RM 1946 - present

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

Displaying 1 - 150 of 1342

'3 Commando Brigade RM'

At the end of the war and without notice a decision was made to disband the Army Commandos. Demobilization commenced almost immediately with some Commando Units being merged for short periods as numbers dwindled.
 

The RM Commandos did not escape the cutbacks being reduced from eight units down to three. 3 Commando Brigade was reformed as 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines.

In 1947 the Brigade consisted of 40 Commando ( formed from the disbanded 44RM Commando), 42 Commando, and 45 Commando, and a Commando Engineer troop.

ADAMS, Alan Maclean

Corporal Alan Adams received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland [1].
  • Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)(rank Warrant Officer Class 1) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland  2004/5 [2].
  • Short Service Commission (late entry) Regular Army Intelligence Corps - 12 January 2005 Alan Maclean Adams (563268) to be Captain on probation (formerly Royal Marines) [3].
Sources

ADDIS, Alan

Marine Alan Addis was serving with Naval Party 8901 when he disappeared in suspicious circumstances on the Falkland Islands in 1980.  [Sources: AFM ROH / Numerous online reports.]
 

ALDRIDGE, Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur

Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur Aldridge Royal Marines
7 January 1949 Captain Dennis Aldridge, who had served during the war with 44RM Commando [1], was appointed MBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [2]
 
18 May 1951 Captain (Local Major) Aldridge MBE was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, RM, in operations in Korea. [3]
 

ALLAN, Brian Gavin

Sergeant Brian Allan was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 57269, page 5129.
 

ANDERSON, Bruce William Drysdale

Major Bruce Anderson received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1].
  • 30 June 2018 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 61155, page 3471.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 62382, page 14481.
 

ANDREWS, Trevor John

Sergeant Trevor Andrews was  a member of the SBS personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951. 

ARNOLD, David James

Sergeant David Arnold, SBS formerly 45 Commando, died during operations in Aden [1].
 
On August 7, 1964, the marines were conducting operations in the Radafan Mountains. Sgt Arnold was killed during a planned night ambush near the village of Dhala, a centre of intense dissident activity. He is commemorated on the Special Boat Service Memorial in Poole and at the National Memorial Arboretum. Sgt Arnold was also a noted racing canoeist, winning several events in the early 1960s, including the Devizes to Westminster Race [2]. 

ASHENDEN, Steven

Marine Steven Ashenden was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 56373, page 12745.
 

ASHFIELD, Stuart James

Marine Stuart Ashfield died [1] whilst deployed to Norway on a training exercise [2]. He was driving a Land Rover when it was involved in a collision with a coach [3].
 
Stuart left Tarring High School at the age of 16 to become a Royal Marines cadet. He was one of the outstanding members of 8th Worthing Sea Scouts and was also a member of Worthing Swimming Club [3]. 
 
Sources:
[1] AFM ROH.
[2] Palace Barracks Memorial website.

ASHTON, Paul

Colour Sergeant Paul Ashton received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April 2006 to 30th September 2006.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 58183, page 17355.
 

ASKWITH, Graham

Marine Graham Askwith was recommended for the M.M. and received a MiD for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO 373/139/37.
 

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.
 

BABB, Ronald Benjamin

Corporal Ronald Babb died [1] in the Korean war during a raid on the night of 6th/7th October, when two troops of the Commando landed under the command of Major D. L. St. M. Aldridge, R.M., at Churonjang.  A rail and road tunnel was blown up with two tons of explosive and completely blocked [2] . 
 

Extract from the Western Morning News - Thursday 12 October 1950

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].
 

BAKER, Roy

Corporal Roy Baker, 41 Independent Commando RM, was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat 'V' decoration bestowed by the President of the United States of America, for gallant and distinguished services during operations in the Korean war.

BALDWIN, David

Sergeant David Baldwin died during operations in Cyprus. He, and Mne. David Whitham, were killed on July 13 1958 in the Karpas Peninsular when their patrol landed by helicopter and came under ‘friendly fire’.
 
[Source: AFM ROH / British Cyprus Memorial Trust Book of Remembrance.]
 

BALLANCE, John

Corporal John Ballance was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15640.
 

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Corporal Garry Banford received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 58776, page 11242.
 

BARFOOT, Wayne

Colour Sergeant Wayne Barfoot received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59924, page 18717.
 

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.
 

BARLOW, Phillip

Colour Sergeant Phillip Barlow received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field during the period 1 April to 30 September 2016.

