12 Commando

History of the Unit

12 Commando

No 12 Army Commando - The ‘Irish’ Commando.

Volunteers for No 12 Commando gathered in Belfast and Londonderry and marched the 67 miles to Crumlin where the unit was formed on 5th August 1940 under C.O. Lt. Col S.S. Harrison MC &bar (nickname Peachy).

Drawn from Irish Regiments, and from the 53rd and 61st Divisions who were stationed in Northern ireland at the time, initial training was carried out in various locations including a dummy raid on Aldergrove Airport. From their billets in Crumlin, Co Antrim, early in 1941 the Commando moved to Warsash on the Hamble River but were there only a short time before moving to Inveraray in April for amphibious training. No 12 Commando remained outside the Special Service Brigade system and operated mostly under the original Commando idea of small raiding parties and sabotage groups.

Elements from No 12 Commando took part in many of the early raids, a list of which can be found HERE.

On 27th/28th February 1942 men from No 12 provided a recovery party for the Airborne Bruneval raid. Bringing men prisoners and radar safely back home. No 12’s first action against the enemy was on 26th December 1941 ‘Anklet’ in the Lofoten Islands. An earlier planned raid by No 12 ‘Chess’ on 27th July that year had been aborted. The Commando later provided a detachment of 3 Officers & 13 OR's for ‘Chariot’ the raid on St.Nazaire.

After this raid No12 became split into two ,one half operating against the Norwegian Coast ,‘Northforce’ ,the remainder operating against the French coast in the Forfar operations. Men from No 12 also operated with the Small Scale Raiding Force (S.S.R.F. or 62 Commando). The raid on Sark ‘Basalt’ on 3rd/4th October 1942 the work of S.S.R.F. and No 12 personnel resulted in the infamous ‘Commando Order’ from Hitler that all captured Commandos were to be shot without exception.

Other raids

Jan'43 onwards - Forfar Raids along French coast commanded by Major Ted Fynn MC 12 Commando (there were a number of Raids titled Forfar followed by Beer -Dog -How -Love-Item)
2-Sep-43 Forfar Item. This was the first raid into France by Parachute and later evacuation by MTB.

As the Commando role changed from small raiding to shock infantry No.12 Commando’s role in Commando operation drew to a close. In the Autumn of 1943 the unit was formerly disbanded and its highly trained men were posted to other Commando units, mainly Nos.1, No 5, and 6 Commandos, where they were to serve and fight in all major areas of operations.


nb. It is well worth checking the galleries of Nos 1, 5, and 6 as well for the reasons mentioned in the last paragraph above [view No 12 Commando gallery].
 

12 Commando Roll of Honour

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen. Displaying 1 - 13 of 13

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.

BOWLES, Eric Charles

Lance Corporal
5384691
No 12 Commando
Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Eric Bowles, 'D' troop, based at Hamble, died while in a  trawler patrol that was attacked by enemy aircraft. 
 
Sources
CWGC
No 12 Cdo War Diary ,National Archive file W0 218 / 28.

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.

COX, Victor John

Sergeant
5671612
No 12 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Executed
Sergeant Victor John 'Jack' Cox, No 12 Commando, was assigned to No.14 Commando for Operation Checkmate.  He was captured on the raid at Kopervik in Norway on 29th April 1943. Sergeant Cox was imprisoned and later executed after being taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and shot.

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.

12 Commando Nominal Roll

In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units. 
 

For historical & research purposes, we have tried to compile the names of all the volunteers for No.12 Commando which were obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Lists of Casualties, the No 12 Commando War Diary, papers from the National Archives and further research by members of the CVA and various other resources. In preparing this list, we acknowledge that it is very likely there are omissions.

Note: Where a service number is shown on our nominal rolls and no source is shown in the end column, it should be treated as possible but not confirmed. Contact the Archive if you suspect an error.

No 12 Commando Nominal A-C

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.12 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
CSC = Commando Service Certificate seen.
LB = List The Bugle, author Corran Purdon MC 
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = CVA photo gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
FM = Forum Message
RY = Ron Youngman (CBF)
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Abbott
J
Gnr
 
 
and  5 and 9 Cdos (LL1)
Allum
E.T.
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 1 Cdo; from Watford (LL1)
Allum
Frank, Edmund
Gnr
914187
 
RA; and 1 Cdo (CA95, CA114);
from London SE4 (LL1)
Amos
Cyril J.
Sgt
 
 
& 6 Cdo & CBTC (CA98)
Frank, D.
CSM
 
 
& 9 Cdo (CA13)
Aslin
Thomas, William
 
 
 
and 6 Cdo (RY)
Atkins
Dennis
 
 
 
