Military Cross (MC)

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ALDERSON, John

Captain John Alderson MC, OC 6 troop,  died during the fighting at Leese, Germany. He had rejoined No.3 Commando after being wounded in the knee at Amfreville during the Normandy landings. He was awarded the Military Cross "In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy."
 
Citation

ALLEN, Michael Rhys Harvey

Captain Michael Allen , Adjutant of No. 9 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].
  • Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre, rank Major (temp). [3].
  • Appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel [4].

ANGUS, David Charles

Captain David Angus was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta.
 
The death of Captain Angus MC of St. Ninian, Stirling, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 98 issued March 1994.
 
Source
London Gazette 37013, page 1791.
 

ANRUDE, Jack

Lieutenant Jack Anrude
Lieutenant Jack Anrude was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2010 [1].
 
Lt. Anrude led his troop out of Patrol Base Hanjar accompanying an Afghan Special Forces unit to speak with locals at a mosque. 

BALLANCE, John

Corporal John Ballance was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
 
A spokesman for the MoD said: "Despite a heavy weight of enemy fire, Ballance and a comrade relentlessly cleared a route towards stricken casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Ballance repeatedly ran from cover into fire to manage the evacuation of a casualty and continue the battle" [2].
 
Sources

BASSETT-WILSON, Paul Francis

Captain Paul Bassett-Wilson MC died during operations with 9 Commando at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
 
A former pupil of Stowe School and student at Trinity College, he had earlier served as a Lieutenant in No 12 Commando and took part in the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on board ML443 and was evacuated back to the UK.
 
He was awarded the Military Cross in 1944 for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC

BEADLE, Ian Nigel Neville

Major Ian Beadle MC 45RM Commando
Formerly Captain of 'E' troop, Ian Beadle was awarded the Military Cross in 1945, whilst Acting Temporary Major with 45RM Commando for " distinguished service while operating with the Army in NW Europe."  (Source: London Gazette 36947, page 998, and 36992, page 1507.)

BEADLE, Jeffrey Charles

Temporary Lieutenant Jeffrey Charles Beadle was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry, leadership and outstanding determination whilst serving in Commando operations in the Adriatic, June, 1944, specifically the attack on Brac Island [more....] [1].
  • 1967 (Major) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in the New Year's Honours list [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 37387, page 6085.

BILLINGHAM, Paul Jonathon

Staff Sergeant Paul Billingham, serving with the Parachute Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1]. 
  • 26 August 2008 (Corporal) (Royal Marines) awarded the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 61155, page 3471.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 58804, page 12962.
 

BISPHAM, Matthew

Marine Matthew Bispham was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1].
 
On 13 January 2007 Bispham’s company conducted a deliberate attack onto a hill and compounds. The enemy fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from a group of compounds and all Troops were pinned down by the accuracy of the fire. Bispham’s group was tasked to assault.

BLACK, Graeme Delamere

Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.

He was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations, against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.

BLAKE, Alfred Lapthorn

Major Alfred Blake was awarded the Military Cross [1] for courage, tenacity, and skill whilst serving as Brigade Major, 2 Special Service Brigade HQ, in the Mediterranean. He had been appointed to this position on the 17th January 1944.  The citation covers the 11 months since then during which he took part in all operations including Anzio, Monte Ornito in Feb. 1944, Dalmatian Island operations such Miljet in May and Brac in June 1944, and the attack and capture of Sarande in October 1944 [2].
 

BLAKE, John Philip

Capt Blake MC 43RM Commando
Captain John Blake MC died [1] during operations against the enemy held island of Brac. He had earlier been awarded the Military Cross [2] for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in the capture of Mt. Ornito, Italy on the 3 Feb. 1944 [3].
 

