Commando and Combined Operations raids

These links take you to some of the raids and operations that took place during WW2. 
 

Some Raids and Operations 1940-42

French Coast - Operation Collar

Date commenced: 
Monday, June 24, 1940

A raid on Boulogne Berek 24/25 June 1940

Guernsey - Operation Ambassador

Date commenced: 
Sunday, July 14, 1940

Raid on Guernsey

'Kastellorizo - Operation Abstention'

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, February 25, 1941

Allied operation from 25 to 28 February 1941 on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (or Castellorizo). 

Tip: click on 'What Links Here' above for more.

'Lofoten Islands - Operation Claymore'

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, March 4, 1941

The Force consisted of Nos. 3 and 4 Commando, approximately 50 Royal Engineers, and a group from the Free Norwegian Forces. They were transported on board two converted ships, the Princess Beatrix and the Queen Emma, now loaded with LCA's or Landing Craft Assault vessels. Leaving from, and returning to Scapa Flow, they were escorted by 5 Royal Navy destroyers.

Report by Brigadier J.C.Haydon, D.S.O., O.B.E., Commanding Special Service Brigade [more....].

Bardia - Operation Addition

Date commenced: 
Saturday, April 19, 1941

The objective was to disrupt enemy lines of communication and damage installations and equipment.

'Rearguard action on Crete'

Date commenced: 
Monday, May 26, 1941

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.

These two units landed in Crete at SUDA BAY on May 26th, 1941. Withdrawal from the island had already been decided upon. The Commandos, together with 2/8 Australian Infantry Battalion, were given the task of covering the withdrawal of the main body - the N.Z. Division - from the area CANEA - SUDA BAY, to an embarkation port at SPHAKIA, on the south coast of the island. The route followed the road from SUDA BAY on the north coast through STYLOS - BABALI HANI and ASKIFOU to SPHAKIA on the south. Distance roughly 40 miles by road.

During the withdrawal the main Commando actions both took place on May 28th. Early in the morning, near STYLOS, counter attacks by 7 Commando beat off determined German attempts to cut the road of retreat and allowed the tail of the main body to get clear.

Later at BABALI HANI, some 5 miles further south, M.E. Commandos had taken up a defensive position astride the main road, repulsed two separate German attacks at noon and later about 15.00 hours. They held this position until dark, before withdrawing under orders about 20.00hrs.

Source
Commando Association Newsletter 83 of September 1986. Account of a visit by Veterans.
 
Linked content: 

Sketch map of Crete, August 1941.

Sketch map of Crete, August 1941. National Archives ref:  AIR 23/6110.

'French Coast - Operation Foxrock'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, May 31, 1942

Night of 31st May/1st June. This was a planned operation by 100 men from No 12 Commando at St Valery en Caux which was aborted after the raiding party were spotted by German naval  forces.

12 Commando Troop Locations Operation Foxrock June 1942

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 12 Commando Operation Foxrock Troop Locations June 1942

Sheet indicating Troop locations 1st-30th June 1942 12 Commando

National Archives Document Ref WO218/41

Litani River - Operation Exporter

Date commenced: 
Sunday, June 8, 1941
Units: 

The original objective assigned to C Battalion "Layforce" (11 Scottish Commando) was to land on two beaches to the north of the River Litani and one to the south, seize and hold the Qasmiye bridge over it until relieved by 21 Australian Infantry Brigade.
Heavy sea swell and the risk of capsizing their landing craft, resulted in the first attempt being aborted in clear view of the enemy. A second attempt to land was carried out the following night. Delays during embarkation result in the landing craft reaching the beach with day light breaking and heavy losses. Despite being out numbered and suffering incredible misfortune and difficulties the Commando was able to hold the line long enough for the Australians to cross the river and continue with their advance to Beirut. 
However their bravery was not without loss; of the 406 men that landed 130 were killed or wounded in nearly 29 hours of fighting, for which they only had enough ammunition and food to last eight. The death of the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Dick Pedder, and so many others was disastrous for the unit and a situation from which it would never fully recover.
 
Ian McHarg provides some comprehensive background information on The Battle of the Litani River and the battle fought by No.11 (Scottish) Commando during Operation Exporter. His book is available via his website [here....].
 

French Coast - Operation Chess

Date commenced: 
Sunday, July 27, 1941
Units: 

A raid on Ambleteuse, Pas de Calais, by a small party from No 12 Commando.

'Messina to Palermo railway raid'

Date commenced: 
Friday, August 29, 1941
Units: 
On the night of 29th/30th August, 1941, a small party of Commandos, led by Lt. Dudley Schofield, landed from the submarine 'Triumph' of the 10th Submarine Flotilla (operating from Malta), and successfully demolished one and a half spans of a bridge about 55 miles East of Palermo carrying the main Messina to Palermo Railway.  
 

Log Book HMS Triumph 30 Aug.1941

Between 0049-0113 hrs HMS Triumph launched 9 canoes (with 13 saboteurs led by Lt.Schofield) off Torrente Furiano to destroy the railway bridge there (there was 1 single canoe and 4 towing canoes, 4 others with demolitions and stores).
 
There are then other entries in the log not related to raid.
0320 hrs -  Saw one explosion in direction of the bridge.
0340 hrs - Stopped one mile off the shore and drifted in with the tide to half a mile. It was not before 0507 hrs before one of the canoes and its tow was identified to the seaward of Triumph. They were quickly picked up. A second canoe and tow was spotted at 0527 hrs. No more canoes were sighted after this time. Triumph had to clear the area as it was getting light. The railway bridge was seen to be partially destroyed. The remainder of the raiding party could not be picked up. Eight saboteurs including Lt. Schofield were captured by the Italians. [Source of above log book entry] https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3488.html
 
The following Commandos took part and were taken prisoner (click on names highlighted).
 
Cpl. H. Davies, London Scottish

A ninth man, Petty Officer Thomas Telfer, D.S.M., a member of the crew of the submarine, volunteered to go ashore with the Commandos. He was later captured and imprisoned along with the others. He was recommended for, and received, a bar to his D.S.M. In 1945 it was announced in Gazettes that, having been earlier released and repatriated, he had additionally been awarded a Mention in Despatches for  courage, efficiency and devotion to duty whilst serving in H.M. Submarines in aggressive operations against Japanese shipping, often performed in shallow waters and in the face of serious opposition.
 
Sources
DSM - London Gazettes Supp. 35424, page 340.
Bar to DSM - London Gazettes Supp. 35545, page 1957.
MiD - London Gazettes Supp. 37394, page 6157.

Additional Sources
National Archives and LG references shown in bios on highlighted individuals above
Some of the names in Commando Association newsletter 86 of March 1988 referring to the raid.
 

French Coast - Operation Chopper

Date commenced: 
Sunday, September 28, 1941
Units: 

Sixty five commandos of 5 Troop No1 Commando took part in twin raids against the coast of Northern France, code named Operations Chopper and Deepcut.

One section led by Captain Tom Hemmimg landed at Luc sur Mer (Chopper) and suffered a number of casualties including two killed, Pte. Elwyn Edwards and LCpl Cyril Evans.  

The other section led by Lieut. Scaramanga  landed at St Vaast Bay (Deepcut) and ambushed a German cycle patrol.

Post war visit to Luc sur Mer

An extract from Commando Association newsletter 15 issued March 1952 regarding Operation Chopper.

"Capt. T. Gordon Hemming (ex 1 & 2 Cdos) decided last summer to revisit the scene of a raid made by a section of  5 Tp. l Cdo on September 23rd, 1941, supposedly at St. Aubin-sur-mur. He saw the Mayor with a view to establishing the exact place of landing, but discovered after many enquiries that in fact the landing had taken place two towns to the east, at a place called Luc-sur-mer almost two miles from St. Aubin.

On interviewing the Mayor of Luc the Captain was treated with great friendship and given an official reception. He found that all the inhabitants remembered the night very well, and have erected a large Memorial Stone inscribed with the words "The First Commando Landing in Normandy".

It was also discovered that the graves of the two men lost on the raid, L/Cpl. Evans [view record] and Fus. Edwards [view record], were beautifully tended in the local cemetery."

'Rommel HQ - Operation Flipper'

Date commenced: 
Friday, November 14, 1941

The raiding party landed 14 November. The attack on Rommel's HQ by units from Layforce took place 17 November. The raiding party included a group from No 11 Commando (see What Links Here above) led by Lt Col Keyes supported by others, including two from No 7 Cdo who had escaped from Crete, Sgt Fred Birch (No 7 Cdo & 51ME Cdo) and Cpl John Kerr (No 7 and 51ME Commando)

Article about No.11 Commandos' Beattie and Murray

Beattie and Murray No.11 Commandos
Published in the Aberdeen Weekly Journal 22 January 1942.

French Coast - Operation Sunstar

Date commenced: 
Sunday, November 23, 1941
Units: 

A raid on the French coast.

‘Norway - Operation Anklet’

Date commenced: 
Friday, December 26, 1941
Units: 

300 men from No 12 Commando, and some from the Royal Norwegian Army, landed on the Lofoten Islands about 300 miles North of Vaagso. Since the first Lofoten raid in March such operations were seen as a useful tactic to confuse the enemy and consequently divert enemy forces for future defence.

'Vaagso - Operation Archery'

Date commenced: 
Saturday, December 27, 1941

Vaagso Norway

A raid on Vaagso and Maaloy to destroy fish oil factories and sink enemy shipping. No.3 Commando were supported by 2 troops of No.2 Commando (less 1 Section), with a RAMC detachment from No.4 Commando and a RE detachment from No.6 Commando, and some from the Royal Norwegian Army.

A Return to Vaagso

Extract from Commando Association newsletter 11
Published September 1950.
RETURN TO VAAGSO
Members will be interested to learn that a party of approxiimately 75 R.M. officers recently carried out a training exercise in the Vaagso area in Norway. 
In addition to Col. J. Moulton, D.S.O., O.B.E., and Lt.-Col. Palmer, D.S.O., Royal Marine officers well known to us, the following Army Commando officers were invited to accompany the party: Lt.-Col. Jack Churchill, D.S.O., M.C., Capt. Dennis O'Flaherty, D.S.O., and.Lt.-Col. Arthur Komrower, D.S.O., who has been kind enough to send us a very interesting account of the proceedings.
"We embarked on H.M.S. 'Suvla,' an L.C.T., at Rosyth on Thursday, May 18th. The idea of the trip was to study beforehand the information about Vaagso and then to work out a plan and to see how it would have fitted in with the ground, on the spot.
We arrived off West Fjord early on Saturday morning and then turned in to guard the Fjord. This was the only part of the crossing which was at all rough, and even then it bore no resemblance to the buffeting we got in '41.
The passage charted on the map was to go round the Island to the North and go in from the East side, but at the request of the Army Officers, the Ship's Captain agreed to use the same channel as we used previously. However, as we were approaching the island of Maaloy we suddenly found that the channel between this island and South Vaagso had been brdiged and we had to 'about turn' and go the other route.
On arrival we were met by Capt. Harald Madsen, who was the Norwegian Pilot of the 'Kenya' on the original raid and who accompanied us on the voyage. The people all seemed very pleased to see us and bore no grudge for the damage done in the raid.
The 'Ulversund Hotel' showed only the foundations of the building, but the 'Hazen Hotel' had been completely rebuilt in stone and brick and is now a very fine place. The Factory opposite the , Ulversund ' had also been rebuilt with a block of shops and flats by its side.
When walking down the street, Dennis O'Flaherty was hailed by a young fellow who turned out to be the son of one of the inhabitants in whose house Dennis had a fight with a German. The father had recognized him through the window.
We also came across a lady who had looked after Lt. M. Hall, who lost his arm in this raid, until he was picked up by our own stretcher bearers.
There are many more interesting points related in Col. Komrower's report, but we regret to say that lack of space prevents us from printing these.
Copies of the full report have been duplicated, and will gladly be supplied to all members desiring these.

Notes 
If anyone has a copy of Colonel Komrower's full account please contact the website team.
 

'St. Nazaire - Operation Chariot'

Date commenced: 
Saturday, March 28, 1942
MGB 314

St Nazaire, France

A Combined Operations raid on the dry dock at St Nazaire, France. The force consisted of Army Commandos led by No.2 Commando who were supported by small detachments from Nos 1, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 12 Commandos.
The Force embarked on craft manned by Royal Navy personnel. The Naval Force carrying the Army Commandos consisted of HMS Campbeltown which, packed with hidden explosives, rammed the dock gates after which the Commandos stormed ashore. HMS Campbeltown was followed by a fleet of 18 smaller vessels, most carrying commando demolition teams and their protection squads.
The Commandos succeeded in demolishing much of the infrastructure of the dock operating mechanism, and the undiscovered explosives on HMS Campbeltown later detonated causing severe damage to the dock and its gates.

Great gallantry was displayed by the raiders and there were many casualties amongst the Commando and Naval personnel. The following were awarded the Victoria Cross, the United Kingdom's highest gallantry award for bravery in the face of the enemy:



Linked content: 

‘Commando Roll of Honour St Nazaire’

On Wednesday 1st April 1942 a ceremonial funeral was held to inter the dead from both sides, in a field at Escoublac, near to the German Naval HQ. The prisoners were invited to send a party to attend. Lt. Hopwood, Sgt Colin Jones and Pte. Les Wheelan represented 5 Troop, No.2 Commando and the Liverpool Scottish. Some photos of individuals killed during the raid can be found in the Commando Units Albums. View the images of the funeral in our Gallery. [go to gallery]

 

No 2 Commando

Pte. M.D.Aird Pte. J.E.H. Gwynne RSM. A. Moss
Capt. D.L. Birney LSgt. P. Harkness Pte. A.W. Neal
LCpl. E.J. Bryan LSgt. M. Harrison LCpl. K.A. Paterson
Rfn. R.E.D. Burns LCpl. W. Hay Lieut. T.G.P. Peyton
LCpl. J. Coughlan LCpl. W.B. Heather Rfn. T.Y. Roach
Pte. H.P. Cunningham Sgt. S. Hempstead Gdsm. S. Robinson
Pte. T. Diamond Capt. E.S. Hodgson Cpl. W.A. Spaul
LCpl. J. Donaldson LCpl. G.H. Hudson Sgt. G. Taylor
Sgt. L.F. Eldridge 2/Lieut. M.  Jenkins Cpl. R.M. Tomsett
Cpl. N.L. Fisher Pte. F. Kelly Lieut. J.E. Vanderwerve
LCpl. H.F. Fowler Gdsm. J.F. Lewis Gdsm. G.W. Walton
LCpl. A.E. Garratt Fus. A.J. Lucy Lieut. P. Walton
LSgt. W. Gibson LCpl.H. Mather Fus. R.S.Woodman
Fus. L.G.W. Goss Pte. J. Maylott
 
Gdsm. W.E. Grose Pte. T. McCormack  

No 1 Commando

Sgt. T.F. Durrant
Cpl. F. Llewellyn
Pte. E.C. Tomblin
 

No. 3 Commando  

Lieut.  M. Woodcock
Pte. J.D. Boyce
 

No. 4 Commando

Capt. H.H. Pennington
L/Cpl. R.B.J. Borgman
Spr. G. Coulson
 

No. 5 Commando

Lieut. C.J.  Smalley
Lieut. R.J.G. Burtinshaw
Sgt. R. Beveridge
Sgt. W. Ferguson
Sgt. G.E. Ide
L/Sgt. B.L.  Johnson
L/Cpl. G.S. Stokes
 

No. 9 Commando

L/Sgt. R.E. Jameson
Cpl. J. Deans
L/Cpl. L. Burgess
L/Cpl. R. Duncan
Pte. J. Shenton
 

No. 12 Commando

Cpl. A.H. Blount
Cpl. S.E. Chetwynd
Cpl. H.H.  Jones.
 

Special Service Brigade HQ

Lieut. (T/Capt) W.H. Pritchard
 

 
Displaying 1 - 67 of 67

AIRD, Michael Derrick

Michael Aird  2 Commando
Private
3772603
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Michael Aird, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

BEVERIDGE, Robert

Sergeant
4534228
No 5 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Robert Beveridge, from Leeds, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was one of the commando contingent who had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.

BIRNEY, David Leslie

Captain
75991
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain David Birney, Officer Commanding 2 troop, died of wounds after Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire which took place on 28 March 1942*. He was commanding an assault group that had embarked on Motor Launch ML 447. 

BLOUNT, Arthur Harvey

Corporal
3972221
No 12 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Arthur Blount was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Arthur was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown. Son of Charles George Blount, and of Annie Blount, of Morden, Surrey.

BORGMAN, Robert Bernard John

Lance Corporal
7911119
No 4 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Robert Borgman was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

BOYCE, John Douglas

Private
5952406
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Boyce was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on ML 262.
Son of William and Elizabeth Ann Boyce, of Tonypandy, Glamorgan.
 
Sources

BRYAN, Edward Joseph

Bryan 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
3775300
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edward Bryan, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave.
Son of Adam and Mary Bryan; husband of D. M. Bryan.

BURGESS, Leslie

Lance Corporal
1877628
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Leslie Burgess was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

BURNS, Ronald Edward David

Rifleman
6895664
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Rifleman Ronald Burns, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on ML 268.
Son of Edward and Alice Janet Burns, of Brockley, London.
 

BURTINSHAW, Robert James Glover

Lieutenant
89395
No 5 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Robert Burtinshaw was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) for gallant and distinguished service.

CHETWYND, Samuel Ernest

Corporal
4977274
No 12 Commando
Sherwood Forresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Samuel Chetwynd was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 457 as part of Captain Pritchard's Demolition Control Party and has no known grave. Son of Mr. and Mrs.

COUGHLAN, John

John Coughlan 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
3781807
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal John Coughlan, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave.

COULSON, Garnett

Sapper
1881715
No 4 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper Garnett Coulson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on ML 268 and has no known grave. Son of Garnett and Faith Coulson, of Romford, Essex.
Service

CUNNINGHAM, Henry Peter

Henry Cunningham 2 Commando
Private
3781746
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Cunningham, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on ML 267 and has no known grave. Son of John and Margaret Cunningham, of Old Swan, Liverpool.

DEANS, James

Corporal
2079518
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Deans was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, confirmed 14 months later as killed in action on that date. He embarked for the raid on ML 457 and was the husband of Mrs A. Deans, 4 Albert Street, Paisley.

DIAMOND, Thomas

Private
3779240
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Diamond, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. 

DONALDSON, John

Lance Corporal John Donaldson 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
2884838
No 2 Commando
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal John Donaldson, 3 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave. Son of William Donaldson and of Jessie Donaldson (nee Hunter); husband of Anne Donaldson (nee Smith), of Dundee.

DUNCAN, Ronald

Lance Corporal
2032723
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ronald Duncan was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. Son of James W. Duncan and Elisabeth R. Duncan, of Aberdeen. They were formally notified of his death on 2 April 1943.

ELDRIDGE, Leonard Frederick

Leonard Eldridge 2 Commando
Sergeant
6461633
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Leonard Eldridge, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

FERGUSON, William

Sergeant
1426074
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.

FISHER, Norman Lucas

Corporal
6896443
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Norman Fisher, 6 troop, died on 25 April 1942 of wounds received on 28 March 1942 during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on motor launch ML 192 and had initially been reported as missing in action until his death was confirmed.

FOWLER, Henry Francis

Lance Corporal
6019554
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Henry Fowler, 2 Troop, died on 24 January 1943 of wounds received during Operation Chariot in March 1942. Son of Thomas Francis and Elizabeth Fowler, of Canning Town; husband of Alice Ada Fowler, of Canning Town [1][2][3][4].

GARRATT, Arthur Ernest

Lance Corporal
5338655
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Arthur Garratt, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447. Son of Matilda Garratt, of Islington, London.
 
Sources

GIBSON, William

Lance Sergeant
2879864
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant William Gibson, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave. 

GOSS, Leonard George William

Fusilier
6459167
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Leonard Goss, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192 and has no known grave. Son of Leonard Butcher Goss and L. Goss, of Brixton, London.
 

GROSE, William Ernest

Guardsman
2617390
No 2 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman William Grose, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave. Son of Ernest Albert Grose, and of Agnes Grose, of Welling, Kent.

GWYNNE, John Edward Herbert

Private
2929834
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish, Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Gwynne, 5 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action [1][1a]. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches [2][3].

HARKNESS, Peter

Lance Sergeant
2879689
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Peter Harkness was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. Son of Peter and Catherine Ann Harkness.

HARRISON, Maurice

Lance Sergeant
6896247
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Maurice Harrison, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192.
Son of Samuel G. and Maud A. Harrison, of Streatham, London.
 

HAY, William

Lance Corporal
325315
No 2 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lanarkshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Hay was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Son of Thomas and Margaret Hay, of Carluke, Lanarkshire.

HEATHER, William Bernard

Lance Corporal
6400817
No 2 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Heather, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave. Son of William and Harriette Heather.
 

HEMPSTEAD, Stanley

Sergeant
6014969
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Stanley Hempstead, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 262. Son of Frank Hempstead and Marion (nee Barnard).

HODGSON, Eric Stewart

Captain
75234
No 2 Commando
Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Eric Hodgson, Officer Commanding 1 troop, was reported missing believed killed 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was in charge of the commandos on motor launch ML 446 and has no known grave.

HUDSON, George Herbert

Lance Corporal
6896827
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Hudson, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.  He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268.
 
Sources
CWGC.

IDE, George Edward

Sergeant
2321335
No 5 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Ide was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown. 
Son of Herbert Edward and Edith Ann Ide, of Romford, Essex; husband of O. M. Ide.
 

JAMESON, Robert Evan

Lance Sergeant
821516
No 9 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Robert Evan Jameson, from Virginia, County Cavan, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and has no known grave.
 
Sources

JOHNSON, Bertie Lawrence

Lance Sergeant
3531584
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Bertie Johnson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Bertie Lawrence Johnson, of Stockport, Cheshire.
 

JONES, Harri Havard

Corporal
3962759
No 12 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harri Harvard Jones was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. Corporal Jones was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268. He has no known grave.

KELLY, Francis

Private
4467369
No 2 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francis Kelly, from Dovecot, Liverpool, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed died of wounds. Son of Joseph and Mary Kelly, of Liverpool.

LEWIS, John Frederick

Guardsman
2617158
No 2 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman John Lewis, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

LLEWELLYN, Fred

Corporal Fred Llewellyn 1 Commando
Corporal
4036505
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Fred Llewellyn was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.

Son of Tom and Elizabeth Llewellyn, of Worcester.

LUCY, Albert James

Fusilier
6461459
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Albert Lucy, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192.
Son of Albert Edward and Lily Minnie Lucy, of Kentish Town, London.
 

MATHER, Harry

Lance Corporal
3656822
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Harry Mather, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on ML 268. Son of Charles Baron Mather and Mary Elizabeth Mather, of Bolton, Lancashire.
 

MAYLOTT, Jesse

Jesse Maylott 2 Commando
Private
3654748
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jesse Maylott, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave. Son of Jesse Maylott, and of Alice Maylott, of Orford, Warrington, Lancashire.

MCCORMACK, Thomas

Thomas McCormack
Tom McCormack 2 Commando
Private
2930404
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas McCormack, 5 troop No 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as having died on 11 April 1942 of wounds received during the raid.

MOSS, Alan

WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major
2930992
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Moss, HQ 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea after being shot. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.

NEAL, Alfred William

Private
7349551
No 2 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Alfred Neal, RAMC attached No.2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

PATERSON, Kenneth Albert

Lance Corporal
5442424
No 2 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Kenneth Paterson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Albert Edward and Henrietta Jane Paterson, of Bristol.

PENNINGTON, Harold Hammond

Capt Pennington 4 Commando
Captain
130871
2192204
No 4 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Captain Harold Pennington was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268.
B.A. (Oxon.), Kitchener Scholar, and Rugby Football Blue (1937).

PEYTON, Thomas Grenville Pitt

Lieutenant
112912
No 2 Commando
No 5 Independent Company
Kings Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Thomas Peyton, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Ivor Eliot Peyton and Dorothy Helen Peyton, of Englemere Wood, Berkshire.

PRITCHARD, William Henry

Captain William Pritchard RE
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
76488
Special Service Brigade
No 2 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain William Pritchard MC was reported missing 28 March 1942 after the St. Nazaire raid (Operation Chariot), later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 457.

ROACH, Thomas Ypres

Rifleman
6849064
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Rifleman Thomas Roach, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 177. Son of Lewis and Winifred Roach, of Caerau, Bridgend, Glamorgan.
 
Sources

ROBINSON, Sydney

Guardsman
2619196
No 2 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman Sydney Robinson, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.
 

SHENTON, Joseph

Private
5046468
No 9 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Joseph Shenton was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

SMALLEY, Christopher John

Christopher John Smalley 5 Commando
Lieutenant
92876
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Christopher Smalley died during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. Embarking on HMS Campbeltown he commanded a demolition party whose task it was to destroy the Dry Dock Installations. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) for gallant and distinguished service.

SPAUL, William Albert

Corporal
6088619
No 2 Commando
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal William Spaul, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192. Son of Albert Spaul, and of Isabel Spaul, of Aldershot, Hampshire.
 

STOKES, George Stanley

Lance Corporal
5186568
No 5 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Stokes was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown, part of Lt Burtinshaw's demolition party.

TAYLOR, Gerald

Sergeant
7598084
No 2 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Gerald Taylor, HQ Reserve, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank.

TOMBLIN, Edward Charles

Private
6144878
No 1 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Tomblin was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.
Son of Frank and Mary Ellen Tomblin; husband of Eleanor Margaret Tomblin, of Wandsworth, London.

TOMSETT, Reginald Maurice

Corporal
6896917
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)
(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Tomsett, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192. Son of Maurice Jeffery Tomsett and Edith Sarah Tomsett, of Shirley, Croydon.
 

VANDERWERVE, John Edward

John Vanderwerve 2 Commando
Lieutenant
117921
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant John Vanderwerve, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He was officer in charge of a protection squad for a demolition team embarked on motor launch ML 306.

WALTON, George William

Guardsman
2618526
No 2 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman George Walton, 2 troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447. Son of George William and Doris Olive Walton, of New Mills, Derbyshire.

WALTON, Philip

Lieut. Philip Walton No 2 Commando
Lieutenant
104117
No 2 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Philip Walton, 1 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. Section Officer of a demolition team embarked on Motor Launch ML 457.
Son of C.P. and Evelyn Walton, of Bedford. B.A. (Cantab.): Christ's College.
 

WOODCOCK, Mark

Lieutenant
138278
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Mark Woodcock was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave. Son of Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Woodcock of Howbeck Road, Birkenhead.

WOODMAN, Robert Salonicka

Fusilier
6467448
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Robert Woodman, 6 troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192 and has no known grave. Son of Mrs. A. Woodman, of Battersea, London.
 

'Operation Chariot' - Battle Summary 12

A booklet published in 1948 by the Tactical and Staff Duties Division (Historical Section), Naval Staff, Admiralty, SW1, covering aspects of the British Combined Operations raid at St Nazaire in March 1942 involving the Royal Navy and British Army Commandos.

Follow the link below to this (Battle Summary 12) and other Battle Summaries on the Royal Australian Navy website - World War 2 Naval Staff Histories Section

https://www.navy.gov.au/media-room/publications/wwii-naval-staff-histories

2 Commando, Operation Chariot Op Order 1

Type: Files
Author: Lt Col Augustus Charles Newman OC No 2 Commando, 22nd March 1942
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: St Nazaire, Operation Chariot
Units: 
2 Commando

LG report on Operation Chariot

The following link takes you to reports about the raid at St. Nazaire published in London Gazettes on Thursday 2nd October 1947.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38086/

Title: Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, the 3Oth of September, 1947.

French Coast - Operation Myrmidon

Date commenced: 
Saturday, April 4, 1942
Abortive raid, River Ardour, Southern France. Some of the objectives of the operation were the coast defence guns at the entrance to the river, a T.N.T. factory, and a small aircraft factory, in addition to the  the port facilities. The original plan was for the expedition to sail on the 31st March and to assault on the night 4/5 April.
 
Source
War Cabinet Chiefs of Staff Committee (C.O.S. 42 99th Meeting) document reference National Archives file CAB/79/87/5.

 

Hardelot - Operation Abercrombie

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, April 21, 1942
Units: 

 This operation was a reconnaissance operation by No 4 Commando on the beaches near the village of Hardelot, to capture prisoners and destroy equipment, including a searchlight battery.

Madagascar - Operation Ironclad

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, May 5, 1942
Units: 

Combined operation by Allied forces to invade Madagascar.  On 23 March '42, No 5 Commando set sail from Glasgow to participate in the Battle for Madagascar.

No 5 Commando landed near Diego Suarez  (also known as Antsiranana) on the 5th May 1942.  

The total campaign lasted 6 months but the bulk of the special work of Combined Operations and the Commandos was concentrated into a few days in early May 1942.

A full report of this operation can be found in London Gazettes [view....].

French coast - Operation Bristle

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, June 3, 1942

Dieppe - Operation Jubilee

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, August 19, 1942

Combined Allied Force from all three Services. The Commandos had specific tasks outlined below in support of the main allied Force. The photo above and below show Commandos returning from the raid.

Operation Flodden - Berneval 
No. 3 Commando (including some 10 Cdo. Free French) was to land eight miles east of Dieppe to assault and silence the coastal battery near Berneval.
 
Operation Cauldron - Varengeville 
No. 4 Commando (including some 10 Cdo. Free French and U.S. Rangers) landed a few miles west of Dieppe to assault and silence the coastal battery close to Varengeville.
 
Harbour area
40RM Commando were assigned to assault and secure the harbour area.  
 
Dieppe Commandos

Whilst No 4 Commando succeeded in their objective, No 3 Commando came under heavy fire managing only to pin down the battery making it ineffective during the main assault, rather than destroy it.  
 
The initial assignment/role of 40RM Commando was changed during the action. The RM Commando were placed at the disposal of the Canadian GOC, Major General Roberts. After passing through White beach, they were to join the Essex Scottish, believed to be in the town. As the first of 40RM Commando landed they came under withering enemy fire and were ordered to re-embark within 10 minutes of landing.
 
The main assault failed and the Allies, particularly the Canadian Forces, suffered heavy casualties. The names of the Fallen below relate only to Commandos, and those who were attached to a Commando unit specifically for this raid.
 

Follow this link for a partial Nominal Roll of Commandos at Dieppe. (This excludes No 3 Commando and 40RM Commando as no such full list has been found however some additional names can be found by clicking on 'What Links Here' at top of this page.)
 

Dieppe Commando Roll of Honour
 
Here is an alternative view of this Roll of Honour [View .......].

 

No.3 Commando 

Sapper Rex Adderley, 
Private Andrew Anderson 
Private Cyril Barrett 
Private John Bryan 
Private Fred Broadbent 
Private John Broster 
Gunner George Cooper 
Captain Samuel Corry
Private Douglas Fisher 
Corporal Thomas Gerrard 
Private Ernest Harding 
Lance Corporal Richard Harding 
Private Norman Harrison 
Private Leonard Jackman 
Lieutenant Peter Kenward 
Private John Lacey 
Private Edward Leddington 
Lance Sergeant Joseph Mills 
Lance Corporal Leslie Newell 
Fusilier Ernest Pickersgill 
Private Francis Rhodes 
Fusilier Thomas Sharp 
Sergeant Fred Teasdale
Gunner Hubert Wadsworth
Gunner William Wall 

 

No.4 Commando 

Lance Corporal John Bishop 
Private William Garthwaite 
Private Frederick Gooch 
Lance Corporal Edward Heckman 
Lance Corporal James Keenan 
Lieutenant John Macdonald 
Private Stanley McGann
Lance Corporal Duncan Thompson Mercer
Lance Corporal Alexander Mills 
Lance Corporal John Moss ( served as Taylor) 
Captain Roger Pettiward 
Private George Sutton 
Signalman George Tucker 
Rifleman Joseph Watters 
Lance Corporal John Whatley 
Guardsman Jack Whittaker 
 

No. 40 Royal Marine Commando 

Marine John Alexander 
Sergeant Jack Beesley 
Marine Arthur Callow 
Marine John Catterall 
Captain Alan Comyn 
Corporal Alfred Duerden 
Corporal Henry Everall 
Marine Eric Gotts 
Colour Sergeant Frederick Harwood 
Corporal Albert Heath
Marine John Mackinstry 
Corporal Norman McDonald 
Lance Corporal Henry Morgan 
Marine Samuel Northern
Marine Peter Orman 
Lieutenant Derrick Over 
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Picton Phillips 
Marine Wallace Powell 
Marine William Rhodes 
Marine Albert Riddle 
Marine Ronald Singleton 
Corporal Thomas Thorp 
Marine Percy Walker 
Marine Harold Wigmore 
 

The following are believed to have served with 10(IA) Commando at Dieppe, and died on or just after the 19th August 1942. 

Corporal Serge Moutaillier (French) - wounded and pow, later executed 
Private Gustav Oppelt (Czech) 19th August 1942 

GHQ LIaison Regiment - Phantom patrol (assigned to Commandos)

Lieutenant Michael Guy Hillerns  (attached to No 3 Commando)
 

Royal Artillery - 1st Forward Observation unit (assigned to Commandos)

Captain James Howard Thomas (attached to No. 3 Commando)

United States 1st Ranger Bn (assigned to 3 and 4 Commandos or the 2nd Canadian Divn.)

2nd Lieutenant Edward Vincent Loustalot (attached to No 3 Commando)
1st Lieutenant Joseph Howard Randall, s/n. 0-418342 (attached Canadians) age 22.
Tech 4 Corporal Howard Murl Henry, s/n. 35125112 (attached Canadians) age 23.

We will remember them

A partial nominal roll for Dieppe

Units: 
The following list contain the names, ranks and numbers of the officers and men of No4 Commando who participated. It also includes some from No 10 (IA) Commando Free French  and 'X' troop, and others including some US Rangers, who were attached to the Commandos for the raid.
It does not contain those from No 3 Commando and 40RM Commando. Almost 300 names with details can be found here: [Operation Jubilee]
 
Below is a transcript of the introduction by the author of the original list that was compiled for No 4 Commando. 
Some amendments and additions have been made by this Archive since then.
 
"The list is the result of well over three years research and was begun solely because no record of the names of those involved in the action existed. Somewhere in the region of five hundred letters were sent to newspapers here in the UK, then Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The ensuing response was very good; contact was made with at least ninety Commandos as well as next of kin of those who are no longer with us. Each contributed with names of those they could recall as having been with No 4 Commando at Varengeville. 
A number of names of those involved were already documented, the remainder, some two hundred names are the product of a consensus of opinion among the Commandos who were contacted. However, I wish to point out that opinions were not always unanimous; this was, quite naturally, to be expected but eventually sheer volume of opinion allied to personal memories persuaded me that the names submitted were clearly the names of those who were involved in Operation Cauldron.
The men of No 4 Commando were asked to delve deeply into their memories and recall an event that occurred forty eight years ago, this could not have been easy, their response was excellent and the rapport and teamwork which quickly materialised between us had to be experienced to be understood. Men whom I had never met became companions in the task, their constant message of advice and encouragements became the spur which enabled me to continue with what, at time was a frustrating task. 
I can but once again thank each and every one of these Commandos for their inestimable assistance. 
At the risk of being considered invidious I must mention the name of one person without whose help this list could not have been completed with accuracy and attention to detail such as numbers and regiments Etc. The General Secretary of the Commando Association Mr Ron Youngman proved to be a tower of strength, his patience and goodwill in the face of my interminable enquiries was exemplary. 
Finally, I accept full responsibility for any errors but as Queen Victoria once remarked "History is not what actually happened but what you believe happened?" Thus, I believe that within these pages are the names of all the men who fought and died at Varengeville. 
 
E.W. Jones 
Rhosllanerchrugog, Nr Wrexham, Clwyd. July 1990. "

Dieppe Roll of Honour
 

Partial Nominal Roll for Dieppe
 
Officers of No 4 Commando: Operation Cauldron

nb. All awards shown are those held on August 19th 1942. 
 
