Military Medal

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ADLAM, William George Henry

Sergeant William Adlam MM 4 Commando

Sergeant William Adlam was awarded the MM whilst serving with the Glosters as part of the British Expeditionary Force 1939-40 [1]. On his return to the UK he volunteered for the newly formed No 4 Commando and in November 1940 was attached to 'G' troop [2].  In August 1942 he took part in Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe raid [3].

AIRD, William

Private William Aird was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.

The death of Pte. William Aird, M.M. (1 Cdo.) of Edinburgh was announced in Commando Association newsletter 45 issued September 1967.

ALDIS, Alec George

Lieutenant Alec Aldis MM was killed during operations at Normandy on D Day. He was awarded the MM in 1942 whilst a Temporary Sergeant for his "gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East."
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazettes Supp. 35477, page 1054.
 

AMESBURY, Alfred Edmund

Corporal Alfred Amesbury, 3 Troop, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

Source
London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519.
 
Notes
On the National Archives file WO/373/4/320 his rank is shown as Trooper
 

ANCHOR, John Robert

Corporal John Anchor, 6 Troop, was awarded the MM for his gallantry during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje Albania.

The citation for his award is on our report on the Operation. [view report.]

The death of Cpl. John Robert Anchor MM, from Chelmsford, Essex, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 56 issued March 1973.

Medal Source
London Gazettes Supp. 36730, page 4570.
CVA Gallery.
 

APPLEYARD, Frank

Lance Corporal Frank Appleyard MM died during operations at Normandy on D Day.
 
In July 1943 he was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in Sicily whilst serving as a Marine in the 7th Batallion, Royal Marines.
 
​Citation
Masa Palato, Sicily, 20th July 1943

AUSTIN, Reginald Charles

Sergeant Reginald Austin was awarded the M.M., whilst attached to 'X' Company, 45 Commando RM, in Aden.
 
Citation
‘On the 13th October 1966, Sergeant Austin was in charge of a 105mm gun crew which was attached to ‘X’ Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines for an operation in the Wadi Taym area of Qutaibi Province of the South Arabian Federation.  ‘X’ Company’s position was on the very open and exposed rocky feature known as ‘Table Top’.
 

BAINES, James

Acting Quartermaster Sergeant James Baines B.E.M. was awarded the M.M. during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. [1].
 

BARNES, Ernest

Bombardier Ernest Barnes was awarded the MM  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37040, page 2080.
National Archives file WO 373/36/51
 

BARTON, Harold

Lance Sergeant Harold Barton was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [1].

In the 1950's Harold Barton MM, from Didsbury, was an active supporter of his local branch of the Commando Association [2].

BEATTIE, James Simpson

Corporal James Beattie was awarded the MM in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1]. He later went to O.C.T.U. and on the 1st April 1944 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant [2].
 
In 1967 the then Chief Superintendent Beattie, Edinburgh City Police,  was awarded the Q.P.M. [3]. 
 
In 1978 he was appointed O.B.E. whilst Deputy Chief Constable, Lothian and Borders Police [4].
 
Sources

BENNETT, Henry

Company Sergeant Major Henry Bennett was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe whilst serving with 45RM Commando.
 
The death of "CSM. Henry (affectionately known as 'Wiggie') Bennett, MM. (40 & 45 RM Cdos) of Matlock, Derbyshire", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 82 issued March 1986.
 
Sources

BERRISFORD, Peter John

Peter John Berrisford MM 6 Commando

Peter John Berrisford was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa whilst a Sergeant in No 6 Commando [1]. He was noted as having spent four days alone on Djebel El Azzag (Green Hill) after the aborted attack on 30th November 1942. During that time he lay by himself on the plateau observing the location of the German machine gun positions, returning to the Commando on 3rd December 1942 at Sedjenane [2]. 

BLACK, James William

Company Sergeant Major James Black was awarded the MM for bravery, skill and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Allied Forces during the campaign in the Low Countries, over a period from January to April, 1945 [1].

He also received a MiD in 1945 for good services while operating with the 21st Army Group. [2].

BOSTOCK, Thomas

Corporal Thomas Bostock was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy. Read more in our Forum [Here].

The death of Thomas Bostock MM of Burton-in-Wirral was announced in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.

Sources
London Gazettes 29 June 1944 Supp 36586, page 3072.
National Archives file WO373/6/435.
 

BRADLEY, Richard

LSgt Richard Bradley MM 2 Commando

Lance Sergeant Richard Bradley, 1 troop,  was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being wounded and captured during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 457.

BRADSHAW, Leslie Charles

Marine Leslie Bradshaw was awarded the MM  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.
 
His death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 108 issued March 1999.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp 35729, page 4328.
Commando Association newsletter 108.
 

BRAMBLE, George

Marine George Bramble was awarded the M.M. during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service  in operations in Korea. [1]. He later also received a MiD for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters. [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39230, page 2749.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 39660, page 5208.
 
