RSM Bernard Dykes 4 Bde

Hi,
Can anyone help,like most requests I only have part information.
Whilst at the National Army museum,checking through some old Commando Association newsletters. I came across the following name- RSM Bernard (Benny) DYKES, REME, RSM 4 Cdo Bde.
Being ex REME, I was impressed to find a corp man in such a position,regrettably rank,name and unit was the only info I wrote down,so have no idea of dates or locations.
1) Does anyone have any history of the man.
2) On checking on the internet, it seems that 4 Bde was made up with RM Cdo's - would they have had an Army - REME - RSM.
3) I believe the news letter may of been No 60 dated March 1975.

Any information gratefully received.

Graham

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 16/06/2012 11:31:06

No.4 Army Commando replaced 46 RM Commando in Brig Leicester's 4th Commando Brigade at the end of 1944 for Operation Infatuate (Walcheren). Also sections of No. 10IA Commando were attached to 4th Cdo. Bde. Additionally the Brigade for Walcheren also consisted of tanks, engineers and other ancillary units

The CA newsletter 60 you refer to does state 4 Cdo Bde., and announces they are pleased to have made contact with him again. In a previous supplement called Lost Legions ( those they had lost contact with) - LL4 of March '74, it states against his name No.4 Cdo. I'll make some enquiries to see if I can find out more.

Just one additional point to take into consideration. The original name for the Commando Association was The Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade, changing to the Old Comrades Association of the Army Commandos. I believe that Full Membership for many years was only available to Army Commandos, however others who had served in the Special Service/Commando Brigades could apply for Associate Membership

GrahamCooper wrote:Hi,
2) On checking on the internet, it seems that 4 Bde was made up with RM Cdo's - would they have had an Army - REME - RSM.
Graham

Hi Graham,

I think there may be a little bit of confusion on this point. Rather than 4 Cdo Bde you may be getting confused with 4 'Special Service' Bde which was made up of both RM and Army Cdo's.

If I come across any info re RSM Bernard Dykes I'll let you know.
Steve.

Special Service Brigades changed their name at the end of '44 to Commando Brigades

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 17/06/2012 21:23:35

Of course they did! :oops:

Can we confirm we're talking about RSM, No4 Cdo Bde and not RSM, No4 Cdo.
Apologies, my anti - thick pills don't seam to be working this weekend! :wink:

RSM Dykes was RSM of No 4 Commando, not No 4 Bde. A Bde does not have a Regimental Sergeant Major.

The only additional info I have is that he was last known to be living in Brugge, Belgium (LL4).

I will make more enquiries.

Rgds

Geoff

I can now confirm what Geoff has said above in that Bernard Dykes was in HOC and No.4 Commando rather than Commando Brigade. However the old Commando Association records only show him being in No.4 Cdo from 4/11/45 until 5/12/45. These records are unofficial and as such only the Service Record will reflect the full and accurate details