 
Ayres
R.B.
SQMS
 
BEM
and 4 Bde (LL1)
Bacon
Albert, 'Rasher'
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (CA104)
Baikie
David, Alexander
Lt
268224
 
A&SH; and 3 Cdo (CA60)
Banks
R.C.
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL1)
Barker
Alfred
CSM
 
 
and 6 Cdos (CA32, CA72))
Barlow
F
 
 
 
 
Barney
Christopher
Capt
 
 
 
Barnsley
B
LCpl
 
 
and 10 Cdo (LL1)
Barry
J.F.
Sgt
 
MBE
 
Barry
R
 
 
 
 
Peter, Ian
Lt. /
Lt Col
73118
DSO
SLI; and 3 Cdo;
1945 OC 3 Cdo
Baseley
Arthur
Pte
6215921
 
Middlesex Regt (PG); 1/5 Cdo (CA86)
Paul, Francis
Lt / Capt
165718
 
R. Inniskilling Fusiliers;
kia with 9 Cdo
Bastin
Joe
Cpl
 
 
(CA102)
Beadell
W.C.
Pte
 
 
and 9 Cdo (LL1)
Beasant
J.S.
LBdr
 
 
and SBS (LL1)
Beckett
David
Pte
 
 
 
Harold, Raymond 
TSM
 
 
R.Ulster Rifles; (CA45, CA55)
Belcher
T
Capt
 
 
S. Staffs
Bent
William
LCpl
3912921
 
S.W.B
Bird
J.B. 'Dicky'
 
 
 
& 3 Cdo (CA73)
Birkett
S
Fus
3460731
 
Lancs Fus; wounded 27/6/43
CasList WO417/63
Blanch
Herbert, Cecil
Capt
899813
295529
 
RA to OCTU; 2/Lt SWB 8/10/43; & CBTC; from Newport (CA109)
Arthur, Harvey
Cpl
3972221
 
SWB; kia St Nazaire
Boddy
Victor, Howard
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 6 Cdo; later Sgt;  (CA48)
Stanley
LCpl
3316568
MM
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles); and 6Cdo;  kia with 2SAS.
Bolton
H
Gnr
 
 
(LL2)
Boothby
C.A.
LCpl
 
 
(LL2)
Bostock
R
 
 
 
 
Eric, Charles
LCpl
5384691
 
Ox and Bucks LI; kia
Thomas, Horne 'Tom'
Lt
 
 
and  1 Cdo 6Tp
Boyes
R
Pte
 
 
 
J.R. 'Dick'
LCpl
 
 
and 10 Cdo (CA68, CA83)
Braithwaite
Harold
LSgt
 
 
and 9 Cdo; later Major (CA28), (CA57), (CA111)
Breakspeare
John
Pte
 
 
 
Gerrard
Lt
126498
MC
R. Ulster rifles; PoW St Nazaire
Herbert
Sgt
 
 
and 9 Cdo (CA95)
Samuel, James
CSM
6977705
MM
R. Irish Fus; and 10 Cdo. and HOC
Brown
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Burn
F.J.
Pte
 
 
& 5 Cdo - CA119
Burney
Christopher, Arthur, Geoffrey
Capt
67973
MBE
SWB; WO373/98/324 - award with SOE (French section) - LG37244 p4371; (CA72)
Burns
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Byjorklund
K
Cpl
 
 
 
Thomas, F.
'Cab'
Cpl
5499065
 
Hampshire Regt;
PoW St Nazaire
Campbell
James
TSM
 
 
 
Chamberlain
Royce
 
 
 
 
Chambers
J
Fus
 
 
 
Samuel, Ernest
Cpl
4977274
 
Sherwood Forresters;
PoW St Nazaire
Ronald, Robert, Fong
Cpl
 
RE; PoW St Nazaire
Churcher
 
 
 
 
 
Clanahan
William
LCpl
 
 
 
John, Francis
Lt
258657
MC
Cameronians; award with 6 Cdo
Clayton
J
Pte
 
 
(LL2)
Clemmitt
A
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL2)
Clough
J
Pte
 
 
(LL2)
Coady
W.J.
Pte
 
 
 
Cobham
William
LCpl
 
 
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Coleman
D
Rfn
 
MID
(LL2)
Colley
S.A.
Pte
 
 
also served in 6 Cdo
Collins
Michael, Vincent 'Mick'
Rfn
 
 
KRRC
James
LCpl
2883201
 
Gordon Hldrs. also served 6 Cdo. wounded 12/6/44 WO417/77.
Carryll, Astley
Maj
44852
 
R. Innis Fus; 2/i/c (LB);
142 Commando Company (FM)
Corfield
Harry
Lcpl
 
 
 
