PAT PORTEOUS V CPat PORTEOUS V C - No.4 Commando. Open picture for more details courtesy of Pete Rogers
Date: 09/08/2007
T / Major Patrick Anthony Porteous,
Royal Regiment of Artillery & No. 4 Commando.
Citation printed London Gazette, 2 October 1942
At Dieppe on the 19th August 1942, Major Porteous was detailed to act as Liaison Officer between the two detachments whose task was to assault the heavy coast defence guns.
In the initial assault Major Porteous, working with the smaller of the two detachments, was shot at close range through the hand, the bullet passing through his palm and entering his upper arm. Undaunted, Major Porteous closed with his assailant, succeeded in disarming him and killed him with his own bayonet thereby saving the life of a British Sergeant on whom the German had turned his aim.
In the meantime the larger detachment was held up, and the officer leading this detachment was killed and the Troop Sergeant- Major fell seriously wounded. Almost immediately afterwards the only other officer of the detachment was also killed. Major Porteous, without hesitation and in the face of a withering fire, dashed across the open ground to take over the command of this detachment.
Rallying them, he led them in a charge which carried the German position at the point of the bayonet, and was severely wounded for the second time. Though shot through the thigh he continued to the final objective where he eventually collapsed from loss of blood after the last of the guns had been destroyed.
Major Porteous's most gallant conduct, his brilliant leadership and tenacious devotion to a duty which was supplementary to the role originally assigned to him, was an inspiration to the whole detachment.
He survived the war.
(Details entered by Pete R)
No. 4 Commando OfficersNo.4 Commando - Open picture for names. Photo courtesy of John Robertson www.specialforcesroh.com
Date: 07/03/2009
No.4 Commando
left to right: David Style,Bob Jennery,Peter Mercer Wilson,Mike Burness,Peter Beckett,Pat Porteous,Jimmy James,Donald Gilchrist,Ken Wright, Len Coulson, David Haig-Thomas
Photo courtesy of John Robertson
25/2/10 update by Pete R.
Pat Porteous was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Dieppe on the 19th August 1942.
David Style was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at Dieppe, and was wounded at Normandy whilst with C troop.
Len Coulson was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the initial stages of the Normandy landings on D Day whilst with F troop.
Peter Mercer-Wilson and David Haig-Thomas, both of C troop, and Mike Burness, were all killed in action on D Day 6th June 1944.
In Memory of :
Lieutenant 118467 Peter Maziere Mercer-Wilson
Royal Artillery and No. 4, Commando
who died age 23 on 06 June 1944
Remembered with honour at LA DELIVRANDE WAR CEMETERY, DOUVRES
Lieutenant 73154 Michael Frederick Burness
Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry and No. 4, Commando
who died age 26 on 06 June 1944
(His brother Arthur Donald also died on service.)
Remembered with honour at HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY
Lieutenant 120492 David Haig-Thomas
Royal Army Service Corps and No. 4, Commando
who died on 06 June 1944 age 35
Remembered with honour at BAVENT CHURCHYARD
No.4 Commando - June 1940Photo courtesy of Stephane Saint-Martin
Date: 08/08/2007
No.4 Commando - June 1940. Photo courtesy of Stephane Saint-Martin
No.4 Commando - Sept. 1942Picture found on forum posted by Stephane Saint-Martin
Date: 06/05/2009
No.4 Commando. Sept. 1942. Picture found on forum posted by Stephane Saint-Martin.
