British Empire Medal (BEM)

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ABRAM, John Arthur

43RM Commando
Acting Temporary Colour Sergeant John Arthur Abram received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service whilst attached to the Allied Armies in the Mediterranean during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1945 [1].
  • 2 January 1950 (Sergeant) (Acting Quartermaster Sergeant) awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37394, page 6158.
[2] London Gazette 38797, page 25.

AINSWORTH, Richard Harold

40RM Commando
Richard Ainsworth was awarded the British Empire Medal whilst an Acting T/ Corporal in 40 RM Commando, for gallantry in helping the wounded, in spite of his own injuries, when the ship in which he was serving, HMS Queen Emma, was attacked from the air.
 
The death of "Sgt. Richard Harry Ainsworth (40 & 47 RM Cdo) of Farlington, York", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp 36259, page 5141.

AUSTEN, Alexander Fred

Brigade Signals
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alexander Austen, 1st Special Service Brigade Signal Troop, was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his exemplary service [1].
 
Recommendation including Record of Service
1929 enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals.

BAINES, James

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Acting Quartermaster Sergeant James Baines B.E.M. was awarded the Military Medal during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. [1].
 

BALMENT, Robert Ernest

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Robert Balment was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48583, page 5527.
 

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 BEM (Military Division) was made 2 days after his death. 
 
Source
CWGC.
London Gazettes Supp. 36544, page 2594.
 

BISSELL, Stanley

Commando Basic Training Centre
Stan 'Sonnie' Bissell joined the Metropolitan Police on the 1st March 1926. In 1930 & 1934 he won silver medal at the British Empire Games middleweight freestyle wrestling events in Canada and London. He was then posted as self defence instructor at the Metropolitan Police Training Centre at Peel House. He attended the Army School of Physical Training to assist him in this new Police role.
 

BLIGHT, Timothy

Royal Marines
Lance Corporal Timothy Blight was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 51296, page 4325 dated 12 April 1988..
 

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

45 Cdo. RM
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].

BONDY, Theodor

Driver Theodore Bondy BEM 2 Commando
No 2 Commando

Driver Theodor Bondy was awarded the BEM (Military Divison) in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. 

Sources
London Gazettes Supp 36209, page 4543
CVA Gallery No 2 Commando images
 

BOSTOCK, Stanley

40RM Commando
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

BOURKE, Edward

42RM Commando
Colour Sergeant (Acting Sgt. Maj.) Edward Bourke was awarded the British Empire Medal for distinguished service during the war in the Far East.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 37603, page 2882 dated 11 June 1946.
Commando Association newsletter 17 issued September 1953.
 

BREAM, George Leonard

Captain Leonard George Bream
48RM Commando

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.

BRIGGS, Harold

Harold Briggs RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Sergeant Harold Briggs was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) on 31 December 1976 [1]. He was serving as an Intelligence sergeant in 3 Commando Brigade at the time.

BURKE, Edward

Sgt Edward 'Tiny' Burke BEM, 2 Commando
No 2 Commando

Edward 'Tiny' Burke enlisted into the 1st Bn Liverpool Scots TA (QOCH ) and volunteered for the Independent Companies. He was posted to No 4 Independent Company on the 23rd April 1940 and took part in the landings at Bodo Norway as part of Scissor Force. In February 1941 he joined the newly raised No 2 Commando and served as a Sergeant in 5 troop until it was disbanded at the end of the war.

BUXTON, James George

45 Cdo. RM
Colour Sergeant James Buxton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division), for gallant and distinguished service with 45 Commando, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39675, page 5527.
National Archives file WO 373/131/73.
 

CANT, Evelyn Arthur George

No 2 Commando
Corporal Evelyn Cant served in 4 troop of No.2 Commando. He attended Achnacarry as part of one of the Police Intakes being a member of Essex Police Force. There is a more about him in the No.2 Commando history section - The Men.  His last known rank in the Commando was Corporal.  
 
He was posted to OCTU and commissioned as 2/Lt. on the 7th April 1945 [1].  It is not known if he was still with the Commando at this point.  
 
Awarded BEM (Civil Division) in HM the Queen's birthday honours June 1969 [2].

CHISNALL, David Alan

WO1 David Chisnall
42 Cdo. RM
Colour Sergeant David Chisnall was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].
  • 16 April 1982 promoted Warrant Officer 1, and RSM of 42 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 48237, page 9373.
[2] Globe and Laurel Mar/Apr 1982.
[Image] Globe and Laurel May 1982.
 

CLARKE, Nigel Ronald

Royal Marines
Sergeant Nigel Clarke was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland, award to be dated 12 May 1992 [1].
  • 1995 (Colour Sergeant) received The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54028, page 6613.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 54028, page 6610.
 

CLOVIS, John Albert

John Albert Clovis 6 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
No 6 Commando
Sergeant John Clovis RA was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) on the 1st January 1944 [1].
10 June 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant and later joined No.6 Commando [2][3][4].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36309, page 28.
[2] London Gazette 36659, page 3815.
[3] Images of No.6 Commando Officers in CVA Gallery.

COLLINGWOOD, Frank Arthur

45 Cdo. RM
Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Collingwood was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) for distinguished service in operations against terrorists in Cyprus between 1955 and 1956..
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 40987, page 653.
National Archives file WO 373/126/17.
 