NCOs and other ranks of No 4 Commando: Operation Cauldron
Varengeville August 19th 1942.
5183147 Sgt. W. Adlam.
3249930 L/Cpl. J.E. Aitken  
4918457 Pte. W. Allen
T/71345 Sgt. Allsop W. R.A.S.C.
7017211 Rfn. Anderson R.J. R.U.R.
3965128 Pte. V.W. Andrews
Sgt. Austin A. R.A.
3319294 Pte. E. Bagdonas
3446930 Pte. A. Banks 
5341937 Pte. W. Barnes
7662631 Fus. Barnett G. R. Fus.
5382464 Pte. L. Bateman
5389646 Cpl. R.L. Batty 
7901939 Sgt. F. W. Bend
7013529 Cpl. Birmingham C. R.U.R.
5674696 L/Cpl. J. Bishop 
6905806 Cpl. C.H. Blunden
3187064 Pte. W. Bowskill
6980161 Fus. J.M. Boyd
5389958 Pte. Bradbury G. Ox & Bucks.
6297735 Pte. S.A. Bradshaw
4206261 Fus. T. Bramwell
5619678 Pte. A. Brooking
3134093 Pte. Bryne C.W. Borders.
6292500 Pte. Burnett J. Buffs.
3317331 Pte. Burrell J. H.L.I.
6087599 Fus. Burrows P. R. Fus.
4346042 Pte. Burrows C. East Yorks.
2719257 Gdsm. P.J. Byrne
3313393 Pte. Campbell T. H.L.I.
3194284 Pte. J. Carlin
2618377 Gdsm. Chamberlain P. GrenadierGrds
53811205 Tsm. Chattaway L. Ox & Bucks.
6850530 L/Cpl. J. Chitty. 
5880377 Pte. Clark M. Buffs.
6028720 Pte. Clement D.R. Suffolks.
5186173 L/Cpl. F.G. Cleaveley
2619831 Gdsm. J.D. Clewes
206488 Fus. Cook G. R.W.F.
6292556 Pte. Coote A. Buffs.
3248703 Pte. G.M. Craig
4036812 Sgt. Cross E.W. K.S.L.I.
5953035 Pte. J. Dale. 
868384 Gnr. Davies B.K. R.A.
734604 Gdsm. Dennis A. Welsh Guards.
6340886 Sgt. Desmond M. R. West Kents
6291999 L/Cpl. Diplock A. Buffs.
4914037 Sgt. Dobbs A. S. Staffs.
4914036 Pte. C. Dobbs 
3962136 Pte. Doubler C.A. Welch Rgt.
364981 Pte. H. Donkin.
6293173 Pte Duhig J. Buffs.
7893672 TSM. J. Dunning. 
3673408 Pte. Elliot G. Somerset L.I.
4031772 Sgt. Evans J. K.S.L.I.
889636 Gnr. Evans H. R.A.
5957221 Pte. Farnborough F. Beds & Herts.
7903742 Tpr. W. Finney
3858160 L/Cpl. Fletcher A. Loyals.
5342083 L/Cpl. D. Flowers
3199275 L/Cpl. J. Flynn
S/7896 Cpl. Ford V.E. R.A.S.C.
5347572 Pte. Fraser E.L. R. Berks.
2737968 Gdsm. Fraser L.J.E. WelshGds.
214506 Pte. P.L. Fussell
L/Sgt. Garnett C.V. R.A.S.C.
3854009 Pte. W.O. Garthwaite
5111581 Pte. S. Goff.
6145770 L/Cpl. F.M. Gooch 
3969776 Pte. Grace G. Welch Rgt.
4350446 Cpl. Graham G. E. Yorks.
2619786 Cpl. Grocock W. Gren.Grds
Sgt. Halliday J. R.A.
876901 Gnr. Halmshaw A. R.A.
5186589 Sgt. Ham F. Glosters.
Gnr. Hampton H. H.A.C.
3861617 L/Cpl. Hampton G. Loyals.
3601406 Pte. G.F. Harris. 
837194 Gnr. W. Harvey
3965370 Sgt. Heaynes L. Welch Rgt.
5344513 L/Cpl. E.PH. Heckman 
7010953 Rfn. Heggarty J. R.U.R.
7264010 Cpl. Henry A. R.A.M.C.
2931557 Pte. Hesketh G. Liverpool Scottish
3534999 Pte. Hibbert J. Loyals
2735047 Gdsm. Hill S. Welsh Guards
2077980 Cpl. Hinton M. R.E.
2619941 Gdsm. Hodgson T. Gren.Grds
6478881 Pte. D.S. Hoodless. 
6297771 Pte. O. Hooper. 
5118341 Pte. F.J. Horne
5948229 Sgt. G. Horne
889681 Bdr. Howat G. R.A.
2734873 Gdsm. Howells G.T. Welsh Guards.
5111985 Sig. C.J. Hughes
2927941 Cpl. Hughes A.H. S. Lancs.
2621891 Gdsm. A.E.R. Humphries (shown originally Humphreys,  H.)
2620946 Gdsm. Hurd A.E. GrenadierGrds
4983150 Pte. Hydes F. Sherwood Foresters
4337783 Pte. Ibbotson J. E. Yorks.
1398027 Gnr. H.G. Ivison
5111228 L/Cpl. Jackson J. R. Warwicks.
915014 L/Cpl. Johnson F.C. R.A.
5110959 L/Cpl. Johnson J. R. Warwicks.
79055832 L/Cpl. Jones G.E. R.T.R.
6849921 Pte. Kealy T. J. K.R.R.C.
7012717 Rfn. J. Keenan
4694937 Pte. Keighley J. K.O.Y.L.I.
3968414 Pte. Kendall G. R. Warwicks.
5336379 Pte. P.G. Kendrick
5781656 Sgt Kennedy S. R. Norfolks.
2073019 Spr. K.C. Kennett
3864762 Pte. Kerr R. Loyals.
2620144 Gdsmn. Charles King, Gren.Grds
6297700 Pte. Knowles M. Buffs.
3604647 Pte. Lane J.E. Borders.
2765791 L/Cpl. D. Laing. 
5675016 Sgt. Langlands G. Somerset L.I.
3968864 Pte. Lansley F. R. Warwicks.
884501 L/Bdr. H. Larment
4546257 Pte. Leach C. W. Yorks.
3970069 Sgt. Lewis E.J. Welch Rgt.
5494647 Pte. Le Maitre W. Hampshires.
6291391 Cpl. Lilley J. Buffs.
2073383 Sgt. Lillicoe R.E. R.E.
4345289 Sgt. Lindley H. E. Yorks.
5730322 L/Cpl. Long E. Dorsets.
2733639 L/Cpl. Lloyd C.L. Welsh Guards.
2929634 Gnr. MacAulay A R.A.
5344652 L/Cpl. R. Mann
2614151 Gdsm. Marchant J. GrenadierGrds
5435059 Pte. Martyn L.S. D.C.L.I.
2621497 Gdsm. Marshall E. GrenadierGrds
26199554 Gdsm. Marshall R. GrenadierGrds
4350439 Pte. Mather B. E. Yorks.
10503256 Gnr. F. Maund.
5111136 Pte. May J. R. Warwicks.
2621526 Gdsm. J. Maybury. 
3775704 Sgt. P.F. McCarthy
9426250 Gnr. McCartney J. R.A.
828757 Gnr. McCormack J. R.A.
3310783 Pte. J. McDermott.
4390628 Gnr. McDonic J. Green Howards.
2198211 Gnr. T. McDonough
3653925 Pte. S. McGann. 
3778700 Pte. McGlory J. Kings Rgt.
7516695 Pte. McLean J. R.A.M.C.
5341993 Pte. McLoughlin W.J. R. Berks.
3853876 Cpl. P. McVeigh. 
2693943 Pte. Mellis J. Lovat Scouts
3773037 L/Cpl. D.T. Mercer. 
7902963 L/Cpl. Middleton F. R.A.C.
3777204 L/Cpl. A. Mills 
2661694 Gdsm. Moore J.O. Coldstream Gds
7878047 Rsm. Morris W. R.A.C.
3850897 Pte. J. Moss 
3771020 Pte. Mullaniff J. R.A.C.
2075499 L/Cpl. B.J. Mullen. 
2721240 Gdsm. Moloughney J. Irish Guards.
5123514 Cpl. Nankivell J. R. Warwicks.
3189059 Pte. J. Notman 
805120 Gnr. Norris A. R.A.
5112028 Pte. O'Connor D.N., R. Warwicks
3319042 Pte. R. O'Donnell
5835286 Pte. R.W. Ong
2718837 Gdsm. Orr J. Irish Guards.
5111978 Pte. Overbury T. R Warwicks.
5342934 Pte. Paget E. R. Berks.
7597121 Pte. D. Pardoe
3709917 Pte. J. Park. 
7262386 Pte. Jim Pasquale R.A.M.C.
7359503 Pte. Joe Pasquale
5618281 Pte. Patey F.S. Devons.
843165 Pte. Payne W. R.A.
1427522 Bdr. Pike H.J. R.A.
1870112 Sgt. I. Portman
2617353 Gdsm. Powell J. GrenadierGrds
5110316 Pte. J.E.D. Price
947113 Gnr. Price J. R.A.
3970880 Pte. Richards N. Welch Rgt.
4469318 Pte. Richards T. Durham L.I.
7013052 Rfn. Rogers W. R.U.R.
3600232 Pte. R. Rudd
11000189 Gnr. L.J. Ruskin.
Gnr. Ryan F.J. R.A.
7386392 L/Cpl. G. Scanlon. 
6850526 Rfn. Seal A. K.R.R.C.
6142679 L/Cpl. Sellars W. E. Surreys.
855693 Bdr. Shailes R. R.A. (*added 27/2/13 originally wrongly entered as Swailes)
6144649 L/Cpl. J.C. Skerry. 
5672383 L/Cpl. Skinner B. R. Berks.
2616557 Gdsm. Smith S.R. GrenadierGrds
T/99352 L/Cpl. E.A. Smith
Cpl. M. Smithson (later 2SBS)
3188233 Pte. Somers J. K.O.S.B.(later 2 SBS).
2616669 Cpl. Spearman W.J. GrenadierGrds
6910706 TSM. W.R. Stockdale. 
4347101 Pte. G.H. Sutton 
6291136 Pte. Swailes G. Buffs. (*not on the raid - see entry for Shailes)
4038517 Pte. S. Swinson (originally shown with initial T)
815495 Gnr. T. Taylor. 
6297957 Pte. Tilly S.V. Buffs.
2615853 Gdsm. Tombs P.G. GrenadierGrds
2586214 Sig. G.A. Tucker
7903221 Tpr. Thompson J. R.A.C.
5343090 Pte. Vestey J. Worcesters.
Spr. Vickers G. R.E.
180262 Cpl. R.G. Vowles
6291393 Pte. Waddington C. Buffs.
3657617 Pte. A. Walker. 
889072 L/Cpl. Wall D. R.A.
8835093 Cpl. Wallace J. Suffolks.
7014930 Rfn. Wallis F. R.U.R.
4346253 L/Cpl. Walsh J.W. E. Yorks.
2620747 Gdsm. J.R. Walters 
5946788 Sgt. A.W.B. Watkins 
7012390 Rfn. J. Watters 
53365587 Pte. Webb D.H. R. Berks.
2619850 Gdsm. Webster L.G. GrenadierGrds
5958490 Pte. P.A. Wells
5387562 L/Cpl. J. Whatley 
3387224 Sgt. Wharf J. E. Lancs.
2620598 Gdsm. J. Whitaker 
5831129 Pte. White M. Suffolks.
5338629 Pte. Whitling W. R. Berks.
6009739 TSM. C. Williams
7903178 Cpl. Woodward L. R.A.C.
5388317 Sig. Woodyer K. Ox & Bucks L.I. 
 
1st US Ranger Battalion 
6 Officers and 44 enlisted men particpated in the raid with No. 3 and  No. 4  Commando, and the 2nd Canadian Division. 
Capt. Roy A. Murray/Texas 
1st Lt. Leonard F. Dirks/Iowa
1st Lt. Robert Flanagan/Washington
2Lt. Edward V. Loustalot/Lousiana
2Lt. Joseph H. Randall/DCo/Washington DC
2Lt. Charles M. Shunstrom/New Jersey
Sgt. Harold R. Adams/A Co/Iowa
Sgt. Mervin T. Heacock/A Co/Minnesota
T/5 Joe C. Phillips/A Co/Kentucky
Pfc. Howard T. Hedenstad/A Co/S.Dakota
Pfc. James C. Mosely/A Co/Arkansas 
Pfc. Erwin J. Moger/A Co/Minnesota
Sgt. Lloyd N. Church/A Co/Iowa
S/Sgt. Merritt M. Bertholf/B Co/Minnesota
Sgt. Albert T. Jacobsen/B Co/Iowa
Pfc. Walter A. Bresnahan/B Co/Minnesota
Pfc. Edwin R. Ferru/B Co/Minnesota
Pfc. William E. Lienhas/B Co/Pennsylvania
Pfc. Donald L. Hayes/B Co/Iowa
Sgt. John J. Knapp/C Co/Nebraska
Sgt. Dick Sellers/C Co/Iowa
T/5 John H. Smith/C Co/Pennsylvania
Pfc. James O. Edwards/C Co/Pennsylvania
Pfc. Charles F. Grant/C Co/Tennessee
Cpl. William R. Brady/C Co/Texas
Pfc. Donald G Johnson/C Co/N Dakota
Sgt. Kenneth G Kenyon/C Co/Minnesota
S/Sgt. Gino Mercuriali/D Co/Iowa
Sgt. Marvin L. Kavanaugh/DCo/Georgia 
T/4 Howard M. Henry
T/5 William S. Brinkley/D Co/Indiana
T/5 Michael Kerecman/D Co/Ohio
Pfc. William S. Girdley/D Co/KIA/Indiana
Pvt. Jacque M. Nixon/D Co/Arkansas
Cpl. Franklin M. Koons/D Co/Iowa
S/Sgt. Lester E. Kness/E Co/Iowa
Sgt. Theodore Q. Butts/E Co/Minnesota
Pfc. Clare P. Bietel/E Co/Iowa
Pfc. Charles R. Coy/E Co/Iowa
Pfc. Charles Reilly/E Co/New York
Pfc. Owen E. Sweazey/E Co/Indiana
Sgt. Edwin C. Thompson/F Co/Iowa
Pfc. Howard W. Andre/F Co/Penn
Pfc. Stanley Bush/F Co/Michigan
Pfc. Pete M. Preston/F Co/West Virginia
Pvt. Don A. Earwood/F Co/Iowa
Sgt. Tom Sorby/F Co/Minnesota
S/Sgt. Kenneth D. Stempson/HQ/Minn
Sgt. Marcell G Swank/HQ
Sgt. Alex J Szima/HQ/Florida
[Source: 1st Ranger Bn. War Diary and History http://www.wwiirangers.com]
 
10 (IA) Commando Free French attd to No 4 Commando
 
Cpl. Taverne.
Fus. R. Rabouhans.
 
10(IA) Commando Free French attached to Canadian Forces
The following are recorded in the 10 (IA) Commando War Diary as being attached to the Canadians at Dieppe. (Source ref. War Diary, DEFE 2/45 , dated 19/8/1942.)(Information not on the original list - added 1st May 2017.)
 
Lt. Vourch
Pte. Loverini
Pte. Simon
Pte. Jean
Pte. Borettini
Pte. Tanniou.
 
10(IA) Commando Free French attached to No 3 Commando
The following are recorded in the 10 (IA) Commando War Diary as being attached to No 3 Commando at Dieppe. (Source ref. War Diary, DEFE 2/45 , dated 19/8/1942.)(Information not on the original list - added 1st May 2017.)
 
Sgt. De Wandelaer.
Cpl. Cesar
Cpl. Ropert
Cpl. Errard
 
10(IA) Commando 'X' troop at Dieppe
The following are recorded in the 10 (IA) Commando War Diary as participating at Dieppe. (Source ref. War Diary, DEFE 2/45 , dated 19/8/1942.)(Information not on the original list - added 1st May 2017.)
 
Pte. Latimer (birth name Maurice Lewy)
Pte. Platt
 
Two signallers of the South Saskatchewan Regiment were landed on Orange One Beach with No 4 Commando 'C' Troop.
Their task was to provide a lateral link between the two units, the other unit being the Canadians who landed at 'Green Beach' Pourville. 
 
Pte. Michael Faille.
Pte. Paul J. Karesa. 
 
Three men from the 'Phantom' group of signallers were also at Orange Beach One.
Capt. A.R.M. Sedgwick. R.T.R
Tpr. B. Randell. The Royal Scots.
Fus. C. King. The Royal Fusiliers. 

Military decorations for Operation Cauldron.
Capt. P.A. Porteous. The Victoria Cross. 
Lt. Col. The Lord Lovat MC. Distinguished Service Order.
Major. D Mills-Roberts. Military Cross.
Capt. G.G.H. Webb. Bar to Military Cross.
Capt. B.W.S. Boucher Myers. Mention in Despatches.
Lieut. D.C.W. Style. Military Cross.
Lieut. J. Ennis. Mention in Despatches.
Tsm. W.R. Stockdale. Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Sgt. I. Portman. Military Medal.
Sgt. P. F McCarthy. Military Medal.
Cpl. C. Blunden. Military Medal.
L/Cpl. R Mann. Military Medal.
L/Cpl. J.C. Skerry. Mention in Despatches.
Tpr. W. Finney Military Medal.
Gnr. T. McDonough. Military Medal.
Pte. F.J. Horne. Mention in Despatches.
Pte. J. Dale. Mention in Despatches.
Sgt. F. Baloche, Military Medal ( 10(IA) Cdo Free French attd. No 4 Cdo) 
Cpl. F.M. Koons Military Medal (American Rangers Detachment) 
 
The following Commandos were taken prisoner
Pte. G. Cook. F Troop.
L/Cpl. A. Diplock. A Troop.
Pte. C.A. Doublair. A Troop.
Sgt. G. Horne. F Troop.
Gnr. G.H. Iveson. B Troop.
Pte. Jim Pasquale. HQ
Pte. W. Rogers. A Troop.
L/Cpl. G. Vowles. F Troop. 
 
The names of the four German prisoners brought back to the UK
Bronislaw Wesierski.
Max Kussowski.
Otto Samuelowitch.
Leo Marsiniak.
 
nb. The above does not contain those from No 3 Commando and 40RM Commando as no such list of names has been found. However researchers can find some names of those from No.3 and 40RM [here....].
 

'Operation Cauldron'

19th August 1942. Operation Cauldron was the code name given to No 4 Commando's specific task within Operation Jubilee at Dieppe on the 19th August 1942.  Their role was to attack and destroy the Hess Battery at Varengeville.
 
Follow this link for the ROH of all the Commando Fallen at Dieppe.
 
Follow this link for a limited Nominal Roll of Commandos at Dieppe.

 

'Operation Flodden'

19th August 1942. Operation Flodden was the name given to the specific role of No 3 Commando during Operation Jubilee. Their role was to land eight miles east of Dieppe to assault and silence the coastal battery near Berneval.
 
Follow this link for the ROH of all the Commando Fallen at Dieppe
 

'Glomjford - Operation Musketoon’

Date commenced: 
Sunday, September 20, 1942
Units: 

Glomfjord, Norway

Operation Musketoon was a raid on an electricity generating station at Glomfjord in German occupied Norway. Ten Commandos from No 2 Commando and 2 Norwegian corporals working for the SOE took part in the raid leaving thier home port on the 11th September 1942.
They were taken by submarine to a remote Fjord, completed a difficult overland route, approaching their target from the rear and successfully destroyed it.
Seven were captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's infamous Commando Order. 
 
​[Click on highlighted names below for more]

Captain Graeme Delamere Black DSO, MC
Captain Joseph Blundell Houghton MC
Sergeant Miller Smith
Lance Bombardier William Henry Albert Chudley
Private Reginald Henry Makeham
Rifleman Cyril Henry Abram
Private Eric Gordon Curtis

The Commandos were accompanied by 2 scouts from Norwegian Independent Company 1 (Noric1), an SOE unit who were both later killed.

Sergeant Erling Magnus Djupdræt
Corporal Sverre Granlund

Lance Sergeant Richard O'Brien, Guardsman John Fairclough, and Private Frederick Trigg all escaped and made it back to the UK rejoining No.2 Commando. Private Trigg was killed in action in Italy on 16 February 1944. Read more about them on the links below.

Memorial at Sachsenhausen in memory of not only those executed on this raid, but of all the British and Commonwealth Forces, many still unknown, who were interned and perished there, or elsewhere, at the hands of their captors. View full size in Gallery.
These include the Commandos from Operation Checkmate [view]
 

Sachsenhausen British and Commonwealth Memorial

Sachsenhausen British and Commonwealth Memorial

BLACK, Graeme Delamere

Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
4 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps: 
South Lancashire
Service: 
Army
Number: 
106240
Born: 
Tuesday, May 9, 1911
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
31
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. 
  • Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in successful combined operations, against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy during which he was wounded.
  • Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Vaagso - Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
MC : London Gazette 35510, page 1506.
DSO : London Gazette 37349, page 5574.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

HOUGHTON, Joseph Blundell Johnson

Birth name: 
JOHNSON HOUGHTON, Joseph Blundell
Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
4 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps: 
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
130206
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Tuesday, June 13, 1911
Birthplace: 
Bromborough
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
31
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Captain Joseph Houghton MC was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Arthur Blundell Johnson Houghton, and of Leila Mary Battersby Houghton, of Knightsbridge, London. The family used the shortened surname of 'Houghton' rather than 'Johnson-Houghton'.
In March 1942 he had taken part in Operation Chariot, the raid on St Nazaire, being i/c of the protection squad for the demolition team on ML443. This was one of only 3 ML's that would make it back to the UK. Later awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Family surname: His sister Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.
MC : London Gazette 37349, page 5574.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

HOUGHTON, (No.2 Cdo executed), biography

Type: Booklet
Author: Carol Kerr, Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE
Year of Publishing: 2011
Keywords: 2 commando, joe houghton, musketoon,
So Fine and Honourable an Englishman

An account about Captain Joseph Blundell Johnson-Houghton MC, known as Joe Houghton, who served in No.2 Commando. It was written for The Colditz Society by Carol Kerr, with information provided by Capt. Houghton's sister, Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, reproduced here with the permission of the author Carol Kerr, Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, and The Colditz Society. Use the download facility above.

SMITH, Miller

Rank: 
Sergeant (Temporary Company Sergeant Major)
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Prior Police Service: 
Southport Borough Police
Regiment/Corps: 
Coldstream Guards
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2657063
Born: 
Tuesday, November 2, 1915
Birthplace: 
Middlesborough
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
26
Cemetery/Memorial: 

Sergeant Miller Smith, a former Police Officer, was one of seven men from No.2 Commando captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of James Miller Smith and Jane Smith, of Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.

Sources
CWGC.
Commando Association newsletter 96.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Nazi persecution claim: [name withheld - in closed extracts] for Mr Miller Smith / Foreign Office file FO950/4138.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
 
Notes
  • Sgt Miller Smith may have held the temporary rank of CSM, his war substantive rank being Sergeant. A photo taken at Colditz shows CSM insignia.
  • There is a plaque in his name at Merseyside Police Station, Albert Road, Southport, Sefton.
  • There is a photo of Sgt Smith in the main gallery, and one in the CVA Memorials and Plaques Album of the Memorial Plaque at Sachsenhausen to these and other men who were executed there.
Primary Roll of Honour: 

A Special Memorial Service for Sgt. Miller Smith

Units: 
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993
Special Commando Memorial Service
On 25th October last, a special Memorial Service and Parade was held in honour of Commando Sergeant Miller Smith (2 Cdo), a Southport ex-policeman, who, participating on "Operation Musketoon" the raid on Glomfjord Power Station, Norway, on 20th September, 1942, was captured with eight others trying to escape via Sweden. Subsequently taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and executed by the SS under Hitler's infamous Reprisal Order.
 
ln spite of atrocious weather, there was a magnificent turnout of veterans to honour him. The service was held in the South Chapel Memorial, the Mayor and Mayoress being in attendance. The Last Post was rendered beautifully by a Guardsman Bugler, and a wreath on behalf of the Commandos was laid ty Colonel Donald Long, MC., TD., DL. (9 Cdo). The march past was led by the Coldstream Guards (Sgt. Smith's parent regiment), under the command of a Guards Officer and NCO, followed by the Guards Association with Standard.
 
Following on was our large contingent of Commandos of some 50 in number from Bolton and Warrington with the Warrington Commando Standard, under the able guidance of Geoff Wilkes and George Rees, plus local Commandos, including Geoff Riley (5 Cdo) and Ernie Heaton (45 RM Cdo.)
 
Several other Associations with Standards also paraded. After the march past, a reception was held for all visitors who attended.

Read more about the raid [Operation Musketoon].

Linked Content: 

ABRAM, Cyril Henry

Rank: 
Rifleman
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Rifle Brigade
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6922005
P.O.W. number: 
1651
Born: 
Sunday, August 20, 1922
Birthplace: 
London
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
20
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Cyril Abram 2 Commando
Rifleman Cyril Abram was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Abram, of Manor Park, Essex.

The raid was on an electricity generating station at Glomfjord in German occupied Norway. The men were taken by submarine to a remote Fjord, completed a difficult overland route, approaching their target from the rear and successfully destroyed it. Seven were captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's infamous Commando Order. 

Sources
CWGC.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO416/1/240.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Lily Abram for Mr Cyril Henry Abram / Foreign Office file FO950/3034.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

CHUDLEY, William Henry Albert

Rank: 
Lance Bombardier
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Artillery
Service: 
Army
Number: 
882221
Born: 
Wednesday, May 10, 1922
Birthplace: 
Exeter
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
20
Cemetery/Memorial: 
William Chudley 2 Commando
Lance Bombardier William Chudley was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Richard Henry and Ellen Eliza Chudley, of Exeter.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Ellen Eliza Chudley for Mr William Henry Albert Chudley / Foreign Office file FO950/3057.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

CURTIS, Eric Gordon

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Queens Own Royal West Kent
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6349613
Born: 
Monday, October 24, 1921
Birthplace: 
London
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
20
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Eric Curtis 2 Commando
Eric Gordon Curtis 2 Commando
Private Eric Gordon Curtis was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon. He was executed on 23 October 1942, the day before his 21st birthday, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of Frederick William and May Curtis, of Catford, London.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Ellen Eliza Chudley for Mr William Henry Albert Chudley / Foreign Office file FO950/3073.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

MAKEHAM, Reginald Henry

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Gordon Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
841059
Born: 
Wednesday, January 28, 1914
Birthplace: 
Ipswich
Died : 
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age: 
28
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Reginald Makeham 2 Commando

Private Reginald Makeham, 6 troop, was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Reginald Linnel Makeham and Mary Susan Janet Hope Makeham; husband of R. Makeham, of Keswick, Cumberland.

Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway Operation Musketoon  / National Archives file WO311/382.

Primary Roll of Honour: 

TRIGG, Frederick Harry

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Sussex Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6399046
Honours & Awards: 
Died : 
Wednesday, February 16, 1944
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
25
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Frederick Harry Trigg 2 Commando
Private Frederick Trigg MM from Haywards Heath, Sussex, was killed in action in Italy. He has no known grave. Awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in 1942 during Operation Musketoon, Norway, and his subsequent evasion from capture. Seven of those on that raid were captured and executed. Private Trigg rejoined No.2 Commando taking part in Operation Avalanche at Salerno, Italy, from 9 September 1943. It was reported in newspapers  that he had been wounded during the Salerno operations and had subsequently rejoined his Regiment. 
Extract from the recommendation
Private Trigg was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Private Trigg throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 35853, page 210.
Recommendation for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/75.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.
Report in the Mid Sussex Times newspaper 22 March 1944 [see linked content below].
[Image] Collection of Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

O'BRIEN, Richard

Rank: 
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
5340890
Lance Sergeant Richard O'Brien, 2 troop, was one of the Commandos who returned from Operation Chariot, the raid on St Nazaire. He sailed on board ML 447.
 
6 months later he was one of the ten Commandos who took part in Operation Musketoon. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. LSgt O'Brien evaded capture after the successful raid and made it back to the UK.  He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during this raid.
(Source: LG Publication date: 5 March 1943, Supplement: 35929, Page: 1118).
 
The following year, now with the rank of Acting Sergeant,  he was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry between the 10th and 18th Sept. 1943 during the battles of Salerno, Dragone Hill, and Piegolelle (also seen spelt as Piegolette).
 (Source: LG Publication date: 13 January 1944, Supplement: 36327, Page: 258)
 

FAIRCLOUGH, John

Rank: 
Guardsman (later Sergeant)
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Grenadier Guards
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2619513
Honours & Awards: 
John Fairclough MM
Fairclough 2 Commando
Guardsman John Fairclough was one of the ten Commandos and 2 Norwegians who took part in Operation Musketoon. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. He was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during this raid.
Extract from the recommendation
Guardsman Fairclough was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Fairclough throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
 

The death of Sgt. John Fairclough MM of Wrexham, Clwyd, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.

Sources
London Gazette 35853, page 210.
Recommendations for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/76.
[Image 2] Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, sister of Captain Joseph Houghton MC.
 

'North Africa - Operation Torch'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, November 8, 1942

The Allied invasion of French North Africa.  The Commando units involved were part of Eastern Task Force landing on beaches close to Algiers operating alongside commando trained units of the US 34th Infantry Division

Tunisia - Operation Bizerte

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, December 1, 1942
Units: 

An operation over four days to delay and harry enemy forces withdrawing before the advance of 36 Infantry Brigade.

1 Commando, Op Bizerte part of Lt.Col Ken Trevors narrative

Transcript of Operation "Bizerte" Narrative

To:  Lt-Col. Trevor From: Philip Jordan

Acting under orders to support the advance of the 36th Infantry Brigade by turning the enemy's sea-flank, cutting his lines of communication and harrying his withdrawal, No. 1 Commando embarked in the port of TABARKA on the evening of November 30.  The Commando, which consisted of six British and four American Troops, embarked a few minutes before dusk beneath the walls of the ancient fortress which used to guard this little place, and at 1800 hrs. turned East for its destination.

The whole Commando, together with 8 donkeys whose function was to carry the mortars, sailed in nine L.C.Ms and four L.C.As and the naval personnel responsible for landing them acted under the orders of the Army.  Earlier night reconnaissance by the Naval and Commando Commander had selected as a landing place a beach some 60 miles East of Tabarka, which was protected by a spur of land from the long Eastward roll of the Mediterranean.  (Map Reference: 4805 : Sheet 2 : 1/200,000).  The Northern coast of Tunisia in this sector of land offers few opportunities for quick and successful landing:  for the most part the coast is precipitous, with mountains rising almost immediately from the sea.  At this time of the year the Mediterranean here is seldom calm:  even on a windless day the accumulated swell of 900 miles of open sea usually beats on the shore with a ferocity that makes any landing such as that contemplated impracticable.  For this reason a beach, whose approaches are guarded by a sand bar whose expanse is to some extent guarded from the perpetual swell by the Northward jutting mass of Dar Sidi el Moujad was chosen for the landing, scheduled in the original plan of operation for 0100 hrs. on Dec 1.

The journey through the night was accomplished without incident of any kind; and the beach was sighted soon after the moon came up.  It is one of the first fundamental principles of all Combined Operations that material to be landed on an open beach shall be both buoyant and waterproof.  On this occasion there were certain objects to which these principles could not apply:  the 8 donkeys, and the cinema apparatus brought by a Sergeant of the Army Film Unit.  The latter was immediately submerged and rendered useless, but 5 of the donkeys managed to swim ashore.  Two of these only were in any condition to be made use of, and the other three were returned to the landing craft from which they had come, and thence "returned to store".  As it turned out the two animals who remained on shore were useless, for the terrain proved to be unsuitable for pack-animals.

By 0315 all landings had been made, and the 10 Troops moved off to their appointed positions.  The whole Commando was divided into halves, and the most Easterly position assigned to those five Troops who landed in the first wave.  Each Troop was assigned a map reference and within its own area was to operate independently.

It had been a wet landing, with water rising approximately to just below the armpits of an average size man, but it was accomplished with the loss of only one wireless set, through who outer covering sea-water managed to percolate.  All the other sets, eleven of them, were successfully landed, each capable of maintaining communication with both or either of the headquarters attached to each half.  No attempt was made to land any set which could maintain communications with the 36th Brigade, the only available sets capable of covering the distance are too heavy to move across this ground.

[PAGE 2 OF NARRATIVE MISSING

cycle came down the road, but was allowed to proceed in the hope that it might be leading a convoy.  Otherwise there was no movement until late that night when a drunken pilot of the Africa Corps (who insisted that all New Zealanders cut the throats of their prisoners) came careering along the road on a motor cycle, and was captured at the bridge just south of the road junction.  With perhaps greater veracity he said that an attack was coming from the Bizerte direction.

On the third afternoon the enemy opened fire from the cover of woods, at a range of about 600 yards, and four armoured cars were reported to be moving forward to attack.  Actually only two were seen, both of them eight wheeled, both coloured for desert war rather than for a Tunisian campaign in winter.  The second of the two Troops was attacked from machine gun nests and shelled from eight wheeled armoured cars, but they replied with light machine gun fire and with armour piercing rifle fire; and the enemy withdrew.

All the Troops attacking the enemy road position came under heavy fire, but throughout the whole operation, from which they eventually withdrew because of the inevitable shortage of rations, the initiative remained in their hands.  They were able to come and go at will, and to make and break contact with the enemy whenever it seemed proper to them to do so.  For a total casualty list of 6 officers and 128 other ranks they were not only able to fulfill their programme and return with valuable information - particularly concerning Sidi Ahmed aerodrome, on to which at 1100 hours each day, twenty large transport planes landed with fighter escort, and on the first day fourteen bombers - but to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.

They were able to observe that the enemy's main supply route from Bizerte is along the road from the fork just west of Sidi Ahmed aerodrome southwards through Tindja and the outskirts of Ferryville, for throughout the whole of the operation the enemy was moving his columns solely by this route.  One such column, of 100 vehicles with A.F.V. protection and fighter cover was observed by Capt. Bradford's Troop during their observation of the aerodrome area, which is continually protected by not only very large ground forces but by A.F.V's as well.

Among the casualties were Captain Bradford who led his men to within four miles of the centre of Bizerte itself; and who was killed leading his Troop against the enemy.  He died giving coherent orders to his remaining officer for the future disposition of his men.  Earlier in the day he had lost one of his officers, Lieut. Petty, while his men, having cut the telephone wires near Bizerte and used them as trip wires, were crossing a piece of open ground in twos and threes.  During this move they were fired upon by German's wearing French uniform.  Six or eight of them, who were close enough to Lieut. Petty, threw hand grenades at him and his batman, and both fell.  The batman was not killed, for he rose from the ground with his hands up, and pointed down to where Lieut. Petty was lying.  This gesture was the signal for the Germans to throw three more grenades at the spot where Lieut. Petty had fallen.

Capt. Morgan, who commanded the Troop on the immediate left of Capt. Bradford was also killed.  He too died after giving coherent orders to his men to carry on the battle.

It is some indication of the severity of the fighting during this operation that five officers have been recommended for the M.C., sixteen Other Ranks for the M.M., and one for the D.C.M.  The whole operation lasted three days, after which the Commando spent two days withdrawing to a rendezvous down to the road to Cap Serrat, during which period they were able to investigate the right flank of the enemy engaged by the 36th Brigade.  During the whole operation the average ration per man worked out at about one tin of bully, one packet of biscuits - all of which we sodden when the first landing was made - so tea, chocolate and cigarettes.  One troop was able to buy a calf from local Arabs, which they then butchered and cooked.  Others picked up a few eggs and chickens here and there.

Because of the necessity of travelling light, little ammunition was carried, and much of that was brought back.  This does not imply a small casualty roll for the enemy, for each man is a highly trained shot, and the minimum effective proportion which he is expected to achieve is twenty-five per cent of all shots fired.

Perhaps the main lesson to be derived from this operation, which certainly went according to plan, is that the sea can no longer be considered a safe flank.  An enterprise such as this, conducted by the navy and army, both operating under the command of the latter, shows that the function of the Commandos plus the Navy is that of the cavalry:  to turn the enemy's flank and harass his rear while the main attack is being put in from behind.  This operation showed beyond any doubt that when the original plan is such that adherence to it is possible, a small force, operating on cavalry lines, can inflict relatively high casualties on the enemy, disorganize his supply routes and withdraw at its own will without itself suffering in anything like the same degree.

It remains only to be added that none of the enemy prisoners withdrawn survived the journey to the final rendezvous, a rendezvous made the more cheerful by the fact that the first mail from home was waiting there, as well as a supply of Airgraph cards which are to be in England before Christmas.

Source:
Copy of National Archives document supplied by John Mewett. Transcribed by Jennie Barlow.
Note: Page two of this document is missing…but it is placed here so the contents can be used accordingly.

                                                        

1 Commando, Operation Bizerte Plan and Structure Dec'42

No. 1 Commando:  Operation Bizerte

Appendix 1:  December 1942

Authors:  Various

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

Maps will be added later to this War DIary segment

The report is divided into the following headings:

1.         Intention

2.         Objects

3.         Plan

            (a)  Navy

            (b)  Army

4.         Execution of Plan

5.         Attainments of Objects

6.         Information

            (a)  Topographical

            (b)  Local Inhabitants

            (c)  Energy

7.         Casualties

8.         Recommendations

9          Map attached

 

 

REPORT

Ref. Maps: 1/50,000 Sheets No’s, 1, 2, 5 & 6, and 1/200,000 Sheet No. 2.

