Military Medal

There may be additional content elsewhere such as in our Photo Gallery and Forum.

Displaying 1 - 100 of 322

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.
 

ANDREWS, Albert Mailly

Rifleman Albert Andrews, 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. His party could not be re-embarked and were subsequently captured. He was eventually imprisoned at Stalag VIIIB Teschen. [2]
 
Citation

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

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

Sergeant Jack Aubertin was awarded the M.M., 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 M.M. 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 M.M., in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1]. 
 
On the 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

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

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 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 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

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 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.

BUTTERY, George Desmond

Quartermaster Sergeant George Buttery, 40 Commando RM,  who had served as a Marine in 46RM Commando during WW2, was awarded the M.M., 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, 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.
 

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 M.M., for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 41092, page 3418.
National Archives file WO 373/124/57.
 
Notes
Recommended for the D.C.M., awarded the M.M.
 

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 M.M., 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 373/130/124.
 

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.
 

DAVIDSON, David Kelly

Marine David Davidson was awarded the M.M., for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 41092, page 3418.
National Archives file WO 373/124/57.
 

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 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 [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 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.

EARP, Dennis Roland

Corporal Dennis Roland Earp
Corporal Dennis Earp was awarded the M.M., 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.
 

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.

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 M.M.,[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. 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].
 
Citation

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.
 

Pages

Ask questions / Add information

Use our Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]. 
Your message will then be seen by our Research Group and the many knowledgeable members of our Forum. Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.