CRIPPIN, Ronald

RQMS Ron Crippin 2 Commando
No 2 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
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)

DICKS, George

Training Centres
Sergeant George Dicks was an instructor at the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre.  He was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) on the 1st January 1946.
 
Sources
Reunion at St Ives document below.
London Gazettes Supp. 37412, page 310.
 
Notes
His rank shown as in LG entry. Shown elsewhere as CSM.
 

DIX, James Frederick

Jimmy Dix 3 Commando
No 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant James Dix served in 4 Troop. He stayed on in the Army after the war. On 9 June 1949 he was a Sergeant in the Beds and Herts., and was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) in H.M. Birthday Honours list.
 
The death of L/Sgt (later CQMS) James Dix, B.E.M., of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 115.
 
Source
London Gazettes Supp. 38628, page 2819.
 

FLEMMING, James Maul

48RM Commando
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

FUSSELL, Peter Lincoln

Peter Fussell 1 Special Service Brigade
No 4 Commando
Private Peter Fussell served in No 4 Commando, 'F' troop, and took part in operations at Dieppe on 19 August 1942. Later that year he moved to 1 Special Service Brigade HQ (Clerks) [1] and [2].
 
Post war he was commissioned and retired as a Major in the R.A.O.C. 
 
His award of the B.E.M., was for his service as a Staff Sergeant during the period 23 February 1949 to February 1951. He was the confidential short hand writer to Field Marshall Sir William Slim.
 

GALLAGHER, Hugh

Royal Marines
Acting Colour Sergeant Hugh Gallagher was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division), announced on the 14th February 1992, in recognition of service within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey.

HALFORD, Jack Lovell

45 Cdo. RM

Colour Sergeant Jack Halford BEM was killed during operations in the Arabian Desert whilst seconded to the Northern Frontier Regiment on special duty with the forces of Muscat and Oman.

On the 2nd January 1945 it was announced in Gazettes that the then Corporal Jack Lovell Halford had been awarded the BEM (Military Division).

HARBAR, Alan

Royal Marines
Corporal Alan Harbar was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st May 1978 to 31st July 1978.

HOWE, Gilbert Rex

40 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].
 
Citation

JONES, Alan

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Alan Jones was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division), on the 12th June 1976 [1]. He was later awarded a Bar to the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1976 - 31st January 1977 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 46919, page 8037.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 47258, page 8411.
 

LYONS, Alexander

Royal Marines
Corporal Alexander Lyons was awarded the British Empire Medal, announced on the 14th February 1992, in recognition of service within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey.

MAGOWAN, Victor

40 Cdo. RM
Acting Quartermaster Sergeant Victor Magowan was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st July - 31st December 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 39507, page 1879.
National Archives file WO373/130/136.
 

MARLEY, Brian

Royal Marines
Corporal Brian Marley was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 51296, page 4325 dated 12 April 1988.
 

MCGLEN, Alexander

40 Cdo. RM

Sick Berth Attendant Alexander McGlen, attached to 40 Commando RM, was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March 1948 and 30th July 1948.

MCKINLEY, Angus John

45 Cdo. RM
Sergeant Angus McKinley was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) announced in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours list on 13 June 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 43343, page 4963.
The Story of 45 Commando RM , author David Young.
 

MUNSON, James

45 Cdo. RM
Sergeant James Munson 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].

ODENDAAL, Jacobus Russell

40RM Commando
Acting Sergeant Jacobus Odendaal was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for bravery in saving the life of two airmen when an aircraft crashed in a wood [1].
  • 23 July 1943 listed as Lieutenant [2].
  • October 1944 listed as serving with 43RM Commando [3].
  • 21 May 1946 (Lieutenant) promoted Acting Captain [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36001, page 2004.

PAGE, Jack

29 Cdo. Regt.RA
Staff Sergeant  Jack Page, BQMS to 8 Alama Bty., was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) on the 1st January 1973 [1].
 
He had served for 20 years across the globe with the Royal Artillery, including operations with 95 Commando (Light) R.A., from 1962 to 1971, and then 29 Commando Regiment R.A., on the reorganisation of the Commando Regiment. His service included Hong Kong, B.A.O.R., Singapore, Kuwait, Borneo, U.N., and Northern Ireland [2].
 
Sources

SMITH, Robert William

45 Cdo. RM
Quartermaster Sergeant Robert Smith was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in the New Years Honours List 1st January 1965 [1].
  • Additionally awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate between the 9th to 15th February 1965 [2].
Recommendation

SNELSON, Paul Francis

RM Poole
Colour Sergeant Paul Francis Snelson B.E.M., serving at RM Poole died [1] on Bovington range as a result of a mine accident [2].
 
He was awarded the B.E.M. in 1977 whilst a Royal Marines Corporal [3].
 
Sources
[1] AFM ROH
[2] Globe and Laurel Jan.-Feb. 1984 edition.
[3] London Gazettes Supp. 47418, page 24.
 
Notes

THORNTON, Brian Richard

45 Cdo. RM
Marine Brian Thornton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for distinguished service in operations in Cyprus during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 41305, page 850.
National Archives file WO 373/126/87.
 

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