Cornall
L
Gnr
 
 
R Artillery
Corney
Philip
 
 
 
 
Cotter
Percy
LCpl
 
 
Gordon Hldrs.also served 6 Cdo wounded 10/6/44 Cas Lists WO417/77.
Douglas, James, Maurice
Lt
43543
77634
 
RAF, then Army; Cameronians; and Ch. Instructor CBTC; kia 43RM Commando
Cox
Jack, Arthur
LCpl
 
 
 
Victor, John, 'Jack'
Sgt
5671612
 
SLI; and 14 Cdo; PoW executed
Crabtree
J
 
 
 
 
Arthur, Probert
Fus
4203539
 
R. Welch Fus; died on war service
Crooks
Roy, Joseph
Sgt
776642
 
N Somerset Yeomanary
Crowley
Joseph, Patrick
Cpl
3710217
 
KORR/SSRF/6Cdo/2SAS executed
Peter, Ramsay
Capt
179476
MiD,
Sx Star
RA; and 6 Cdo.
Curtis
Harry, Alexander
Bdr
 
 
R Artillery

No12 Commando Nominal D-H

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No 12 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LB = List The Bugle, author Corran Purdon MC.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = CVA photo gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.
FM = Forum Message.
RY = Ron Youngman (CBF).
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Thomas
Sgt
 S/231037
 
HQ Tp & HOC; PG
Kenneth, Carr
Pte
3605415
MM
Border Regt; and SBS and 4 Cdo; award with 12 Cdo
Davies
Ron
 
 
 
 
Davis
David
Cpl
 
 
 
Davis
William, Henry
Pte
5153583
 
Glos Regt
Deed
Albert, Victor, 'Bert'
Cpl
 
 
 
Deeds
J
 
 
 
 
Stewart,
or  M.J.S.
Sgt
6977293
MM
R. Inniskilling Fusiliers
PoW St Nazaire; (LL4)
Stanley
Gnr
 
RA; died on war service
Divers
Victor, Harry
Pte
 
 
from Stornoway (CA120)
Doughty
George, G.
Fus
 
 
and 4 Cdo (CA95)
Doyle
Thomas
Pte
 
 
 
Drew
F.T.
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL4)
Driscoll
Arthur
LCpl
154547
 
REME
Dubois
Abraham
Pte
 
 
 
Dunkley
Thomas, Kenneth
LCpl
 
 
and 10 Cdo, and 47RM Cdo (CA98)
William
Fus
 
 
and No.6 Cdo (CA80)
Eccles
J.F.
Pte
 
 
and 4 Cdo (LL4)
Eggleton
W
 
 
 
(LL4)
Elliott
Howard, Francis
Cpl
 
 
and 6 Cdo (CA116)
Ellis
E.A.
Cpl
 
 
and 3 Cdo (LL4)
Ellis
Frank
Fus
 
 
 
Emmerson
John, Kenneth, Ken'
LCpl
 
 
and 2 Cdo and 1 Cdo Bde (PG)
Errington
E.F.
Sgt
 
 
(LL4)
Evans
Sidney
Sgt
 
 
 
Evans
Thomas, Allan
Cpl
 
 
 
Evans
Thomas, Emlyn
Pte
 
 
 
William, John
Cpl
7903097
 
RAC; PoW St Nazaire
Frederick, George
-
5041667
 
RASC; & later MM serving 6 Cdo; (LL4)
Flint
James, 'Jimmy'
LCpl
 
 
 
Flucker
Magnus, J.S.
PO Eng
 
 
RN attached 12Cdo (CA97)
Forge
A.C.B.  'Tim'
Maj
 
 
(LL5)
Forster
Eric, John
Sgt
895274
 
R Artillery
Forsyth
J.
Fus
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL5)
Forward
W.A.
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL5)
Fowler
'Flash'
 
 
 
 
Fowler
Richard
 
 
 
 
Frazer
James,  'Jim'
Major
 
 
 
Frost
G.A.F.
Cpl
 
 
 
Fulton
James, Ernest
LCpl
 
 
 
Francis, West, 'Ted'
Major
109827
 
Gordon Highlanders; later Officer Commanding 2 Cdo
Gallaway
T
Cpl
3499065
 
Hampshire Regt
Gamble
John, 'Tojo'
TSM
 
 
 
Gardner
C.E.
Lt Col
 
 
& 8 Cdo; died 1950 (CA13)
Garrity
Arthur
Cpl
 
 
(LL5)
Goodwin
E.L.S.
Gnr
 
 
(LL5)
Gorfield
Harry
 
 
 
 
Gott
Eric
 
 
 