Temp. Major Leonard Coulson MCTemp.Major Leonard Coulson MC - No. 4 Commando. Open picture for more details courtesy of Pete Rogers
Date: 31/03/2009
LG.24.1.46 - awarded the MC for his actions on the 6th and 10th June 1944 specifically , and additionally "Throughout the whole campaign in North West Europe, this officer has shown the highest qualities of leadership, courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy
(Details entered by Pete R)
Capt. Hutchison Burt MCNo.4 Commando E Troop. Open picture for more details courtesy of Pete Rogers
Date: 02/04/2009
Citation for his MC
Date of action: 6th June 1944. Captain Burt displayed outstanding leadership and courage in assaulting the Battery at Ouistreham and pressing home the assault in the face of very heavy defensive fire. Captain Burt's troop sustained heavy casualties in this attack, but he rallied them and carried them through.In subsequent operations, Captain Burt has shown great skill and resource. (L.G.31.8.44)
(Details entered by Pete R)
Captain E.L.K.A. Carr MCAwarded the MC for his actions at Flushing on 1st November 1944. Open picture for more details courtesy of Pete Rogers
Date: 18/01/2009
At Flushing on 1st November 1944 the LCA in which Captain Carr and the Mortar Section were landing , struck an anti-landing mine and was sunk. Despite heavy fire from both flanks Captain Carr extricated himself and his men and then
returned with a small party to the wreck and salvaged the mortars. This he accomplished with complete disregard to enemy fire and after setting up the mortars went forward
to make contact with his machine-gun section. This was a very exposed position in the heart of the town, and closely engaged ny a considerable force of the enemy. The machine-gun section officer having become a casualty, Captain Carr himself took command and maintained the section position through the next 24 hours, during which contact with other troops was cut by an enemy counter-attack, and the machine-gun section position heavily pressed. By his outstanding courage and devotion in holding this vital point, the forming up and further operations of the follow up troops were made possible. London Gazette 22.03.45.
(Details entered by Pete R)
Captain Bill Boucher-MyersNo.4 Commando. Went on to become Major and was awarded the DSO in Aden. Photo cropped from a picture posted by Geoff Murray.
Date: 03/08/2009
Fred PooleyPte. C. F. (Fred) Pooley No.4 Commando 'E' Troop 1943. Photo courtesy of his grandson Joe Sanford- Pooley
Date: 04/10/2009
Fred Pooley No.4 Commando 'E'troop 1943. Photo courtesy of his grandson Joe Sanford- Pooley
George Robert "Bob" ShawNo.1 and 4 Commando. Bob moved from No.1 to No.4 Cdo.on being commissioned. More photos of him and his brother can be found in the No.1 Cdo. gallery. Photo courtesy of his son Pete.
Date: 16/06/2009
Bob Shaw as an officer with No.4 Commando. For more info go to:
http://www.peteshaw.co.uk/photo3.aspx
where there are pictures of him, and also: http://www.peteshaw.co.uk/transcript.aspx
where there is a transcript of an interview with him
Jim BurgessNo.4 Commando. Photo courtesy of his daughter Jill.
Date: 07/10/2009
Jim Burgess No.4 Commando. Photo courtesy of his daughter Jill
Patrick John Cullen BlewittNo.4 Commando. Photo courtesy of Gavin Bassie
Date: 09/12/2009
Patrick John Cullen Blewitt No.4 Commando. He was born in 1921 and died in 1987 in North Tyneside. He worked as a Depot manager at Minories. Photo courtesy of Gavin Bassie
(added 9th Dec.2009 by Pete R.)
Ben Fletcher or ParryNo. 4 Commando - Ben Fletcher or possibly Parry ( if you know which please advise ). This photo was found in the CVA forum posted by Shirley
Date: 07/03/2009
No. 4 Commando - Ben Fletcher or possibly Parry ( if you know which please advise ). Picture found in the forum posted by Shirley
Larry PhillipsD Troop. No.4 Commando. 1944. Picture found on forum courtesy of Stephane Saint-Martin
Date: 13/05/2009
Pte. Dennis CooperNo.4 Commando 1 troop. Posted on behalf of Dennis Cooper's son, Peter.
Date: 02/04/2010
Dennis Cooper, No.4 Commando 1 troop. Posted on behalf of his son Peter.
(Posted by Pete R.)
Harry ToonNo.4 Commando 1 troop. Photo courtesy of Peter Cooper
Date: 04/08/2010
Harry Toon No.4 Commando 1 troop. Photo courtesy of Peter Cooper who says " Harry Toon who was in 1 troop No. 4 Commando with my father (Dennis Cooper). Taken in june 1942 whilst he was still in the Royal Artillery prior to joining the Commandos."
Posted by Pete R.
