Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

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ASHFORD-RUSSELL, Brian Harborough

No 7 Commando
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. 
 
On the Ist january 1968 he was appointed O.B.E. (Civil Division). 
 
The death of Major Brian Harborough Ashford-Russell OBE of Alresford, Hants., was announced in Commando Association newsletter 116 issued Feb. 2003.
 
Sources
MBE - London Gazettes Supp. 36850, page 5845.

BAILEY, David Lindsay

40 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Colonel David Bailey was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) on the 12th June 1971 [1].
  • 22 October 1970 to 22 March 1972  Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 45384, page 5961. Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.
[2] The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.

BAVIN, Richard Julian Ebblewhite

Royal Marines
Lieut. Colonel Richard Bavin OBE was killed whilst on board a US Marine Corps transport plane that crashed into Mount Tobin, Nevada during a snowstorm.  18 US servicemen also died in the crash.  He was serving as the UK Royal Marines representative at the Quantico Education and Development Centre.
 
He had previously served in 42RM Commando during WW2 *, and was a member of the Commando Association. On the 8th June 1963 the then Major Bavin had been appointed OBE.
 

BAXTER, Richard Fraser

45RM Commando
Training Centres
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
CA Newsletters 38 and 98.
London Gazette 43200, page 23.
See Linked Content below.
 

BEATTIE, James Simpson

No 1 Commando
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

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Royal Marines
Lieutenant General Henry York La Roche Beverley, O.B.E., was appointed K.C.B. (Military Division) on the 31st December 1990 [1].
  • April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [2].
  • 1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1978 to 31st October 1978 [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 52382, page 2.

BRODIE, Alexander Clare Cunningham

Middle East Commando
Captain Alexander Brodie served in the Middle East Commando. This Commando was short lived and he eventually returned to his Unit [1].
  • 11 July 1944  (Captain)  (5th Bn The Black Watch) awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst commanding 'A' Company during operations at Colombelles, North West France [2][2A].

BRUCE, Robert James

Major Robert Bruce
Royal Marines
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.
[Image] From an ITV film on an open day at Eastney.
 
Notes
In 2013 Major Robert Bruce was director of the Royal Marines Museum.

BYE, Francis Clifford Edward

Holding Operational Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Lieutenant Francis Clifford Edward Bye served in the Holding Operational Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • May 1966 to July 1967 Commanding Officer 45 Commando [2].
  • 1 January 1968 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
Sources
[1] See Linked Content below.
[2] Four Five, The Story of 45 Commando RM, author David Young.
[3] London Gazette 44484, page 6.
 

CAPEWELL, David Andrew

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 31 December 2013 (Lieutenant General) appointed K.C.M.G. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 56595, page 5 (H.M. Birthday Honours).
[2] Globe and Laurel Nov/Dec. 2000.

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

45 Cdo. RM
Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [2] [3].

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Stuart Chant 5 Commando
No 5 Commando
On the 22nd October 1939 whilst in the Artists Rifles TA, the then Private (Cadet) Chant was granted an emergency commission as Second Lieutenant having attended the 163rd Officer Cadet Training Unit [1]. 
  • October 1940 volunteered for the Army Commandos; attached to No.5 Commando [2].

CHICKEN, Simon Timothy

Royal Marines
Captain Simon Chicken was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1994 to 31st March 1995 [1].
  • 2001 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group [2].
  • 29 April 2003 (Colonel) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2002 [3].
  • 1 November 2011 (Brigadier) promoted to Major General [4].

COLEMAN, Charles Jack

No 1 Commando
Charles Jack Coleman served in No. 1 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade*.
  • 19 November 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [1].
  • 25 August 1947 (Welch Regiment) (2nd Lt. ) (War Subs. Lt.) promoted Captain, Royal Scots Fusiliers [2].
  • 1 April 1952 (Royal Scots Fusiliers) awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration [3].
  • 1 May 1952 promoted Acting Major [4].
  • 31 October 1954 (Major) (Royal Scots Fusiliers) to King's Regiment [5].

CROMBIE, Richard Dennis

45 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crombie was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in 1963 [1].
  • 1956 (Major) (45 Commando) Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Operations in the Near East at Suez, October - December, 1956 [2].

DAVIS, Edward Grant Martin

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Brigadier Edward Davis, O.B.E., Commander 3 Commando Brigade RM [1][1A], was appointed C.B. E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st April 2011 to 30th September 2011 [2].
  • 28 November 2011 promoted Major General [3].
  • 14 June 2014 appointed C.B. (Military Division) [4].
  • 1 July 2014 promoted Lieutenant General [5].
Sources

DECHOW, William Ernest

Royal Marines
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].
  • Awarded the US Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) conferred by the President of the United States of America  in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Afghanistan [4].
Sources

DEWAR, Duncan Andrew

45 Cdo. RM
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].
  • 31 December 2013 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 19 April 2014 to retired list [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 58396, page 10412.
[1a] Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007.
[2] London Gazette 60728, page 5.