 
Goudy
S
LCpl
 
 
(LL5)
Gould
Thomas, 'Tommy'
 
 
 
 
Gower
Ronald
CSM
 
 
 
Graver
J.
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 6 Cdo (LL5)
Gray
Reginald, Arthur
Pte
 
 
 
Green
Bryan
Sgt
 
 
 
Greenfield
'Ikey'
 
 
 
 
Griffin
G
Pte
 
 
and 9 Cdo (LL5)
Hall
Leslie, James
Fus
 
 
 
Hallett
V.G.H.
Lt
 
 
KRRC
Hamilton
T.C.
Fus
 
 
and 5 Cdo (LL5)
Harper-Gow
Leonard, Maxwell
Maj
 
 
 
Stewart, Sandbach
Lt Col
 
MC*
Irish Guards; OC 12 Commando
Hartley
J.E.
LCpl
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL6)
Hay
C
 
 
 
 
Hay
J
Gnr
 
 
RA
Hayes
A.R.
Sgt
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL6)
Heery
Charles, Joseph
Pte
3772508
 
and 5 Cdo (LL6)
Robert, David, Quixano
Col
38714
MBE,SX Star, Bx Star, TD
RA;
Bde Major SS Bde Vaagso
Heraty
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Herod
Kenneth, 'Busty'
Cpl
933222
 
 
Hickman
P.D.
Pte
 
 
and SBS (LL6)
Higgins
J
Pte
 
 
& 6 Cdo lka Manchester (LL6)
David, Henry
Pte
6212505
 
Middlesex Regt;
died on war service
Hill
G
LSgt
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL6)
Hill
Geoff, John
Rfn
 
 
KRRC
Hodgson
D
Fus
 
 
(LL6)
Hodson
George
Fus
4200601
 
R Welch Fusiliers
Holdaway
F
SSgt
 
 
(LL6)
D
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL6)
Hollins
H
Lt
 
 
Manchester Regt
Hones
Harold, W.
Rfn
 
 
and 6 Cdo;
CA Committee (CA71, 112)
Hooker
Fred
Pte
 
 
 
Horrocks
G
LBdr
 
 
RA (LL5)
Ellis
LCpl
3910267
MiD
SWB; &SSRF; kia with 1 SBS
Robert, 'Bob'
Cpl
3450633
 
Lancs Fusiliers;
PoW St Nazaire
Hughes
Norman, Campbell
Capt
 
 
 
Hulme
Harold
Sgt
 
 
 
Humphreys
Joe, E.
Cpl
 
 
see entry in 6 Cdo NR
Frederick, C.
Pte
 
 
& H.O.C.(CA53);(CA119)
John, C.
 
 
 
'E' Troop; and No.1 Cdo 3 Troop

No 12 Commando Nominal I-O

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.12 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LB = List The Bugle, author Corran Purdon MC 
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = CVA photo gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
FM = Forum Message
RY = Ron Youngman (CBF)
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Irvine
Harold, Harry
Cpl
 
 
 
Irwin
Anthony, Stuart
Capt
 
MC
Essex Regt / V Force
Jackson
Robert
Cpl
 
 
 
James
 
CSM
 
 
 
Jefferies
John
Capt
 
 
 
David, William, Phillip
Pte
3970038 
 
Welch Regt; died in war service
Jennings
H.C.
Pte
 
 
 
James
LSgt
1879375
MM
Gordon Hldrs; PoW St Nazaire
Johnson
Johny
TSM
 
 
 
Jones
Arthur
LCpl
 
 
& 43RM (CA51)
Harri, Havard
Cpl
3962759
 
Welch Regt; kia St Nazaire
Jones
J
CSM
 
 
 
Jones
Ken
LCpl
 
 
 
Jones
W.T.
Cpl
 
 
 
Jonzen
B.G.
Lt
 
 
Queens Regt
Kelly
J
Pte
 
 
 
Kennard
Noel, Gerard
Lt
200997
 
Cameron Highlanders
Langford
L.T.  'Sam'
Cpl
 
 
 
Laverty
J
Gnr
 
 
RA
Lawrence
E.G.
Sgt
 
 
 
 Clark, Edmond, John
Major
164608
MC
Glosters; also served 6 Cdo
Leaver
John
Pte
 
 
 
Lee
William
TSM
3451602
 
Lancs Fusiliers
Lee-Warner
J. Peter
Capt
 
 
rank also seen as Cpl query OCTU
Frederick
LCpl
7903450
 
N Irish Horse; RAC; PoW St Nazaire
Lennon
Eddie
Cpl
 
 
& 1 Cdo; (CA28)(CA43)(CA67)(PG)
Liddle
William, 'Bill'
CSM
 
 
 