BARTON, Francis Christopher

Major Francis Barton received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Malaya [1].
  • 31 December 1960 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 1 January 1964 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 1 January 1966 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39361, page 5432.

BAVIN, Richard Julian Ebblewhite

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.
 

BEASLEY, Nicholas

Sergeant Nicholas Beasley died 2 weeks before his retirement after 22 years service.  At the time he was serving on the staff at the Royal Navy's basic training establishment, HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall. His career included service in Iraq and tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
[Source:  AFM ROH / Northants Telegraph dated 11/8/2010]
 

BEDBOROUGH, H.C.R.H.

Sergeant Bedborough received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March 1948 and 30th July 1948.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 38508, page 189.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.
 

BELL, Thomas Matthew

Marine Thomas Bell from Gateshead, was serving at the Commando Training Centre RM at the time of his death.  He and his colleagues were celebrating the end of their training at Penhale Camp near Perranporth, Cornwall. On the way back to his quarters along the cliff path he accidentally fell to his death.  The Coroner recorded a verdit of Misadventure.
 
Sources
AFM ROH
Newcastle Journal - Saturday 7 July 1984

BENNETT, Henry

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

BENSLEY, James

James Bensley
Corporal James Bensley, a Royal Marines Reservist with the R.M.F.V.R. (Tyne), died [1] in a parachute training exercise at Poole, Dorset [2]. A former Gunner in No.1 Commando during WW2 [2], James Bensley had left the Army and was married with a child, residing at Isobella Street, Newcastle, and working as a clerk with the Ministry of Pensions [3]. A Coroner later recorded a verdict of accidental death [4].
 
Sources
[1] AFM ROH.

BETTERIDGE, Michael John

Corporal Michael Betteridge was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field, dated 20th June 1994 [1].
  • 30 December 2000 (Sergeant) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54212, page 15370.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 56070, page 5.
 

BEVAN, Christopher John

Marine Christopher Bevan died in a traffic accident in Plymouth. 
[Sources: AFM ROH / naval-history.net]
 
Notes
1.  Date of death shown as on AFM ROH;
2. The Naval history website shows the following: 
Friday, 12 June 1981  Royal Marines, 42 Commando, road accident at Plymouth, Devon
BEVAN, Christopher J, Marine, P040432F,

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

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.

BEWLEY, Neil

Marine Neil Bewley was shot and killed during operations in Turf Lodge, Belfast, Northern Ireland. [Source:  AFM ROH / Northern Ireland - An Agony Continued author Ken Wharton.]
 

BIRCH, Marc John

Cpl. Marc Birch

Corporal Marc Birch died whilst deployed on operations with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines. The company was conducting an operation alongside Afghan National Army troops to dominate areas posing a dangerous threat to British forces and the local Afghan population. Whilst acting as Second-in-Command of the Quick Reaction Force in support of a company operation, Corporal Birch was killed by a suspected enemy suicide bomber.

BISPHAM, Matthew

Marine Matthew Bispham was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1].
 
On 13 January 2007 Bispham’s company conducted a deliberate attack onto a hill and compounds. The enemy fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from a group of compounds and all Troops were pinned down by the accuracy of the fire. Bispham’s group was tasked to assault.

BLAKEWAY, Benet Carr

Marine Benet Blakeway, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died during operations in Cyprus. He, and QMS Alfred Wheeler, both perished from exposure on anti-terrorist operations after their vehicle fell into a deep gully in the Troodos Mountains during a blizzard [1].
 

BLIGHT, Timothy

Lance Corporal Timothy Blight was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland in 1988.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 51296, page 4325.
 

BOWRA, Mark Andrew

Captain Mark Bowra received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001 [1].

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

BREAM, George Leonard

Captain Leonard George Bream

George Leonard Bream, or 'Percy', as he was known in the Corps, was born on June 1st 1919 in the hamlet of Buckworth, Huntingdonshire. He was the middle son of a a family of six, his father being a farm labourer. After leaving school with a basic education he moved to his eldest sister's home in Luton where he at first worked as a market trader, and then in a gent's outfitters. In 1938 with talk of trouble in Europe he joined The Royal Marines. In 1944 he joined the newly formed 48RM Commando after successfully completing his training at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.

BROWN, Adam Robert

Marine Adam Brown

Marine Adam Brown died during operations in Afghanistan. 

He was conducting a reassurance patrol as part of 3 Troop, Alpha Company 40 RM Cdo., to provide security for the locals in the area. At approximately 1750hrs on Sunday 1 August, there was an explosion in the vicinity of his patrol base and he was killed instantly in the blast. [Source: MOD]

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.