BOYLE, Richard

Major Richard Boyle MC died serving with the 1st Black Watch during operations at the River Rhine crossing having left the Commando. (1) 
 
He had previously served as Captain of 'D' Company,  'D' Bn.  Layforce, and was one of those who escaped from Crete after the ill fated action there. (2)
 
In 1942 he was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. (3)
 
Sources

BRODIE, Alexander Clare Cunningham

Captain Alexander Brodie served in the Middle East Commando. This Commando was short lived and he eventually returned to his Unit [1].
  • 11 July 1944  (Captain)  (5th Bn The Black Watch) awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst commanding 'A' Company during operations at Colombelles, North West France [2][2A].

BUCHANAN, Craig Andrew

Marine Craig Andrew Buchanan 40 Commando
Marine Craig Buchanan was awarded the Military Cross for his immense bravery and remarkable composure under fire when his patrol was attacked by a rogue Afghan policeman, during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 60647, page 19570.

BURN, Michael Clive

Capt. Burn MC 2 Commando
Captain Michael Burn, 6 troop, was awarded the Military Cross  for gallant and distinguished service during the raid at St Nazaire.  He was in charge of the commando contingent on board ML 192 and was taken prisoner after the raid.
 

BURT, Hutchison

Hutchison Burt 4 Commando
Captain Hutchison Burt, 'E' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Normandy [1].
  • 23 April 1942 commissioned 2/Lt. from the rank of Warrant Officer Class 11 (S. Gds) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36679, page 4045.

BUTLER, Brian Dear

Major Brian Butler MC died [1] at Chateau d'Amfreville during severe mortaring of their HQ. Five others also died. Lt T.N. Skelly and three others were wounded [2]. He had previously been awarded the Military Cross [3] whilst a Troop Captain for gallant and distinguished services on the 4th October 1943 at Termoli, Italy [4].
 
Sources:
[1] CWGC
[2] No 3 Commando War Diary dated 11th June 1944.

CAMERON, Charles Peter

Major Charles Peter Cameron
Major Charles Cameron, OC 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron [1][2], was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands [2].
 
Citation
"Major Cameron is the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. 

CAMERON, Ralph Alverne Cyril

Captain Ralph Cameron was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst in charge of 2 troops whose task was to destroy an enemy post near a demolished bridge West of the River Garigliano, Italy, on the night of 29/20 December 1943 during Operation Partridge [2].
 
4 July 1947 awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal (rank shown as Captain (Honorary Major) (Q.O.C.H.) and later the Territorial Decoration [3].
 
Sources

CARR, Edward Lionel Knyvet Augustus

Captain Carr MC 4 Commando
Captain (E.L.K.A.) Knyvet Carr, Heavy Weapons Troop, was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2]. He remained in service with the Royal Artillery post war retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 20 July 1974 [3].
 
The death of "Capt. (later Lt. Col.) E.L.K.A. (Knyvet) Carr MC of Sheet, Hants.", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 111 issued September 2000.
 
Sources

CARR, Richard Philip

Captain Richard Carr, 1 troop, was attached to the Commandos from the Royal Artillery. He was taken prisoner of war early in 1942 and, despite several escape attempts, remained in captivity for the remainder of the war.
 
He was awarded the MC whilst serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Artillery for 'gallant and distinguished services in action' at Dunkirk. (London Gazettes Supp. 34931, page 5201.)
 

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [2] [3].

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Stuart Chant 5 Commando
On the 22nd October 1939 whilst in the Artists Rifles TA, the then Private (Cadet) Chant was granted an emergency commission as 2/Lieutenant having attended the 163rd Officer Cadet Training Unit [1]. 
 
In October 1940 he volunteered for the Army Commandos and was attached to No.5 Commando [2].
 

CHRISTIE, Thomas John

Lieutenant Thomas Christie, Lines Officer 1st Commando Brigade Signal Troop, was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in NW Europe, specifically whilst laying out a communications line over a demolished railway bridge across the River Rhine at Wesel [2].
 
  • Commissioned at OCTU from the ranks 20 December 1944 [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37302, page 4999.