EPHRAUMS, Roderick Jarvis

Major General Roger Ephraums Royal Marines
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 17 December 1972 promoted Brigadier [2]
  • 18 February 1974 (Brigadier) appointed an Aide-de-Camp to The Queen [3].
  • 11 June 1977 (Major General) appointed C.B. [4].
  • 7 April 1978 (Major General) to retired list [5].

ETCHES, William Whitson

Col Bill Etches OBE MC
No 3 Commando
Lieutenant William Etches, a veteran of the Lofoten and Vaagso raids in Norway 1941 (he received a Mention in Despatches during the latter) [1],  was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at St Nazaire in March 1942 during Operation Chariot

FLEMMING, James Maul

48RM Commando
Marine James Flemming received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
On the 16th May 1950 it was announced in London Gazettes that the now Leading Fireman James Maul Flemming had been awarded the B.E.M. (Civil Division)
 

Citation

GARROD, John Martin Carruthers

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 17 June 1978 - 9 November 1979 Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
  • 15 April 1980 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1979 [2A].
  • 7 May 1987 (Major General) promoted Lieutenant General [3].

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
43RM Commando
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.
 
  • M.C. (A/Captain 43RM Commando) for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta. [1 +2]. 

HALL, Simon Jeremy

Royal Marines
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hall, O.B.E., received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.
 
Sources
OBE - H.M. Birthday Honours 2004, London Gazette Supp. 57315, page 4.
Commendation - London Gazette Supp. 60647, page 19571.
 

HARDY, Campbell Richard

Lt Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy
46RM Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy, commanded the 9th RM Bn., until it was redesignated as 46 RM Commando on 1 August 1943. He remained as Commanding Officer 46RM Commando until the end November 1944 when he left to take up the post of  Brigade Commander 3rd Special Service Brigade which was operating in the Far East.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, during the Normandy campaign, and later a Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order during operations in Burma [1] [2] [3] [4].  

HAYDON, Joseph Charles

Special Service Brigade
Second Lieutenant Joseph Charles Haydon was commissioned into the Irish Guards 21 December 1917 [1]. On the 8th June 1939 now a Major, and Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for War, he was appointed O.B.E.

HEDGES, Justin William

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 1 July 2016 (Colonel) promoted Brigadier [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 58396, page 10410.
[1] Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 61793, page 26900.
 

HICKINBOTHAM, Christopher James

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Major Christopher Hickinbotham received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1976 [1].
  • 12 June 1982 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 5 July 1983 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 47118, page 377.
[2] London Gazette 49008, page 5 (Her Majesty's Birthday Honours).
[3] London Gazette 49406, page 8822.

HOUGHTON, Robert Dyer

Robert Houghton 40 Commando
40RM Commando
Acting Major Robert Houghton, Second in Command of 40RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross for bravery, endurance and inspiring devotion to duty whilst serving in Commando operations in the raid on Dieppe, 19th August, 1942, and later as prisoner of war in

HUNT, Malcolm Peter John

40 Cdo. RM
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].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 49194, page 16123.
[2] London Gazette 49583, page 5.
 

JOLLY, Richard Tadeusz

Cdo. Log. Regt.
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Richard Jolly, acting Surgeon Commander, commanded Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines during Operation Sutton in the South Atlantic May/June 1982.
In addition he had under his operational control two surgical support teams and a parachute clearing troop. He was awarded the O.B.E. (Military Division) [1][2]. 
Recommendation

JOYCE, Philip

Royal Marines
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.)
 

KING, David Christopher Michael

Royal Marines
Colonel David King was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 3 May 2012 promoted Brigadier [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15642.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 60144, page 9389.
 

LAMB, Peter Ralph

Royal Marines
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].
Source
[1] London Gazette Supp. 49134, page 12842.
[1] Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982 edition.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 51772, page B5. Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.
 

LAPRAIK, John Neilson

51ME Commando
SBS
SAS
Acting Captain John Neilson Lapraik was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation
“On May 1st, the 51st M.E. Commando was ordered to capture Commando Hill. Capt. Lapraik went first during the climb, he was the first man to gain a footing on the top and by at once engaging the enemy with his revolver enabled the unit to gain a first footing over the shelf of rock at the summit, which they were subsequently enabled to exploit.

LEAHY, Arthur John

John Leahy Brigade Signals
Brigade Signals
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 
Special Service Brigade Signals - Dec 1940 to October 1943. 

