Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

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ALSTON, Richard

Lieutenant Colonel
N029409G
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in 2021 for “delivering game-changing results” following a redesign of the capability of the unit he commanded, 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group.
 
Sources

ARDING, Nicholas Miles Bennett

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Nicholas Arding received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1998 to 31st March 1999 [1].
  • 31 December 2004 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

ASHFORD-RUSSELL, Brian Harborough

Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
111708
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps & Intelligence Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Served in No. 7 Commando as a Lieutenant. Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy serving with the Intelligence Corps having left the Commando. 
 

AYLEN, Ian Gerald

Commander (later Rear Admiral)
30 Commando Assault Unit
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Post war member of the Commando Association from Honiton, Devon.

BAILEY, David Lindsay

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel David Bailey was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) on 12 June 1971 [1].
  • 22 October 1970 to 22 March 1972  Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
  • 1974 promoted Colonel [3].

BAXTER, Richard Fraser

Captain
45RM Commando
Training Centres
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
45RM Commando and Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre during 1945-6.
Post war he was ordained Reverend and was appointed OBE in the 1964 New Years Honours List "for public services in Nyasaland."
 
Sources

BEATTIE, James Simpson

James Beattie 1 Commando
Corporal (later Second Lieutenant)
14241854 and 314128
No 1 Commando
Royal Scots
Edinburgh City Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Queen's Police Medal
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
Recommendation [1a]

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [1].
1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [2].

BOYES, Robert Paul

Robert Paul Boyes No.1 Commando
Robert Paul Boyes (No.1 Cdo)
Company Sergeant Major
-
No 1 Commando
Yes
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal
Robert Paul Boyes volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. 
Served with No.1 Commando, final rank Company Sergeant Major.
9 October 1939 serving Police Constable residing Welldeck Gardens, Hartlepool.

BROWN, Henry

Henry Brown 1 Commando
Henry Brown Commando Association Secretary
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Royal Army Service Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Henry Brown was a Quartermaster RSM in No.1 Commando serving from their formation in 1940 to disbandment at the end of the war. Service included operations in North Africa and later in the Far East. Also served at Bodo, Norway May/June 1940 with No.2 Independent Company HQ.

BRUCE, Robert James

Major Robert Bruce
Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Robert Bruce was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.

BRYAN, Gerald Jackson

Captain Gerald Bryan 11 Commando
Captain
125189
No 11 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Gerald Jackson Bryan, RE, was awarded the Military Cross [1] for his gallantry during the battle of Litani

BUSWELL, Charles Norman

Lieutenant
228923
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Charles Buswell was commisioned into the Royal Artillery on 13 March 1942 [1]. After volunteering, he joined No. 3 Commando and took part in the invasion of Sicily on the 9th July 1943.

CANTRILL, Richard John

Brigadier
N029210Q
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Major Richard Cantrill, 42 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 30 June 2011 promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 42 Commando, RM [2].

CAPEWELL, David Andrew

Lieutenant General
N028792K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel David Capewell was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division)  15 June 2002 [1].
  • 2000/1 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
  • July 2007 (Brigadier) (Brigade Commander) 3 Commando Bde. RM [3].

CARNS, Alistair Scott

Colonel
N029561Y
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alistair Carns RM was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011 [1]

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Stuart Chant 5 Commando
Lieutenant (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
105159
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Private (Cadet) Chant, Artists Rifles TA, granted an emergency commission 22 October 1939 rank Second Lieutenant having attended 163rd O.C.T.U. [1]. 
  • October 1940 volunteered for the Army Commandos; attached to No.5 Commando [2].

CHESTER, John Shane

John Shane Chester
Major General
NO14112L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Chester, Chief of Staff 3 Commando Brigade RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic [1].

CHICKEN, Simon Timothy

Major General Simon Timothy Chicken RM
Major General
N025815E
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Simon Timothy Chicken was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1994 to 31st March 1995 [1].

