Middle East Commandos

'ME Commando Roll of Honour'

The history of 50, 51, and 52 Middle East Commandos is a complex one.  In June 1941 50 and 52 ME Commando became 'D' Bn. of Layforce for operations in Crete. Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando. Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa before being redsignated in April 1942 as the 1st Special Service Regiment.  Some died in captivity, or after being sent elsewhere on detachments. The details of how some met their death are not known to this archive.
Click on any name for more information.
 
50 ME Commando
51 ME Commando
52 ME Commando
Layforce 'B' Battalion
Layforce 'D' Battalion
Middle East Commando
1st Special Service Regiment
 The following are listed on the CWGC database by Regiment only, however their names are on the Westminster Abbey Commando ROH database as Layforce. This in itself is not sufficient to establish Commando service for the CWGC to amend their records. 
We will remember them
 
and all ranks who served in the Commando and have since passed on in the passage of time, who are also remembered by their proud families and comrades.
 

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen. Displaying 1 - 57 of 57

BATE, James Howard

Corporal
553100
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bate was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
He joined the Commando on 15 Ocotber 1940 and has no known grave. 

BEAUMONT, William Blair

Private
2756409
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Private William Beaumont, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Son of Alex and Margaret Pearce Beaumont, of Cardenden, Fife.
 

BLACKBURN, Thomas

Trooper
321988
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Thomas Blackburn was reported missing presumed drowned during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave.
Report by Tpr Weston

BROWN, Jack

Trooper
326038
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BUSBY, John Henry

Corporal
4743550
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.
Died on war service

Corporal John Busby from Hull was reported in the Casualty Lists as attached to 'D' Bn Layforce [1] at the time of his death through illness in the Middle East [2][3].

BUTTON, Gordon

Private
4449904
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Durham Light Infantry 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Private Gordon Button died in Burma. He has no known grave. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/57.
 
Notes

DUFFY, Michael James

Lieutenant
165755
Middle East Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Michael Duffy was reported missing, later confirmed killed in action in Cyrenaica with the 1st Special Service Regiment. He has no known grave.
Son of John H. and Kathleen Duffy, of Glasgow.

ENGLAND, Leslie Frank

Trooper
552907
50ME Commando
Life Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper Leslie England was reported missing later presumed killed in action during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Arthur England and of Mary Ann England, of Cheylesmore, Coventry [1][1a][1b]

FISCHER, M.

Raider (Private)
PAL/10750
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Died on war service
Raider Fischer, 51 Middle East Commando, died during operations in Eritrea. Son of Aaron and Sara Fischer, of Haifa, Palestine.

FLOOD, Joseph Patrick

Private
4919364
52ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Joseph Flood, 52 Middle East Commando, died of wounds during operations in Eritrea. Son of Joseph and Mary Flood, of Rochdale, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

FROST, Henry Shelmerdine

Captain Henry Shelmerdine Frost
Captain
51425
51ME Commando
Cheshire Regiment 1st Bn.
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Henry Frost died during operations in Eritrea when leading a patrol up a steep gulley running South from Beit Gabru to harass enemy positions.
Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service.

GILLINGHAM, Reginald John

Company Quartermaster Sergeant
543209
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Reginald Gillingham was reported missing presumed died during operations in Burma on 19 June 1942, his secondary unit recorded as 'B' Bn., Layforce on each of the casualty listings. He has no known grave.

GREENWOOD, Jack

Corporal
4745720
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jack Greenwood died during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He was initially reported missing believed drowned attempting to escape. His body was later found and identified.
 
Sources

HANCOCK, Harry

Private
4748143
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
British Military Mission 204
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Harry Hancock, 'C' Bn Layforce, was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later reported no longer missing.

HARRISON, Ronnie

Lance Sergeant
2695905
52ME Commando
Scots Guards 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Ronnie Harrison, 'C' Company, died during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia. 
Son of Albert and Rose Annie Harrison, of Farsley, Yorkshire.

HERAS, Braulio

Braulio Heras
Private
13808248
6100520
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Died on war service
Private Bravlio Heras, a Spanish volunteer in 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C and has no known grave.
 

HILL, Francis John

Trooper
324039
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Francis Hill, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died during operations at Crete. He had served in the Commando since 13 January 1941.
Son of F. E. Hill and Jane Hill, of Winshill. Burton-on-Trent.
 
Sources

HOWARTH, George

Guardsman
2657950
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman George Howarth, 52 Middle East Commando, died of wounds (gunshot wound to the head) during operations in Eritrea. Son of James and Mary Howarth, of Dearnley, Littleborough, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HUMPHREY, Bert

Private
6402436
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Private Bert Humphrey, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died after the rearguard action that took place in Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941 and was a prisoner of war. Son of Lilian Greenfield, of Brighton, Sussex.
 
Sources

KELLY, Peter

Lance Corporal
2932575
52ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Kelly was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
 

KNOTT, Harry Leonard

Fusilier
6458284
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Harry Knott died during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/23.

LOCKINGTON, Arthur

Trooper
324447
50ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Royal Armoured Corps
Died on war service
Trooper Arthur Lockington, assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), died in Burma. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.

LUMBRERA, Francisco

Francesco Lumbrera 50ME Commando
Private
ME/13808250
6100524
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francisco Lumbrera*, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete in 1941. He has no known grave. Believed killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C Wistritz bei Teplitz,Germany. 
 

