45RM Commando

Formed at Burley in the first week of August 1943 as 45 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines, from the disbanded 5th RM Battalion. Their first Commanding Officer was Lt. Col. N.C. Ries [more]. There followed hard training with those unfit or unsuitable being removed to other duties. In September the Commando moved to billets at Ayr.

On formation there were five fighting Troops - 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' and 'E' Troops.  'F' Troop was the Heavy Weapons Troop. 'H' Troop was the Headquarters troop which included Signals and Intelligence sections , Motor Transport and Administration. 

On the 26th November 1943 the Commando moved to the Commando Depot [more] at Achnacarry for their Commando course

From Achnacarry they returned for a brief period to Ayr for some leave. Then on the 19th January 1944 the Commando moved to the Combined Training Centre (CTC) at Dorling for additional advanced training. The Chief Instructor was Major W.N. Gray, RM [more], who was later to command the unit in France, Holland, and Germany.

During this time the Commando became part of No 1 Special Service Brigade under Brigadier Lord Lovat DSO, MC [more]. This Brigade consisted of 45RM Commando and three other Commando Units, all Army Commandos - No.3 Commando, No.4 Commando, and No.6 Commando.

After about 2 weeks at CTC Dorling, the Commando moved to Eastbourne. During this period the training continued at a pace. Three troops, 'B' under Capt. N.G. Michel RM ; 'C' under Capt. J.N. Rushforth RM; and 'D' under Capt. A.A.B. Scott, RM, went to the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre at St Ives [more] to do cliff climbing and practice landings on rocks. 'E' troop under Capt. I.N.N. Beadle, RM, went to the Parachute Training School at Ringway and qualified as Parachutists.

On the 26th May 1944 at 0400hrs the Commando left Eastbourne by train for a Staging Camp at Southampton. Then on the 5th June 45RM Commando moved by troop carrying vehicles to Warsash where it embarked in five Landing Craft Infantry (small). At 1700 hrs the same day their craft slipped anchor and formed up in the Solent taking their place in the vast armada of craft that was shortly to cross the English Channel for Normandy.

45 RM Commando, Royal Marines, landed on the 6th June 1944 with the rest of the 1st Special Service Brigade on Sword Beach and were involved in the fighting in France until the 7th September when the Brigade was returned to England to refit. Disembarking on the 8th September at Southampton, the Commando moved to the Commando Group Reception Camp at Petworth, and later to Eastney Barracks at Southsea, and then Bexhill.

On the 14th January 1945 the Commando embarked at Tilbury Docks for Ostende, arriving the following day. From there the Commando moved forward and was involved in the  operations to capture Maasbracht and Brachterbeek. It was during the latter that Lance Corporal H.E. Harden, the RAMC medical orderly attached to 'A' troop of 45RM Commando, was awarded the Victoria Cross [read more].

Read the 1 Commando Brigade HQ War Diary, January - April 1945, for more detail about operational timelines [go to war diary].

Post War

The Commando was one of the three RM Commando Units not disbanded after the war.  On 31 january 1946, at Chatham, 45 embarked on board the aircraft carrier HMS Rajah for the Far East arriving at Port Said on 11 February and Singapore on 1 March. They arrived at Kowloon on 7 March.*

It was redesignated as 45 Commando Royal Marines in March 1946.

The post-war years saw the Commando deployed on operations to Palestine, Suez, Malaya, Aden and Cyprus. The Commando finally returned to the UK in 1967 after 24 years operational service abroad and moved to its current base in Arbroath in 1971.

Since then they have been deployed in Northern Ireland, and, in 1982, the Commando took part in Operation Corporate, the recapture of the Falkland Islands. In 1991 the Commando deployed to Northern Iraq on a humanitarian assistance mission and in 1994 it was dispatched to reinforce the Kuwaiti border against renewed Iraqi aggression. More recently the Commando has been deployed on operations in Afghanistan.

Primary Source
The Story of 45RM Commando written by an officer of the Commando and made available to all who served.
* The book  45 - The Story of 45 Commando Royal Marines 1943-1971, author David Young (not ident with above)
 
Notes
Some names from various sources including Capt Day 'B' troop in his account for By Sea and Land by Robin Neillands: Col. Nicol Gray (OC 45RM Cdo); Maj Alf Blake ('B' tp); Capt. E.W.D. Coventry (East Lancs & 'A' tp);TSM 'Wiggy' Bennet MM ('A' tp); Mne Bertram Kenneth 'Scouse' Ord ('A tp kia 24-3-45); Mnes Derrick Cakebread and Fred Harris ('A' tp); Capt. Day ('B' tp) ; Sgt Tomas ('A' tp); Lt Peter Riley MC ('B' tp later Capt 'D' tp); Lt Graham Partington (replaced Lt Riley); Lt Eric McDonald ('B' tp); TSM B. Aylett MM ('B' tp); Sgt Johnny Bastable ('B' tp); Sgt Jack Sinclair ('B' tp); Cpl. J. Sykes MM ('B' tp); Mnes Ogle and Denny ('B' tp); Capt. Barnard (Gordon Highlanders & 'E' tp until wounded); Capt Maurice Chester Brockbank (Capt of 'E' tp later kia 12-4-45 at the Aller - replaced Capt Barnard); TSM R. Haines ('D' tp); Sgt. Fenwick ('D' tp)

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45RM Commando Roll of Honour

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen. Displaying 1 - 113 of 113

AHERN, Patrick

Sergeant
EX/1251
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Patrick Ahern, 'E' Troop, died of wounds inflicted during operations on 23rd January 1945 at Maasbracht and Brachterbeek, specifically when his Troop were ordered to attack and obtain a bridgehead on the Montforterbeek Dyke.