Littlejohn
Ross, Robertson
Major
197229
MC
Black Watch; 6 & 4 Cdo; 2SAS; executed 
Livingstone
R.P.
Lt
 
 
R Ulster Rifles
Lodwick
John
Lt
244970
 
 
London
D.G.H.
LBdr
 
 
RA
Long
James, Henry, William 
Pte
 
 
S. Staffs
Looney
J
LCpl
 
 
 
Lord
Alfred, Philip
LCpl
 
 
 
Love
Edward, 'Ted'
Bdr
 
 
RA
Lynch
J
Rfn
 
 
 
Lynch-Staunton
Anthony, C.  'Tony' 
Major
 
 
 
Maccallum-Sharpe
Ian, D.
Sgt
 
 
 
Hugh, 'Blake'
Pte
2889297
 
Gordon Hldrs; & 1 Cdo
Macpherson
R.T.S.
Major
 
 
 
John
Rfn
7018924
 
R Ulster Rifles; and 6 Cdo
Majendie
John, Dering
Capt
95253
 
Somerset L I
Daniel
Pte
3393053
 
East Lancs Regt; and 1 Cdo
Manns
H
LSgt
 
 
 
Patrick, Geoffrey, Brian
Capt
130112
MC
Worcestershire Regt; award with SOE
Matson
K
LCpl
 
 
 
Maxwell
P
Pte
 
 
& 5 Cdo; lka Newcastle (LL8)
McCormack
John, James
Cpl
 
 
& 9 Cdo (PG)
McCreevy
 
LCpl
 
 
 
McDougall
T
Pte
 
 
 
McGinty
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Ambrose, Joseph
Capt
113419
MC *, MiD
R Ulster Rifles; and HOC
McKenzie
Jock
TSM
 
 
& HOC (CA22)
McLellan
 
LCpl
 
 
 
McSweeney
C. Brendan
Pte
 
 
 
Mellow
A
Fus
 
 
 
Merryweather
William, 'Bill'
Cpl
 
 
 
Thomas, Gibson
TSM
3601013
MiD
Border Regt
Robert, 'Bob'
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo 4 Tp.
Mildmay
A
Lt
 
 
 
Joseph
Cpl
7019264
 
R Ulster Rifles; PoW St Nazaire
Morgan
James
Sgt
 
 
 
Morgan
Leslie, George
Pte
 
 
 
Morgan
W.H.
Pte
 
 
 
Mountford
Cecil, F.
QMS
 
 
 
Mullett
Leslie, Charles
Bdr
1641438
 
RA; & 1 Cdo (PG) (CA88)
Murdoch
George
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 1 Bde; from Dorset (CA23)
Murphy
Charles
Pte
 
 
 
Murphy
John
Pte
 
 
 
Murray
Douglas, Russell, 'Duke', 'Russ'
Pte
 
 
'D' Troop; and 6 Cdo; and CBTC (CA99) (CA84)
Myers
H
Pte
 
 
 
Douglas, James
Sgt
5253563
MM
Worc Regt; and 6 Cdo
Nicholas
Henry
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (CA91)
Nicolle
Roy
Pte
 
 
Black Watch
Nisbet
R.M. 'Bob'
CSM
 
 
 
Noone
Frederick, William
Pte
6103841
MM,
L de H
Hampshire
Nussey
Joe
CSM
 
 
 
Robert, Deyos
Lt
214657
 
Royal Ulster Rifes; died on war service

No 12 Commando Nominal P-Z

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.12 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LB = List The Bugle, author Corran Purdon MC 
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = CVA photo gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
FM = Forum Message
RY = Ron Youngman (CBF)
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Alan
LSgt
6984004
 
and 6 Cdo (CA56)
Palin
William, Ernest
CSM
 
 
 
Parkington
Charles
Cpl
 
 
 
Basil, Arthur
Maj
94526
 
R. Fus; (CA5); SOE
Parr
Malcolm, John, Holloway
Sgt
903971
 
RA Attestations 1939; and 4 Cdo (CA36)
Paterson
A
 
 
 
& 9 Cdo; from Rothesay (CA6)
Paul
W
LCpl
 
 
and 4 Cdo (LL9)
Payne
H.R.
Pte
 
 
and 9 Cdo (LL9)
Perks
C
Fus
 
 
 
Alfred, Charles
Cpl
 
and 1 Cdo (CA94)
Pickering
C
Pte
 
 
and 3 Cdo (LL9)
Pilkington
J.R.
Fus
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL9)
Pilling
Harry
Gdsm 
2619518
 
