43RM Commando

Formed from the disbanded 2nd RM Battalion as 43 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines, on the 1st August 1943 under the command of Acting Lieut. Colonel R.W.B. Simonds. Not all however would become Commandos. Converting the one hundred man companies of 2RM to sixty man troops of 43RM  meant many would not. Those who did not join the Commando were moved to other duties primarily in Combined Operations as  Landing Craft crew. Soon afterwards 43RM moved to Achnacarry for their Commando training at the CBTC. Once completed 43RM moved to Ramsgate.
 
In November 1943 they embarked for Algiers. The Commando now consisted of five fighting troops each 65 strong, four commanded by a Captain, one by a Major, and each with its own Troop HQ consisting of a Troop Commander, Troop Sergeant Major, a signaller, a RAMC orderly, the 2" mortar group and the PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti Tank) group. They were supported by a Heavy Weapons Troop of four 3" Mortars and four Vickers Medium Machine Guns.
 
Early January 1944 they embarked for Naples and moved to the village of Vico Equense. They were now part of No.2 Special Service Brigade commanded by Brigadier Tom Churchill. This Brigade consisted of Nos 2 and 9 Commandos (both Army) and Nos.40 and 43 RM Commandos. 
 
On 22 January 1944 43RM were part of the major allied offensive at Anzio. This was the beginning of a series of operational deployments in WW2. From the the action at the Garigliano River, Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, to the Jugoslav Dalmatian Islands based operations from Vis, including Brac, Hvar, and other enemy held islands. In April 1945 their last action would be Operation Roast at Lake Comacchio and the Reno River.  It was here that Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter [more....] of 43RM Commando would be postumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
 
After the war ended dispersion quickly followed.  43RM was disbanded in September 1945. Some went to occupation duties in Germany. Others to 45RM or 46RM Commandos. Those who had been in longest were due for early demobilisation.
 
Recommended reading
Nothing Much to Lose, author Lt. Michael McConville, 43RM Commando (which includes a history of 2RM).
Commando Subaltern at War, Author Lt. W.G. Jenkins, DSO, 43RM Commando.
 
Later Commanding Officers
October 1944 Lieut. Colonel I. F. Macalpine (Black Watch) subsequently invalided out.
November 1944 Lieut. Colonel Ian H. Riches.
 
Reformed on the 5th September 1961 until disbanded again mid-November 1968.
In 2012 a new 43 Commando RM was formed.  Officially 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, it is the largest in the Corps and is responsible for protecting the nation’s nuclear deterrent as well as taking the fight to modern-day pirates in specialist boarding teams.
 
[Historical note former units - Comacchio Company Royal Marines (1980–1983), Comacchio Group Royal Marines (1983–2001) and Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (2001-2012).

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43RM Commando Roll of Honour

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen. Displaying 1 - 47 of 47

ABRAHAMS, Robert Sydney

Sergeant
EX/4444
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Robert Abrahams was reported missing presumed killed during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. He has no known grave.

BAILLIE, Archibald

Marine
CH/X 110260
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Archibald Baillie died of wounds at No.2 British Field Hospital at Otok, Vis Island. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Baillie, of Galston, Ayrshire.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BEALE, Frederick Vincent

Marine
PO/X 108058
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Frederick Beale died during operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta, Italy. Son of John William and Louisa Beale, of Rotherham, Yorkshire.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.

BLAKE, John Philip

Capt Blake MC 43RM Commando
Captain
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain John Blake MC died during operations against the enemy held island of Brac. Son of Philip and Marjorie Flora Blake, of Havant, Hampshire. B.A. (Cantab).

BROOKES, James Alfred

Marine
EX/ 3707
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James Brookes died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery. Son of Mrs. M. Brookes of Hull.

CAMPBELL, John

Marine
CH/X109403
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Campbell died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy. Son of Arthur and Rosina Campbell.

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

COTTON MINCHIN, Douglas James Maurice

Capt. Cotton Minchin
Captain
77634
43543
43RM Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Douglas Cotton Minchin was reported missing March 1945 after his patrol came under fire during operations in Italy, later presumed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Capt. H. Cotton Minchin and Mrs. Cotton Minchin, of Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes Maritimes, France.

DALY, Edward Stewart

Marine
EX/ 4061
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine Edward Stewart Daly died by accidental drowning. He has no known grave. 
Son of Michael and Jessie Daly.

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

FOLWELL, Harvey Cecil

Marine
CH/X109129
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Harvey Folwell died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. He has no known grave. Son of Ernest Percival and Laura Evelyn Folwell, of Milton, Northamptonshire.

FOWLER, Harry

Marine
EX/3714
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Harry Fowler died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

GARSON, Andrew

Marine
PO/X 108150
43RM Commando
royal ma
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Andrew Garson died in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta.

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

GOODRICH, Kenneth John

Kenneth Goodrich 43RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 108489
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Kenneth Goodrich died during operations in Italy during operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito. He has no known grave. Son of John F. Goodrich and Annie F. J. Goodrich, of Shirley, Croydon, Surrey. Educated at Addiscombe New College.