ATKINSON, Jacob

Sergeant
EX/3471
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died on war service
Sergeant Jacob Atkinson died from natural causes (paralysis of respiration) at EMS Hospital, Hurstwood Park, Haywards Heath.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/127.
 

BAKER, Leonard

Lance Corporal
PO/X101944
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Leonard Baker died at sea during operations at Normandy, France. Adopted son of William and Lavina Daffern; husband of Lilian Baker, of Bedworth, Warwickshire.

BEACH, Edward Bert

Corporal
CH/X 3533
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Edward Beach died during operations in Normandy.

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

BELL, Robert

Marine
CH/X 108406
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Robert Bell died during operations at Le Mesnil, Normandy.
Prior to enlisting he was a miner at Kinneil Colliery.
Son of Alexander and Agnes Bell, of Bo'ness, West Lothian.

BENSON, John

Marine
CH/X 110708
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Benson died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf, Germany. Son of Herbert and Beatrice Benson, of Leeds, Yorkshire; husband of Annie Benson. of Leeds.

BIDMEAD, Arthur

Corporal
EX/1043
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Arthur Bidmead died of wounds at the 6th Canadian General Hospital, France. Husband of Mrs Iris Bidmead (nee Huggan) from Hawick. Father to a young child.

BONIFACE, William George

Lance Corporal
PO/X 3924
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Boniface, 'A' troop, died during operations in Germany. Son of Albert Henry and Alice Rhoda Boniface, of Hampden Park, Sussex. His Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf, Germany.
 

BOOTHROYD, Gordon

Marine
PO/X120397
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Gordon Boothroyd, 'E' Troop, died during operations in Normandy, France. Son of Edgar and Mabel Boothroyd, of Huddersfield. His brother Geoffrey serving with 40RM Commando also died in the war. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

BROOKS, Arthur Robert

Corporal
EX/937
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Arthur Brooks died during operations at Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/128.

CAIRNS, Stanley

Marine
EX/3396
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Stanley Cairns died during operations at Normandy, France. Husband of Margaret Cairns of Pontypridd.

CAMPBELL, Finlay David

Marine
EX/4108
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Finlay Campbell died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of David and Rebecca Campbell.
 

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

CANN, Bernard Lawrence

Marine Bernard Cann 45 Commando
Marine
PLY/X 108734
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Bernard Cann, 'E' Troop, died during operations in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Stolzenau and Leese (River Wesser crossing).
 
Sources
CWGC.

CARTER, William

Corporal
EX/1069
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal William Carter was reported missing presumed killed during operations at Normandy. He has no known grave.

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

CASPER, Peter

Lieutenant
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Peter Casper was killed by enemy gunfire during operations across the bridgehead between Stolzenau and Leese. Son of Emil Hans and Margaret Casper, of Farnham, Surrey.

CLARKE, Reginald James

Marine
CH/X114216
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Reginald Clarke was killed whilst overcoming an enemy post as his Commando entered Osnabruck, Germany. Son of Jack and Monica Mercy Clarke, of Ashford, Kent.

COCKS, John Sidney

Corporal
CH/X 114915
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John Cocks, 'E' Troop, died during operations at Maasbracht and Brachterbeek when his Troop were ordered to attack and obtain a bridgehead on the Montforterbeek Dyke. Son of Sidney Harold and Ada Beatrice Cocks, of Peckham, London.
 
Sources

COHEN, Isaac

Corporal
PO/X 3246
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Isaac Cohen was reported missing presumed died at sea*. He has no known grave. Son of David and Mary Cohen; husband of Mary Ellen Cohen, of Bow, London.

Sources
CWGC.

CONATY, Alan Craba

Marine
PO/X 100424
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Alan Conaty, 'B' Troop, died on the day his Commando crossed the River Maas at Gennep. By evening they had entered Afferden where they encountered enemy shelling. Son of Thomas P. and Laura Conaty, of North Shields, Northumberland.
 
Sources

CORBYN, Edwin Peter

Marine
EX/3439
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Edwin Corbyn died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

CROMPTON, William

Marine
PO/X 114336
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine William Crompton died in Germany during operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf. Son of James and Alice Crompton, of Bury, Lancashire.

CROUCH, Walter

Marine
CH/X 100462
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Walter Crouch died in Germany during operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf, Germany.
Extract from the Worthing Gazette 17 April 1946

DANGERFIELD, Edward Charles

Marine
PO/X 110927
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Edward Dangerfield died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Albert George and Violet Rose Dangerfield, of Bow, London.

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

DAVIES, Osmond

Lance Corporal
EX/969
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Osmond Davies, 'E' troop, died during operations at Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/129.
The Story of 45RM Commando, published 1946 for veterans.