1.  INTENTION

No. 1 Commando attached to 36 Inf. Brigade to support the advance of the Brigade by turning the enemy's sea flank - cutting his lines of communication and harrying his withdrawal.  Leading elements of 36 Inf. Brigade to make contact with the Commando on D.2 at Road Junction 5094.

2.  OBJECTS

1.  Seize and hold Road Junction 5094.

2.  Seize and hold Road Junction 5796.

3.  Deny road to enemy.

4.  Destroy enemy transport.

5.  Delay and harry enemy forces withdrawing before the 36 Inf. Bde.

3.  PLAN

(a) - NAVAL

The whole Commando to be embarked in 9 L.C.M.'s and 4 L.C.A.'s by 1730 hrs.  D+1 at TABARKA.  The flotilla to be formed up outside the harbour at 1800 hrs. and move off.  The landing to be made at 0100 hrs, D.1 on the beach in the area 4805, in two waves, and to return to the base at TABARKA.

(b) - ARMY

The Commando to be divided into two halves, Left and Right Half, each half composed of five Troops and H.Q.s;  Right Half commanded by Lt. Col. T.H. Trevor, and Left Half commanded by Major K.R.S. Trevor.

Right Half who were to take up the most Easterly Positions to be landed in the first wave.  On landing four Troops were to move forward independently to following areas and to act independently on their arrival:

Holt's Troop: On extreme Right flank covering road from area 5395.

Morgan's Troop: Right centre in area Road Junction 5796.

Thompson's Troop: Left centre in area 5998.

Bradford's Troop: On extreme Left flank in area 6100.

Craven's Troop: In reserve with Right Half Commando H.Q. in area 5100.

Left Half to take up positions around the Road Junction 5094:

Davies' Troop: On extreme Right flank in area 4991.

Martin's Troop: In Right centre in area 4993.

Pollitt's Troop: In Left centre in area 5094.

Davidson's Troop: On Left flank in area 5295.

Marshall's Troop: In reserve in area 4895 overlooking road.

Headquarters: In a position overlooking Road Junction at 4996.

All Troops and H.Qs. to move independently and to assist each other where possible when in position.

COMMUNICATION

1 x No. 18 Set W/T and Signal personnel to be attached to each Troop and both H.Qs.  Each Half to be allotted different frequencies but Control Sets at each H.Q. to come up on each other's frequency when required.  All Ranks to use semaphore for Sub-Section, Section, Troop and individual communication.  It was considered that runners could not be used as country was too rough and danger of observation by enemy too great.

Communication with 36 Brigade was considered impossible owing to the distance, country, and unavailability of powerful enough W/T Set which if available would be too heavy to land or transport across country.

4 - EXECUTION OF PLAN

(See Troop Commanders' Reports attached.)

5 - ATTAINMENT OF OBJECTS

1.  Road Junction 5094 was occupied until D.3. when a German armoured column composed of 3 Armoured Cars, 2 Tanks and 3 Lorry loads of Infantry put in an attack from the West.

2.  Road Junction 5796 was occupied throughout D.1. when enemy attack by A.F.Vs. and Infantry forced a withdrawal into the hills.  After the tactical withdrawal it was still covered from the hills until D.2.

3.  The Road between Road Junction 5094 - Road Junction 5796 was denied to the enemy until D.3.

4.  All transport was destroyed which amounted to 1 Motor-cycle Combination with 4 men.  One Motor-cycle Combination was allowed to proceed hoping it was leading a convoy.

5.  The enemy was harried for 3 days and he was forced to draw on his reserves and to detach a force to counter the threat on his flank and rear.

6.  The Commando occupied and dominated throughout 3 days the area between 47-62 Eastings and from the road to the Sea inclusive, during which time one Troop exploited to within 6 Kilometers of BIZERTE; which included the aerodrome SIDI AHMED 6700.

By dawn the whole Commando had advanced some 5 miles inland, without making any contact with the enemy or with the local inhabitants.  Their objectives now lay before them, on the far side of the range: the road junction (5094) where the main route from Bizerte to Mateur round the Northern shores of Garaet Achkel is joined by a Secondary route which runs Westwards some two and a half to three miles South of the coast: the road junction 5 miles to the East of it (5796) at Douar Faroudja: and the road which runs between them.  These they held, the former for three days with a small detachment that required an enemy column of three armoured cars, two tanks, and three lorry loads of infantry to dislodge them:  the latter for one day.  After a tactical withdrawal from the latter it was covered from the hills for a further 24 hours.

From now until three days later the Commando not only dominated this area and denied the use of the road to the enemy, but they sent a Troop to keep under continuous observation the aerodrome at Sidi Ahmed, about 7 miles to the North East of Douar Faroudja.  During those three days the Command also occupied an area of some 125 square miles, inside which they moved with complete freedom; and were able to destroy any enemy transport attempting to use the road between 5094 and 5796.  Those were the immediate and tangible factors of the operation, but in addition the Commando forced the enemy to draw on his reserves and to detach what may properly by assumed to have been a substantial force to counter the threat to his flank and rear.

All this was accomplished in the face of considerable topographical difficulties, none of which could have been suspected from a preliminary study of available maps.

Near the roads the country is open and easily accessible to tanks, but only in their immediate neighborhood.  Off the road the Commando were able to advance only about 2 miles in every hour during the hours of daylight, and half that rate at night.  The hills and valleys in the area of the operations are covered with Mediterranean heather, rising to a height of at least 7 feet.  Higher up the mountains the scrub is lower but the going is no less difficult.  Often the easiest method of progression is to imitate the goat and move on hands and knees, for these animals, which roam the hills in profusion, have forced their own tracks through the undergrowth.  What tracks for human beings the country does provide are hard to find even on a large scale map, and normal movement is difficult without the aid of a local guide.

Trustworthy guides are hard to find, for there is no fixed local political orientation: some Arabs are extremely friendly to the Commando, some pointed out their positions to the enemy.  Some Italians at an outlying farm showed great kindness to our wounded men, and one Troop Commander reports that he was informed that the Germans had shot three Frenchmen who had given food to our men.  The Germans themselves almost certainly disguise some of their men as Arabs; and one German was shot wearing French uniform, as was one who appeared in the green beret of the Commando and a British gas cape and called upon Capt. Craven's Troop to surrender.

The main enemy position encountered lay a short way back from the road junction 5094, and appeared to be fairly well concealed.  Its machine gun nests were sighted to give good enfilade fire, and it also disposed of some 2-pounders on concealed tracks.  Fire was withheld until the Commando forces were well within an organized network of machine gun fixed lines.

This position was most closely approached by two Troops, those of Capt. Davidson and Capt. Pollitt.  Both Troops reached approximate positions in the early afternoon and detached parties to form road blocks with heavy stones and whatever else they could find to do the work.  On the following afternoon an enemy motorcycle.  At the end of D.3. the Commando withdrew in its own time down the road to CAP SERRAT, investigating the enemy's Right flank during the process.

INFORMATION

(a) TOPOGRAPHICAL:

The country covered by the Commando is very different to that portrayed by the map.  Near the Road the country is open and fairly good tank country.  Movement off the road is difficult but possible.  Rate of advance 1 M.P.H. at night and 2 M.P.H. by day (not using tracks).  The hills and valleys are covered with Mediterranean heather, low bush and high bush.  Tracks are hard to find from the map and it is advisable to have a local guide.  Streams are mainly dry but there is plenty of water available in wells, again local knowledge is preferable.

Coast:  The coast is difficult, many beaches impracticable owing to surf, with strong Westerly swell.

Movement:  Movement is facilitated by getting into the hills where the scrub is shorter.

Roads:  The main road between the Road Junctions was the equivalent of second-class English roads with room for two lines of slow moving traffic.  Road to CAP SERRATT was passable to tracked vehicles of carrier type and if repaired suitable for single line traffic.

(b) LOCAL INHABITANTS

The local inhabitants’ attitude and behaviour can most easily be explained by their own saying that they were "Amis Toute la Monde".  Many instances were provided of Arabs being exceptionally friendly and useful, but on several occasions Arabs definitely were hostile.  Arabs on three known occasions deliberately gave away our positions and pointed them out to the enemy.  Some of the Arabs were in all probability disguised Germans and Italians.  Great kindness and even food was given to the wounded by some Italians at an outlying farm.  One German was also shot wearing French uniform.

(c) ENEMY

a - Static Positions:  Any positions encountered are shown on attached map.  They appeared to be fairly well concealed M.G. nests sited to give good enfilade.  Some small two pounder guns on tracks are concealed ready to move where required.  Fire is held until our forces are well inside a well organised network of M.G. fixed lines.

b - Composition of Mobile Column:  The enemy mobile columns which were sent out to combat the threat of the Commando were organised on the following lines:

 

            Armoured Cars             2 - 3 as point section.

            Lorry-borne infantry      2 - 2 lorry loads.

            Medium Tanks              2 - 3

c - Use of Arabs:  The enemy made use of Arabs as guides and it was suspected that they were disguising themselves in Arab dress.

d - L. of C.:  Capt. Bradford's Troop which exploited to the East reported a large convoy of about 100 vehicles composed of supply lorries with A.F.V. protection and fighter aircraft cover, moving S.W. from BIZERTE.  As this column did not come through the road dominated by the Commando, it is deduced that the enemy's L. of C. must be along the road which runs due south from Road Junction at 6501.

e - Personnel:  The only enemy positively identified were a Corporal from a L.A.A. Regiment and G.A.F. officer and Corporal.  During the operation, on at least one occasion the enemy adopted the distinctive Commando head-dress a British Cape A.G. taken from a Commando casualty in order to delude our own troops into thinking that they were friendly.

f - Air Forces:  Throughout the operation the main BIZERTE aerodrome situated at SIDI AHMED was under observation.  Fairly dense enemy air activity was observed on the aerodrome which included D.1.  14 bombers arriving from North East picking up fighter escort over the aerodrome and moving away eastwards.  On D.1., D.2. and D.3. 20 large transport planes with fighter cover landed on the aerodrome at approximately 1100 hrs. each day.  Fighter aircraft were stationed on the aerodrome.

The Troop which exploited to the aerodrome area discovered that very large enemy forces including A.F.Vs. made up the ground defences.  This is confirmed by local reports.

Throughout the operation, German Fighter planes flew very low over the Commando area but failed, with one exception, to discover Troop positions.

7 - CASUALTIES

The following casualties were suffered during the operation:

British Troops:              4 Officers         56 Other Ranks

American Troops:         2 Officers         72 Other Ranks

                                                            ________________________

           

                                    6 Officers           128 Other Ranks

                                                            ________________________

Wounded and removed to hospital 4 Other Ranks (British).

 

 

 

1 Commando, Troop reports Op Bizerte Dec 1942

No. 1 Commando:  Operation Bizerte

Appendix 1:  December 1942

Troop Commanders reports

Authors:  Various

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

NA Document ….no Ref Number

TROOP COMMANDERS' REPORTS

Lt. D.H. Cowap (Capt. Morgan's Troop)

Bad landing; wireless set drowned and we had no W/T communication for the whole operation.  Left beach 0245 hrs. on D.1.

At first light found ourselves at pt. 510014.  Carried on and heard firing from area 545965 and assumed it to be Lieut. Holt's Troop which was on our left.  Started up valley leading to high ground 573980 and heard firing to our Right which was coming over our heads.  Sent out recce parties to our Right, found enemy firing at Capt. Bradford's Troop on our Left.

At about 1100 hrs. going up forward slope came under concentrated mortar fire which appeared to be from a good way off (1000 yards).  Had two casualties here before getting out of range.

At 1130 hrs. runner came from Lt. Thompson's Troop to say that it had been fired upon and had had to keep their heads down from 0900 to 1100 hrs. in same area as that in which we had been mortared.  Capt. Morgan and I climbed on to ridge and found we had got almost exactly to the right spot at pt. 577988.  Owing to no scrub and very open country it was quite impossible to go down forward slope in daylight.

At about 1400 hrs. saw one sand-coloured 30-cwt and motor-cycle travelling down road from FERRYVILLE in Westerly direction.  Got Troop to dig slit trenches and it was about 1500 hrs. that Lt. Petty told us that Capt. Bradford was on our Left and owing to nature of ground was withdrawing to higher ground, and we also decided to withdraw to the hills where there was some scrub.

At about 1700 hrs. on D.1. I heard fire and saw enemy carrier with what appeared to be a 2-pounder gun.  I ran back to try and get somewhere near the position and saw that a light tank was blazing away directly into the slit trenches, and one of my L.M.Gs. was put out of action immediately.  My other Bren gunner did very well and kept tank back enabling No. 2. Section to withdraw, which they accomplished.  The Light Tank came up directly in the setting sun and hit the tank but seemed to have no effect.  By this time Capt. Morgan had been killed and his last words were "Tell No. 2. Section to get back and the other to give covering fire".

Pte. Williams 83 kept up accurate L.M.G. fire and apparently wiped out enemy Section trying to get Machine gun into position, so that enemy machine gun never actually got firing.  L/Sgt. Jones saw four lorry loads of enemy infantry come slightly off the road and unload as it was getting dark.

I took remainder of Troop back to position 543985 which took about 4 hours, arriving there about 2400 hrs.  Sent out a patrol to find Troop signalers; and get maps etc. off Capt. Morgan.  Lt. Kiaer and his Section withdrew on Capt. Morgan's orders.

At 1100 hrs. on D.2. Capt. Craven's Troop started to come through, which I followed, and joined Left Half H.Q.  I remained attached to Capt. Craven's Troop throughout the remainder of the Operation.

Lieut. A.J. Davies (Capt. Bradford's Troop)

We were second Troop off beach and marched on bearing of 135 degrees and at first light arrived in area 545995, but discovered we had another three hills to cover before arriving at our position overlooking road half-way between Road Junctions.  Capt. Morgan came up to tell us their position and all that they had seen.

We moved back to White Building with 8 or 10 men from Lt. Thompson's Troop, where we arrived at about 1500 hrs.  After about half an hour, we saw the German A.F.V. and after 20 mins. a Sgt. and two men from Capt. Morgan's Troop came up and told us that their Troop had been heavily engaged on the hill and that Capt. Morgan was killed.

A wireless message was received to attack the aerodrome with Capt. Craven's Troop.

Left White House at 1700 hrs. to R.V. with Capt. Craven's Troop at approx. 0100 hrs.  We left the R.V., not having seen Craven's Troop and continued on the road towards BIZERTE.  Moved from position leaving certain men who were incapacitated and wireless men.  Could not find Capt. Craven's Troop.  The men were tired after moving across ploughed clay.

We came up on to road at 630005 and cut telephone wires, using the wire as trip wire.  At road junction 655012 there were slit trenches in very bad state of repair (milestones indicated this to be 6 Km. from BIZERTE).  Again cut wire and put up trip wire.

Having seen no enemy activity we started back and lay up night at about 0430 hrs. in a position in hedgerow.  At about 0600 hrs. when we had rested we could see we were at pt. 603990.  Capt. Bradford decided that the Troop would cross the open country in twos and threes towards the hills.  About three quarters of the Troop had got across when some Frenchmen on the South side started firing - these Frenchmen were west of the farmhouse we were making for.  On the Left there was spasmodic firing (the supposed Frenchmen were Germans wearing French uniform).

I went up into the hills where I met T.S.M. Coleman and he told me he thought Lt. Petty was killed, and that he and a Medical Orderly had left the hedgerow and when about 600 yards away saw 6 or 8 Germans throw grenades and saw Lt. Petty and his batman fall, then his batman rise with hands up and pointing to the ground apparently where Lt. Petty was lying.  The Germans then threw a further three Grenades at Lt. Petty.

I took the Troop to the Troop R.V. White House, which was about half a mile further on.  It appeared that 6 men who had gone round the Left flank were captured by the Germans.  Capt. Bradford turned up after about half an hour and gave orders for the Troop to rest for about two hours.

At about 1000 hrs. on D.2. whilst proceeding to White House, I saw a convoy of about 200 vehicles moving up the road at pt. 590970 and proceeding S.W.  There were motor-cycle combinations and about 10 large trucks moving close, together and slowly.

At about 1700 hrs, the first bullet hit the White House and the firing continued for about 10 minutes.  Capt. Bradford sent me round to the back of the house to see where it was coming from, but I could see nothing.  Just afterwards Capt. Bradford came round himself and was hit.  He could not move his legs and L/Cpl. Tuffy (Medical Orderly) attended to him.  I gave orders that Capt. Bradford was to be evacuated and that covering fire was to be given.  A stretcher was made out of two rifles and toggle ropes, and we attempted to get to a ridge but Capt. Bradford died on the way up and we buried him there.  The last words spoken by Capt. Bradford were "Tell Mr. Davies to get the men away from this position" spoken to Medical Orderly.

On Thursday morning D.3. we withdrew over the hills and found ourselves near the beach where we had landed.  From there we travelled along the coast to CAP SERRAT where a friendly Frenchman provided two meals for 64 men (i.e. ourselves and 16 men from Capt. Davidson's Troop).

Capt. J. Craven

We landed at 0300 hrs. and those who landed first got a bad landing, but the others only got wt to their waists.

We moved away on a bearing of 162 degrees and arrived at position of RIGHT HALF Commando H.Q. at about 1000 hrs, staying in this position during D.1.  Saw nothing until about 1400 hrs. when we observed people coming from the S.W. and it turned out to be Capt. Davidson's Troop.

Received orders to contact Capt. Bradford and with him, attack aerodrome (BIZERTE) or other enemy positions in that area.

We made a very good pace and did not stop until just before it got dark.  I could not get any information either from Commando H.Q. or Capt. Bradford's Troop by our wireless.

We waited from 2000 to 2100 hrs. but saw no sign of Capt. Bradford's Troop so we moved back to area 603014.  Reached dry river bed at about 2200 hrs. and rested there until 0200 hrs.  Capt. Bradford still did not show up so in the morning I decided it was no use us staying there and went back to where Capt. Bradford should have been.

Reached position 575975 where we were on top of forward slope of hill with a little scrub for cover.  I then took Troop farther down to look for better cover but found none, and at about 0600 hrs. on D.2. told the men to get into position on side of hill.

On hill Pt. 565975 (marked 127) we could see some people moving about and I decided to love my position and sent out a Section under Lieut. Davison to find who was on this hill.

Everything seemed alright when a man appeared wearing Green Beret and Gas Cape and asked Lt. Davison to surrender.  I saw 20 people come up behind us and was just waiting for the reports to come when the battle opened up.

I sent Lt. Turnbull on the right flank.  Lt. Davison's Section was firing back, and I moved across the open ground on the left flank myself. Machine Gun fire opened up at about 300 yards away and I decided to bring No. 2. Section back when I noticed an enemy A.F.V. was also firing as us, though this did us no damage.  I told Lt. Davison to carry on giving covering fire.  Then the enemy reported in the rear came up and I placed No. 2 Section in position to counter this, and I thought I was now in a good position.  Lt. Turnbull shouted that he was held up, and shell firing started, so I decided to withdraw.  Myself and 17 men got over the hill and Lt. Davison and Lt. Turnbull withdrew from what apparently must have been a trap.

At dawn on D.2. I was ordered to set off to Left Half H.Q.  Arrived there just about 1400 hrs. when the battle on road had just started.

From then on I came under Major Trevor's command and moved that evening with Left Half H.Q.

Sgt. Scissons (Lt. Holt's Troop)

We landed at approx 0315 hrs. in the centre.  The water was waist high.  Our position was to be on the right flank of the Right Half near 5595.  It was rough going most of the way with high scrub.

At 0730 we contacted Left Half H.Q. who shouted to us that we were too much over to the West.  We immediately went directly East.  We came over a high range of hills.  The head of the Troop were 75 yards from a building near the road in a valley when we heard aircraft and had stopped.  We heard no sound of firing or encountered any enemy or own Troops.  A Machine Gun opened fire from this building and must have hit some men as I heard men shouting for the Medical Orderly (time 1100 hours D.1.).  On our Right flank on a ridge about 50 to 75 yards away were German T.S.M.G's.  After the first few volleys a 3" Mortar opened up.  The head of the column had opened fire and we bagged the T.M.S.Gs.  We were pinned down and I withdrew under cover to try a flanking movement.  We went back 150 yards and crawled across the ground.  On reaching a hill north of the T.S.M.G. position I had only four men with me.  We were on the opposite side of the hill to the bridge and I ordered three men to go around the left side of the hill, and myself and one man went round the other side.  One of the three men on the left side was killed by T.S.M.G.  I shouted to the men on the left side of the hill to withdraw and I would cover them.  Before I withdrew myself I was able to shoot one T.S.M.G. as he tried to fire at the three men withdrawing.  Four of us were now left.  The rest of the Troop were still down in the valley and were machine gunned from the air.  I decided to withdraw to higher ground and contact another Troop.  We had not gone far when we were fired on again by T.S.M.G.  We found a good piece of cover and awaited darkness.  While we were there about 1500 hours another Troop came into the position (Capt. Davidson's).

At 18.15 hours we moved and travelled 2 miles towards Right Half H.Q. and got a sleep in a good position until 0530 hrs. D.2.  We moved on D.2. North West and contacted Pollitt's Troop at 0700 hrs.  We remained with him during D.2. until he took us to Martin's Troop in the evening.

During withdrawal on D.3. we joined the reserve Troop (Marshall's).

Note:  The Arabs in our first position on D.1. were pointing out our position to the enemy.

S/Sjt. McFarland (Lt. Thompson's Troop)

We landed at 0215 hrs. about the centre of the flotilla.  We had to wade with water up to our armpits.  We were to take up a position in Left Centre.  Our route was generally South.  The route was rough going crossing many hills covered with scrub waist high.  We reached a hill at 5102 and thought we were close to the main road.  Lieut. Thompson ordered me to move to the Right and take up a position, one Sub-section covering the road and one Sub-section in our rear.  From this time I never saw Lieut. Thompson or the other Section again.

1000 hrs. D.1. I started down the valley with my Section and realised I was a long way from the road.  When I got a position where the river runs North and South (5400) I heard shooting on our Right front about 1 mile away.  I continued on my route toward my position and got about half a mile S.E. from the river when we were fired on by two machine guns and Snipers.  Nobody was hit.  We carried on and the firing ceased.  We shortly afterwards met Morgan's Troop who were under fire at that time.  We thought firing came from Lt. Holt's Troop in error.  Capt. Morgan thought so also.  We carried on to our position at 5998 and found Capt. Bradford's Troop there.  We took up our position in conjunction with Bradford's Troop.  This was about 1530 hrs. D.1.  I gave the order for the men to cover the road.  One motor-cycle passed from West to East but we let it go through.  A car came along the road from BIZERTE containing two officers? and one corporal.  They stopped opposite our positions.  The German came up to our position and started firing on one of these sub-sections.  He was shot.  He was searched and his papers retained and have been handed in.  The two Officers turned and escaped in their car.  Capt. Bradford called me over and told me he was moving back three quarters of a mile, into a new position.  He gave me the option of staying with him and attacking the aerodrome or returning to find Lt. Thompson.  I decided to look for Lt. Thompson (1730 hrs. D.1.).

At 1800 hrs. Capt. Bradford's Troop departed and we remained with five men of Capt. Bradford's Troop who had been left behind.  We could see fighting near the road on our right so we decided to withdraw further into the hills where we spent the night.

D.2.  We tried to contact our own Troop without success during the day.  We spent the night further to the West.

D.3.  Withdrew along the road to Cap Serrat, where we picked up four men from Capt. Davis's Troop and reached R.J. CAP SERRAT at 1000 hrs:  D.4.

Our rations were 1 Tin of bully, 1 packet of biscuits, tea, chocolate and cigarettes.  We bought eggs and chickens from the Arabs.

We carried            200 rounds per T.S.M.G.

                                1000 rounds per B.A.R.

                               48 rounds per rifleman

We expended 30 rounds.

Capt. Davidson

Approached march similar to Capt. Pollitt's Troop.  Parted from Capt. Pollitt in sq. (5197) as we had to travel farther East.  We worked down to Pt. 524958 where we found we had a very good view of the road from the corner Westwards, and we placed our sniper there with telescope, which was about 1030 hrs. on D.1.  We took up position at 523954.  Heard firing on our left which we took to be Lt. Holt's Troop as we understood that his was the next Troop on our flank.  We noticed that there is a ridge (not shown on map) running practically along the grid 95 which was actually higher than the one we were on.  I thought it would be a good thing if we pushed on, and at about 1130 hrs. an Arab rushed down waving his arms and two machine guns opened up on our left front from Pt. 527950.  We immediately got down and L/Cpl. Rogers opened fire with Bren, but was hit and knocked out and his gun put out of action.  I called out to the Section Sergeants to work their men back.  I gave the order to withdraw in a North West direction and most of the men started working themselves in this direction while exchanging fire with the enemy.  An armoured car started working up from the road at Pt. 524947 and opened fire with heavy and light Machine Guns at 500 yards range, and most of the Troop headed due north into the hills as all of the lines of withdrawal were dangerous.  I eventually got to 523955 with about half my H.Q. Section.  The Mortar man laid three smoke bombs which he had, but the wind was not favourable.  I knew that approximately 20 men did get over the brow of the hill and the smoke helped a few more.

We R.V'd. at Pt. 517997 and there were 27 men, apparently all the men who remained were in exposed positions and could not move.  Lt. Gardner-Jones got out of the positions at 1600 hrs. and Lt. Gardner at 1500 hrs.  The Sergeant Major in charge of part of the Troop apparently failed to find Commando H.Q. and found themselves so far back in the hills that they could see the stranded A.L.C.'s. on the beach, and so they made their way back along the coast to CAP SERRAT (Commando R.V.).  All the men extricated themselves safely.

Lt. Gardner during his withdrawal to CAP SERRAT was told that three Frenchmen had been shot by the Germans for supplying food to the British Troops.

At about 11.00 hrs. on D.1. I had seen what I took to be M.T. Vehicles burning with a pale grey smoke at Pt. 490910.

Capt. Davies

Landed at 0300 hrs. in Left Flank boat.  Got ashore practically all together and were first away from the beach.  Marched on compass course of 180 degrees.  Very bad country and estimated speed was one mile per hour.  It was about 0830 hrs. before we definitely knew our position 5096.  Found Marshall and Left Half H.Q.  Lt. Marshall moved off immediately to his position.  There was no traffic of any kind on the road.  Crossed river bed and under bridge (not shown on map) and came to what I thought was one mile behind our position at 1500 hrs.

Moved just before dusk to (495925).  Party on road to act as road block.

My H.Q. was within 200 yards of road.  Lt. Martin on my right whom I contacted early on D.2.  Nothing happened except some firing from area East of our position.

In the afternoon of D.2. enemy Motor Cycle came through and I let it go under the impression that Capt. Pollitt was still in his position.  Later received message we were to deal with everything on road as Martin and I were the only Troops actually on the road at the time.

Just before dusk received message to close on river bridge 4993 and just at dusk took up position, with one section on road.  Late that night another enemy motor cycle came down the road (German pilot of the Afrika Corps who was quite definitely drunk and who gave information that an attack was coming from the BIZERTE direction, he said that New Zealanders cut prisoners throats).

During next day D.3. Lt. Martin took over my prisoner and placed him with other prisoner in house.

Around 1400 hrs. fire was opened from cover of woods.

Enemy gun and Machine gun fire on our road position from about 600 yards range, was pretty accurate.  Reported that four coloured armoured cars were approaching and I saw two eight wheeled sand coloured armoured cars.  As situation became rather critical I went right flanking and the enemy apparently did the same.  We did this three times and each time the enemy did so too.  One of my patrols reported that Germans now occupied position 4993.  A rifleman reported, which was quite true, that an enemy tank was coming in over the hill (this tank was about 500 yards range and was in the scrub about hull down so that I could just see the gun turret and two men's heads.  Tank was directed to us by Arabs).  Reported tank to H.Q. and received order to withdraw one mile in direction of river - saw another tank come over the hill so withdrew to 474930.

At 1330 hrs. received orders to withdraw a further three miles and then break off action.  I arrived in open space as it was getting dark so decided to take up position at 453957 where we lay up for the night.

(D.4.)  Withdrew a further three miles West and contacted Marshall's Troop at 413962.  Then received orders to withdraw to White House 390947.

               Our rations lasted three days without outside aid.  Wireless still working well.

               Lay up on fifth night in area 380940 with Marshall and Martin's Troop.

               Arrived crossroads at 1430 hrs. on D.5.

Capt. Pollitt

Arrived on beach and were third boat to the right.  Bad landing.  Moved off together with Capt. Davidson's Troop.  Hard going but did not stop until we arrived in area 5197.  On way up Arabs reported that there were Germans in their village but Capt. Davidson could not find any.  Arrived R.V. between 0900 and 1000 hrs.  One section searched Arab villages in area.

Whole Troop halted at 514957 and I went forward with party on to road to make reconnaissance of the area.  One section took up position facing BIZERTE.  Number 2 Section went down forward slope.  At 506944 put road block (heavy stones etc).

Heard considerable firing from the Left flank but could see nothing.  Firing went on and I saw some Mortar smoke, but patrol could not find anything.  Could not get into wireless communication with Capt. Davison's Troop on Left flank.  Remained here until nearly dark.  Moved back into area 951514 and had something to eat, leaving one section in position overlooking the road blocks.

After dark this Section withdrew and was replaced by a patrol which saw nothing.  On D.2. received order to recce. area on my left (Capt. Davidson's).  Acting on information from one of Capt. Davidson's men we moved eastwards and saw enemy on hill 523936.  Found that three of four probable enemy machine gun posts were on right flank and decided to attack them at night.  As Troop had had no rest with withdrew about one mile into the hills and I gave orders for everyone to feed and take rest, as we would attack at night.  Just then orders came through for us to attack valley at 2000 hrs.  Later received fresh orders that we had to harry the enemy in Area 5295.  Stood to all night as information was that an attack was expected, and we watched road very carefully as we did not know whether or not the Right Half were coming through our Area.

Remained in position on D.3. and sent out one patrol to see that there was no infiltration by the enemy.  Suddenly enemy A.F.V's. reported coming up from South West.

One Section proceeded to area 9653, leaving One Section in position;  enemy armoured vehicles opened fire on them.  Section withdrew and took up a position about a quarter of a mile back parallel to road.  We saw the eight wheeled armoured cars come down road and open shell and machine fire.  These were fired on by our L.M.G's. and riflemen with A.P.  We withdrew to area 512954.  The idea was to go back into that area to search for a wounded man, find an Anti-tank rifle, and see if the area was occupied.  We withdrew and decided to go in again at night.  Our position was 505966.  One Section was still out sniping.  No wireless communication with H.Q. so got through from Marshall's Troop that H.Q. were withdrawing at 1745 hrs. and acting on instructions we withdrew on the main road at 2100 hrs. patrols going down the road to try and contact enemy.

On D.4. moved to R.V. 416962.  Moved a further three miles west where we met Major Trevor at 0730 hrs. and withdrew further as ordered.  In Area 507945 we found there were enemy weapon pits.

On D.1. we had seen three four - ten lorries coming down road from East and turning back along the road to BIZERTE.

The L.M.G. which covered Left flank expended about 150 rounds of A.P. ammunition, and it did stop the leading armoured car after about half a magazine had been fired.

The Troop expended about 250 rounds of ammunition.

Average man had two tins of stew, half tin of bully, three bars of chocolate and two packets of biscuits.

Lieut. Martin

Landed on sand bar fourth boat from right.  Got tangled with No. 6 Troop and were fourth troop from last to move off from beach.

Marched on a bearing of 190 degrees.  At 0900 hrs. in position on peak overlooking main road.  Rested from 0900 hrs. to 1100 hrs.  From then until 1500 hrs. moved to position 92 and 48 grid line.  Here I made a dump of surplus ammunition as the Troop had been carrying about 9000 to 10000 rounds.

During first night no activity by enemy or ourselves.  At 0400 hrs. sent patrol to Right of Capt. Davis's Troop.  At 0700 hrs. moved into position 92 and 49.5 grid.  Found some natural trenches and improved them during the morning.  One Section East of cross roads 94.5 and 50.5 and the other Section just across the bridge and they kept in position during the afternoon.

Just before dark a motor-cycle with 3 men in it came by and one of the B.A.R's shot it up - killed two and seriously wounded one.

Stood to all night expecting an attack by enemy.

On the morning of D.3. in same position and the food situation was bad.  Firing occurred on right, apparently from the hill overlooking Capt. Davis' position.  Not very heavy to start with (few automatics and rifle fire).

Drew one sub-section from South side to Northwest side of road on information from Capt. Davis' Troop that German tanks or armoured vehicles were in the vicinity.  Withdrew a further 200 yards North side of road because of withdrawal of other Troop on right.  Left one sub-section and 2 B.A.R's. in trench and when tank appeared these opened fire, and drew return fire.

I do not think we did any damage to the enemy as the A.P. ammunition was fired at about 800 yards range.

Our radio was practically done and consequently had difficulty in getting proper message about the withdrawal.  Discovered we were to withdraw at 1845 hrs. to a position about three miles West into the hills.

At 2400 hours we stopped at 96.8 and 47.8 Grid, and at the first light on D.4. continued to withdraw by picking up track of other Troops in front.  Just before noon met Capt. Davies' and Lt. Marshall's Troops in area 96.2 and 41.3.

All three radios were more or less not working but we gathered that H.Q. were waiting for us at White House.

Rested until about 1600 hrs. and then moved two or three miles Westwards where rations arrived.

Next day, D.5. moved to Cross Roads.

Total expenditure of ammunition about 80 rounds.

On average each man took 2 tins of sardines, 3 bars of chocolate and half-packet of biscuits,

Lt. Marshall

Made wet landing 0300 hrs. re-organised on beach and moved off at about 0325 hrs.

Marched on a bearing of 180 degrees, arriving at Pt. 503974 at 0920 hrs. where I contacted Major Trevor and was ordered to hold the Troop.  My men ate at this time and had first rest.

At about 0900 hrs. received instructions to move my Troop to Pt. 485958 and await further instructions.  Reached position shortly before 1200 hrs. at which time there was an unidentified sand-coloured car on the road some 800 yards to our front.  It pulled away before anyone could be sent forward.

Position organised in afternoon, outposts established and patrol put on road to stop any vehicles.

First night quiet with active patrolling and listening posts in area.

Marched that night to SEDJENANE arriving at 2230 hours.

Ammunition expended - NIL.

Rations lasted through the fourth day.

'French coast - Operation Farenheit'

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, November 11, 1942

An overnight intelligence gathering raid on a signals station on the French coast at Pointe de Plouézec. The raiding force set out from Dartmouth harbour on board MTB 344, commanded by Lt. Cdr. Freddie Bourne RN and crew, accompanied by a small number of commandos who used a Dory to land.
Officers included Major Geoffrey Appleyard, Captain's Peter Kemp and Captain Oswald Rooney. Commando NCO's included amongst others Sgt Sam Brodison, Sgt. Barry, and LCpl Ellis Howells.

IWM Interview with the CO of MTB 344 - Lt Cdr. Frederick William Parnell BOURNE.

Bordeaux - Operation Frankton

Date commenced: 
Monday, December 7, 1942

Operation Frankton  was a raid on shipping in the port of Bordeaux which was under German occupation. Often wrongly associated with being undertaken by serving Commandos, it was in fact carried out by a select group of Royal Marines who were designated as the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment or RMBPD, operating under the command of Combined Operations.
 
The Marines, led by Major Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler (Catfish),  were transported to the Gironde Estuary by submarine being dropped off on the 7th December 1942 to make the remainder of the the journey by canoes known as Cockles. The operation concluded on the 12th December 1942.
 
Follow this link to view photos of the Memorial at le Verdon.
 
There is also a memorial at RM Poole dedicated to all who took part.
 
Follow this link to hear an interview with Mne William Edward 'Bill' Sparks (Catfish) who took part in the raid Imperial War Museum Interview
 
The Fallen
 
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
 
Lieutenant John Withers Mackinnon  (Cuttlefish)
 
Plymouth Naval Memorial
 
Marine James Conway (Cuttlefish)
Corporal Albert Frederick Laver (Crayfish)
Marine William Henry Mills (Crayfish)
Corporal George Jellicoe Sheard (Conger)
Marine David Moffatt (Conger)
Sergeant Samuel Wallace (Coalfish)
Marine Robert Ewart (Coalfish)
 

Some Raids and Operations 1943

‘Norway - Operation Cartoon’

Date commenced: 
Saturday, January 23, 1943
An operation to destroy the pyrite mine on the island of Stord near Leirvik. The party landed at two locations half at Sagvaag, and the remainder on the other side of the bay.  They were responsible for the complete destruction of the Transformer at the Pyrite mine.
 
Corporal Ivar Marius Haga, No. 10 Inter Allied Commando 5 (Norwegian) Troop died during the raid [more...].
 

'Norway - Operation Crackers'

Date commenced: 
Monday, February 22, 1943
An intelligence gathering operation originally planned to include the destruction of observation posts in the Norwegian fjords, but due to bad weather the raiders took over an unmanned observation post for a week of intelligence gathering before making good their escape. 
 