MATHER, James Henry

Pte James Mather 50ME Commando
Private
3960750
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Mather was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war [1]. He had been imprisoned at Stalag 4C, a prisoner of war camp at Wistritz bei Teplitz, Sudetenland ( part of former Czechoslovakia) [2a].

MAXWELL, Thomas Turnbull

Guardsman
2695837
'Layforce'
Scots Guards 2nd Bn.
Died on war service

Guardsman Thomas Maxwell was wounded during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941 and became a prisoner of war. He died whilst in captivity. Son of Robert and Mary Jane Maxwell, of Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire.

MCCORMICK, John

Private
3711810
50ME Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McCormick was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Peter McCormick and of Annie McCormick, of Bolton, Lancashire.
 

MOYLES, Gerard

Lance Corporal
318430
ME Commando Depot
'Layforce'
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Gerard Moyles was reported missing 2 June 1941, later confirmed as died, during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Son of Peter and Mary Moyles.
Commando Service

NICHOLAS, John Harry

Trooper
318786
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Died on active service
Trooper John Harry Nicholas joined the Commando on 1 November 1940. He died of malaria during an escape from a prisoner of war camp in Greece. Son of Frank and Edith Maud Nicholas, of Burnley, Lancashire.

NORMAN, Edward

Lance Corporal
2695640
52ME Commando
Scots Guards, 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edward Norman was reported wounded and missing, later confirmed as killed during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia. He has no known grave. 

OSTERMAN, Werner

Raider (Private)
PAL/10272
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Died on war service
Raider Werner Osterman died during the period his Commando were engaged in operations in Eritrea and Ethiopia . Son of Alfred Osterman, of Tel Aviv.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PARKINGTON, Oswald

Private
6085077
'Layforce'
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Oswald Parkington died during operations in Crete. Elements of Layforce were engaged in a rearguard action during the evacuation.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PEMBERTON, Hugh

Hugh Pemberton 50 Middle East Commando
Private
2932594
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Hugh Pemberton was reported killed in action in the Western Desert.
Son of Ellen Pemberton, and stepson of Robert White, of Liverpool.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.

POLLARD, Jack Kenneth Verdon

Trooper
323901
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Pollard was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Frank and Clara Agnes Pollard, of Altrincham, Cheshire.

ROBINSON, George Edgar

George Robinson 50 Middle East Commando
Trooper
408973
50ME Commando
Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper George Robinson was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo.
He has no known grave. Son of George Edgar Robinson and of Jessie Robinson, of Dundee.

ROSENSTEIN, Natan

Lance Corporal
PAL/12479
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Natan Rosenstein, an Austrian of Jewish Faith, served in the Commando from November 1941 and died of illness in July 1942. Son of Moriz and Paula Rosenstein, of Paddington, London.
 
Sources

SHARMAN, Richard

Lance Sergeant
4910237
50ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Richard Sharman was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Lilian Licence, of Derby.
 

SHIELDS, Ronald Francis

Lance Sergeant
4388357
51ME Commando
Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.
Died on active service
Lance Sergeant Ronald Shields, ‘D’ Squadron, died at 63 General Hospital in the Middle East from burns to his limbs and face received from an accidentally ignited petrol drum thrown up on the beach by sea at El Rakham Bay. Son of Frank and Constance Ada Shields, of Scarborough, Yorkshire. A for

SMITH, Michael Arnold

Second Lieutenant
143725
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Michael Smith was reported wounded and missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave.

STOTT, Charles Henry

Trooper
322688
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Stott, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died whilst a prisoner of war. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete but later found to have been captured. Son of Charles and Ada Lilian Stott.
 
Sources

TAYLOR, Alfred George

Lance Corporal
3311847
50ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Alfred Taylor died during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. Son of Alfred and Jessie Taylor, of Buckpool, Banffshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

TAYLOR, Graham Cecil Gordon

Temporary Captain
74627
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Graham Taylor was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Son of Colonel H. W. Taylor, O.B.E., and Mrs. E. M. Taylor, of St. Minver, Cornwall.

THOMAS, Leslie

Trooper
406292
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Leslie Thomas, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn. Layforce), died during operations in Crete. Son of George Henry and Mary Thomas, of Leicester.
 
Sources
CWGC.

THOMAS, Norman

Private
6088017
'Layforce'
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.
Died on war service
Private Norman Thomas was reported as missing in action on Crete on the 2nd June 1941, however he had been taken prisoner. He died whilst a prisoner of war cause of death not known to this archive.
 

TUNSTALL, Francis Barnard

Private
6400012
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francis Tunstall was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Sydney Charles and Alice Louise Tunstall; grandson of Alice Short, of Plymouth.

ULRICH, Itzchaz

Raider (Private)
PAL/10692
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Raider Itzchaz Ulrich died during operations in Eritrea when on a patrol up a steep gulley running South from Beit Gabru to harass enemy positions. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

WAJNSZTEJN, Shmaryahu

Shmaryahu Wajnsztejn 51ME Commando
Shmaryahu Wajnsztejn 51Commando
Raider (Private)
PAL/10696
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Raider Shmaryahu Wajnsztejn died during operations in Eritrea when on a patrol up a steep gulley running South from Beit Gabru to harass enemy positions.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WHITELAW, John

Private
2930112
52ME Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Died on active service
Private John Whitelaw, 52 Middle East Commando, died as a result of an accident.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/29.
 

WILLCOCKS, William Arthur

Trooper
556474
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper William Willcocks, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn. Layforce), died during operations at Crete. Son of William E. Willcocks and Ellen Willcocks, of Chester.
 