DUCHAN, John Joseph

Original grave of Cpl Duchan 45RM Commando
Corporal
EX/4120
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John Duchan died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

EARL, Arthur John

Marine
PO/X 113307
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Arthur Earl died during operations at Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

FENTON, Bernard Charles Sydney

Mne.Bernard Fenton 45RM Commando
Marine
PO/X3168
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Bernard Fenton died during operations at Normandy. Son of Herbert and Dinah Fenton; husband of Mary Fenton, of Londonderry.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

FINLAY, William

Sergeant
EX/3637
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant William Finlay died during operations at Normandy.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

FOSTER, Bernard Basil

Marine Bernard Foster 45RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 110578
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Bernard Foster died at the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station, British Liberation Army, Germany, on the 1st May 1945 [1][2] of wounds received on the 29th April 1945 [1][2][3].

GAGE, Harold Arthur

Corporal
PO/X120477
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harold Gage died during operations at Normandy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
 
Notes

GALE, Anthony

Lieutenant
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Anthony Gale died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Bertram Archibald and Florence Georgena Gale, of Oxshott, Surrey.
 
Source
CWGC.
 

GEORGE, Rex

Marine
PO/X113288
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Rex George, 'E' Troop, died during operations at Normandy. He received a Mention in Despatches for good services with the 21st Army group.
 
Sources
CWGC

GLADWIN, Ernest James

Marine
PO/X 4566
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Ernest Gladwin was reported missing presumed died at the coast of Normandy, France. He has no known grave. Son of William Henry Gladwin, and of Nellie Rose Gladwin, of Southgate, Middlesex.

GYNES, Edward George

Corporal
EX/4220
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edward Gynes died during operations at Normandy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/131.
 

HALL, John

Marine
PLY/X 110425
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John Hall died during operations in France.

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

HARDEN, LCpl. Henry Eric, VC

Lance Corporal Henry Eric Harden VC
Original grave of LCpl Harden VC
Lance Corporal
11006144
45RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Henry Eric Harden died during operations in the Brachterbeek area of Holland. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of William Thomas Harden and Fanny Marie Harden, of Northfleet, Kent; husband of Maud Harden, of Northfleet.

HOBBINS, William

Marine William Hobbins 45 Commando
Marine
PLY/X 108713
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine William Hobbins, 'E' Troop, died during operations at Franceville, Normandy. Son of William and Jessie Elizabeth Hobbins, of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire. Former pupil of Henley Central School. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

HOLMES, Peter Leslie

Mne. Peter Holmes 45RM Commando
Marine
PLY/X 101828
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Peter Holmes was reported missing presumed died during operations at Normandy, France. He has no known grave. Son of Peter and Elizabeth Ellen Holmes, of Pendlebury, Lancashire.

KEMP, Arthur John

Marine
CH/X 2986
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Arthur Kemp died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths: Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.
 

KENNEDY, Wallace Edward

Graves of Lt Kennedy 45RM Commando and others
Lieutenant
308167
45RM Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Wallace Kennedy, Intelligence Officer of 45RM Commando died during operations at Normandy, FranceSon of Stephen Pringle Kennedy and Florence Hilda Kennedy, of Enfield, Middlesex.
 
Sources

KEOUGH, Richard James

Richard Keough 45RM Commando
Marine
PLY/X 112641
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Richard Keough, 'C' Troop, was killed in overcoming an enemy post as his Commando entered Osnabruck, Germany. Son of Richard and Louisa Vernon Keough, of Coventry.

KERSHAW, Frederick

Marine
PLY/X 109563
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Frederick Kershaw died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Sam and Linda Kershaw, of Bradford, Yorkshire.

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

KING, Cyril

Marine
PO/X 101339
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Cyril King died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

LAING, James Hardie

Corporal
PO/X 116422
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Laing died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/133.

LAY, Gordon

Marine
CH/X115330
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Gordon Lay died in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at the River Aller in the vicinity of the village of Hademstorf, Germany.

LEE, Edward James

Marine Edward Lee 45RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 114366
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Edward Lee, from Leamington, died during operations at Normandy, France.
Extract from the 45RM Commando War Diary 11th June 1944

LEE, Leslie Leonard

Marine
PO/X 116199
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Leslie Lee died during operations at Normandy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
National Archives file ADM/104/133 (Armed Forces Deaths and Burials Overseas).
 

LYON, Charles Adam

Marine
EX/3407
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Charles Lyon died during operations in the vicinity of Brachterbeek and Montforterbeek, Netherlands.

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

MANLEY, Leonard Herbert

Marine
PO/X 109579
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Leonard Manley was reported missing at sea presumed died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

MARSHALL, Thomas Bateson

Marine
PLY/X 113359
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Thomas Marshall died of wounds in Germany. His Commando were in action at Wesel. Son of James and Sarah Marshall, of Belfast, Northern Ireland; grandson of Mrs. I. Bateson, of Belfast.