GOSLING, John Jones

Lance Corporal
EX/3895
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal John Gosling died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito. He has no known grave. Son of Frederick J. Gosling and Beatrice Gosling, of Hull; husband of Ena Gosling, of Hull.

GREGORY, Donald

Marine
PLY/X 107480
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Donald Gregory died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

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

HANCOCK, Frank Holgate

Temporary Lieutenant
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Frank Hancock died during an air attack on Vis, their base of operations against enemy held Dalmatian Islands. Son of Francis James Hancock and Mildred Hancock, of Bearsted, Kent.
Extract from the 43RM Commando War Diary

HEY, Richard

Marine
EX/ 3746
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Richard Hey died in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta.

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

HOOPER, Arthur William George

Marine
PLY/X100963
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Arthur Hooper died during operations In Yugoslavia. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in a raid on the enemy held island of Miljet.

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

HOVERD, Robert Henry

Marine
CH/X 108492
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Robert Hovered died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia.

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

HUNTER, Cpl. Thomas Peck, VC

Corporal Hunter VC
Grave of Corporal Hunter VC
Corporal
CH/X 110296
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of Ramsay and Mary Hunter, of Edinburgh.
Victoria Cross Citation
Admiralty Whitehall 12th June 1945.

HURST, Cecil

Marine
PO/X 106979
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Cecil Hurst died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.

INGRAM, Richard George

Marine
PLY/X 107498
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Richard Ingram died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

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

IVENS, Frederick Charles

Marine
PLY/X 107485
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Frederick Ivens died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.

JEAL, Percy William

Percy Jeal 43 Commando
Marine
CH/X 105907
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Percy Jeal died during an air attack on Vis, their base of operations against enemy held Dalmatian Islands. Son of Percy Walter and Mary Jeal, of Hassocks, Sussex.
Extract from the 43RM Commando War Diary
28th March 1944 Vis

LASKEY, Cyril

Cyril Laskey 43 Commando
Corporal
EX/3154
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Cyril Laskey, 'A' Troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta, Italy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.

MacLEAN, Alexander

Marine
PO/X116565
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Alexander MacLean died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

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

MCCAUGHEY, Henry

Corporal
PLY/X 101290
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Henry McCaughey was reported missing presumed died. He has no known grave. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. Mentioned in Despatches for outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy.

OLIPHANT, Albert Maxtone

Marine
PLY/X 105615
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Albert Oliphant from Dundee died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/135.

PROCTOR, Bert

Corporal
PLY/X 103065
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Corporal Bert Proctor died at the 59th General Hospital in Italy after an accidental gunshot wound to the left side of his neck.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/135.

RAVEN, Henry Hollies

Marine
PLY/X 107493
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Henry Raven died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.

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

ROYLE, Frank

Corporal
CH/X 104572
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Frank Royle died during operations against the enemy held island of Brac.

SAUNDERS, Samuel John Albert

Marine
CH/X 109090
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Samuel Saunders died during an air attack on Vis, their base of operations against enemy held Dalmatian Islands. Son of Albert Edward and Elizabeth Saunders, of Barking, Essex.
Extract from the 43RM Commando War Diary
28th March 1944 Vis

SCHOOLEY, Ralph Gerald

Captain
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Ralph Schooley, 'B' troop, died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia. He received a Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service whilst operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."
 
Sources

SMITH, Roy Montague

Cpl. Roy M. Smith 43RM Commando
Corporal
PLY/X 106635
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Roy Smith, 'A' troop, died in the blast from two enemy 88mm shells whilst leading his section during operations at Lake Comacchio and Argenta, Italy.
 

SNOWDEN, Fred

Marine Fred Snowden 43 Commando
Marine
EX/ 3248
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Fred Snowden died during operations on the enemy held island of Brac, Yugoslavia. 
Extract from the Stirling Observer Thursday 22 June 1944.

TAYLOR, George

George Taylor 43 Commando
Marine
PO/X 107732
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine George Taylor died during operations in Italy. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
He received a Mention in Despatches for "outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy."  

WARD, Reginald Foster

Marine
PO/X 107762
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Reginald Ward died during operations in Italy. His Commando were engaged in fighting at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. Son of Charles Henry and Ada Lena Ward, of Hull; husband of Hilda May Ward, of Doncaster, Yorkshire.
 
Sources

WILLIAMSON, Fred

Marine
CH/X 106447
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Fred Williamson died during a raid on the Island of Brac, Yugoslavia. Initially buried with others on Brac near Nerezische, their remains were later reinterred in a collective grave at Belgrade War Cemetery.

