Military Medal (MM)

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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 Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1].
 
Recommendation
"At Kangaw Hill 170 (Map ref. 5154? , Myebon sheet 1/25000) on 23 Jan 45 Pte Aird was the bren gunner in a trench which bore the brunt of a fierce Jap night counter attack. 
Early on a grenade landed in the trench inflicting multiple wounds of the back to Pte Aird. He made no mention of his wounds and manned his bren gun awaiting the attack.

ALDIS, Alec George

Lieutenant Alec Aldis MM died during operations at Normandy on D Day [1]. 
  • 1942 (Corporal) (Temporary Sergeant) awarded the Military Medal for "gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East." [2].
Recommendation
Royal Marines
Suda Section Crete.

ALMONDS, John Edward

Sergeant John Almonds, known as Gentleman Jim, served in No.8 Commando and embarked with them to the Middle East as part of Layforce. When his Commando unit was being disbanded he transferred to the newly raised  'L' Detachment SAS [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during SAS operations at Nofilla Areodrome and Aghelia [2].

AMESBURY, Alfred Edmund

Alfred Amesbury, formerly No.2 Commando 3 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy serving with the Reconnaisance Regiment having left the Commando.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519.
National Archives file WO373/4/320.
 
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 Military Medal for his gallantry during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje Albania. The citation for his award is on our report on the Operation above.
  • The death of Cpl. John Robert Anchor MM, from Chelmsford, Essex, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 56 issued March 1973.
Sources
London Gazette 36730, page 4570.
CVA Gallery.
 

ANDREWS, Albert Mailly

Rifleman Albert Andrews, No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1].
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.
His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Stalag VIIIB Teschen [2][3].
 
Recommendation

APPLEYARD, Frank

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

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

Sergeant Jack Aubertin was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39507, page 1880.
National Archives file WO 373/130/123.
 

AUSTIN, Reginald Charles

Sergeant Reginald Austin was awarded the Military Medal whilst attached to 'X' Company, 45 Commando RM, in Aden.
 
Recommendation
‘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 Military Medal during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. [1].
 

BALOCHE, Francois

Sergeant François Baloche, 1st Battalion Fusiliers Marins attached to No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack at Dieppe.
 
Sources
French National Archives file 3AG1 / 336. 
Musée Fusiliers Marins.
Image of presentation of award.
 
Notes
Surname spelt as confirmed correct online by his nephew Alain.

BANKS, Ronald Douglas

Private Ronald Banks, attached to Commando Group,  was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1]. 
  •  3rd November 1946 he was commissioned 2/Lieutenant [2]
  • The death of Private (later Lieut.) R.D. Banks M.M., (3 Cdo.) of of Auckland, New Zealand, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 62 issued March 1976.
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37616, page 3115 & Errata in LG 37799, page 5830.

BARKER, Alfred

Sergeant Alfred Barker was awarded the M.M., for gallant and distinguished service in operations at Rawang which is located in Selangor, Malaya on the 29th February 1952.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39584, page 3523.
National Archives file WO 373/131/7.
 

BARNES, Ernest

Bombardier Ernest Tag Barnes
Tag Barnes 1 Commando
Bombardier Ernest Barnes, known as 'Tag' and from Sheffield, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma [1].
 
Recommendation
"On the 31st January 1945 at Hill 170 near Kangaw Bdr. Barnes was an NCO in No. 1 Platoon ordered to counter attack on the right flank. The leading section of his Platoon came under intense MG fire and grenades, the Officer and Platoon Sgt. being hit immediately.

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

Acting Company Sergeant Major Henry Bennett was awarded the Military Medal [1] for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe whilst serving with 45RM Commando [2]. Post war he remained in service and in 1954 was serving as a Sergeant with 40 Commando RM [3]. 
 

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]. 

BISHOP, Andrew Ronald

Corporal Andrew Bishop was awarded the Military Medal for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters. Initially, until eventually detected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise.

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 MIlitary Medal 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 motor launch ML 457.
 

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

BREMNER, George

Sergeant George Bremner, having left the Commando and joined the S.B.S., was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
 
Recommendation

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 Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being captured during Operation Chariot, 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 Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1].
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. His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Stalag 344 Lamsdorf [2][3].
 
Recommendation

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 Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, 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 

BUTTERY, George Desmond

Quartermaster Sergeant George Buttery, 40 Commando RM,  who had served as a Marine in 46RM Commando during WW2, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

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].

CHAPMAN, Kenneth Harold

Private Kenneth Chapman was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Termoli, Italy, between the 3rd and 6th October 1943 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36349, page 519.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/4/313.
 

CHAPPELL, Aubrey Bertram

Marine Aubrey Chappell was awarded the M.M. for daring, initiative and resource whilst operating on the Japanese occupied Elizabeth Island in the Bay of Bengal in November, 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp.37505, page 1440.
National Archives file WO 373/101/243.
 

CHARLWOOD, Harry

Marine Harry Charlwood 46 Commando

Marine Harry Charlwood, 'B' troop, 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].