MCFATTER, John

Marine
PLY/X 106729
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine John McFatter died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

MCKEOWN, Daniel

Marine
PLY/X 100726
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Daniel McKeown died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

MCNULTY, Herbert

Original grave of LCpl. McNulty 45RM Commando
Lance Corporal
CH/X 109867
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Herbert McNulty died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

MITCHELL, Albert

Marine
PO/X 106695
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Albert Mitchell died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

MONEY, Douglas Anthony William

Douglas Money 45RM Commando
Corporal
PO/X116678
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Douglas Money died of wounds at the 9th British General Hospital, Holland. Son of Albert William and Florence Lily Money, of Botley, Oxford. His name is on the Oxfordshire Constabulary WW2 Roll of Honour
 
Sources

MOSLEY, Claude

Original grave of Mne. Claude Mosley 45RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 104331
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Claude Mosley died during operations at Bell Ise, Osen, Netherlands. Son of John James Mosley and Louisa Mosley, of Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

MULHALL, Alexander

Marine
PO/X 102596
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Alexander Mulhall died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Edward and Christina Mulhall; husband of Marion Mulhall, of Falkirk, Stirlingshire. Father of Eric and Jim.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MYERS, Leslie

Corporal
CH/X 100607
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Leslie Myers died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

NUTTER, Henry

Sergeant
PLY/X 104840
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Henry Nutter died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

ORD, Bertram Kenneth

Marine
PO/X 120319
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Bertram 'Kenny' Ord died in Germany. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Wesel. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives files ADM 104/135.
 

PEARCE, William Harry

Marine Pearce 45 Royal Marine Commando
Marine William Pearce 45 RM Commando
Marine
PLY/X112318
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine William Pearce was shot and killed by a sniper when crossing the River Weser at Stolzenau, Germany, to take the town of Leese. Son of Harry and Ethel Nora Daisy Pearce, and stepson of Edward John Perry, of Barrow Gurney, Somerset.
 
Sources

PERCIVAL, Andrew Renton

Lance Corporal
EX/4169
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Andrew Percival died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.
 

PLANT, Horace

Marine
PO/X 103994
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Horace Plant died during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.
 

PURVIS, William

Marine
EX/3472
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine William Purvis died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, The Netherlands.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/136.

REED, David Walter

Corporal
PO/X4253
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal David Reed died during operations at Normandy, France.

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

RUSSELL, James George

Marine
PLY/X 108574
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine James Russell, 'E' Troop, died during operations at Maasbracht and Brachterbeek, specifically when his Troop were ordered to attack and obtain a bridgehead on the Montforterbeek Dyke. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

STAPLEY, Hugh John

Mne Hugh Stapley 45RMCommando
Marine
CH/X 3883
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Hugh Stapley died of wounds during operations at Normandy, France. Son of William George and Priscilla Marianne Stapley, of Penshurst, Kent [1][1a][2].
Extract from the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser 

SWEET, Dennis Percy

Original grave of Mne Sweet 45RM Commando
Marine
PO/X 120590
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Dennis Sweet died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands. Son of Percy Oliver Sweet and Laura Sweet, of Leicester.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

SYMES, Robert Leonard

Original grave of Marine Symes 45RM Commando
Marine
PO/X 111878
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Robert Symes died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/137.

THOMAS, Ronald

Marine
EX/4263
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Ronald Thomas died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of David and Ada Thomas; husband of Mary Thomas, of Paisley, Renfrewshire.

TIMMINS, John Robert

John Robert Timmins 45RM Commando
Marine
EX/3481
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine John Robert Timmins from Gateshead died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands. Son of Charles and Annie Timmins, of Bensham, Co. Durham.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

WALES, Frederick Edward

Original grave of Mne Frederick Wales 45RM Commando
Marine
PO/X 120575
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Frederick Wales, 'A' Troop, died when hit by enemy machine gun fire during operations at Brachterbeek. His Section Officer, Lieutenant Robert Cory, and Marine Wheeler were wounded.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WALKER, James

Marine
EX/3379
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine James Walker died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WALKER, James Walter

Marine
EX/4267
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine James Walter Walker, 'E' Troop, died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WATSON, Gilbert

Marine
CH/X 114698
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Gilbert Watson, 'E' Troop, was killed in acion on the beach at Normandy, France. Son of David and Annie Watson, of Highfield, Co. Durham.

WATSON, John Arthur

Corporal
EX/4269
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal John Watson was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations at Normandy. He has no known grave. Son of Arthur and Hannah Isabel Watson.

WHITAKER, Frank

Marine
CH/X 3815
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Frank Whitaker died at sea during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Frank and Ellen Ann Whitaker, of Burnley, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WHITE, Brian Granville

Captain
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Brian White, the Adjutant of the Commando since its formation, died during operations at Normandy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
The book A Plain Russet-Coated Captain by Capt. John Day.
 

WHITE, Ronald Douglas

Sergeant
PO/X 1898
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Ronald White died during operations at Normandy, France.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/138.

WHITNEY, Robert Desmond

Marine
PLY/X 108404
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died on war service

Marine Robert Whitney died from natural causes (septicemia) at West Glamorgan Hospital, Neath. 

Sources
[1] CWGC
[2] British Armed Forces Deaths / National Archives file ADM 104/138.
[3] Image of headstone in gallery.