CLAPTON, John Francis

Lieutenant John Clapton was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 28 January 1945 whilst leading a small Recce patrol at a wood near Linne [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37027, page 1942.
[2] National Archives file WO373/53/64.
 

COULSON, Leonard Nickson

Captain Len Coulson 4 Commando
Temporary Major Leonard Coulson was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Normandy on 6 June 1944 and the days following it [2].
 

On the 21st September 1954 he was promoted Major in the Royal Pioneer Corps [3].

Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37442, page 639.
[2] National Archives file WO373/56/813.
[3] London Gazette Supp. 40305, page 5958.
 

COWAP, Dalton Hayton

Captain Dalton Hayton Cowap MC, known as George [1], served in 4 troop, and was wounded during operations at Myebon in January 1945 [2].  In 1943 whilst a Lieutenant in No 1 Commando he had been awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [3].
 
On the 16th April 1947 he relinquished his commission and was granted the honorary rank of Captain [4].
 
Post war he lived in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe.) [1].
 

COX, Mark Andrew

Sergeant Mark Cox was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service serving with the United Kingdom component of the International Force for East Timor during the period 1st October 1999 to 31st March 2000 [1].
 
Operations concerned were Op. Langar/ Op. Halyard, East Timor [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 56017, page 12363.
[2] Globe and Laurel Nov-Dec. 2000.
 

D'ARCY, Edward John

Captain Edward D'Arcy, Medical Officer, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito Italy on 2/3 February 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36586, page 3070.
National Archives file WO373/6/353.
Commando Association newsletter 99 issued September 1994.
 

DAVIDSON, Douglas Malcolm

Capt.D.M. Davidson MC
Captain Douglas Davidson MC died of wounds sustained on the 14th March whilst leading a patrol and being engaged by the enemy. The location for the entry recorded in the War Diary shows Sidi es Siah. (Source: No 1 Commando War Diary March 1943.)
 
He was awarded the MC for his gallantry in North Africa. (Source: London Gazette Supplement 35987, page 1846.)
 

DAY, Stanley Ambrose

Capt Stanley Day MC 2 Commando
Captain Stanley Day, adjutant of No 2 Commando, was awarded the MC  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of Lt. Col. Newman's HQ party on board MGB 314 and was taken prisoner after the raid.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3493
St Nazaire Society website.
 

DELAP, Peter

Captain Peter Delap, M.B. (R.A.M.C.), attached to 40RM Commando [1], was awarded the MC in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [2].
 
Sources
[1] Commando Association newsletter 118.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1427 published 15March 1945.
 

DEXTER, John

Captain John Dexter was awarded the MIlitary Cross for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.
 
Recomendation
"Captain Dexter landed in Normandy on D Day as a Machine Gun Officer, and was very shortly afterwards to Command of the Support Troop of his unit. Throughout the campaign in NW Europe he has been engaged in every major and minor battle in which his unit took part.

EASTON, Norman Kidston

Captain Norman Easton, CMWTC, 1 Commando Bde. HQ, and 46RM Commando 'X' Troop [1], was awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service [2].
 
He was an instructor at the CMWTC and, along with others, had been attached to 46RM Commando for operations on 'D' Day. Whilst most returned shortly after, Capt. Easton remained with them as a Troop Commander until 'D+50' when ordered to return. He later rejoined them for operations in Holland [CMWTC History].
 

ECREPONT, Edward William

Captain Edward Ecrepont was awarded the M.C. [1] for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty on the 22nd January 1944 when, after the crossing of the River Gargliano, Italy, he led two troops in seizing and successfully holding the essential feature to the North of Mount Castellucio [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36583, page 3040.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/47/159.
 

EMSLIE, Hamish Brian

Lieutenant Hamish Emslie was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in Malaya with 42 Commando RM [1+2].
 
