RM Commando 1946 - present

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'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.

ACID, Omar

Colour Sergeant Omar Acid received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

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.]
 

ALEXANDER, David Crichton

Major General David Crichton Alexander
Major General David Alexander was appointed C.B. (Military Division) on 12 June 1976 [1].
  • 1969–1970 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 46919, page 8016.
[2] + [Image] Globe and Laurel October 1970.
 

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.
 

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. 

ANRUDE, Jack

Lieutenant Jack Anrude
Lieutenant Jack Anrude was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2010 [1].
 
Lt. Anrude led his troop out of Patrol Base Hanjar accompanying an Afghan Special Forces unit to speak with locals at a mosque. 

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.

ASHLEY, Scott

Acting Major Scott Ashley was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in June 2014 [1].
  • 1 October 2014 promoted Major [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 60895, page B6 (H.M. Birthday Honours).
[2] London Gazette Supp. 61031, page 20825.
 

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 received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964. He had been recommended for the Military Medal.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO373/139/37.
 

ATKINS, Steven Mark

Marine Steven Atkins received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February 1979 to 30th April 1979 [1].
  • 1982 awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 47984, page 13234.
[2] London Gazette 49105, page 11945.
[2] Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct.1982 edition.
 

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

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

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

BAILEY, David Lindsay

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.

BAINES, James

Acting Quartermaster Sergeant James Baines B.E.M. was awarded the Military Medal during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. [1].
 

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 [1].
 
A spokesman for the MoD said: "Despite a heavy weight of enemy fire, Ballance and a comrade relentlessly cleared a route towards stricken casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Ballance repeatedly ran from cover into fire to manage the evacuation of a casualty and continue the battle" [2].
 
Sources

BALMENT, Robert Ernest

Colour Sergeant Robert Balment was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48583, page 5527.
 

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Corporal Garry Banford received a Mention in Despatches 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.
 

BARNES, Charles Ernest

Sergeant Charles Barnes, 'B' Troop, died during operations at Hodo Pando, Korea. He was part of a raiding party that landed by canoe and were engaged in a daylong firefight. Sergeant Barnes received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. 
 

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.
 

BEADON, Colin John Alexander

Captain Colin Beadon was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distingushed services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [1]
  • 1994 promoted Major [2].
  • 2 June 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) to retired list [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54028, page 6609.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 53724, page 9604.
[3] London Gazette Supp. 58345, page 8034.

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]
 

BELL, Alan William

Sergeant Alan Bell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 48237, page 9373.
 

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.

BEST, James Nigel

Acting Lieutenant James best received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1962 to 23rd June 1963.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43189, page 10451.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE MC.
 

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.

BEVIS, Timothy John

Lieutenant Timothy Bevis received a mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1986 [1].
  • 13 December 2015 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 31 May 2016 promoted Major General [3].
  • 28 December 2019 appointed C.B. (Military Divisionj [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 50710, page 14517.
[2] London Gazette 61256, page B6. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.
[3] London Gazette 61603, page 12653.

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.]
 

BILLINGHAM, Paul Jonathon

Staff Sergeant Paul Billingham, serving with the Parachute Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1]. 
  • 26 August 2008 (Corporal) (Royal Marines) awarded the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 61155, page 3471.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 58804, page 12962.
 

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.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 51296, page 4325 dated 12 April 1988..
 

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

Sergeant Eric Blyth received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

BOTHAM, Grenville

Warrant Officer 2 Grenville Botham was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on the 19 June 2000 [1].
  • 25 April 2006 (Warrant Officer 1) awarded the Meritorious Service Medal [2].
  • 1996 (Sergeant) Zulu Company 45 Commando RM [3].
  • 2007 RSM at the Commando Training Centre RM [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 55879, page 5.
[2] London Gazette supp. 57965, page 5682.

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