Sources
CWGC.

'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were combined within 'Force Z' for operations initially envisaged against Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean.  Other elements of the Force included a number of men from No.3 Commando and the Canoe section of No.8 (Guards) Commando. They departed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

A further three Commandos had been raised in the Middle East and were numbered 50, 51 and 52 (Middle East) Commandos.  However these United Kingdom based and Middle East raised Commando groups were quite distinct, operating under different commands, and having very different structures.  By the time Force Z arrived at Suez it had been decided that the title Force Z should be changed to Layforce (in deference to its Commanding Officer - Robert E Laycock), and for security reasons all reference to the word 'Commando' should be dropped.

The units were therefore renamed as follows:
'A' Battalion Layforce  (Lt. Col.  J.B. Colvin)   -     No.7 Commando
'B' Battalion Layforce  (Lt Col.  D.R. Daly)      -     No.8 Commando
'C' Battalion Layforce  (Lt. Col. R.R.N. Pedder) -  No.11 Commando

 

Three days later the force arrived at Geneifa, the place to which No.50 and No.52 Middle East Commando had recently returned from Crete and Operations in East Africa respectively.  Both of these Middle East Commandos were amalgamated and joined Layforce as 'D' Battalion Layforce (Lt Col. G.A.D. Young RE).

Read on from the document below about Layforce.

A document about Layforce

Type: Booklet
Author: Alan Orton, Mike Beckett
Year of Publishing: 2013
Keywords: Layforce, No 7 Commando, No 8 Commando, No 11 Commando, 50 ME Commando, 52 ME Commando

'Volunteers from Spain, 50 ME Commando'

The following is a list of Spanish volunteers who became prisoners of war in Crete 2 June 1941. They were originally attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached No.50 Middle East Commando before their Commando was amalgamated with No.52 Middle East Commando to form 'D' Battalion of Layforce on deployment to Crete.
 
Sources
War Office, Prisoners of War Lists, WW2, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69
Click/Touch any name for more.
Army No. Rank Name PoW No. Camp
6100503 Pte ALBALADEJO, A. 21283 344
6100504 Cpl ALVAREZ, J. 12352 383
6100505 LSgt BANOSA, M. 12340 383
6100545 LCpl BLASCO, V. 12353 4G
6100551 Pte BRAVO, J. 21342 8C
6100553 Pte CARMONA, M. 21553 344
6100507 Pte CASTELLANO, F. 96088 4C
6100546 Pte CEVANTES, S.  95895 4A
6100554 Pte CLETO, S. 21242 8C
6100521 LCpl CORDA, F. 12345 21A
6100509 Cpl DIAZ, J. 81087 344
6100533 Cpl DIAZ, J.  12347 383
6100512 Pte FAJARDO, J. 96158 4C
6100513 Pte FRAILI, G. 96159 4C
6100511 Pte FRANCO, T. 96062 4C
6100518 Cpl GALERA, R. 21565 8C
6100517 Pte GALORETTA, M. 96079 4C
6100515 Pte GARCIA, J. 12346 4F
nk
6100516 Sgt GOMEZ, S. 96134 344
6100520 Pte HERAS, B. 96072 4C
6100557 Pte HIDALGO, J. 96064 4C
6100558 Pte LILLO, J. 21178 344
6100522 Pte LLORET, C. 21554 8A
6100524 Pte LUMBRUA, F.  (also seen as LUMBRERA) 96150 4C
6100528 Sgt MARIN, B. 12349 383
6100529 Pte MARINO, A.   (also seen as MARIONO) 24903 344
6100561 Pte MARTINEY, A. (also seen as MARTINEZ) 95968 4A
6100548 Pte MARTINEZ, F.  95980 4A
6100562 Pte MARTINEZ, P. 21168 8C
6100526 * Pte MENA, J. nk nk
6100530 LCpl NAVARETTE, F.  21416 8C
6100531 LCpl POSTELLO, R. 12341 383
6100534 Pte SANCHEZ, M. 12354 Oflag 7B
6100538 Pte TORRALBO, M. 95919 4A
6100540 Cpl TRILL, J. 12342 383

50ME Commando

The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940. No.50 Middle East Commando formed up in September 1940 and became fully operational in October. It included a detachment of 63 volunteers from Spain. A large number of these Spaniards would be among those captured in June 1941 at Crete.
No.50 Middle East Commando operations included Operation Abstention 25 to 28 February 1941 on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (or Castellorizo). 
The history of 50, 51, and 52 Middle East Commandos is a complex one.  In June 1941 Nos.50 and 52 ME Commando merged to form 'D' Bn. of Layforce for operations in Crete.
Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando.
Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa before being redsignated in April 1942 as the 1st Special Service Regiment. 
 

51ME Commando

Some of 51ME Cdo in Asmara, Eritrea

East Africa February to October 1941

This article was written by Harry Fecitt MBE TD , ex-68 Company, Royal Pioneer Corps.
 
The Beginning
In the early days of World War II it was decided to resurrect the Labour Corps used in the Great War but under the new title of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps (AMPC). Britain looked towards its colonial and other territories for units to be raised, and in Palestine several units were formed, the first being recruited at Sarafand and titled No. 1 Palestine Company AMPC. The Company was 650 men strong, about 60% of the recruits being Jews from eleven European countries, whilst the remainder were Arabs mainly from Palestine, Sudan, Iraq and Egypt. From the first days of formation these different ethnic groups worked together in harmony.
 