The citation records that Sgt. Connolly had been captured at Bizerta on the 15 December 1942 and taken via Palermo to Campo 70 at Monturano, Italy.  He and 2 other NCO's escaped on 12 July 1943, and made their way towards Switzerland , However after walking 120 miles they were recaptured on 22 July 943, returned to the Camp, and "beaten up."  Sgt. Connolly later escaped again and met with British forces on 22 December 1943 [2].

COOPER, Charles

Marine (Temporary Corporal) Charles Cooper received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy in 1944 [1].
 
The following year, now a Sergeant, Charles Cooper was awarded the M.M. [2], 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 [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 36676, page 4010.

COOPER, Samuel

Sergeant Samuel Cooper was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. 
 
Recommendation

CRAMER, John

Lance Corporal John Cramer, R.A.M.C. attached to Commando H.Q. (M.I. section) was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distiguished service during operations at Lake Comacchio on 13 April 1945. This was known as Operation Impact Royal [1][2].
  • The previous year he had received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37235, page 4270.

CROOKS, James

Sergeant James Crooks was awarded the M.M. [1] for gallant and distinguished service during operations at the Pachino Peninsula, Sicily, on the 10th July 1943 [2].
 
His death was announced in the obituaries of Commando Association newsletter 43 issued 1966,  " C.S.M. Jim Crooks (41 Cdo.) of Warrington."
 
Sources
[1]  London Gazette Supp. 36229, page 4812.
[2] National Archives file WO373/47/135.
 
Notes

CROSSLAND, James Willie

Corporal James Crossland was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 41092, page 3418.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/124/57.
 
Notes
Recommended for the D.C.M., awarded the M.M.
Middle name as in LG entry. Source @ [2] shows middle name as Willis.
 

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].
 

CUNNINGHAM, Harry

Lance Corporal Harry Cunningham, R.A.M.C. attached as Medical Orderly to No.4 Commando, was awarded the M.C.[1] in recognition of gallantry of the highest order whilst accompanying leading troops during prolonged and bitter street fighting in the town of Flushing on the 1st November 1944 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36994, page 1543.
[2] National Archives file WO373/52/797.
 

DALE, Peter Edward

Corporal Peter Dale was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39507, page 1880.
National Archives file WO 373/130/124.
 

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.
 

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] 
 
  • 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 [2].
  • 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.

DEERY, Stewart

Sergeant Stewart Deery was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Taken prisoner after the raid and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf in Poland.
 

DENHAM, Joah Selwyn

Lieutenant Denham MM

Corporal Joah Selwyn Denham was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Cape Spartivento, Italy, between 27 August and 5 September 1943 [2]. 

On the 30th August 1944 Cpl. Denham, M.M. was granted an Immediate Emergency Commission from the ranks in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant [3].

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.

DOBBS, Cyril

Cyril Dobbs MM 4 Commando
Sergeant Cyril Dobbs was awarded the M.M., [1] for his gallantry on the night of the 24/25 February 1945 whilst a member of a Fighting Patrol sent out across the River Maas to bring back a prisoner [2].
 
He also served in No. 4 Commando [3].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 37061, page 2336.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/53/898.
[3] Commando Association newsletter 114 issued March 2002.

DODDS, Roy Reginald

Sergeant  Roy Dodds, 40 Commando RM*, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [1].
  • Korean War (Quartermaster Sergeant with 41 Independent Commando RM) awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters. [2].

DOUGLAS, Edward

Corporal Ted Douglas MM
Corporal Edward Douglas , 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal 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 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.

DRANSFIELD, George David

Driver George Dransfield was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Healing 2 at Spilje, Albania.
Citation
"This man showed great courage and determination throughout the action. In the early stages he was particularly conspicuous in the bayonet assaults.
In the final stage during an attack on a fortified house, Dransfield’s section attacked but were held up by withering machine gun fire across very exposed ground.

EARP, Dennis Roland

Corporal Dennis Roland Earp
Corporal Dennis Earp was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March 1948 - 30th July 1948.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 38508, page 189.
CVA Gallery image/Thomas 'Bing' Crosbie, 40 Cdo RM & SBS.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.
 

ELLIS, Derek Charles

Corporal Derek Ellis, formerly 101 Troop No. 6 Commando [1], was awarded the Military Medal [2] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst attached to No. 2 Special Boat Section during operations at Oran harbour on 8 November 1942 [3]. He had served with 2SBS since its formation, was a parachutist, and was promoted Sergeant [1].
 
Sources
[1] Timeline of the Special Boat section (Home) (below).

EVANS, Arthur Walter

Lance Sergeant Arthur Evans was awarded the M.M. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Normandy on 8th June 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 36961, page 1181.
National Archives file WO373/52/238.
 

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.

FARQUHAR, John Kiel

Private John Farquhar was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations West of the Garigliano River, Italy on the night of 29/30 December 1943 [2].
 