Jan 1944 to Dec 1944, Major Leahy was D.C.S.O. SS Group (Deputy Chief Signals Officer, Special Service Group) and, according to War Diaries, visited 1 SS Brigade Signals Troop at Le Plein, 16th July 1944. 
 

LITSTER, Alan

Fleet Protection Group RM
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].
  • 11 September 2009 (Lieutenant Colonel)  appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [2].
  • 9 May 2011 promoted Colonel [3].

MANSELL, William Bradbury

40 Cdo. RM
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].
 
In 1985 Colonel William Bradbury Mansell, M.C., former principal of the National Maritime Museum, was appointed O.B.E. (Civil Division) [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39215, page 2389.
[1] National Archives file WO 373/129/121.
[2] London Gazettes Supp. 50361, page 10.

MAYNARD, Paul Andrew

Paul Maynard 40 Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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
[1] London Gazette 62866, page N6 / New Years Honours List.
[2] Royal Navy/ MOD website.
 

MESSENGER, Gordon Kenneth

Royal Marines
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].
  • Appointed C.B. 13 June 2015 [3].
  • Bar to D.S.O. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [4].

MILTON, Anthony Arthur

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 1996 (Brigadier) Commanding Officer 3 Commando Brigade RM [2].
  • 15 June 2002 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54028, page 6609.
[2] Globe and Laurel Jan/Feb 1996 edition.

MOORE, John Jeremy

John Jeremy Moore
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Major General John Jeremy Moore served as the commander of the British land forces during the Falklands War in 1982.
  • Lieutenant - awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service with 40 Commando RM in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].
  • Captain - awarded a Bar to the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service whilst Commander of 'L' Company 42 Commando RM during a hostage rescue operation at Limbang, Sarawak, on the 12th December 1962 [2].

MOULTON, James Louis

Lt. Col James Louis Moulton
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Lieutenant Colonel James Louis Moulton, Commanding Officer 48RM Commando, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1] . 

NORCOCK, Peter Lawrence

Royal Marines
Major Peter Norcock was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service during the War in the Far East [1].
 
  • 1948 (Major) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948 [2]. 
  • 1 January 1954 (Lieutenant Colonel) Appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3]. 

NORMAN, Jaimie McCoy

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
Source
London Gazette 58633, page 3612.
London Gazette 63218, page N6 (New Years Honours List).
 

NUNN, Christopher John

3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
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
46RM Commando
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Commando Basic Training Centre

Lieutenant Patrick Ovens served  for a period at the CBTC and is shown in a photo entitled "Commando Basic Training Centre - Officers Mess - 1945." 

He joined 46RM Commando shortly before it was disbanded.

Post war he served as a Captain with 41 Independent Commando RM in Korea being awarded the Military Cross in 1951 for " gallant and distinguished service".  [1]

OWEN, John Ivor Headon

45 Cdo. RM
44RM Commando
Captain John Owen served with 44RM Commando during operations in the Far East [1]. Post war he served with 42 Commando RM in Borneo and commanded 45 Commando RM in Aden [2]. 
  • 1st January 1963 (Major) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 1968 (Lieutenant Colonel) received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in Aden [4].
Sources
[1] Commando Association (WW2) newsletter 109 issued Sept. 1999.

PENNEFATHER, David Anthony Somerset

Royal Marines
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 [1].
  • (Lt. Colonel) Appointed O.B.E., (Military Division), in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland [2].
  • (Major General) Appointed C.B. (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the former Republic of Yugoslavia during the period 1st June to 20th December 1995 [3].

POLLARD, Gordon

Maj Gordon Pollard MC MM
No 3 Commando
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.
 
On the 16th May 1943 he was commisioned as Second Lieutenant. Subsequently he joined No 3 Commando remaining with them for the remainder of the war, his final rank attained in the Commandos was Major.
 

POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham

Lt Colonel Charles Pollitt
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
No 10 Independent Company
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.

PORTER, Matthew Edward

Royal Marines
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].
  • 29 December 2012 (Colonel) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 21 July 2014 promoted Brigadier [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 55710, page N5.
[2] London Gazette 58557, page N5.
[3] London Gazette 60367, page N4.

PRICE, Martin

48RM Commando
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].
  • By February 1946 Lt. Colonel Price had replaced Lt. Colonel Komrower as Commandant of the Commanding Basic Training Centre [1B].
  • (Captain) (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) (D.S.O.) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe [2].

PURSER, Lloyd John

Royal Marines
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
[1] London Gazette 56963, page 5. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.
[2] London Gazette 62310, page B5. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.
 