Grenadier Gds; later CSM 1 Cdo (PG)
Phillip, Hugh
Capt
100670
 
RA/executed with 2SAS
Pointon
William
Pte
3912867
 
SWB
Preston
George
Sgt
 
 
 
Randall, E.C.
Lt
189336
 
Glos.Regt. died on war service
Pullen
B.D.
Sgt
 
 
and 5 Cdo (LL9)
Corran, W.B.
Lt/ later MajGen
 
CBE,MC,CPM
RUR; PoW St Nazaire
Quill
D
Fus
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL9)
Douglas, Gordon
Sgt
3658119
 
S. Lancs. Regt; also served 7 and 5 Cdos
Radford
A.H.
Pte
 
 
(LL9)
Rafferty
R
Sgt
 
 
(LL9)
Rayner
V
Sgt
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL9)
Redfern
James
Pte
 
 
 
Walter, 'Jumbo'
Bdr
883888
 
RA; PoW St Nazaire
Richards
R
Pte
 
 
and 9 Cdo (LL9)
Roberts
Douglas, L.
Cpl
 
 
 
Roberts
E.A.; Edward, 'Ted'
Fus
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL10)
Harry, Andow
Sgt
 
 
and SBS; (CA71)
Ron
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (CA15, CA22)
Robertson
F
Fus
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL10)
Joseph, Henry, 'Tim'
Sgt
894174
 
Berks Yeomanry, RA; & 2 SAS wounded 24/9/44 
Robinson
P
Sgt
 
 
 
Roche
W.B.
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL10)
Rooney
Oswald, Basil, 'Mickey'
Major
 
 
 
Rosenthall
W
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 6 and 4 Cdos (LL10)
Routledge
George
Capt
 
 
 
Rudd
D
LCpl
 
 
(LL10)
Ryan
M.D.
Capt
 
 
R Ulster Rifles
Ryan
Richard
Sgt
 
 
& 9 Cdo (CA63)
Ryley
R.H.
Pte
 
 
 
Saunders
Albert, George
Pte
5190505
 
& 3 Cdo (CA67)
Saunders
A
Lt
 
 
 
Scott
J.C.
LCpl
 
 
 
Scrivenor
R
Fus
 
 
and 4 Cdo (LL10)
Segger
Peter
Pte
 
 
 
Shaw
John, Fallas, Cobbold
Lt (later Hon.Capt)
129492
 
Northumberland Fus / & 6 Cdo, CMWTC, 12 Cdo, 30AU
Shelley
F.C.
RQMS
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL10)
Shepherd
 
Pte
 
 
 
Edward, G. 
'Ted' / 'Eddie'
Pte
 
 
R. West Kent Regt; and 6 Cdo
Sinclair
J
Pte
 
 
(LL10)
Skeels
B
Rfn
 
 
& 6 Cdo; lka Romford (LL10)
Skidmore
 
 
 
 
 
Joseph, William
Fus
 
 
and 1 Cdo (CA80)
Smith
E.L.H.
Lt
 
 
Monmouthshire Regt/SWB
Smith
Ian,Christopher, Downs
Major
108233
MC+Bar
RASC /SSRF, SOE, SBS
Smith
Percy, Charles
Sgt
 
 
and 1 Cdo (CA99)
Smith
Raymond, Arthur, Francis
Captain (later Col)
 
 
RA; (CA90)
Sparks
 
Pte
 
 
 
Spary
V.G.W.
Pte
 
 
and 4 Cdo (LL10)
Stalker
J.W.
Sgt
 
 
and 5 Cdo (LL10)
Charles, Emanuel
Cpl
 
RA,Monmouthshire  Regt. /SWB & Sgt.No.9 Cdo 
Steadman
F
Pte
 
 
 
Steele
A.H.
Rfn
 
 
(LL10)
Stephens
Sidney
LCpl
 
 
 
John, William
Pte
5508656
 
Hampshire Regt; died on war service
Stevens
Stanley
LCpl
 
 
 
Stevenson
Norman
Tpr
 
 
 
Stewart
Eric
 
 
 
 
Stewart
Samuel
Rfn
 
 
RUR; & SBS, 3 Cdo; died in a car crash (CA99)
Stokes
Horace, Leonard
LSgt
927044
 
E Tp; &2SAS; WO417/77 and WO392/11 Stalag 7A
Stott
J
 
 
 
 
Swadling
Albert, Edward
Sgt
 
 
and 3 Cdo (CA104)
Swain
W.F. 'Bill'
Pte
 
 
and 3 Bde (LL11) (CA89)
Sykes
H
LCpl
 
 
(LL11)
Symonds
J.E.
Lt
 
 
Glos Regt
Sysonby
Lord
Col
 
 
Queen's Royal Regiment
Tanner
 
Pte
 
 
 