Recommendation for MC:  
Perak, Malaya.  July 1950 to Nov. 1950.
This Officer has been most zealous in operations for a continuous period since July 1950. He is bold and courageous and sets a fine example to the ranks under his command.

EPHRAUMS, Michael Jarvis

Captain Michael Ephraums MC died during operations at Termoli, Italy. He had previously been awarded the M.C. [2] for gallant and distinguished service whilst commander of 'A' troop at the Pachino Peninsula on the 10th July 1943 [3].
 
Sources 
[1] CWGC
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 36229; Page: 4812.
[3] National Archives file WO373/47/133.
 

EVANS, Humphrey Ap

Captain Humphrey Evans, Royal Artillery Forward Observation Officer attached to 45RM Commando, was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the River Rhine crossing on the 23/24 March 1945 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 37172, page 3591.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/ 54/714.
 

FLUNDER, Daniel John

Captain Daniel Flunder MC

Captain Daniel Flunder was awarded the MC for gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren [1]. He became the Adjutant and Commander of  'A' Troop of 48 RM Commando [2].

The death of Major Daniel John Flunder OBE, MC, VRD (48 RM Cdo) of Helston, Cornwall, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 102 issued March 1996.

FYNN, Francis West (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Fynn 2 commando
Lieutenant Colonel Francis Fynn 2 Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Francis West Fynn became the Commanding Officer of No 2 Commando from June 1944 after Lt Col Churchill was taken prisoner of war. 
 
A former Lance Sergeant in the Royal Artillery T.A., he was appointed Second Lieutenant on the 23rd December 1939 [1]. On the 11th July 1942 the then Lieutenant Fynn was posted from the RA to the Gordon Highlanders [2]. 
 

GARDNER, James Patrick

Lieutenant James Patrick Gardner, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross  for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].
  • 1964 (Captain) (Local Major) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1963 to 23rd June 1964 [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 39675, page 5528.

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.
 
  • M.C. (A/Captain 43RM Commando) for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta. [1 +2]. 

GRANT, Richard Henry

Captain Richard Grant, OC  'A' troop, was awarded the M.C. [1], for distinguished services in operations against terrorists in Cyprus during the period Sept. 1955 and August 1956 [2].
 
He had earlier received a MID for  gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 and 30th July, 1948 [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 40987, page 653.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/126/14.

GRAY, Thomas Malcolm

Colonel Thomas Malcolm Gray DSO, MC, died in service whilst serving at HMS President.
  • Commanding Officer 41RM Commando on D Day, awarded the Military Cross.
  • Commanding Officer 46RM Commando from November 1944
Citation for the M.C.

GRIFFITHS, Patrick

Patrick Griffiths MC
Lieutenant Patrick Griffiths was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in Malaya during the period 1st August  to 15th November, 1950 [1].
  • 11 June 1977 (Colonel) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2]. 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.
[1] National Archives file WO 373/129/123.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 47234, page 7085.
[Image] Obituary in the Globe and Laurel Jan/Feb.1994.
 

HARDEY, Ronald Graham Kennell

Capt RGK Hardey MC
Captain Ronald Hardey, 2 troop, was awarded the MC for his gallantry and leadership during operations on D Day at Normandy. (London Gazettes Supp. 36679, page 4046.)
 
In 1945 he served at the CBTC. He is shown in a photo entitled "Commando Basic Training Centre - Officers Mess - 1945." (CVA Gallery).
 

HARRIS, Douglas Ewart

DouglasEwartHarrisMC
Douglas Ewart Harris served in the ranks of No. 1 Commando. He was selected for Officer training and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 21 July 1944.
  • Awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service during operations in April 1945 with the 2/5th Bn. The Queen's Royal at Lake Comacchio, Italy [2]. He left the Army on 18 October 1950.
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37235, page 4268.

HARRISON, Stewart Sandbach (LtCol)

Commanding Officer of No. 12 Commando.
 