WILD, Frank

Grave of Mne Frank Wild 45RM Commando
Marine
CH/X 101138
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Frank Wild died during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, Netherlands. Son of George Thomas Wild and Ada Isobel Wild, of Lee, London.
 
Sources
CWGC.
No.45 RM Commando War Diary / List of casualties Operation Bell Island II.

WILLIAMS, Robert

Marine
PLY/X 106817
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Robert Williams died at sea during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Ellis Thomas Williams and Margaret Elizabeth Williams, of Denbigh.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WILSON, William Alan

Sergeant
EX/4194
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William Wilson, 'E' Troop, died during operations at the village of Wangelau on the road from Lauenberg to Lubeck. After a short artillery barrage 'A' and 'E' Troops entered the village and took 130 prisoners.

WINSTON, Peter Stanley

Peter Stanley Winston 45RM Commando
Original grave of Lieut. Peter Winston 45RM Commando
Lieutenant
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Peter Winston died during operations at Bell Isle*, Osen, Netherlands. Son of John Henry Ernest and Winifred Winston, of Sanderstead, Surrey. Educated at Whitgift School, Croydon. Commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant 6 November 1943.

Sources

WRIGHT, Trevor Desmond

Lieutenant
178439V
45RM Commando
South African Tank Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Trevor Wright, SA Forces attached to 45RM Commando,  died [1] during the period the Commando were engaged in operations at Osnabruck.
 

HARDEN, LCpl. Henry Eric, VC

Rank: 
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base: 
45RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Army Medical Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
11006144
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Friday, February 23, 1912
Birthplace: 
Northfleet Kent
Died : 
Tuesday, January 23, 1945
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
32
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Lance Corporal Henry Eric Harden VC
Original grave of LCpl Harden VC
Lance Corporal Henry Eric Harden died during operations in the Brachterbeek area of Holland. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of William Thomas Harden and Fanny Marie Harden, of Northfleet, Kent; husband of Maud Harden, of Northfleet.
Citation
London Gazette of 9th March, 1945.
In North-West Europe on 23rd January, 1945 the leading section of a Royal Marine Commando Troop having come under intense machine-gun fire was ordered to make for some houses close by. Four of the section had been wounded and were left lying in the open. Under continuous fire Lance Corporal Harden at once went forward and with great coolness and bravery attended to the four casualties. He then carried one of them back to cover. He was ordered not to go forward again and an attempt was made to bring in the remaining casualties with the aid of tanks, but this proved unsuccessful owing to the heavy and accurate fire of anti-tank guns. A second attempt under a smoke-screen also proving unsuccessful, Lance Corporal Harden insisted in going forward with a volunteer stretcher party and succeeded in bringing back another badly wounded man. He went out a third time, and whilst returning with the stretcher party, he was killed. Throughout this long period Lance-Corporal Harden displayed superb devotion to duty and personal courage of the highest order. His action was directly responsible for saving the lives of the wounded brought in, while his complete contempt for all personal danger, and the magnificent example he set of cool courage and determination to continue with his work, whatever the odds, was an inspiration to his comrades and will never be forgotten by those who saw it.
  • Amongst the wounded he went forward for were Lieutenant Cory, Marine Wales and Marine Wheeler, all from 'A' Troop.
  • View images of his grave and others here [Nederweert War Cemetery].
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 36972.
The Story of 45RM Commando (published 1946 for those who served).
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

HARDEN, Henry Eric, VC, (45RM Cdo), London Gazette

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Eric Harden VC RAMC Attached 45 RM Commando

The citation published in the London Gazette 6th March 1945 for the award of the Victoria Cross to Lance -Corporal Henry Eric Harden RAMC attached to 45RM Commando for action in NW Europe.

Lance Cpl. Henry Eric Harden V.C., R.A.M.C. The Only Medical Corps VC of WW2

Lance Corporal Henry Eric Harden V.C., R.A.M.C. attached 45 RM Commando

The Only Medical Corps VC of WW2

By Robert J Mewett

New students, like me, of the Victoria Cross could be forgiven for thinking that by the very nature of the tasks set to the skills of the R.A.M.C. and their presence in nearly all front line fighting that their numbers would be bristling with WW2 VC recipients. And in my opinion this would be right and justified. But this is not the case. Only one was awarded during the Second World War.  Henry Eric Harden was attached to No.45 RM Commando as their medical orderly during their fiercely fought action at Maasbracht in Holland.
 

Henry Harden was born on 23 February 1912 in Northfleet, Kent. In a family of eight he was the seventh son. A keen sportsman he excelled at swimming, tennis and football at school in Northfleet where he received all of his education. Also a keen musician he played the Violin.

At the age of ten he helped out in his brother in-laws' butchers shop.  He eventually became a butcher taking over the business when tragically his brother in-law died. Very early on Henry showed a keen interest in things medical and joined the St Johns Ambulance Brigade where he became a Sergeant.

As the war effort gathered pace in 1942 the 30 year old Henry Harden was conscripted into the Royal Artillery but as his medical aptitude became realized he was soon transferred to the R.A.M.C., where he served in a field ambulance unit.