Taylor
Stanley
Pte
 6353613
 
R West Kents; (LL11)
Teasdale
Lewis
Pte
 
 
and 4 Cdo;
from Sheffield (LL11)
Teasdale
N.L.
Pte
 
 
From Morpeth (LL11)
George
Pte
4975737
 
and 6 Cdo (CA108) (PG 6 Cdo)
Templeton 
Jimmy
 
 
 
& 6 Cdo (CA87)
Maurice, William
Cpl
14241719
Police
 
KOSB; and 1 Cdo
Tett
Leslie, Frank
Pte
14600561
 
Dorsets
Terris
Paul
 
 
 
 
Thompson
K.C.V.
Pte
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL11)
Thomson
John
 
 
 
 
Thursby
Oliver, Albert
Pte
 
 
and 4 Cdo (CA102)
Harry
Pte
3860540
MM
Border Regt; award with 6 Cdo
David, Cyril
Cpl
 
 
& 2 SBS; Police Intake (Wiltshire); (CA93)
Alec, 'Sandy'
Sgt
 
 
& SBS; post war Met Police 
Alfred, B.  'Jock'
LSgt
14241859
Police
 
and 6 Cdo; Brighton and Hove Police 
Trowman
N.F.
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL11)
Frederick, William, Morgan
Cpl
4203290
 
Glosters; died on war service at the CBTC
Turner
Leslie
Pte
 
 
& 6 Cdo (CA92)
George, Vincent
Pte
14241777
Police
 
Lins. Regt; and 4 Cdo
Underhill
Ernest, Douglas
Pte
 
 
 
Ure
John, C. 'Jack'
 
 
 
later Captain and 3 Cdo - CA119
Vickers
K.H.
Cpl
 
 
 
Vincent
Kenneth
Pte
 
 
 
Waggett
Kenneth, Frederick, Harvey
Lt
189492
 
Middlesex Regt
Wakefield
Ray
Pte
 
 
& 1 Cdo. Post war Police Sgt Whitley Bay (CA22); later resided York (CA82)
Robert, Gibson
Lt
126151
MC
KOSB; and 3 Cdo
Wales
Harold, Holland, 'Harry'
Pte
 
 
from Brockworth (CA115)
Wall
A
Tpr
 
 
 
Reginald, George
Tpr 
14241756
Police
 
and 6 Cdo (LL11)
Wallace
Hector, Mackenzie
Sgt
 
 
Formerly Bellamy (CA48) (poss D.C.M.?)
William, G. 
Pte
 
 
& 1 Cdo - CA119
Ware
Henry, Arnold
Sgt
 
 
 
Wartnaby
C.R.
Pte
 
 
and 5 Cdo (LL11)
Watson
H.A.
Gnr
 
 
R Artillery; later RQMS (CA56)
Webb
Joe
 
 
 
 
Wedderburn
E.A.M.
Lt Col
 
 
R Scots
Welling
Clifford
Pte
 
 
 
Westmore
F.N.
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (LL11)
James, Howie, 'Jimmy'
Cpl / Sgt
3065655
MM
Royal Scots; award with 9 Cdo
Wheeler
Edward, 'Ted'
Cpl
 
 
 
Charles, Edward
Gnr
 
 
and 5 Cdo (CA92)
Laurence
Gdsm
 
 
Guards; 1Cdo; died 1955 Police Lieut. Malaya
Wiggins
Patrick
Pte
 
 
 
Wight
Knocker
Sgt
 
 
 
Willcox
Harry
Pte
 
 
 
Williams
Frank
Tpr
 
 
 
Williams
John, Henry
Cpl
 
 
 
Williamson
W.T.
LCpl
 
 
and 1 Cdo (LL11)
Wilmerst
 
LCpl
 
 
 
Alexander
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo (CA94) (PG 6 Cdo)
Wilson
D
 
 
 
 
Max, Robert
Pte
13099961
 
Pioneer Corps; & 6 Cdo
Winch
Harry
 
 
 
 
Wood
G.G., 'Timber'
Gdm
 
 
and 9 Cdo; post war Kent Police (CA39)
Wood
H
Sgt
 
 
 
Woodward
John
Sgt
 
 
 
George
Pte
14241724
 
Black Watch; and 1 Cdo
Woolley
C.W. 'Tanky'
Sgt
 
 
RTR; and 5 Cdo; and CMWTC; (CA5) (CA25)
Worthington
Paddy
 
 
 
 
Wren
Stan
 
 
 
Wright
Richard, 'Dicky'
LCpl
 
 
 
Robert, Ernest
Cpl
2009393
RE
RE; PoW St Nazaire
Young
Robert, 'Rob', Carruthers
Tpr
 
 
and 1 Cdo

HARRISON, Stewart Sandbach (LtCol)

Known as: 
Peachy
Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
12 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Irish Guards
Service: 
Army
Died : 
Saturday, November 10, 1979
Commanding Officer of No. 12 Commando.
 