Major H.J. Cator MC, Royal Scots Greys, volunteered to be the unit commander and took over the unit on 31st January 1940. He had been awarded the Military Cross during WW1.
 

The unit sailed for France on 22nd February and on arrival was re-designated 401 (Palestine) Company AMPC and employed on railway and road construction duties in the Rennes area. After the German invasion of France the Company moved to the coast where on 17th June it was withdrawn to England aboard two trawlers, landing at Weymouth. Cator agitated for a combat role for his men, and after a few weeks of pioneer employment in the United Kingdom the Company sailed on 6th August to return to Palestine via West and South Africa and Suez, where they arrived on 15th September.

Middle East Commandos

A decision had been made to form Army Commandos in Egypt, and this resulted in the raising of 50, 51 and 52 (Middle East) Commandos. These units were not connected with the Army Commandos being raised in the United Kingdom, and they were designed for raiding operations in and around the Middle East. 51 Commando was raised from Cator’s 401 (Palestine) Company AMPC.

51 Middle East Commando in Egypt

Cator selected the best 300 men from the AMPC company to join the new Commando, the remaining men staying in the pioneer role and being re-designated 601 Palestinian Company, AMPC. 51 Commando was given an establishment for an Adjutant, Medical Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major, Orderly Room Sergeant and for officer and Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) appointments in the troops and sections; the Adjutant was expected to perform the Q duties, although later a separate post was created for the Quartermaster. Selected volunteers from the British Army were posted in to fill the new establishment vacancies.

Bren light machine guns, rifles, Thompson sub-machine guns and grenades were issued, as was a combination dagger and knuckleduster known as a Fanny that was carried by each man. Officers and Numbers 1 and 2 on the Bren guns carried revolvers.

After a leave period serious training started at Geneifa and the British Army personnel were quickly impressed with the toughness, determination and enthusiasm of the men, who were designated as Raiders.

The Great Bitter Lake was used for boating and submarine familiarisation work, and the Sweetwater Canal for rafting practice. Long and fast marches were made through the rocky desert leading to a very high level of physical fitness. Demolition skills were practised in the sandy wastes. After planned operations in the Mediterranean failed to materialise 51 Commando was posted to Eritrea.

Eritrea

On 24th January 1941, 51 Commando sailed from Suez for Port Sudan, spending the next three weeks acclimatising and training in Gedaref. Cator went to Khartoum for a briefing where he was told that his Commando would be attached to the 4th Indian Division that was involved in the fierce fighting for Keren where an Italian colonial army was resisting a British advance from the west. The Divisional history records:

“ . . . 51 Palestine Commando, a tough and aggressive agglomeration of Jews and Arabs under British officers, were taken under command.”

Cator’s orders from the Divisional Commander were to institute a programme of patrolling and ambushes to support the manoeuvres of the brigades in the division.

Mules at Keren

He obtained transport from Sudanese camel drivers and from the muleteers of No. 2 Cypriot Pack Transport Company. On 27th February 51 Commando was operating in the Ashisha area, west of Keren, with the aim of seizing water holes to prevent the enemy’s use of them.
 

The Commando patrols soon made contact with enemy units, and whilst enemy soldiers were killed or captured, the Commando took casualties as well. During this period Cator was ordered to send one of his troops back to Divisional HQ for re-deployment, then the complete Commando was ordered back to Division.

51 Commando’s new task was to occupy a hill west of Samana named Beit Gabru and from there to harass Italian observation posts that were making life difficult for the Indian infantry below them. In the meantime No. 3 Troop that Cator had sent back to Division had got itself into a tough fight whilst attached to an Indian battalion in 11th Infantry Brigade. The Troop, under Captain H.S. Frost, had been ordered to climb a steep gulley running south from Beit Gabru and to attack enemy positions and observation posts found there.

The operation ran into difficulties but one of the NCOs, 6285981 Sergeant George Heath, of The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), later received a Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation is worth reading as it describes the operation.

DCM citation for Sergeant George Heath

“Before Keren, Eritrea.

On the night of 4/5 March 1941, three Officers and 35 other ranks were given the difficult task of scaling a very steep gully running south from the heights of Beit Gabru. Their instructions were to harass the enemy position at the top where ever possible.

At 2230 hours they bumped into an enemy post, which incidentally happened to be wired, and having got through the wire succeeded in killing all the occupants of the enemy position. They straight away moved on and took up a position on top of the high ground awaiting daylight, hoping then to see what their next best move should be. As daylight broke they were engaged by Breda (an Italian make of machine gun), mortar and rifle fire at close range. It was evident that a considerable force of the enemy was endeavouring to surround them. At this period two men were badly wounded. The officer, realising that they were not a strong enough force to hold their position, gave orders for a withdrawal. He, Sergeant Heath and one other officer remained behind to cover the withdrawal with their Tommy Guns. The distance to the edge of the ridge where troops could take cover from fire was a matter of approximately 60 to 70 yards. This vantage point having been gained, the covering party started to withdraw themselves. After retreating some 30 yards, they came across one of the wounded men previously mentioned. His legs appeared to be paralysed.

