Lieutenant Colonel Norman Ries was the first Commanding Officer of 45RM Commando on its formation in August 1943 [1] and remained as such until June 1944 when wounded by enemy gunfire in Normandy. Post war he returned to command the restructured unit from December 1948 until August 1950 [2].
1941 (Captain) (Royal Marines HMS Terror) received a Mention in Despatches for courage, skill and devotion to duty in operations off the Libyan Coast [3].
31 December 1960 (Colonel) (OBE) (Retired) appointed C.B.E. [4].
Sources
[1] Navy Lists August 1943 - see linked content below.
[2] The Story of 45 Commando RM 1943 -1971, author David Young.