A veteran of World War One and recipient of the Military Cross, announced in July 1918, and later a bar to the Military Cross in August 1919.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 30780, p7909 and Supp. 31745, p924.
List The Bugle , author Maj. Gen. Corran Purdon CBE, MC, CPM.
Commando Association obituaries newsletter 70 issued March 1980.
 

HEAD, Charles Searle

Charles Head 3 Commando
Acting Captain Charles Head was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on the night of 13/14 July 1943, after landing at Agnone and during the advance to Malati, Sicily [2].
 
11 October 1945 Captain Charles Head relinquished his commission on the grounds of disability and was granted the honorary rank of Major [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36217, page 4661.

HELLINGS, Peter William Craddock

On the 6th September 1940 it was announced that Lieutenant Peter Hellings RM had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for courage and devotion to duty during the withdrawals from Boulogne and Calais [1]. 
  • 1943 (Acting Major)(40RM Commando) awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in operations leading to the capture of Termoli [2]. 
  • 12th February 1946 (Captain)(Acting Lieutenant Colonel) received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [3].

HENDERSON, John Patrick Leo

Lt Henderson 2 Commando
Major John Henderson MC, 2 Special Service Brigade, died during operations in Italy [1].
 
On the 8th May 1940 he transferred from the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry to the Royal Engineers retaining his seniority as 2/Lieutenant. [2]. 
 
​He was awarded the MC whilst a Captain (T/Major)  in No 2 Commando at Salerno. [3].
 
Citation

HILTON-JONES, Bryan

Captain Bryan Hilton-Jones 10 Commando
Captain Bryan Hilton-Jones, No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando, was the commander of 3 troop, also known as 'X' Troop. He was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during a series of covert operations codenamed Tarbrush along the North coast of France in the middle of May 1944 gathering vital intelligence in preparation for D Day [2]. 

HOOPER, Richard Henry

Capt Richard Hooper MC 2 Commando
Captain Richard Hooper was awarded the MC for his gallantry during operations at Scaletta Sicily on the 16th August 1943. He had previously taken part in operations at Vaagso and St Nazaire. During the latter raid he was in charge of an assault squad on ML 156, badly wounded, and evacuated back to the UK.
 
On the 21st September 1951 it was announced that Capt. (Hon. Maj.) R. H. Hooper, M.C. of the King's Regiment had been awarded the Efficiency Medal Territorial.
 

HOPSON, Donald Charles

Donald Charles Hopson
Second Lieutenant Donald Hopson was commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers which later converted to an armoured unit of the Royal Armoured Corps. He served in No 3 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade in both Italy and NW Europe . His last rank whilst in the Commando was Temporary Major.
 
Post war he had a distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service. He held posts of Ambassador to countries such as Laos, China, Venezuela, and Argentina. He was subsequently knighted.
 

HOUGHTON, Robert Dyer

Robert Houghton 40 Commando
Acting Major Robert Houghton, Second in Command of 40RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross for bravery, endurance and inspiring devotion to duty whilst serving in Commando operations in the raid on Dieppe, 19th August, 1942, and later as prisoner of war in

HUNTER, David Peter Lafayette

Captain David Hunter, Officer Commanding the operational troops of 45 Commando RM in the Cameron Highlands Malaya, was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service from 1st August 1950 onwards [1].
  • 9 January 1961 to 11 January 1963 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2]. 
World War 2
David Peter Lafayette Hunter served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines from 1937.

HUNTER-GRAY, John Simon

John Simon Hunter-Gray 4 Commando
Lieutenant John Hunter-Gray was awarded the M.C. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36994, page 1542.
[2] National Archives file WO373/52/673.
 

JAMES, Clifford Vizetelly

Lieutenant Clifford James, 2 Special Service Brigade Signals Officer, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Salerno between 9-16 September 1943 [1][1A].
  • January 1945 received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Italy. [2]
The death of Major Clifford James, 2 Brigade Signals, of Bristol, Avon., was announced in Commando Association newsletter 112 issued March 2001.
 