Sergeant Heath again gave covering fire while the two officers endeavoured to drag the wounded man to cover. They had gone but a few yards, when the officer commanding the party was hit in the foot, at the same time the wounded man received another bullet which killed him. Both men then proceeded to assist the wounded officer and again before the safety margin could be reached the Officer Commanding the party received a second wound which laid him low, and the other officer was hit in the foot. Sergeant Heath received a graze on his left arm that stopped him from getting a wound in his hip. The Officer Commanding the party’s last words, were orders to leave him and for them to get away as best they could. Sergeant Heath again gave covering fire with his Tommy Gun. At this period his Tommy-Gun jammed, and he managed to make the falling ground without further incident. At the same time helping back the other officer hit in the foot. Sergeant Heath was the only British NCO in the party. The exemplary nature of the way Sergeant Heath behaved was remarked on from all sides.

Since that date, he has continued to work with untiring energy in spite of the fact that he has had to attend sick parade daily, and has refused to be sent down on the sick list. His command has since been taken over by another officer. Both on 15th March and 21st March 41, it attacked enemy positions advancing over very difficult and exposed ground. On both of these occasions, Sergeant Heath by his coolness, determination and initiative helped very largely in these positions being gained by our troops.”
[Source: London Gazette 35221, page 4110]
 

The Troop had inflicted over 40 casualties on the Italians.

Captain Henry Frost was killed in the action and awarded a posthumous Mention in Despatches.  Raiders Private Itzchaz Ulrich and Private Shmaryahu Wajnsztejn were the other fatalities. The three men are buried in Keren War Cemetery.

Cator continued with his tactics of patrolling, ambushing and quickly withdrawing which was all that his men could do with the light scale of weapons that they carried.

However on 15th March raider Private Jakob Dab (PAL/10810) demonstrated what could be courageously achieved with grenades fired from his rifle. He was awarded a Military Medal.

MM citation for Private Jakob Dab
“Before KEREN, ERITREA.
On 15th March 41 No. 7 Section was advancing over very difficult and exposed ground toward a ridge, the third objective. After advancing 300 yards up a Khor (water course, often dry) the section came under very heavy fire from Light Machine Guns. Under cover of the fire from the rifle sub-section and making use of what poor cover the Khor gave Raider DAB accompanied by two others proceeded still further to within 150 yards of the base of the objective. Here the Khor bank was only one foot high.
 
On being shown the enemy positions Raider DAB quite regardless of his own safety opened fire with rifle grenades. Owing to the stony nature of the ground the butt of the rifle broke with the firing of the fourth grenade. In spite of the heavy fire Raider DAB slipped back into the middle of the Khor away from the little cover available, chose a sandy bed for his rifle butt and continued firing most effectively whilst lying out in the open completely overlooked by the enemy. Bursts were observed close to the enemy posts and the fire diminished considerably.
 
At this time the tactical situation on the right, owing to the arrival of heavy enemy machine guns caused a withdrawal. Before the withdrawal was completed, however, it was seen that one enemy light machine gun was out of action with dead round it. Owing to the difficult nature of the ground it was not possible to see the full results of the grenade fire.
 
Raider DAB by his coolness under fire, his devotion to duty, his disregard for his personal safety and the magnificent example that he set to all his comrades is deserving of an immediate award.”
[Source: London Gazette 35250, page 4788.]
 
On the same day Cator had all his Commando operating in five different groups as his task was to prevent enemy reinforcements interfering with an attack by 4th Indian Division. All the groups saw action, Raiders Urgar and Kramer on a Bren gun destroying an Italian light machine gun team, whilst on another patrol Sergeant Stanley got into a hand to hand fight and killed his opponent with his Fanny knife.
 
The Commando was in action for 24 hours drawing two enemy battalions away from the Divisional attack; the Division did gain ground but could only hold it for the next few days as the problems of casualty evacuation and resupply of ammunition, water and food were immense in the rugged mountains that were being fought over.
 
Eight days later 51 Commando was in action again on Mount Samanna tasked with infiltrating enemy positions to destroy machine gun posts. The Italians were cleared off a couple of hills but the enemy used his artillery accurately against Commando Headquarters and Cator, now a Lieutenant Colonel, was wounded by a shell splinter and evacuated. The Commando Second in Command, Major C.D.O. Miller, 10th Hussars, took over and received promotion.
 
On 25th March the final big battle in Eritrea took place and the Commando successfully supported the 9th and 10th Brigades of the Fifth Indian Division when they seized the Keren battlefield; two weeks later all of Eritrea had surrendered to the Allies and 51 Commando was feeling exhausted.
 
Abyssinia
After recuperating during April, 51 Commando was moved to Abyssinia at the end of the month and tasked with taking an un-named feature during the battle of Amba Alagi. The hill was both difficult to attack and to maintain a position on because of its steepness and it rose 4,000 feet high.
Lieutenant Colonel Miller wrote: “The hill was so precipitous and rough that movement by night was difficult, while to climb slowly upwards by daylight would have been impossible in the face of enemy fire.
To add to the difficulties the final upper part of the hill consisted of a cliff which certainly could only be attempted in daylight.”
 
But the feature was taken and quickly dubbed Commando Hill. The first man onto the summit was Captain John Lapraik and for his boldness and determination he was awarded an Immediate Military Cross.
 
MC citation for Captain John Lapraik
“On May 1st the 51st Middle East Commando was ordered to capture Commando Hill. Captain Lapraik went first during the climb, he was the first man to gain a footing on the top and by at once engaging the enemy with his revolver enabled the unit to gain a first footing over the shelf of rock at the summit, which they were subsequently enabled to exploit.
 
On May 3rd during an attack on the Falaga Pass he showed the greatest dash and daring in seizing a position with his troop remaining there under heavy fire until ordered to retire. He has shown consistent courage and leadership both during the battle of Amba Alagi and at Cheren.”
[Source: London Gazettes Supp. 35250, page 4787]
 
Another act of gallantry that day was performed by Raider Sandor Landler (PAL/10074)  who was awarded a Military Medal. His citation depicts the heavy and vulnerable work involved in casualty evacuation.
 