Notes

BRODISON, Samuel James

CSM Samuel Brodison MM 12 Commnando
Company Sergeant Major Samuel Brodison was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field, carrying out beach obstacle reconnaissance in Northern France during May 1944. [1]
 
In 1959 he was employed as Sergeant Instructor with the Ulster Special Constabulary. [2]
 
The death of RSM Samuel Brodison MM of Stubbington, Hants.,  was announced in Commando Association newsletter 82 issued March 1986.
 

BROUGH, William Gordon

Lance Sergeant William Brough, formerly No.8 Commando and known as Jimmy, was awarded the MM whilst serving with the Special Air Service Brigade in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
 
See more on this entry in our Forum [view].
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 35799, page 5142.

BROWN, Albert

Sergeant Albert Brown was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy.
 

Citation

BROWN, James

Private James Brown was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being captured during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942 [1] . He was one of the Commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown [2].

BROWN, Robert Hall

Lance Sergeant Robert Brown, No 2 Commando, was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.

BRYCE, Cyril Kenneth

Corporal Cyril Bryce was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services in operations in North West Europe.

The death of Cpl. C. K. Bryce MM of Tamworth, Staffs. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 109 issued September 1999.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36846, page 5809.
National Archives file WO 373/47/32.
 

BUTLER, Ronald Herbert

Lance Sergeant Ronald Butler was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of the Commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown.
 
The death of LSgt Butler MM of Rockland, All Saints, Norfolk, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 107 issued August 1998.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3493 
St Nazaire Society wesbite.

BYRNE, Patrick Joseph

Sergeant Patrick Byrne was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
Post war service
  • 27th May 1954 commissioned Lt. (Qr.Mr) in the Foresters [2].
  • 29th January 1957 received a MiD in recognition of distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st July to 3lst December, 1956 [3].
  • 2nd July 1959 promoted Captain (Qr.Mr.) Parachute Regiment [4].

CHARLWOOD, Harry

Marine Harry Charlwood 46 Commando

Marine Harry Charlwood, 'B' troop, was awarded the MM was awarded the MM for his gallantry during the attack on Rots, Normandy. Having been wounded he was taken prisoner. He was subsequently released when the prison camp was overrun by the 11th Armoured Division near Lubeck in May 1945. 

CLARK, James

Gunner James Clark was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. 

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1427.
 

COLE, Roland William

Corporal Roland Cole was awarded the MM for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in Italy.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36583, page 3040.
National Archives file WO 373/47/162.
 

CONNOLLY, John Henry

Sergeant John Connolly was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Field [1].

Selected for officer training he received his Commission as 2/Lieutenant on the 11th November 1944 [2].  He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 22nd October 1946, with seniority from the 1st February  February 1945 [3].

COOPER, Charles

Sergeant Charles Cooper was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished service displayed in the Italian campaign when taking part in the operations in April, 1945, north of the Reno and west of Argenta.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37220, page 4129.
National Archives file WO 373/47/79.
 

COOPER, Samuel

On the 29th August 1944 it was announced that the then A/Sgt. Samuel Cooper was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. 

CRAMER, John

Lance Corporal John Cramer, RAMC attached to No. 9 Commando, received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy in 1944 [1]. 

The following year in 1945 it was announced that he had been further awarded the MM for his gallantry in Italy [2].

Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36668, page 3935, 24 August 1944.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 37235, page 4270, 23 August 1945.
 

CROWE, James

Jim Crowe MM 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant James Crowe was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36994, page 1546.
 

CRUSE, Ernest

Corporal Ernest Cruse was awarded the M.M. during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea [1]. 
 
He was commissioned from QuarterMaster Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant on the 18 Sept. 1961 [2]. In October 1970 was a Lieutenant at the CTCRM [3].
 

DANIELS, Samuel

Lance Bombardier Samuel Daniels was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

The death of LBdr. Samuel Daniels, MM. (9 Cdo) of Billinge, Lancs. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 83 issued September 1986.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37235, page 4270.
National Archives file WO 373/13/415.
 

DARLINGTON, Kenneth Carr

Kenneth Darlington MM 12 Commando

Private Kenneth Darlington enlisted into the 8th Bn, Border Regt, at Carlisle in 1940. He volunteered for, and was attached to, No.12 Commando serving in 'D' troop as part of North Force, Shetland Islands & Norway in 1942-43.  He was attached to 2 SBS for a 3 month period, then attached to No.4 Commando in 1944/45.  He was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during Operation Cartoon, a successful raid on Stord Island. The target was the demolition of an Iron Pyrite mine. Demobbed Germany 1946.

DAVIS, Thomas

Lance Sergeant Thomas Davis was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36180, page 4220.
National Archives file WO 373/2/345.
 

DAVISON, John Cyril

Corporal John Davison, No 3 Commando, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. [1] 

He was later selected for officer training.  Officer Cadet John Cyril Davison was commissioned to be 2nd Lt., with the East Lancashire Regiment on the 28th July 1944. New service no. 326323.