HUNTER, Cpl. Thomas Peck, VC

Rank: 
Corporal
Unit / Base: 
43RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
CH/X 110296
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Saturday, October 6, 1923
Died : 
Tuesday, April 3, 1945
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
21
Corporal Hunter VC
Grave of Corporal Hunter VC
Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of Ramsay and Mary Hunter, of Edinburgh.
Victoria Cross Citation
Admiralty Whitehall 12th June 1945.
In Italy during the advance by the Commando to its final objective, Corporal Hunter of "C" Troop was in charge of a Bren group of the leading sub section of the Commando. Having advanced to within 400 yards of the canal, he observed the enemy were holding a group of houses South of the canal. Realising that his Troop behind him were in the open, as the country there was completely devoid of cover, and that the enemy would cause heavy casualties as soon as they opened fire, Corporal Hunter seized the Bren gun and charged alone across two hundred yards of open ground. Three Spandaus from the houses, and at least six from the North bank of the canal opened fire and at the same time the enemy mortars started to fire at the Troop.
Corporal Hunter attracted most of the fire, and so determined was his charge and his firing from the hip that the enemy in the houses became demoralised. Showing complete disregard for the intense enemy fire, he ran through the houses, changing magazines as he ran, and alone cleared the houses. Six Germans surrendered to him and the remainder fled across a footbridge onto the North bank of the canal.
The Troop dashing up behind Corporal Hunter now became the target for all the Spandaus on the North of the canal. Again, offering himself as a target, he lay in full view of the enemy on a heap of rubble and fired at the concrete pillboxes on the other side. He again drew most of the fire, but by now the greater part of the Troop had made for the safety of the houses. During this period he shouted encouragement to the remainder, and called only for more Bren magazines with which he could engage the Spandaus. Firing with great accuracy up to the last, Corporal Hunter was finally hit in the head by a burst of Spandau fire and killed instantly.
There can be no doubt that Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target in order to save his Troop, and only the speed of his movement prevented him being hit earlier. The skill and accuracy with which he used his Bren gun is proved by the way he demoralised the enemy, and later did definitely silence many of the Spandaus firing on his Troop as they crossed open ground, so much so that under his covering fire elements of the Troop made their final objective before he was killed. Throughout the operation his magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness had been an inspiration to his comrades."
 
Sources
CWGC.

London Gazette 37127, page 3087.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/132.

Primary Roll of Honour: 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

43RM Commando Commanders

Lieutenant Colonel R.W.B. Simonds RM.
Lieutenant Colonel I.H.Riches RM.
 

SIMMONDS, Robert William Barrow

Rank: 
Colonel
Unit / Base: 
43RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Born: 
Friday, October 13, 1905
Died : 
Monday, September 8, 1980
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Simmonds, Officer Commanding 2nd Battalion Royal Marines since 1942, was appointed Commanding Officer 43RM Commando on its formation in August 1943. He remained as such until September 1944. 
​1 January 1954, Colonel RM, appointed C.B.E. (Military Division).
 
Sources
Navy Lists.
Nothing Much to Lose, author Michael McConville.
London Gazette 40053, p6.
 
Additional content: 

RICHES, Ian Hurry

Rank: 
Major General
Unit / Base: 
43RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Born: 
Sunday, September 27, 1908
Died : 
Monday, December 23, 1996
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hurry Riches, G.S.O.1 Special Service Group, was appointed Officer Commanding 43RM Commando in November 1944 [1][1a] .
10 July 1945 appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy [2].
1st January 1959 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [3].
11 June 1960 (Major General)  appointed K.C.B. (Military Divsion) [4].
1959-62 Commandant- General, Royal Marines [5].
1964-68 Regional Director of Civil Defence [5].
1967-68 Representative Colonel Commandant [5].
 
Sources
[1] Navy Lists - Quarterly, Oct. 1944, Vol.2.
[1a] Nothing Much to Lose, author Michael McConville (Lieut. 43RM Commando).
[2] London Gazette 37170, page 3562.
[3] London Gazette 41589, page 2.
[4] London Gazette 42051, page 3974.
[5] Royal Marines Historical website.
 

43RM Cdo. Officers Oct.'44

Extract from the Navy Lists

October 1944 Volume 2 Page 1103/4 (pages 259/260 on N.L.S. website page list)
 
Source: National Library of Scotland website.
 
Commanding Officer —  Lieut.-Col. I. F. Macalpine, B.W.
 
2nd in Command —  Act. Tempy. Maj. N. G. M. Munro.
 
Major —  Act. Tempy. Maj. A. I. G. Harding.
 
 
Act. Tempy. Capts.
Adjutants 
Act. Tempy. Capt.
Lieut. J. R. Odendaal, B.E.M.
Lieut. R. N. Parkinson-Cumine.

Tempy. Lieuts.
R. Headey.
D. R. P. P. Cox.
J. B. Bolton.
F. W. Veness.
T. A. S. Taylor.
H. D. Liddell.
J. P. Stevens.
J. F. Morris.
W. E. Abbott.
C. Leatherbarrow.
N. Demuth.
M. A. McConville.
D. F. Esson.
I. A. G. Webster.
W. G. Jenkins.
 
Quartermaster 
Act. Tempy. Capt.  W.M. Harris  (Qr.-Mr.) (this is William Mark Harris)
 
Signal Officer Tempy. Lieut.
 
Intelligence Officer —  Act. Tempy. Capt. G. Frost.
 
Medical Officer —  Capt. G. E. Crowther, R.A.M.C.
 
Chaplain 
 
 
Notes
Highlighted names contain more information.