Citation

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

FERGUSON, John Ronald Alexander

Lance Corporal John Ferguson was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1].
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. His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Campo 102 L'Aquilla from which he escaped on the 12th September 1943 [2][3].
 
Recommendation

FINDLEY, Frederick George

Troop Sergeant Major Frederick Findley was awarded the M.M. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services on 6 January 1943 during the withdrawal from Djebel el Azag, Tunisia [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 36180, page 4220.
[2] National Archives file WO373/2/382.
 

FLYNN, John

Lance Corporal John Flynn, a radio operator, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe on 19 August 1942 [1].
 
Citation

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.

GIBSON, Neil

Marine Neil Gibson was awarded the Military Medal for courage and distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1973 - 31st October 1973 [1].​
 
Mentioned in Despatches 1967 Aden [2].
Recommendation

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.
 

GOODALL, William

Lance Sergeant William Goodall was awarded the MM [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services on 12/13 December 1942 whilst leading a patrol in the area of Djebel el Keddia, Tunisia [2].
 

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, Andrew

Andrew Gray MM 2 Commando
Fusilier Andrew Gray, 5 troop, was awarded the M.M., in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy [1].
 
Recommendation
Gulf of Salerno 13 Sep 43.

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]. 
 
Recommendation

HARDING, Victor Philip

Private Victor Harding MM 2 Commando
Private Victor Harding, 1 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on board motor launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St.

HARRINGTON, Jack Lonsdale

Lance Corporal Jack Harrington was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942.  He was one of the Commando HQ contingent who embarked on board MGB 314.  Reported missing after the raid he was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.

He has been identified in a photo in our gallery. [view photo.]

HARRISON, Arthur Herbert

Lance Sergeant Arthur Harrison was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during operations at Osnabruck on the 4th April 1945 whilst successfully clearing a large factory  of enemy snipers.
 
The death of "L/Sgt. Arthur Herbert Harrison MM of Harrogate, Yorks." was announced in Commando Association newsletter 109 issued September 1999.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37172, page 3594.
National Archives file WO 373/54/900.
 

HARRISON, Thomas

Sergeant Thomas Harrison was awarded the MM for bravery, determination and great devotion to duty whilst serving with the Allied Armies in the assault over the Rhine.
 
Sources
National Archives file WO/373/47/69.
London Gazettes Supp. 37136, page 3191.
 

HAWKINS, Kenneth Scott

Company Sergeant Major Kenneth Hawkins was awarded the MM for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with Royal Marine Commandos in Italy [1].

He also received a MiD for gallant and distinguished service while operating with the Army in Italy [2].

HINE, Malcolm

Marine Malcolm Hine was awarded the M.M. during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. 
 

HODGKISS, Richard George

Marine Richard Hodgkiss was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding courage and leadership whilst operating as a leading scout of a patrol that engaged the enemy on 13 February 1951 in a forest south of Tapah, Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39290, page 3928.
National Archives file WO 373/130/13.
 

HODGSON, George

Lance Corporal George Hodgson MM, 3 troop, died during operations at Amfreville, Normandy.  
 
In his book Storm from the Sea, Brig Peter Young states " Whilst I was visiting 3 troop, a random shell mortally wounded LCpl Hodgson who did not live to wear the MM he had won on D Day."
 
Citation for the award of the Military Medal

HONEY, Peter

Pte Pete Honey MM 2 Commando
Private Peter Honey, 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Reported missing after the raid he was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
Recommendation

HOPE, William Morgan

Sergeant William Hope was awarded the Military Medal [1] for gallantry, leadership, and  outstanding determination during Operation Impact [more....] in Italy on 11/12th April 1945. The award recommendation concludes with the following words "Throughout the entire action this S.N.C.O. displayed the utmost bravery and complete disregard for his own life. His devotion to duty and encouragement to his section on the death of his section officer was an inspiration to all around him." [2].
 

HOWARD, John Denis

Lance Corporal John Howard, RAMC attached to No. 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service durng Operation Healing 2 at Spilje Bay, Albania, on 28/29 July 1944 [2]. The citation for his award is in our report on the Operation above.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36730, page 4570.
[2] National Archives file WO373/46/222.
 

HOWE, Gilbert Rex

Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].
 
Citation

HUGHES, Richard Glanville

Corporal Richard Hughes was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field before September 1945 [1].
 
The award was made for his gallantry during operations on 13 July 1943 at Agnone, Sicily [2] +[3].
 
The name of Cpl. R.G. Hughes MM is listed in Commando Association Lost Legion 8 (members they had lost contact with) issued March 1976.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 38079, page 4516.

HUMBLE, William McLean

Lance Sergeant William Humble served in 5 troop of No 2 Commando.
 
Citation for the Military Medal:
Gulf of Salerno 13th September 1943
On September 9th on the Salerno Road, Pte Humble engaged at 100yds an advancing Mk111 Special enemy tank which was shelling the house from which Pte Humble was sniping.

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