No. 14 Commando War Diary entry  "3 March 1943, Sub.Lieut. J. Godwin [view] and a detachment of 4 other ranks of the commando attached to No 12 Commando returned from Operation Crackers which commenced on 22 Feb. Landings were made in canoes from an M.G.B.on the coast of Norway, in the area of Sogne Sjoen." [1]
 
Sources
[1] No 14 Cdo War Diary  Jan-May 1943. National Archives file ref WO 218/ 58.
 

'Norway - Operation Carey'

Date commenced: 
Monday, April 12, 1943

Northforce section of No 12 Commando in operations in the Norwegian Fjords. 

'Norway - Operation Checkmate'

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, April 28, 1943
Units: 

Operation CheckmateA combined operations raid on Axis shipping in the harbour at Kopervik, Norway. This raid was a No 14 Commando operation. The raiders managed to sink several ships using limpet mines, but were eventually captured and initially taken to Haugesund for interrogation before being transported to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

All but one of the group were executed whilst Prisoners of War. The man who was not died of Typhus in captivity before he could be.

The raid was led by Lt John Godwin, RNVR., who was in No 14 Commando as were the other Naval personnel.  Sergeant Cox was attached to the group from No 12 Commando.

[Names below link to more about each man.]

All but Mayor and Roe were executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. These two men were transferred to the Concentration Camp at Belsen. Able Seaman Keith Mayor was executed there. Petty Officer Alfred John Roe died of Typhus. There is a Memorial at Sachsenhausen in memory of these men, and all the British and Commonwealth Forces, many still unknown, who were interned and perished there, or elsewhere, at the hands of their captors. These include the Commandos from Operation Musketoon [view].

‘Sicily - Operation Husky’

Date commenced: 
Friday, July 9, 1943
Operation Husky

The invasion of Sicily. In addition to Commando units the Special Raiding Squadron (SRS) also participated. Whilst the SRS were engaged at Bagnara and Augusta and other areas, No 3 Commando's time in Sicily included one particular action at Agnone. 

On the 14th/15th July 1943 No.3 Commando were tasked with taking and holding a bridge at Malati until the arrival of the 50th Division. After capturing the bridge from the Italians and removing the demolitions they had laid, a counter attack by the Germans with support of tanks inflicted heavy casualties on No.3 Commando.

Eventually they were ordered to withdraw, but the bridge had been saved from demolition.General Montgomery later ordered that a stone be carved with “3 Commando Bridge” and this stone cemented into the Malati bridge. An excellent account of the action can be found here : 

Recollections of Sicily and Malati Bridge by Lieut. John Channon Erskine RE & No.3 Commando

One of the pillboxes still remains at the bridge and it can be viewed HERE.

The graves of some of the fallen from No 3 Cdo during this operation can be viewed on this link to our gallery for Syracuse War Cemetery


On the 22nd July 1943 No 2 Commando were sent to the action in Sicily. Read more about their part here in our No 2 Commando History section.


'Scaletta - Operation Blackcock (1)'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, August 15, 1943
Units: 

Operation Blackcock was a British amphibious landing to take Scaletta on the north-east coast of Sicily. Planned by Lieutenant General Sir Miles Dempsey’s XIII Corps, of General Sir Bernard Montgomery’s 8th Army, the operation was designed as one of a pair of Allied operations to cut off the last elements of the German forces trying to fall back to their evacuation point at Messina in north-eastern Sicily.

No 2 Commando History contains some more information [view].
 
[Source: National Archives records file DEFE 2/105, Combined Operations Headquarters: "Blackcock" and "Bullfrog" Date: 1943.]

Notes
This should not be confused with a later Operation Blackcock, an operation to clear German troops from the Roer Triangle, formed by the towns of Roermond and Sittard in the Netherlands and Heinsberg in Germany. It was carried out by the British Second Army in January 1945. The objective was to drive the German 15th Army back across the rivers Roer and Wurm and advance further into Germany. The operation was carried out by Lt-General Neil Ritchie's XII Corps by three divisions: the 7th Armoured Division (Major-General Lewis Lyne), the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division (Major-General Gwilym Thomas) and the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division (Major-General Edmund Hakewill-Smith).
 
The National Archives hold the following records regarding this latter operation.
DEFE 2/95              Combined Operations Headquarters: "Baboon" "Copyright" "Blackcock" "Bruteforce" "Barbaric" and "Bristle" Date: 1941-1945 
WO 205/846           21st Army Group Operational reports: Operation Blackcock Date: 1945 Jan
WO 205/847           Operation Blackcock: working papers Date: 1945 Jan.
WO 205/848           Operation Blackcock: 7 Army Division Date: 1945 Jan.  
WO 205/849           Operation Blackcock: 52 Division Date: 1945 Jan
WO 351/60             21 Army Group: Operation "BLACKCOCK"; clearing the area between the River Maas and the River Roer 15-26 January 1945 Note: With maps Date: 1945 Jan 01 - 1945 Dec 31
 

Vibo Valentia - Operation Ferdy

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, September 8, 1943

40RM Commando and two troops of 3 Commando were engaged on this amphibious dawn landing at Vibo Valentia, known at the time as Porto San Venere, on the southern tip of Italy.  The following day 'X' troop of 40RM Commando entered the neighbouring town of Pizzo (The Green Beret by Hilary St George Saunders).
 

Salerno - Operation Avalanche

Date commenced: 
Thursday, September 9, 1943
Salerno map © IWM (A 20158)

The allied invasion of Italy

Read an account about No 2 Commando involvement in this operation - [View here.]


Commando Roll of Honour for Salerno 9th -20th September 1943. - [View here.]
 

'Salerno Diary'

Type: Booklet
Author: Captain H.H. Blissett No 2 Commando
Year of Publishing: 2017
Keywords: salerno, commando, ww2

First published March 1944.

Units: 
2 Commando
41RM Commando

2 Commando War Diary 18/19th September 1943

No 2 Commando War Diary 18th September 1943, and part of the entry for the 19th.

[Transcribed from the 2 Cdo.War Diary]

"A daylight recce patrol went out under Command of Lieut. Keep. Dug in positions on the lower slopes of the hill were found with line connections to each other. They were equipped with beds and camp furniture. They were unoccupied and must have taken some weeks to construct.
 
All the enemy dead seen in previous patrols had been removed, also most of our own, only badly mangled British dead being left.
 
From the side of the hill it was possible to observe a stretch of the road invisible from Piegolelle*, and a group of buildings (700335) was observed to be the scene of much enemy activity. Tanks and staff cars kept coming and going, also D.R's. Fire was suddenly brought to bear on the patrol by the enemy, who, it was found, were in force still further up the hill. Mortar bombs began to fall round the patrol and some stick grenades were thrown. Fire was returned whilst the map reference was taken, then the patrol returned. Mortared on the way from the valley, three of the patrol were hit by fragments.

Lt-Col. J.M.T.F. Churchill, MC, ordered the officer i/c Patrol down to Brigade to give direct information, it being hoped that the buildings were being used as Div. H.Q. by the enemy. He was taken to the G.I. of 48 Div. who arranged a Divisional Artillery Shoot on the target. It was later reported destroyed  together with tanks sheltering in the vicinity.
 
An attack was put in by one of the neighbouring Brigades on White Cross Hill and The Pimple under supporting fire of Artillery, and the Commando, but this achieved only a very limited success. The heavy concentration of 3" and 4.2" mortar fire ( American [1] ) which the Commando had never ceased to put down on the Pimple was having its effect, and by nightfall, no return fire had been experienced for several hours.
 
During the night the Commando was drawn into reserve in the Mercatello area, and fresh troops went forward on the 19th September to find the Pimple evacuated and strewn with enemy dead.
 
No 2 and 41 (RM) Commandos in 10 days had suffered severe casualties  - 13 Officers had been killed , and 15 wounded. 54 O.R.'s were killed and 225 wounded, while 1 Officer (R.M.) and 59 O.R.'s were missing. [2]
 
These figures amount to 48% of the strength of the two Commandos when they landed on the 9th September at Marina."

Commando Roll of Honour for Salerno 9th -20th September 1943 - [View Here.]
 

Notes
[1] The 2 Cdo war diary entry for the 17th states that the Commando had been reinforced by seven 4.2" mortars of the US Mortar Bn. under the command of the Special Service Brigade
[2] The final Roll of Honour on the link above records a total of 14 Officers and 71 O.R.’s from Nos.2 and 41RM who were killed in this period. 
* Often mis-spelt as Piegolette.

2 Commando Salerno/Scaletta Casualties

Type: Files
Author: No 2 Commando Officer
Year of Publishing: 2018
Keywords: salerno, casualties, 2 commando, avalanche, vietri, dragone hill, piegolette, piegolelle, the pimple, scaletta, sicily, italy
Image of Salerno

A document created by an officer of No 2 Commando with specifics of No.2 Commando casualties at Salerno, and locations of where they lay, or were first buried. It also includes details of three from the action at Scaletta, Sicily the previous month.

Units: 
2 Commando

Termoli - Operation Devon

Date commenced: 
Sunday, October 3, 1943

Amongst the Allied forces taking part were No 3 Army Commando, 40RM Commando, and the Special Raiding Squadron (SAS). They captured Termoli, thus unhinging the German defensive position along the river Bifurno. The enemy counter-attacked violently. For a time confusion reigned and the situation was critical, but the great steadiness of the Commando troops under Lt Col. Durnford-Slater, saved the town.

An account of No 3 Cdo 6 troop action written by Jack Cox who served in 6 troop can be read HERE

'French Coast - Operation Hardtack 11'

Date commenced: 
Friday, December 24, 1943
A reconnaisance raid of the beaches and dunes along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk.
The raiding party embarked on MTB 25 at Dover on the night of the 24th and consisted of five members of 1 Troop (French) of No.10 Inter Allied Commando, Rene Navrault, Caron, Albert Meunier, Pourcelot, and Marcel Madec, led by Warrant Officer Pierre Wallerand. They disembarked on the morning of the 25th.
Also on board the MTB were Special Service Brigade Signals Officer Arthur Leahy and a French Doctor, Captain Villiere.
Sergeant John Park, No.4 Commando attached to 2 Special Boat Section, was assigned to be the Coxwain of the Dory they would use to reach the beach from the MTB. He and two others Corporal George Chapman, Special Service Brigade Signals, and Corporal Jones of No.10 Commando 'X' Troop, were tasked with remaining offshore in the Dory to expedite the withdrawal of the raiding party. 
The raid ended with the loss of the Dory and Casualties.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 75 and 98.
The book '10 Commando' author Ian Dear.
 

Italy - Operation Partridge

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, December 29, 1943
Units: 

29th/30th Dec.'43. A diversionary raid behind enemy lines in the area of the Garigliano River, Italy. The intention was to cover the withdrawal of X Corps in preparation for its proposed assault across the Garigliano river. 

Some Raids and Operations 1944-45

2 Commando Brigade, Dalmatian Islands Operations

Date commenced: 
Sunday, January 16, 1944

Commando operations on or from the Dalmatian islands.

Read more here in our No 2 Commando History section.

Grohote, Solta - Operation Detained 1

Date commenced: 
Saturday, March 18, 1944

An attack on the German held village of Grohote in the Damatian Island of Solta. The assault involved two Landing Craft Infantry (LCI), one from Vis and the other from Komiza. A spare LCI from Komiza accompanied them. Each towed a Landing Craft Assault (LCA).  The RAF also provided aerial support to the Commandos consisting of 36 Kittyhawk dive bombers. The raid was successful and the Commandos later evacuated back to thier base at Vis with the entire German garrison of over 100 soldiers as prisoners.

This operation is also mentioned in our No 2 Commando History

A breakdown of the Grohote raiding force

THE ATTACK ON THE GERMAN HELD VILLAGE OF GROHOTE IN THE ISLAND OF SOLTA, DALMATIA. SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 1944. SOMETIMES KNOWN AS "DETAINED 1".
 
The Expedition set out in two L.C.I.'s, one from Vis and the other from Komiza. A spare L.C.I. came too, from Komiza. Each towed an L.C.A. Two L.C.A.'s contained three Italian 47mm anti tank guns and 600 rounds. The other was packed with reserve food and ammunition of all kinds, and more was carried in the spare L.C.I.
 
The Vis L.C.I. entered Tatinja Cove C.623 first, and beached at Green beach at midnight. 
It contained:-
-
Officers
R&F
2 Troop, 2 Commando
2
50
3 Gun Crews for 47mm. guns (Two from 101 L.A.A. Regt.* One from No. 2 Commando.)
3
21
4 Vickers M.G., 10 b.p.g. and crews from 43(RM Commando
1
40
Americans - 
A Unit (Yugoslavian)
B Unit (Greek)
17
138
H.Q. Officers - Col. Churchill, Admiral Cowan, R.M., Lieut. Webb R.M.
3
-
The Komiza L.C.I. beached at Red Beach at 0005hrs, 19th March containing:-
-
Officers
R&F
1 Troop, 2 Commando
3
30
3 Troop, 2 Commando
3
30
4 Troop, 2 Commando
3
37
HW Troop, 2 Commando, with two 3" Mortars and 330 bombs
2
33
L.C.A. Protection Party, No. 2 Commando
1
11
The Spare L.C.I. did not beach , but ferried ashore by L.C.A. :-
-
Officers
R&F
Commando H.Q. 
4
20
Brigadier Miles (Force 133)
1
 ..
Reserve rations and ammunition in case the Assault Force was marooned on Solta.
-
-
Additional support of 36 Kittyhawk dive bombers, carrying 2, 3, or 4 bombs each, was provided by the R.A.F. The R.A.F. sea rescue launch was also used to return badly injured men from the raiding party to Vis.
 
Casulalties
-
Capt. Prescott
Wounded
Lt. Manusos, U.S.A.
Wounded
Cpl. Mallitsis, U.S.A.
Killed
Cpl. Cox (2 Cdo)
Died of Wounds
Pte. Ritchie (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Dvr. Habib (2 Cdo)
Wounded
L/Cpl. Ryder (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Gnr. Sawyer (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Fus. Spinks (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Pte. Pembrey (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Pte. Letts (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Pte. Lucas (2 Cdo)
Wounded
L/Cpl. Miles (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Pte. Eagleson (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Lieut. Parnell (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Lieut. McMenamin (2 Cdo)
Wounded
Two American enlisted men 
Slightly wounded
Four Rank and File of 2 Commando
Slightly wounded
Prisoners
1 Officer, 97 Rank and File, and 6 Croat police.

Source
Report by Lieut. Col. J.M.T.F. Churchill, Commainding No. 2 Commando dated 7th April 1944. The full report is held at the National Archives with the No. 2 Commando War Diary. 
 
*Notes
The report later mentions that this was in fact 101 Light Anti Aircraft Battery, R.A. This Unit at the time was based on Vis (No.2 Cdo War Diary.)
 

Hvar - Operation Endowment

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, March 22, 1944

Yugoslav Partisan and Commando seaborn attack on the German garrison of Hvar island off the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic. The Force departed from their base on Vis island.

Solta - Operation Detained 11

Date commenced: 
Monday, May 8, 1944
Units: 

An Allied force of Yugoslav Partisans landed on Solta accompanied by Lieutenant Freeman and his signallers from No 2. After a sweep of the island for enemy forces they departed on the 10th.

Miljet - Operation Foxhound

Date commenced: 
Monday, May 22, 1944

A large scale raid on the 22/23rd May involving No 2 (Army) Commando, 43RM Commando, and one troop from 40RM Commando, on Miljet Island. 

'Brac - Operation Flounced'

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, May 31, 1944

  • Lieutenant Colonel J.M.T.F. Churchill, D.S.O., M.C. embarked from Vis as the Commanding Officer of a Force consisting of 43RM Commando, some commandos from 2 Special Service Brigade HQ, the Raiding Support Regiment, a company of the 2nd Highland Light Infantry, and 111 Field Regiment R.A. This was a diversionary attack on the German Garrison of Brac to draw off German Forces who were launching an offensive against the Yugo-Slav National Army of Liberation in Bosnia. The Force was divided into three columns and embarked on naval craft, disembarking along the coast including at Bol, a coastal town on the island of Brac off the coast of Split. They were supported by 1700 plus Partisans.
  • 2 June 1944 four troops of 40 RM Commando proceeded to Brac as reinforcements.
  • 3 June 1944 No.2 Commando Adjutant proceeded to Brac as Liaison Officer to obtain a full picture of the situation for Brigadier H.G.P. Miles, Commanding Force 266. He returned with a request from the Commanding Officer that two troops of No.2 Commando be sent over as a reserve.
  • 4 June 1944 Nos.1 and 4 Troops of No.2 Commando under the command of the Adjutant proceeded to Brac and disembarked at 0800hrs to learn that the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel J.M.T.F. Churchill D.S.O., M.C. and the Commanding Officer of 40RM Commando, Lieutenant Colonel J.C. Manners, D.S.O. were both missing. It was later discovered that Lieutenant Colonel Churchill had been taken prisoner and Lieutenant Colonel Manners had been killed.
  • 4 June 1944 Lieutenant Colonel R.W.B. Simmonds, Officer Commanding 43RM Commando who had assumed command of the Special Service Brigade, ordered the withdrawal of all Allied Forces from Brac due to heavy losses.
  • 4 June 1944 No.2 Commando Adjutant Major R.W. Keep obtained permission to remain behind with a party of 1 Officer, Lieutenant M.H. Webb, M.C., and 12 volunteers from No.2 Commando  in what was to be an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the Commanding Officer.
Source
No.2 Commando War Diary reports on the missing men and other entries for May and June 1944.
 

'Solta - Operation Detained 111'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, September 17, 1944

Formerly part of Yugoslavia.

3 Commando Brigade, Burma Operations

Date commenced: 
Saturday, January 1, 1944
The reports at the foot of this page relate to the operations of the Commando Units attached to 3 Commando Brigade that took place after the 1st January 1944.
 
Link of interest
There were a large number of casualties in the Burma Campaigns, both battle and illness.
Lieutenant Colonel R. Wigglesworth, M.B., B.S. Lond., Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote an excellent article titled
"The Burma Campaigns - 1942-1945. A History Of Casualty Evacuation" which was published in the British Medical Journal. It can be viewed on this link  https://jramc.bmj.com/content/jramc/91/3/101.full.pdf

 

1 Commando, Report on the Maungdaw Hill Patrol 20th Nov'44

Units: 
 
No. 1 Commando - Patrol Report No.10
Maungdaw Hills Sheet 3:   20 Nov 44
Author: Cpl. H. Winch, No. 1 Cdo, No. 2 Troop
 
(Original document supplied by:  John Mewett via Harry Winch)
(Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow)
 
Unit:                No. 1 Commando.
 

Patrol:            20 Nov 44.

Type:               Recce and observation.

Strength:        1 NCO 6 ORs.

Object:            To recce areas 394353 - 394343 to ascertain whether there were any enemy

                          or recent traces of them in the vicinity.

Route Out:      Proceeded along chaung 405352 to 403360

                           thence in a Northerly direction chaung 403352 - westwards down stream

                           to pt 400354 proceeded along chaung to 399354 then climbed hill 398354.

Route In:         Headed to pt approx 398347 - crosses hills to 392351 -

                           back across country to hill NORTH of camp.

Time Out:        0800 hrs.

Time In:           1730 hrs.

Details:            We found three distinct footprints at 400354, with separate toe on boot which appeared to be of recent origin.  We followed them up the south side of the bank but lost trace of the track.  Although we searched around we were unable to find any trace of anyone so we climbed hill 398354 where we found that the hills southward of our objective (a very prominent white tree) were in three ridges.  We followed the centre ridge keeping watch on the valleys on both sides.

At paddy field 392351 we kept this and a small chaung under observation from 1100 hrs.  At 1146 we heard a shot fired which appeared to come from the paddy field area.  We however saw no sign of life.

Some prints of bare feet found in paddy field.

During the entire journey we didn't find any traces of either JAPS or our own posn either on the hills or in the valleys, although we found places where apparently someone had slept, but they did not appear to have been used recently.

21 Nov 44

3 Cdo Bde report Ops Nov 1944-Jan 45

INTERIM REPORT OPS - 3 CDO BDE NOV 1944 - JAN 1945

Author:  Major D.B. Drysdale, BM, 3 Cdo Bde [view].

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

1.   MAYU PENINSULA

On 9 Nov. a small Bde HQ, 1 and 42 Cdos came under comd 25 Ind Div and took over a sec of the line SOUTH of MAUNGDAW.  Extensive patrolling ops were carried out, details of which have already been forwarded in "Local News Bulletins".  During this period two raids of a tp str were also carried out.  One on ELIZABETH ISLAND by 42 (RM) Cdo and one on RAMREE by 5 Cdo.  Eight recce raids were also planned by the Bde and carried out by the SBS who were under comd at the time.

As a result of these ops the following ranks in the Bde were decorated:

92411 Capt. John GARNER-JONES, WELCH, 1 Cdo awarded MC [view]

5884633 Gnr. E.W. RABBITT, RA(S/L), 1 Cdo awarded MM [view]

3133581 L/Sgt J. CROWE, SEAFORTHS, 1 Cdo awarded MM [view]

6286823 Pte L.C.R. OLVER, BUFFS, 1 Cdo awarded MM  [view]

Ex 3182 Cpl ALBERT SMITH, 42 Cdo awarded Certificate of Gallantry [view]

Ch/X 1885 Cpl Robert COX, 42 Cdo awarded Certificate of Gallantry [view]

On 13 Dec the Bde was again conc at TEKNAF and came under comd 26 Ind Div to start trg for the assault on AKYAB which was, at that time, planned to take place on 19 Feb.

2.   AKYAB

By the middle of Dec it became apparent that the enemy were withdrawing rapidly.  By 29 Dec 74 Bde of 25 Div had reach FOUL PT.  On 29 Dec the Bde Comd was ordered to report to HQ 15 Ind Corps.  It was now almost certain that AKYAB Island itself was only lightly held and, acting on this infm, the Corps Comd decided to attack as soon as possible.  The plan was for 3 Cdo Bde to be placed under comd 25 Div and carry out the assault on the Northern beaches of the island followed up immediately by 74 Bde which would be ferried across from FOUL PT in ldg craft returning from the assault.  D Day was fixed as 3 Jan H Hr 1230 hrs.   The op was to be mounted from TEKNAF.  This allowed four days for planning and mounting!  Early on the morning of 3 Jan when the force was at sea, a message was recieved stating that the bombardment had been cancelled as the natives had reported that the enemy had evac the island.  This was confirmed by an RAF recce plane which landed on the airfield.

Apart from this the ldg was carried out according to plan.  No mines or booby traps were encountered and the Bde advanced inland and occupied all objectives by nightfall.  3 Tp RM Engr Cdo did very good work on the beaches acting in the capacity of a skeleton Beach Gp.

The following morning 74 Bde passed through and occupied AKYAB town.

On 6 Jan the Bde concentrated in the area of the town.  From there small recce patrols were sent in LCAs to the BARONGA ISLANDS and to the area of PAUKTAW.  It was here that a patrol from 5 Cdo surprised a small party of the enemy and killed one offr and three OR without loss to themselves.

3.   MYEBON

A recce of the area was carried out on the early morning of 10 Jan by a party in an ML.  This party was fired on by an enemy gun in the area of the beach.  It also disclosed a beach obstacle in the shape of a line of thick coconut stakes about 300 yds from the shore and just above low water mark.  In the light of this infm it was decided to send in a COPP party on the night D - 1/D Day to place delayed action charges on the stakes timed to go off just before H Hr.

12 Jan

The COPP party returned on board the parent ship in the early hrs of the morning having successfully placed their charges.  The preliminary naval and air bombardment went according to plan and appeared to be very effective, and the demolition charges succeeded in blowing a 25 yd gap in the stakes,  As the first wave of ldg craft approached the beach they were met by desultory and, on the whole, ineffective arty fire.  42 (RM) Cdo landed on time under cover of an air smoke screen.  The beach was found to be muddy below high water mark which made ldg difficult.  Cas were also suffered from anti personnel mines which had been laid on the firm sand above the high water mark.  This was the first time the beach mines had been encountered in this theatre.  However, the unit pushed on and the first objectives and beach head area were quickly secured with little opposition.  The tks then attempted to land but the first one out of the craft got hopelessly bogged and the attempt was abandoned.  5 Cdo then landed and passed through 42 Cdo.  They met little opposition until they reached the ROSE feature where they were held up by hy MG and also to send a search party to DOG Island where there was a suspected enemy gun posn.  A suspicion which eventually proved to be unfounded.  As it was now almost low tide it was decided to direct 44 Cdo to DOG Beach where ldg was easier.  However, due to a misunderstanding, this did not occur.  As a result the unit had to struggle ashore for a distance of 300 yds through waist deep mud.  This took them 3 hrs and neither men nor weapons were in a fighting state by the time they reached the beach.  It was then decided to try and land the tks on BAKER Beach, but this attempt was met by shell fire and only one tk succeeded in getting ashore.  The LCTs were then directed to EASY Beach.  Here the tks were able to get ashore but could not get round the pt on to CHARLIE RED until a rd had been cleared through the boulders by the Engr Tp.  By this time it was apparent that no further adv could be made until ROSE feature had been captured and that this would involve a full scale attack.  It was too late to lay it on that day therefore disposns as shown on the map att were taken up for the night and plans were made for an attack by 5 Cdo supported by tks to take place the next morning.  The attack was to be proceeded by an air strike and naval bombardment.

13 Jan

The air strike and bombardment on ROSE went according to plan and at 0830 hrs 5 Cdo supported by a squadron of 19 L attacked the feature.  The attack was speedily successful and many enemy dead were found.  At 1100 hrs 42 Cdo were ordered to pass through 5 Cdo and, supported by tks, to capture MYEBON and CABBAGE feature.  1 Cdo were ordered to move on ONION.  44 Cdo were relieved in the beach head area by a bn from 74 Bde and were moved up to the foot of ROSE and held in res.  42 Cdo cleared MYEBON village with little trouble but bumped by enemy opposition on CABBAGE.  An attack was put in which was eventually successful although cas were suffered, incl the CO. [view].  In the meantime 1 Cdo had succeeded in capturing ONION where they met little opposition.  44 Cdo were then moved up to the area of MYEBON in direct sp of 42 Cdo and disposns for the night were adopted.

14 Jan

1 Cdo were ordered to patrol fwd as far as BASS and WORTHINGTON.  No opposition was met and by 1100 hrs they were established on WORTHINGTON.  42 Cdo patrolled as far as WHISKY where they came under hy and accurate MMG fire from the area of Pt 200.  It was now apparent that the features stretching from BUGLE to Pt 200 were strongly held and that their capture would involve a Bde attack with full sp.  Consequently 5 and 44 Cdos were order to move fwd and concentrate in the area of ONION preparatory to a Bde attack on the following day.

15 Jan

The plan for the attack was planned to take place in three phases:

(a)  The capture of Pt 200 by 1 Cdo.

(b)  The capture of Pt 163 by 44 Cdo passing through 1 Cdo.

(c)  The capture of BUGLE by 5 Cdo passing through 44 Cdo.

42 Cdo to remain in res.

The attack was to be preceded by air and naval bombardment of all features.  The air bombardment failed to materialise but the attack went in according to plan.  1 Cdo met some determined resistance on Pt 200 but after some sharp fighting, supported by tks, the feature was secured.

44 Cdo then passed through and secured Pt 163 without opposition.

During this time the tks had worked fwd to the WEST of BUGLE and were engaging enemy gun and MG posns on the feature.  Three tks got within 30 yds of the KANTHA Chaung where they inflicted hy cas on a party of the enemy who were trying to withdraw NORTH.  Unfortunately one of those got bogged and it was decided to send a tp from 42 Cdo wide round the left flank to attempt to reach it and protect its rec.  Unfortunately this tp came under hy MG fire while crossing the open paddy and was unable to reach its objective.  The tk was not recovered until after dark when BUGLE was finally captured.

In the meantime 5 Cdo had assaulted BUGLE where by inf and MG opposition was met and overcome.  By nightfall BUGLE was in our hands and 5 & 42 Cdos consolidated on the feature.

16 Jan

Patrols from 1, 5 and 44 Cdo were pushed fwd to the line of the KANTHA Chaung.  A few enemy stragglers were mopped up and much material was captured.

During the course of the day a bn from 74 Bde passed through and formed a br head across the chaung.  This unit was followed by the Engr Tp whose task was to rebuild the br at KANTHA.  This they succeeded in doing although under shell fire.  The Bde was now given the task of holding the line of the KANTHA Chaung while 74 Bde passed through and exploited northwards.

18 Jan

Patrols from 1 Cdo were sent to BRANDY Island and from 44 Cdo to the high ground to the EAST overlooking the MYEBON River.  In each case the areas were reported clear.

20 Jan

The Bde concentrated in the beach area preparatory to embarking for the KANGAW op.

4.  KANGAW

COPP recces were carried out on the nights of 19/20 and 20/21 Jan to find suitable beaches and release posns.  On the night 21 Jan the Bde embarked.

22 Jan

The force sailed for DAINGBON Chaung and landed according to plan. No enemy opposition was met in the beach area although there was some shelling of the chaung to the SOUTH of the beaches.  This caused no cas to craft or personnel.

1 Cdo advanced inland and reported HOVE clear without opposition.  They were then ordered to press on to BRIGHTON - here they succeeded in clearing the whole of the SOUTHERN end of the feature but were held up by a small pocket of enemy established on the extreme NORTH tip.  5 Cdo was then ordered to follow up behind 1 Cdo and consolidate on BRIGHTON.  42 Cdo were ordered to hold HOVE and a posn on the WEST bank of the DAINGBON Chaung.  44 Cdo moved up to the WEST of BRIGHTON preparatory to carrying out a night attack on MILFORD.  This attack was put in at 1930 hrs and met no opposition.  During the night the enemy on the NORTH tip of BRIGHTON counter attacked 1 Cdo fiercely and hand to hand fighting ensued.

23 Jan

At first light 1 Cdo put in an attack, with arty sp, and cleared the end of the feature.  44 Cdo were then ordered fwd to PINNER.  During the day the 8 HYDERABADS landed and took over def of the beach area, relieving 42 Cdo who were then moved fwd on to MILFORD.  There was intermittent enemy shelling of the beach head area during the day.  Attempts were made to land the tks but these proved unsuccessful due to the boggy nature of the ground.  44 Cdo sent a patrol to DUNS.  They reported that there was a small enemy post just to the NORTH of the feature.  During the night the enemy launched a strong counter attack, with hy arty sp, on PINNER.  The attack was finally beaten off although 44 Cdo suffered hy cas from tree bursts.

24 Jan

It was decided to withdraw 44 Cdo to the WEST of BRIGHTON and relieve them by two coys of HYDERABADS.  Enemy shelling of BRIGHTON, the beach head and L of C increased during the day.  A recce was made of the approaches to FINGERS, with the object of establishing a standing patrol in that area.  This drew hy small arms and arty fire and it was decided that the capture of the feature would involve a major op.

During the day the Bde received orders to consolidate and not to attempt any further adv.

During the night 1 Cdo sent a patrol to BERWICK which reported NES.

25 Jan

At dawn it became apparent that the enemy had brought up further arty and a hy conc was put down on the BRIGHTON feature.  At one period 182 shells landed in the space of half an hr.  Harassing fire of this nature continued throughout the day.

26 Jan

51 Bde landed and took over MILFORD and PINNER.  42 Cdo were withdrawn to the beach head area.  Two tps of 44 Cdo were moved over to the WEST bank of the DAINGBON Chaung to relieve the HYDERABADS.  During the course of the day three tanks were landed and moved to the WEST slope of BRIGHTON.  They were unable to get any further fwd than this due to the marshy nature of the ground.  Enemy harassing fire continued throughout the day.

27 Jan

44 Cdo started a series of patrols to try and locate parties of enemy stragglers reported to be in the DAINGBON area.  During the course of these ops they located and destroyed two abandoned enemy guns but failed to make contact with any stragglers.

28 Jan

5 Cdo came under comd 51 Bde as res and moved up to PINNER at 0800 hrs.  Two tps of 42 Cdo relieved 5 Cdo on BRIGHTON.  During the morning 51 Bde put in an attack on PERTH and MELROSE.  This was preceded by a very hy air strike.  The attack on PERTH was held up by a strong enemy resistance on DUNS.  It was finally abandoned.  The attack on MELROSE was partially successful and by nightfall three quarters of the feature was in our hands.  5 Cdo were not committed and returned to BRIGHTON at dusk.

29 Jan

5 Cdo again moved up to PINNER under comd 51 Bde.  The two tps from 42 Cdo had remained in the area of BRIGHTON.  Attacks on MELROSE continued and BERWICK was secured.  Enemy shelling continued throughout the day although on a much reduced scale.  During the night 5 Cdo set an ambush across the rd and patrolled into the village of KANGAW.  No enemy were seen and the rd appeared to have been unused by wheeled vehs for at least 4 days.

30 Jan

The Bde had orders to withdraw and arrangements were made to start thinning out on the following day.  The PUNJABS were due to arrive on 31 Jan and were to take over BRIGHTON feature.  5 Cdo remained on PINNER under comd 51 Bde.

31 Jan

At 0600 hrs a hy enemy arty concentration was put down on BRIGHTON.  At 0620 a determined attack was made on the NORTH end of the feature.  The enemy's immediate object appeared to be the destruction of the tks harbouring in that area.  By sheer weight of numbers a party of the enemy succeeded in reaching the tks and destroyed one and damaged another. 5 Cdo returned from PINNER about 1400 hrs and the PUNJABS arrived at 1700 hrs.  No relief of units from the Bde was attempted during the day.

1 Feb

At 0700 hrs the feature was finally cleared by 5 Cdo.  An immense amount of enemy material and 340 corpses were found.  Four prisoners were also taken.  During the day Bde HQ, 1, 5, and 42 Cdos were withdrawn and returned to MYEBON.  44 Cdo remained in the DAINGBON area and came under comd 51 Bde.

2 Feb

44 Cdo returned to MYEBON.

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'RM Eng. Commando - Burma Report 1945'

Extract from ADM 202/30 re No 1 (RM) Engineer Commando

3 Troop RM Engineer Commando

Report on Operations at AKYAB, MYEBON & KANGAW

Period 3 Jan – 2 Feb 45


AKYAB
At very short notice, plan being formed overnight, AKYAB Op was begun. 3 Cdo Brigade sailed from location at TEKNAF 2 Jan 45; made initial assault on West Coast AKYAB Island 12.30hrs 3 Jan 45. The Op was a complete dummy run and within a very short time of landing it was found that the enemy had vacated AKYAB Island completely a few days before. Had this not been the case the excellent open beach commanded by the bunkers and M.G. posts would probably have been quite a problem.
 
Tp tasks were:-
(i) Providing Flamethrower teams for first wave.
(ii) Mine clearance of beach and exits.
(iii) Construction of beach and development of exits.
(iv) Acting as beach party for 3 Cdo Bde and 74 Inf Bde.
 
Flamethrowers
3 teams of 1 JNCO and 1 Mne each with Flamethrowers and spares went with assaulting waves at H and reverted to command Tp when no longer required. It proved very difficult and exhausting for them to carry a loaded Lifebuoy as well as their rations at Cdo marching speed for any distance. In subsequent Ops it was arranged for them to move with Cdo HQ`s and be given assistance in carrying thrower until it is actually required.
 
Beach
CC Tp landed at H +15 with recce party of QMSI, draughtsman and MOA for initial recce of beach, erection of mines signs ,laying of tapes etc. 2 NCCs landed for similar purposes at same time at the other end of the beach with Major Aubrey RE 25 Div rep; both parties had specific recces to do under direction of Lt Col Eyre 15 Ind Corps Beach rep.
 
Main body of Tp landed H + 30 in sections, men pre-loaded with pioneer tools, tapes, signs, mine detectors, and other tools and equipment, to commence work on beach before main bulk of RE and Tp stores arrived. These arrived about H + 40 and beach laterals and exits were laid as minesweepers advanced.
 
Sommerfeld track and Coir matting and Bamboo pailing were used on sand and road bulldozed through thick scrub out onto the existing cart track. In addition to this work, Tp landed all stores, vehs, and beach personnel of 3 Cdo Bde, and 74 Bde came in a few hrs later. OC Tp joined Main HQ and moved up from beach 2 days later and Bde finally concentrated in the ruins of AKYAB.
 
Before concentrating AKYAB, a small party was sent there to make a beach entrance ramp from the esplanade for embarkation of Cdo units for the exploration of the BARONGA Islands and PYAUTAW. Bunkers were demolished and timber used to make a decked ramp estimated Class 5. Steel mesh from a nearby hothouse was used in lieu of Sommerfeld on the sand.
 