Henry soon became restless with inactivity of service at home and in November 1943 he volunteered for the Commandos and was posted to the Achnacarry Commando Training Depot situated in the Highlands of Scotland. A comrade of the same intake Mne. Keith Thompson, later also of 45 RM Commando, remembers sharing billets with Harden who he says was a quiet quick witted individual with a keen sense of humour. Commando training successfully completed Harden was posted as a Medical Orderly to Able troop 45 RM Commando in January 1944.    

He and the rest of the Commando commenced training for which was to become the D-Day landings.

After their involvement in the D-Day activities 45RM Commando, who along with No.3, No.4 and No.6 Army Commando formed No.1 Special Service Brigade, returned to the UK for replacements and refitting and on 6th December 1944 and was renamed the 1st Commando Brigade.   

1st Commando Brigade was expecting to go to the Far East but on 7th January orders were given for them to return to NW Europe. The first action on arrival in NW Europe which involved the Brigade was ‘Operation Blackcock’. The objective was to clear the enemy from the Roermond Triangle.   Attached to the 7th Armoured Brigade they were given the job of crossing the Juliana Canal and driving on through Maasbracht and Brachterbeek in order to capture the town of Linne.

On the freezing night of the 23rd of January 1945 the German forces were already in full retreat out of Maasbracht and on the same night No.6 Army Commando had successfully traversed the frozen canal and occupied the town. 45 RM Commando had pushed forward to occupy the smaller village of St. Joostburg setting up HQ in a house situated behind the local church which offered protection from incoming fire.

Able Troop of 45 Commando was ordered forward along the station road to occupy the railway station at Maasbracht. All went according to plan until the troop reached the crossroads. Here they were trapped in an ambush by the enemy forces that had set their lines at Montfortebeek. Able Troop came under intense MG and Mortar fire and were split and cut off from the main force. Some men had to lie in the freezing snow covered fields while others took cover in houses and outbuildings. Able Troops' situation was made worse by a well placed German sniper who added to what seemed to be a helpless position.

Sheltering in one of the nearby houses was the R.A.M.C. contingent and among them Doctor John Tulloch. Tulloch observing the situation, with dead and heavily wounded lying in the open fields, decided to attempt to help his comrades. He arranged for jeeps which would be protected by a Red Cross ensign to drive out and to bring back as many wounded as they could manage. The Jeeps set off on their mission and were on their way back when they came under heavy enemy fire, an action which violated the Geneva Convention, one jeep was completely destroyed and all the occupants killed. John Tulloch was awarded the MC for his valiant part in this action.

The position then was this. A part of Able troop was pinned down and had taken severe casualties. The troop’s position was exposed and was being exploited by a well placed sniper. A party under the protection of a medical ensign had attempted to extract wounded and been seriously attacked. The foregoing makes the feat of Henry Harden strikingly selfless and even more remarkable. Harden had been observing the unfolding events and still insisted that he go out and try to help and recover more of the wounded armed only with a side arm for self protection.

On all fours he scurried alone a distance of 120 metres across flat open ground while the area was being swept by heavy and concentrated fire. He calmly bound up the wounds of one officer and two marines and successfully dragged one marine to safety single handed. Whilst dragging his wounded comrade eye witnesses could see the snow flying all around from bullets one of which wounded Harden in his side.

After Hardens' initial success two other attempts to rescue the wounded were made, one by tanks and the other with the aid of a smoke screen, but both failed. Harden was ordered not to expose himself any more but despite this he arranged a stretcher party, and while carrying a white flag with a red cross went out yet again to attend his comrades. Even though the second marine was hit again while being transported and died, Harden, with stretcher bearers, went out a third time. It was while assisting an officer back to safety on this third attempt the fearless Harden was mortally wounded.

The intensity of the enemy covering fire prevented anybody recovering Harden until the next day, but Hardens' valour had inspired all around and they were able to hold and secure their positions. Enemy counter attacks were beaten off and the objective of capturing the town of Linne was eventually achieved by No.3 Army Commando. With help from tanks of the Royal Hussars they stormed the town and overcame fanatical enemy resistance.

When Henry Harden performed this courageous act he was 32 yrs old and was married with two small children.  

Although Henry Harden was the only recipient of the Victoria Cross in the R.A.M.C. from the WW2 conflicts they are the third highest recipients, behind the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers, of the award. The R.A.M.C. are however the Regiment with the highest number of awards per capita in the British forces.

Henry Eric Harden VC is buried in the Nederweert War Cemetery Holland.

Henry Harden’s Victoria Cross is held and displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum, Aldershot.

The memorial plaque at the bridge in Montfortbeek. A slight inaccuracy on the plaque states Harden was killed on his fourth attempt.  His Gazette citation however states clearly that it was in fact on his third attempt that Harden fell.

My Thanks to:

Stan (Scotty) Scott…….No.3 Commando
Mne. Keith Thompson…., 45 RM Commando
Major Erehard Vandaele ……….Medical Corps Reserve….Belgium Armed Forces (Translation of Original documents)
 

45RM Commando Commanders

RIES, Norman Charles

Known as: 
Charles
Rank: 
Colonel
Unit / Base: 
45RM Commando
'45 Commando RM'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Charles Ries 45RM Commando
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.
[3] London Gazette 35248, page 4782.
[4] London Gazette 42231, page 8893.
 