MM citation for Private Sandor Landler
“On May 1st 1941 Raider Landler went forward with his Troop to take part in a night attack on an enemy position astride Falaga Pass. The Troop in which he was serving achieved their objective under very heavy machine gun and mortar fire. His Troop Commander was wounded in both legs by a mortar bomb. Raider Landler undertook the dangerous and arduous task of carrying his Troop Commander down a precipitous hillside under very heavy fire. At every sound made, a machine gun opened close-range fire.
 
Raider Landler with the greatest courage and disregard of personal danger, although exhausted, continued to carry his Troop Commander and would not leave him, voluntarily undertaking an arduous spell of duty as stretcher bearer. He further displayed great courage and disregard of danger during the capture of Commando Hill on May 1st when despatched as a messenger under heavy fire.” 
[Source: London Gazettes Supp. 35250, page 4788, surname amended from Lendler to Landler in LG Supp. 37184, page3760]
 

Life for the Raiders holding Commando Hill was difficult and water, ammunition and supplies had to be hauled up the final vertical stretch using a rope anchored to a stunted tree near the summit. The hill could be observed by Italian artillery officers and the Raiders holding the forward slope had to be withdrawn to fire positions behind the crest to reduce the number of casualties.

A Pathan company of the 3rd Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment came up in support of the Raiders on the following day and assisted in repelling Italian counter attacks. The following night the Commando moved across the road to the west and took Wireless Hill; occupation of this feature denied Italian observation parties from seeing Allied traffic approaching Falaga Pass.

When a British attack on Falaga Pass was put in on the night of 3rd-4th May in which 51 Commando was involved, a platoon of the Frontier Force Regiment stood its ground and provided covering fire when the Raiders withdrew whilst carrying casualties. Havildar (Sergeant) Mir Hassan of the Frontier Force Regiment was awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal for this action.  His citation is shown in Appendix 2 to this article as it illustrates the ground being fought over and the tactical considerations that had to be applied.

The Falaga Pass was seized on the 8-9 May when the Commando found that the Italians had withdrawn from their defensive positions. 51 Commando continued to support British attacks with patrols, ambushes and diversions until 16 May when the Italians at Amba Alagi requested an armistice.

Then in mid-June, after a recuperation period at Adi Ugri, the Commando was moved to the Gondar area of Abyssinia where Italian resistance remained strong. Heavy rains fell hampering British attacks and during this period the Commando patrolled aggressively and incessantly against enemy outposts until it was moved to Adowa in mid-August, remaining there throughout September. Gondar was surrendered to the Allies in November and the campaign in East Africa ended.

nb. Private M. Fischer (PAL/10750) who died on 13 May 1941 and is buried in Asmara War Cemetery, Eritrea, and Private Werner Osterman (PAL/10272)  who died on 23 August 1941 and is buried in the Hebrew Plot of Asmara Civil (St. Michele) Cemetery, are shown on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records as being in 51 Middle East Commando. Whether they died of wounds after fighting in Eritrea or Abyssinia is not known.

The end of 51 Middle East Commando

51 Commando returned to Egypt to be sent on leave and then it re-grouped to find that the three Middle East Commandos were amalgamated (50 and 52) or disbanded (51). They had no Brigade HQ to fight paper battles for them and there were now other attractive units such as the Long Range Desert Group and the Special Air Service for Generals to enthuse about. A new Middle East Commando was proposed with two troops to be composed of former members of 51 Commando; but the project was not easy to maintain and the hard core of 51 Commando began to dissipate.

Some Raiders returned to 601 Palestinian Company AMPC, others returned to Palestine as civilians. A small group of fluent German speakers was posted to a Special Interrogation Group (SIG) where they were destined to wear Africa Korps uniforms and drive trucks containing Allied soldiers masquerading as prisoners through German lines on the ill-fated raid on Tobruk in September 1942. There were few if any SIG survivors from that debacle. Elsewhere small groups of former Raiders survived in other Special Forces units; two of these men were later buried in military cemeteries in Tunisia, one in Enfidaville and the other in Sfax.

Interestingly some former Raiders who had returned to Pioneer Corps duties got a chance to be Commandos again when No. 2 (Army) Commando, then in Italy, needed replacements for casualties and began recruiting.  Those Raiders who joined them went onto serve in Italy, the Balkans and the Adriatic, proudly wearing the green Commando beret.

51 Middle East Commando was a successful unit. The Commando did what it was good at on operations in East Africa where the mountainous terrain dictated the employment of physically strong, well-disciplined and highly motivated troops who had the courage to infiltrate enemy lines carrying only light scales of weapons and equipment. The Commando took the fight to the enemy whenever possible and it made an outstanding contribution to victories at the battles of Keren and Amba Alagi.

51 Middle East Commando deserves far more recognition than it currently receives.

(This article was written by Harry Fecitt MBE TD (ex-68 Company, Royal Pioneer Corps)

Appendix 1

The Roll of Honour for the Commando can be viewed here 51 Middle East Commando Roll of Honour.


Photographs of some of the Raiders can be viewed here in the Commando Veterans Archive Gallery.