COLEMAN, Charles Jack

Lieutenant (later Major)
105582
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Charles Jack Coleman served in No. 1 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade*.
  • 19 November 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [1].

CUNDY, Robert Graham

Colonel
N028071E
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Robert Cundy received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1].
  • (Major) Received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan [2].

DECHOW, William Ernest

Brigadier
N028526R
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Legion of Merit (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel William Dechow was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2002 [1].
  • 4 July 2006 (Acting Colonel) promoted Colonel [2].
  • 21 June 2011 promoted Brigadier [3].

DEWAR, Duncan Andrew

Colonel
N028453B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].
  • Commanding Officer, 45 Commando Group [1a].

DRYSDALE, Douglas Burns

Colonel
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Silver Star (USA)
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Drysdale assumed command of 44RM Commando on the 23rd April 1945. Formerly the Brigade Major he replaced Lt. Colonel Stockley who had been appointed to a position within Brigade HQ.*

EDMISTON, Gordon

Lt. Gordon Edmiston after 11 Commando
Gordon Edmiston 1986 Arran
Corporal (later Captain)
2886140
302399
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Scots Greys
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Gordon Edmiston enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders joining them in Aberdeen on 16 May 1940. Volunteered for No.11 Commando in August 1940. Served with 8 Troop in operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce until their early disbandment after which he joined the Long Range Desert Group.

EPHRAUMS, Roderick Jarvis

Major General Roger Ephraums Royal Marines
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Commander of the Order of St John (CStJ)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Served with 42 Commando in Malaya in the 1950's and was later the Brigade Major, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM in Sarawak. In 1969 he commanded 45 Commando RM *.
  • 1 January 1965 (Major) appointed O.B.E. [1].

ETCHES, William Whitson

Col Bill Etches OBE MC
Lieutenant (later Colonel)
112866
No 3 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant William Etches, a veteran of the Lofoten and Vaagso raids in Norway 1941 (he received a Mention in Despatches during the latter) [1],

FLEAR, Peter Hendry

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
268232
No 9 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Served during the war as a Captain in No.9 Commando and 2 Commando Brigade.
  • 1st January 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Flear, Royal Corps of Signals, on loan to the Malaysian Armed Forces, appointed O.B.E. (Military Division).

FLEMMING, James Maul

Marine
CH/X107561
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine James Flemming received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 

GARROD, John Martin Carruthers

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Martin Carruthers Garrod received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1973-31st October 1973 [1].

GOODSIR, David Brodie

Lieutenant
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonial Police Medal
Educated at Kirkcaldy High School and George Watsons College, Edinburgh [1].
26.01.1945 commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines [2].
04.1945 Temporary Second Lieutenant, RM Holding Commando [3].

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
General
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 

GRACE, Nicholas John

Lieutenant Colonel
N029325H
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grace was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 29 December 2012.
 
Sources
London Gazette 60367, page N4 (New Years Honours List).
 

GREEN, Gary Edward

Lt Col Gary Edward Green OBE, RM
Lieutenant Colonel
N029055E.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2015.
Retired after 43 years and 67 days in the Royal Marines including deployment aged 19 to the Falkands with 42 Commando RM 'K' Company as well as Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.

HALL, Simon Jeremy

Lieutenant Colonel
N028014Y
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hall, O.B.E., received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1 Octo

HALLIDAY, Bernard Neil

Lance Corporal
14241743
No 3 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bernard Neil Halliday was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. 
  • 02.01.1939 joined the Metropolitan Police.

HARDY, Campbell Richard

Lt Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy
General
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
2nd Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy, commanded the 9th RM Bn., until it was redesignated as 46 RM Commando on 1 August 1943.

HAYCOCK, Jesse Hotchkiss

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Jesse Haycock, 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, October to December, 1956 [1].

HAYDON, Joseph Charles

Major General
13865
Special Service Brigade
Irish Guards
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant Joseph Charles Haydon was commissioned into the Irish Guards 21 December 1917 [1]On the 8th June 1

HEDGES, Justin William

Brigadier
N028418N
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Justin Hedges, HQ Squadron, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].