GRAY, William Nicol

Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
45RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Born: 
Friday, May 1, 1908
Died : 
Thursday, January 14, 1988
Age: 
79
William Nicol Gray 45RM Commando
Lieutenant Colonel William Nicol Gray was awarded the Distinguished Service Order [1][3] whilst Temporary Major (Acting Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) of the Commando [2]. He was later awarded a bar to his Distinguished Sevice Order [4][5]. Immediatelyprior to joining 45RM Commando early in 1944 the then Major W.N. Gray had been Chief Instructor at HMS Dorlin*.
Recommendation (D.S.O)
Since his Commanding Officer was wounded on D Day Major Gray has commanded No.45 RM Cdo., and has shown himself to be outstanding on numerous occasions both as a Commanding Officer and as a daring and fearless leader. On 7 June 44  the Commando was ordered to attack and hold the area of Merville and Franceville Plage. Major Gray with a skeleton HQ personally directed the fierce fighting that took place in both villages. One one occasion the Support Troop was unable to move forward being pinned down by accurate MG 34 fire from a well protected posn at the top of the main street. Major Gray gathered a few men together and led a bayonet attack against the enemy, shot the gunner with his revolver and put the rest to flight. He continued to fight his unit for the next 36 hours until almost out of amm. when he received the order to withdraw. This he achieved successfully and under difficult circumstances brought his unit back to our lines intact. Major Gray's tireless energy, devotion to duty and unfailing cheerfulness throughout all difficulties has been an example to all, and it is largely through his fine leadership that his unit has inflicted such heavy casualties upon the enemy [3].
Recommendation (Bar to D.S.O.)
Lieutenant Colonel Gray commanded No. 45 RM Commando during the assault across the Rhine and the capture of Wesel on the night 23/24 March 1945. Lt. 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 S.P. 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 Commanders 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 [5].
  • June 1948 Colonel William Nicol GRAY, D.S.O., lately Inspector-General of Police, Palestine, appointed Companion to the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George [6].
  • June 1949 William Nicol Gray CMG, DSO, Commissioner of Police, Federation of Malaya, awarded the King's Police Medal for distinguished service [7].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36947, page 998.
[2] London Gazette 36992, page 1507 (errata).
[3] National Archives file WO 373/47/52.
[4] London Gazette 37136, page 3191.
[5] National Archives file WO 373/47/68.
[6] London Gazette 38311, page 3369.
[7] London Gazette 38628, page 2825.
* The History of 45RM Commando published 1946 for those who served.
[Image] Cropped from 'E' Troop photo in 45RM Cdo Gallery.
 

45RM Commando Documents

45RM Commando E Troop 1944

Type: Nominal Roll
Author: Unknown
Year of Publishing: 2020
Keywords: 45, E Troop
From the collection of Marine Bob Yaxley, 45RM Commando, courtesy of his son Clive.
 
Notes
The author of this document is not known. It is not an 'official' nominal roll of all who served but likely a document put together from memory by a veteran and should be taken as such in respect of precise accuracy. 
 

'Casualties at Bell Isle'

Commando Veterans Archive
27/28 January 1945
45 RM Commando sent a fighting patrol to Anchor island and Bell Isle.  Anchor island was not held but the patrol ran into violent opposition on Bell island.  The patrol withdrew after inflicting heavy casualties and suffering 30 casualties itself  [Source: 1 Commando Bde HQ War Diary].

Casualty List from the No.45RM Commando War Diary
Missing Wounded
Maj. R.H.W. KIRBY, RM Lt. A. TATE, RM (remaining on duty
Lt. P.S. WINSTON, RM (died) EX. 3449  Mne. J. COLE
Lt. J. ALVEY, RM CH/X 111445  Mne. D. GAYLER
EX. 4120 Cpl. J. DUCHAN (died) EX. 4260  Sgt. C.J. TAYLOR
PO/X. 116432 Cpl. J.H. LAING (died) PO/X. 4113  C/Sgt. A. BROWN, MM
CH/X. 112115 Mne. R.C. ATKINSON EX. 4217  Cpl. A. FORSTER
CH/X. 109867 LCpl. H. MCNULTY (died) PLYX107137  Mne. E.H. CARTER
EX. 3472 LCpl. W. PURVIS (died) CH/X102026  Mne. H. HANNAH
PO/X. 120590  Mne. D.P. SWEET (died) PLYX111736  Mne. K.G. JONES
PO/X. 3301  LCpl. J. THAIN 5671091  Pte. T.S. LINDSAY, RAMC
EX. 3481  Mne. J. TIMMINS (died) EX. 3923  LCpl. J. TAYLOR
CH/X. 101138  Mne. F. WILD (died) CH/X104676  Mne. W. MELLISH
CH/X. 3718  Mne. A.G. MARTIN  
PO/X. 1969  Mne. F.T. POWELL  
CH/X. 104331  Mne. C. MOSLEY (died)  
PO/X. 111878  Mne. R. SYMES (died)  
CH/X. 3892  Mne. S.J. EASTER  
Notes
Also seen referred to as Belle Isle, Belle Island, or Bell Island. Capt John Day MC 45RM refers to the island being named by the Allies because of its shape. Location is near Roermond.
 

