Military Cross

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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

ALDRIDGE, Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur

Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur Aldridge Royal Marines
7 January 1949 Captain Dennis Aldridge, who had served during the war with 44RM Commando [1], was appointed MBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [2]
 
18 May 1951 Captain (Local Major) Aldridge MBE was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, RM, in operations in Korea. [3]
 

ALLEN, Michael Rhys Harvey

Captain Michael Allen , Adjutant of No. 9 Commando, was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].
 
  • Received a MiD 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 MC 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 Gazettes Supp.37013, page 1791.
 

BALLANCE, John

Corporal John Ballance was awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15640.
 

BASSETT-WILSON, Paul Francis

Captain Paul Bassett-Wilson MC was killed 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 ML 443 and was evacuated back to the UK.
 
He was awarded the MC 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 MC in 1945, whilst Acting Temporary Major with 45RM Commando for " distinguished service while operating with the Army in NW Europe."  (Source: London Gazettes Supp. 36947, page 998, and Supp. 36992, page 1507.)

BEADLE, Jeffrey Charles

Temporary Lieutenant Jeffrey Charles Beadle was awarded the MC for gallantry, leadership and outstanding determination whilst serving in Commando operations in the Adriatic, June, 1944, and North West Europe, April, 1945.
 
Captain (Local Major) Jeffrey Charles Beadle, MC, was appointed MBE (Military Division) in the 1967 New Year's Honours.
 
Sources
MM - London Gazettes Supp. 37387, page 6085.
National Archives file WO 373/57/513.

BISPHAM, Matthew

Marine Matthew Bispham was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 58396, page 10411 published 19 July 2007.
 

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 MC in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations, against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy.

He was awarded the DSO in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.

BLAKE, Alfred Lapthorn

Major Alfred Blake was awarded the M.C. [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  was killed [1] during operations against the enemy held island of Brac. He had earlier been awarded the MC [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

BURN, Michael Clive

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

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, 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 [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

Lieutenant Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1].  He was also awarded the M.C. [2] for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [3].
 
Lt. Colonel Carter M.C. was appointed O.B.E. on the 1st January 1966 [4].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.

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.

CHURCHILL, John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming (Lt Col)

After a brief spell as 2i/c No 5 Commando, the then Major John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill (later affectionately known by some as Mad Jack) moved to 2i/c No 3 Commando. Shortly after Lt Col Newman was taken prisoner at St Nazaire in 1942, Major Churchill was promoted Lt Col. to replace him as OC No 2 Commando. Lt Col Churchill remained OC until he was also taken prisoner in 1944. 

An account by Bob Bishop No 2 Commando from his history of No 2:

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].
 

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.
 

DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair

Lieutenant George Duncan served in No 11 Commando. We have a possible photo of him in our gallery which we would like verified by family in due course.

His gallantry medals were awarded after leaving the Commando and whilst he was further attached to the Special Boat Section *.

In addition there is reference in a book to a Lt Duncan MC as being a prisoner of war in Camp 21, Chiete, Italy in 1943. **

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

Hamish Brian Emslie was killed in a rocket propelled grenade attack whilst serving as a Major with the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan of Oman Armed Forces.
 
Earlier, whilst a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines, he was awarded the Military Cross for "Distinguished Service in operations in Malaya".
[Source: London Gazette supp. 39215 published on the 27 April 1951. Page 2389.]
 

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]. 
 

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 (Lt Col)

Post WW2 and now with the rank of Colonel, Thomas Malcolm Gray DSO, MC, died whilst serving at HMS President.
 
In World War Two he was Commanding Officer of 41RM Commando on D Day and later Commanding Officer of 46RM Commando during the River Rhine crossing. He was awarded the MC whilst  Captain (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) of 41RM Commando.
 

Citation for the MC

GRIFFITHS, Patrick

Lieutenant Patrick Griffiths was awarded the M.C., for distinguished service in operations in Malaya during the period 1st August  to 15th November, 1950.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.
National Archives file WO 373/129/123.
 

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).
 

HEAD, Charles Searle

Charles Head 3 Commando
Acting Captain Charles Head was awarded the M.C. [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 Punta Dei 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.

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

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
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 T/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 was awarded the M.C., 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 Germany, August 1942—May 1945 [1]

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 (T/Captain) Clifford James,  2 Cdo. Bde. Signals, was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished services in Italy. [1]

He later additionally received a MiD 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.

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