Bde billets in AKYAB were searched for possible booby traps but none found. Later on, 2 – 150 kg bombs rigged as demolition charges on the air strip were de-loused by Capt Hawdon, Capt Woodhouse and QMSI Hubbard and carried back in triumph to the midst of Bde HQ where their presence caused great consternation so they were transported with a large red flag on the jeep to 25 Div and presented to the CRE`s department.
 
After the beach work was completed there was really no Engr work at all. After a short rest preparations were begun for the next Op which was –
 
MYEBON
On this Op – Tp had the same role as before except Tp was to operate by itself as a beach party. In order to know in exactly which craft everything would be Tp with assistance of GHURKA porters and Ind Pioneers loaded all Bde flights of craft D – 1.
 
Bde sailed from AKYAB for MYEBON Peninsular p.m 11 Jan 45 and landed on it`s southern tip 12 Jan 45. Tp landed as follows:- OC, QMSI, draughtsmen and MDA initial recce party H+15. Sections carrying tools as before 10mins later, stores and bulldozer, tracking and road making stores were to be landed with Tp reps to supervise at H +45.
 
The fleet stood into shore under cover of considerable bombing and shelling from aircraft and RIN sloops and under fire from Jap guns and MGs ashore. Beach was known to be defended by a row of tall stakes about 10 inch in diameter about 200yds from high water mark. A gap had been cut through these by COP (COPP) the previous night enabling craft to approach near the beach.
 
Tp was in LCM`s and came under fire from small island off the tip of the Peninsular as they came in. Unfortunately owing to some hitch No.1 Section`s LCM failed to appear alongside parent sloop and they boarded an ML, thence transferred to an LCP with the Admiral aboard and was nicely peppered scurrying up and down the beach; they then transferred to a LCM from which they landed. The landing was very bad. LCAM grounded just inside the stakes about 200yds from watersedge. Water was chest high with knee deep soft thick mud and consequently with heavy packs and tools the Tp was quite exhausted by the time it struggled ashore.
 
Beach was mined with two staggered rows of anti-boat mines about 15 yds apart.
Sgt Pirie [more....] and a party were immediately set to work to tape personnel exits between explode mines, tape laterally the whole field and then begin detecting and lifting mines, some of whose horns could be seen poking up above the mud and sand. Initial recce inland from this beach was fruitless and useless and it was quickly decided that this beach (CHARLIE) was impossible for landing anything, recce was therefore made on the other side of the tip of the Peninsular and the rocks between the Peninsular and Island (DOG BEACH) for personnel landing. The rocks were impossible for this but a recce revealed a first class firm sand beach on the other side of tip at foot of a ridge, with plenty of trees and plenty of space for all departments of BMA.
 
This beach (EASY) was separated from CHARLIE, and therefore from paddy fields across which road could be made to join existing track inland, by the southern toe of the ridge mentioned which came down to the sea in a jumbled mass of sharp rocks and large boulders. It was imperative to make a road out of the rocks.
 
As heavily loaded stores LCM`s could not get within 300 yds of CHARLIE, only tools at Tp disposal were those carried on the men about 3 shovels, 4 picks, and 4 sledge hammers. By breaking large rocks and putting the pieces into crevices and filling in with smaller lumps and a good deal of manual humping and dumping, the road was open in 4 hrs and the first tanks and DUKW`s crossed it by dark. Road was improved the next day when further tools and explosives became available. The making of it was rather important in the campaign. Normal Somerfeld laterals and dump loops were laid and Tp became beach party for 3 Cdo Bde.
 
Small parties were engaged during the first few days finishing the mines on CHARLIE and marking those in the paddy nearby and sweeping the proposed road inland. As soon as practicable traffic road was bulldozed and some scarlet gorgettes attracted some 37mm shelling on a certain corner but the only blood drawn from OC`s party was from scratches caused by diving into the dense matted undergrowth.
 
As the advance progressed up the peninsular Tp moved up and was engaged on the road, which was an absolute necessity for getting supplies up and in investigating some mines and demolition equipment, booby traps etc, which were found stored and lying about on captured features.
 
Bde`s task finished at the Chaung which marks the northern end of the peninsular and it sat for 2 days on the features it occupied; 74 Bde took over the advance and crossed the Chaung at KANTHA Bridge. To assist this advance the Tp was engaged for a day and a half with 93 Fld Coy R.E. for bridging the Chaung for tanks and Tpt. This was done by making a causeway of rolls of Somerfeld with a timber ramp and corduroy road on the approaches on both sides of the mud banks.
 
Tp came under considerable sniper fire and shelling from overlooking features while working and gained the mysterious name of the Bde`s “Glamour Boy's ” but were in far greater danger from the numerous shorts from 74 Bde`s mortars and the tank Brownings. The day after this was finished we returned to the beach and after a few days rest began gathering stores and loading for the next operation which was -
 
KANGAW
Bde sailed for KANGAW 21 Jan 45 by way of DIANGBON Chaung. Tp sailed No. 1 Section in LCT with stores, No. 2 Section in LCM with stores and three recce parties with leading flight. There were three possible beaches, the bank of the DAINGBON Chaung between two smaller Chaungs and places on these two Chaungs that ran inland from the DIANGBON Chaung forming three sides of a rectangle with a narrow bottleneck of land, half-way along it`s length between the two Chaungs.
 
OC, QMSI, and MOA, were responsible for the southern Chaung (FOX); Beach Comd (Maj Hunter 41 Beach Op) and Sgt Pirie the Diangbon (GEORGE) A/Beach Comd, and Beach Master (RIN) the northern chaung (ITEM) Tp and stores were to follow at H+60 or lie off until called in.
 
GEORGE beach which Inf waves landed consisted of a soft mud bank about 4 ft high almost vertical with a strip of mangrove swamp and thick undergrowth about 15 yds wide immediately behind it. Further inland it was open thin scrub but the ground was covered with the spikes of mangrove roots about 9inches high and too close to put a foot between them. The ground was also very marshy with a maze of stream beds which were about a foot or more of soft thick mud; the whole area was entirely saturated and had been underwater 2 days before when the Bde Comd made his recce. GEORGE was therefore no use until, if ever, it dried out.
 
Recce of FOX was therefore made about a mile inland and FOX was found to be suitable. A bend in the chaung provided a fairly firm bank clear of undergrowth which gave onto rather firmer paddy suitable for a road after a few days of drying out.
 
Recce of ITEM had been done and recce party had walked through village of TAUNGMWS before returning and found a hard sand beach near there. All recce parties eagerly went on a visit to this but encountered a Jap MG half way there which had not been in position before, and so ITEM had to be excluded from further investigations.
 
No vehs or stores could be landed that day as it was near dark and Tp remained afloat that night landing next day.Tp then constructed FOX beach by ramping down the bank and laying Somerfeld and Coir, laid corduroy and matting road for the guns to land at GEORGE and dug ammo dump during the next 2 days. As advance proceeded past Hill 170, Milford and Pinner Tp built road through rocks and wet ground round 170 again attracting, the appearance of a bulldozer and men with shovels, the attentions of 75mm and 105mm guns.
 
By night the Japanese dragged guns close up to Pinner, took captured ammo from the dumps at the foot of then feature and fired point blank into 44 who were sitting on top of the feature. Next day Tp disposed of these shell dumps in chaungs and laid booby traps on the approaches to where the dumps had been. Homemade Bangalores and Grenades on trip wires were used and 5 Japs were killed the first night and two more by other traps laid next day and next night.
 
General work on the beach – re-building etc went on meanwhile, and also disposing of U/X shells. Shelling was continuous and heavy, 800 shells coming over on one day and about 400 being the normal amount. Mne Wilson was hit the first day and evacuated, wounded in the leg.
 
53 Bde came in and gradually took over the advance from Pinner. Tp helped them by making a stretcher bearer path from out of a large paddy bung across a tidal marsh and bridging chaung at end of it. This was done undercover of some trees on the enemy side of Pinner about 500yds from the Jap; Tp worked very silently for once. The footbridge was made of large duckboards made from the timber of the village huts supported on piers of 3” mortar Ammo boxes filled with mud and wired and staked together.  
 
At dawn on 31 Jan 45 there was a large counter-attack on Hill 170 which eventually after 24 hrs fighting resulted in 370 Jap dead. Tp was in an unenviable position by itself some 800 yds away on the beach-head, but as it was not attacked the enemy after 10 days could still not have known where our beach-head was. The Tp came out that afternoon and Bde concentrated MYEBON for a rest period.
 

3 Cdo Bde Map of the Kangaw Blockade Jan 1945

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Kangaw Blockade Map

Map of the Kangaw Blockade of 3 Commando Brigade January/Febuary 1945 with coded areas marked.

Units: 
1 Commando
5 Commando
42RM Commando
44RM Commando

3 Cdo Bde Map of Myebon and Kangaw Jan/Feb 1945

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Map: Myebon and Kangaw January /Febuary 1945

This is a map showing a general view of all the key areas of 3 Commando Brigades action in the Myebon and Kangaw area of Burma during January and Febuary 1945

3 Cdo Bde, timeline of the Hill 170 battle

Account of the action fought by Nos. 1 and  5 Army Commandos and 42 RM Commando on Hill 170 on the 31st January 1945. 

National Archives Document number WO218/81
Copy of Original document:  John Mewett
Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow
Ref. Map Sheet BURMA 84 [? over 8] 1" to 1 mile.

The narrative has been kept true to the original with abbreviations etc.


SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

PHASE I
(a)   0545 hrs.     4 Tp 1 Cdo attacked by Japs.
(b)   0930 hrs.     P1 'W' 42 RM Cdo and P1 3 Tp 1 Cdo counter-attack.
PHASE II
(c)   1230 hrs.      "X" Troop 42 RM Cdo counter-attack.
(d)   1400 hrs.      6 Tp 1 Cdo counter-attack.
PHASE III
(e)   1530 hrs.      Arrival of 4 Tp and 1 Tp 5 Cdo.
(f)    1730 hrs.      Disposns for night 31 Jan/1 Feb 45.
PHASE IV
(g)   1930 hrs.     Relief of 1 Cdo forward Tps by 2 Tp 5 Cdo.
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1        Orders for counter-attack at 12.30 hours.
Appendix 2        Account of Am Sups.
Appendix 3        Account of medical arrangements.
Appendix 4        Sp. Arms.
Appendix 5        Jap tactics and deceptions.

NARRATIVE

PHASE I
(a)  Attack on 4 Tp 1 Cdo posn.
0545 hrs.    Jap started shelling area NORTH BRIGHTON (514497) heavily until 0605 hours.
0610 hrs.    Green verey light fired NW of BRIGHTON which was taken to be 42 RM Cdo recognition signal.  .
0615 hrs.    Intense M.G. fire and grenade discharger shells on 4 Tp posn. possibly mortars as well.  Lt. Semple, O.C. 4 Tp. had ordered 'Stand to' and now gave instructions that fire was to be held until targets could be clearly seen.
0630 hrs.    Enemy had apparently some old Bren gun pits of 12 Tp 1 Cdo on extreme N slope of BRIGHTON.  With intense M.G. fire an attack was launched on 4 Tp posn from N.  This attack was beaten off by forward P1 of 4 Tp Comd. Lt. Knowland.  A number of casualties was suffered and Lt. Knowland asked for more amn and men.  These were then sent up from the rear P1 (Lt. Wight).  Lt. Semple went forward to see the situation for himself.  Enemy next heard digging vigorously on extreme N slope of BRIGHTON, and 4Tp was then subject to MMG fire which, it was estimated came from W.finger (512505).
Thereafter the enemy made repeated attacks in mass on N. BRIGHTON.  These were again and again beaten off and heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy.
An attempt was made to assault the W flank of 4 Tp but this too was beaten off successfully.
0830 hrs.    4 Tp was by now suffering a number of casualties, and was running low and there were scarcely any grenades left.  Lt. Semple asked for help.
The forward Sect was partly over-run and fought on until every man was either killed or wounded.  Lt. Knowland [view] who was with the forward Sect was last seen firing the 2 inch mortar from the hip at point blank range at the oncoming enemy.  The F.O.O. who was also forward with his party was badly wounded and subsequently died, and his wireless set put out of action.  One of his gunners was also wounded in the legs but insisted on staying.  He was found next day still alive though his trench had been occupied by Japs.
Fire orders for Arty were subsequently relayed by voice control to the Tp HQ set.
(b)  P1 (W(Tp 42 RM Cdo and P1 3 Tp 1 Cdo counter-attack
0930 hrs.    C.O. arrived in 4 Tpposn.
P1. of (W)Tp 42 RM Cdo arrived  to help 4 Tp 1 Cdo, one Sect of 5 Tp 1 Cdo under L/Sgt. Perry came up to thicken up the posns vacated by (W)Tp 42 RM Cdo and protect the E. flank of 4 Tp which was subject to heavy and accurate sniping by the enemy.  Tanks were asked to protect the left flank against infiltration by the enemy.
The Sect of 5 Tp remained in posn all day until relieved by 5 Cdo in the evening, accounting during its stay for a party of six Japs and one MMG.   Gnr. Baker of this Sect. after killing two Jap snipers was himself killed.
P1. (W) Tp. 42 RM Cdo with Capt. Smith, who readily placed himself under command of Lt. Semple, then took over  some of 4 Tps posns with one Sect, where there had been casualties.  The remaining two Sections under Capt. Smith were ordered to clear the slope W. and N. of enemy.  After moving about 20 yards along the slope the party which was 12 strong came under MMG fire and suffered 6 casualties.  Capt. Smith decided to withdraw and reported to Lt. Semple.  It was agreed then that the remainder of P1. (W)Tp should occupy some of 4 Tps posns on the NW and to stay and hold the posn.

At the same time as 42 RM Cdos counter-attack on the W. flank No. 1 P1 of 3 Tp (Lt. Crewe) had arrived and was ordered by Lt. Semple to clear the E. slope of the posn. Lt.
Crewe and two sections moved across the E. slope leaving P1. HQ and the third Sect. under command of Sgt. Lander to reinforce 4 Tps E. flank and shoot N. along the crest. The attacking Sects. moved with L/Sgt. Sincup's Sect. leading in extended order on the slope, and Cpl. Edman's Sect. behind.  Lt. Crewe was on the left of Sgt. Sincup's Sect.
At the bottom of the hill L/Bdr. Toft saw 4 Japs in trenches, and the Sect. advanced after Sgt. Sincup [view] had thrown a grenade and killed 3 Japs.  7 Japs then bolted from a dug-out and 6 of them were killed, the seventh running away into some bushes in the paddy.  Cpl. Hobbs was then shot in the jaw and went back alone.  Lt. Crewe came down the hill to Sgt. Sincup and said he had been wounded in the leg.  The P1 continued to  advance over the bodies of the dead Japs and in one trench two made up demolition charges each of about 7 to 10 lbs. together with a Jap sword were seen.  After advancing about another 30 yards the Sect. came under M.G. fire and grenades were thrown down on them from the top of the hill.  Lt. Crewe was hit in the foot and Sgt. Sincup took over the two Sects.  At this stage Gnr Beaney who had gone off to contact Sgt.Lander was wounded.
As the P1 was suffering casualties Sgt.Sincup decided to draw back until he was in line with the remainder of the force on top of the hill.  On the way back Gnr.Beaney was found wounded.  Attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful as he was covered by snipers.  The     Sects then took up posns protecting the E. flank of 4 Tp where they remained until evening when they were ordered by the C.O. to come under comd of Capt. Evill.
Immediately after the counter-attack by (W(Tp and 3 Tp the C.O. after discussing the situation with Lt. Semple went back to report to the Brig.
1015 hrs.    The Brig came fwd with the C.O. and saw the situation.  It was decided to clear the feature with a (Blitz) counter-attack by (X)Tp 42 RM Cdo.  This was to take place at 1230 hrs. supported on the left flank by one tank of 19 L.  Capt. Smith of (W)Tp was ordered to go in the tank to direct the shooting on to the NW. slope.
The C.O. remained fwd.
From now on the enemy continued to attack furiously but with little success, though the posn was subject to further intense and accurate grenade discharger fire.  The situation was kept well in hand and by now then amn was arriving steadily and the evacuation of casualties continued throughout.
The first amn party to arrive came from 5 Tp 1 Cdo, who also helped to prime grenades, fill magazines, and distribute amn forward.
PHASE II
(c)  (X)Tp 42 RM Cdo counter-attack.
1230 hrs.    The counter-attack went in as planned (see Appendix 1 for detailed orders).  Very heavy casualties were suffered by the leading P1 from intense MMG fire (the enemy now had three MMG on the ridge).  The second P1 which was to have gone through was pinned by fire on top of the posn and was ordered to remain, occupying trenches where 4 Tp had suffered casualties.  These Tps then remained in posn for the rest of the day until ordered withdraw by Lt. Col. Trevor.
(d)  6 Tp 1 Cdo counter-attack.
1300 hrs.    6 Tp comd Capt. Evill was ordered fwd from their posn to 4 Tp area where Capt. Evill was given instructions to thicken up 4 Tp posn with a view to holding the feature. However after (X)Tps counter-attack there was a brief lull in the battle and it was decided to put in an immediate counter-attack with one P1 to regain 4 Tps fwd posns.
1400 hrs.    Lt. Palmer now brought up his P1 and after a recce with Sec Comds the attack went round the R. flank, with two 2 inch mortars and all available Brens in support on the crest.
After working round the E. flank for some 30 yards the leading Sect. came under intense MG fire and showers of grenades flung down from above.  The P1 suffered about 50% casualties as a result of this heavy fire and the C.O. ordered it to withdraw.  Lt. Palmer [view], Sgt. Morris MM [view] and Fus. Andrews [view] were then reported missing.
At this moment Lt. Larcher's P1 (6 Tp) arrived.  They were ordered to send all Bren teams fwd to thicken up 4 Tp posns and replace casualties, the remainder maning posns in 4 Tp area on the E. Flank.  Several men helped to evacuate casualties and with the amn supply.  As men in the fwd posns became casualties so others were called fwd to take their place on the Bren guns. 6 Tp remained in posn until finally relieved by 5 Cdo.
During this time the call for amn and grenades from the fwd posns put a constant strain on the resources.  The filling of mags, priming of grenades and the distribution of all types of amn was very smoothly and efficiently organised by Lt. Wight, Lt. Larcher and Sgt. Evans.  Together they kept a constant stream of all types of ammunition going forward, and handled the constant trickle of casualties who were coming back
1500 hrs.    The Brigadier ordered that no further counter-attacks were to take place before nightfall, and every effort was to be made to hold the position as it was.  Col. Trevor asked Bde for reinforcements.
PHASE III
(e)  The arrival of 4 Troop and 1 Troop 5 Commando.
1530 hrs.    Lt. Col. Pollitt, MC [view] Comd 5 Commando and Capt. Burr Comd 4 Troop 5 Commando came forward with 4 Troop 5 Commando to see Col. Trevor.  Col. Trevor asked to have this Troop made available as close as possible for immediate action.
Bren Groups of 4 Troop (5 Commando) were sent forward to reinforce the front of 4 Troop 1 Commando.  The remainder of the Troop was employed in carrying casualties and  ammunition.  Sgt. Flatley and 6 men of 4 Troop 5 Commando were sent forward on the EAST slope to deal with enemy snipers who were active on the flank.  Casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
1 Troop 5 Commando moving up behind 4 Troop 5 Commando was ordered by the Brigadier to send one platoon onto the EAST spur on the flank of 4 Troop 5 Commando.  The other Platoon of 1 Troop 5 Commando was engaged at the foot of the EAST slope, where further casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
1630 hrs.    Col. Pollitt was wounded when returning from 4 Troop 1 Commando position.
(f)  Dispositions for night 31 Jan/1 Feb 45.
1700 hrs.    Major Stuart 5 Commando who had taken over from Col. Pollitt came forward to see  Col. Trevor, and received orders to (box) 4 Troop (5 Commando) on the EAST flank of 4 Troop (1 Commando).  4 Troop 5 Commando then commenced digging in.
At this stage the enemy's furious attacks had ceased and only a few snipers remained active.  Col. Trevor then set about re-organising the elements of 3, 4 & 6 Troop (1 Commando) who were still in that area.  The personnel of (X) and (W) Troops 42 Commando were withdrawn under command of Capt. Smith and ordered by Col. Trevor to report to Major Davies 1 Commando.  The Section of 5 Troop 1 Commando was relieved by 1 Troop 5 Commando and rejoined its Troop.
The composite force of 3, 4 & 6 Troops 1 Commando which occupied 4 Troop's position came under command of Col. Trevor himself, and the Brigadier ordered that the position should be thus held during the night.
Col. Trevor then handed over temporarily to Capt. Evill and left the position to find the Brigadier.

PHASE IV
(g)  Relief of 1 Commando forward Troops by 2 Troop 5 Commando.
1830 hrs.    Col. P. Young, DSC, MC [view] came forward to see the position, when he met Col. Trevor [view] who was on his way back.  After holding a conference with Col. Trevor and Major Stuart, the latter readily agreed to bring up a fresh Troop to relieve 1 Commando who had had no rest that day.
1945 hrs.    2 Troop 5 Commando Comd Capt. Beard arrived to relieve 1 Commando forward Troops, who were withdrawn to old positions for the night.  The responsibility for the defence of NORTH BRIGHTON then passed to 5 Commando.


APPENDIX 1

ORDERS FOR COUNTER ATTACK OF (X( TROOP 42 COMMANDO
AT 1230 HOURS 31ST JANUARY 45
by Lt. Colonel K.R.S. Trevor, Commanding, No. 1 Commando

1    Own Troops in position     EAST flank    ?   Platoon 3 Troop 1 Commando centre    ? 4 Troop 1 Commando
      WEST flank   ?   Platoon (W) Troop 42 Commando.
2    Intention.  To clear NORTH BRIGHTON of enemy.
3    (X) Troop 42 Commando Comd Capt. Jones to move forward with one Platoon forward and one Platoon back, with track as dividing line between leading sections.
4    H ? 5 to H ? 2" Mortars to put down smoke.
5    Tanks at call to fire uphill from ?hour under direction of Capt. Smith.
6    All Brens to move forward to 4 Troop 1 Commando to fire on the following programme:
      H ? 5 to H ? 2    slow rate
      H ? 2 to H        rapid
7    Start Line ? Rear of 4 Troop 1 Commando positions.
8    H hour 1230 hrs.

APPENDIX 2

ACCOUNT OF AMMUNITION SUPPLIES ON 31ST JANUARY 1945
At approx 0830 hrs. 4 Troop 1 Commando asked for ammunition of all types.  5 Troop 1 Commando sent forward their reserves of grenades and other types.
At approx 0945 hrs. mortar platoon asked for more H.E. as they had already expended 80 bombs.  Cpl. Young Mortar Platoon with a small party of men made three attempts to reach the bomb dump but this was under enemy machine gun fire and they were driven back.  In the last attempt Cpl. Young [view] was hit and subsequently died of his wounds.  Pte.Boyes attempted to reach Cpl. Young but was unable to do so owing to the heavy fire.  It was impossible to get ammunition from this source to the 3" mortars.
At approx 1100 hours. ammunition of all types was again called for.  The only personnel available to carry ammunition to the forward Troops were No. 1 Platoon of 12 Troop 1 Commando.  This was a dangerous mission as the ammunition party was continuously under fire enemy snipers.
It is impossible to assess the ammunition expenditure but some idea of the amount can be judged by the fact that each Troop had a reserve of 3,000 rounds 303, 1,000 rounds 300, 2,000 45 and 72  36 grenades and by 1200 hrs. the Brigade dump was unable to continue the supply of types required.
Fortunately RSM Powell was able to contact Capt. Gardner 1 Commando A.O. who immediately set about the task of ferrying ammunition from the beach.  This ammunition arrived in time to supply the forward troops with everything they required.  The supply was effectively maintained by the untiring efforts of 12 Troop 1 Commando who not only carried forward the ammunition but evacuated casualties on the return journey when there were not sufficient stretcher bearers available.  It must here be mentioned that only 6 ORs of 12 Troop could be used at any one time as their position still had to be manned.
At 1500 hrs. as the ammunition party was busy evacuating casualties to the M.D.S. it was found necessary to get more men to carry ammunition.  RSM Powell contacted a party of Indian Engineers who willingly supplied 12I ORs as ammunition carriers.
Towards evening the men from 12 Troop who had been working all day then volunteered to take as much water as they could carry to the forward Troops, in addition to the normal ammunition supplies.
At no time were the forward troops desperately short of ammunition.

APPENDIX 3

ACCOUNT OF MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS ON HILL 170 ? JANUARY 1945
At about 0700 hrs. 1 Commando R.A.P. moved to 4 Troop 1 Commando H.Q. and there treated some 15 casualties which had occurred during the enemy's initial assault.  They were evacuated satisfactorily by Indian stretcher bearers.
The R.A.P. stayed in this area until 1030 hrs. when Troops moving in and the intensity of the enemy's fire made it necessary to clear all wounded from the position as rapidly as possible.  The R.A.P. therefore withdrew to the area of 42 Commando H.Q., leaving the Medical Sgt. forward who supervised essential first aid.
However at 1200 hrs. as casualties were increasing in number and as the M.D.S. was close at hand, the R.A.P. moved forward again to the saddle at the rear of 4 Troop 1 Commando.  Here it was able to supervise essential first aid and to organise evacuation from 4 Troop in front, and the Troops on the flanks.  From 1200 hrs. to  1500 hrs. during the counter attacks put in by 42 Commando and 6 Troop 1 Commando, 42 Commando came up to augment 1 Commando R.A.P., assisting at the time of the intensest flow of casualties.
The Indian bearers worked well until midday.  After this time only about 4 parties were seen at the R.A.P. and most of the bearing was done by 12 Troop 1 Commando.  The Indian bearers were difficult to marshal owing to the language obstacle.
Troop orderlies worked forward with the defending or counter-attacking Troops and did excellent medical work under difficult conditions.  Casualties in the medical section were killed 1 L/Cpl, and wounded 1 Sgt.  The former had gone forward to the front trenches early in the battle and having dressed four men who were wounded manned one of the Brens but was killed when his position was overrun.

APPENDIX 4

1    Arty (25 pdr& Med)
      Tanks
      Aircraft
2    Artillery:    The Arty was used throughout the day (a) to neutralise enemy supporting fire on FINGERS, (b) as harassing fire on THAMES CHAUNG.  This was controlled by F.O.O. from the forward position until about 1600 hrs. when fire control was directed from MILFORD, whence whence reports had come of enemy movement across the chaung.  (c) On NORTH end of BRIGHTON 300 yards in front of enemy position, later reduced to 150 yards.
The F.O.O. on BRIGHTON was seriously wounded at 0800 hrs. and his set was put out of action.  His place was taken by the battery commander who sent his orders back on the Command net.  The battery commander was wounded twice and his place was taken by another F.O.O. in the afternoon.
3    Tanks:    Of the 3 tanks on the bridgehead 1 was destroyed by enemy action at 0600 hrs. and a second partially disabled at the same time.  The third took part in the action throughout the day.
At 0830 hrs. the tank was asked to give support on WEST flank of 4 Troop 1 Commando who were at that time hard pressed.  At 12.30 hrs. the same tank was used to supplement the fire power for (X( Troops counter-attack.  It had one periscope shot away.  At 1330 hrs. the tank withdrew to replenish ammunition and POL returning at 1430 hrs.  It continued to fire ME effectively with three bursts on NORTH end of BRIGHTON.  Shells were ranged to burst 50 yards in front of 4 Troops 1 Commando position.  This was undoubtedly extremely effective in countering Jap infiltration on the left flank.
4    Aircraft:    These were not used in direct support until the culminating point of the battle when a heavy strike was made by Thunderbolts at 1700 hrs on FINGER.  This caused heavy casualties among the retiring enemy.
5    Navy:    At 0700?hrs. 1 LCA with 13 Brens went up THAMES CHAUNG to clear the banks.  This was followed by an M.L. at about 1030 hrs. which opened fire on fingers and the banks of the chaung.

APPENDIX 5

JAPANESE DECEPTIONS
Many of the usual tricks of the enemy were employed, such as shouting names of officers and senior NCOs.  Further to these during the day were:
(a)    Shouts of 'withdraw Commandos' and 'cease fire'.
(b)    Six Japanese were seen wearing Green Berets, and one dead Jap was subsequently found wearing a Green Beret.
(c)    Fire crackers were used to give the impression of heavier fire power.
(d)    Cries of 'I am wounded'. 'Help' and 'Come and get me out', etc.

1 Commando, War Diary of Hill 170

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, January 31, 1945

Source: 
War Diaries of No 1 Cdo.  ref.  National Archives WO 203/ 1792. Transcribed with the help of  John Mewett and Elaine Southworth-Davies from a copy typed on a ribbon type writer which was very hard to decipher.  ***** refers to a word that could not be made out.

Report by Lt. Col Peter Young on the Battle of Hill 170

At about 0545 hrs. I was in my dugout on the reverse slopes of 170.

The Japanese indulged in a fairly prolonged barrage which didn’t compare to badly with a Bosche effort. This was followed by musketry from the N end of 170. I got up and got dressed and went along to see Lt Col Trevor and found him in his HQ. It was daylight when we arrived. On the way I told various sections I passed what information I had gathered from Bde.HQ. This was to the effect that a party of about 20 Japs had rushed our 3 tanks that one was believed to have been set on fire, and that 4 troop of No1 commando was surrounded by snipers but the situation was well in hand.

I found Lt Col Trevor and some of his HQ sniping at a diversion party down in the bushes and paddy in rear of his HQ. I borrowed a Garand rifle and both Cpl Christopher and myself had a few pot shots with no obvious results, but Col Trevor knocked one over and so did some of his signallers. An officer and three other Japs were found later in the target area. Capt. Cotton of 42 Cdo rushed out and got his sword.  He was shortly afterwards wounded in the thigh by a shell I think.

One of the Japs down in the field was lying on his back moving his arm from time to time.  We hoped to get him as a prisoner, but he killed himself with a grenade.

The Brigadier came along and so I went back to Bde and had my breakfast.

Later presumably after 0930hrs I went back to see Col Trevor again. By this time he had gone up and joined 4 Troop.  I visited him there, there was a good deal of fire at the time, but Col. Trevor didn’t seem to think there were very many Japs in front of him.  As I went forward to see Col.Trevor  I met Lt. Crewe being carried back along the ridge, sitting up on a stretcher.  He had been wounded in the foot and leg.  Capt. Smith of 42 was already with Col.Trevor by this time.

I went down the gully to where the tanks had been laagered. I found that one had indeed been burnt out. There was a good many bodies about. None of them had been moved so I proceeded to inspect them. The first was an officer.  He had got right inside the tank and set it on fire.  About six of his men were dead behind him within 20 yards or so.  They had pole charges (round charges on the end of bamboo poles). One of them had gone off prematurely and killed its owner very thoroughly. He was covered in a sort of powder the colour of mepacrine. In the paddy were four riflemen who seemed to have been giving covering fire at close quarters. One had died with his forefinger in the loop of a 36 grenade.  Taking a look at the other party, we found one of them breathing.  His right forearm shattered, but some SBS soon whisked to the MDS. He is still alive.

During the morning it was reported at Bde. HQ that an ICA had destroyed a party of Japs crossing the N Chuang (Thames).  I took a patrol to investigate this report.  We found no bodies but saw the imprint in the mud of at least one barefooted man; found 3 clips of Jap rifle ammo in their forming up area and a Bren magazine at the point where I consider they may have landed, for it was opposite to the mouth of the contributory of the ‘Thames’. During all this time there was continuous firing on 170 and we saw several of our own troops advancing among the tree at the top of the hill.  I got the impression that very little of the hill was left to the Japs.

Perhaps it was my next visit to Bde. that a report came in from Col.Trevor that there were still 40 Japs at the end of the feature.  The Brig.turned to Capt.Tripp, the IO and said ‘send that to division tell them there are 20 Japs at the end’.

By this time a steady stream of casualties was moving along the back of 170 to the MDS, and one marine said he saw 61 brought past during the day.  While I was at 1 Cdo’s HQ on one occasion, about 1500hrs, a report arrived that the situation was critical.  However reinforcements from 5 Cdo had begun to arrive from PINNER and the Brig. had ordered Lt Col Pollitt MC to take a troop forward as soon as he had arrived. 1530 Hrs Col Pollitt and Capt.Burr of 4 troop 5 Cdo arrived 1 Cdo HQ.

The next time about 1630hrs I went to see Col Trevor I met Col Pollitt being carried back on a stretcher face downwards. He had been shot through the knee. I also met Lt. Bolitho walking back, shot in the stomach being supported by one man and very angry.

I met the Brigadier who ordered me to arrange for a flanking movement by a Coy of Punjabs to pin down the enemy on the west side of 170 with fire from the paddy; and for the tanks to go into action again.

Only one tank was in action by this time, but as soon as I could get hold of a platoon from 5 Cdo it advanced again. I met Major Stuart, told him Col Pollitt was hit and arranged for this support.

I then found the Col of the Punjabs and arranged for two platoons guided by my servant, to go and engage the enemy from the mangrove where they themselves had originally formed up.

When the Brig returned to his HQ he ordered me to organise the defence of the hill for the night. I went to see Col.Trevor  and met him coming back at about 1630hrs, from his forward post. I had Major Stuart with me and we arranged to reinforce 1 Cdo’s forward troop with a strong fresh troop of 5Cdo and if possible to withdraw the tired troops of 1 Cdo.  As it was getting dark I told Col Trevor it was unlikely that we could do more than reinforce him for the night.

By the time I got back to the area of Bde. HQ with Lt. Nias , 10 of No 1 cdo, I found that enough Punjab’s had arrived to take over from 2 troop No 5 Cdo so I sent Capt.Beard guided by Lt. Niasto report straightaway to Col Trevor.  I got Capt. MacLennan the camp commandant, to show the Punjabs all the posns on the right and returned main HQ No I Cdo, where to my delight (and also surprise) I found that troops of 42 Cdo were already reinforcing the two weakly held features.  We were now able to take out 1 Cdos forward Troops.  I saw Col Trevor and he was satisfied that all was well. I went back to Bde.  It was dark.

The next morning there was more firing. I went again to see Col Trevor and Maj Stuart; we had had four casualties in a weak attack from grenades.  I found him very eager to attack and drive the enemy off the end of 170, once and for all.  Since we were to hand over that day I was in favour of this.

Later I heard that he had succeeded and the hill was covered with dead. I went there and saw a truly incredible scene.  The Japs covered the hill almost like a carpet. They were piled onto those of our our posts which they had swamped. Our soldiers were busy collecting Brens and Jap ******* , and looking for documents and so on.  Several of our own men were in the open where they had fallen in one of the many counter attacks. A lot of Japs had been killed by the shelling and mortaring. Among some bushes on the N side of 170 were 16 dead Japs and two of our own dead. Here we captured another prisoner, who had half his foot blown off and had crawled into the bushes.  He wanted us to shoot him.

There was still a good deal of mopping up to be done in the chaung and in the paddy, but the battle was decided by the clearing of 170.

Except that the Japs hardly used their artillery except in the preliminary barrage –presumibly because of the lack of W/T- and their mortar practice is very poor compared to the Germans, the fighting on 170 could hardly have been more severe. I am convinced that no European troops would have attempted to hang onto their precarious foothold at the end of 170 for as long as these Japs did, in the face of all the arty , 3 “ mortar and small arms fire brought to bear on them.  For 24 hrs the forward troops were within grenade range. On our side a man often became a casualty within a few minutes of taking over a Bren from another who’d been hit.

Had the pimple at the end of 170, divided, as it is, from the rest of the position by a sharp re-entrant been carried, it would have been a major operation to re-take it. Above anything it was the long and stubborn resistance of 4 Troop 1 cdo and the heroism of the officer commanding the forward platoon that prevented this.  According to PW reports, 500 Japs attacked the position of whom 300 were killed.

Myebon 11 /Feb/45                        P. Young Col    D. Command 3 Cdo Brigade.

 

1 Commando, Roll of Wounded Hill 170 Kangaw

Type: Nominal Roll
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Wounded Roll No1 Commando Hill 170 Kangaw Burma 1945
This document is in the No 1 Commando War Diary held at the National Archives. It contains the names of soldiers wounded in the battle and they are are alloted into their troop numbers. Through research this list has been found to contain omissions but it was the list read out at the service held after the action by the troop leaders.
 
Original document is held in the National Archives.
 
Units: 
1 Commando

3 Cdo Bde. order of the day by Lt.Gen.Sir AF Phillip Christison

Appendix to HQ 3 Cdo Bde War Diary for Feb 45

15 Indian Corps: Special Order of the Day

Field 17 Feb 45

Author: Lieut. Gen. Sir A.F. Philip Christison, KBE, CB, MC,  Comd 15 Indian Corp

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

To:  3 Commando Brigade

Having been placed under command of 15 Indian Corps to lead assaults in particularly hazardous and important amphibious operations, you have successfully completed the tasks which were assigned to you.