HELLBERG, Ivar Jack

Colonel
472558
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Corps of Transport
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Ivar Jack Hellberg, Commanding Officer Commando Logistic Regiment RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1][2].

HOSKINS, Graham Anthony Clifford

Major (Local Lieutenant Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
12 June 1982 (Captain / Local Major) appointed M.V.O. (Fifth Class) [1].
31 December 1987 (Major / Local Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
 
Source

HUDSON, Leslie Eric

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Hudson received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1974 - 31st January 1975 [1]. 
31 December 1976 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
 

HUNT, Malcolm Peter John

Major General
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Hunt was the Commanding Officer of 40 Commando RM during the Falklands War in 1982 [1].
  • 31 December 1983 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 2 March 1992 (Major General) to Retired List [3].

HUNTINGFORD, Damian Jon

Lieutenant Colonel
N029333S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Damian Huntingford, HQ Squadron, 3 Commando Brigade RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 

JOBBINS, Paul Anthony

Colonel
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
George Medal (GM)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Reserve Decoration (RD)
Colonel Paul Jobbins, O.B.E., R.D *., RM Reserves, was awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2004 [1].
 
Citation

JOLLY, Richard Tadeusz

Surgeon Commander
C030174V
Cdo. Log. Regt.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Richard Jolly, acting Surgeon Commander, commanded the Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines during Operation Sutton in the South Atlantic May/June 1982. He also had under his operational control two surgical support teams and a parachute

JOYCE, Philip

Lieutenant Colonel
N028381C
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Philip Joyce was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 11 June 2011.
 
Sources
London Gazette 59808, page B5 (Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.)
 

LAMB, Peter Ralph

Major (Local Lieutenant Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Peter Lamb, HQ Commando Forces RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [1].
  • 17th June 1989 (Major) (Local Lt. Col) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

LANE, Roger Guy Tyson

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Roger Lane received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1980 [1].
  • 1990 he received a second Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].

LAPRAIK, John Neilson

Acting Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
132519
51ME Commando
SBS
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Acting Captain John Neilson Lapraik was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation

LEAHY, Arthur John

John Leahy Brigade Signals
Major (later Colonel)
63550
Brigade Signals
Royal Signals
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Officer Commanding the Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. 
Service History
5 Commando - July 1940 to November 1940 
3 Commando (raising Special Service Brigade Signal Section) - Nov 1940 to Dec 1940 

LEE, Oliver Andrew

Colonel
N028525A
45 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Oliver Lee, 42 Commando RM, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1][1a].

LEWIS, James Austin Ellery

Lieutenant Colonel
N029581J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
2002 commissioned into the Royal Marines.
June 2021 appointed Commanding Officer 42RM Commando.
Awarded O.B.E. (Military Division).
 
Sources
London Gazette 63377, page B6 published 12 June 2021.

LITSTER, Alan

Brigadier
N028222V
Fleet Protection Group RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant (Local Captain) Alan Litster was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1996 to 31st March 1997 [1].

MADOC, Reginald William

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major General Reginald Madoc D.S.O., O.B.E., was appointed C.B. on 1st January 1959 [1].
  • 1951 (Lieutenant Colonel) (42 Commando RM) appointed O.B.E. for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya [2].

MANSELL, William Bradbury

Lieutenant (later Colonel)
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant William Mansell was awarded the M.C., for distinguished service in operations in Malaya during the period 10th June  to 4th September, 1950 [1].
 

MASON, Alexander Malcolm

Colonel
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Alexander Mason received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in the period 1st May 1976 to 31st July 1976 [1].