A Memorial to 51 Middle East Commando was built in Israel

51 ME Cdo Memorial Israel

Map of Keren and Amba Alagi

Map of keren and Amba Alagi

 


Appendix 2

Citation for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal awarded to No. 9136 Naik (Acting Havildar) Mir Hassan, 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs) 12th Frontier Force Regiment.

“Amba Alagi.

On 4.5.41 Havildar Mir Hassan was given the role of protecting the right flank and rear of the 51 (ME) Commando, during a night attack on the Falaga Pass, and in order to carry out his role he had to make good a difficult spur. In the event of the attack not being successful he was in conjunction with another platoon to act as rearguard, until such time as the Commando had gone through.

He made good his objective by 2200 hours, and held it throughout the night, despite the fact that the enemy in superior numbers were converging on him from three sides. The Commando attack did not succeed, and there was great delay in getting back the wounded, and they had not passed through until well after dawn. Before dawn a determined counter attack was launched on Mir Hassan’s position, and fierce hand to hand fighting ensued for an hour. A message which never reached him was sent ordering him to retire as soon as the Commando had gone through, and it was not until half an hour later that a runner was able to reach the position and give him the order to withdraw. Early in the action Mir Hassan was shot through the right arm, but he refused attention and continued to organise his sections and evacuate the wounded in the most exemplary manner until the final withdrawal, which he carried out in perfect order. It was due to the personal gallantry and fine fighting spirit of this NCO that his object was so well achieved, against overwhelming odds; a subsequent reconnaissance of the scene of the action revealed that enemy casualties were six times greater than his own.

His position on a spur, sloping down from the enemy’s main position, and their numbers as well as the ground, weighed heavily in the enemy’s favour. His use of ground coupled with his coolness and determination, and above all his magnificent example in such a grave situation, undoubtedly saved the day, and is deserving of the highest praise."
[Source: London Gazette 35250, page 4788.]
 
nb. Mir Hassan also received the higher award of The Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class, for an earlier action at Keren on 22-23 March 1941.
[Source: London Gazette 35221, page 4110.]
 
He was indeed a warrior.
 

Additional Sources:
  • Anonymous. The Tiger Strikes. (Government of India 1942).

  • A.J. Barker. Eritrea 1941. (Faber and Faber 1966).

  • W.E.H. Condon, Brigadier. The Frontier Force Regiment. (Gale & Polden 1962).

  • Michael Glover. An Improvised War. The Ethiopian Campaign, 1940-1941. (Leo Cooper 1987).

  • C. Hilliman. Looking Back at 51 Commando. Article in The Pioneer journal, No. 132, September 1977.

  • Charles Messenger. The Middle East Commandos. (William Kimber 1988).

  • S.O. Playfair, Major General. History of the Second World War. The Mediterranean and Middle East. Volume I, The Early Successes against Italy. (Naval & Military Press softback reprint).

  • Bisheshwar Prasad (General Editor). East African Campaign 1940-41. (Pentagon Press reprint, India, 2012).

  • E.H. Rhodes-Wood, Major. A War History of The Royal Pioneer Corps, 1939-1945. (Gale & Polden Ltd, 1960).

  • William Seymour. British Special Forces. (Grafton paperback 1985).

  • G.R. Stevens, Lieutenant Colonel. Fourth Indian Division. (Naval & Military Press softback reprint).

  • War Diaries of 51 Middle East Commando October to December 1940. (National Archives reference WO 218/162).

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52ME Commando

The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940.
No.52 ME Commando formed up on 2 November 1940. 
Nos. 50 and 52 ME Commando merged to form 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa on 28 March 1941.
'D' Bn. Layforce Operations included the rearguard action on Crete. 
Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando. 
Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa.
Redsignated April 1942 as the 1st Special Service Regiment. 
 

YOUNG, George Alan Dawson

Rank: 
Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Engineers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
23734
P.O.W. number: 
3701
Born: 
Wednesday, December 3, 1902
Died : 
Thursday, December 9, 1993
Place died: 
Surrey
Lieutenant Colonel George Alan Dawson Young R.E., was the Commanding Officer of 50 Middle East Commando until November 1940 when he assumed  command of 52 Middle East Commando after its former commanding officer, Harry Fox-Davies, was taken ill.
Lieutenant Colonel Young was captured and became a prisoner of war in June 1941 during operations in Crete where his Commando had been operating as 'D' Battalion of Layforce.
Distinguished Service Order
"In Crete Lt. Col. Young commanded his Battalion during period 26-31 May in a manner which reflected the highest traditions of the British Army. His powers of leadership, sound military knowledge, tactical sense, and complete disregard of danger, coupled with the training to which he had previously subjected his troops enabled 'D' Battalion to fight a successful rearguard action against considerably superior forces in circumstances which appeared at times to be untenable. Although almost completely surrounded on one occasion the withdrawal of 'D' Battalion was carried out in complete order to a timed programme."
Mentioned in Despatches
"Following his capture in Crete in 1941 Lt. Col. Young RE was Senior British Officer at Salonika. He retained this office during his stay of three months at Oflag XC (Lubeck). After his transfer to Oflaf IVC (Colditz) in October 1941 he became chairman of the escape committee, and a successful escaper has paid tribute to the assistance he received from Lt. Col. Young. From August 1943 to the collapse of Germany Lt. Col. Young turned his attention to security and the organisation of secret communication with the War Office."
Commando Association Obituary

"Our deep regret is recorded at the passing away recently of Colonel George Alan Dawson Young, D.S.O. who, although he was unable to accept the office of President, was known to greatly cherish his Vice-Presidency, representing as he did so ably the men of the 50th and 52nd Middle East Commando units whom he was honoured to command. Although due to health reasons he was unable to take an active part in Association activities, he was, nevertheless, extremely interested at all times in our news and progress. We deeply mourn his passing."