45RM Cdo. Officers, Aug'43

Commando Veterans Archive

Extract from the Navy Lists

Aug. 1943 Volume 1 Pages 832  (pages 856 on N.L.S. website page list)
 
Source: National Library of Scotland website.
 
Commanding Officer —  Act. Lieut.-Col. N. C. Ries
 
2nd in Command  Maj. A.R. Woolley

Captains  
Act. Capt. A.W. Neaves

Act. Tempy. Capts.  
A. A. B. Scott.
I. N. N. Beadle.
W.N. Gilbert-Harris
R. Cameron
 
Adjutant —  Act. Tempy. Capt.
 
Lieut.   
T.E.R. Foster
N.G. Michell
 
Tempy. Lieut.  
G. Hand
A.R. Brown
R.J.S. Taylor
F.E. Derbyshire
J.F.C. Gayner
G.A. Knevett
P.G.L. Townley
A.B. Jackson
R.W.J. Munday
M. Callow
 
Tempy. 2nd Lieuts. — 
O.M. Atkinson
 
Quartermaster —  Capt. A. E.  Doidge (this is Albert Edmund Doidge).
 
Battalion Signal Officer  
Battalion Transport Officer  
Medical Officer — 
 
Chaplain — Rev. P. H. Husbands, R.N.V.R.
 
Sergeant-Major —  Act. Sergt. Major B. Jones, B.E.M.
 
Notes
Highlighted names contain more information.
 

45RM Cdo. Officers, June'44

Commando Veterans Archive

Extract from the Navy Lists

June 1944 Volume 1 Pages 1098/9  (pages 1102/3 on N.L.S. website page list)
 
Source: National Library of Scotland website.
 
Commanding Officer —  Act. Lieut.-Col. N. C. Ries.
 
Captains

Act Capt.
A. W. Neaves.
N. G. Michell.
 
Act. Tempy. Capts.
A. A. B. Scott.
I. N. N. Beadle.
E. E. D. Grewcock
 
Lieut.  
Tempy. Lieut.
B. Linscott, S.A.U.D.F.
D. R. Newton,  S.A.U.D.F.
T. Thomas, S.A.U.D.F.
 
Quartermaster —  Act. Tempy. Capt. F. E.  Derbyshire.
 
Signal Officer 
 
Medical Officer —  Lieut. H. N. Smith, R.A.M.C.
 
Chaplain — Rev. H. Kennen, R.N.V.R.
 
 
Notes
Highlighted names contain more information.
 

45RM Cdo. Officers, Oct.'44

Commando Veterans Archive

Extract from the Navy Lists

October 1944 Volume 2 Pages 1102/3.  (pages 258/9 on N.L.S. website page list)
 
Source: National Library of Scotland website.
 
Commanding Officer —  Act. Tempy. Lieut.-Col. W. N. Gray.

2nd in Command —  Act. Maj. I. D. DeAth, D.S.O.

Major 
Act. Tempy. Maj. I. N. N. Beadle.
Act. Maj. B. W. de Courcy Ireland (July 1945 Lt Col. in 30AU)

Captains
Act. Capt. A. W. Neaves.

Act. Tempy. Capts.

Adjutant 
 
Act. Tempy. Cap
 
Lieut. 

Tempy. Lieut.
 
Tempy. 2nd. Lieut.
D. A. Willows.

Adm. Officer — Act. Tempy. Capt. F. E.  Derbyshire.
 
Signal Officer 
 
Medical Officer —  Lieut. H. N. Smith, R.A.M.C.
 
Chaplain — Rev. H. Kennen, R.N.V.R.
 
Sergeant-Major —  Act. Sergt. Major J. H. Grimsey.
 
Notes
Highlighted names contain more information.
 

45RM Cdo Officers, July'45.

Commando Veterans Archive

Extract from the Navy Lists

July 1945 Volume 2 Page 1165. (page 273 on N.L.S. website page list)

Source: National Library of Scotland website.
 
Commanding Officer —  

2nd in Command —  Act. Temp. Maj. A.L. Blake MC

Major 

Act. Tempy. Maj. I. N. N. Beadle MC.

Captains
Act. Capt. J.E. Day

Act. Tempy. Capts.
A. Armstrong
H.G. Riley MC
C.E.B. Fletcher
R.G. Shove

Adjutant 
Act. Tempy. Capt. A.W. Neaves

Tempy. Lieut.
G. T. Jackson.
P. Nelson.
B. C. W. Samain.
R. Y. McDonald.
F. Tunstall.
G.F. Partington.
H.D. Howell.
D.G. Smythe.
J.R. Shaw.
P. D. Barnard, R.A.
 
Tempy. 2nd. Lieut.
K.C. Sellars.
W.S. Burns.
J.J.A. Patron.
A.W. Mould.

Adm. Officer - Act. Tempy.Capt —  
 
Signal Officer —  
 
Medical Officer —  Lieut. H. N. Smith, R.A.M.C.
 
Chaplain Rev. H. Kennen, R.N.V.R.
 
Sergeant-Major —  
 
Notes
Highlighted names contain more information.