Sources

JOLE, Leslie Hugh

Captain Leslie Jole MC

Captain Leslie Jole, Officer Commanding 'Y' Troop since September 1950,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period June 1951 to 31st December, 1951.

KEEP, Raymond Walter

Raymond Walter Keep 2 Commando
Acting Major Raymond Keep was awarded the Military Cross (Periodic) [1] in recognition of his consistent gallant and distinguished service during operations at Scaletta, Salerno, Brac, Solta, Miljet, and Hvar [2].
  • January 1945 serving as G.S.O.3 (Ops) Commando Group [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36950, page 1040.

KING, Peter

Lieutenant Peter King was awarded the M.C., in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in NW Europe [1]. Post war he served as a Captain with the 16 NZ Fd. Regt. in Korea [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 37302, page 5000.
[1] National Archives file WO 373/55/119.

KITHER, Harry Thomas

Lt Kither 9 Commando
Captain Harry Kither MC died during operations at Lake Comacchio and the Argenta Gap. He had been awarded the MC "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3494.
 

KNIGHT, James

Captain James Knight RM, attached 1 Prince of Wales's Royal Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].

KNIGHTS, Terry Robert

Corporal Terry Knights RM, attached  to 38 Engineer Regiment Group, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 58396, page 10413.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

KNOTT, Terence Peter Phayre

Lieutenant Terence Knott was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Aden.
 
Recommendation
Early on the morning of 30th May 1967, Lieutenant Knott was commanding the Reconnaissance Troop of 45 Commando Royal Marines, which was the emergency standby troop at Habilayn Aden, and was at fifteen minutes notice to move.
 

LANE, George

Lieutenant George Lane 10 Commando
George Lane, born Lanyi, a Hungarian national of the Jewish Faith had been a freelance journalist before the war and came to England in 1935 aged 20. When war was declared he immediately attempted to join the Grenadier Guards.  After initially being served with a deportation order as a "friendly alien" this order was rescinded and he was permitted to join the Pioneer Corps. Subsequently he joined the Special Operations Executive but later declined to take part in SOE operations in Hungary and was released. From there he joined the Commandos.
 

LEAVER, Andrew

Sergeant Andrew Leaver, 45 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].

LEE, John

Major John Lee, MC, LLB, the Second-in-Command,  died during operations at Beuzeville, Normandy.
 
He was awarded the MC, in the rank of Acting Major, for "gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy."
 
Sources
CWGC

LEWIS, Ross

Marine Ross Lewis was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2014.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 61284, page 12288.
 

LLOYD, Wayne Robert

Corporal Wayne Lloyd was awarded the Military Cross  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58776, page 11242.
 

LONG, Donald Bayley

Lieutenant Donald Long was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations against the enemy held spit of land between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic. This took place at the beginning of April 1945 and was named Operation Roast [1][1A].
  • 28 June 1955 (Captain) (Acting Major) (King's Own) awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration [2].
  • 27 March 1958 (King's Own T.A.) promoted Major with seniority from 1 May 1947 [3].

LONG, Michael

Temporary Captain Michael Long was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations to cross the Garigliano river on the night of 29/30 December 1943. This was known as Operation Partridge [1][2].
  • 10 November 1964 (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders T.A.) having attained the age limit ceased to belong to the T.A. Reserve of Officers retaining his rank of Honorary Captain [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36497, page 2044.

LOVAT, Lord

Lord Lovat first enlisted in the Scots Guards in 1932, leaving the army in 1937. Two years later at the outbreak of war he rejoined the Army in the Lovat Scouts. Lord Lovat was part of a small but elite group of men who formed the idea of a Special Training Centre, agreed on the location, and devised and implemented a course of training once it was approved. This became the first of many Special Training Centres, STC Lochailort.

The training took place in and around the camp at Lochailort, Lord Lovat's role being Fieldcraft instruction.

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