Your courage and determination in assault and attack, your tenacity and aggressiveness in defence and counter attack have won the praise and admiration of the Commanders and troops, British, Indian and Gurkha of all other formations engaged in the operations and who fought beside you.  Through your exploits at AKYAB, at MYEBON and at KANGAW and the valuable reconnaissance which you made along the ARAKAN Coast, you have gained a reputation throughout the Corps for indifference to personal danger, for ruthless pursuit in success, for resourceful determination in adversity, which has been a source of inspiration to your comrades in arms.

The battle of KANGAW has been the decisive battle of the whole ARAKAN campaign and that it was won was very largely due to your magnificent defence of Hill 170.

I am very proud of you and thank you all for the decisive contribution which you have made to the success of the campaign and the rout of the Jap in this theatre of operations.

I deplore the loss of your gallant comrades, and trust that your wounded may soon be restored to your ranks.

For the future, I wish you all happiness and success.

(To be read out on parade to all ranks.)

3 Cdo Bde. order of the day by Maj.Gen.Wood

Appendix to HQ 3 Cdo Bde War Diary for Feb 45

25 Indian Division: Special Order of the Day

Field 3 Feb 45

Author: Major-General G.N. Wood, OBE, MC, Comd.

 Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

On the victorious conclusion of the operations for the capture of the MYEBON peninsula and the cutting of the enemy L of C at KANGAW, I wish, on behalf of 25 Ind Div to express to 3 Cdo Bde the admiration we feel for their speed and fire in attack, and their aggressive and cheerful spirit when defensive actions have been imposed upon them.  3 Cdo Bde has had a stern test for many officers and men their baptism of fire but they have emerged from it with a reputation of which all ranks must always be proud.  Their comrades of 25 Ind Div deplore their losses, among them many who had already become our personal friends, but these losses have been avenged in full.

I count not least among the fruits of our victory the mutual trust and esteem which has been established on the battlefield between the soldiers of 3 Cdo Bde and their British and especially their Indian comrades of 25 Ind Div.

(To be read on parade to all ranks.)

 

1 Commando, Order of the Day by Lt Col Trevor 2nd Feb'45

Units: 

 

Order of the day Serial No 8

2nd February 1945

Author:  Lt.Col. K.R.S. Trevor, Cheshire Regiment

Commanding, No. 1 Commando

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

Gentlemen, I can't say how proud I am of the unit, and honoured to command you.  During the whole time at Hill 170, every man in every Troop and in every department worked and fought magnificently.  There was not a weak link anywhere.  No. 1 was a perfect fighting machine.

On hill 170 I saw more acts of bravery - perseverance and physical endurance that I could imagine possible.  The forward Troops stood firm, never wavering against all attacks.  Troops were always willing to counter attack against unknown odds, and the odds were heavily against us.

We must not forget the gallant part played by W and X Troops of 42 Commando both in their counter attack and defence, also 5 Commando who came to our assistance.  Col. Pollitt, before he was wounded, came and offered ant help her could give.  They gave it us, manning several Bren Gun pits in the forward trenches.  Major Stewart at 1800 hrs. offered and took the risk of replacing our troops on the positions with two of 5 Commando's troops, enabling our men to be pulled back for a well earned respite.  This completed for No. 1 Commando a period of twelve hours continuous close fighting.

Had the enemy succeeded in gaining a foothold on Hill 170 the safety of the whole Brigade and beachhead might have been jeopardised.  Our casualties have been heavy.  We have lost a number of old friends.  We must not forget the part they played in making their supreme sacrifice.

We have had since landing at AKYAB the following casualties:

Killed

  •   2 Officers
  •   2 Sgts
  •   3 L/Sgts
  •   2 Cpls
  •   7 L/Cpls
  • 11 Ptes

Wounded

         3 Officers

  •    1 W.O.
  •    1 Sgt.
  •    5 L/Sgts
  •    6 Cpls
  •  10 L/Cpls
  •  58 Ptes.

These figures speak for themselves.

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 3

Type: Files
Author: Edited by Capt. F.C. Rodger, RAMC 1944, June 1944
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando, jungle book

One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade.  This copy from Nick Collins. In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

Units: 
1 Commando
5 Commando
42RM Commando
44RM Commando

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 4

Type: Booklet
Author: Editor Captain F.C. Rodger, RAMC
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando, jungle book

One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade. This copy from Andy Maines. In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

Units: 
1 Commando
5 Commando
42RM Commando
44RM Commando

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 8

Type: Files
Author: Edited by Capt. I.V. Carrel (RM) September 1945
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: jungle book, commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando

One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade.  This copy from Julie Warren.

In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

Units: 
1 Commando
5 Commando
42RM Commando
44RM Commando

3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 9

Type: Booklet
Author: Maj. I.V. Carrell & Lt. G. Sheath (RM)
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: jungle book, 3 commando brigade, no 1 commando, no 5 commando, 42rm commando, 44rm commando

One of a series of the Magazine of the Third Commando Brigade produced and published between 1944 and 1946 for issue to those serving in the Brigade. In a No 1 Commando Newsletter dated 27th Feb 1944 it mentions about the new Brigade Magazine being published. It states that "From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor, and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director on the publishing staff."

Units: 
1 Commando

Wassenaar - Operation Premium

Date commenced: 
Sunday, February 27, 1944
Units: 

A raid on the Dutch coast near Wassenaar on 27/28 February 1944 by a small group of Commandos from No. 10 Inter Allied Commando who had embarked at Great Yarmouth on MTB 682.  

Captain Charles Trepel and the 5 other French Commandos  who left the MTB that night were never heard of again until the area around Scheveningen was liberated. During investigations into their disappearance their graves were found, five described as unknown Allied airmen, and one as unknown English soldier. The graves were disinterred and the men identified. There have been numerous suggestions as to how they met their death from drowning to execution. 

Mort pour la France

TREPEL, Charles
HAGNERE, Jean
GUY, Rene
RIVIERE, Jacquelin
DEVILLERS, Fernand
 
Sources:
  • No 10 Commando author Ian Dear who records his source as the French edition below.
  • Het Drama Bij Wassenaarse Slag, a detailed analysis of Operation Premium and the mysterious deaths of its participants, was written in 1985 by P.H. Kamphuis, a Dutch historian who is the assistant to the Head of the Historical Branch of the Royal Netherlands Army. This has been translated into French under the title Le Drame de Wassenaar. 
  • Letter from the Base of 1st Batallion Fusiliers Marins Commando, FNGB, to the Central Service of the Etat Civil in Paris.
 

2nd Anzio landing - No.9 Commando

Date commenced: 
Friday, March 3, 1944
Units: 

On the 20th January 1944 the first landings were made, meeting very slight opposition. On the 25th January the Commando was withdrawn from the beach-head and returned to Bacoli. No 9 Commando's second landing at Anzio took place on the 3rd March 1944.

This operation can best be described in this account by Major Les Callf MC and bar who was at the time Captain commanding 5 Troop, No.9 Commando:

"My most thrilling and proudest moment of the war was in leading my troop in an attack against a superior force of paratroopers at Anzio. We had hardly recovered from our attack on Mt Ornito/Faito, suffering about fifty per cent casualties, when we were called back to Anzio as the situation there was critical. We landed on 3 March and 5 Troop was ordered straight into the front line sector held by the 9 Royal Fusiliers with orders to deal with a troop of German paratroopers who had infiltrated and taken over part of our lines.

5 Troop was about half strength, mustering one officer and twenty-eight ORs. We arrived at first light (05.45 hrs) and contacted the officer-in-charge for information as to the enemy's whereabouts. The only information was a vague wave of his hand down the wadi with the words, "There . . . somewhere down there . . . I've just been promoted Major!" With these words the officer disappeared down his dugout and left us to it.

The wadi was a deep ravine with stunted trees and foliage, about thirty feet down to mud and water, but it was the only cover available, so we had to use it. The assault team under Corporal Bostock pushed ahead with covering from the Bren-gun team on the highest part of the wadi. We usually did our raiding and fighting patrols in the darkness but this was special and urgent and we had to find them quickly, which we did, rather too quickly, in broad daylight. The enemy were well dug in on high ground overlooking the wadi and they opened fire with automatic weapons, slicing Corporal Bostock's trigger finger off as he returned fire. Casualties occurred through the troop. Corporal Searle quickly replied with mortar smoke as we regrouped. Corporal Bostock, assisted and covered by Hopkins and Belasco, reported back to me, and standing rigidly to attention, asked permission to fall out as he'd lost a finger - all this during enemy machine-gun fire!

The only way was a good old-fashioned bayonet charge.

We left the wadi and spread out in the dead ground below the enemy positions, with Brens on the flanks giving covering fire. Fusilier Storey*, who was lying just behind me, was killed instantly as we were getting into position.

Every man always carried two No. 77 smoke grenades so that a smoke screen could be created for about two throws of about forty yards. They knew the drill; throw and run through the smoke. This was the moment, and one I shall never forget. In broad daylight we had to cover about sixty yards of open ground against German paratroopers, well dug in. I looked to the right of me and the left and to CSM Walsh next to me, and gave the order, "Throw!" and as the smoke formed, "Charge!" and in we went, hard. I think we must have looked a fearsome body as we came through the smoke onto them. Many of them were killed and others put their hands up.

We suffered three killed* and nine injured. I'm not sure of the German casualties, but the official report gave twenty-five killed and twenty-three POWs, which was approximately twice the strength of No. 5 Troop on that day."

*Fusilier Percy Ronald Storey killed in action.
*Private William Whitworth killed in action.
*Private John Tatler died of wounds.
 

'Anzio beachhead - Operation X'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, March 19, 1944
Units: 
Known only as Operation X, No.9 Commando were tasked with clearing three Wadis about half a mile from the perimeter of the beachhead. The Germans had been using these as a forming up point for counter attacks.  These wadis formed a 'U' with a small hill in the centre and some further high ground below the base of the 'U'.
Due to their casualties at recent operations around Monte Ornito, the strength of 9 Commando had been reduced to 14 officers and just 255 OR's so the Commando was reformed from troops into 3 squadrons for the operation. Colonel Tod then divided the operation into three phases codenamed Haydon, Charles, and Laycock.
1st phase, Haydon, was to be mounted in darkness against the left hand arm of the 'U'. 
2nd phase, Charles, was to attack at first light and clear the enemy off the base of the 'U'.
3rd phase, Laycock, was to clear the enemy off the right hand arm of the 'U'. 
The fighting was brutal, often at close quarter, with attack and counter attack. No.9 succeeded in taking the objective but were denied immediate reinforcements and supplies. Eventually they were ordered by Brigade HQ to withdraw to the positions they had started from.
No.9 Commando had 73 casualties, killed wounded or missing, during the action. 
 
Sources
When Shall Their Glory Fade by Major James Dunning.
 

'Assam, India - Operation Silchar'

Date commenced: 
Saturday, April 15, 1944

April - July 1944. Assam

A series of patrols.

'Myanmar - Operation Screwdriver'

Date commenced: 
Saturday, March 11, 1944
 
Screwdriver 1 - 11th to 15th March 1944
A raid from the sea on the the village of Alethangyaw and the surrounding areas near to Maungdaw to harrass the enemy. 44 RM Commando were relieved by No.5 Commando.
 
Screwdriver 2 - 21st March to 12th April 1944.
44RM Commando again returned to this operation in the area to relieve No. 5 Commando and operate in front of the 9th Indian Infantry Brigade.
 

Italy - Operation Darlington

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, May 24, 1944
Units: 

Normandy - Operation Overlord

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, June 6, 1944

The allied landings in Normandy on D Day and onwards

75th Anniversary of 'D Day 6th June 1944

This week services will be held in many countries to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 'D Day' of the Allied landings at Normandy on 6 June June 1944, . Thousands would die on this day and in the months to follow before the war ended in 1945. Many more suffered life changing injuries. 
 

Amongst the Fallen on 6 June 1944 were One Hundred And Seventy Seven Commandos.

ONE day in ONE country in ONE theatre of war in World War Two. 
 
We will remember them.
 
View our Roll of Honour for WW2  [The Commando WW2 Roll of Honour]
 
"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today."

 

Spilje Bay - Operation Healing 11

No.2 Commando at Spilje, Albania
Sketch of the southern Albania Coast

The above picture shows a troop of No 2 Commando forming up in an olive grove for an attack. The sketch map was drawn by the author of this report.


                         Spilje Bay, Albania 28th – 29th July 1944

​                                A report written by Harry Fecitt MBE, TD.

 

Allied interest in Albania

In mid-1944 as the Germans began to evacuate the Balkans it was decided to try and galvanise Partisans in the former Kingdom of Albania to attack Axis troops who were withdrawing from Greece. A British Special Operations Executive (SOE) mission had also been active in Albania but its results had not been spectacular as the commander and many of his staff were captured by enemy troops in March 1944.
 
Albanian Partisans had been more than happy to fight Mussolini’s Italian troops who had invaded in 1939 but they were more ambivalent towards the Germans, often preferring to let sleeping dogs lie rather than to make attacks that resulted in savage German atrocities being perpetrated on local villages. Communists under Enver Hoxha dominated the Partisan groupings and their priority always was to be ready to seize power in the capital Tirana once the Germans had departed.
 
One Allied Special Forces unit that showed keen interest in events in Albania was the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) which was looking for a new theatre to deploy into now that all Axis troops had been captured in or expelled from North Africa.
 
Since March 1944 The leader of the British SOE Mission to Enver Hoxha was Lieutenant Colonel Alan Palmer, Royal Regiment of Artillery, who made five parachute insertions into the country. He was closely involved with British Commando operations on the Albanian coast and his Mission was originally titled Force 266.
 
The difficulties of successfully operating over the rugged and inhospitable Albanian terrain and of dealing with a population that often supplied the Germans with information can be assessed from Alan Palmer’s citation for the Distinguished Service Order that appears in Appendix 1 below. The value of this citation is that it describes events that led up to the decision to briefly deploy No. 2 Commando onto the Albanian coastline.
 

Operation Healing II – the plan

HEALING II was designed to re-open the coastline in the neighbourhood of Himara so that supplies could be delivered to the Albanian Partisans in that area. Weapons, ammunition, equipment, clothing and boots were all needed because the Partisans were recruiting well from the civilian population but they were reliant on captured weapons and clothing. It was necessary for four German-garrisoned strongpoints north-east of Spilje to be destroyed before the coastline was secured, and five hours were allocated for this – in the event this was an insufficient amount of time. The Commandos were to be ashore for less than 24 hours and afterwards it was anticipated that the enemy would re-enter the area and be repulsed by the Partisans.
 
The attacking force was just over 700 men strong and consisted of:
  • No.2 Commando – 250 all ranks (Lieutenant Colonel E. Fynn).
  • 40 men of No.9 Commando acting as porters.
  • A medical detachment from No.40 (Royal Marine) Commando.
  • 180 men from the Raiding Support Regiment armed with 4 Italian 47mm anti-tank guns, 6 medium machine guns, six 3-inch mortars plus No.1 Mobile Protection Troop.
  • ‘C’ Company 2nd Battalion The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment).
  • Inland, British officers from Force 266 ( redesignated as Force 399) and their Partisans, assisted by 20 LRDG soldiers, would organise prior reconnaissance and a link-up with the Commandos after the landing.
  • The Royal Navy was to provide the necessary LCIs (Landing Craft Infantry) and two destroyers tasked with gunfire support.
  • Weather permitting, air to ground fire support was arranged for the daylight hours particularly during the withdrawal.
Both the plan of attack and the communications network, particularly requests for supporting fire that were integral to the attack, were over-complicated; 95 wireless operators with 64 wireless sets were landed but poor communications, or none at all, were to bedevil the operation.
 
It was believed that around 150 German troops were in the four strongpoints, but that 2,000 were at Valona a few miles away. The German formation in the area was the 297th Infantry Division and its soldiers were of a high quality, often prepared to fight to the death in defence of their positions. The fact that the Partisans had little time for live prisoners once their boots, clothing and weapons had been removed was doubtless a determining factor in the minds of many young German soldiers.
 
Albanian quislings knew of the operation and had forewarned the Germans who strengthened their strongpoint garrisons at Spilje.
 

The Operation

Colonel Fynn’s force sailed from Monopoli, south-east of Bari, Italy, on the night of 28th-29th July 1944. A successful unopposed night landing was made near Himara village four miles south of Spilje. A night march, serenaded loudly by village dogs, followed to the attack start line. The day-light attack commenced and the first problem occurred when the naval gunfire support officer fell over a cliff, damaging his radio set. Shells from the destroyers fell short amongst the Commandos, hitting men and radios, but the fire was not easily checked.
Other radios could not work because their whip aerials could not clear the dense olive trees. The 3-inch mortar troop of the Raiding Support Regiment was heavily machine gunned as it moved forward, leading to it dropping its mortar equipment whilst cover from effective enemy fire was sought.
 
                                       No 2 Commandos attend to the wounded.
 
Three officers received Military Crosses and their citations describe the battlefield of steep rocky ridges, defended houses and snipers concealed amongst fields of vines.
 
Captain Michael William Stilwell, No. 2 Commando, moved quickly to capture his objective and his gallantry whilst wounded resulted in the award of the Military Cross.
"Captain Stilwell was in command of a force consisting of 2 Troops, whose task was to assault enemy positions which were well placed on the top of high ground with steep approaches. Captain Stillwell led the assault himself, and by his courage and leadership maintained a steady advance under heavy machine gun fire, until the positions were all over-run. Near the top he was badly wounded in the buttock, but insisted on carrying on till the consolidation was complete.
He then organised the exploitation of the ridge, but did not accompany the exploiting party as he could not move fast enough. He refused to be carried back to the Regimental Aid Post as stretcher bearers were already busy with other casualties, and, although in great pain, he insisted on attending to casualties near him, and organising their evacuation."
 
Captain Laurence Eric MacCallum , No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross for prominently leading assaults against strong enemy positions.
"Captain MacCallum was in command of a Troop which had to clear two ridges on the left flank of the main attack. From the outset his Troop met unexpectedly heavy and savage resistance. Captain MacCallum’s personal bravery in leading the assaults and his determination to smash through to his objectives were magnificent. He personally led every assault, and when his Troop was held up and suffering heavy casualties from flanking machine gun nests, he rallied and led them on to a successful attack on the objectives. At one stage he, armed with a pistol, and with one other man, stalked a strong post and destroyed it taking 10 prisoners.
In the latter phases, when practically half his Troop had been killed or wounded, he led his Troop into another attack with other Troops on a defended house. When the attack was held up he immediately organised and again personally led a flanking attack which enabled the main assault to go in. During a difficult dis-engagement and withdrawal, Captain MacCallum was untiring in his efforts to evacuate wounded, going forward himself on two occasions to get casualties back. Captain MacCallum’s cool, determined leadership materially contributed to the success of the operation, and his zeal and energy during the evacuation of casualties undoubtedly saved the lives of several wounded men."
 
Captain Michael Hinton Webb MC,  South African Forces attached to No 2 Commando, was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross that he had previously been awarded during operations in North Africa (the citation for this first award is shown below at Appendix III).​

"Captain Webb was in command of a force of 2 Troops, which had to attack a series of strongly defended houses and machine gun posts. Throughout the action, Captain Webb’s cool, brilliant leadership, his complete unconcern at all times for his own safety, and his infectious aggressive spirit were an inspiration to all ranks. He led several assaults himself, continually urging and encouraging his men, and set a fine example, destroying the enemy himself wherever possible. During the heat of the attack he personally rallied his troops and led them on to the final assault. The success of this attack was very largely due to his dash and determination.

Later Captain Webb’s force was called to assist other Troops, who were held up, and again, despite the increasing numbers of snipers lying up in vineyards, his disregard for danger was outstanding. During a difficult dis-engagement and withdrawal, Captain Webb was a tower of strength, organising and giving personally every possible assistance to evacuate a large number of casualties back to the beaches. His bravery and unflagging energy undoubtedly saved the lives of several men. Captain Webb has shown consistent bravery and capacity for leadership in actions on the Dalmation Coast, notably on BRAC, where he was recommended."
 
        Captain David Peters leading 1 Troop No 2 Commando up a ridge at Spilje.
 
Elsewhere on the battlefield the Highland Light Infantry fought well and Commando junior leaders maintained the impetus of their attacks through three different planned phases of the action.
 
Many of these No 2 Commando junior leaders fought on after suffering wounds and, fortunately, their citations for gallantry awards contain much battlefield detail that helps us to understand why Colonel Fynn broke off the action before all objectives had been seized.
 
Troop Sergeant Major Peter Douglas Morland, No. 2 Commando, was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
"This Warrant Officer went into action in the role of a Section Officer. Throughout the whole action Morland showed a complete disregard for his own safety, (displaying) initiative and great powers of leadership. On the first attack, his section came under heavy machine-gun fire and suffered casualties. He rallied his men and led the charge clearing the ridge. On the second attack his section again came under heavy fire causing many casualties, but armed with a pistol, he by his gallantry and leadership, pressed home the attack and cleared the objective. He then immediately gave first aid to the wounded, arranged their evacuations, and made two attempts to get over the crest of a ridge, and rescue two men, after three other attempts had been unsuccessful. In the latter stages his section was reduced to a mere handful of men. Seeing that the other section was in difficulties, he collected men of other troops and another regiment, put in an attack and enabled the other section to withdraw. In the last stages of the battle, having no men, under heavy mortar and machine gun fire, he helped evacuate the wounded to the regimental aid post he had formed and thence back to the beachhead. His example, fine and untiring energy throughout were an inspiration to all. This Warrant Officer has consistently shown great courage in previous actions in Norway, Scaletta and Salerno, and on other Commando raids on the Yugoslav Islands."
 
Lance Corporal John Robert Anchor, No. 2 Commando, received a Military Medal by showing what a determined Bren (light machine gun) gunner could achieve.

"Lance Corporal Anchor was in command of a bren gun. At dawn his troop led the assault against enemy positions, strongly fortified and tenaciously defended. During the early stages of the advance Lance Corporal Anchor, coming under vicious enemy machine gun fire, carried his bren gun forward across dangerously open ground. From now onwards, he not only succeeded in giving effective covering fire to the advancing troops and thereby the steady advance of the leading troops but continually engaged enemy strong points with deliberate and accurate fire, having complete disregard for his own personal safety.

In the final assault, Lance Corporal Anchor, observing several Germans immediately in front of him, displayed great initiative and courage, when, charging forward under intense fire he hurled a grenade in the midst of the enemy, who were making a last desperate attempt to hold the objective. This action contributed largely to their withdrawal from the position.
By now a machine gun in the immediate vicinity was pouring bullets into the captured position. Lance Corporal Anchor located this machine gun and immediately engaged it through the window of his house forcing the enemy to stop firing and withdraw to another position.
Throughout this action this Non-Commissioned Officer displayed not only courage and determination but great initiative at all times. His efforts contributed greatly to the success of the assault and were largely responsible for dislodging Germans determined to hold out at all costs."
 
Driver George David Dransfield, No. 2 Commando, was awarded a Military Medal by demonstrating what a rifle and bayonet can achieve when used with bravery and accuracy.

"This man showed great courage and determination throughout the action. In the early stages he was particularly conspicuous in the bayonet assaults. In the final stage during an attack on a fortified house, Dransfield’s section attacked but were held up by withering machine gun fire across very exposed ground. Dransfield, with complete disregard for his own safety, dashed through the fire, across open ground over barbed wire and through a suspected minefield to take up a position behind a wall on the enemy’s flank. He immediately brought accurate fire to bear on the enemy positions in the house. This attracted enemy fire away from his own section onto himself and enabled his section to re-group for a second attack. Under this hail of fire Dransfield was badly wounded in the leg. Despite this he continued to return the enemy fire, and when the second attack was launched he immediately joined in the assault, when he was again hit in the other leg. Although in great pain and bleeding profusely he crawled 20 yards and collapsed. This soldier’s offensive spirit and magnificent bravery were an outstanding example and inspiration to all."

Lance Bombardier John Willis Gelder, No. 2 Commando, whose citation for the Military Medal describes both the Commandos’ battle plan, the ground and the enemy defences.
"This Non-Commissioned Officer showed outstanding courage, leadership and initiative. The attack in which he took part developed in three phases. In Phase 1 the attack was on a ridge studded with machine-gun posts. On the first burst of fire, the Section Sergeant and Corporal were hit, and Gelder immediately took control of the sub-section leading them with dash and no thought of personal danger. He saw that another section had eleven casualties from a machine-gun post, subsequently found to be manned by a German officer; he stalked this post despite the danger, and killed the officer with his Tommy gun. On Phase 2, Gelder collected remnants of the section and put in another attack on a machine-gun post, capturing the post and killing the occupants. On Phase 3 the objective was a strongly fortified house. The first attack was beaten off and Gelder was wounded. He refused to withdraw, and again went into the attack. He was hit in the face by a grenade, which exploded at his feet seriously wounding him. Despite this fact, he went on firing until his magazine was empty, encouraged the other men, who were now under mortar as well as machine-gun fire, and tried to carry a comrade out of action until finally collapsing. Gelder, who showed courage at Scaletta, Salerno and Hvar, acted as a Sergeant throughout this action, and was a great inspiration to his men. His gallantry in past actions earned him a recommendation at Salerno."
 
Lance Sergeant Joseph Gerard Anthony Rogers, No. 2 Commando, earned his Military Medal in a brave demonstration of leadership whilst carrying a wound and being under effective enemy fire.
"Lance Sergeant Rogers personally led his sub-section with conspicuous gallantry. In the face of heavy fire from two spandaus (machine guns) he continued to advance against his objective. Although wounded and in great pain he led his men on to close with the enemy and killed the machine gun teams. By this action, the troops on his left, who had been held up, were enabled to advance again.
 
Lance Sergeant Rogers throughout showed a complete disregard of danger and continually refused to allow his wound to interfere with his duties until the objective had been captured, and other casualties in the section had been dealt with first."
 
Lance Corporal John Denis Howard, Royal Army Medical Corps and No.2 Commando, received his Military Medal for displaying tenacity and bravery whilst in a non-combatant role but under heavy enemy fire.

"This Non-Commissioned Officer displayed untiring zeal, bravery and devotion to duty and was an example to all about him. Whilst under heavy shell fire he displayed the utmost coolness and disregarding his own safety entirely, he attended to the wounded and endeavoured to move them from the danger area. Later, during the attack he was constantly up with the assaulting troops in his capacity as medical orderly and he showed complete indifference to enemy fire whilst attending to wounded. He remained out under heavy fire dressing wounds and assisting in evacuating casualties. He went out repeatedly to bring in wounded men although he was continually sniped at and the ground was swept by enemy machine gun fire. He later remained out under heavy shell fire endeavouring to remove wounded to a place of safety. He was untiring in his work and at no time did he show the slightest regard for his own personal safety. His coolness and courage were great examples to those with him. During previous actions he has shown the same consistent devotion to duty."

Lance Bombardier Thomas Joseph Mulcahy, No. 2 Commando. This citation for the sixth Military Medal awarded for gallantry displayed at Spilje by No. 2 Commando personnel describes how LBdr. Mulchay stepped-up and took over a battlefield situation when his local commanders had been killed or wounded.
"This Non-Commissioned Officer showed great courage and leadership throughout the action. In the early stages when his Section Sergeant was missing and his Corporal wounded, Mulcahy immediately took charge. He led his men into the assault showing complete disregard for his personal safety and carried the assault through to destroy two machine-gun posts and several weapon pits. Then when his section were pinned down, he carried out a reconnaissance under fire which enabled him to outflank these posts. In the final stages, his section was driven back in an attack on a strong point, but although wounded he rallied his men, and led a second attack in which he became more seriously wounded. Whilst lying on the ground, he encouraged his men and insisted on being the last to be evacuated. Throughout the action, he displayed great gallantry, determination and devotion to duty which, without question, materially contributed to the success of each assault. This Non-Commissioned Officer has repeatedly been outstanding in action and was recommended at Salerno."
 
                Commandos of 5 troop No 2 Commando with German prisoners.
 
An officer from Colonel Palmer's Mission with the Partisans later commented on the example that the British attackers had demonstrated on the battlefield:
"The way the British managed by night to take up positions so close to the enemy and then suddenly appear at dawn was new and, until they saw it happen, considered impossible by them (the Partisans). The bravery, discipline and excellent control shown by the British caused much admiration, as indeed it should. The Partisans were astonished at the way the British troops advanced in a perfect line, standing erect and oblivious of the intense fire. They considered the operation a masterly example of how to fight . . . The effect was a tremendous boost of Partisan morale and obvious improvement in their methods of fighting."
 

Withdrawal

By the time his five hours were up Colonel Fynn had accepted that his force was not strong enough to take all four reinforced enemy strongpoints above Spilje, principally because they had benefitted from an early warning of the British attack. Twenty British soldiers had been killed in action so far or were missing, and the unwounded remainder were exhausted. A move back to the beaches was ordered with priority being given to the evacuation of the 60 wounded men. The forward troops disengaged and fought a withdrawal action supported by smokescreens whilst stretcher bearers shuttled casualties down the steep slopes that had been taken from the enemy earlier in the day. Twenty five Germans had been captured and no doubt they assisted with casualty evacuation duties.
 
Around 40 Germans had been killed and over 30 wounded and the survivors in their strongpoints were shaken by the ferocity of the British assault; many of them absconded during the next night and the remainder withdrew into woodland where the Partisans hunted them down and killed them. The aim of destroying the German garrison had been realised. Three German attempts to re-enter the area were repulsed by the Partisans. A fourth attempt succeeded but the troops involved were soon forced back by what was now a highly motivated Partisan force.
 
The Royal Navy evacuated the HEALING II Troops back to Monopoli in Italy apart from three men of No. 2 Commando – Sergeant Douglas ‘Dink’ Webster, Gunner A. Pallet and Driver Roy John - who were left behind during the withdrawal. These three joined the Partisans for a time their evacuation was arranged.
 
In Monopoli Colonel Fynn received a congratulatory and reassuring letter from the commander of Land Forces Adriatic, Brigadier G.M.O. Davey, who wrote:
 
"I congratulate you on the excellent work done by you and the troops under your command in the HIMARA operation. Thanks to your careful planning and their very gallant fighting against a determined enemy and some objectionable Albanian quislings (some of whom were killed) the operation was a complete success. The object was the destruction of a German garrison. We know that it consisted of good German troops. You accounted for most of these, and the only remaining Germans were yesterday rounded up by the Partisans, who now control the coastal belt in that area.
Your casualties were not light, but against them you must measure the set-back the enemy has suffered morally and materially in Albania. Then you will realise the extent of your achievement. Your No. 2 Commando has maintained and enhanced its already great reputation, and I should be grateful if you would convey my thanks to every member of it for his collective and individual part in a successful battle, the results of which are out of all proportion to the size of the Force engaged."
 
Only a few weeks were to pass before No. 2 Commando was re-inserted onto the Albanian coastline for a new battle in support of Partisan operations.
 
                          Commandos from 5 Troop after the raid on Spilje.

View a film broadcast about the raid here British Pathe News Film.


APPENDIX 1

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Alan Salier Palmer, Royal Regiment of Artillery.
 
"Lieutenant Colonel Palmer was first dropped by parachute into ALBANIA on 10th October 1943. His task was to carry out a general reconnaissance of enemy occupied ALBANIA and then to proceed, with the organization necessary, to disrupt German communications in the South Eastern sector of the country. Whilst in command of a small operational mission in this area he formed, trained and led a force of local Partisans against the German Occupying troops.
 
In March 1944, after the head of the British Mission in ALBANIA, Brigadier Davies, and most of his party had been captured, Lieutenant Colonel Palmer was placed in command of all British Missions working with the Partisan forces in ALBANIA. In this capacity he remained for most part with the General Staff of the Albanian National Liberation Army, advising, training and directing as far as was humanly possible the activities of this movement, to ensure that its operations coincided with the directives of the Supreme Allied Commander.
 
Early in May 1944 Lieutenant Colonel Palmer carried out an offensive reconnaissance of Lake OHRID for a proposed seaplane landing. The following account of this reconnaissance is extracted from the diary of a field officer who accompanied Lieutenant Colonel Palmer. “To reach the lake within the time limit we marched for three days at great speed over mountainous country with only three breaks of two hours each for rest and food. The route lay through an area strongly held and patrolled by German and satellite troops. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer having completed the reconnaissance decided to blow the route on the western side of Lake OHRID between LIN and POGRADEC. His conduct during this action was remarkable. It was personally carried out by Lieutenant Colonel Palmer whilst German patrols were moving along the road which he was preparing for demolition.” A subsequent reliable report stated that the Germans attempted to rebuild the road with a force of 2,000 men, but failed and were obliged to conduct a long alternative route.
 
In June 1944 the German 1st Mountain Division was sent from SERBIA to South ALBANIA for the express purpose of breaking up the Partisan organization in that area, which at the time was severely interfering with the lines of communication of Army Group F. This officer with all but one of the missions under his command was gradually forced to withdraw to a Partisan-held bridge-head on the coast near the village of BORSH. After ten days hard and close fighting it became apparent that the Partisans were not strong enough, or well enough equipped to prevent the elimination of this bridge-head. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer who had meanwhile assumed virtual command of all Partisan forces in the area decided to evacuate all but five of the British personnel under his command. This evacuation successfully completed, he, together with one officer and one W/T (radio) operator, in the face of heavy and concentrated machine-gun fire broke through the enemy lines in daylight. The Germans on discovering from local civilians that it was the senior British officer who had succeeded in penetrating their lines immediately gave chase. Only after fifteen days of constant pursuit, during which he underwent considerable physical hardship, and showed remarkable endurance, and in the face of constant betrayal by treacherous Albanians, did he succeed in re-establishing wireless contact with his HQ in Italy. As a direct result of the initiative and courage displayed in this action Lieutenant Colonel Palmer was able to regain contact with the Partisan GHQ and thus make possible the rallying and reformation of the remaining Partisan forces, who continued to resist the Germans and hampered their lines of communication.
 
On four separate occasions when political relations with the FNC (Fronti Nacional Clirimatare – the Communist Partisan organisation) were critical to the extent of prejudicing all further military operations in ALBANIA, this officer has been summoned to ITALY to report to AOC Balkan Air Force. After each of these visits he has again been dropped by parachute into ALBANIA with fresh instructions. Due to his great patience, he has succeeded, to a very considerable extent, in imposing the wishes of the Supreme Allied Commander on the FNC. His courage and leadership shown on many occasions have been largely responsible for the very high esteem with which he is regarded by all Partisan commanders, including Colonel General ENVER HOXHA, and it was largely due to this esteem that Lieutenant Colonel Palmer has been able to impose the extent of control which was eventually achieved. This officer is still in ALBANIA as political adviser to the Commander of the British Military Mission.
I have therefore the honour to submit that for his outstanding work, Lieutenant Colonel Palmer be awarded the DSO. Should this award be approved it is requested that no detail be made public or communicated to the Press."
 
After the war Alan Palmer, a mobilised Territorial Army officer, re-joined his family business Huntley and Palmer. In 1963 he was appointed CBE ‘For services to the biscuit industry and to export’. He died in 1990.
 

APPENDIX 2

 

The Fallen remembered with honour

 

Tirana Park Memorial Cemetery, Albania

 
Sergeant Jack Ernest Moores No. 2 Commando
and
Lieut. Alan Macdonald Sennett - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Lance Serjeant Herbert Aveyard - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Private Alexander Barr - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Private John Casey - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Private Norman Swanney - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
 
At least seven more burials in this cemetery are of unidentified personnel.
 

Athens Memorial in Phaleron Cemetery, Greece

 
Lance Corporal Ernest Zeno Rosenstein, No. 2 Commando
Gunner Nelson David Richardson - Royal Artillery attached to Raiding Support Regiment.
 

Bari Cemetery, Italy

 
Trooper Norman Bunn,  No. 2 Commando.
Bombardier Peter McDougall, No. 2 Commando
Gunner David McMillan Miller, No 2 Commando
Private Colin Peel - Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
 

The Cassino Memorial, Italy

 
Lance Corporal Henry Finn Hughes, No. 2 Commando;
Lance Corporal John Brighty, No. 2 Commando.
Gunner Peter Boon, No 2 Commando
 

APPENDIX 3

 
Citation for the first award of the Military Cross to Lieutenant Michael Hinton Webb, 1/3rd Bn. Transvaal Scottish, Union Defence Force, South Africa.
"During an enemy attack on our positions at BIR-EN-NAGHIA in CYRENAICA on the evening of 28 May 42, our forward outpost was compelled to withdraw owing to the fierceness of the attack. It was imperative for us to hold the outpost as it dominated our lines, and also the sectors held by the Battalions on our left and right. Lieutenant Webb was detailed to occupy the outpost with two sections. Under terrific shell and machine gun fire he reoccupied the post and successfully held it against several determined attacks during the period 28-29 May. At 0830 hours on 29 May he led an attack against the Italians who were endeavouring to dig in positions forward of his post.
His personal dash and courage were an inspiration to his men and in no small way contributed to the success of the attack which resulted in the capture of over one hundred prisoners."
 