The death of Lieut. John Cyril (Jack) Davison MM, of Birkinhead, Wirral, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 78 issued March 1984. [2]

DEERY, Stewart

Sergeant Stewart Deery was one of the Commando contingent who sailed on board HMS Campbeltown for the raid at St Nazaire. He was taken prisoner and was subsequently awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services during the raid.
 

DENHAM, Joah Selwyn

Lieutenant Denham MM

Corporal Joah Selwyn Denham was awarded the MM  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [1]. On the 30th August 1944 Cpl. Denham, M.M. was granted an Immediate Emergency Commission from the ranks in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant [2].

Post war his death was announced in Commando Association newsletter 106 issued March 1998. He is listed there as Capt. Joseph Selwyn Denham (1 Bde HQ. & 3 Cdo)  of Birchwood, Lincs.

DODDS, Reginald Roy

Sergeant  Reginald Dodds was awarded the M.M. for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [1]. He later served in the Korean war as Quartermaster Sergeant with 41 Independent Commando RM, and was awarded the D.S.M. for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters. [2].
 

DOUGLAS, Edward

Corporal Ted Douglas MM
Corporal Edward Douglas , 5 troop, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
 
He was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 177 for Operation Chariot, and one of only five men from those of No.2 Commando who landed at St Nazaire, that evaded capture and escaped through France back to the UK. 
 
Sources
London Gazettes 35776, page 4861.
National Archives Escape and Evasion file WO 208/3310/822.

FAIRCLOUGH, John

John Fairclough MM

John Fairclough was one of the ten Commandos and 2 Norwegians who took part in Operation Musketoon.  He held the rank of Guardsman at the time. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. Gdsm. Fairclough evaded capture after the successful raid and made it back to the UK.  He was awarded the MM for his actions during this raid.

FERGUSON, James Mclntosh McLaren

Troop Sergeant Major James Ferguson was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
The death of TSM Ferguson MM (5 Cdo) of  Falmouth, Cornwall, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 102 issued March 1996.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37040, page 2080.
National Archives file WO 373/36/72.
 
Notes

FLYNN, John

LCpl. John Flynn was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe.  [Source: London Gazettes Supp.

FRENCH, Richard Douglas

Richard French MM and bar 43 Commando
Sergeant Richard French, 'A' Troop, was awarded the MM  for distinguished services in the field while operating with the Army [1].
 
It was announced on the 6th July 1945 that Sergeant King had been awarded a Bar to his Military Medal for outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty in operations during the campaign in Italy [2].
 

Citation for the MM

Patrol ambush on Hvar Island 12 July 44

GADSDEN, Derek Roy

Marine Derek Gadsden was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army in Normandy.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36697, page 4218.
National Archives file WO 373/47/27.
 

GALLON, Thomas Christopher Dennison

Sergeant Thomas Gallon was awarded the MM for great courage and exemplary behaviour whilst carrying out commando operations under heavy enemy fire off the Yugoslavian coast.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36979, page 1386.
National Archives file 373/47/55.
 
Notes 
Middle names shown as in LG entry. The National Archives file records his middle names as Charles Dennis.
 

GIBSON, George MacDonald

Private George Gibson was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.
 
His details are in Commando Association - Lost Legion List No. 5  ( those they had lost contact with). There they show his final rank as Corporal and his last known address as Perthshire.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36574, page 2963.
National Archives file WO 373/32/117.

GILL, Richard

Rifleman Richard Gill was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. 
 
The death of Rfn. R. Gill. MM. (2 Cdo) of Salisbury, Wilts. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 62 issued March 1976.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36983, page 1428.
CA Newsletter 62.
 

GORMAN, James John Thomas

Corporal James Gorman was awarded the MM for courage, leadership and resource in operations which led to the crossing of the Garigliano River in the face of determined opposition from the enemy.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36474, page 1777.
National Archives file WO 373/47/155.
 

GRAY, Patrick Edward

Patrick Edward Gray MM 6 Commando
Lance Corporal Patrick Gray was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy [1]. He was presented with his award in a ceremony at L'écarde quarry, Amfreville on the 16th July 1944 [view].
 
15th June 1946 commissioned Second Lieutenant [2].
31st March 1950 - Captain in the Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.) [3].

GREEN, Norman

Mne Green MM 45 RM Commando

Marine Norman Green was awarded the MM for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy [1]. 

He enlisted in 1942 and was 22 years old at the time of his award.  He lived in Gorton, Manchester, and was educated at High Road Council School, after which he took a job as a motor driver [2].

HADFIELD, John William

JW Hadfield MM 41 RM Commando
Corporal John Hadfield was awarded the MM for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos at Vietri, Italy.
 
Sources
London Gazettes supp. 36583, page 3040.
National Archives file WO 373/47/169.
 

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