MAYNARD, Paul Andrew

Paul Maynard 40 Commando
Colonel
N029377C
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel Paul Maynard was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 28 December 2019 [1].
  • March 2017 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources

MESSENGER, Gordon Kenneth

General
N027960S
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
General Gordon Kenneth Messenger, C.B. D.S.O. O.B.E., was appointed K.C.B. on 11 June 2016 [1].
  • 16 May 2016 promoted General and to be Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty The QUEEN [2].

MILMAN, John Alexander Ralph

Lt. Colonel John Alexander Ralph Milman
Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel)
58191
52ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel John Milman, Commander, 1 Special Service Detachment, 204 Military Mission, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1][2].
Recommendation

MILTON, Anthony Arthur

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Milton was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [1].

MINORDS, David John

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major David Minords was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.

MOORE, John Jeremy

John Jeremy Moore
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Major General John Jeremy Moore served as the commander of the British land forces during the Falklands War in 1982.

MORRIS, Richard Charles

Colonel
N029512D
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Richard Morris was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 April 2013 to 30 Sept. 2013 [1].
  • 30 June 2015 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].

MOTTRAM, John Frederick

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Frederick Mottram was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division)  on 1st January 1969 [1].
  • 23 March 1972 - 20 February 1974  (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].

MOULTON, James Louis

Lt. Col James Louis Moulton
Major General
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel James Louis Moulton, Commanding Officer 48RM Commando until March 1945, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1] . 

NEWMAN, Lt Col. Augustus Charles, VC

Col. Newman VC, 2 Commando
Augustus Charles Newman VC
Lieutenant Colonel
33927
No 2 Commando
No 3 Independent Company
Essex Regiment
Victoria Cross (VC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Mentioned in Despatches
Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Lt. Colonel Augustus Charles Newman, Officer Commanding No 2 Commando, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry whilst Military Force Commander of Operation Chariot, St. Nazaire. He was a prisoner of war after the raid.

NORMAN, Jaimie McCoy

Colonel
N029434C
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Captain Jaimie Norman was appointed to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2007 [1].
  • December 2020 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

NUNN, Christopher John

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
Lieutenant Christopher Nunn received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].

OVENS, Patrick John

Lt PJ Ovens
Major General
46RM Commando
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
  • 1945, Lieutenant, Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC). Pictured in a photo entitled "CBTC - Officers Mess - 1945."
  • 1945, posted to 46RM Commando shortly before it was disbanded.

OWEN, John Ivor Headon

Major General
45 Cdo. RM
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
John Ivor Headon Owen was Captain of 'C' Troop' 44RM Commando in Burma January 1945 [1][1a]. Post war he served in 42 Commando RM in Borneo and he commanded 45 Commando RM in Aden [2]

PARSONS, John Farleigh

Captain (later Colonel)
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Captain John Parsons, 41RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Salerno, Italy, on the 17th September 1943 [1].
Recommendation

PENNEFATHER, David Anthony Somerset

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Commandant General Royal Marines in 1996.
  • (Major) (HQ Commando Forces RM) received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1].

PILLAR, Andrew Robert

Lieutenant Colonel
N018853E
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Andrew Pillar, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches  in recognition of service in operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1].

POLLARD, Gordon

Maj Gordon Pollard MC MM
Major
1480560 / 288876
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
The then Sergeant Gordon Pollard, RA,  was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East (Egypt and Libya) during the period May, 1942 to October, 1942.
 

POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham

Lt Colonel Charles Pollitt
Lieutenant Colonel
37725
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
No 10 Independent Company
Border Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Pollitt, then a Captain, embarked with No 10 Independent Company on their deployment to Freetown in April 1940.  At the end of the year after No 10 Independent Company was disbanded he volunteered for and was posted to the Holding and Training Wing at what was then STC Achnacarry.

POPE, Samuel

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

12 June 1982 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division).

Source
London Gazette 49008, page B5.

PORTER, Matthew Edward

Brigadier
N028377H
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Matthew Porter was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)  31 December 1999 [1].
  • 29 December 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

POTTER, Stephen

Major
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Major Stephen Potter was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 17 June 2006.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58014, page B4.

