarded the D.C.M., [1] for gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren [2].
 
In 1945 he also received a Mention in Despatches for outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36947, page 997.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/47/42.
[3] London Gazettes Supp. 36903, page 518.
 

FLEMMING, James Maul

Marine James Flemming received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
On the 16th May 1950 it was announced in London Gazettes that the now Leading Fireman James Maul Flemming had been awarded the B.E.M. (Civil Division)
 

Citation

FROST, Henry Shelmerdine

Captain Henry Frost died during operations in Eritrea when leading a patrol up a steep gulley running South from Beit Gabru to harass enemy positions. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Account by Lt. Col. Cator in the book Middle East Commandos by Charles Messenger.
 
Notes - Keren War Cemetery

FRY, Robert Alan

  • 1978 (Lieutenant) received Mention In Despatches for distinguished service in Northern Ireland [1].
  • 1980 (Captain) appointed M.B.E., in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].

FYNN, Francis West (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Fynn 2 commando
Lieutenant Colonel Francis Fynn 2 Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Francis West Fynn became the Commanding Officer of No 2 Commando from June 1944 after Lt Col Churchill was taken prisoner of war. 
 
A former Lance Sergeant in the Royal Artillery T.A., he was appointed Second Lieutenant on the 23rd December 1939 [1]. On the 11th July 1942 the then Lieutenant Fynn was posted from the RA to the Gordon Highlanders [2]. 
 

GALACKI, Tony

Corporal Tony Galacki received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2010.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59737, page 5641.
 

GEORGE, Rex

Marine Rex George died during operations at Normandy. He received a MiD for "good services with the 21st Army group."
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 37251, page 4441.
 

GIBSON, Neil

Marine Neil Gibson was awarded the Military Medal for courage and distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1973 - 31st October 1973 [1].​
 
Mentioned in Despatches 1967 Aden [2].
Recommendation

GODWIN, John

Lieutenant John Godwin, 14 Commando
Lieutenant John Godwin, a veteran of Operation Crackers * [view],  was an Argentinian in the RNVR.  He was Commanding Officer of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway (Op. Checkmate). After the raid he was taken prisoner, taken initially to Haugesund, and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. 
 

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.
 
  • M.C. (A/Captain 43RM Commando) for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta. [1 +2]. 

GRANT, Richard Henry

Captain Richard Grant, OC  'A' troop, was awarded the M.C. [1], for distinguished services in operations against terrorists in Cyprus during the period Sept. 1955 and August 1956 [2].
 
He had earlier received a MID for  gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 and 30th July, 1948 [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 40987, page 653.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/126/14.

GUTTERIDGE, Tobias

Marine Toby Gutteridge, Special Boat Service, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan. 
 
His first tour of Afghanistan was with 40 Commando RM.  He subsequently passed UK Special Forces training. In November 2009 during his second tour of Afghanistan, now with the SBS, he was shot through the neck leaving him paralysed. 
 

HADDOW, Fraser

Lieutenant Fraser Haddow, 3 Cdo. Bde R.M., Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre (M&AWC), received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service in operations on the Falkland Islands.

HAUSMANN, Fritz Sigmund

Fritz Hausmann alias Fred Houseman 2 Commando

Fritz Sigmund Hausmann was born in Bingen Am Rhein, April 27th 1921. He was a German Jew who at age 13, fled Germany alone and went to school in Palestine. When he was of age he enlisted and did his basic training in Sarafend, Palestine and he then joined the 462 RASC. On May 1st, 1943 he was on board the Erinpura, which was attacked and sunk in the Mediterranean with heavy loss of life. Having survived the sinking, he joined No.

HAVILLE, John

Marine John Haville received a MiD for gallant and distinguished service in NW Europe.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37464, page 911.
The Story of 45 Royal Marine Commando.
 

HAWKINS, Kenneth Scott

Company Sergeant Major Kenneth Hawkins was awarded the MM for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in Italy [1].

He also received a MiD for gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy [2].

HILL, Henry William

Henry William Hill 40RM Commando
Sergeant Henry Hill died during operations at Lake Comacchio. He received his MiD for "gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 36676, page 4010.
 

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