Sgt Donald Hugh MartinNo.4 Commando 1 troop. Open for details. Photo courtesy of John Martin
Date: 29/05/2010
Sgt Donald Hugh Martin of 1 Troop (and formerly C Troop) 4 Cdo. He was part of the first police intake into the Commandos in 1942. The photograph was taken by Lt Peter King MC outside a ruined church in Zoutelande, Holland on about 4th November 1944 following the successful assault on Flushing some days before. My uncle was later mentioned in despatches for his part in a small-scale raid on the island of Schouwen. For his role in leading the raid, Lt King was awarded the MC. During this time, 4 Cdo was under the command of Lt Col Robert Dawson DSO.
Photo and information courtesy of John Martin, nephew of Donald Martin. Posted by Pete R.
Pte. Bill JohnsonNo.4 Commando 1 troop. Bill was a sniper in 1 troop as can be seen by the sights on his rifle. Open for more. Photo courtesy of John Martin
Date: 30/05/2010
This information from John Martin who provided the photo. John's uncle was Sgt Don Martin of 1 trp : "Pte Bill Johnson, one of the snipers in 1 Troop 4 Cdo. It was taken in Flushing, Holland on or about 3rd November 1944, after the successful assault. Bill died some years ago in Canada, but I met him two or three times in Normandy on visits with my late uncle. He rejoiced in being known as the scruffiest and dirtiest man in 1 Troop but that probably went with the job! "
(Posted by Pete R.)
Bob WitneyWritten on the reverse of this photograph "Back home after Scotland 1943".
Date: 26/05/2010
Bob Witney No.4 Commando 1943. Parent Regiment - Grenadier Guards. Photo courtesy of Mark Witney and posted by Andy Maines .
Bob Mahan and Barney DaviesNo.4 Commando C troop. Barney is on the left.
Date: 27/09/2007
Bob Mahan and Barney Davies. No.4 Commando C troop. Barney is on the left.
L/Cpl Shearing, C Troop, No.4 Commando.Traversing on Tryfan, N.Wales 1941. The CVA has been granted permission to display this photo by Margaret Short of the Spean Bridge Hotel. The original is in the museum. Posted by Pete R.
Date: 07/04/2010
L/Cpl Shearing, C Troop, No.4 Commando. Traversing on Tryfan, N.Wales 1941. The CVA has been granted permission to display this photo by Margaret Short of the Spean Bridge Hotel. My thanks to my nephew Pete Dunlop who took this photo of the original picture which is in the museum at the hotel. Posted by Pete R.
Captain Hunter Gray and Sgt Pat MullardNo. 4 Commando 2nd Nov 1944 . Flessingue.
Date: 30/09/2007
Captain Hunter Gray and Sgt Pat Mullard. No. 4 Commando 2nd Nov 1944 . Flessingue.
Albert Unwin and others at Achnacarry.No.4 Commando Albert is 2nd left leaning over with his right arm outstretched. Photo found on forum courtesy of Albert's son Stephen
Date: 24/11/2009
Albert Unwin No.4 Cdo and others at Achnacarry. Albert is 2nd left leaning over with his right arm outstretched. Photo found on forum courtesy of Albert's son Stephen
Harry Joyce, Tanky Bryne, McGuiness, and othersNo 4 Commandos, D Troop. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA.
Date: 07/03/2009
Harry Joyce, Tanky Bryne, McGuiness.. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA.
Tanky Byrne and othersNo.4 Commando D troop. Photo courtesy of Stephane Saint-Martin
Date: 28/10/2007
Tanky Byrne and others. No.4 Commando D troop. Photo courtesy of Stephane Saint-Martin
Reg Palmer and 2 othersReg Palmer No.4 Commando is on the left. Open for more details. Photo courtesy of his son Alan Palmer
Date: 13/07/2010
Reg Palmer No.4 Commando on the left. Photo courtesy of his son Alan Palmer who adds "My Dad Reg Palmer is on the left. Not sure who the other two are but from notes made at the 50th Anniversary reunion at Weymouth in 1990 they could be two of Flowers, Clewes, Moore.". Posted by Pete R.