PRICE, Martin

Lieutenant Colonel
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Martin Price D.S.O., R.M., was posted Commanding Officer 48RM Commando in March 1945 [1]. He had previously been Second in Command of 47RM Commando [1A].

PULVERTAFT, Rupert James

Lieutenant Colonel
N028134C
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Acting Colonel Rupert Pulvertaft was awarded the Bronze Star bestowed by the President of the United States of America in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Iraq [1].

PURSER, Lloyd John

Acting Lieutenant Colonel
P041978K & N029736Q
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Lloyd Purser  was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on 14 June 2003 [1].
  • 9 June 2018 (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources

REECE, Michael John

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Reece was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980 [1].

RIES, Norman Charles

Lieutenant Colonel Norman Charles Ries 45RM Commando
Colonel
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Ries was the first Commanding Officer of 45RM Commando on its formation in August 1943 [1] and remained as such until June 1944 when wounded by enemy gunfire in Normandy.

ROGERS, Simon Milward

Colonel
N029442M
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Simon Rogers received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan [1].
  • 27 June 2016 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 1 July 2021 (Acting Colonel) promoted Colonel [3].

ROSE, Stephen Murfin

Major (later Lieutenant Colonel)
67108
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Stephen Rose joined the Middle East Commando when it began to form at Geneifa in August 1940. He later became second in command of No.50 Middle East Commando [1]

ROY, Alexander Campbell

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alexander Roy received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1990 [1].
  • 16 June 2001 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources

ROYLANCE, Jaimie Fraser

Brigadier
N029043E
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Acting Colonel Jaimie Roylance was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan 2013/2014 [1].

SALMON, Andrew

Major General
N025777X
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Acting Colonel Andrew Salmon received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of distinguished service during Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone in 2000 [1][1a].

SANDERS, Donald Harold William

Lieutenant Colonel
48RM Commando
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
June 1944 (Major) Second in Command of 48RM Commando at Normandy and in November at Walcheren. Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe. 17 September 1945 (Lieutenant Colonel) joined and assumed command of 41RM Commando.

SCANLON, Michael Jon

Lieutenant Colonel
N029361M
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Michael Scanlon, Officer Commanding Delta Company, 40 Commando RM, received The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for his contribution in Afghanistan to the development of the Advisory Team Enabling Company, where he melded a large and disparate group into an effective capability,

SECCOMBE, Thomas

Colonel
41 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Seccombe was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [1].
  • 1982, Colonel, Military Force Commander, SS Canberra, Falklands Campaign [2].

SHERIDAN, James Maurice Guy

Major (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Sheridan, Second in Command of 42 Commando RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War. He commanded the Land Forces that repossessed South Georgia.

SHERMAN, Thomas

2/Lt Tom Sherman
Lt Col Tom Sherman RMR
Troop Sergeant Major (later Lt Col RM Reserve)
3772771
No 2 Commando
RM Reserve
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Reserve Decoration (RD)
Tom Sherman volunteered for the Independent Companies and was posted to No.4 Ind.

SIDWELL, Richard Charles

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Richard Charles Sidwell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service during operations in East and West Malaysia during the period 24 June to 23 December 1965 [1].

SMILEY, David de Crespigny

Captain (later Colonel)
P/69082
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Horse Guards
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bar to the Military Cross
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
  • 28.03.1941, Captain, 52 Middle East Commando, appointed to 'D' Company of 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [1][1a][1b].
  • 1941, Temporary Captain, Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in the Middle East [2].

STEVENS, Terence Morton Patrick

Acting Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
41RM Commando
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Captain Terence Morton Patrick Stevens, 41RM Commando,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1]
Recommendation 

STEVENSON, Paul Timothy

Major General
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Paul Stevenson was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1974/1975 [1].
  • 1982 Divisional HQ; Staff Officer (Operations); Falklands Conflict [2].

STEWART, David James

Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant David Stewart was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation

STICKLAND, Charles Richard

Major General
N028196P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Stickland, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].