SOURCES:
  • Roderick Bailey. The Wildest Province. SOE in the Land of the Eagle. (Vintage Softback 2009).
  • George A. Brown. Commando Gallantry Awards of World War II. (Private Publication 1991).
  • General Sir William Jackson (compiler). History of the Second World War. The Mediterranean and Middle East. Volume VI. Victory in the Mediterranean. Part II – June to October 1944. (Naval & Military Press softback reprint of 1986 original publication.)
  • James Ladd. Commandos and Rangers of World War II. (Book Club Associates London 1978).
  • Charles Messenger. The Commandos 1940-1946. (William Kimber 1985).
  • Hillary St. George Saunders. The Green Beret. (Michael Joseph Ltd 1949).
  • William Seymour. British Special Forces. The Story of Britain’s Undercover Soldiers. (Grafton Books paperback 1986).

 

Operation Healing 2 - Spilje, Albania, 29 Jul'44, image

Operation Healing 2 - Spilje, Albania, 29 Jul'44.
Operation Healing 2 - Spilje, Albania, 29 Jul'44. Stanley Buckmaster (No.2 Commando 5 troop) and Jock Cree (also 5 troop) are on either side of the German prisoner in the middle of the photo. Jock on the right of him as you view the photo. Photo credit: Fred Mather.
 

Sarande - Operation Mercerised

Date commenced: 
Friday, September 22, 1944

Landings at Sarande Albania. 


Extract from the No 2 Commando War Diary 
 
22 Sept 44:
0830 - Commando left Monopoli and proceeded to journey in LCI's to beach North of Sarande Bay. The journey was a very rough one and as soon as the craft left the lee of the mainland a heavy sea got up and a number of men were sea-sick. 1 LCI struck its starboard ramp against a rock but otherwise the landing was uneventful.
 
23 Sept 44:
0015 - Landed Sugar beach. Recce patrol met on beach. Conference on board LCI due to information received. German patrol had proceeded down the valley on Friday morning and very nearly surrounded Recce party. Beach was pounded with light mobile gun and neighbouring woods were raked with spandau fire, but on movement back Germans were caught by Partisans at head of valley. They killed or captured more than half of the 150 men in the patrol without loss to themselves. C.O. decided to occupy feature in centre of valley with Troops on either side of it. All positions were occupied by dawn. 4 Troop were then moved up to Point 586. Spitfires attacked Sarande. Rest of day spent diggin in.

24 Sept 44: Arrival of HQ No.2 SS Brigade under Brig. T.B.L. Churchill, MC. First day and night of rain. Corfu guns fired into Bay during afternoon. Partisan report received that 5 Germans had been killed in attack on Sarande yesterday. Patrol by 3 Troop down road towards Vermero, by 2 Troop to bridge at SHIAN, by 1 and 4 Troops towards Sarande.

2300 - Demolition Party under Capt. Whitehouse, S.O.R.E., 2 SS Bde., blew crater in SHEN VASIL- SARANDE road at 315845

25 Sept 44:
0500 - Arrival of Brig.Davey, Comd L.F.A. for brief visit. Shown over positions by C.O. More firing from Corfu guns.

1150 - Venturas bombed S.E. of Delvine.

1450 - Spitfires attempted to bomb bridge SHIAN without success.

Another night of rain. Patrol by 4 Troop reported enemy extremely active in Sarande area, but no enemy positions contacted. Engagement between Partisans and Germans at M.R.323828. 5 Troop reported considerable shell fire on position. Report from 3 Troops that Germans had taken to hills around Sarande. No civilians allowed in area. This patrol reached point 400 yards North of town of Sarande. Considerable M.T. activity on road and Naval activity in Sarande.

26 Sept 44:
0830 - 5 Troop returned from GHASHTE. 4 Troop reported Germans in occupation of METOG and LEKURES. Albanian militia with Italian uniform but unarmed reported in Sarande area - estimated 60 strong. 5 Troop reached VERMERO Church, then Eastwards down track to VERMERO ridge. Bumped small patrol but uncertain whether German or Partisan. Reached GJASHTE, threw H.E. Grenades but received no reaction. Fwd troops moved to Points 586 and 469. F.O.O. set up on latter. Telephone lines laid to link up these points with Brigade and Commando HQ.

1130 - Brigadier and B.M. visited Commando HQ. Request to L.F.A. for bombing of DELVINE as soon as possible. Brigadier gave orders for a Troop (3 Troop) to be moved to area of SHIAN Bridge, to be followed by two more Troops and Commando fwd. HQ. Partisan diversion towards DELVINE arranged.

1510 - Shelling of Commando valley from DELVINE. 4 Troop reported fire came from M.R. 345844. Informed 25 pounders would arrive BORSI approximately 1500 hours on the 27th.

27 Sept 44: Attempt by 3 Troop to bow up bridge failed. Demolition party lost contact with main body and unable to locate bridge. Lieut. ROE returned with demolition party to report. 3 Troop and Med. Det. left on ridge overlooking bridge and defended localities at VANE 337861. C.O. went out to recce positions and possibilities

1125 - Report from 5 Troop of 5,000 ton ship lying off Corfu

1305 - Shelling of Commando valley from German guns at 347843

1340 - Counter battery work by R.S.R.

1500 C.O. reported by wireless on condition of 3 Troop.Shelling of bridge area good and would recce further forward with Os.C. 1 and 3 Troops

1900 Order received from B.M to send Patrols to Pt. 802 290883. Sections of 2 Troop detailed for this.

Rain during night

28 Sept 44: Sections from 2 Troop on Point 802 reported no enemy in area.

1300 - 25 pounders reported in position SHEN VASIL

1708 - 5 Troop report enemy guns at 410878 and 395880firing at top of Commando valley

1900 - Shelling of beach area

Rain during night.

29 Sept 44:
0900 - C.O. told not to advance from present position except to move from Pt. 586 to Pt. 469

1200 - Rain continuous for 16 hours stops at last - temporarily

1700 - Orders received to send out 2 Patrols of 3 Subalterns each to shoot up transport on main road.
 
30 Sept 44
0430 - Convoy of 20 vehicles seen moving from Sarande to Delvine.
 
0730 - Enemy shelling of head of Cdo. Valley. 1 Casualty in 2 Troop.
 
0800 - C.O. arrived Bde. to report that 1 patrol had reached area of Rd 3483, was fired on by enemy,but suffered no casualties. No M.T. seen. Informed of arrangements for support of Partisan attack on Gjashte with 1 Tp, 2 x Vickers and 1 x 3" Mortar on Pt. 469. Arrangements for transporting ammunition to Pt. 469.
 
1815 - C.O. again visited Bde - received orders for Brigade Cmdr's Conference 0930hrs 1 Oct. - later postponed to 1100 hrs. Patrol by small part and Browning's , R.S.R., to Vermero Church area. Rain and poor visibility. Heard working party at bridge - shot it up. Verey Lights from Vermero ridge area 
 
1 Oct 44
1100 - C.O. attended Brigade Conference
 
1445 - Enemy 25 pdrs. shelled head of valley. Continued rain.
 
2 Oct 44
0915 - M.O. reported condition of Troops to Brigade Major.
 
1055 - C.O. saw Brigade Commander.
 
1300 - Shelling of head of valey.
 
1410 - Report received enemy patrol 50 to 60 strong had got behind O.P. on Ot. 469 and cut it off. 2 Tp Cdr. moved fwd with all available Tps. 
 
1500 - Lieut. Bennet and 9 men report back to 2 Tp position with information that he had been engaged by strong patrol and had to withdraw. . No casualties were suffered and the only thing found and taken by the Hun was one telephone. Pt. 469 re-occupied by whole of 2 Tp before nightfall. Relived by 3 Tp.
 
3 Oct 44
1040 - Received revised nomenclature of beaches and Commando valley. C.O. and Brigadier rendezvous on Pt. 469. Report of another patrol leaving Sarande proved false. 
 
1800 - C.O. returned from recce.
 
0700 - 3 Tp. on Pt. 469 report bumped by small recce patrol. 3 Tp. opened fire. Enemy dispersed and scattered. Patrol by Lieuts. McMenamin and Thomas to observe Vermero ridge during daylight and recce it at night. (nb. 0700 should be 1900, or applies to 0700 the following day).
 
4 Oct 44
0915 - Lieuts. McMenamin and Thomas returned and reported no enemy at Vermero Church. Enemy position located in house at 343823 and suspected enemy mortar position on southern end of ridge. Enemy sentry believed killed - our casualties nil. 40 (RM) Commando's action on Pt. 507 brought in prisoners. No patrols sent out. 
 
5 Oct 44
Report of fires started on Corfu by our aircraft.
1800 - C.O. visited Bde HQ to discuss attack on enemy position 337823 to take place on night 6th. 
 
1700 - 5 Tp. report P.W. Proves to be a deserter. Interviewed by I.O. and handed on to Brigade. Engineer with useful knowledge of mines in Sarande.
 
6 Oct 44
1000 - Decided attack on Pt. 337823 will not take place. Bde informed.  Reports received of intermittent flare-ups on Corfu. Suggested cordire burning. Bde informed. 
 
1700 - Adj. at Bde HQ. Informed of activity by 40 (RM) Cdo. Given preliminary plans for attack on Sarande. 
 
7 Oct 44
0620 - 5 Tp. report Partisans moving up to 586.
 
0900 - Brig. Churchill's Battle Conference.  Commencement of movement of Tps to battle positions. 1 & 3 Tp.s already on Pts. 586 and 469. 5 Tp. move up from head of valley. 4 Tp and HQ board LCI to move round to Yoke Beach. 2 Tp form carrying parties for stores, rations, water and ammunition to Pt. 469.
 
8 Oct 44
HQ and 4 Tp move up from Yoke Beach to neighbourhood of Pt. 469. 3 & 5 Tps move fwd. Shelling of fwd Tps bey German 25 pdrs and mortars. All Tps in posn by 2200.
2200 - Final briefing for Tps Cdrs & R.S.R. OP Officer.
 
9 Oct 44
0245 - 4 Tp and 5 Tp move up from posns to start line.
 
0320 - Sounds of mortar & M.G. fire as Partisans move up along road below Pt. 469.
 
0330 - Artillery barrage opens up on all objectives.
 
0400 - Tps still moving fwd without encountering opposition. 
 
0440 - 4 Tp and 5 Tp reach top of objecive and are temporarily pinned down. 3 Tp moving round left flank come upon enemy positions suddenly. Heavy Spandau and rifle grenade fire. Capt. Parsons, M.C. hit, Lieut. Coyle takes over but is hit in the leg. Moves fwd again but is killed by grenade. Rest of Troop sweep over enemy position. 
 
0500 - 1 Tp, 3 Tp, 4 Tp, and 5 Tp now all under cmd Major MacCallum move down hill. By dawn all Tps are pinned down along exposed ridge in full view of 25 pdr posn, being fired at by snipers from in front, 20 mm A.A.gunfire from left (a shot from which wounded Capt. D.R. Peters) and Spandau fire from houses in Sarande town on the right.
Wireless Communication due to continual exposure of sets to rain for the whole operation was unsatisafctory and fwd Tps became out of touch with RSR O.P. and C.O's party. Right target indicated , however, and after light bombardment of 20 mms and gun posn, Tps moved fwd led by small patrol. Huns came off gun position without firing to surrender. 3 Officers and 25 men gave themselves up - 17 having been captured from first objective. German gun at Delvine fired spasmodically.
 
1015 - Gun position taken by 1015. Partisans seem to control Gjashte Ridge but 20 mms still fire. R.S.R. Brownings brought fwd and register hits on Flak Tower and gun posns. C.O. decides to use 25 pdrs. Obtains Brigadier's permission and opens fire. Brigadier Churchill visits commando posns and congratulates all ranks. 
 
10 Oct 44
Effective 25 pdr fire brought to bear on Flak Tower. Huns stream out to be mown down by Bren fire. Surrender to Partisans.  C.O. visits Sarande. Decided to spend night in town.  Revd. Banting takes party from 3 Tp to bury Capt. Parsons, Lieut. Coyle, Gnr. Clarke, and Pte. Lyons. After burial he moved fwd to bury German dead in the same posn, but is blown up on a mine. Stretcher party finds he has died of wounds - carried back to Sarande by M.O. before nightfall. Stretcher parties moving down hillside encounter mines - 3 men badly wounded. Parties brought down to Sarande in pouring rain. Commando Casualties for 2 days were - 3 Officers killed, 2 Officers wounded (remining on duty), 2 O.Rs. killed, and 17 O.Rs. wounded.
 
11 Oct 44
1500 - Cpl H. Gee (3 Tp) died of wounds. Funeral of Padre, Cpl. Gee, and a RM.  C.O. read Burial Service. Officers acted as Pall Bearers for Padre. 2 i/c acted as Chief Mourner. Last post sounded.
 
1730 - Town cleared between 1600 and 1900 hours for suspected time bomb. Bomb exploded at 1730 hrs. Orders received to move whole Commando out of area on Thursaday morning.
 
12 Oct 44
1100 - Whole Commando embarked L.C.T. at sarandeat 1100 hrs. Reached Sugar beach 1200 hrs and moved into Rest Area further up Commando Valley. Rations, bivouacs and battle dress issued. All ranks under canvas for the night. 

'Dubrovnik - Operation Floxo'

Date commenced: 
Saturday, October 28, 1944

Operation lasted into November.

'Walcheren - Operation Infatuate'

Date commenced: 
Wednesday, November 1, 1944
Operation Infatuate was the combined operations amphibious assault on the island of Walcheren, off the coast of Holland, the capture of which was essential to the opening up of Antwerp as the major Allied supply port for the final push into Germany. The major role for the initial assault landings was allotted to 4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade, which had previously consisted of four RM Commando units, but for this operation No.4 Commando, an Army Commando unit, replaced 46 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines.

Operation Infatuate 1 - No 4 Commando, including 1 and 8 troops (both French) from No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando, assaulted at Flushing on the eastern side. 
Operation Infatuate 2 - Three RM Commando units, Nos.41, 47, and 48 Commando, with detachments from the Belgian and Norwegian Commandos from No.10 (IA) Commando, assaulted at Westkapelle on the western side, and had a range of sophisticated armoured amphibious vehicles in addition to the conventional landing craft. 
Some Commandos from 2 troop and 3 troops of No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando also took part being dispersed among the units of the main commando force.
 

No.4 Commando, after a daring pre-dawn landing and nearly two days of bitter street fighting, succeeded in capturing the port and most of the town before being relieved by the 52nd Infantry Division. They were thus enabled to rejoin the rest of the Brigade, who without air or artillery support, had made a daylight assault landing at Westkapelle, in the face of heavy enemy fire from the formidable gun emplacements built into the sand dune dykes.

For three days, without any room for manoeuvre due to the deliberate flooding of the island by the Germans, the RM Commandos frontally attacked and, one by one, captured the heavily defended strong points sited along the crest of the dykes, before successfully linking up with their comrades of No. 4 who had advanced from Flushing.

After eight days of continuous action victory was achieved and the enemy surrendered. During the operation the Brigade suffered a total of almost five hundred casualties but they had the satisfaction of knowing that the port of Antwerp was opened and allied supplies were being offloaded by the end of the month.

(Source: Major James Dunning's book When Shall Their Glory Fade.)

4 Commando Brigade, Roll of Honour, Walcheren

Operation Infatuate.
1st - 8th November 1944.
Walcheren Island, The Netherlands
Flushing  Army Commandos - No.4, with 1 and 8 troops of No.10 (Inter Allied)
Westkapelle  RM Commandos - Nos.41, 47, 48, with 4 & 5 troops of No.10 (Inter Allied).

Walcheren Roll of Honour

This ROH for Walcheren has been compiled primarily from the CWGC database, the Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings, the Army Casualty Lists, and Unit war diaries.  If you believe a name to be missing please advise us, with relevant sources, via the Forum or our Contact Form [HERE].

Click on names for more information or scroll down for the A - Z  expanded list of the archive pages for each Commando.
 

No.4 Commando

Lieutenant Nicholas Barrass
Private Henry Donkin
Private Maurice Gourong
Gunner William Harvey
Gunner Edward Hill
Private Owen Hooper
Private Pierre Laux
Lance Corporal Yvan Monceau
Lance Corporal Jean Montean
Private Jean Neven
Corporal Yvan Ruppe
Private John Stoddart
Lance Sergeant Alfred Walker

No. 10(IA) Commando, 3 troop, 4 troop, and 5 troop,

Lieutenant Alf Kristian Solbu, 5 troop
Lieutenant Adolphe Meny, 4 troop
Trooper Ola Christophersen, 5 troop
Corporal Francois Dive, 4 troop
Trooper Lars Hovstad, 5 troop
Trooper Leif Ludvik Larsen, 5 troop
Trooper Sverre Røsland, 5 troop
Corporal Salo Weich , 3 troop

HQ 4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade

Lieutenant William Layman
Lieutenant Gordon McKenzie
Marine John Hughes

41RM Commando

Marine John Barnes
Major Paddy Brind-Sheridan
Marine William Cooke
Marine John Hay
Captain Peter Haydon DSO
Sergeant Herbert Heywood
Lieutenant John Holmes
Marine Reginald John
Marine Byron Moses
Marine Robert Nicholson
Marine Henry Page
Marine John Read
Marine John Robertson
Corporal Charles Smith
Marine Reginald Smith

47RM Commando

Sergeant Reginald Brehme
Lance Corporal Joseph Buchanan
Marine Albert Davies
Marine James Day
Marine Martin Derrick
Marine Andrew Duke
Corporal Edward Evans
Marine Joseph Fawcett
Marine Denis Fee
Marine Joe Flannagan
Lance Corporal William Fletcher
Lance Corporal Maurice Grimsdell
Lieutenant Norman Hayward
Marine Ronald Hubbard
Lance Corporal Edward Lawton
Marine Alan Longden
Marine Duncan McGregor
Marine James Muir
Lance Corporal Francis Nicholl
Marine Kenneth Patey
Marine Harry Payne
Marine Robert Pettit
Company Sergeant Major Harold Plank
Sergeant John Puddick
Segeant Robert Rackham
Corporal Charles Ripiner
Company Sergeant Major William Spear
Lieutenant Michael Style
Corporal Kenneth Teed
Marine Albert Thatcher
Marine Anthony Turner
Corporal James Unsworth
Sergeant Robert Webb
Marine George Wilson

48RM Commando

Marine William Bean
Private Walter Branch RAMC
Private William Brown RAMC
Marine Norman Burgess
Sergeant Anthony Davis
Major Derek De Stacpoole
Lieutenant Walter England
Lance Corporal Dennis Fogg
Private William Fulham, RAMC.
Marine Robert Gibbs
Captain Noel Godkin
Marine Leslie Haines
Marine Harold Hughes
Marine Kenneth Jordan
Corporal James Law
Lieutenant Cyril Lindrea
Marine James McArthur
Captain Roderick MacKenzie MC
Marine Alfred Mee
Sergeant Harold Peace
Marine Frederick Potter
Marine William Sage
Marine Lawrence Samwell
Marine Cyril Savage
Marine Philip Shears
Corporal Ernest Shrigley
Marine Colin Skelland
Marine Kenneth Stephens
Corporal Thomas Steventon
Marine Philip Titmuss
Marine Norman Wall
Marine Charles Ware
Lieutenant David Winser RAMC
We will Remember them

Below are the archive entries for each of the Commando Fallen. Contact the Archive if you have additional information or photos.

Displaying 1 - 106 of 106

BARNES, John

Marine
PO/X 117497
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine John Barnes died of wounds at the 8th Canadian General Hospital in Belgium.
Son of William and Catherine Barnes, of Reddish, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BARRASS, Nicholas William

Nicholas Barrass 4 Commando
Lieutenant
14253337 and 295395
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bradford City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Nicholas Barrass died during operations in Holland. Whilst engaged in a house clearance at Flushing he was killed by a sniper who fired from an adjacent building. Son of Nicholas William and Elizabeth Rutherford Barrass, of Felling, Gateshead, Co. Durham.

BEAN, William George

Marine
CH/X 103570
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine William Bean died during operations in Holland. He was part of a patrol travelling in a convoy of 4 amphibious Buffaloes sent to Veere on the North East of Walcheren Island, and was among the twenty fatal casualties when one struck a submerged explosive device.

BREHME, Reginald Herbert Ronald

Sergeant
CH/X 103637
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Reginald Brehme died during operations at Westkapelle. Son of Albert Frank and Ada Ruth Brehme, of Southwark, London. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

BROWN, William

Private William Brown RAMC
Private
7404141
48RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Brown, Royal Army Medical Corps, died during operations at Walcheren. Son of George and Jeannie Lawrence Brown, of Aberdeen; husband of Mary Brown. 
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.

BUCHANAN, Joseph

Lance Corporal
PLY/X 111175
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Joseph Buchanan died during operations in Holland. Son of George Ernest and Margaret Buchanan, of Seaforth, Liverpool.

BURGESS, Norman

Marine
PO/X 108636
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Norman Burgess died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.

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

CHRISTOPHERSON, Ola

Trooper
No 10 Commando
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Ola Christopherson, 5 troop (Norwegian), died during operations at Westkapelle. He is remembered with others from 5 troop on a Memorial to Norwegian Commandos located on the open space at the rise of the boulevard of Schagen at Domburg.
 

COOKE, William Frank

Marine
CH/X 115547
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine William Cooke died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland. Son of Thomas Benjamin and Clara Jane Cooke, of Leicester.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/129.

DAVIES, Albert Stanley

Marine
PLY/X 104395
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Albert Davies died during operations in Holland. Son of Samuel and Annie Davies, of Hawarden, Flintshire. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

DAVIS, Anthony David

Sergeant
CH/X 107012
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Anthony Davis died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of John and Elizabeth Jane Davis, of Watford, Hertfordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/129.

DAY, James Edward

Marine
PLY/X 103343
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine James Day died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of James William and Alice Maud Day, of Leicester.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/129.

De STACPOOLE, Derek Roderick

Major de Stacpoole
Acting Major
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Major Derek Roderick de Stacpoole, 'Y' troop,  was shot and killed during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of George 5th Duke de Stacpoole and of the Duchess de Stacpoole (nee Palmer), of Tobertynan, Enfield, Co. Meath, Irish Republic.

DERRICK, Martin

Marine
PLY/X 112062
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Martin Derrick died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Martin and Mary Annie Derrick, of North Shields, Northumberland; grandson of Elizabeth Jensen, of North Shields.

DONKIN, Henry

Private
3649481
No 4 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Donkin, 'F' troop, a veteran of Dunkirk, was shot and killed whilst engaging the enemy during operations at Flushing, Holland. Son of Henry and Hannah Donkin; husband of Annie Donkin, of Stainforth, Yorkshire.

DUKE, Andrew

Marine Andrew Duke 47 Commando
Marine
PLY/X 3651
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Andrew Duke from Belfast died during operations at Walcheren. Son of John and Sarah Duke, of Belfast, Northern Ireland. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

ENGLAND, Walter Hugh

Lieutenant
92327V
48RM Commando
South African Tank Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Walter England, South African Forces attached to 48RM Commando, died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Henry W. T. and Janet K. England, of Durban, Natal, South Africa.

EVANS, Edward James

Corporal
CH/X 112376
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edward Evans died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

FAWCETT, Joseph

Marine Joseph Fawcett
Marine
PLY/X 109226
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Joseph Fawcett died of wounds inflicted during the Westkapelle landings at Walcheren. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Fawcett, of Liverpool [1][1a][2].

FEE, Denis

Marine
PO/X 115272
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Denis Fee died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of James and Martha Fee, of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.

FLANNAGAN, John

Flannagan 47 Commando
Marine
PLY/X 110268
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine John Flannagan, 'X' troop, from Gateshead, died during operations in Holland. Son of John Joseph and Elizabeth Jane Flannagan, of Gateshead, Co. Durham.

FOGG, Dennis

Lance Corporal
PO/X 115897
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Dennis Fogg died during operations in Holland. Son of Thomas Harvey Fogg and Lydia Maria Fogg, of Alum Rock, Birmingham.

FULHAM, William Frederick

Private
14567562
48RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private William Fulham, RAMC, died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Frederick and Annie Fulham, of St. Phillip's Marsh, Bristol; husband of H. M. E. Fulham, of Itchen, Southampton.

GIBBS, Robert Maurice

Marine
PO/X 121475
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Robert Gibbs died during operations at Holland. He was part of a patrol travelling in a convoy of 4 amphibious Buffaloes sent to Veere on the North East of Walcheren Island, and was among the twenty fatal casualties when one struck a submerged explosive device.

GODKIN, Noel Herbert

Captain Noel Godkin 48RM Commando
Captain
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Noel Godkin, the administration officer, died during operations at Walcheren. Son of Herbert and Emily Mary Godkin, of Loughborough, Leicestershire. A.C.A. Appointed MBE (Military Division) for distinguished service during the landing of Allied Forces in Normandy.
 

GRIMSDELL, Maurice Herbert

Lance Corporal
PO/X 115851
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Maurice Grimsdell died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. At the time of his death his Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

HAINES, Leslie James

Marine
PLY/X104936
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Leslie Haines died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of James and Ethel Haines, of Radstock, Somerset.
 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.

HARVEY, William Young

Gunner
837194
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Bill Harvey was killed by enemy machine gun fire during commando operations at Flushing, Holland. Son of Mr and Mrs Stanley Harvey, husband of Margaret and father of Bill.

HAY, John

Marine
PLY/X 111511
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Hay died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland. Son of John Richard and Agnes Maude Hay, of Darlington, Co. Durham.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.

HAYDON, Peter Hillyard

Captain
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Peter Haydon DSO from Penzance was killed during operations at Walcheren. Son of Rollo Hillyard Stafford Haydon and Annie Gwendoline Haydon, of Equador.

HEYWOOD, Herbert William

Sergeant
PLY/X 106621
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Herbert Heywood died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland. Son of Frederick Thomas Heywood and Alice Heywood, of Fallowfield. Manchester.

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

HOLMES, John William

Lieutenant
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant John Holmes died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of John William and Mabel Holmes; husband of Barbara Holmes, of Lindley, Huddersfield.

Sources
CWGC.

HOVSTAD, Lars

Trooper
No 10 Commando
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Lars Hovstad, 5 troop (Norwegian), was killed during operations at Domburg. He is remembered with others from 5 troop on a Memorial to Norwegian Commandos located on the open space at the rise of the boulevard of Schagen at Domburg.
 

HUBBARD, Ronald Leslie

Marine
PO/X 114110
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Ronald Hubbard was reported missing presumed killed during operations in North West Europe. His Commando were engaged in operations at Walcheren, Holland. He has no known grave. Son of Frederick Charles and Elsie Maud Hubbard, of Enfield, Middlesex.

HUGHES, Harold

Marine
PLY/X 109789
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Harold Hughes died at sea during operations at Walcheren, Holland. He has no known grave. Son of Harold and Ada Hughes, of Hanley, Staffordshire.

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

HUGHES, John

Marine
PLY/X 101328
4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine John Hughes, HQ 4 Special Service Brigade, died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths: Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/132.

JOHN, Reginald Brinley

Marine
PLY/X 104029
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Reginald John died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.

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

JORDAN, Kenneth Joseph

Marine
PLY/X 113603
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Kenneth Jordan died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Husband of Kitty Evelyn Jordan, of Ashton, Lancashire.

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

LARSEN, Leif Ludvik

Trooper
No 10 Commando
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Leif Ludvik Larsen, 5 troop (Norwegian), died during operations at Westkapelle. He is remembered with others from 5 troop on a Memorial to Norwegian Commandos located on the open space at the rise of the boulevard of Schagen at Domburg.
 

LAUX, Pierre

Pierre Laux 4 Commando
Private
13807764
No 4 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Pierre Laux died of wounds during operations at Flushing, Holland. Husband of Hilda Laux, of Astley Bridge, Lancashire.
Extract from a report after the operation.
3 Troop, page 24.

LAW, James Ernest

Corporal
CH/X 105624
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Law died during operations in Holland. Son of Arthur Law, and of Annie Millicent Law, of Ashwell, Hertfordshire.

LAWTON, Edward Gerald

Lance Corporal
CH/X 115276
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edward Lawton died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland. Son of Colonel K. Lawton and Mrs. Lawton, of Glengariff, Co. Cork, Irish Republic.
 
Sources
CWGC.

LAYMAN, William Walter

Lieutenant
143207
4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
South African Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant William Layman, South African Forces seconded to the Royal Marines, was killed in action during operations with 4 Special Service Brigade. He embarked for Walcheren on board Landing Craft Gun (Medium), LCG(M) 102, which was sunk during the approach.

LINDREA, Cyril Brian

Lieutenant Cyril Brian Lindrea RM
Lieutenant
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Cyril Brian Lindrea died during operations at Walcheren when enemy mortar bombs exploded amongst a group of officers. Son of John Graham Lindrea and Mary Lindrea, of Clifton, Bristol.
 
Sources
CWGC

LONGDEN, Alan

Marine
CH/X 108937
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Alan Longden died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Bertie and Pattie Longden, of Whaley Bridge, Cheshire.

MACKENZIE, Roderick Gimson

Captain
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Leicester City Police
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Roderick Mackenzie MC,  'X' troop, died in hospital in Belgium from wounds caused by enemy mortar fire during operations at Walcheren. Son of John Ross Mackenzie, and of Elizabeth Mackenzie (nee Gimson); nephew of Alice M. Gimson, of Leicester.

MCARTHUR, James

Marine James McArthur 48RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 107114
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James McArthur, 'S' Troop, was reported missing presumed died when his landing craft struck a mine during the assault on Walcheren, Holland. Son of William and Isabelle McArthur of Oatlands, Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCGREGOR, Duncan Ferguson

Marine
PO/X 111677
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Duncan McGregor died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. His commando were engaged in clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

MEE, Alfred John

Marine
CH/X 105114
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Alfred Mee died during operations at Holland. He was part of a patrol travelling in a convoy of 4 amphibious Buffaloes sent to Veere on the North East of Walcheren Island, and was among the twenty fatal casualties when one struck a submerged explosive device. Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J.

MENY, Adolphe

Lt Adolphe Meny
Lieutenant
39567
No 10 Commando
Belgian Forces
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Adolphe Meny, 4 (Belgian) troop, was killed during operations at Domburg, Walcheren. (Source: Account of Carlo Seghers in "20 Heroes of Us" by General Crahay.)

MONCEAU, Yvan

Yvan Monceau 10 Commando French
Lance Corporal
No 10 Commando
Free French Forces
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Yvan Monceau, 1st Batallion Fusiliers Marins Commando, badge no. 173, attached to No 4 Commando, died during operations at Flushing.
 
Mort pour la France.
 

MONTEAN, Jean

LCpl Jean Montean 10 Commando
Corporal
657FN43
No 10 Commando
Free French Forces
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jean Montean, 1st Batallion Fusiliers Marins Commando, badge no. 112, attached to No 4 Commando, died during operations at Flushing.
 
Mort pour la France.
 

MOSES, Byron

Marine
PLY/X 103430
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Byron Moses died during operations at Walcheren, Holland.

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

MUIR, James

Marine
PO/X 105150
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine James Muir died during operations at Westkapelle, Holland. Son of James and Jessie Muir, of Ayr.

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

NEVEN, Jean

Private Jean Neven 10 Commando
Private
10025FN43
No 10 Commando
Free French Forces
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jean Neven, 1st Batallion Fusiliers Marins Commando, badge no. 189, attached to No 4 Commando. died during operations at Flushing.
 
Mort pour la France.
 
Image Source

NICHOLL, Francis

Lance Corporal
PLY/X 108029
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Francis Nicholl died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Catherine Nicholl, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

NICHOLSON, Robert Fisher

Marine
PO/X 100815
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Robert Nicholson died at Harefield County Hospital, Middlesex, of wounds inflicted at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Richard Fisher Nicholson and Hannah Nicholson, of Belfast.

PAGE, Henry

Marine
PO/X 4323
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Henry Page died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Page, of Barry Dock, Glamorgan.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths: Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/135.

PATEY, Kenneth Gordon

Marine
PLY/X 107499
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Kenneth Patey was shot and killed by a sniper during operations in Holland. Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Patey, of Mount Gold, Plymouth. His Commando were at Zwanenburg clearing the enemy from the last of a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle. 
 

PAYNE, Harry

Marine
PLY/X 103398
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Harry Payne died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of John Henry and Annie Payne, of Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire.

PEACE, Harold

Sergeant Harold Peace 48 Commando
Sergeant
PLY/X 104977
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Harold Peace died during operations in Holland. Son of William Bryan and Rebecca Peace, of Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

PETTIT, Robert Alan

Marine
CH/X 114685
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Robert Pettit died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. At the time of his death his Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

PLANK, Harold Henry

Company Sergeant Major
PLY/X/3504
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Company Sergeant Major Harold Plank was shot and killed during an assault on an enemy gun emplacement at Walcheren, Holland. Son of William and Lottie Plank; husband of Anita Plank, of New Malden, Surrey.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PUDDICK, John Edward

Sergeant
CH/X 108414
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Puddick died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. He was shot by a sniper whilst engaged in operations against enemy held batteries along the dunes west of Groot Valkenisse. Son of Walter Edward and Minnie Hilda Mary Puddick, of Beckenham, Kent.
 

RACKHAM, Robert Frederick

Sergeant
CH/X 954
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Robert Rackham was reported missing presumed died during the period his commando were engaged in operations at Walcheren, Holland.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/136.

READ, John William

Marine
CH/X 107158
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Read died during operations at Walcheren Island, Holland. Son of Samuel and Florence Mary Read, of Northfleet, Kent; husband of Gertrude Mary Read, of Northfleet.

RIPINER, Charles Stephen

Corporal
PO/X 4226
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Charles Ripiner died in Holland. Son of Richard and Gladys Ripiner; husband of Elizabeth E. Ripiner, of Stirling. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

ROBERTSON, John Burt

Marine
PO/X 105905
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Robertson died at Ostend Belgium. His Commando were engaged in operations at Westkapelle, Walcheren. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/136.

ROSLAND, Sverre

Trooper
No 10 Commando
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Sverre Rosland, 5 troop (Norwegian), died during operations at Westkapelle. He is remembered with others from 5 troop on a Memorial to Norwegian Commandos located on the open space at the rise of the boulevard of Schagen at Domburg.
 

RUPPE, Yvan

Corporal
1129FN43
No 10 Commando
Free French Forces
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Yvan Ruppe, 1st Batallion Fusiliers Marins Commando, badge no. 150, attached to No 4 Commando, died during operations at Flushing.
 
Mort pour la France.
 

SAGE, William Colston

Marine
PLY/X 106647
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine William Sage died at Ostend, Belgium. Son of Edward Colston Sage and Ethel Elizabeth Sage, of Bristol.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/136.

SAMWELL, Lawrence Arthur

Marine
CH/X 106993
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Lawrence Samwell, 48RM Commando, died during operations in Holland. His brother 19062711 Private Vernon James Samwell, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, aged 19, died in 1947. Sons of Arthur Alfred and Violet Emily Samwell, of Lodge Hill, Rochester, Kent. 
 

SHEARS, Philip Desmond

Marine
PO/X 116356
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Philip Shears died during operations at Walcheren Island, Holland.

Sources
CWGC
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/136.

SHRIGLEY, Ernest

Corporal
PLY/X 120590
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Ernest Shrigley died during operations in Holland. Son of Thomas Arthur and Emma Jane Shrigley, of Talke, Staffordshire.

SKELLAND, Colin

Marine
PLY/X 1909
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Colin Skelland died during operations at Holland. He was part of a patrol travelling in a convoy of 4 amphibious Buffaloes sent to Veere on the North East of Walcheren Island, and was among the twenty fatal casualties when one struck a submerged explosive device.
 

SMITH, Charles Edward

Corporal
CH/X 105869
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Charles Smith died during operations at Walcheren Island, Holland. Son of William John and Margarate Sarah Smith, of Leytonstone, Essex.

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

SMITH, Reginald

Marine
PO/X 116673
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Reginald Smith died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Arthur Owen Smith and Bessie Elizabeth Smith, of Kingsley, Northampton.
 
Sources
CWGC

STEPHENS, Kenneth William

Marine
PLY/X 108058
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Kenneth Stephens died during operations at Holland. He was part of a patrol travelling in a convoy of 4 amphibious Buffaloes sent to Veere on the North East of Walcheren Island, and was among the twenty fatal casualties when one struck a submerged explosive device. 
 

STEVENTON, Thomas

Corporal
PO/X 117135
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Thomas Steventon was reported missing presumed died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. He has no known grave. Son of Thomas Steventon, and of Florence Steventon, of Wednesbury, Staffordshire.

STODDART, John

Pte John Stoddart 4 Commando
Private
3046681
No 4 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Stoddart died during operations at Flushing, Holland. John 'Jack' Stoddart enlisted on a short service engagement with the Royal Scots (s/n 26333) on the 23rd October 1920 aged 17 years.