RIES, Norman Charles

45RM Commando
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Charles Ries was the first Commanding Officer of 45 RM Commando on its formation in August 1943 [1] and remained as such until June 1944 when wounded by enemy gunfire in Normandy. Post war he returned to command the restructured unit from December 1948 until August 1950 [2].
  • 1941 (Captain) (Royal Marines HMS Terror) received a Mention in Despatches for courage, skill and devotion to duty in operations off the Libyan Coast [3].

SALMON, Andrew

Royal Marines
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].
  • 31 December 2003 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 15 December 2006 (Brigadier) granted permission to wear the Bronze Star Medal conferred by the President of the United States of America in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq [3].

SCOTT, Simon John

Royal Marines
Acting Colonel Simon Scott was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013 [1].

SECCOMBE, Thomas

41 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Seccombe was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st May 1978 to 31st July 1978 [1].
  • 15 June 1985 (Colonel) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 47739, page 343.

SHERMAN, Thomas

2/Lt Tom Sherman
Lt Col Tom Sherman RMR
No 2 Commando
RM Reserve
Tom Sherman volunteered for the Independent Companies and was posted to No.4 Ind. Coy.  He took part in Scissorforce, the North West Expeditionary Force in Norway, and after joining No. 2 Commando he attained the rank of TSM in 4 troop.  He took part in the Vaagso raid and St Nazaire. During the latter he was one of the Commando contingent on ML156.

SIDWELL, Richard Charles

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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].
  • 1 July 1960 (Lieutenant) promoted Captain [2].
  • 31 December 1971 (Major) promoted Lieutenant Colonel [3].

STEWART, David James

45 Cdo. RM
CTCRM
Lieutenant David Stewart was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation
"Early in the morning of the 9th June Lieutenant Stewart, 45 Commando led a troop strength fighting patrol to the Two Sisters feature in East Falklands with a mission to harass the enemy and cause him casualties.

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
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].
  • August 1943 Captain serving in 41RM Commando [3].

TAYLOR, Martin Kenneth

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Taylor O.B.E., was awarded the Bronze Star  Medal conferred by the President of the United States of America in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Afghanistan [1].

THOMAS, John Francis

Brigadier Jack Thomas
No 6 Commando
No.6 Commando. President of the Commando Veterans Association until November 2016.
Military Service
Enlisted 1st Lifeguards rank Trooper [1][1a].
21 April 1945 commissioned from O.C.T.U. Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [2].
Attached No.6 Commando [1][3].
Injured in a motor transport accident in the muster area just prior to embarkation for Normandy on Operation Overlord [1].

TOTTEN, Philip Mark

Royal Marines
Major Philip Totten was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st April 2010 to 30th September 2010 [1].
  • 30 June 2012 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 16 July 2018 promoted Colonel [3].
  • 29 December 2018 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 59737, page 5639.

TREVOR, Kenneth Rowland Swetenham (Lt Col )

No 1 Commando
Officer Commanding No 1 Commando 1943 - 1945.
 
Ken Trevor joined No 1 Commando in 1941.  As Captain of 1 troop in 1942 he took part in a raid at St Cecily Plage  and the later Operation Torch landings. He received a Mention in Despatches (MiD) in N. Africa. He took over command of No 1 Commando from his cousin Tom Trevor when the Commando sailed to India in 1943. During the campaign in Burma he was awarded the DSO for gallant and distinguished services.
 

TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
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

SBS
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died in a diving accident during an amphibious exercise off Norway on March 7 2005; he died on March 14. 
  • 1984 joined the Royal Marines as a university cadet entrant and passed out in 1988 with the Sword of Honour *.
  • 1988 appointed to 45 Commando Group and commanded a rifle troop and a mortar troop with operational tours in Northern Ireland and Iraq, and deployments to Norway and the Carribean.

VAN DER HORST, Rupert Cornelius

Royal Marines
Brigadier Rupert Cornelius Van Der Horst, O.B.E., was appointed C.B.E.,(Military Division), 31st December 1991 [1].
  • 1982 Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 52767, page 5
[2] London Gazette Supp. 49134, page 12842.
 

WARD, Colin David

Royal Marines
Lieutenant Colonel Colin Ward was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.

WOOD, Steven Patrick

No 5 Commando
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
  • Mentioned in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st January - 30th June 1949 serving with the R.T.R.  [2].
  • May 1953 promoted full Lieutenant Colonel [3].

WOOLLEY, Arthur Rupert (Lt. Col)

30 Commando Assault Unit
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.
  • After a brief spell as OC No.2 Landing Group Beach Unit he returned as Major (Second in Command) of 5RM which, by this time, had been redesignated as 45RM Commando. 

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