A veteran of World War One and recipient of the Military Cross, announced in July 1918, and later a bar to the Military Cross in August 1919.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 30780, p7909 and Supp. 31745, p924.
List The Bugle , author Maj. Gen. Corran Purdon CBE, MC, CPM.
Commando Association obituaries newsletter 70 issued March 1980.
 

12 Commando Operations

These are some of the operations that No 12 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault.  In many cases only a handful of Commandos from No 12 took part rather than the Commando as a whole. They are in date order and form part of our overall history of No 12 Commando.

Click on the links for more detail about each.

Operation Chess - France, July 1941

Operation Kitbag - Norway, November 1941(aborted)

Operation Anklet - Norway, November 1941

Operation Chariot - France, March 1942

Operation Foxrock - France, May 1942 (aborted)

Operation Aflame - France, October 1942

Operation Basalt - Sark, October 1942 with SSRF

Operation Farenheit - Brittany, November 1942 with SSRF

Operation Batman - France, November 1942 with SSRF

Operation Cartoon - Norway, January 1943

Operation Roundabout - Norway, March 1943

Operation Carey - Norway, April 1943

Operation Checkmate - Norway, April 1943

Forfar Operations - France, August/September 1943

Operation Hardtack (Dog) - France November 1943 with SSRF

12 Commando, Misc. Documents

12 Commando, Redesignation of 4 (Para) Troop,1943

Type: Letters
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2014
Keywords: Rooney, Lovat,
A letter to Captain Oswald B (Mickey) Rooney of 4 (Para) Troop, No12 Commando from Lord Lovat, HQ Special Service Brigade, on the reallocation of No.12 Commando. Document and image courtesy of Capt Rooney's son, Chris Rooney. Lovat added a footnote to Mickey Rooney: "OC No 9 'is short of a good subaltern who can be added to the 27 other ranks. Please contact him."
 

12 Commando, Letter From Lord Mountbatten

Type: Official Letters
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Mountbatten Harrison 12 Commando E Troop

Letter sent from Lord Mountbatten to Lt Col Harrison after a visit to No 12 Commando .....troop mentioned is E Troop commanded by Lt Pinckney.

HUNTINGTON, John, Memories of No 12 and No 1 Commando

Type: Personal Papers
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Memories of Sgt John Huntington 'E' Troop No 12 Commando and 3 Troop No 1 Commando

Sgt John Huntington was in E Troop No 12 Commando and 3 Troop No 1 Commando.

This document is Johns memories as detailed in letter form over the course of 5 years to John Mewett. Unfortunately before the project was complete JH died but what was related makes for a very interesting first hand account of life in a commando unit.

12 Commando, Para Troop, image

No.12 Commando, 4 (Para) Troop
No.12 Commando Para Troop. Photo credit Chris Rooney, son of Captain Rooney, originally from Lt. Peter Cruden. 
 
Front row: L/Cpl Rudd, McCreevy, Sims, Collins, Tojo (Gamble), Cpl Joseph Crowley (later executed after capture whilst attached to 2 SAS), Cpl Jones (WIA), Hay;
2nd row(seated: Cpl Evans, Sgt McGinty, Lt Peter Cruden (WIA), Lt Ross Littlejohn MC (later executed after capture whilst attached to 2 SAS), Captain Oswald 'Micky' Rooney (later 2 SAS, broke his back August 1944), Lt. John Clapton MC (later with No.6 Cdo.), Lt John Lodwick (later with SBS/SAS), Wilson (KIA Normandy);
3rd row(standing): Sgt Page (WIA), L/Cpl Wilmerst, Self (WIA), ?, Walsh, K.Byjorklund (later 2 SAS), Skidmore, Lamb, L/Cpl McLelland, L/Cpl Jim Connor (later with No.6 Cdo) , Amos, Cpl Burns, Heraty (WIA), Leach, Boddy;
Back row: Lynch, Eager, Towse (WIA),Sgt Stanley Bolden MM (KIA with 2 SAS), Bolton (WIA)
 
Remembrance
3710217 Corporal Joseph Patrick Crowley, 2nd, Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C., died age 27 on 19 March 1945. 
197229 Major Ross Robertson Littlejohn MC, 2nd, Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C., died age 23 on 19 March 1945.

3316568 Corporal Stanley Bolden MM, 2nd, Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C.,died age 24 on 27 March 1945.