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/2, 4 and 9.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Award Recommentaion (DSO) / National Archives file WO373/98/66.
DSO - London Gazette 37284, page 4781.
Award Recommendation (MiD) / National Archives file WO373/100/545.
MiD - London Gazette 37396, page 6188.
Obituary in Commando Association newsletter 98 (March 1994).
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger (with Lt Col. G.A.D. Young DSO., and Lt Col. S.M. Rose, OBE.).
 
Additional content: 

'Middle East Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit'

The Middle East 'Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit' came into being mid December 1940 and was formally established at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake under the command of Major D.W. Melville MC on 25 January 1941.
Its role was to provide training and reinforcements for 50, 51, and 52 Commandos who were all deployed at the time, and also as a Holding Unit for Commandos.
 

1st Special Service Regiment Officers Jul'42

The following is from the War Diary Nominal Roll of Officers on strength 4th July 1942.
Surname Initials
Rank
Regt.
J.M.
Lt. Col.
Scots Greys
 
 
 
 
McClure
E.D.
Major
York and Lancaster
Theiseger
W.P.
Major
General List
Owen
J.R.
Major
Manchesters
P.A.S.
Major
North Staffs Yeomanry
Miller
C.D.
Major
10 Hussars
M.R.B.
Major
Black Watch
 
 
 
 
R.K.B.
Captain
Middlesex
Buck
H.C.
Captain
3/1 Punjab
Chapman 
L.M.
Captain
General List
Collard
J.M.
Captain
General List
G.I.G.
Captain
Black Watch
Foley
J.M.
Captain
General List
Frank
A.M.
Captain
Lancs. Fus
Galloway
G.E.
Captain
R. Scots
Glennie
I.M. 
Captain
Gordons
Hamson
D.O.
Capatin
Intel. Corps
Horton
V.J.G.
Captain
R.A.
James
K.W.
Captain
Yorks Hussars
J.N.
Captain
Camerons
Marriott
C.K.
Captain
York and Lancs.
McClean
H.L.D.
Captain 
Scots Greys
Melot
R.M.E.
Captain
General List
Micklethwaite
G
Captain
Cavalry
Milford-Cottam
G.M.
Captain
Cheshire Yeomanry
T
Captain
9 Lancers
Peters
J.A.
Captain
General List
M.L.
Captain
H. Cavalry
Power
J.P.
Captain
Hampshire
Schott
B.P.
Captain
General List
D.J.P.
Captain
Suffolks
E
Captain / M.O.
R.A.M.C.
Webb
P.E.
Captain
R.A.S.C.
 
 
 
 
Alexander
M.C.
Lieutenant
D.C.L.I.
Alston
G.W.
Lieutenant
R.A.
Broadhurst
F.B.
Lieutenant
R. Engineers
Buchanan
H.A.D.
Lieutenant
Gren. Guards
Chevalier
H.A.
Lieutenant
General List
Cooke
J.E.
Lieutenant
East Yorks.
Dunn
W.A.
Lieutenant
A.& S.H.
Filliter
L.O.
Lieutenant
Hampshire
Haslett
H.G.
Lieutenant
East Yorks
Hawkesworth
A
Lieutenant
R.E.
Henderson
E.F.
Lieutenant
R.A.S.C.
Hutchinson
D.E.
Lieutenant
D.L.I.
Kittle
N.H.C.
Lieutenant
Worcesters
Langton
T.B.
Lieutenant
Irish Guards
Littledale
J
Lieutenant
General List
Martin
J.A.
Lieutenant
General List
Meikle
J.S.W.
Lieutenant
R.N.F.
G.E.
Lieutenant
Black Watch
Pearson-Gregory
J.S.M.
Lieutenant
Gren. Guards
Pritty 
J.F.C.
Lieutenant
H.L.I.
Railton
A.S.
Lieutenant
S. Staffs
Roberts 
M.M.
Lieutenant
R.N.F.
Russell
T.C.D.A.
Lieutenant
Scots Guards
R.H.
Lieutenant
General List
Sillito
H.D.
Lieutenant
A.& S.H.
D.G.
Lieutenant
Black Watch
Taylor
G.P.
Lieutenant
Wiltshires
Thompson
J.G.
Lieutenant
R.T.R.
Turrell
R.G.
Lieutenant
General List
P.M.
Lieutenant
Wiltshires
 
 
 
 
Barnby
David, G.
2/Lieutenant
East Yorks
Barker
E.N.
2/Lieutenant
R.A.S.C.
Delacour
L.D.
2/Lieutenant
S. Staffs
Dickson
W.A.R.
2/Lieutenant
R.A.
M.J.
2/Lieutenant
Hampshire
Frampton
T.G.
2/Lieutenant
R.A.
Gurmin 
H.H.
2/Lieutenant
Buffs.
Lepine
E
2/Lieutenant
S. Staffs
MacDonald
W.M.
2/Lieutenant
General List
Moss
E.J.
2/Lieutenant
Green Howards
Murphy
R
2/Lieutenant
R.N.F.
Nixon
J.F.
2/Lieutenant
R.N.F.
Robertson 
J
2/Lieutenant
A.& S.H.
Robinson
R.C.
2/Lieutenant
Essex
Tonkin
J.E.
2/Lieutenant
R.N.F.