Maurice White and othersNo.4 Commando D Troop. Open picture for more details.Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Date: 07/03/2009
This photo was posted by the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA
21.11.09 Info from Stephane Saint-Martin - Maurice White is in the centre of the back row wearing the beret
Bill Portman MM and othersNo.4 Commando belvd. D troop. Open picture for details. Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Date: 07/03/2009
This photo was posted by the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA
21/11/09 - Info from Stephane Saint- Martin..Bill Portman MM is 2nd from the right
TSM Bill Portman MMNo.4 Commando. Bill is priming Mills (36) grenades on deck of the Maid of Orleans evening of D-1
Date: 10/10/2007
TSM Bill Portman MM No.4 Commando. Bill is priming Mills (36) grenades on deck of the Maid of Orleans evening of D-1
Leslie Finnis and othersNo.4 Commando D troop. Flushing. Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Date: 07/03/2009
My Grandad, Leslie Finnis, in the centre with the lads in Flushing. If you know any other details or names please advise the CVA or myself. Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Lord Lovat, Captains Webb and Boucher-Myers, Len Ruskin, TSM Chatterway, Sgt HamDiscussing losses after the Dieppe Raid. Open picture for names and more details.
Date: 02/12/2008
9-8-09: Update from Jack Bakker: There is a copy of this photo in a book called The Fighting Fourth by James Dunning. James Dunning identifies the Commandos as Lord Lovat, Capt. Webb ( OC "B" Troop), Capt. Bill Boucher-Myers, unknown, the fair haired Len Ruskin, TSM Chatterway, and Sgt Freddy Ham. Again from the book Ruskin, Chatterway and Ham were all in the "B" troop assault on the Hess Battery.
Bill Boucher-Myers DSOAn obituary to Major Bill Boucher-Myers DSO. No.4 Commando. Article courtesy of Richard Wells.
Date: 07/08/2009
An obituary to Major Bill Boucher-Myers DSO. No.4 Commando. Courtesy of Richard Wells.
L/Cpl. CunninghamNo.4 Commando
Date: 27/09/2007
George FraserNo.4 Commando.- training
Date: 28/10/2007
George Fraser No.4 Commando.- training
Joe Burnett - June 6th 1944Joe Burnett of B Troop No.4 Commando is the face in the background of this picture.
Date: 06/08/2007
4 Cdo A Troop before to come ashore on D.Day
Ronald MoppettRonald Moppett(holding flag), No4 and No.10 IA Commando. Open for more details. Courtesy of the Spean Bridge Hotel Commando Museum. Posted by Pete R.
Date: 09/04/2010
Ronald Moppett(holding flag), No4 and No.10 IA Commando. Ronald is also pictured in a photo of the HQ troop of No.10 IA Commando in their album.
The CVA has been granted permission to display this photo by Margaret Short of the Spean Bridge Hotel. My thanks to my nephew Pete Dunlop who took this photo of the original picture which is in the museum at the hotel. Posted by Pete R
In memory of Ronald Moppett, Aug 9th 1919 - July 28th 2009.
Two from No.4 Cdo. belvd in HollandThis photo was posted by Candice Moore, the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA
Date: 07/03/2009
This photo was posted by the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA
Some of 4 Cdo.Belvd D troop. Open picture for more details.Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Date: 07/03/2009
This photo was posted by the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any names please advise the CVA.
No. 4 Commando photoOpen picture for more details. Photo courtesy of Candice Moore
Date: 07/03/2009
This photo was posted by the grandaughter of Leslie Finnis D troop No.4 Cdo. If you know any more information or names please inform the CVA
Commandos training ST IVES 19444 cdo training StIVES
Date: 13/08/2007
4 cdo training StIVES
Batterie_813Battery 813 or HESS Varengeville ( DIEPPE )
Date: 06/08/2007
Battery 813 or HESS Varengeville ( DIEPPE )
No.4 Commando June 1944.Engaged at Riva Bella, near Quistreham, in house to house fighting with German troops
Date: 27/07/2009
No.4 Commando, 1st Special Service BrigadeMarch from their assembly camp to Southampton for embarkation to Normandy
Date: 27/07/2009
No.4 Commando briefingBriefing before D-Day.
Date: 27/07/2009