TEED, Kenneth Talbot

Corporal
PO/X 103256(T)
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Kenneth Teed, married and from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, was reported missing presumed died during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. F. Teed, of Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

THATCHER, Albert George May

Marine
PLY/X 110293
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Albert Thatcher, 'B' troop, died of wounds he received during the allied landings at Westkapelle, Walcheren. He was on board LCT 18 when it was hit by a shell and he received shrapnel wounds. He was taken to a Beach Dressing Station but died the next day.

TURNER, Anthony

Marine
PLY/X 105677
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Anthony Turner died of wounds during operations at Walcheren, Holland. Son of John and M. E. Turner, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
 
Sources
CWGC.
 
Notes

UNSWORTH, James

Corporal
CH/X 3886
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Unsworth died during operations in Holland. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse. Snipers and mortar fire resulted in many casualties. 

WALKER, Alfred John

Lance Sergeant
3657617
No 4 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Alfred Walker died during operations at Flushing, Holland. He was fatally wounded by a shell which burst on the Oranje Molen promontory while marshalling prisoners into loading parties. He had been wounded three times previously in his service.

WARE, Charles John

Marine
PO/X 100016
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Charles Ware died during operations in Holland. Son of James and Anne Ware, of Copnor, Hampshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WEBB, Robert Edward

Sergeant
CH/X 103808
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Robert Webb died in November 1944 during operations in Holland. He received a Mention in Despatches for good service with the 21st Army Group published in March 1945.

WEICH, Salo

Served as : 
HAMILTON, Robert Geoffrey
Corporal
6436350 & 13118714  
No 10 Commando
Pioneer Corps & Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Salo Weich, an Austrian of Jewish faith, served in 3 troop, also known as 'X' troop, of the Inter Allied Commando under an alias of Robert Geoffrey Hamilton. He was killed during operations with 41RM Commando at Walcheren. Son of Jacob and Sabine Weich, of Vienna, Austria.

WILSON, George McLeod

Marine
CH/X 102069
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine George Wilson died during operations in Holland. Son of William and Jessie F. S. McL. Wilson, of Elgin, Morayshire. His Commando were clearing the enemy from a series of gun batteries along the dunes at Westkapelle from Zouteland to west of Groot Valkenisse and Klein Valkenisse.

Landing Craft at Walcheren image

Operation Infatuate at Walcheren

Operation Infatuate. RM Commandos at Westkapelle. Image published November 1944. Crown Copyright expired, provided by Colin Rae, former Adjutant No.3 Cdo., reproduced under the Open Government Licence.

'Myanmar - Operation Bean'

Operation 'Bean' report which took place on 23 November 1944.

Apart from No 1 Commando this operation included elements of No 5 Cdo/ 8th Fd Regt/' V' Force. All abbreviations have been transcribed as written to maintain the integrity of the original document.

OPERATION “BEAN”                                                                                                        SECRET

Copy of original document supplied by John Mewett.
Transcribed by Elaine Southworth-Davies.
NA Document Ref:- WO218/63.
 

OP “BEAN” REPORT

Date of Report   -  23 Nov 44

Date of Op          -  22/23 Nov 44

Time Out             - 1730  22 Nov

Time In                -  1200  23 Nov

TAKING PART

1 Cdo       3 Troop.   6 Troop.   1 Sec  4 Tp.   Cdo HQ.   1 MMG  det of 2 Tp

5 Cdo        4Troop.   1 Mortar Det of 6 Tp.

8th Fd Regt R.A.   -   “W” Batt.

“V” Force    1 and 10

Total Str  of 1 & 5 Cdos  -  22  and 293 OR’s

DETAILS

1. At 1730 hrs 22 November 44 force left NURULLAPARA and CHIRADAN.  Route was through GODUSARA to Mil Road and SOUTH along this road.

The force split into three distinct groups.

At 2200 hrs on night of 22 Nov No. 3 Troop crossed TON CHAUNG unobserved and took up defensive perimeter at 408263 where it remained until ½ hr before dawn.  The troop then moved up to 500 yds east of HINTHIYA.  HINTHIYA was then shelled and MMG opened up on two JIFS seen to be running from the village in a SE direction.  It is not if any casualties were inflicted.  At 0715 hrs, No. 2 sec plus HQ less wireless and 2” Mortar moved into the attack and cleared the North of the village as far as track 405256.  No.1 sec remainder of HQ, Gunner OP and MMG were then brought forward.  No. 2 Sec then advanced South beyond track when it met opposition.  3 JIFS were observed crossing track and the sec opened fire – the enemy returned the fire.  D sub moved on the right and C sub on the left.  As C sub moved forward, 3 JAPS were seen who were fired at by TSMG and Grens.  3 JAPS were killed, 1 wounded, and 1 prisoner was taken.  C sub then came to a clearing and took up fire posns, and D sub moved up in line on the right.  The sec came under fire from 2 LMGs and tree snipers.  The Bren opened up at 30 yds range and either wounded or killed 4 Japs.  D sub Bren killed 1 sniper who fell out of tree, and hit one other.  Another rifle gp killed 1 JAP and silenced the enemy auto fire.  During this action, a JAP officer (recognised by his superior dress) was wounded in the leg and while being dragged away by two others was again hit by a burst of Bren.

When 2 sec became static, No. 1 sec plus MMG were brought up on left flank.  After crossing track they were fired on by tree snipers who engaged and silenced them.  Advancing a further 100 yds, 1 sec came under cross fire from 1 LMG on PIMPLE 409254 and 1 LMG at 407255.  Own Bren opened up on PIMPLE and silenced enemy LMG.  The MMG on left flank opened up on tree snipers immediately to No. 1 Sec front and no fire was again returned.  The MMG saw 15 JAPS plus an LMG of which 5 broke cover.  The order was then given for No. 3 Troop to withdraw over the Chaung to Cdo HQ.

CAS   -  ENEMY

Killed   -   6

Wounded    7 and 1 Offr

Prisoner   -  1

Possibles  -  6

CAS – OWN TROOPS

NIL

INFM GAINED

HINTHIYA full of trenches.  Bunker posn at 403254 approx.  Enemy str, since at least 2 possibly 3 LMGs met and 1 gren discharger possibly 2 secs of a pl.  No. of JIFS not known, possibly other JIFS were sniping as some of long range sniping was very accurate.

4 Troop 5 Cdo with FOO att had moved off Mil road at 2100 hrs on track to KAINGYI at 399282.  This track was no more than a pig trail through dense jungle and mud in places 2 and 3 ft deep.  Speed was 3 hrs to 1 mile.  At 0300 hrs firm base made at 419275 and at 0700 hrs OP moved to pt 432276, NES. Arty fire from 0800 to 0900 hrs approx.  On return party investigated Hil 213.  NES.  Rejoined Cdo HQ at 1000 hrs.  The entire force then returned along Mil road through GODUSARA and reached BOLSTER by 1200 hrs 23 Nov 44.

INFM GAINED

Estimated posns reported West of KAINGYI are not manned in strength and at KAINGYI is not occupied.

6 Troop in posn during night at 414257 at 0515 hrs.  Moved through dense jungle to hill 187 arriving 0610 hrs.  NES.  Report on defences of hill att.  Troop then moved down hill to give help need be to 3 Tp, but was ordered to gd pt where TON CHAUNG emerges from foothills.  6 Tp followed 3 Tp across TON CHAUNG and back Cdo HQ.

INFM GAINED

Sketch att.

Cdo HQ in posn during night at 408267 est OP at first light, observing HINTHIYA.  During 3 Tps action occasional sniper fire directed at OP. As 3 Tp was withdrawing a large with small explosions seen on South of village.  3” Mortar fire approx. 20 rds HE at this target and into the village.

On 23 Nov 44 during operation “BEAN” (1 Cdo., 3 & 6 Tps, 4 Tp 5 Cdo, and att Arty OP and SBs under command Major J.H. Davies of 1 Cdo).  The enemy were engaged in HINTHAYA (map ref 398255).  A number of Jap were killed and wounded and 1 prisoner was taken.  A statement was taken from the man who took the prisoner.

6286923 PTE. OLIVER. L.R.S. (BUFFS) joined the reg army in boys service at the age of 14.  He volunteered for Cdo work in 43 at the age of 20, and was posted to 1 Cdo in Oct that year.  His description of the action on 23 Nov is given below:-

“My troop (3 Tp) left the base at LAMBAGUNA early in the morning of 23 Nov and took up osn outside a village (HINTHAYA).  Our arty shelled the village very accurately and my sec advanced to the track running through the area, covered by No. 1 Sec.  As we moved along the track I saw 9/12 JAPS on my left and fired at them with my Tommy Gun, and in my excitement got ahead of the chaps in my sub sec who were moving in extended order.  I saw one of the JAPS fall, hit in the leg, and several others dashed to pull him into cover.  He was dressed differently from the others and was recognised by others as an officer.  All this happened very quickly and Cpl. Jenkins called to me to join the sub sec.  As I turned the mag fell off my gun and at the same moment I spotted four of the enemy in a V shaped trench 30 yds in front of me and as they were about to open fire I managed to throw a 36 gren which burst just at the rear of the trench and kept their heads down long enough for me to fix a mag on my gun.  The sub sec was covering me and I fired 16 rds at the 4 men in the trench.  One was a Sikh and was hit in the stomach, 2 others were Japs got it in the back. L/Sgt. Crow and one of the other chaps rushed into the trench while I covered them.  The fourth JAP was only stunned and of the other three, 2 were dead and 2 were dying.

Took up posn with D sub sec on our right flank and remained there for about 30/40 minutes.  Enemy snipers opened up and our crews opened up.  The snipers seemed to be tied in the trees because when hit they did not fall.  Some Japs seemed to be trying to move around on our left flank and were engaged by one of our sub secs.  We tied up the prisoner, and as the sniping was rather persistent and sometimes appeared to be aimed at the prisoner, we withdrew carrying him with us.  We had gagged him as he was screaming.  As we reached Tp HQ we withdrew across TON CHAUNG.  I noticed that the bashas in the South part of the village were burning and could hear ammunition exploding.  The prisoner was very strong and struggled hard to get away."

POSITION ON PT. 187

The sketch that was here will be uploaded as a separate document.

Please refer to ‘Operation Bean Pt. 187’                

NOTE 1. Fire lanes and grenade chutes down steep slopes all around.

2. Approach by spur well camouflaged.

3. Dead leaves and state of old pieces of paper found indicated that the hill not lived for 2 to 3 weeks.

4. All around view of up TON CHAUNG and area HINTHAYA to coast and South to ALETHAUNGYAW and ST. MARTINS ISLAND.

COMMENT

An excellent OP but would not withstand 25 pounder HE fire.

 

'Roer Triangle - Operation Blackcock'

Operation Blackcock was an operation to clear German troops from the Roer Triangle, formed by the towns of Roermond and Sittard in the Netherlands and Heinsberg in Germany. It was carried out by the British Second Army in January 1945.
The objective was to drive the German 15th Army back across the rivers Roer and Wurm and advance further into Germany. The operation was carried out by Lt-General Neil Ritchie's XII Corps by three divisions: the 7th Armoured Division (Major-General Lewis Lyne), the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division (Major-General Gwilym Thomas) and the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division (Major-General Edmund Hakewill-Smith).

1st Commando Brigade were placed under command of the 7th Armoured Div (British 12 Corps). They were tasked with clearing the enemy from an area between the railroad to Roermond and the Meuse river, and securing the villages of Maasbracht, Brachterbeek and Linne. 
 
The National Archives hold the following records regarding this operation.
DEFE 2/95              Combined Operations Headquarters: "Baboon" "Copyright" "Blackcock" "Bruteforce" "Barbaric" and "Bristle" Date: 1941-1945 
WO 205/846           21st Army Group Operational reports: Operation Blackcock Date: 1945 Jan
WO 205/847           Operation Blackcock: working papers Date: 1945 Jan.
WO 205/848           Operation Blackcock: 7 Army Division Date: 1945 Jan.  
WO 205/849           Operation Blackcock: 52 Division Date: 1945 Jan
WO 351/60             21 Army Group: Operation "BLACKCOCK"; clearing the area between the River Maas and the River Roer 15-26 January 1945 Note: With maps Date: 1945 Jan 01 - 1945 Dec 31.

Notes
This was the second operation codenamed Blackcock. The first was in 1943 at Scaletta Operation Blackcock (1).
 

'Sprang Capelle - Operation Horse'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, January 14, 1945

An attack on the German held small island of Kapelsche Veer. It had a harbour on the north side and was simply a segment of low-lying land between the main River Mass and the much narrower Oude Maas.

A German Paratroop Division, had taken up positions on Xmas Eve, and were well dug in at the top of a dyke on both sides of the island. A previous attempt by Polish Forces had been repulsed as was this attempt by the Commandos who suffered many casualties.

Wesel - Operation Widgeon

Date commenced: 
Friday, March 23, 1945
Wesel after the capture March 1945

An operation by the 1st Commando Brigade to cross the River Rhine and capture and hold Wesel. The above photo © IWM (BU 7670) shows the devastation after the air raid.


The following account was written by Harry Fecitt MBE, TD, ex-17 Para.

 

Overview

Operation Widgeon utilised 1st Commando Brigade in a crossing of the River Rhine opposite Wesel, twelve hours before the American 17th Airborne and the British 6th Airborne Divisions landed on higher ground to the north of the town. Wesel had to be captured as it was a German communications centre and a strong point that unless seized could jeopardize the British 2nd Army and American 9th Army crossings of the Rhine on either side of the town. 1st Commando Brigade was not the first Allied formation to cross the Rhine as General George S. Patton had just pushed an American division across many kilometres upstream, and the British 51st (Highland) Division crossed an hour ahead of the Commandos further downstream.
 
Widgeon was a success, primarily because of the prior detailed planning and intensive training performed by the Commandos and the aggressive tactics used by them as soon as the river was crossed. As can be seen by the citations for the eight gallantry awards made to Commandos, leaders at all levels anticipated contact with the enemy and dominated the battlefield before many German soldiers knew what was happening.
 
Without any doubt the one factor that assisted the Commando Brigade in quickly seizing key features in Wesel was the prior bombing by the Royal Air Force that reduced most of the city to rubble. During the fighting many hundreds of German troops were killed or captured, but the Commando Brigade suffered less than 100 casualties. The Brigade completed its mission satisfactorily, linked up with the 17th Airborne Division to the north, and was supported itself by a battalion of the Cheshire Regiment that crossed the river on the 24th March. By the evening of 25th March all of Wesel was in British hands and Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery’s Allied 21st Army Group was pouring across the Rhine on its mission to isolate the Ruhr area where the majority of Germany’s critical war industries were located. 
 
In a message to Air Marshall Arthur Harris, Commander in Chief of Bomber Command, Montgomery wrote "My grateful appreciation for the quite magnificent co-operation you have given us in the battle of the Rhine. The bombing of Wesel last night was a masterpiece and was a decisive factor in making possible our entry into that town before midnight."  
 

1st Commando Brigade - formerly 1st Special Service Brigade.

In March 1945 1st Commando Brigade was commanded by Brigadier Derek Mills-Roberts.
 
The major units in the Brigade were:
 
After being withdrawn from Normandy to England in September 1944 the Brigade had been deployed into the Netherlands in January 1945 and it had been fighting its way eastwards since then. All ranks were well trained, experienced and confident. The German opposition that could expect to face east of the Rhine consisted of high level parachute troops and lower level formations of more elderly men.
 
The Brigade was supported by the 84th Field Company, Royal Engineers, commanded by Major J.J.D. Groves. This Field Company provided the wooden assault boats named storm boats that carried 5 or 6 fully equipped soldiers and two crew. As Buffaloes were also to be used (tracked landing vehicles that could carry up to 18 fully equipped men) the Field Company constructed the launching sites on the south bank of the Rhine, and later cleared the mines from the landing site on the north bank.
 
 Royal Engineers climbing onto a Buffalo for the Rhine crossing 24 Mar '45 © IWM (BU 2078)
 
Forward observation parties from 1st Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery, were attached to the Brigade to provide direct fire support on the north bank.
 
The Brigade Plan included five points:
  • The Brigade had to be across the river before the final RAF bombing raid was delivered so that the massive bombardment could be rapidly followed up.
  • To achieve surprise an unlikely part of the river was to be selected for the crossing.
  • The Brigade was not to attempt to secure the whole of Wesel but was to concentrate its defence on the northern edge, based if possible around a large factory.
  • To leave the Germans guessing about what was happening no trace of the Brigade was to be left at the crossing point and all ranks were to quickly enter the town carrying their own supplies.
  • To ensure the mobility of the Commandos anti-tank guns were not to be taken and it was assumed that the effects of the bombing would block enemy armoured fighting vehicle routes into Wesel; perhaps rather optimistically it was hoped that German hand-held anti-tank weapons could be quickly captured in Wesel and then used by the Brigade.
On 6th March the Brigade concentrated at Venray, where a creek ran into the River Maas, for two weeks of intensive training in river crossing. The Brigade was then ready to deploy.
 

The crossing

The selected crossing point was about 4,000 metres west of Wesel where a muddy flat piece of land named Grav Insel formed the northern bank. Here the river was around 300 metres wide and it travelled at 5 knots (10 kilometres per hour) in an east to west direction. The first troops over the river were swimmers from No. 5 Combined Operations Assault Pilotage Party who successfully reconnoitred the north bank in bright moonlight on the night of 23/24 March.
 
Twenty four hours later, following a raid by 77 Lancaster bombers at 1730 hours which was the prelude for a large artillery concentration fired by the British Army, Commando Brigade Tactical Headquarters and No. 46 (Royal Marine) Commando crossed the Rhine in Buffaloes at 2130 hours. Some unit rum issues had not been rationed that evening. The routes to the crossing points were marked on the south side by tape and lights. The landing vehicles took four minutes to cross and then returned to load up the next waves.
 
Captain John Douglas Gibbon, Border Regiment attached to No 46 (Royal Marine) Commando, leapt ashore and the citation for his Military Cross describes the energy and determination that he displayed.
 

Citation for Captain Gibbon

On the night of 23rd March 1945 during the assault across the Rhine near Wesel, Captain Gibbon commanded the leading troop of his Commando in the first wave of LVTs (landing vehicles tracked - Buffaloes). Immediately before touching down, one of his LVTs was hit and burst into flames, thus reducing his strength by a quarter. Captain Gibbon however, led his troop inland at such a pace and with such determination that the enemy on the river bank were unable to check his advance. His objective was a farmhouse 500 yards inland (known as “the first Wardtmann’s Haus”), and he pressed his advance so relentlessly behind the barrage put down by our guns that his own Sergeant Major and another soldier fell by his side, casualties to our own shellfire. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his safety he led his men on to his objective where he killed three officers and took sixty prisoners. The capture of the vital first objective was entirely due to the dash and dauntless devotion to duty displayed by this officer.
 
John Gibbon’s Forward Observation Officer and signallers were in the burning LVT and so he had no means of controlling the friendly artillery fire falling around him.
 
Meanwhile, on the river bank, Lieutenant A.J. Allen, 46RM Commando, and three men scrambled out of the burning Buffalo and, despite suffering burn wounds,  Allen led his troop forward. Captain B.W. Pierce, 46RM Commando, immediately attacked the enemy trenches lining the river, and as they had just been subject to ten minutes of heavy shelling by British artillery the 65 German occupants were in a dazed condition and rapidly surrendered.
 
The Commanding Officer of 46RM Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Malcolm Gray, had led and inspired his men well, this being recognised with the award of the Distinguished Service Order.
 

Citation for Lieutenant Colonel Gray

On 23rd-24th March 1945 Lieutenant Colonel Gray was in command of 46 (Royal Marine) Commando which captured the original bridgehead over the River Rhine. He attacked across the river in Buffaloes and fought his way inland with unparalleled determination and skill. His men captured two large groups of houses killing over thirty enemy and capturing eighty three enemy in the first ten minutes of the operation. This was only made possible by the speed and dash of this fearless advance where a number of key personnel were lost. Lieutenant Colonel Gray never allowed the impetus to slacken despite every enemy opposition, and his dauntless courage and sure progress made the brigade task possible. He was in every way an inspiration and example to the men under his command. He was continually under fire from small arms fire from the Rhine to Wesel, and in Wesel was under fire from enemy armed with panzerfausts (hand-held anti-tank weapons) which wounded many of the men around him.
His cool judgement and his complete contempt for danger inspired his men and influenced the battle at a most critical stage.
 
One of Colonel Gray’s Marines, PO/X 108682, Marine James Henry Hazell, 46RM Commando, reacted swiftly to the danger from friendly artillery fire once he was on the north bank of the river, and was awarded a Military Medal in recognition of his gallantry.
 

Citation for Marine Hazell

During the establishment of the initial bridgehead over the Rhine near Wesel on 23rd March 1945 a section had advanced too quickly and was in danger from our own artillery barrage. Marine Hazell was ordered to bring them back. He ran forward, and at that moment the barrage, fired by six Field Regiments, came down in the vicinity. Shewing complete disregard for his own safety he dashed forward and ordered the section to withdraw. When on his return it was discovered that two men from the section were missing, Marine Hazell acting on his own initiative immediately went forward again without orders, and in spite of the barrage, which was still falling, brought back the two men. The cool initiative and high courage shewn by this Marine was a magnificent example to his comrades.
 
As the Buffaloes reorganised and reloaded on the south bank of the river 6 Commando crossed in storm boats that had been launched in a lagoon two thousand metres west of the crossing place. Many outboard motors failed and enemy machine gunners and riflemen targeted the boats as the motors were adjusted. One boat drove itself straight underwater, drowning Lieutenant J.F. Hume-Spry, Royal Artillery and No. 6 Commando, and some of his men. Regimental Sergeant Major W. Woodcock had three boats shot from under him before he crossed. Fortunately dorys (light rescue boats) were deployed on the river and most men from sinking storm boats were recovered. Despite the difficult conditions 6 Commando crossed the river and prepared for its next task which was to guide the Brigade into Wesel.
 
As the Buffaloes shuttled 45RM Commando and No 3 Commando across the river the RAF delivered its final bombardment onto Wesel. The Army request was for 300 tons of bombs but the RAF increased this to 1,100 tons and Wesel with its military garrison and its civilian population of around 24,000 persons was heavily damaged.
 

The advance into Wesel

As soon as the last RAF bomb had fallen 6 Commando led the way eastwards into Wesel, running out and trailing a white marker tape as it moved. The Brigade followed in file, the wounded and the prisoners from the contacts at the landing place having been evacuated across the river. Major C.E.J. Leaphard led the vanguard company and was faced with a strongly defended flak (anti-aircraft gun) position which he immediately assaulted, killing or capturing all its personnel. Further enemy locations blocked the route but were quickly dealt with. The advance continued rapidly into the shattered city which resembled a moonscape and 6 Commando occupied a perimeter whilst the remaining units passed through it.
 
1st Cdo Bde in defensive position at Wesel
      Commandos from the 1st Commando Brigade at Wesel. Photo © IWM (BU 2329)
 
In recognition of 6 Commando’s performance the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony David Lewis, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order .
 

Citation for Lieutenant Colonel Lewis

Lieutenant Colonel Lewis was in command of No. 6 Commando on 23rd March 1945 when this unit led the First Commando Brigade from the banks of the Rhine into the City of Wesel.
Speed was the vital factor in this operation, as it was necessary to enter the city as soon as possible after the bombing. This was achieved largely by the skill and daring displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Lewis who led his troops with such dash that three separate platoon localities were quickly over-run on his way to the city. His entry into the city itself in spite of considerable opposition from small arms and panzerfausts was effected so quickly that the remainder of the brigade was enabled to consolidate before the enemy became aware of the situation. Lieutenant Colonel Lewis was at all times at the head of his troops, and his trust and courage contributed largely to the success of the whole operation.
 

Moving up to the wire factory

45RM Commando took over the lead and led the Brigade to the northern edge of the city. Navigation was not easy because of the rubble from wrecked buildings that often filled the streets. Despite the heavy bombing many partially dazed German defenders bravely fought back.
 
The Brigade was not large enough to control all the city so a defensive strip was located in the northern and north-western suburbs with the aim of preventing enemy movement in or out of Wesel. 45 Commando occupied a large wire factory and the other Commandos came into line on the left (west) in the order 46, 3 and 6.
 
Defensive positions were prepared and improved after first light when contacts with enemy troops moving both north out of the city and south into it began. Enemy counter attacks were mounted from the north but all were repulsed despite the absence of anti-tank guns. Ammunition expenditure was strictly controlled because of the lack of a resupply system during the first 24 hours; this was deliberate as part of the Brigade plan was to deceive the enemy as to the strength and exact location of the Brigade and a supply chain would have been vulnerable.
 
Lieutenant Colonel William Nichol Gray DSO was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his decisive leadership whilst hampered by a wound.
 

2nd Citation for Lieutenant Colonel Gray

Lieutenant Colonel Gray commanded No. 45 (Royal Marine) Commando during the assault across the Rhine and the capture of Wesel on the night 23rd-24th March 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Gray’s task was to force his way to the Northern sector of the town and seize a factory which was vital in order to achieve a successful consolidation. Following up rapidly behind the leading unit who had broken into the city, he passed through and debouched into the streets. While leading his troops at speed and clearing all opposition in his path with great determination he was wounded by a panzerfaust fired at close range. In spite of his wound he refused to be evacuated and completed his important task. Having captured the factory he disposed his troops so skilfully that during the next thirty six hours they were able to beat off three major counter attacks by infantry and self-propelled guns with enormous casualties to the enemy. Throughout this time although he was suffering considerably from the pain of his wound he was constantly encouraging his men, who were inspired by their Commander’s example. Not until the last counter attack had been broken, forty eight hours after he had been wounded did this gallant officer allow himself to be evacuated.
 

Incidents during the defence of Wesel

During the fighting on the west of the Brigade position 6398404 Sergeant Frederick Worthington, Royal Sussex Regiment and No. 6 Commando, reacted quickly to observed enemy movement as outlined in the citation for the award of his Military Medal.
 

Citation for Sergeant Worthington

At Wesel on the 24th March 1945 Sergeant Worthington was in charge of a small defensive position on the outskirts of the city when he saw an enemy bicycle patrol coming towards him at a range of about 1,000 yards. The patrol suddenly turned off down a side street and disappeared from view. Realising that they were heading for a part of the town which had not yet been consolidated, Sergeant Worthington acted immediately and sent a runner to tell his Troop Commander of his action.
 
He then left a skeleton force in the defensive position and taking the remaining eight of his men he set off to ambush the patrol. He struck the side road just in time to meet the patrol head-on and fired on them from houses by the side of the road. Eight of the enemy were killed or wounded, five taken prisoner and the remainder fled. Sergeant Worthington himself was wounded at the start but refused to hand over or even have his wound dressed until the action was over and the patrol brought back.
 
By this successful action and by his own initiative, gallantry and immediate action Sergeant Worthington liquidated the enemy patrol and prevented them from running into another unit who were just then at that awkward stage prior to consolidation.
 
                      No 6 Commandos in a defensive position at Wesel © IWM (BU 2313)
 

Elsewhere a patrol led by RSM Woodcock of 6 Commando came across the headquarters of the Wesel garrison commander, General Deutsche. This German headquarters was only 100 metres from where the Commando Brigade HQ had sited itself. The General refused to surrender and was shot dead. A very useful map showing all anti-aircraft gun locations around Wesel was recovered from the garrison headquarters, and the details were passed back to enable Allied air strikes to be mounted.

The Airborne drop

At around 1000 hours on 24th March the British 6th Airborne and the US 17th Airborne Divisions dropped on zones a few kilometres north of Wesel. Many lessons from the failure at Arnhem had been absorbed into the airborne plan, especially the need to descend right on top of the tactical objectives. German flak had not been suppressed sufficiently by Allied airstrikes or artillery and there was consequent carnage particularly amongst the plywood gliders of the British Airlanding Brigade and the US Glider Regiment, and amongst the US carrier planes who few straight and low over their parachute dropping zones as did the re-supply bombers that followed. One reason for the unexpected appearance of these German flak weapons was that many of the 20mm guns were mounted on vehicles and they could quickly occupy alternative positions when they felt threatened by Allied planes or guns.

Despite the quick reduction in available strength due to casualties the drops were successful and all objectives were seized. The principle of overwhelming force saw over 17,000 Allied airborne troops delivered in one lift. The personnel drop was quickly followed by a large supply drop delivered by 240 B-24 bombers; the recovery rate for these supplies was 80% in the 6th Airborne Division’s area. Allied airborne casualties were around 2,600 killed, wounded and missing which was in fact less than had been forecast; 4,000 German troops were taken prisoner and many others were killed. The enemy on the ground, apart from some parachute and SS troops, was generally demoralised by the swiftness and size of the drop and was keen to surrender once the battle started. However there was one serious impact on the Commando Brigade’s operation and that was a cessation of supporting artillery fire during the airborne personnel and supply drops.

An example of how this lack of artillery support affected fighting during the German counter attacks from the north can be gleaned from the citation for a Military Medal awarded to No. PO/X 106961 Lance Corporal John Sykes, 45RM Commando.

Citation for Lance Corporal Sykes

On 24th March B Troop 45 RM Commando were in position at the north-eastern end of the Wesel wire factory. During the period of airborne landing no artillery was available to the unit for three and a half hours. Two 88-mm self-propelled guns approached to approximately 500 yards and engaged the troop position. Lance Corporal Sykes was in charge of the forward Bren Group sighted outside the north-east corner of the building.
 
A shell burst four feet above his position on the wall, seriously wounding his No. 2 of the Bren. He immediately assisted the Medical Orderly to remove the casualty and organised a relief and then engaged an enemy machine-gun position 250 yards (to) his right front. Five minutes later another shell burst immediately in front of his trench blowing his Bren gun out of the position. Sykes again left his cover and under machine-gun fire recovered the gun, which was still serviceable, returned to his trench, and again engaged the enemy. A third shell hit the wall to the left of his position, this time breaching the barrel of the gun, Sykes jumped from his trench with the damaged gun, ran to Troop HQ for the spare Bren and returned to his post and returned the enemy’s fire.
 
His aggressive spirit and determination to fight back was a shining example of courage during a most trying period and was an inspiration to all ranks.
 

On 24th March the 1st Battalion the Cheshire Regiment crossed the Rhine in support of the Commando Brigade and this reinforcement allowed fighting patrols to start clearing Wesel of the enemy. Resupply arrived and casualties were evacuated.

Men of the 1st Cheshire Regiment landing at Wesel from Buffalos 24 Mar'45 © IWM (BU 2336)
 
After last light a Commando patrol made contact with the US 17th Division to the north. One report states that an officer leading a US airborne patrol towards the Commando Brigade was shot before identities had been established.
 
On the following day a brave and strong Royal Signals officer in the Commando Brigade Signal Troop, Lieutenant Thomas John Christie, earned a Military Cross for establishing line communications across the river.
 

Citation for Lieutenant Christie

Lieutenant Christie is the lines officer in the 1st Commando Brigade Signal Troop. He was in charge of the line party detailed to produce line communication across the Rhine after the brigade had made good the bridgehead at Wesel. It was considered vital that this line should be laid at the earliest possible moment. This task was extremely hazardous. All bridges across the Rhine had been demolished and there was considerable shelling and sniping of bridge exits.
 
As soon as a message had been received that the objective had been captured, Lieutenant Christie took a small picked line party down to the demolished railway bridge. At this point the town of Wesel had not been completely cleared of the enemy and the line party had to work in full view of the enemy machine gun post sited upstream on the east bank of the River. Ordering his small party to pay out the line, Lieutenant Christie commenced climbing across the twisted bridge spans carrying the line with him. At times he had to climb over girders 100 feet above the river while at other times he picked his path along spans which were partly submerged in the water.
 
The pull on the quadruple cable whenever it touched the water was tremendous, nevertheless by sheer courage and determination, Lieutenant Christie crossed the full 1,500-foot length of the demolished bridge under heavy shell fire and spasmodic sniping and machine gun fire, and thus enabled vital communication to be established before the first pontoon bridge had been commenced. This officer’s devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Throughout the campaign he has continuously shown a high standard of efficiency, and his work in line laying during the difficult operations over the Rhine, Weser, Aller and Elbe has, at all times been beyond praise.
 

Moving on

By the evening of 25th March Wesel was entirely in British hands. A large barrel of excellent hock had been discovered and thirsty throats in the Commando Brigade were lubricated as tales of derring-do on the battlefield were exchanged. The Brigade had taken over 850 prisoners and killed several hundred other German soldiers. The cost to the Brigade had been 2 officers and 9 other ranks killed, 1 officer and 16 other ranks missing, and 6 officers and 62 other ranks wounded.
 
On 3rd April the 1st Commando Brigade advanced again under command of 6th Airborne Division. As Lieutenant Christie’s citation shows, there were more rivers yet to be crossed and more Germans yet to be defeated.
 

Endnote

Nine other Commandos also crossed the Rhine on the night of 23rd March 1945. They were members of 30 Commando Assault Unit, an intelligence group, who crossed at Frankenthal near Mannheim in the US 6th Army Group sector. They worked with American colleagues on the swift retrieval of important German technical information, and their story is told in Nicholas Rankin’s book Ian Fleming’s Commandos.

 

Sources
George A. Brown. Commando Gallantry Awards of World War II. (Private softback Publication 1991).
Major L.F. Ellis. History of the Second World War. Victory in the West. Volume II. The Defeat of Germany. (Naval & Military Press softback reprint of the 1968 Official History.)
James Ladd. Commandos and Rangers of World War II. (Book Club Associates 1978).
Robin Neillands. The Raiders. The Army Commandos 1940-46. (Weidenfeld and Nicholson 1989).
Nicholas Rankin. Ian Fleming’s Commandos. The Story of 30 Assault Unit in WW2. (faber and faber paperback 2011).
Tim Saunders. Operation Varsity. Rhine Crossing. The British and Canadian Airborne Assault. (Pen & Sword Military softback 2008).
Hillary St. George Saunders. The Green Beret. (Michael Joseph 1949).
 
Sketch map of 1st Cdo Bde positions at Wesel

Lake Comacchio - Operation Roast

Date commenced: 
Sunday, April 1, 1945

Battle of the Argenta Gap, Lake Comacchio, Italy, launched on the 1st April 1945 involving the whole of 2 Commando Brigade.  

Operation Roast was an attack across Lake Comacchio to capture the spit of land between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic Sea, from the River Reno to the Valetta canal, a distance of about 7 miles. It was essentially a plan to draw German reserve forces away from the main offensive to be launched across to the East. This was followed by Operation Impact Plain on the 10/11th April at the southern tip of Lake Comacchio, and Operation Impact Royal on the 15/6th April at the Fessina Canal East of Argenta.

Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to men of the 2nd Commando Brigade.

  • Major Anders Frederick Emil V. LASSEN, VC., MC. (2 bars) [view]
  • Corporal Thomas Peck HUNTER, VC. [view]

Read more about this operation here in our No 2 Commando History section.

Fossa Marina - Operation Impact Royal

Date commenced: 
Sunday, April 15, 1945

This operation is linked to Operation Roast.

Battle of the Argenta Gap, Lake Comacchio, Italy, launched on the 1st April 1945 involving the whole of 2 Commando Brigade.  Operation Roast was an attack across Lake Comacchio to capture the spit of land between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic Sea, from the River Reno to the Valetta canal, a distance of about 7 miles. It was essentially a plan to draw German reserve forces away from the main offensive to be launched across to the East. This was followed by Operation Impact Plain on the 10/11th April at the southern tip of Lake Comacchio, and Operation Impact Royal 13-16 April at Fossa Marina, East of Argenta.

A good description of the action during Impact Royal can be found in the award citation for Lance Sergeant L.W. Hopkins DCM [view....].

Lake Comacchio - Operation Impact Plain

Date commenced: 
Tuesday, April 10, 1945

This operation is linked to Operation Roast.

Battle of the Argenta Gap, Lake Comacchio, Italy, launched on the 1st April 1945 involving the whole of 2 Commando Brigade.  Operation Roast was an attack across Lake Comacchio to capture the spit of land between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic Sea, from the River Reno to the Valetta canal, a distance of about 7 miles. It was essentially a plan to draw German reserve forces away from the main offensive to be launched across to the East. This was followed by Operation Impact Plain on the 10/11th April at the southern tip of Lake Comacchio, and Operation Impact Royal on the 15/6th April at the Fessina Canal East of Argenta.

Hong King - Operation Bottle

Date commenced: 
Saturday, October 13, 1945
Units: 

1 Commando, Report on Operation 'Bottle' 15 Oct'45 Hong Kong

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Operation 'Bottle' No 1 Commando Hong Kong

Report of Operation 'Bottle' undertaken by No 1 Commando whilst on policing duties in Hong Kong 15 October 1945.

National Atchives Document reference WO 218/18