STORRIE, David Robert Bruce

Lieutenant Colonel David Storrie
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
845 NAS Sqn
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant David Storrie served with B Coy, 40 Commando, Royal Marines in Cyprus, 1958; served as helicopter pilot with 845 Naval Air Sqn, Fleet Air Arm in Brunei and Borneo during Indonesian Confrontation, 1963-1964; served with 42 Commando, Royal Marines in Northern Ireland, 1972-1978

STURMAN, Matthew

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Matthew Sturman received a Mention in a Despatches in recognition of service in Northern Ireland [1].
13 June 1998 (Local Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

SYRAD, Stuart Lawrence

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Stuart Syrad was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service on 6 November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt [1][2].

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

Acting Brigadier
41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Captain John Taplin was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours dated 31 May 1956 [1].
  • December 1942 (Acting Temporary Captain) Adjutant of 41RM Commando [2].

TAYLOR, Martin Kenneth

Lieutenant Colonel
N025799Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Taylor O.B.E., was awarded the Bronze Star  Medal bestowed by the President of the United States of America for meritorious, gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Afghanistan [1].

TAYLOR, William John

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain William Taylor received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland, announced 27 October 1992 [1].

THOMAS, John Francis

Brigadier Jack Thomas
Lieutenant (later Brigadier)
296218
346187
No 6 Commando
1st Lifeguards
Welch Regiment
Parachute Regiment
Royal Artillery
Corps of Royal Military Police
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
No.6 Commando. President of the Commando Veterans Association until November 2016.
Military Service
Enlisted 1st Lifeguards rank Trooper [1][1a].

TOTTEN, Philip Mark

Brigadier
N029309N
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Philip Totten was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)  in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2010 [1].
  • 30 June 2012 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].

TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
53563
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Thomas Trevor was 2i/c of No 2 Independent Company when they sailed as part of Scissors Force (Operation Avonmouth) to take part in the Combined Operations raid on Norway. After this, with the disbandment of the Independent Companies, he joined the newly raised No 1 Commando.

VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert

Lieutenant Colonel
N028003Q
SBS
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service

VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)

Colonel Charles Vaughan
Lieutenant Colonel
2646398 & 142142
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
The Buffs, East Kent
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 Commando. The then Major Vaughan took over as Acting Second in Command of No.4 Commando on 30 June 1941 replacing Major M.G.

WAND-TETLEY, Peter Michael

Lieutenant (later Captain)
6463867
143484
No 7 Commando
Middle East Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
19 October 1939 attested into the Honorable Artillery Company [1].
26 April 1940 to 168th Infantry O.C.T.U. [1].
17 August 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Wiltshire Regiment [1][2].

WHEELER, George Russell

Lt George Russell Wheeler MM
Corporal
6899188 & 271249
No 2 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

George Wheeler, a pupil of Godolphin School, Wiltshire, graduated as a BSc from Exeter University. He married in 1941. After enlistment he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No 2 Commando

WOOD, Steven Patrick

Lieutenant Colonel
45005
No 5 Commando
Royal Tank Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary) Steven Wood was the first Commanding Officer of No 5 Commando when it was formed at Bridlington in July 1940 remaining in post until 8 November 1940 when he relinquished command [1]
Post war

WOOLLEY, Arthur Rupert

Lieutenant Colonel
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Arthur Woolley joined the Royal Marines on 1 December 1939 and after his basic training was posted to the 5th Batallion Royal Marines Brigade.
  • Promoted Temporary Captain April 1940, Acting Temporary Major November 1941, and Second in Command of 5RM in June 1942.

WRIGHT, Edward Robin McMurdo

Lieutenant Colonel
EC29
338194
Indian Armoured Corps 19 Lancers
Royal Armoured Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Edward Wright was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Myebon, Burma on 15 January 1945 whilst temporarily attached from the Indian Army to No.1 Commando as a F.T.O.

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